Maaneet Confession || OS Competition || Like and let the best win.. - Page 2

It was really late as the headlights of the Toyota Avalon turned onto a suburban street and moments later a garage door opened smoothly and the car entered inside. It was the only house on the street with all its lights blazing at 3:00 AM in the morning. The driver got down from the car, switched off the ongoing call on his cell phone and entered the house after removing his shoes and replacing them with his house shoes. The soft soles barely made any sound as he entered room after room turning off the lights. Gradually, he made his way upstairs turning off some more lights and shook his head slowly as an exasperated sigh escaped his mouth.

He quietly opened the door to a bedroom and the soft strains of 'Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gayi' drifted to his ears from an ipad lying on the bed next to a woman fast asleep lying on her stomach and snoring gently.

Her feet were sticking out of the comforter as usual and were freezing to the touch. He gave another exasperated sigh, rubbed her feet gently to warm them up and tucked them inside the comforter. She complained of hot feet and always stuck them out and ended up feeling cold and sticking her cold feet right between his warm ones when he was fast asleep and jarring him awake. She mumbled in her sleep and turned on her side. The sleep creases on her cheek showed that she had been asleep for a long time. She slept like a child, her face completely smooshed into the pillow, till there were clear imprints on her cheeks, every morning. He grinned as he saw the weird contraption she had ordered online which was supposed to prevent sleep wrinkles, lying face down on its side beside the bed. He had argued with her till he was blue in the face not to purchase the stupid thing, but she'd been mulishly set on getting it. His mind flashed back to the incident.

"Have you seen the google map my face becomes in the morning, with all the lines and grooves standing on the terrain of my face? I have to do something before the whole topography of my face changes permanently Maan"

"Sweetheart, I love each and every wrinkle on your face." He protested.

"Oh yeah? Is that why, whenever you show our wedding photos to people, you call the me from then, your first wife?"

"Honey, you know I am just pulling your leg when I say that right?"

"Hey Mister, stop pulling my leg. No matter how hard you pull, I'm only going to grow horizontally, not vertically. So be a good boy and think of it as my early Valentine's Day Gift."

"Umm, it's only September right now Geet and I don't want to get that for you for Valentine's."

"I am gifting it to myself." She grinned.

"A Valentine's Day gift of all things?" He raised his brow enquiringly.

"Sure. I love me very much."

She looked at him quizzically.

"Hmm, I could order one for you too."

"No!! Absolutely Not!!" He shook his head vehemently.

She shrugged, went right ahead and ordered the damn thing. When it had arrived she excitedly slept on it that night. Half an hour later, the tossing and turning had started. An hour later he heard her mumbling and cursing the owners of the evil, contraption company, to the deepest darkest corners of sleepless hell. She woke up with raccoon eyes and a stiff neck and glared at him, daring him to say something. He just sighed exasperatedly as usual and walked out. His stubborn little wife got right back on that thing the next night, pulled the covers tightly over her head and pretended to be fast asleep by the time he came to bed. He counted his breaths while waiting for the whole previous cycle to repeat. Sometime later, she slowly pulled down the covers off her head and started mumbling and cursing all over again.

When she yelped loudly as she put pressure on her already strained neck muscles, he'd had enough. He got off the bed and pulled her up. The sudden jerk jarred her neck yet again and she squeaked once more. He gave her a narrow eyed glare, which clearly said, You deserve it.He'd pulled the contraption off the bed and dumped it on the floor.

He made her a rice pillow, like his mother-in- law had once shown him and put it under her stiff neck.

She grinned at him foolishly, while he tried to hold on to his irritation. She pulled him on the bed, put the rice pillow on his shoulder and rested her head there.

He gently moved her hair out of the way and started slowly massaging her stiff and sore neck.

"I will return that sleep deprivation contraption tomorrow," she murmured softly.

His hand slowly tightened on her neck.

"Don't you dare. I want you to leave it right where it is. The next time you try to buy stuff like that, stuff that we definitely don't need, I'm going to make you sleep on it."

"Aww, when do I ever buy stuff unnecessarily?" She pouted.

Without a word he walked into the bathroom and brought back a microdermabrasion machine after using which, her face had looked like a pink boiled lobster for one whole week. He had put Lacto-Calamine on her face and fanned it the whole night while she laid her head on his lap and mewled pitifully.

They had been stopped by a cop because her face had been completely covered under a hat and a scarf, in the hot heat of August. He'd grinned and let them go after seeing her face. The cop had patted his back sympathetically in a completely man to man gesture.

She quickly grabbed the machine from him and stuffed it under the pillow, as if that would absolve her guilt.

"Ok, ok. But that was the only other thing..."

Before she could finish he turned right back and started marching towards the bathroom again.

"Oh alright. You win"

"Until the next time." He muttered under his breath.

"At least let me put it in the storage room." She looked at the contraption on the floor.

"Nope, it remains right there."

That was not the only time they'd had a run in with the cops. What was it about her affinity to draw cops or rather trouble, he wondered?

He remembered the first time she had drunk alcohol at a party. It had been a Margarita. She loved the fruity flavor along with the salt that the glass was rimmed with. He caught her happily drowning the second glass and grabbed it away from her. However by then it was too late and she was high on the stuff. She was quiet in the car on the way home from the party. However, as soon as he had parked the car along the busy street outside their apartment she had got out and walked right on the middle of the road and started placing one foot before the other along the center white divider line on the road. She had heard somebody discussing at the party that if a person was caught driving drunk, then the cop made him get out of the car and walk a straight line to see if he could balance himself, so as to check how sober the person was. And this was the theory she had decided she wanted to try out right at that moment. He tried dragging her away but she refused while wildly swinging her arms to balance herself as if she was walking on a tight rope, instead of a wide flat tar road. He was worried about somebody calling the cops. And right on cue, he saw the blue and red lights of the police car flashing and he groaned.

"Is there a problem here?" The young police officer asked him.

And his foolish and very drunk wife opened her mouth.

"Oye chikne Maamu. Jai Hind." She saluted him one finger at a time starting with the middle finger.

Is she cursing at me? The officer's eyes narrowed on Maan.

"No sir. She is saluting the handsome officer." He said with gritted teeth.

The officer grinned indulgently and drove away after asking Maan to take his wife home, who he said was very observant even under the influence of alcohol.

And Maan wanted to just let a truck run over her in that moment. Instead he took her home, put her to bed and took sadistic pleasure in seeing her groaning and moaning the next morning with the worst case of hangover.

He knew he was not always the easiest person to live with and sometimes refused to listen, especially if somebody pointed out his faults to him. He went into what she called the stubborn mode. But she knew exactly what buttons to press to get him to listen to her, even though her solutions sometimes killed him with embarrassment.

He remembered the time when he had been setting up his company while still holding down a full 9 to 5 job. His life had been completely imbalanced. He'd had no time for any kind of physical exercise and he had slowly started gaining weight as well as, he had started snoring at night. She had told him time and again that he snored and that he had to fix it by finding time for himself. He had stubbornly refused to believe that he snored and denied it completely while assuring her he was perfectly fine.

One day she had abruptly stopped advising him. He had been pleased at winning the argument and walked into work that day with a smug look on his face.

His workplace at the time had been an open plan office with no enclosed cubicles, and desks at regular intervals.

He settled in at his desk and about half an hour later he was startled to hear a weird sound coming from nearby. He looked around as did his co-workers. The sound stopped abruptly. However, the moment he got involved in his work the sound repeated and this time it went on for a longer time. He looked around only to find his co-workers giving him annoyed looks. He was extremely puzzled. It took several more rings for him to finally figure out that his evil wife had recorded his snoring sound and made it his ring tone and was calling him at regular intervals and cutting off the call before it was picked up.

He had hit the gym on his way home that day.

Now as he looked down at her sleep creased face, he knew for sure she'd be worrying in the morning that those lines would become permanent.

He traced the crease line that ran from her cheek to her temple. He saw a few silver threads weaving through her hair and gently stroked his finger over them. She was turning 40 this year and they'd been married for 18 of those. As quite as she was in her sleep he knew the moment he woke up she would talk his ears off.

She loved sharing her day with him. She would tell him everything that happened. She'd literally relive it with him tomorrow, laughing, being mad, feeling sad and sometimes even crying.

She had been driving him crazy and running rings around him long before that though. It had all started on the day they had met and she had been just 15 at the time and he 20.

He looked at his brat of a wife and felt a zing of irritation along with a wave of love wash over him. He squeezed her nostrils shut until she gasped, grinned down at her and then let go of her nose. She swatted at his hand, mumbled something and went right back to sleep. He looked at the new bruise that was there on her arm beside the older cut that was already healing. She was always covered in bruises over her arms and legs like a child coz she was always in a rush to go meet life. She could not wait for it to come to her. She also never ever remembered how she had gotten a particular bruise. She really was a child in the body of a woman.

He kissed her softly on the forehead and made his way to the adjoining bathroom to shower and change. As he listened to the song playing on the ipad, he felt as if the singer was crooning it to him.

'Kaise mujhe tum mil gayi kismat pe aaye na yakeen,' he hummed under his breath.

Really, how had he ever ended up getting her? For all her whackiness and her outrageous antics he wouldn't exchange her for the world. One thing he could say about his life after marriage and it was that he'd never had a bored day with her around. She'd had a choice of suitors to choose from, but she had chosen him. And since the day she had decided he was the one, she had single handedly devoted herself to him. She had adored him, showered him with laughter, joy and impossibly crazy moments. She had encouraged him every step of the way and had even fought with his mother when his mom had questioned his choice of letting go of a secure job to start a business of his own. She had basically taught him to live in the moment.

His glance passed over the quote she'd framed and put right over the bathroom door.

"I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life."- Rita Rudner.

No truer words had ever been said.

The alarm clock on his side of the bed, went off exactly at 6:00 AM as usual. She mumbled and groaned then opened one eye and a soft smile stretched her lips as she felt the heavy weight of the male arm around her waist. She leaned over him and switched off the alarm. Then she snuggled into him and buried her nose deep in his chest and inhaled his scent. She adored that unique scent that belonged to him. It was all male and warm, with a little bit of sweat and citrus lotion that he used, mixed in. It belonged uniquely to him and it was only hers to smell. He was deeply asleep and she wondered what time he'd come in. It had probably been pretty late in the night. She snuggled up to him for a few more minutes then covered him up properly and moved her pillow into his arms. He grabbed it and literally curled around it. She knew in his mind he was instinctively curling up into her. She grinned as she thought back to the last time that they had been to India. It had been for her cousin's wedding, there had been chaos everywhere, the house overflowing with guests and people sleeping wherever they got space to crash. She had been sharing a bed with her mom and sister and her father had insisted that Maan share the bed with him. He had refused promptly and fervently. Her father had looked slightly hurt and she had taken my husband aside and asked him what the problem was. He had replied desperately.

"Geet I am so used to sleeping curled up to you and grabbing umm.. you know, umm...your various body parts in my sleep when I am not even aware of doing it." He said while looking at her chest. He then continued sheepishly, "Now just imagine me sleeping next to your father. Do you still want me to sleep next to your father?"

She had laughed until tears had rolled down her eyes and shared her husband's dilemma with her mom, who had convinced her husband that he was better of sleeping alone on that bed.

That was her husband. He either slept with her, or he slept alone, no matter where he went or what the circumstances.

She picked the hair tie on the bed side table and her gaze fell on the lamp in the shape of a world globe that was sitting there. It was as old as her marriage. She touched it and it turned on. She touched it again and it turned off. They had been married for hardly six months. He was new at his job and the paycheck wasn't the fattest. She had seen the lamp in some movie they had been watching and had loved it and had remarked that she would love to get it if she found one. Now mind you this had been eighteen years ago, long before the days of online selling and finding anything and everything on the internet with the click of a button. She had forgotten about the lamp a few days later, however he had not. He had looked around every store in the city, made some calls, asked friends and he'd finally been able to order it from a mail ordering company that sold it. He had been as excited as a child when the box had come and he had handed it to her with flourish. She had opened the box and tears had flooded her eyes when she looked at it.

"How Maan?" She'd asked.

And all he'd said was, "If all it takes is a little bit of effort on my part to fulfill your dreams than I will put every bit of me into it to complete each of your dreams for you. The globe is just the beginning Geet. I will take you to every place that you want to visit on that globe. It may take me some time, but we are definitely going there. Pick a place Geet and I promise to take you there."

She had laughed and picked Rome and Paris randomly, not even meaning it seriously.

Oh but he'd been serious. And he'd never forgotten. He was fulfilling all her dreams right alongside her. They were going to Paris and Rome two months from now.

She looked at her cellphone and realized that he must have switched off the call after coming home. She looked at the screen saver and smiled. It was a quote from one of her favorite TV series.

Ab zindagi ki har subha tumse shuru hogi

Aur har raat tumpe khatam

The quote was the most romantic thing she'd ever heard and she'd complained to Maan loud and clear as to why he did not say such romantic things to her.

He had looked at her and just rolled his eyes.

"You mean to say somebody actually said such a cheesy dialogue? Even for the world of Indian soaps that is a little too greasy isn't it?"

She had smiled secretly coz she knew that even if he never ever said such a dialogue to her, he went out of his way to prove the dialogue to her every time he went somewhere and rushed home late in the night.

Sleeping all alone by herself freaked her out and so if he was out of town, he usually made sure he was home within the same night, no matter how late it was. However if he could not make it back, he always called her before going to bed and left the call on. His breathing as he slept and the occasional snore reassured and comforted her as nothing else did and she did not feel so lonely all by herself in the big house.

She drew her forefinger gently along the dark circles beneath his eyes. These meant more to her than any romantic dialogue in the world. These had been formed coz after an extremely exhausting day attending different meetings, he had started back late in the night to be home with her. What she had was real and tangible and not a line fed to string along the emotions of the viewer on a television set.

She felt absolutely blessed to have such a wonderful man as her life partner. He was no larger then life hero. He was a simple man with his own set of faults and quirks. But he was definitely the one and only hero of her life.

