Really that meant alot <3
Part 17
Next day, Maan was getting dressed up to go to office but the events from last
night were keep on jumping infront of his eyes. She had accepted his gift. He
thought with a dreamy smile while making his tie. The day he saw her eying that
sari on that pre wedding shopping, he was adamant to buy that in spite of Annie's
opinion of it of being too dull, but she loved it and that's all what matters.
He wanted to give everything she desires. He wants to give her the world.
Wearing his grey coat over the white shirt, he went towards the closet to take
out his handkerchief along and pulled a drawer to take out his gold platted
watch when his eyes fell on the small box. He bit his lower lip as an
excitement surrounded him and his fingers touched the box before taking it out
to open. His expectant gaze fell on the gold ring he had bought on the same day
as of the sari. The simple yet elegant ring explains her nature to him.
"One day, I will make you wear this Geet" He hoped and put it back
carefully at the spot.
All were settled down on the dinning having their breakfast. Rahul stayed over
last night and was joining them when Aryan's voice caught their attention.
"Maan...You know my cousin Pratik...He is getting married next
week.." "That's good...Its years I met him last" Maan replied
knifing the egg and eating it with the help of a fork. "Yeah...so I need
to go to Missouri...And I was thinking that I should also take Shaina with
me...In this way she will meet the family too." Maan nodded carelessly while
the girls share a stare and grinned. Aryan taking Shaina to meet his family was
a big step indeed and it shows that how serious he was. His first two wives
were hardly interested in meeting anyone of even his friends, leave family and
even he didn't care. "Don't worry...Rahul and I can handle till then. You
better go and enjoy" Aryan nodded and looked gleeful. "Oh no! You are
too leaving?" Annie questioned up, taking others with surprise. "What
do you mean by 'You Too'?" Aryan inquired. "Actually there is a
fashion show in Bangalore for which I am invited. It will be for a week or so,
depends on the audience response." Annie explained. She used to go on such
events along with her friends and colleagues from the fashion fraternity. Annie
put a hand on Geet's and whispered a small sorry. "I am sorry...I know I
should have ask you to come along but I know that in between all these shows, I
will be so occupied to give you some time". Now she was feeling bad that Geet
has to stay all alone in the home but Geet gave her a warm smile in return.
"No problem...Anyways, I will be accompanying Maan to the office in the
mean while so I can get the knowhow of business and furthermore my exams are
coming...and also I have to work on my final project so even if you had asked,
I would have refused to go." She explained that put all in ease. Maan was
happily surprised to know that Geet was planning to accompany him in office.
Another way of God to help him stay close to her. God knows how much it killed
him to stay away from her in the last one month. But now, he can surly hope for
a future where they will be at the same level of emotions.
Later in the day, Geet helped Shaina pick out few dresses from the lot; she
brought with herself in marriage that will go with the occasions of a wedding.
"I think this one will look good for a mehndi function or even for
haldi" Geet pointed towards a white and red lehnga having light silver
work "And for baraat and reception?" Shaina said as she put the
earlier decided dress in a carry bag. "I think it should be something
heavy...It is going be my first appearance in his family" She was feeling
jittery but excited at the same time. Geet noticed it and felt happy for her
sister. "You are falling for him...aren't you?" She inquired softly
but her words made Shaina stunned. She kept quiet and run those words through
her mind before she whispered. "I guess...I am". Geet gauged her
expressions before asking. "What about Maan? You started to love him
before" Shaina shifted near her on the bed caressing the dress she was
holding in her hand absent-mindly. "I don't think I loved him ever...even
though I thought I do...But if this feeling is really so charismatic that I
feel for Aryan...Then I guess, all I felt for Maan was an attraction..." She
took a breath sighing before she started to speak up again. "You know, when we
got married...I hated him...I hated the feel of being him...But he...From the
first day of our marriage, he is nothing but truthful...He told me that he
wants this marriage to succeed and he will do whatever it takes to make it work
and expect me to to the same...He told me that he loved me right from the start
and even though he was hard on me before but then I realized, it was for my own
betterment...If he hadn't done it, probably I would have been still blaming you
for this whole thing...I am sorry Geet..." She said from the depth of her
heart. "I am sorry for doubting you...I am sorry that I...I never stood up
for you...I am sorry that I let grandpa insult you..." Shaina pulled Geet's
hands in her own ones. "I saw you always craving for his one word of
encouragement, of love...but I stood at the side like a scene watcher...I am
sorry" Geet shook her head and made the grip stronger on her hands.
"No need to say Sorry Shaina...I always wished for a sister and if after
all that, I found it in you...than i guess, it was all worth" Shaina
smiled and hugged this girl, feeling so proud to be associated with her, if not
by blood but by heart. "Now, I always want to see you smiling...You get
that...No old talks" Geet warned making her giggle. "Ok" Shaina
again started to do her packing while Geet helped her to neatly arrange the
rejected ones back in the wardrobe. Shaina looked at her back and wished to God
to bless her with immense happiness too. God knows, she deserves it the most.
