Part 18
It was the third day when they were alone in the home and were sharing a
breakfast in the solace of the dining room. Maan was stealing glances of Geet
who was deeply looking into her plate. From last two days, she was slowly
taking up the hold of the home. Cooking was her passion and she was thoroughly
exploring it by making few dishes and feeding the young old employees of the
home. She still hasn't joined the office. When Maan inquired earlier, she
delayed it saying that she will end her project first and then will inform him
but even after the end of third day, she hasn't told him. Annie was constantly
calling him up on daily basis just to inquire that if their train went on a
track only to hear Maan's groan. How he wished to be near her, to hold her, to
hug her, to let her know that she can always depend on his but these thoughts
were still a few steps away to become a reality.
Geet cleared her throat to get his attention and she got it. "I will be
able to join the office from tomorrow. What time will be easy for you to take
out to teach me?" Maan bit the corner of his lips while making a morsel of
food in the plate. His heart made a happy jump and that happiness was trying to
make a place on his face but he stopped it. He will do that in the loneliness
of his room later on. When he was sure that he had masked up his emotions well,
he looked up and replied with a soft innocent face. "I think from 8-11am
will be good. I usually don't have many meetings in this time. Later on you can
sit down with the accountants and analyse their working procedure" Geet
nodded. "Good...Then I will be ready tomorrow morning" Maan took the
last bite of his omelette and finished his tea before getting up and wished her
a good bye.
After signing up the portrait with her name at below corner, she took a deep
breath and covered it carefully with the butter paper. She only hoped that all
of her hard work will pay off well. "If I have been with Dhruv and my
friends..." She wished.
She was missing her university. She was missing her dance classes. Her friends.
Her students. Looking after a business was never her agenda in life. She wanted
to pursue her career in arts. Either painting or teaching dance. But for her
Nana who started this business with the hope that his children will look after
it and for her mother, who was too thoughtful with her every move just to make
sure that her daughter will have all the lawful rights to keep its ownership,
she has to do learn at least the basics. Even though it was the same business
which never let his grandpa love her but then, she knew, he was even not going
to love her otherwise and this was the same business to save which, Maan has
married her. But was that really the reason. A pang of pain raised in her heart
along with a doubt in her mind.
Should she stay angry with him that he took the most important decision of her
life without her consent or forgive him that he helped her save her mother's
business? But, wasn't their another way to save it other than marrying her? She
wondered.
Her chain of thoughts was broken by the voice of the cuckoo and the crows that
were making sounds from inside the trees of the front yard. She came out into
terrace and leaned on the rail to see the blooming flowers of different colors,
providing an eye pleasing view. Is her life is too on the verge to witness the
colors?
Being alone, having all the time in the world for herself has made her analyse
things more in depth. She knew, only saving the business wasn't Maan's agenda
behind marrying her and what other possibility came to her mind, she has
refused to name it. Being too afraid to judge her own feelings regarding that
four letter word. If it is then, will she be able to accept it?
The doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of someone. She watched the watchman
interrogating the visitor before allowing her in. A lady entered wearing a baby
pink sari and led herself towards the living room. Geet frowned at her easiness
of the way in and turned to get down and greet her.
"Isn't your Annie Maam in home?" The young lady, looking like to be
near about 30, was inquiring the maid. "No Maam...Annie Maam is off to
Bangalore for few days...But Geet Maam is home...Let me just call her" The
maid replied. And before she could go to call Geet, She found her descending
down from the stairs. "Geet Maam is here" The maid quietly left the
room to bring refreshments while Geet approached the new entrant with
hesitation. The lady smiled graciously and put forward her hand in a friendly
manner. "Hi, I am Mrs Ishita Bhalla...Your next door neighbour"
Neighbour? Geet wondered. She was used to spend half of her time while sitting
in the terrace but never once, she caught the look of her this neighbour. None
the less shook her hand. "Hi, I am Geet...Sorry but I have not been out
much to know about neighbours" Geet replied and gestured her to take a seat.