He had his own faults off course. He loved that stupid car of his to death. And she said to death coz she really had homicidal tendencies as far as that travelling box on four wheels was concerned.

She especially remembered the first time they had gotten a new car. He wouldn't allow her to lean against it ever. He went, "The polish will wear off, if you lean like that against it."

In her mind she'd been counting. Tick, Tick 1, Tick, Tick 2, Tick, Tick 3. By the time he did it for the 5th time she was ROYALLY PISSED OFF. It might also have been that pmsing that day, she didn't quiet remember.

She had gone inside the house and the first thing that came in her hand was a nice big bottle of honey. The next thing he knew, she snatched the car key from him and poured the whole bottle all over the car which was inside the garage.

Then she told him, "I've heard that honey is good for facials, so I've decided to give "the car" one.

She had refused to hand over the key for the whole day so that he could take it outside and wash it off.

They were both very much human with their own set of idiosyncrasies.

He was her rock. He gave her mental space as wide as the earth to grow and explore herself. He held her so close physically that not even a breath of air could pass between them. He had wanted her to be independent of everything, including himself, so that she could always fend for herself in life. He had made a slave out of her with his endless and constant devotion. He was her guru who had taught her everything from car driving to banking, to helping her with her homework. I she was the kite that soared in the sky it was only because he was the string that held her grounded.

Individually they were two imperfect pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, but together they were picture perfect.

"You are my life Geet , without you my life is incomplete," Dev went down on one knee and held out the ring "Will you make me complete? Will you marry me Geet?"

"Haan." Tears of happiness glistened in her eyes.

Dev put the ring on her finger and rising to his feet drew her up. Their eyes locked and held. The awareness intensified. Dev raised his hand to cup Geet's face, his eyes dropping to her trembling lips. As his face drew closer still, she closed her eyes in surrender.

Maan watched in desperate silence...Dev romancing his Geet, the way Dev's hand caressed her face. his lips inches from hers.

One... two.. three...he counted in his mind.

"CUT!" the director called and Maan released the breath he didn't even know he was holding in. Whatever platitudes about it being work was given, he didn't like to see another man romancing his Geet... to see another guys touching her or holding her close. Especially not Dev who liked to make last minute improvisations particularly on romantic scenes... Geet claimed it was spontaneous but being a guy he would call it was being an opportunist.

"That should take care of the TRP chart don't you think?"Dev strode up to sit on the chair beside him.

"Ermm.. yeah" Maan tried to give the impression of being absorbed with his mobile.

"It is no use talking to Maan when he is on the game, Dev."

Geet leaned over his shoulder to check, her cheek brushing his in the barest of a touch. "Still trapped in Pastille Pyramid? Tsk tsk Maan, you have been playing level 157 for the past two days..."

""Well what can I say... I was otherwise occupied these past days."

"Hot date, eh?"

"You could say that .. a private celebration... very private.." his voice turning dreamy. "Dinner ...dance and.."he let the words hang sliding quick glance at Geet.

The and' brought images that she didn't think was proper in the company of three. Moreover she didn't want Dev to dig , so casting a warning glance at Maan she steered the conversation away.

"Do you have any idea about the rumour of an out-door shoot?"

"I know that there is going to be one next week." As always his need to show that he was close to PH provided the best distraction possible and Geet mentally sighed in relief. "There is going to be a lot more Roheet scenes for their fans..."

"So that means a lot more trip and fall' and eye-locks coming up!" Geet concluded ... nothing that needed practice which meant she would get more time for candy crush and she could miff Maan by clearing another level.

" Geet madam shot ready," came the call.

Geet stood up for enacting Preet's solo scenes. Taking a step away she turned back to Maan who was back to playing candy crush, "Maan I have sent you a request for the ticket. Could you refresh and unlock me please?"

"You finished the next episode too ?" he remembered she had another 3 levels to complete before finishing the episode .

"If you are wondering when I managed, some of us get up early and have to cook breakfast. We can't afford to sleep in."

With that taunt at his refusal to help with the breakfast she walked off.

****

There was nothing more erotic than watching Geet twirl and sway to the music. Her flame red saree was plastered to her perfect figure at the onslaught of the water that poured down on her. The unit was on the location of the out-door shoot. He wanted to carry her away, away from the eyes of the camera and the onlookers to lock her in some secluded place, just the two off them and sate himself off the lust she incited in him with her seductive moves, to ravish her with love .. to claim her as his and his alone.

As if his thoughts were the cue, Dev walked towards her. Seeing Rohan ( Dev's character), Preet ( Geet's character in the show)tries to run away shyly. Rohan catches hold of her hand to pull her back towards him that has her stumble into him.

Maan's enjoyment of the scene vanished like a puff of smoke. Did HE have to hold her so close? Was that a kiss he pasted on her shoulder.. that definitely was not in the script!! How many takes did he want to get the scene right? He is doing it purposefully... Opportunist,__ ,__ !! (Well that is the only tag which is okay to be mentioned in the company of friends!!)

*****

Soaked to skin and chilled to bones, Geet quickly moved thru the room to enter the washroom. The pain one had to endure to entertain, she had never considered such things when she had taken up acting as her career. She had never thought actors had gone thru so much trouble when she enjoyed watching similar scenes on movies or daily soaps... the number of takes it involved made one shiver with cold.

"brrr..." she was so wet that the saree she wore clung to her like second skin. It tangled on her legs and made movement difficult... Never again will she think wearing a saree in rain romantic!!

She peeled off the pallu that clung and quickly removed the wet drape from her body and dumped it on the floor. Then sighed, some habits never let you off... she carried the sodden mess to hang it on the towel rail.

A passing glance at the mirror made her wince. "shucks!" her hair looked like a limp rag. Sighing again she grabbed a towel and started to squeeze the moisture off her hair.

A slight sound from the room made her pause, "Pinky just leave the tea n the table. I will have it after a bath."

She continued scrubbing her head to dry her hair.

A hand snaked across her midriff to pull her closer to a warm body, while another clamped over her mouth to stop her scream. Another moment and she recognized the strong chest behind her back, the musky smell of her favourite deo.

"Maan..." she whispered against the hand that cupped her mouth and it was released.

"You looked so hot out there," his breath brushed her ears.

"Hot?" she pouted "I am so cold that I think I will never feel warm again!"

"Let me warm my Mishty then," he murmured and took a nibble on her earlobe. She shivered delicately.

He led her forward with the gentle pressure of his body to have her stand against the wall. Sliding his hands from her shoulder to her hands he lifted them to put them on the wall, locking it there with his own palms.

Maan bent his head and nipped at the sweet curve at the base of her neck. Then soothed the spot with the flicker of his tongue.

"Hold on, " he advised as his hands left hers to slip down her arms, skim over her sides to circle her waist ... each movement a deliberately slow caress meant to incite.

His lips traced the path of the deep neckline of her blouse, kissing and nipping... driving her crazy. His right hand which played with her navel slipped further down under the sodden waistband of her petticoat to caress the gentle curve of her stomach. Her breath hitched up further as his other hand skimmed up to cup her curves.

"Maan ..." she moaned.

With his teeth he tugged open the doori and pressed his cheek to the expanse of her back. His stubble tickled and she shivered with the goose bumps that erupted.

"Still cold?" he husked. "May be I should concentrate on the front, then." He turned her to face him.

Her face was flushed and her eyes languorous with desire. He slipped his hand into her moist hair and clutched, tilting her head back to receive his kiss.

"Geet?" Pinky knocked on the bathroom door and they jerked away. "You are awfully quiet in there and you have been gone for so long. Have you fallen asleep in the bath?"

Fighting to bring her raising heart under control Geet croaked out, "I'm fine Pinky. I will just be out."

Maan ran a hand thru his hair in frustration, his body throbbing with desire. Taking another steadying breath Geet tried to calm her heated blood. Then held back her chuckle as she heard Maan mutter under his breath.

Shaking her head in a self- mocking amusement, she reached up to cup his cheek and then place her lips on his is the softest of kiss.

"You may need to close your eyes," she whispered against his ear.

"Why?" he whispered back.

"Because I need to do this," she stepped away and turned her back to him. Then unhooked her still wet blouse and her undergarment to peel it away from her body. She quickly covered herself with the bathrobe.

Maan let off his breath in a hiss.

"Sorry!" Geet murmured facing him again. "I couldn't have gone out without changing. It would have looked odd."

Another quick brush of her lips and she was gone leaving to contemplate cold shower.

*******

Nursing a near empty glass, Maan broodingly watched Dev flirt with Geet. It was a special dinner organised by the PH to lure the journalist to give a boost to the new Jodi of reel RohEet . The channel hoped to ride on the soaring TRP of Nay Umangein' to regain it's lost position as Numero Uno.

Nayi Umangein'... it was supposed to tell the story of four friends, their struggles and success. The story of each character was of equal importance forming the parallel tracks that would entertain the viewers. The characters Preet and Armaan played by Geet and himself were always at odds in the beginning of the show but slowly became friends. It was assumed that when the show proceeded they would fall in love. The most curious fact was their real story was similar to the reel one. When the show began they had frequently argued, rubbing each other the wrong way. Later on they realised that their antagonism was just a cover up for their mutual attraction. Then things went on a fast forward pace and they got married. As if fate was waiting for such an opportunity troubles escalated. The character of Rohan, played by Dev, which was supposed to be a short one, got extension. In the original script Rohan was supposed to last just for a few months, just enough to make Armaan and Preet realize their love for each other. But now the way PH was shipping RohEet, Dev's character seemed to be here to stay. The show was now more a love story of RohEet .. one of the four friends has already disappeared from the script. Still it shouldn't have been so difficult for Geet and him if it was a different PH. Then they would not have had to keep their romance or marriage secret. But the present PH though well known for giving hits didn't encourage romance between the actors, especially if the actors were not reel couple. They wanted craze for the Jodi to remain in the minds of the fans even when the actors shed their role. So Geet was asked to be careful not to jeopardise the make belief by involving in relations that would contradict RohEet until her contract with the PH ended. Since neither Geet nor he was in a position to afford to lose their job, they decided to keep their romance and marriage secret. They now stayed in the same apartment complex with his flat a floor below hers.to avoid being talked about even by the neighbours most nights Maan climbed up to Geet's floor level with the aid of drain pipes. But the romance of secrecy was fast losing it's thrill. Though he didn't have any proof Maan had a hunch that Dev was in some way involved with the change of storyline ..

"So how is your equation as co-stars? Do we get a confirmation on what my sources claim that the romance is not limited just in the reel but has bubbled over even in real?"

"I don't know who your source is Tara, but Dev and I share a good rapport... I would say we are friends." Geet smiled.

"Yes, we are friends," Dev took Geet's hand in his. Geet tried to tug her hand free delicately but Dev covered it with his other hand. She frowned at Dev. Dev's hold was strong and she realised she wouldn't be able to do it without calling attention to it. "Just friends," he repeated smiled in conspiracy at the camera hinting at a relation which was more than friendship.

Not too long after the music began and Dev led Geet to the dance floor.

Was in not enough that he had to watch Rohan dance with Preet? Maan turned away and tried to concentrate on the conversation around him. Someone touched his sleeve lightly. Naina, who played one of the four friends of the original script leaned towards him to ask softly, "how about a dance Maan? Shall we give them something more to think about than RohEet ot DevEet?'

Maan knew that Naina was a good dancer because they trained in the same dance academy that taught latin dances. He remembered Geet mentioning that Naina had a crush on Dev. Maan smiled in agreement to find an empathetic soul.

The dance that started out slow and sedate picked up the beat of the music and soon had the other dancers clearing off to give them more room. When the dance ended a room was silent for a moment then reverberated with the sound of applause.

After bowing gracefully in welcome Maan walked towards the table he was sitting, took an almost empty bottle from it and strode away.

Geet strolled out of the room in search of Man. Before the dance he was with Adi by the drinks counter. She hated this necessary evil in parties because her father was an alcoholic. That made it necessary for her to take up the responsibility of her family at a young age. Short modelling assignments had led to the acting career. And here she had met Maan, whom she had considered to be self- indulgent and brash at first. There frequent quarrels had been a source of entertainment in the set. Once the understanding set in friendship was not far to follow. But it was during when her father was hospitalised with liver sclerosis that their relation found it's real depth. Maan had taken care of her, making sure that she ate properly by indulging her with her favourite food when she was too tired emotionally and physically to bother about food. He had coaxed her out of her dark moods soothing her with positive thoughts, suffered her tantrums without much fuss and became her anchor. He made her impossible to think of a life without him being in it. May be they should have waited for the contract period to end before they tied the knot...maybe then things wouldn't have been so difficult for him... her being his wife made his protective spirits escalate.. The macho male in him demanded that he be possessive, the primitive protective instincts of a male for his mate. She sighed dreamily thinking of that display he just presented ... so graceful.. so virile .. so majestic...everything feminine in her shimmered in pride ...this was her man... her Maan!

And she found him standing by a secluded corner in the garden. She went to him and hugged him pressing her face to his back. "That was one awesome performance. But why didn't you stay to reap the glory?"

Maan was bewildered. He had thought Geet would be upset and suddenly it irritated him that she wasn't. That she didn't have any issue with him dancing with Naina when he had so much trouble seeing her dance with Dev. He put the bottle away and turned to face her.

"It was Naina's idea after all. You didn't mind?"

"Should I have?"

"Tell me truthfully, you didn't feel bad at all to see me dance with another woman?"

"Well, I didn't watch Naina at all... how could I when I couldn't tear my eyes of my husband . You were magnificent!"

Well may be that was another way of looking at things... still he didn't have that partial sight..

"Anyway I have had enough of the party where I have to watch a romeo flirting with my wife even for the sake of TRP. I needed some fresh air."

Geet reached over to take the bottle in her hand and looked at him accusingly, "With a bottle in hand!"

"So? Isn't a man entitled to find solace the way he chooses to without being nagged?"