But will she take a step on it on her own? Hell no. As far as Shaina knew her, Geet
will not take the first step even if the love will walk to her from the front
door. Someone has to push her.
"Geet" She decided and called up her once again. "Hmmm" Geet
replied distractingly while arranging a pile in the wardrobe. "Can't you
forgive Maan and move on in this relationship with him?" Geet kept her
silence on her question and that made Shaina push her more. "If you can
give me a chance after everything I had done to you...Can't you give Maan the
same chance...One chance..." She pleaded. "It's not the same thing
Shaina..." Geet replied in a curt tone, making her see that this discussion
was over and started to move towards the door but Shaina got up and stopped
her. "Ok, Ok...I.am sorry...I just wanted to make sure that you are not
angry to him cause of me or the way he made me marry Aryan...I want you to
forgive him if this is the reason cause unknown to him, he did m a great favour.
I wouldn't have found this once in a lifetime kind of love if he hasn't done
it..." The sincerity in her eyes and voice was a clear indication that she
is speaking the truth. "And if you are angry to him with the way he
married you...Than you do have a right to stay angry but somewhere, I feel that
he likes you...He likes you all through...Aryan told me that last few years, he
only spend with the hope that he will find you...And you do know it very well
that love do make you selfish at times ...Otherwise You would never have put up
with Grandpa's anger all through those years". Shaina saw her deep in
thoughts and knew, Geet will surly give her words a thought.
Next day, early morning, Shaina and Aryan left for Missouri in their car. Annie
had to leave for Bangalore at 1pm so Maan and Geet volunteered to see her off
till airport. As soon as they reach, they got to know that the check in has already
started so Annie wished them a quick farewell and hugged them. "I hope
everything will be fine till my coming back" Maan just patted her head
with a smile. He wanted to tell her to not hope for too much, that no matter
what, he won't push Geet for anything but then, he didn't want her to lose that
smile. Kissing Geet's cheek, Annie went inside to check in. Geet saw her
disappearing into the crowd and turned so they can go back but Maan stood at
his spot. Before she could question him, she saw Samar(bodyguard) coming up to Maan,
pulling a carry bag behind. "Make sure she will stay fine..." Maan
warned. "Don't worry Sir..." Samar replied. "Your ticket is at
the counter as per usual..." Samar gave a final nod and get in. Maan
turned to Geet who was looking at him with a raised brow but for the time, he
ignored the questions in her eyes an moved outside.
"So what are you planning to do today? All alone..." He inquired in a
good hearted way to Geet who just sat in the car beside him. "Nothing
planned till now...I was just thinking to complete the project...only final
touches are remaining...and then I will take a nap and later, I might would
bake something to pass the spare time...if left" And God knows, after the
sleepless night of yesterday, she badly needed that sleep. Shaina's words have
somewhere brushed a string in her heart. She observed and re-observed Maan's
behaviour in the last one month. He was everything, he was before they parted.
Caring, supportive and dependable. He tried his best to make her feel
comfortable in the new environment and has not forced him for anything. Isn't he
the friend she had grabbed for the half of her life? Isn't this friendship is
what she missed he most. She remembered that when day before yesterday, she had
accepted his friendship once again, there was a lightening in his eyes. As
if...As if he go alive once again.
Maan smiled on hearing her schedule and broke her train of thoughts by saying.
"That seems like a lazy plan". Geet just rose up her shoulders in
reply while a hesitant smile was placed on her lips. "Ok..as its lunch
time...Would you mind eating somewhere with me before I drop you off to home
and go back to office. "Hearing about lunch made her realized how hungry she
was. In the morning, she didn't feel like eating much to her appetite "I
guess...That will be great" She patted her hungry tummy smiling, Maan
turned the car towards his Delhi hotel Branch which was having a very cozy and
well interior restaurant in the Ground floor. Beside keeping the hotel well
furnished, Maan had made sure that an equally well restaurant and basement
wedding halls are also well managed and elegant..
All were alert, as soon as his car entered the hotel premises. From valet to
the doorman, all corrected their attires and a quick Red Alert was sent to the
other hotel staff members. Those, who were away having their lunches, heard the
siren and rushed back to their places and those who were on duty, made sure
that its well done and the area is clean. The surprise visit surely took them
with a Surprise.
Geet looked at the tall 42 story building with such an amazement that she totally
skipped to read the name.. "Maan...This looks like more of a hotel than a restaurant..."
Maan smiled and stop his car right in front of the main glass gates. The valet
rushed to open the door of the passenger side after wishing a quick Good
afternoon to his boss who had got out but rose up his hand to stop him in his
tracks. He rounded the car and opened the door for her like a true gentleman.
Smile doesn't seem to get away from his sweet lips from the last 30 minutes. Geet
got out and moved towards the entrance as Maan hand over the keys of his BMW to
the valet and followed her.
Mr Purohit greeted him on the entrance itself with his ever so big belly.