"Oh no problem...Even if you have, we wouldn't have met as we were on
vacation to meet my family in South. My daughter, Ruhi had vacations and just
got back last night...Annie knows us. In fact, she and I are really good
friends...She always helped me with my dresses and things" Ishita smiled
sincerely that in return made Geet feel comfortable. "I know...She is so
good at her work.." Geet praised. "That she is...In between...You are
her bhabhi right...While leaving for Dehradun, she told me that now she will
only return with a bhabhi in hand" Ishita giggled remembering the way Annie
had said it. But that statement caught Geet's attention.
Annie was already so sure that Geet will be her bhabhi? The whole plan was
already made before they even left for Dehradun?
"Geet..." Ishita's touch made her look up and remembering the last
question of her, She replied stuttering. "Yeah...Yeah...I am her
bhabhi" Ishita just smiled in response while Geet gave a forced one.
"Great...So now, as Annie is not here...I will ask you to join us..."
She took out the card from her bag and handed it over to her. "In this
residential area, every year we arrange a charity ball from which we always helped
an orphanage. Your husband, Maan...mostly made the contribution through Annie
but as now you are here, we hope you can bring him in this function."
Ishita said hopefully while Geet took hold of the card with interest this time.
"You just help them financially?" Geet inquired while taking out the
card. "Oh no...We help them with children's education...And then, we
provide financial aid to the ones who are brilliant and have strength to prove themself"
Ishita explained. The maid return with the juices but Ishita refused it.
"Sorry...But I just need to leave...Have to distribute these cards in
other homes too...Plus I still have to do unpacking..." She got up and
tucked her hand bag on her shoulder. "I really hope you will make it to
the party" "For sure" They gave eachother parting hug before Geet
escort her to the gate.
On the other hand, whatever spare time Maan got, he put it to arrange a cabin Geet.
It was a cabin just across his. Earlier, he had made it for Annie, hoping one
day she would support him in the business but as she had a total different
plan, he kept it locked. Now, it was once again opened to accommodate Geet so
she could also have her privacy. Maan was too excited to have Geet with him in
his office. His all employees were on their toes as rather than staying in the
cabin, their boss was outside, monitoring the changes of the room and if he
would see even a one employee being neglecting to their work, everyone will be
on the receiving end of his wrath.
He was just done about to leave for home when Rahul entered his cabin and
informed that they have to meet one of the contractors on urgent basis as they
are having some issue with the supplies for the new branch of their hotel in
Dehradun. Maan rubbed his temple and looked at the clock to see it striking
7pm. As per their routine from last 3 days, Geet would wait for him at dinner
along with the food cooked by her and no matter what, it was becoming a
temptation for him to get back home in time and have a dinner with her. Even if
they stay silent for most of the time, just having her close was enough. But
today he had to miss it. Half-heartedly, he picked up the phone and dialled
home number to inform her while leaving the premises of their office.
She frowned while looking at the food placed in front of her by the maids and
then her eyes took a glance of the seat where Maan use to sit daily with her.
She realized, she was getting addicted to these lavishes of life where you
share your meals with someone. Before for 7 years, she was asked to eat in the
silence of her room or in the kitchen. How you enjoy your food with discussions
on dining table or just with the satisfaction that there is someone who would
be there with her to talk to. She often used to wonder how writers mention
"The dinner was a happy affair" when half if her life, she only met
silence their but now, the last almost two months, she met with these small
joys and thoroughly cherished it. No feeling hungry anymore, she put the empty
plate away and asked the maids to have their meals and leave after putting the
dinner back in fridge.
Around 11am, he entered the home with the help of his key. The silence of the
home proved her that indeed Geet was off to sleep. Sighing, he was about to
move towards stairs when he heard the minute sound of the TV. Curiosity made
him turn his steps towards the TV lounge where he found her sleeping soundly
onto the leather sofa. He was stunned for a moment with the way the changing
brightness of light, emerging from the TV was playing havoc on her beautiful
face in such a dark. As always, A darkness lover. He smiled with the thought.
With slow careful steps in order to not wake her up, he moved towards her. Her
tiny fist was struck in between her soft cheek and neck while her other hand
was carelessly placed on sofa. Few strands of her hairs were falling on her
face. Her lips were curled into a small smile, telling him that she is having a
beautiful dream. He wanted to touch that smile. With impulse, his hand move
forward when right then she moved a little and groaned in sleep. His hand
stopped in mid-way, fearing he might not disturb her. He knew that sofa wasn't
one of the most comfortable things to sleep on but having her so close, just to
see her so near was too much of a chance to miss on. Hunching down on his knees
beside the sofa, he took an eyeful of her view before picking her up in his
strong arms, without disturbing her sleep before leading her up to her room. As
soon as he put the quilt over her, she snuggled into its warmth making a
delightful moan. He kept on looking at her before adjusting the temperature of
AC and leaving the room.