"Fine then, be with your solace. You men just need an excuse to get drunk and believe me I have heard it all before.I am so happy today I wanted to celebrate.. it was his promotion party how could I say no?...the boss's accusation hurt me so much I wanted comfort.. I felt so angry, I wanted to forget..." Geet ticked off each excuse on her fingers ..pushed back to the time when she had heard them from his father, the fear of being helpless like her mother..

"Geet .." Maan's voice was low with contrite.

She took a shuddering breath and closed her eyes. But she was too late, the tears already slipped past her eyelids.

"Geet.." Maan reached out to touch her cheek. "I'm..."

Geet brushed his hand aside and ran away without waiting for his apology.

********

Geet was still shuddering under the cover with the after effects of her tempestuous weeping when she felt his presence beside her. She kept her eyes closed and willed him to think her asleep.

Maan smoothed back the hair that had fallen over her face. "Geet, I'm sorry."

She didn't move a muscle.

"Look I am even holding my ears in repentance."

Still she didn't respond. Maan sighed.

"Mishti, don't be so stubborn. I know you are not asleep. So accept my apology gracefully."

Geet refused to give in.

"Very well then. I will just have to find another way to rouse you then. Don't tell me I didn't give you the choice."

Maan snatched the cover away, flipped her over and started to tickle her.

Geet squeaked and tried to get off. But he just pinned her to the bed with his body.

"So are you sorry?"Maan demanded.

"Me! Why should I say sorry? Weren't you the one who was apologizing?

"But you broke one of the golden rules of marriage.. no going to bed without resolving the quarrel."

"Well.." she considered and decided to give in. She would not have been able to sleep being cutty with him. Still he was the one who scaled the heights and come thru the window to make up. "I'm sorry too."

"Okay, let us kiss and make up..." Maan said naughtily, "...that is another golden rule."

One kiss led to another and another and in no time Geet was divested off her night dress. Geet slipped her hand under Maan's t-shirt to run her fingertips up and down his chest, finding elation in the hiss of breath he drew in. With a quick pull Maan removed his t-shirt. She touched her lips to his chest pressed her body closer. His pulse began to thrum

The sound of her ringing mobile made them pause, but they decided to ignore it. It rang itself dead but wouldn't let go. It started to ring again.

Sighing Geet took it to check the caller ID ... Pinky! No sooner did she wonder why pinky was calling her from the same hotel than the knocking start.

"Geet!' came the panicky voice. "Wake up!!"

"Not again!" Maan groaned.

"sh..." Geet warned.

"May be she will go away if you don't respond" Maan said hopefully.

But the knock became more urgent.

"I will have to let her in before she wakes the entire floor." Geet said apologetically.

"So much for the thrill of secret romance!"Maan muttered grabbing the T shirt from the bed.

"Geet please open the door."

"Just a moment Pinky. I'm coming," Geet called out.

"I'm sorry." Geet muttered looking down.

"No you are not. You think this is funny," he grabbed her chin and lifted her head up. Sure enough her eyes were twinkling with mirth. He pressed his lips to hers in a hard kiss. "Be ready for pay back when we get back to Mumbai."

With that he moved away and disappeared out of the window. Geet followed to call out softly, " Maan, be careful. "

He waved and blew a kiss.

Sighing Geet went to open the door to a scared and nearly weeping Pinky who was too frightened to sleep alone after hearing ghost stories.

Cursing himself for not thinking of wearing a jacket, Maan moved carefully from one ledge to another cautious of the rain slippery slabs. Maan didn't know what made him gaze into that particular room. But gaze he did and what he saw and recorded gave him the way out of the situation he was in.

******

A day after they were back in Mumbai, Maan was called for a discussion about a new track. His dance with Naina had thrilled the PH and they wanted to see them together in the show.

"But Brijeshji I would prefer Armaan to romance Preet." Maan replied.

"You know the policy to the PH Maan. We don't encourage actor's involvement in the script writing or affairs between cast ." There was a warning note in his voice.

"As far as I know the Armaan and Preet were couples in the original script and since you site the rule about involvement and affairs you force me to use this." Maan gave Brij the CD.

*****

Meeting with Brij was very productive and an elated Maan was pounded for details my a frustrated Geet.

"Maan you can't don't do this to me... you can't drop such juicy news as Brijesh's affair and then not tell me who he was with him on the outdoor shoot night."

"Can't I?" Maan smirked. "But I thought I just did that."

"Maan!"

"Geet," Maan answered sweetly

"I am your wife you are not supposed to keep secrets from me." Geet went after Maan who had walked away from her and pulled him by the elbow to face her. "Golden rules... remember."

Maan took a moment as if considering. "But I had promised that I will not tell a third person." He shook his head, "no it wouldn't be right."

"But ...but" Geet tought quickly for a counter argument. "I am not a third person. I am your wife. Your Ardhaangini ...so that makes us a single person!" she declared triumphantly.

"Oh! Okay then," Maan acted out his reluctance to part with his principle. "It still doesn't feel right..."

He could that Geet was ready to do go to any heights to know who Brij's lover was. Well may be...

"May be I could be persuaded, like say you meet my conditions."

"Conditions? What conditions?"

"Like say you do some things that I ask you to do... won't do some things which I don't like..."

"Geet frowned, not liking the sound of it.

"Within limits of decency." Maan assured

"Within limits?" Maan nodded in agreement.

"Okay then done."

"I will give you my list within an hour."

"What!"

But it took less than an hour for Maan to present Geet with the list which had Geet fume for an entire day.

Contract between Maan Sigh Khuranna and Geet Maan Khurana for burying his soul

STIPULATED PERIOD OF TIME : The day Armaan and Preet tie their knot... the day the last condition is fulfilled or 4 months whichever comes first...see Mishti I am so generous to give you so many choices

1. Mrs. Geet Khurana will not make any complaints regarding the mess that Mr. Maan khurana makes in the rooms, wardrobes or any other places of occupation but will accept her responsibility to keep the mentioned places neat and tidy.

2. Mr. Maan khurana will get the lion's share of the Maggie noodles made which will be in the ratio 2:1

3. The sports channels will be the dominant channels in the TV whenever the family gets together.

4. No warnings regarding family budget and savings will be made by Mrs. Geet Khurana when her husband wishes indulge her with gifts or dinner outings. In short Mrs. Khurana will not say no to Mr. Khurana's wishes but pamper him.

5. Mr. Khurana will be allowed to have his sleep in on weekends without being disturbed with homely chores unless it is an early morning demand for lovemaking.

6. Mrs. Khurana will not pursue the game of Candy Crush until Mr. Khurana has the advantage of an episode ahead of her.

PS: conditions are non-negotiable. Sorry Mishti.

For the next 4 months Maan had a whale of time pestering his Mishti and enjoying her frustration.

To give get her due she did manage to find ways around a fulfilling couple of conditions. She stopped making Maggie and switched to other noodles like Sunfeast yippee or Ching's. She did play candy crush, working hard to get Maan surpass the level she was on. Due to those attempts Maan's i-pad went years ahead of the original date.

As for Nayi Umangein, RohEet fans shed buckets of tears and threatened to stop watching the show when Rohan disappeared from the show when he met with an accident. The hopeful Rohan/ RohEet fans flooded the twitter and other social networking sites with demand for his comeback (coz in the world of soaps it was seen that the dead often resurrected). But the TRP that sank with the accident and death of Rohan started it's steady rise with the pain and torture of Preet by Rohan's family. Armaan became her confidant and support which led to the rekindling of romance in Nayi Umangein. The ArmEetians fought with the RohEetians and led to the increased activities about the show in networking sites.

Maan was sitting on Geet's apartment living room, on the sofa with his legs stretched out on the coffee table. Surfing thru the cahnnels during the commercial break of a sports programme that he was not much interested in he caught Geet's favourite movie in one of the movie channels. Khabie khushi Kabie Gham was her all-time favourite because it had Sharukh Khan and Kajol along with Hrithik Roshan. The flash back of Kajol Sharukh romance was being shown..so he paused a bit wanting to catch her attention on it before irritating her by changing the channel. To his disappointment she didn't even make a peep. Geet was busy huddled in a corner with his I-pad playing Candy Crush on his account. On checking that morning she was just two levels down from completing level 215and clearing that episode by which he would be ahead of her in Candy Crush.

"Geet.."

"Mmm."

"I need a glass of water."

"It's on the table."

" But Geet I can't reach it from here." Maan reached out his hand without moving another muscle t demonstrate. "Can you get it for me?"

"Maan you can reach if you..." She saw Maan looking at the contract which was pasted on the bedroom door. "Okay." She got up and stepped around the sofa to get him the bottle of water.

She walked back and was about to sit down when Maan said, "Since you are already standing will you increase the speed of the fan?"

Geet walked back towards the regulator and increased the speed by a point. "Enough?"

"No, put it on the highest."

When she came back he lifted the empty plate that held the snacks, "I have had enough you can put this in the kitchen sink."

Hardly five minutes passed after she sat down when Maan said, "Geet I think the speed of the fan is too high, you can lower it by one point."

"Maan!"

"Yes Geet?" Maan looked towards the contract.

Just you wait Maan.. let me just get that name from you and it is going to be payback time...she promised to herself as she went to do Maan's bidding. May be she could put a permanent bold on the bedroom window so that he could not climb up and in from the floor below which was his apartment. No she would miss snuggling up to him then... may be she should make Bhindi, his most hated vegetable every day for a month and then Lokki for the next month which he equally hated. Mooli parathas for breakfast...yup the menu was up for a change in a couple of days. She would plan out more once she is free she decided as she took on the I-Pad.

The Rangeen channel was showing promo of Nayi Umangein:

Armaan and Preet were standing by the window gazing out at the moon. Preet was adorned like a new bride with sindoor on her maang and magalsutra around her neck.

Preet turned within the circle of Armaan's arm, their eyes locked and held. Preet's tendrils danced in the gentle breeze...

" zindagi ke har subah tum se shuru hogi aur har raat tum se khatam "

Armaan's voice promised.

As the couples faces drew closer Saiyya Re' the background score played.

Geet paused, "How long do you think they are going to show this promo? It has been playing for almost a week."

"With tremendous impact too! Viratji was saying the TRP has reached 4.3. The viewers' interest must be on the peak with the promo coming out when the serial is showing Preet being imprisoned and tortured in the remote havelli by Rohan's relatives. Now they will want to know how and when Armaan freed Preet and married her."

"uh ...uh!"

"You know Viratji asked me if I wanted to use body double for the scene where Armaan climbed up the drainpipes to reach Preet..."

Geet burst out laughing, "You should have told him it is a part of your daily routine... climbing up from your apartment to mine!!"

"May be with ArmEet marriage we can come open. I am going to miss the exercise."

"Wohoo!" Geet shouted and threw the I-pad onto Maan's lap. "Tell me."

"You finished?"

Geet did a victory dance and chanted "tell me...now...now ...now!"

Seeing her antics he chuckled. "Why don't you make a guess."

"No." Geet refused "Come on out with it , no more dilly dallying." She leaned towards him with narrowed eyes.

Maan tugged her into his lap and planted a quick kiss on her lips. "Come on... be a sport."

"Alright then. Naina?"

"No." Maan's fingers played with her ear before removing her ear rings.

"Sasha?" Geet's voice trembled at the sensation his clever hand evoked.

"Nope," his hand slipped down her nape to remove her necklace in a caressing movement and nuzzled her.

"Tasha?" Geet asked her breath hitched up as his hand skimmed down her front to slip under her top.

One by one Geet mentioned all the women who were present at the out door shoot except pinky and herself to get the same answer from Maan who was becoming more and more engrossed in teasing her with kisses and caresses.

Geet grabbed at the hand that was slipping down the curve of her stomach and beyond to ask the before she completely lost her trail of thought, "Okay I surrender. Who is she?"

With a sudden move Maan flipped Geet under him and held her hands captive above her head with his stronger one. Then holding her eyes said, "I don't remember specifying on a she'.. why don't you change the pronoun Mishti to he ?"

"He? You mean? But..."

Maan took advantage of Geet's parted lips to kiss her with finesse that over threw every other thought from her mind.

It was pitch black in the garden and how was I to find her, for a second I thought it would be better if this darkness would be there when I face her. I wouldn't fumble with my words atleast or get lost in her eyes. But then I had to see her only then could I take a breath of relief. It had been quite a while that I have wanted to express what I feel for her but everytime I had been infront of her words had always failed to form in my mind, let alone speak to her. I had to find her and that too very soon or else I would go mad. After spending 7 days away from her where I couldn't even get a chance to see her. That's when I decided it was time I had to convey it to her. As if someone hearing to my wish path lights on the either side of the stomp stones switched on illuminating the whole path which was ready for me to walk on it.

I could sense her near me but where was she? I look around the garden only to find that other parts of the garden was still in darkness. Only this path had lights on which was like laid out for me to reach her and without a second delay I start to walk on that to find my price at the end of it where she choose to wait for me below the arch in aqua blue and white lehnga making her look as elegant as she is. I was glad that she had her back towards me or else she would have known how nervous, excited and also anxious too to know her answer. Each step which I take to close the distance seems to raise my heart beats in double rate.

But suddenly my mind questions me "What will I say to her when I stand before her?" I stop few steps behind as I realise that it had totally slipped my mind. "I should atleast get some gift to her. What will I find now that too here? Oh yes flowers, bright yellow and white lilies would be best. I have to find them and give her atleast flowers to her."

I turn around to look for some in the garden and fortunately just like it is said in the novel written by Paulo Coelho ('The Alchemist') Original: When you really desire something with your heart & soul, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it! I find the best one all set that too in my hand. How & when did I get them? I wonder but then this isn't the time to think all those but to tell her what I have been feeling for her.