"Welcome Sir...Good Afternoon...What a pleasant surprise" Maan rubbed
his temple and looked back at Mr Purohit with a mock look. "I perfectly
know what kind of a surprise it is..." And he took out a tissue from his
trousers pocket before pushing it towards him. "Wipe your face...there is
still some ketchup stains on your chin". Embarrassed, Mr Purohit quickly
took the tissue and wiped his face. "I am sorry Sir ...It won't happen
again" He stuttered while replying as Maan gave a curt nod. Geet silently
watched the whole scenario and wondered what he is up to. "Good Afternoon
Sir...Maam" A passing by cleaning staff member wished and get away. And
that's when Geet read the name of the hotel written on the wall behind the
reception. Khurrana Hotels. "It is Maan's hotel" She thought with widened
eyes and looked back a Maan who was passing glares at Mr Purohit and the poor
man was sweating badly infront of him.
"Maan" She took pity on the manager and distracted him and that did
the trick. "Aren't we going to dine? I am pretty hungry"
"YES..." And ignoring everything around, Maan lead her towards the restaurant
which was mostly secluded except few tables which were occupied by the guests
of the hotel. Maan pulled a chair for Geet but she settled on the other side
and scratching his temple, Maan sat on the place. He wouldn't feel bad about it.
He will be happy with whatever she could offer now. The restaurant manager
personally sees them and came up with menus. It's for the first time; Maan
brought a woman with him and was dining in the restaurant. They need to extra
careful.
"What will you take?" Maan questioned as he put away his menu card. Geet
was going to the menu and was getting confuse. The menu was filled up with Thai,
Italian, Chinese and Desi food. She looked up to see Maan's raising eye and she
put her menu away. "It's tough to choose" She could only mutter that
instantly made Maan laugh, throwing his head back. "Sir, why don't you
check Chef's special?" The manager spoke and Geet quickly agreed with it.
As the manager left, they heard a commotion from a corner and Maan left to
check on it. Geet looked around the restaurant and couldn't help but feel
proud. He has achieved so much on his own self. All she remembered from before
was a 14 storey building of Khurrana Hotel that was used to be run by his father.
She Annie and Maan would use to go their sometimes and have fun. Sometimes,
they used to do help of the two chefs that the hotel used to have. That's from
where she developed the interest in baking.
"Sorry...Just some employees fighting over petty issues" Maan said apologetically
and in the meantime the manager served them the food. The fragrance of the lime
and crispy chicken with baked potatoes made them start on the food right away.
"It's great to see you being so successful Maan...Aunty Uncle must be so
proud of you" Geet said with sincerity. Maan smiled feeling extremely
elated at her reorganization. "Thank you...It was a long journey but I am
glad that I got some sincere friends...plus, I had Annie to protect" Maan
replied remembering old days. Geet nodded, wondering how a mere boy of 18 years
fights from the world to make up his own name. And then something clicked in her
mind and she rose up her eyes to look at him with a frown. "But now, don't
you think that she is old enough to take care of herself... Why you have to
send that bodyguard behind her?" Maan stopped eating and took a gulp of
the 7up served along with food. "Its necessary...Earlier, it was to
protect her from this world but as we progressed in this business, we surly had
made some bad opponent if not enemies. So I have to make sure that she is safe
wherever she goes" Maan replied. "But don't you think you Overdo.it
sometimes...Doesn't Annie mind this over possessiveness? Cause surly, I would
never tolerate such thing in my life" Geet questioned making Maan flinch a
bit but he controlled his expressions. "She used to crib in the start but
now, she knows that she can't help it...After losing Mom and Dad, she is all I
had in my life and I don't want to take risk...In between, had you realized
that all through our morning ride and then ride from airport to here, there
were my bodyguards who were following us?" He asked grinning and that left
Geet shocked as she shook her head in no. "That's how they do their work
mostly...Most of the time Annie is not even aware of their surroundings...but I
feel confident that she is safe and in my care. I will never keep her away from
the fun of life but that fun should always be in limit." Geet nodded and
kept munching on her food, thinking about his words. His fear is what is making
him cautious. He is afraid to lose his loved ones. And then a thought strike
her as she looked up at him once again. WAS THAT THE SAME FEAR WHICH MADE HIM
MARRY HER?
Maan later on made her see the vacant rooms of his hotel. Each one was designed
differently from the other one but had the aura of peace. The colours were a
mixture of bright and dull but were incorporated well to make it look eye
pleasing. Geet adored each room and that made Maan felt extremely happy. All
his hard work seemed worth to get acceptance and reorganization by her. Though
many people praised him over the time but her praises, were different. It was
from her heart and made the way to his heart. Maan was about to take her to his
pent house but was stopped by Rahul's call. There was a meeting which he had to
attend so he rushed back home to drop Geet before making his way to the office.
But all through the way, a smile was lighting up his face. The moments spend
with her today seemed to have made up for all the loneliness, he had to bear
all through past years. And then he wondered. Was this the first step of them
together towards a happy future?
The question of whose answer, he surly wants to know much sooner than later.
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