Their on the other hand, Annie called up Ishita and was thanking her a
millionth time. "Thank you sooo much di...Thank you...You don't know how
big of a favour you made even you just came back last night" Ishita
laughed at the way, she said it and stop her in between. "Oh don't worry Annie...I
completely understand ...After meeting Geet today, I am even more eager to
bring them together and surprisingly, this party came at a right time" Annie
giggled. "Yes, I know...I will also call Geet tomorrow and will blackmail
her to attend this party on Saturday night...At least in this way, they will be
introduced socially as Mr and Mrs Khurrana...And may be, they will get more
close" Annie winked at her side but Ishita could clearly imagine her face
right now and winked back. "She is so sweet yaar...I just got to spend 10
minutes with her and I am already in awe of her...and Don't you worry,
introducing them and then also making them spend time with each other will be
my responsibility..." Ishita promised. "Atleast now I can hope that
this alone time will atleast have a positive impression on their relationship otherwise
calling bhai left me with nothing but depression." Annie explained.
"Don't worry...I am on it...I will even make Raman and Ruhi join me in my
task...But I will miss having you...who will decide my dress and help me with
accessories?" Ishita pouted making Annie awe. "Don't worry di...You
do my work and I will do your...My assistants in Delhi, Maya and Priya will
come tomorrow to your home with some designs that I have left for you...Choose
whatever you like and you will find it ready on Saturday" Ishita thanked
her this time and both went to bed with excited faces after cutting the call.
Next morning, when Geet woke up and found herself warmly tucked into her bed,
her face flushed with embarrassment. She knew perfectly who must have done it
and that added more red on her cheeks. Right then she heard a knock on her door
and got alert. "Geet...You are coming to office today, Right? Then please
get ready and come down for breakfast...We will go together" He spoke from
outside the door before knocking again. "Yes...I will just be down in 10
minutes" She said out loud and heard the footsteps moving away. Taking a
sigh of relief, she quickly got up from the bed, wrapped the quilt and left to
bathroom to get ready along with her dress.
Feeling flustered, she came down, while playing with the edge of her light
green dupatta. But then she heard Maan talking on the phone with someone.
"Don't worry...I will just be leaving in another 15 minutes. Ask them to
hold on for an hour. I will see to all the details personally". Geet took
a sigh of relief feeling him busy and sneaked into kitchen to get her
breakfast. Maan was done with her breakfast when she came out and was back on
phone. The suppliers were eating up his ears right in the morning. As soon as
she was done, Maan turned back after finishing his call. "Are you done? let's
go then..." Geet nodded and they left the home.
The drive was a silent one as Maan's mind was pre occupied and Geet couldn't be
more thankful. Though her mind questioned why he hadn't woken her up to go back
to the room. Why he picked her up instead? But she kept quiet and let the
silent rule.
Maan was busy with his meeting while in the meantime Rahul showed her the
office and her cabin. She loved to know that she will have her private place.
Though she was not introduced formally in the office due to Maan's busy
schedule but all assumed her to be his friend that she felt relieved with.
Later on Maan came to her and started to teach her from the basics of
accounting. His attitude was totally professional not with a single hint of
personal touch. He drew the blocks on the paper pad, trying to explain her
things in simplest way possible and she got it. At least, most of it. They were
so involved that they didn't see the time till Rahul called Maan for their
deciding meets. Maan called the accountant who was a old age man and asked him
to keep Geet sit with him for some time and explain her things.
Geet observed everything around and felt more proud of Maan. He was just so
good at his work and do make sure that everyone under him too works at the best
of his ability. She was told that usually training classes were used to be
organized for all employees from time to time to help them cope up with new
technologies and developments and above all, he was loved by his employees for
his well mannerism.