One step and I would have her in my arms but unless I confine the deep desires of my heart to her and until she accepts them I have no right to have the heavens in my arms. I turn back at the last step fearing her rejection. My heart can already feel the burden of that thought. Yet again to my surprise I feel the bliss when I hear her giggle. She might have seen me struggling and even she couldn't help but giggle at my plight. I without any delay turn back to face her but she isn't there. Where has she gone? "Now is not the time to hide." I say to myself somewhere fearing if I delayed I may loose her.

I want to find her but there is only silence everywhere. Where did she go I wonder? That's when I feel a tap on the shoulder. There she stood crossing her hands over her chest while raising her brow towards me as if asking why I was behind her.

"I love you..." I say without a thought. Only one thing could be heard and that wasn't a pleasant laugh but was that of a slap. All that could be heard was "Wake up Maan. It's time to move on." I still stare at her unable to believe the words which I heard. These can never be her words, her eyes still emote, the love for me then why was I hearing again and again "Wake up Maan. It's time to move on." "Wake up Maan. It's time to move on."

Finally opening my eyes as slowly realisation draws upon me as the words start to get register in my mind what I have been going through. It was yet again one of those nightmares which I wanted to get rid of from couple of days. How could I forget such a serious thing? Everyday after switching off the mobile I get lost in wondering where she has gone and when she would return in turn I forget to change the ringtone of my alarm from "Wake up Maan. It's time to move on" to something else. And everyday I have to get up from the same dream. No no biggest nightmare of my life.

After cursing myself with the morning quota, I rush towards the window to check whether she could grace me with her presence today but to my utter dismay of mine she is still not back. Thousands of questions formed in my mind "Has she left this PG?" Or "Has she gone for any vacation" Be it anything I had to see her. I run my fingers through my hairs feeling frustrated of the situation I am struck at. Suddenly the doors of the balcony opened and I wait with abated breath to catch a glimpse of her. But then today is not my day as it was her friend and not her who came out.

In the opposite building stayed a bunch of girls with Supriya aunty who runs a PG whose balcony opened towards my window. Never did I know who stayed there who left there but the day I saw her 6 months back in one of the bright mornings in this same balcony everything changed. That day I had a pending presentation to be prepared so I was busy in it and that's when I had seen her coming out of glass doors of the balcony out of the veil of hairs in front of her face blocking it for me to see clearly but how long could she hide from me. Next moment she pushed back all of those tendrils back and was rubbing off the water after her shower.

And from that day I had watched her secretly every morning the same way from this window even my gym has shifted to my room as I didn't wanted to miss this time with her. As her college started at 9 her stay in balcony was fixed as she would be busy drying her hair or with her tab in one hand and some books which were always kept in side table for her instant reference. Was that a novel or text book that she referred so many times is all I could wonder. As her expressions changed with every line she read like she emoted what she read in the book.

I was still be lost in her thoughts had my cell not started to yell to get my attention. The name made me shudder a bit and after another second I finally managed to take that call.

"Good morning Boss." He said.

"Did you finish the work assigned to you." His boss questioned "We need to meet the deadlines. I don't need any excuses like last time."

"Yes boss. It would be on your table by the time you reach the office." Maan said but he clearly knew it wasn't ready to be presented and as the appointment was given to him in afternoon. He was pretty sure the work would be completed in time. But whom was he kidding to his boss. He could never ever outsmart his Dad that too when he in his boss appearance. Everytime his Dad called in morning it had to be because of work. He always gave a head start when a trouble was awaited for his son.

"That's great, as the project is ready why don't you accompany me to the meet in morning in that way you would get more exposure towards the young aspirants thoughts." His boss continued to boost him but right now he was thinking ways to finish the work and also attend with boss the meet.

After about 10 minutes of his call Maan was ready at the table having breakfast that too in a hurry as Maan had to be with boss in the car in next 15 minutes.

"Bro, Have your breakfast slowly. Your boss wouldn't eat you up if you are late." Anjali said as she saw her brother Maan eating hurriedly. "Or is it your girlfriend coming to meet that you are in such a rush."

Maan thought it was better to eat at that time than give her a suitable reply but his eyes were showing his anger and also helplessness. Anjali was the only one who knew Maan's interest in a girl whose name is Geet but apart from that she didn't knew a thing more. But even with this small information she never left a chance to tease her Maan Bro.

"Anjali, have your food and leave to your college. Today you are not getting late for it" Rajneesh Khurana (Maan's dad) said dismissing the useless battering going on.

Making a sad face Anjali left for her college. Well this was the usual scene at the breakfast table. Maan always would be in urgency, Anjali pulling his leg for one or the other thing as she always linked everything with Geet while Rajneesh always restricting both of them with discipline.

***

In about an hour time Maan Singh Khurana along with his Boss Rajneesh Khurana came out from either side of the car in classiness that the whole world stopped to catch a glimpse of the father-son duo. Maan had his traits inherited from his father so it looked as if a persons past & present walked hand in hand. Soon the crowd welcomed the chief guest the elder Khurana into the conference hall and Maan slipped out of the hall silently without getting noticed by anyone as he had his work to be completed before his dad turns into the boss mood. Well he always failed to speak in front of 2 people one was his Geet and the other one was his Dad.

Now Maan was in search of a quite place and also lonely place so that no one would find him any sooner. But to find that was not an easy task either as people were busy and walking up and down the corridors. Luckily he found another auditorium but then people had taken all the seats and he took one of the back seats and all of a sudden the lights were turn off but then he also wanted the same. As in that darkness he could finish his work in the laptop. Maan was about to open the system when a voice caught his attention but then where was that sound coming from every where it was darkness surrounding him.

Slowly the spot light focused on the stage illuminated making him look for the person whose voice had caught his attention. But none of the person on stage were speaking it was only being recited by her.

As some person occupy the stage and start enacting the same as narrated by her:

This is a tale of a girl Geet who came to the new town in order to complete her study but was unaware of what had fate planned for her. It was one the same day she stepped into this town she had to found him and lost her heart to him. It was a summer morning when she arrived and the heat had already made her life hell. And in addition to that she was away from her family which added to her frustration. She got down her luggage from her taxi at the entrance and thought to walk through the driveway till her PG apartment. As she was walking taking in the surroundings she saw how well the residency was kept clean and clear of pollution. Many people were walking in the park. Many of them did stare at her as she was new to the place but that was normal she thought and walked ahead until she heard

"Fweeehu fweeehhu" whistle sound and followed by sweet endearment

"hello beautiful" which halted her steps but he didn't stop addressing her with sweet nothing

"My Pinky, my cutie pie" That words made her cross check herself from top to bottom as she was in her pinky salwar suit. Her temper raised and her nose flared in anger.

"Look at me baby. Where are you looking at? When I am speaking to you why are you looking the other way." He continued to pester her "Fweeehu fweeehhu" It was the limit thought Geet. It hasn't been an hour in this town and she is facing this. Her face turned red with rage.

She decided in the same moment she will put all of them on track be it her town or this new town of hers never will she think twice before mending people. She looked around to find something suitable weapon and luckily she got the sweeper with the broom stick that was there to clean the drive way from the dry leaves. In an instant she had that stick in her hand and without giving any second for her opponent to react she attacked in full swing.

"You fool, dumb headed dolt, bonehead, fathead, numbskull, dunderhead, chucklehead, knucklehead, muttonhead, pudding-head, thickhead, wooden-head, airhead, pinhead, lamebrain, pea-brain, birdbrain, zombie, jerk, nerd, dipstick, donkey, nutcase ..." And she went on cursing the person who was in front of her nonstop for another 5 minutes. Luckily for the man in front of her; he only had to bear what she said as she wasn't very good in multi tasking and as her mouth was at work her hand was only there ready to work once her mouth took rest. "What do you think a new girl is in town, she is defenceless, you can treat her like any doll." Geet went on with her remark until she realised the person in front of her hasn't spoken a word yet. And also a sudden meek sound of claps and a squeal of laughter broke her trail of words.

That's when she saw a small baby in a walker next to baby was a young man in late twenties with his eyes & mouth wide open and a shocked expression plastered on his face. Not to forget his eyes was fixed on her hand thinking how to escape from the harassment. Before anyone of them could speak or react an elderly lady came walking out of the lift.

"Thanks Armaan beta, I finally got the doll which my grand daughter had dropped it in the lift. Did my gudia trouble you?" The elder lady questioned.

"No no Aunty, she didn't trouble me but she isn't even responding to me either. Why is she so silent?" Armaan asked.

"Oh.. she just got up from sleep that's why she isn't responding to any of your gestures." She told. "I will take your leave need to finish my walking tour in garden with her."

Armaan thanked the stars above as today that Aunty saved her from a broom seva and turned to look at the pretty girl in pinky who was ready to consume him with her words. But the tables had turned upside down and Geet had dropped her weapon and was searching words to apologies the man in front of her who stood in full attitude hands crossed over his chest, eyebrows raised as if expecting a well deserved apology.

"I am sorry. Really very very very sorry for the confusion." Geet said but he stood giving a not enough kind a look. "I am really regretful, remorseful, contrite, repentant, rueful, penitent, conscience-stricken, apologetic, dejected, despairing, disconsolate, broken-hearted, heartbroken, guilt-ridden, self-reproachful, ashamed, shamefaced, sheepishly pleading sorry for my act..." And she went on until she heard the eruption of laughter from Armaan.

After having completed his fits of laughter and when he finally managed to breathe normally he said "Hi...I am Armaan..." for which she responded with a pleasant smile "Hello...My name is Geet." This was there first meet and first step towards the start of a new relation.

Maan's version: No Geet that wasn't our first meet but second. That day you had came out to leave for your college when we had met in the drive way before that I had seen you in the balcony through my window. But why have you named him as Armaan when I had introduced myself as I am Maan Singh Khurana.

Back to the stage the lights were turned off as the set was arranged to her balcony and when a dim light focussed at a part of the stage where Geet sat reading a book before heading to bed but before she could even switch on the lights of the lamp her whole concentration was caught by the person who stood infront of her in the opposite apartment. He was engrossed in his work but she wondered what he was doing with such a big board in front and with so many pencils kept in the stand attached to the board. It looked like her Armaan was a painter. Was he painting her portrait by any chance? Was the first thought which came to her mind or rather her heart she questioned herself? Geet thought it was better to be in darkness as that gave her the advantage to stare at him unnoticed. Days had passed from there first meet but they couldn't meet again in particular but she hoped they did. Nevertheless it didn't stop her from following his moves whenever and wherever possible.

Get together parties which the society would arrange, many gatherings in neighbourhood places. Sometimes in the name of morning or evening walks or while strolling in the garden. Everytime she saw him never stopped admiring him. What was it that she felt an instant pull towards him was still unknown to her. Was this a desire, infatuation or indeed love.

In the background a song started to play:

Yeh kya hua kaise hua

Yeh kab hua kya pata

Chori chori jab nazarein mili

Chori chori phir neendein udi

Chori chori yeh dil ne kaha

Chori mein bhi hai maza

Even though the stalking gave a sense of calmness and a new hope to cherish the beautiful life ahead but then there was times too when she had slumped into negative thoughts. What if he never looked at her the way she had started to feel for him. What if her dream her armaan never become reality? She had cried those nights feeling miserable and helpless.

Maan's Version: His heart did skip a beat when she claimed him as her's but was she talking about him or was it just a part of the play. The question lingered in his mind. But the way she spoke made him think it was him she was referring too as Armaan and most importantly she meant what she was saying.

How can you think Geet that when you stay awake in the balcony I wouldn't have noticed? The moon was there for me to enlighten your existence most of the night. But yes it failed to disclose the fact in that shade that I was the object of your interest.

At one side he felt his heart heavy because of his fears even she had to live and experience the pain of his fears. But then it will not happen now, he was ready to accept his feelings to her. He stood up to walk up to her and take her in his arms well secure and away from her fright.

Geet's Version: However life is full of surprises. One day morning suddenly she got a call from her home town and her parents wanted Geet back the same day. A kind of restlessness had filled her with that unexpected call. Unfortunately her fears had come true that day as when she reached, her parents broke the news that she was getting married in next 7 days. Hell broke lose on her but what was she to tell them? When she her self was in a fix? She didn't know whether it was a one sided love or even he did love her.

As a fate's decision she agreed to her parents wish. What if her wish her Armaan wasn't there for her. She couldn't break the joy of her parents.

Maan's Version: He felt his heart heavy with the sudden disclosure of her moving away from him. How can God be so kind and cruel to him at the same moment? God choose this moment to give him courage and also choose to break it. But this was not the time to let go her. It was time to embrace her no matter the difficulties he had to face. No matter the people he had to stand against, he will not let his love fail that to when he knew she too harboured the same; may be even carved to hear him declare his love.

He who had stood still hearing the pain in her voice while narrating her haal-e-dil in the form of a play walked in determined steps to reach her at any cost. He doesn't care what others would think of him if he interrupted any play. He had to eradicate the pain in that voice. Which pleaded him to accept his love?

Students who stood managing the backstage work commented "Anjali maam always manages to bring those emotions right through the heart. How easily she could portray the pain of a girl who was ready to let go the love of her life."

"Yes... now you have to be alert as Geet's Armaan's entry in the marriage is coming now. We need to arrange the set in seconds the lights goes off." ordered the head girl to her assistant.

The moment the lights are off people rush to change the set when Maan barges into the area where the narrator sat doing the recital of her heart. She didn't need any parch of paper to emote what was screened on stage today. But in the hussle some people are material are pushed and the stage doesn't get ready in time. As the signal from the head girl isn't received all the lights weren't switched on and the dim light at the narrator's place creates a new set where in the shade of 2 people are shown on the centre screen. The final confrontation was waiting for them.

Sudden change makes the narrator to squeal in surprise as someone just pulled her away from her position but the mic which she had fixed was intact. "Ouch...Who are you?" she asked.

One word from him made her speechless "Geet..." The heaviness in that voice gave away the pain he was experiencing.

"Maan..." she replied instantly "Why are you here? You shouldn't be here."

"Geet... Not now... I can't let you go." He replied "After a long time I today managed to shed the barriers between us."

"This isn't the right. We can't speak now. People are waiting for me." she said.

"Let them wait. Today is our day. We have waited for this moment more than anyone." He said.

"You always surprise me with your action but now I have to go, they are waiting for me." She pleaded.

But before she could turn around and go he stopped her by pulling her back into his embrace. "Geet... I won't let you go away from me even for a second. Let anyone think what ever they want but today you will have to hear me. I want to tell you what I have always felt for you. My every day starts and ends with you. You are the sunshine of my life. These 7 days when you weren't there it made me realise without you I am living a half life. You are that missing piece of my life who would make me complete. You weren't the only one who stalked me even I did secretly. Every night you had the pleasure to fill your heart and similarly you are my morning cynosure. Your absence in my life would mean a life of a living dead."

"Maan..." she stopped him by covering his mouth with her hand not to speak anything related to death.

But he removed her hand while placing a soft kiss over her delicate fingers "No... don't stop me. Today I wouldn't at any cost. I am your Maan not just your wish armaan but in reality also. You don't have to bow down to anyone else wishes. You can't keep someone happy when you are unhappy. I would speak to everyone and get everything correct but will not let you go away from me. With you my side I could win the whole world."

Today, I avow to abide by you

To keep you happy every second of our life.

To eradicate every reason which could bring tears in your eyes

To be yours and only yours till death do us apart.

This life starts and ends with you

Zindagi ke har subah tum se shuru hogi aur har raat tum se khatam

I love you Geet... I love you... till my last breathe

and even beyond that.

"Maan...I love you too."

With that confirmation Maan took those petals into his which spoke the delightful words. Though to the outside world it seemed as just a play the love birds had got there life back into them. They separated only when they were short of breath. Maan was the first one to speak after the sweet assault. I would speak to your parents don't worry. I wouldn't let anyone to take you away from me. He said it many a times to just assure himself than Geet.

"Maan... Maan... Calm down my marriage isn't fixed..." Geet said. Maan gave a confused look. "It was just a twist before the end and you just gave me a surprise."

"You mean to say... it was all just a play." Maan said.

"No... but the marriage part was only a play... I am not getting married to anyone just like I had changed your name into my armaan." Geet said little bit excited and bit blushy as her play won the best prize for her. Her Maan...who was her armaan become hers forever.

Before Maan could reply they were interrupted by a voice which made Maan gulp his saliva as he had totally forgotten his dad who was also present in the same college. He must have heard each and every truth of his heart. And knowing his dad, he must have been hurt too because things came out like this.

"That isn't the truth. You are getting married and that too very soon." Rajneesh Khurana said as time and again his dad had surprised him just like today.

Maan thought it would be easy to convince his dad as he would want is his children's happiness but his words again scared him.

"Dad... I love her Dad." Maan said but Rajneesh raised his hands to stop his son from speaking a word more than required.

"You don't even know who she is or her background. Why should I make her my Daughter in law." Papa Khurana spoke with a naughty smirk which went unnoticed even by Maan.

"Dad... She is Geetanjali Sharma... to be Mrs. Geetanjali Maan Singh Khurana." Maan said proudly. "She is working here in this college as a senior lecturer in literature and also doing her masters. Her family is in a respected one in there town." Maan continued to give the history of her family which he had know from the few meets with Geet earlier. "Dad... dad...she is the best for me and for our family too Dad."

"Maan you sound like a 5 year old kid to me now who is bargaining with me for his favourite toy." Rajneesh finally decided to not to trouble his son more. "You didn't hear me fully at that time I guess... You are getting married and that too very soon to my son Maan Singh Khurana...We would very soon come to meet your family Geet." And took both his Son & would be daughter in law into his embrace.

"Thank you Dad." Maan said. "Love you Dad."

Geet felt elated at this and Avowed to abide by him forever.

Love has its own way..

"Why Geet? Why ? Every time Maan tries to get close to you, you go away from him. Why? I noticed it from so many days. Can't you see that he loves you?"

"We better not talk about it Meera."

Meera turned Geet to her.

"Tell me why we should stop talking about it? Why ? Don't you like him? He has everything a girl look from a boyfriend. He's not an alcoholic. He's not a flirter and more than anything he's a gentleman."

"If you are so much interested in him, why don't you start an affair with him?"

"I would have done it if he loved me. But he loves you only Geet. His eyes, longing to see you. His ears, longing to hear from you. For God sake Geet , we have been friends for 2 years can't you still see it?"

"Don't predict with what you see. Sometimes what we see is different with the truth."

"What are you talking about Geet?"

"Forget it. You can't understand it."

"Geet, what are you hiding from me?"

Geet started to leave.

Meera held her.

"You are not going anywhere till you answer me. I asked several times why you cry so bitterly in some nights. But you never answered me. Is that has a relation with this Geet? Answer me today. I can't see my friend suffering."

Geet looked down.

"If you value our friendship for the sake of it tell me Geet."

Geet did not answer.

"Ok,, I think there is no value in our friendship. So I'm leaving..."

Meera turned to leave. Tears rolled down in Geet's cheeks remembering her past.

"I don't have hope in life...I'm scared to love again as it only gives me pain." Meera stopped and turned around looking starlet.

" There is no meaning of hope for me Meera. Like every other I longed for love from my child hood. But I was not lucky enough to get it as my parents loved only my brother. I never wanted anything in life but love, but always I lose in the battle of love. I did everything I could to gain their love but I always lost Meera... I always lost...Then Dev came in to my life. He showed me new life. I started to have hope for my life. I started to hope for love. He gave me hopes and I who longed for love for so many years like a thirsty deer started to drench in his love and his promises. I started to love him from deep of my heart. We never did anything wrong, we obeyed every rule in our culture and we never did anything that will bring shame to our families... In that way he's good. He never misused me."

Geet started to sob...

Meera came near.

"What happened to your affair Geet? What made you like this?"

"Meera.. After proposing me he went abroad .He talked to me for two months after that I didn't get a call. He blocked me from twitter , FB and emails. I didn't know what to do. Then one day he sent me a mail saying he got married and not to come after him anymore. He told me to find a good boy and get married. Then later on, from one of his friend I found out he married a girl to get PR from that country and living happily now. My heart broke in to pieces but I held it till I came back home. All these years he told me he will take me from my home to his home but suddenly he said he got married and I was broken..."She started to cry bitterly. Meera held her.

"Sh! SH! Geet enough for now.."

"Meera... that day... I learnt... that I should... not hope about love... as I'm not destined to get love. I'm scared to hope now... I'm scared ... to love..."

"There is no hope in my dictionary Meera..."

Meera hugged her tightly.

"I will never let you down Geet. I will bring back love in your life and hope in your dictionary. I promise Geet. " Thought Meera.

"Cry your heart out Geet. Cry. I will hold you. I will be your side always. Don't ever think you are not destined to be loved. You mean a lot to us. We love you so much."

"I'm scared to love again Meera... What if it happens again... If Maan also leaves me...how could I bear?... I suffered enough Meera... Now I don't... have strength... to face the same again... That's why I'm going away from him... I'm scared to hope... Meera... I'm scared to love... I'm scared to dream Meera..."

Meera just patted her.

"Past is past Geet. Try to move on Geet. May be Maan is the one who is destinied for you.."

"What if not? What if he also plays with my feelings??? How could I bare?"

Meera went numb.

"She's right at this point.. Why God why? You made her suffer like that? See, I'm in a position that I cannot answer and I cannot comfort her.. She has lost faith of life and love. Please help me to bring back life and love in her life..Please God don't play again with her life.. She has suffered enough." Meera silently prayed.

Next day at the office

"Meera, what has happened to Geet? She looks so dull?" Asked Maan.

"It's a long story, Maan."

"Is she alright?" Maan asked shockingly.

"Hope so."

"What do you say hope so?"

"Is she sick?"

"She not sick physically but mentally she depressed Maan."

"What do you mean, Meera? I can't understand anything."

"I'll tell it later as right now we must finish the project our boss gave. Otherwise we all will be out of this office for sure."

"Hmm.. You are right. Let's call the others and finish it today."

"Ok, Maan I'll call Geet, and Yash. We better hand over it today."

"Yup, Are you sure Geet is up to it?"

"Yh, making busy will help her."

"Ok Meera. Then we'll get together soon."

"Maan, I want to know something."

"What is it Meera?"

"Do you love Geet? Truly?"

"Is that your question? Meera we have been together for 2 years. We worked together and we had fun together. Even I have told you many times that I love her so much."

"Yes, I know in these two years I saw your love for Geet but I want to confirm."

"You are hiding something from me. What is it Meera? Does this mean, you know why Geet going away from me all the time I try to get close to her?"

"Yes, Maan I know. I would help your love only if you promise that you will never leave her."

"I promise that Meera.. I promise... I LOVE HER from whole my heart and I can never think to leave her."

"Ok. Then I'll help you. But if you ditch her I'll be the worst."

"Ok madam. Now call Yash and Geet and let's finish the project soon. I want one more thing from you Meera."

"What is it?

" I want to know what you know about Geet and please don't hide it from me."

"Yh, you should know . I will tell you it somehow. Ok I'll call the others and come. You better check the files in the computer while I call them."

"Ok Madam."

They got together for the project. They were busy. Geet too got busy but Maan and Meera could notice the dull look of her face. Accidentally pricked her to a pin..

"Aww!!..."

"Geet!"

"GEET"

"Geet!"

All shouted.

Maan took her finger soon and sucked the blood.

"Are you ok Geet?"

"I'm fine. Thank you."

"hmm... until now I thought Maan is a human but today I got to know he's a vampire."

"Yash!! You and your jokes... Can't you see why he did it?"

"Meera, you know I don't like dull atmosphere... So..."

"Ok stop giving reasons. Cannot argue with you." Said Meera.

"At last you got to know it. Meera now I wonder whether you too have another role like Maan vampire. Will you too suck my blood?"

"Yash!!"

"OH! if this goes on office will call us vampire team."

Meera threw a cushion she had in her hand to him. All burst in to laugh seeing their silly fight.

"Don't get hurt.. I too get hurt..." Said Maan looking at Geet who was surprised to hear it.

"Tum paassa aye, Tum paasse aye
Yun Muskurayee, Tum ne na jaane kya
Sapne dekhaye, Ab to mera dil
Jaage na sota hai, Kya karoon hai,
Kuch kuch hota hai"

Yash started to sing...Geet looked down embarrassed. Maan looked away.

Meera nodded her head negatively.

" I'll go to the wash room and come." Geet said this and left the room.

"Is history happening again???... But why my heart beating so fast when he's near... Not again... I cannot go through it again... I cannot be fooled again... What shall I do? The more I'm with him I feel I'm attaching to him. What shall I do? How can I avoid him when we are a team in the office... Oh God help me." Thought Geet.

"I know why you went away Geet" Thought Meera.

"But how could you run away from your destiny? How long will you play games with your destiny?"

"Geet please don't get hurt. It hurts me. I LOVE YOU GEET. I'm longing to tell you these words." Thought Maan.

"I'll bring back Geet" Said Meera as she was leaving the room.

Maan glared at Yash.

"What is this buddy? Why are you glaring at me?"

"Why are you teasing at us?"

"How can I leave two love birds aside?"

"Come on Yash, You know I still didn't confess and I still don't know what her feelings for me."

"Why do you worry when love guru is with you?"

"Love guru? Who?"

"Can you see any other apart from us in the room? When you are Rome you can't be love Guru. So it left me."

Maan sighed.

"Trust me buddy Geet loves you. I can see it. Her eyes show that. Can't you see that? I don't why she's holding it back?"

"How I wish your words come true Yash?"

"It will come true Maan. I'll help you in every way. Do you know if somebody is trying get away like that, it means she loves you and she tries her best to hide her feelings from you. Just wait and watch she'll come to you some day so you can confess."

"Hmm let's hope so..."

Mean time Meera and Geet.

"Geet, I knew you would be here." Meera said as she found Geet in a room.

"Meera, past is repeating..."

"Geet, why are you scared? If past is repeating you now know how to face it . Who knows whether the life is giving you a second chance?"

"But what if it happens again?"

"Just think positively, Geet. I won't let anything like that happen again. I promise you today. Now let's go and finish your work. How is your finger?"

"It's fine. Ok Let's go."

They both went to the room they were working on and rest of the work went silently.

Later at the evening...

"Oh God our kudos boss said our project is brilliant. I just can't believe it. Hope he got up from the right side of the bed." Said Yash, when they came out of their boss's office.

"Even I'm surprised. Oh! Great now we have to go to Mumbai to present it to the clients... I'm so excited Yash.." Shouted Meera in excitement.

"Meera, hope you won't fall in love with me there. I heard it's a city of dreams."

"What?? What?? So that means you dream about me? But so sorry Yash, I never dream about you as I want to sleep peacefully."

Geet and Maan laughed at them.

"Hey Meera you took me wrong. I said Mumbai is city of dreams and I didn't say I'm dreaming about you. How can I dream about a person so serious? I don't want anyone to break my jovial mood."

"What do you say? I'm serious???"

"Guys, Guys.. stop it now. I don't want a world war to happen again." Said Maan .

"I didn't start it Maan. It's only this clown Yash."

"Why should I start it when there is a volcano ready to erupt at any time?"

"Yash!!!!"

"Oh stop it guys... We have less time to pack our bags and get ready. You guys can fight later.. Come on let's go nw." Said Geet, interrupting them.

"Ok girls pack and get ready. I and Yash will pick you up on our way to the airport."

"Ok Maan.. See you later then.. Take care of this Maddy..."

"Wait.. Who is Maddy here?" Asked Yash.

"Now please stop you both" said Maan dragging Yash away.

They flew to Mumbai that evening...

Next day after the presentation on their way to the company house...

"hmm...it's seems most of our clients liked our software.. What do you think Maan?"

"Yup! I too think so. After the presentation most of the clients spoke to me. It seems they are interested in it."