Everyone tried to help her in their own way. Rahul too visited her cabin for some
time and accompany her for lunch in the canteen. Everyone eyed the girl who was
getting special treatment by the bosses but couldn't dare say a word on it. It
was now 4pm, when Geet felt tired and stretched her muscles after looking up
from a file. She wanted to go home and rest for a bit so in the night she could
concentrate on her studies for the exams with were still 20 days away. Getting
out from her cabin, she looked at Maan's one and after giving a cursory knock,
she get in on hearing his "Come in". She got inside only to come to a
straight halt. A girl, probably Maan's secretary was leaning on the desk beside
him. The front opening of her dress was exposing unreasonable amount of skin
and her face held a devilish lusty look. But unobvious of the scene, Maan's
head was deeply engrossed in the file. An unknown kind of emotion rose in Geet's
heart and she glared at the girl with a killing look. "Maan" She
called out Maan which quickly caught his attention while the secretary, Siya
was looking at her with open mouth. WHO THE HELL IS SHE WHO WAS CALLING HER'S
BOSS WITH HIS NAME. Before Maan could spoke up, Siya spat on Geet. "Excuse
me...How dare you call Sir with his name? Aren't you the new employee...Don't
you know the professional ethics?" She growled while Geet looked at her
with narrow eyes before turning to look at Maan who was looking furious.
"You Excuse me Siya...But how dare you talk like that with my BEST FRIEND
AND WIFE?" His voice sent shivers down Siya spine while Geet was too affected
by it. No need to say, Siya was spell bound. First by his lion like growl and
then by getting the facts that the lady standing in front was the wife of her
BOSS. She was in a trans for a moment before she quickly tried to rectify her mistake.
"I...I am sorry Sir...Am sorry Maam..." She looked from Maan to Geet.
"I came late in the morning so wasn't aware of the facts" She tried
to reason out. "That's not an excuse Ms Siya. You are my secretary, not my
spokesperson. How someone deals with me or how I deal with others is none of
your business." Maan warned her in his own way before turning his
attention towards Geet. "What happened Geet?" And in seconds, his
voice tone changed from angry to soft. "I..I was thinking to leave...Just
came to inform you" Maan was already on his toes and was collecting his
things. "I am done too for the day...Lets leave together" Maan
replied tucking the mobile in his pant pockets and picked up the file, he was
viewing before. "Tell Rahul that I left with Geet...And also tell him that
the presentation will be ready...I will work on it in home" He told Siya
who just could nod in reply, fearing to open her mouth in front of Maan now. Geet
waited on the door while Maan moved towards her and lead her to the exit
without giving anyone a second look. Siya burned in the back. She had been
trying to allure Maan from the last one and a half year. She was trying to grab
his attention from her silly remarks, her longing eyes and even tried hands on
seduction but nothing could make him turn and notice her. And here, a girl, as
simple as Geet had took his heart. She knew that was No one in his life just
two months before and knowing his attitude, she knew that no one will ever have
a chance till he want to. The news of Maan's marriage took her by shock to just
like anyone but she comforted her heart by saying that this wife of her will
also not survive in this relation with him. On day, he will too ignore her just
like anyone but today what she saw has dampened her all hopes to marry this
rich man. Maan had all eyes for Geet and anyone can clearly say that the man as
tough as Maan was hopelessly in love with her. Tears blurred her eyes before
she buttoned up the two upper buttons of her shirt and left to convey the
message to Rahul.
While riding back, Geet again took a glance at Maan while turning back her eyes
on the road. She was deep in her thinking. And for a change, the question
"WHY MAAN MARRIED HER WITHOUT HER CONSENT" that so use to haunt her
mind was no longer that irritating as new ragging questions took their place.
"WHY MAAN MARRIED HER? WHY SHE FELT SO FRUSTRATED SEEING A GIRL
PRACTICALLY OFFERING HERSELF TO MAAN AND WHY SHE WAS FEELING HAPPY THAT HE
PROTECTIVELY DEFENDED HER?"
A strong wave of air blew, making the dried leaves of trees from autumn season,
falling down on the dry grass. The tree hoped to get filled with fresh green
leaves, knowing that the spring season is just on the corner just the way
happiness was about to find a way in the life of Maan-Geet.
Next: Discussion on Love between Maan-Geet and the first close dance. ;)
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Love you all...Thank you so much for the lovely comments
Muwah
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