" We have to wait till tomorrow Maan. All will give their review on that tomorrow. Then we can think whether we are succeed or not." Said Meera.

"You are right Meera. We better not jump in to conclusions." Said Geet.

"Ok, ok let's go and eat. I'm hungry." Said Yash.

"There's a restaurant. I'll go and but some food for us." Said Meera.

"I'll come with you too."Said Yash winking at Maan.

"So he wants to give me and Geet some time alone." Thought Maan smiling.

"Why are you coming? I can't take mad people to buy food." Said Meera.

"And I can't send a volcano inside alone. Who knows when it will erupt.? Poor people in the restaurant." Replied Yash

Meera glared at him.

"See it's ready to erupt. I better go in."

Saying it Yash rushed inside.

Geet and Maan left alone on the road.

"I wonder why they fight always." Said Geet.

"Coz they both are same." Replied Maan.

"What??"

"I feel that they both have some feelings for each other and they are trying to distant away by fighting.."

"What? You mean love??"

"hmmm.. may be.."

"I never thought..."

"That they will love. Am I right Geet? Is that what you tried to tell me?"

"Yes.."

"Did you ever thought, I will love you?"

Geet looked astonished.

"I really love you Geet. My day starts from you and ends from you. I LOVE YOU from bottom of my heart. Cannot think of a day without seeing you. You have become my life. Geet you can take time to reply. I will wait for you. My soul is already connected to you. So I cannot think about anyone else in my life."

Geet was shocked with this confession. Never in her life she thought he will confess with her previous experiences.

" I .. I .. haven't think of you like that Maan. I .. I.."

"I can understand Geet. That's why I asked you to take time."

"My heart feels that you love me Geet."

They started to walk. Geet infront and Maan at the back

As Geet was about to cross the road a vehicle came in top speed toward Geet. She was lost in with just what happened she didn't see it's coming towards her.

"GEET!! " Maan rushed to her and pushed her to the side of pavement but he himself could not save him and he hit the vehicle and dropped in a pool of blood.

"MAAN!! MAAN!"

Just then Meera and Yahs came out of the restaurant to witness it.

They shouted.

"MAAN !!! MAAN!"

Yash was quick he got in to action and rushed Maan to the hospital.

Three friends waited outside praying for their beloved friend.

Geet came forward to Meera.

"Meera. I need to tell you something."

"What is it? Geet?"

" Meera, whatever happened to Maan, it's because of me."

"WHAT??"

" Meera before the accident he... confessed.. me. He .. said he.. loves ... me. Didn't I say I'm not lucky to get love? See what happened to him because he loved me. He met with the accident to save me."

Meera hugged Geet who was sobbing till now. With her hug she completely broke down.

" Geet. I don't know why this accident happened. But I know it's not your fault. You are destined to be loved. Tell me do you love him?"

" I don't know. I haven't thought about him like that way."

" Geet... you can take your time.. close your eyes and open your heart. Who is there Geet?"

Geet closed her eyes.. She saw Maan... Their very first meeting...

Flash back

"I'm Geet Handa. I came for the software engineering job. Where should I go?" Asked Geet, from the receptionist.

"Me too" She heard someone say. She turned back to see a handsome young man looking at them.

"Good morning Ma'm. I'm Maan Singh Kurana. I too came for the Software engineering job."

"Ok both of you can go to the fourth floor."

"Thank you" said both together.

"So you are Miss Geet.."Asked Maan on the way.

"Yes..."

"I'm Maan Singh Kurana."

"mm Nice to meet you Mr. Maan Singh Kurana."

"Nice to meet you too Geet."

They both went to sit down but Geet slipped and was about to fall when Maan caught her.

Maan got lost in her eyes and Geet felt little nervous.

"Mr. Maan, Can I stand up?"

"ha.. ha sorry.. you were going to fall and..."

"It's ok Mr. Maan. Thank you."

"Call me Maan. I don't like Mr. part."

"Ok Maan. Let's sit."

Geet has to go for the interview first. She felt nervous.

"Good luck Geet. You can do it. Go on.."

"Thanks Maan. She said and left the place.

Second meeting...

It was the first day of work. Geet went quickly as she has to meet the boss first thing in the morning. She went in to see Maan, with another boy and girl.

"Oh Good morning Geet. It seems you got selected."

"Yes.. You?"

"I too Geet. It seems we have some company. Meet them Yash and Meera. Guys, here is Geet. Seems like we have to work together."

"Hey, it seems you know each other. "Asked Yash,

"We met each other on the interview day."

Just then the boss came in and they have to stop all their conversation.

"Meera doctor is coming." Geet opened her eyes hearing it.

They rushed to the doctor.

"How is he doctor?"

"Still we can't say anything. We are trying our best to save him. There's a limit we can do. We are humans first. Please pray for your God."

Nobody could stop their tears.

Geet slowly went to the God's idol.

"Bhgavanji! I don't know what I have for Maan. I don't know whether it's love or not. But please save him. Don't take another good human being from this world. He's a good friend. Please God I beg you. I will do whatever you ask from me after that. Please save him. I won't drink water or eat anything until he recovers and this is my vow."

Saying this she prayed a lot while crying. Meera and Yash too joined.

It says if two or more people agree for the same thing and pray God hear them and grant their wish.

Just then the doctor came from behind.

"Now thank God. He's safe now."

Three of them turned to the doctor.

"Yes, your friend is saved. Thank God. He'll be under observation tonight. One can stay. Others can go."

Ok I'll stay doctor."Yash said.

Doctor nodded and went.

"I too will stay." Geet said.

" No, Geet ! You go home with Meera and have some food."

"NO ! YASH! This happened because of me and I'm staying and that's final."

"But.." Yash started.

Meera stopped him.

"Ok we'll stay Geet. Yash you go to Maan. I'll make Geet eat something and we'll stay here tonight."

"Ok Meera. You better inform our boss too." Said Yash.

Meera nodded.

"Ok I'm going to Maan."

"Geet come let's have something."

"No Meera, I vowed God that till he opens his eyes I won't drink or eat."

"Don't be stubborn Geet. Let's go! He's ok now."

"No, Meera.. I vowed and I will do it."

" I don't know Geet why don't you accept that you love Maan."

Geet looked at him.

" You are playing a game with your heart and mind. Your heart says to love him and your heart is filled with his love but your mind wants logic. Love is something you should think from heart. See how good he is. Your logical mind won't let you love if you start listen to it. Think why are you scared to lose him? Is it only because this happened to him while trying to save you?No! Why it's a matter for you if he gains conscious or not? Simple you love him. Always history won't repeat Geet. Give him a chance. Give a chance to this love to grow in your heart. Let the happiness shower you."

Geet just listened. Every word Meera said pricked her.

"It's ok if you don't want to eat. Let's stay here."

So whole night those three friends stayed in the hospital.

Next morning Yash came running towards Geet and Meera.

"GEET!GEET!! MEERA !! MEERA!! Wake up guys. Maan woke up. He's calling for Geet. Doctor asked to bring Geet."

"Go Geet.. Go!!" said Meera.

Geet ran towards Maan's room.

Doctor let her in.

She heard Maan murmuring Geet.

She went to him.

"Maan, I'm Geet. Open your eyes Maan. Please. Can you hear me Maan?"

Maan slowly opened his eyes.

"Geet... Gee...tum.. teek.. ho?..."He said almost in whisper.

"Ha maan.. me teek ho. Get well soon Maan."

Maan nodded.

Geet held his hand and he tightened his grip.

"Thank you Maan for saving me. Please get well soon."

Maan nodded.

"Maan you have to rest now." Said the doctor nodding his head to others, directing them to come out.

"Your friend is ok now. I think he need you Geet. If you stay with him it will help him to recover soon."

"I will stay doctor."

"OK. Then. I'll leave. I will come time to time to check Maan."

"Thank you doctor."Said Yash.

"Geet I will let you go to Maan if you eat this only." Said Meera, forwarding some food to her.

Geet looked at Meera.

"Geet he's conscious now. You can eat. Your fast is over."

"What? She fasted for Maan. That's a good sign. That means they both love each other."

Meera glared at him.

Geet gulped her food and went to Maan who was asleep.

Geet held his hand.

"Maan, the accident awoke the feelings I had for you Maan. Meera was right. I was playing games with my mind and heart. What to do Maan? My past was like that. I never got love. I always got cheated. I was scared to love again Maan.But I saw you. You are the selfless person I've ever saw. I can't stop loving you Maan. I love you Maan."

Maan stirred.

Geet straighten up.

"Maan are you ok?"

He smiled weakly and said yes.

" Thank... you... For... loving me... GEET!"

Geet felt speechless.

"You Maan.."

"I heard...you .. Ge..et... I just ...could... not ...open my eyes...I"

"Shhh!! You should not talk Maan. I'll do talking today. I love you Maan. zindagi ke har subah tum se shuru hogi aur har raat tum se khatam I want to start my day with you and end my day with you Maan. Please don't ever leave me Maan. I love you."

Maan nodded.

"I promise... that... I'll... be ... There.. with .. you till... the end... Of ... my life..."

He kissed Geet's hand.

Slowly with Geet's utmost care Maan got healed.

"Did Yash or Meera phoned you?"

"Yes,Maan they said they'll come today to take us back and our boss has given them permission."

"Oh great!"

"One more thing..our project suceeded..." Said Geet.

"Just like our love.." Said Maan smilingly.

"We can't still be sure na Maan? Who knows whether your parents will agree?"

" I talked to them while you went to bring food. They are waiting to see you. They said yes."

"Then why didn't they come here?"

"Because I asked them to give time for us and asked not to come."

"And I thought you are too innocent."

"I am.."

"In what way?"

"LOVE BIRDS can we break in?"Asked Yash as he and Meera stepped in the hospital room.

"After breaking why should you ask Yash?" Asked Maan.

"How are you now Maan?"

"I'm fine Meera."

"Ok I'll arrange everything to discharge you and then let's go home as we have to get ready for a wedding."

"Whose wedding?" Asked all.

" I thought you and Geet will marry soon."

"We will marry soon but not so soon Yash."

"Oh really then, I and Meera should marry."

"What???" Asked Meera taking a pillow.

"I'm going.. don't worry Meera the way love found enter in Maan and Geet's life it will find a way to enter our lives."

"Will you shut up? Or.."

"I'm gone.." saying this he rushed out of the room followed by angry Meera.

Both Maan and Geet laughed.

"Yash is right na? Geet... Love has its own way. I never thought you will say yes to me so soon.."

"I never thought love will last long or I will get love."

"Still you are scared na, Geet?"

Geet looked down.

"My parents won't reject you Geet as their happiness lies on me. I promise you whatever happens in the future I won't leave you. The strength of my life lies on you. You are my encouragement to face the problems. Whenever I don't have hope I look at you Geet. You always give me hope. I promise you I will hold your hand and I will stand by you always."

Geet couldn't stop her tears. Words are blocked. She just hugged Maan who hugged her back.

"I LOVE YOU MAAN. YOU ARE MY LIFE. I'M YOURS ONLY MAAN."

"AND I'M ONLY YOURS GEET. I LOVE YOU GEET!"

What's the Surprise

The whole place was decorated beautifully with variety of flowers, ribbons and see-through material curtains. Small lights were hanging from ceiling giving the feel of stars shining in the sky while balloons were scattered on the floor at places giving the feel of clouds as the theme was blue and white. The gents in blue were looking ever so handsome whereas all the ladies were looking no less than angels in white colour dresses. It felt like someone had transported every soul present there to a place called heaven. The environment was very cozy with all the guests being close friends or family members. All were enjoying the party, with snacks and drinks flowing endlessly. The men were busy with their business talks whereas the ladies were drown into their gossip world. The hosts were entertaining all the guests but their eyes were continuously drifting towards the enterance, waiting for the two most important persons of their lives.

She had suddenly called them telling that her car broke down while coming from the parlour. She was alone on a deserted road with no driver with her. She also wasn't able to contact her parent who reached there just now. The party had just begun so they couldn't have gone to get her here, also they didn't wanted to send some driver to get her therefore, having no other option he had to leave for picking her up. The place she was at, it would have not taken more than half an hour for them to reach the venue. But it was more than an hour now, all the guests had arrived and still there was no sign of them reaching there.

Suddenly all the lights went dim and one door started sliding open, revealing another partition of the party hall which had a stage set up alongwith seating arrangements done. Even the hosts were surprised to see it as they had not planned anything like this. Moments later a voice came requesting everyone to get seated.

The stage too was dark and in between voices of so many confused souls, no one was able to recognize whom that voice belonged to. Once all were quiet and seated, they heard the voice again.

"I know all are confused about what's happening here. Even mom-dad I suppose are as confused as everyone here, right?"

Finally realization dawned upon them for who was acting as there BIG BOSS right now. And all answered him in unison with a big YES!!!

"So it seems that I was able to pull off this surprise successfully. Mom and dad, I had been planning this surprise for a month now as your 25th Anniversary gift. We gave it our best shot but right now I am feeling a little nervous. Hope you both like it. I know now you must be wondering now what do I mean by "we" here. Actually that phone call and car breakdown thing was all pre-planned. Geet was also there with me in this planning. When she called you guys, she had actually reached here. The phone call was like a signal for me to know that she's here."

"I think I've done a lot of story telling and now its time for your surprise. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad."

Everyone got excited with the announcement and started clapping with enthusiasm. Mr & Mrs. Khurana were waiting eagerly for his surprise with 1000 watt smiles on their faces.

{Yaa maula...Yaaa maula...}

One by one two spot lights came on the stage revealing maan and geet looking breath-takingly amazing in his parents' wedding dress.

As the music started, the background slowly started illuminating with a very serene and heavenly look.

Mere hath main tera hath ho, sari jannaten mere sath ho...

Maan forwarded his hand towards geet while she slipped hers very elegantly in his, twirling into him and their hands rested on her waist. Something was very different today, she felt tingling sensation when he touched her.

Mere hath main tera hath ho, sari jannaten mere sath ho...

She then turned in his embrace, facing him and dips her head backwards and maan pulled her back. She saw his eyes for a split second which were speaking volumes that she couldn't comprehend.

Tu jo pas ho phir kya ye jahan, tere pyar main ho jau fanaa...

She tries to go away, but he stops holding her hand, bringing her in his embrace such that her back is glued to his chest. Connecting their hands and moving them to form a circle towards the ceiling.

Mere hath main tera hath ho, sari jannaten mere sath ho...

Geet recollects her steps and comes behind Maan tracing his right hand moving towards left as he stands opening them towards the audience. Holding his one hand she bends towards her left, moving her free hand in circular motion.

Tu jo pas ho phir kya ye jahan, tere pyar main ho jau fanaa...

Coming back to standing position she places her palm on his cheeks, holding his nape she again bends backward. His eyes were so intense that made her stomach churn in anticipation.

Mere hath main tera hath ho, sari jannaten mere sath ho...

He pulls her back up possessively. She could feel unknown passion in his eyes, like he really meant those words but then the instant she thought it, she came out of the trance cursing herself for thinking too much of something that was impossible. Slowly they started moving back and then disappeared.

The spot lights too turned off, leaving everyone again in surprise, with the song continuing.

"Tere dil main meri saanso ko panaah mil jaye, tere ishq main meri jaan fanaa ho jaye."

Next moment a slide show starts with photos of Mr & Mrs Khurana. The first one was with Mrs Khurana's face on Mr Khurana's chest while hugging him and they both smiling.

Jitne paas hain khushboo saans ke, jitne paas hontho ke sargam,

Their pics in gardens when they went for holidays and some when they gifted each other flowers all arranged in a collage and then one pic where they were both singing when they went for some picnic.

Jaise sath hai karvat yaad ke, jaise sath bahon ke sangam,

Their pics were beautifully arranged since their first meet till the pre-marriage rituals and then there was a pic where both were hugging each other.

Jitne paas-paas khwabon ke nazar, utni paas tum rahna hamsafar...

Pics of the eyes of Mr & Mrs Khurana came then followed by pics where they both were walking together hand in hand.

Tu jo paas ho fir kya ye jahan, tere pyar main ho jau fanaa...

Their marriage pics were arranged in a chronological order, starting from the reception of baraat, varmala, phere and then bidaai in collage like form.

Mere hath main tera hath main ho, saari jannaten Mere sath ho...

The slide show culminated with their honeymoon pics in Kashmir with the lines "Agar is dharti par jannat kahi hai to sirf yahi hai, yahi hai, yahi hai".

"Rone de aaj humko, tu aankhen sujane de, bahon main le le aur khud ko bheeg jane de,
hai seene main kaid dariya vo chooth jayega, hai itna dard ki tera daman bheeg jayega."

Suddenly it was the live streaming of Mr & Mrs Khurana that was being played on the stage with tears of happiness in his mother's eyes. She tried hiding her face in her husband's arms to which Mr Khurana chuckled enjoying it.

Jitne paas-paas dhadkan ke hain raaz, jitne paas boondon ke Badal...

Maan and Geet came back to the stage from opposite sides. They both took their positions with Geet's one hand resting on Maan's shoulder while his held her near the waist whereas both theirs one hand were into each others. They started swaying with the song.

Jaise saath-saath chanda ke hai raat, jitne paas naino ke kajal ...

Maan twirled her around in circles. Geet couldn't stop thinking about this sudden change in his behaviour.They had known each other ever since she remembers, they had been meeting almost everyday for a month, they had been practising this dance for almost a week now, still it felt so very different today.

Jitne paas-paas sagar ke lahar, utni paas tu rahna humsafar...

He again brought her close to him such that they were holding each other in almost hugging position they bent around making a circle with their heads.

Tu jo paas ho phir kya ye jahan, tere pyar main ho jau fanaa...

Maan went behind Geet walking his fingers on one of her hands and then he stood opening his hands a little behind her while she moved down shifting her weight side to side on his hands.

Mere haath main tera haath ho, sari jannaten Mere sath ho...

Maan made her stand up by holding her shoulders and slowly moved his arms on her arms , linking her hands with him. She shuddered at the feel of his hands gliding ever so sensuously over hers.

(Yaa maula...)

He lifted her up supporting her by their hands and she threw back her head finding it difficult to control herself around him. He was torchuring her to no ends today, she felt so vulnerable today with him touching her this way that she didn't knew what to do.

"Adhuri saans thi, dhadkan adhuri thi, adhure hum,
magar ab chand pura hai falak par, aur ab pur hain hum..."

He slowly brought her down and stood with her hugging her from behind. As the song finished, they stood there lost in each other .

After few moments all the lights turned on bringing Maan and Geet and everyone out of the magic that they had casted on them. Geet came out of the hug and stood separately feeling embarassed. There was a huge round of applause for them and Mrs Khurana sent flying kisses with tears of happiness in her eyes towards them making both smile ear to ear. Then Maan lifted in hand up to signal them to be silent as he wanted to continue to say something. Once it was little silent there, he started

"Mom-dad...how was it?"

They were so overwhelmed with the surprise that they couldn't say anything therefore they showed their both thumbs up indicating it to be a superb performance.

"You all are so happy with this only then I don't know what will happen when you see the actual surprise since the main surprise here is still remaining."

Everyone present there hooted for the actual surprise while Geet looked on at Maan feeling hurt. Here she was so happy thinking that what if he doesn't love her and never shows even any signs of it but he atleast considers her as his best friend and shares his every plan with her. She was happy just being the person closest to his heart if not the one living in it.

Today during the performance she was trying to ignore the way he was behaving with her but all that had given her first time any indication that maybe, just maybe he started seeing her differently but now it seems all this was just her imagination... the real surprise was about to come, all that was just a time pass. He doesn't even considers her as his friend else atleast he would have told her everything. She was really very angry on him for playing with her like this. She dragged him to a corner of the stage from where they wont be visible to others and bombarded him with her anger.

"What do you mean the main surprise is remaining? We had been planning for all this since last one month and today you are saying this isn't what you actually planned"?

Maan tried to say something but she didn't allow him to speak it up.

"There I was so excited when I came to know that I was the only one who knew about your surprise and here you surprised me only. I always thought I was your best friend but now it feels you don't even consider me as your friend, leave being best friends. For so many days you had been making a fool out me. I just wont ever talk to you. I..I..."

Maan pulled her in a jerk towards him, locking her in his arms and said "Chup, bilkul chup" very sternly that made Geet shut up instantly. He took her back to the stage.

" Attention everyone. Geet is angry with me since I didn't tell her anything about my next surprise. So I wanted to ask everyone present here what would have you done if that surprise was a surprise for her as well."

Geet was shocked as well as surprised to hear this and got even more confused thinking that why would he want to give a surprise to her on his parents' anniversary.

"Would you have told her or not?"

All shouted NO

"So what do you think, should I finally show you all the surprise?"

There was a big YES from everyone and suddenly there was a shower of rose petals where Geet was standing. Her mind had stopped functioning after so many things happening with her today. She was really very confused and that could be actually seen on her face too. Maan moved near Geet looking into her eyes.

"I know you are hell confused right now. Well I was too confused from a long time but then the day I realized what I feel for you, everything became crystal clear."

Taking her hands in his he said

" I always felt very differently about you, something that I never felt for anyone else, maybe that's the reason you were my best friend ever since we were kids. But it took me so long to realize actually what was that I felt for you."

He turned towards his mom-dad.

"One day I heard Mom talking to Dad that how much she wanted you to be a part of our family, to make you her bahu so that she could keep you with her forever. I don't know why but some part of me got really happy after listening this. I didn't knew why I felt so and therefore that was the day when I first time thought about us and our friendship seriously. It took me sometime to realize why I felt so but then I wanted to be 100% sure of my feelings and in the process I also realized that you too felt something about me. I don't know if am right or wrong, but I don't want to delay anymore to tell you what I feel for you. "

Geet felt that she would just collapse with all that Maan was saying. Here she was thinking that she is just like another person in his life, like the people who come and go from one's life without making any difference in it. But what all he said just now was totally opposite of what she had been thinking, making her head spin 360 degrees. He came in front of her, staring directly into her eyes with so much love that she felt her knees go weak. And then he said those magical words.

"I LOVE YOU GEET...I love you"

Tears gathered in her eyes and she hugged him instantly not wanting to hold herself back anymore and he hugged her back. After so many years of her yearning for him, he finally said those words that she had been dying to listen from his mouth. He had confessed his love in front of everyone, his family, her family, their whole world. She was feeling at the top of this world, she felt so lucky to finally have his love in her life. They had been so close yet so far from each other for so long that she didn't wanted that distance between them anymore and she too confessed her love for him still hugging him.

"I love you too Maan...I love you too."

Not coming out of the hug, they looked into each other's eyes. Their eyes were shining, glowing in happiness of getting their love reciprocated from the person who ruled their hearts and minds.

"I don't know when, how or where it happened but I just know that I had been loving you ever since the day I knew what love is. I didn't knew how you felt for me, so fearing your rejection and not wanting it to spoil our friendship I kept quite."

Hearing this Maan took her back in his embrace feeling overwhelmed with her love for him. He hugged her so tightly that even air couldn't pass between them. But soon they came out of the hug remembering where they were. Geet was blushing furiously and Maan was grinning like he won the world. Maan again moved towards his parents and said

"Since Geet too just now confessed her love to me and Mom since you too wanted Geet as your bahu, I think I we should not delay it anymore."

With that said Maan went down on his knees holding a beautiful diamond ring in his hands. Geet could not believe what was happening with her right today, she felt like she was dreaming. It all felt like a fairy tale to her. She actually pinched herself to make her believe that all this was reality of her life, a beautiful reality, garnering a chuckle from Maan.

"If you are done with your trying to believe all this is true then will you marry me Geet?"

" Will you pledge to make me the owner of your life and you being the owner of mine?"

" Will you promise me that from now on Meri zindagi ke har subah tum se shuru hogi aur har raat tum se khatam?

Well she could not do much more than nodding with teary eyes while Maan got up and slided the ring in the finger that connected it to her heart, binding them in a relation which their love will only make stronger and stronger everyday.

He again turned towards his parents and said

"So now I think its time to end the surprises guys. So this was your biggest surprise Mom and Dad. Meet your to be daughter-in-law, Geet...Geet Maan Singh Khurana."

Maan and Geet looked at each other with their overflowing emotions. Both weren't able to say anything so they just stood there in silence, not taking their eyes off each other even for a second while the Khurana and Handa parents were sharing their happiness of turning from being best friends to relatives hugging and feeding sweets to each other discussing about the impending wedding that no one wanted to wait for any longer.

Vellai Pookal(White flowers)

It wasn't love at first sight, nor were they friends all their life. There were no bump and fall, no accidental meetings in their story.

They were normal people met under normal circumstances. Batch mates and part of a common gang, though they haven't shared a great bond one to one, they hanged out together with same set of people hence had to see each other almost every other day.

The empty unused class room in the third floor was the group's meeting place, where they all went to whenever they didn't have a class. Having taken different electives, not all of their classes were same and whenever one doesn't have the class, all they need to do was to go to their adda where they did their own work; sometimes studying, sometimes minding their own business, teasing, laughing, pulling each other's leg, watching movies or anything for that matter...

In one of the semester, him & her happened to take more of the common subjects and ended up being in their meeting place alone, quite often.

At first they did all but discuss something more on the surface, about assignments, group or anything, until one day when something random stimulated, a conversation started, a banter continued touching various personal topics which they never thought they would share with each other, when their words weighed their feelings down, when the debate which started as a clash of their opinions was backed by their own justification of the reason of their thoughts as much as the thought is.

She thought his idea of romanticism was unrealistic, cynical realist as she was.

He thought her idea of belief in God treaded on a thin line of being superstitious, atheist as he was.

Yet, they didn't say anything to each other. They were different from each other, yet they had something in common, which is not judging each other.

-

"What happened?" he asked one day, when they were alone.

With their friends around, she was smiling, pretended to be happy, but the missing light in her eyes told a different thing altogether.

"Nothing"

"Geet""

She remained silent, and he gave her enough space to absorb the warmth that spread around just by being there.

"I think my sister is seeing someone"

He knew her sister who was two years younger to her, whom she was very attached to, and felt a sense of protectiveness as he waited for her to complete, a sense of anger already coursing through him towards the unknown person for hurting the little girl.

"Did he hurt her?"

The surprised expression on her face told that it wasn't the case.

"Why are you upset then?"

"I have to share her with him now"

A beat later, his laughter filled the room.

-

"Sexy"

"Please" she said wrinkling her nose. "You find the heroine wearing the oversized jersey sexy?"

They were watching a movie together, and what was a movie without cracking comments, and having contradictory opinions?

He gave her a meaningful smile.

"Uh oh please don't tell me it is your fantasy that your girl would be wearing your jersey"

"Only jersey"

She groaned "Too much of information"

_

"What sort of craziness is this?" she said disgusted at the book she just read, more angry on him for suggesting her it.

"It has a good plot"

"It has shallow characters"

"Who?"

"The perverted jerk of a protagonist had slept with a woman twice his age, and hit on her daughter"

"Which is bothering you the most?" he asked amused.

"The woman who cheated on her husband sleeping with him"

"Humans need love Geet. A woman who wasn't appreciated or cared for, got that attention from someone else. You can't blame just her"

"My problem wasn't with the physical intimacy Maan. It was the violation of wedding vows. She wasn't cheating on her husband but herself first. She could've ended her relationship with her husband. Falling in love more than once was not a mistake. Not taking a stand is"

He knew her to be an idealist. He could've explained why it was impractical. Yet, he didn't. Instead, he let her rave about it for another ten minutes before he distracted her by treating her with an ice cream.

-

"Naku pichhi pattindi" (I have gone crazy) she repeated again, hiding a smile.

"Are you sure that really means I love you in your language?"

"Yes Maan, it really means that in Telugu. And why would I teach you otherwise when I know how important it is to you to learn the language?"

He narrowed his eyes "Why is it important to me Geethika Jagarlamudi? Care to explain?"

"You really think I haven't noticed how your eyes search for her, and stop at her, or how anywhere we plan to go, you ask me to get my friend? I am neither stupid nor blind"

He shook his head, giving up, while she grinned "Crushing on Divya eh?" she said elbowing him playfully.

"Stop stressing your little brain by overthinking Ms. Jagarlamudi" he said tapping on her head.

"D'uh! First stage is refusing to accept. How many stories had I seen, go ahead refuse all you want" she said ruffling his hair "Anyway how is I love you told in Marathi?"

"Me tuzhya mulachi aai honar aahe" (I am going to be your child's mother) Maan said with a poker face.

_

It was a cold evening. They stood a little behind while their friends were busy clicking pictures. She had always been the one to be behind the camera, he was always the one who liked to be before the camera. But that day, when she was quietly watching how the city spread beneath her feet from the cliff they had been to, he stood beside her and asked "Does Hyderabad look this beautiful?"

There was a glint in her eye as she looked at him with a smile "More than beautiful"

"Any film city or resort tourists generally associate Hyderabad is not what it is. The city has a soul. A story. It is based on a love story. Charminar is not any other monument. It is in the heart of the most beautiful place where there are two religions living together. Be it Ramadan month or Ganesh Chaturthi, the two special festivals of the city, the food, the crowd, the color, the rain... even the traffic jams, the culture, the language, everything about Hyderabad is unique."

"I miss home" she said as she crossed her arms for the cold, or as a gesture of soothing herself, he doesn't know.

With his hand around her shoulder, he pulled her closer. "Would you show me around your city and let me know it like you do?"

She grinned "Sure thing. Only if you take me to Marine drive on a rainy evening"

"Now who's being romantic?"

"Please. Romance is unrealistically associated with rains. Romance is just a state of mind. Sab moh maya hain, If that person who's going to grace my life is going to say cheesy lines like Zindagi ke har subah tum se shuru hogi aur har raat tum se khatam, I swear I'm going to run in the opposite direction"

He laughed and had a sudden urge of pulling her cheeks, which she so dearly hated. As she looked up at him, with those large complaining eyes, her lips pulled down as she talked with vehemence, he couldn't help but to pull her cheeks.

"Expression is a part of life Geet"

"Please don't tell me what expression you're talking about"

He laughed louder this time "That too"

"Eww"

"Love making isn't a sin"

"You've gone that far? I've been stuck at the first stupid phenomenon"

"Kiss?"

"Please let's not have this conversation"

"You can't judge it before knowing what it is"

"Who said I have never known it?" she said her eyes challenge, her petulant chin raised in defence.

"Have you ever had a boyfriend?" he asked his gaze penetrating through her, his face holding hint of a smile.

She spluttered. He got the answer.

"Saving the first kiss are we?" he teased.

"You might definitely not have" she got back.

He grinned.

"So you had a girlfriend before?" she asked him and the smile was frozen for a moment before it got back but it wasn't the same. There was no light in his eyes, making her realize she said something she shouldn't.

"It's late. Chalein?" he asked.

Knowing that he needed space, she nodded. But knowing that he needed that warm comfort of a friend, she slipped her hand to his waist, while his was still around her shoulder, as they walked towards their group.

_

Watching movie with her was fun. Even movie couldn't entertain as much as she did. With her face in hands, her expression tired and irritated at the movie, the sight made him smile.

"Nice shot no?" he goaded her knowing talking to her would be more fun, as they saw two friends under alcoholic effect undressing each other on screen.

"This is gross and illogical"

He laughed. "They're drunk Geet. When drunk people behave in an entirely different way than they usually are"

"Really? Had it been two men who got drunk, would they have sex, if their orientation is straight? Had it been his cousin over there, would he had done the same thing? Don't bullshit about alcoholic effects Maan. Alcohol lowers down the control you've on yourself. Nothing else. If it wasn't in the back of their mind, they wouldn't have done that"

He was in half the mind of shaking his head and laughing. "Everything doesn't follow logic Geet. You don't calculate when you fall in love with the other person, when you kiss them. It happens"

"Did it happen to you?" she asked and instinctively caught his hand knowing he would go back to his shell.

He didn't reply to her instantly and when she turned back to the screen, her fingers still laced with his, she heard him say "Yes"

"Can I ask why it ended?"

"Her parents wanted her to get married. I was still studying. I can't support her and me if we were married then. We are from different castes, and the only way out was us eloping. It didn't work out in short"

"Can I see her photo?"

"With or without her husband?"

"Very funny" she said even though she took the phone his phone that was extended to her.

"She's pretty" she breathed "But not as much as Divya" she teased.

"Kuch bhi, matlab" he said shaking his head pulling his mobile away, but the slight smile on his lips told a different story, and with a thudding heart she realized that the slight teasing her friends were doing with him, associating his name with Divya wasn't all a joke after all.

_

Divya Cherukuri, her best friend and partner in crime was sitting across her, her face in palms, stirring the coffee. With light brown eyes, and wavy dark hair flowing graciously down her shoulders, she was the prettiest girl alive. Her beauty was not just skin deep. It went beyond that, way beyond that. She was a great person, and someone Geethika loved dearly.

"So what's the scene between you and this Marathi mulga?" Divya asked raising her eyes, making Geet splutter her cold coffee.

"As pure as the one between Harry and Sally" Geet said as her eyes flitted towards When harry met sally poster in her room.

"They end up together in the end"

"Oh please" Geet groaned

"I am being serious here Geethika" Divya said "Are you sure about your feelings?"

"Very much. He's a friend. Besides he likes you"

Divya didn't reply. "I know" she said after a beat, and forwarded her mobile where the top chat was with Maan.

"I never saw you guys talking while everyone was around"

"We talk in whatsapp" Divya said.

"Oh" Geet didn't know how to react. She should be happy, she must of course. It was two of her close friends ending up together. Then why had she felt something unpleasant in her heart?

"Does it bother you?" Divya asked, observing the minute changes in Geet, her gaze penetrating, warm and understanding.

"No, why would it?" Geet said smiling as she shrugged and lifted the cold coffee to her lips.

Divya smiled looking at the girl.

It's time, she thought. Almost time...

-

"Love is when your gaze wavers without you knowing it, when that single person becomes your focal point even in a crowd..."

It was what he told her eons ago, when they were at their romantic vs unromantic debate like usual. She found it cheesy, unreal even. But that day when they were celebrating their friend's birthday party and when Maan though physically present right beside her seemed restless, his eyes searching for someone continuously, only stopped when Divya entered the room had Geet understood both the things; that what he said was not unreal and that Divya was right. It bothered her...

-

She was standing with her back to him, near the window, her palm pressed against the window pane, looking at the rain. He walked towards her and pressed a palm on her shoulder, and saw her react to his touch though she didn't turn back to acknowledge him.

"Priya is engaged with her boyfriend. Marriage is in three months"

Priya is Geethika's younger sister. While it was a little unconventional of their parents to get their younger daughter married first, since Geethika wasn't ready to settle down yet, and since they liked Rahul enough, and thought Priya and Rahul are great together, they went ahead with wedding preparations.

"And?" he prompted

"I can't call her in the middle of the night like I used to. She can't drop in anytime she wants"

"You're exaggerating it Geet"

"I won't be her first preference anymore Maan" she said making him smile shaking his head at her, while pulling her into his arms.

"Maybe he will have a separate place in her heart, like you will have for your life partner. Do you really think it is replaced by other person? It can't"

"I won't mind her giving him higher priority Maan. I want her to be his world, so I don't mind her reciprocating it. Yet, when I think I can't go to our common room and can't fight with her over how messy she keeps the room and all those little things, it depresses me. Why do we need to grow up? Why should our preferences change?"

"Everyone's preference changes over time Geet. Yours will too"

"Never" she said raising her face to meet his eyes "Even if I were married tomorrow and god forbid if I had a fight with him, I would share it with my sister, but if I had a fight with her, I won't tell him that"

"There would be certain things which you won't share with her, maybe your insecurities or maybe your worries about her, which maybe only between you and him"

Like these moments... she thought.

Like these moments, a thought crossed his mind.

-

"Harder" he said, while she hit him with all her might in his stomach, only to hurt her knuckles.

The man was such a show off. He went gymming alright, and he was a fitness freak, but he also liked to flaunt them as much only to her.

Whenever she was angry and hit him, it hurt her, not metamorphically but physically.

And then he would goad her into trying harder.

That rat!

Irritated, she twisted his arm beneath his back, while in a fluid moment, he twisted the hand out of his grip, and at the same time, gripping her small wrist in his, he changed sides in one moment where now he has her arm twisted behind her, with her back plastered to his chest, her twisted arm held between them.

She heard a gasp of pain, while he loosened his grip, yet held her closer.

"This is how you do it" he whispered, his warm words touching her, as she turned her profile towards him, a sudden sheen of moisture in her eyes glistening, as she looked at him.

A loose curl of her hair went out of her plait, distracting him, making him want to touch it, tuck it in, and as his fingers raised towards the strand of hair, she had pulled her hand away from his grip and ran away from the room, leaving him bemused...

What he didn't know was that she went out of the room, and stopped just outside, plastering herself against the wall, as she tried to lower her heartbeat rate.

What was happening to her?

-

The classroom was empty, like it had been these days... Maan was not around often these days. He, Divya and their other friends go out often these days, while she always showed up a reason or another to not go out with them.

She had no clue why would she do it, nor did she want to think about it. She tore another page, for doing the math sum wrong, and tossed it away.

-

Maan sat beside Divya and watched as she laughed at something their friend said. His eyes flitted for a moment towards Geet who entered their mess, drenched in rain.

She forgot the raincoat again, isn't it?

He felt like shaking the idiot girl to life. When would she learn? He wanted to give her a piece of his mind, and waited her to come to the table they were sitting in. However she didn't stop at his side, rather walked further and sat beside Rohan, who patted the seat next to him.

In the next fifteen minutes, though he was physically present, his eyes wavered occasionally towards Rohan and Geet who were laughing at something not noticing anything around them.

"They look good together. Don't they?" Divya asked him.

"Huh?" he said at the unexpected intrusion in his thoughts and find Divya expecting a reply.

"Who?" he asked with as much of a blank face he could muster.

Divya smiled and thought You know who.

-

Two months left for them to pass out of the college, and it was a day when she was placed in a company she had always wanted to.

When the result came out Rohan, who was a good friend of her was there with her, and as she squealed in delight, he lifted her off her feet making her laugh, and that was when her other friends came in... including Maan.

While every other friend of her came in and hugged her, and demanded a party, her eyes sought out to him, and as she had seen him walking away jostling through the crowd of her batch mates coming to wish her , had she heard the same voice again in her head.

"Love is when your gaze wavers without you knowing it, when that single person becomes your focal point even in a crowd..."

-

It all ended just like that. They were still hanging out in the same group, but they never talked one on one again, like they used to.

Geet, as was already placed preferred staying in hostel room the most, while him and his other friends stayed late in college, preparing for impending interviews.

At times, he would look up from his laptop, whenever he wanted to show a lovemaking scene that would irritate her. And then he would realize she wasn't next to him.

At times, she would dial his number accidentally, wanting to share details about her sister's wedding, but she would cut the call later.

Missing each other was a phenomenon they haven't expected or wanted to accept yet.

-

One by one everyone got placed in their group, and they decided to celebrate grandly. Geet however was not around who went home, and even though with everyone around, partying, he felt alone, as if something was missing.

As Divya pulled him on to dance floor, he smiled as he walked with her to join the gang.

-

As the invigilator announced the end of the final exam, Geet submitted her paper and walked out to watch friends locked in emotional group hugs, some of them tearing up, as it was finally the day they were leaving.

Her cab was ready and waiting, already as they were going direct to the airport from there. A message from Divya said that the cab was parked outside the college, and all of them had the luggage fit in already, and waiting for her.

This was it, this ends here. Though she would come back on convocation which is a month later, it still hurt knowing she won't be here anymore, won't be attending classes, roaming around in the campus, can't hang out with the friends anymore, can't have this life back anymore.

As tears welled up in the base of her throat, had she heard him.

"Geet?"

It's been more than two months since she heard him call that. As she turned to face him, with tears in her eyes, it felt a life time since she had seen him. They don't know who moved first, but as she felt her heart breaking with supressed sobs, she ran to him, so did he as they were locked in each other's embrace.

As tears spilled down her eyes, she mumbled "Why are you gone away from me? Do you know how much I missed bullshitting your favourite movies and books, you know how much I missed discussing Priya's wedding and crib about Rahul? How much I missed your rock hard abs? Why would you do this to me you asshole?" she said hitting him continuously.

He didn't reply. Just held her closer, while she sobbed some more, before pulling away.

"I have a flight to catch" she said not meeting his eyes, making him loosen the hold.

She took a step back, and looked at him. The mist in his eyes, the intense of his gaze was her undoing, as she turned around and walked away, not wanting to break down before him and show him her heart.

-

He tossed his clothes in the suitcase as he packed the remnants of the stuff. His mobile pinged with a voice mail and he irritably took it in his hands, and his frown softened as soon as he knew who it was from.

Geet.

"You are right Maan. I am selfish. I can't share the person who I love the most. It kills me. But I am not a coward to not express, and let that go. I want to tell this to you that I want you right next to me to watch all your rom coms, want to wear your oversized tee, want to show you around Hyderabad and kiss you near Marine drive. I want to learn how to punch you, and want you to push away the strands of my hair off my face.

"Me tuzhya mulachi aai honar aahe Maan"

The voice mail ended making him smile.

He taught her the wrong sentence he thought then, but he haven't. He did want her to be his child's mother, and his wife.

He packed the remnants of his clothes with gusto. He was going to miss his flight to Mumbai. He was going to Hyderabad after all.