Part 31
The shores of Mumbai had done nothing to ease the confusion of Geet's heart. She was still confused about everything. It had been a week after they had come back. She had rarely seen Maan in this few days though Pari and she had been as thick as thieves.
One good thing that has come out of Lonavla trip is that Teji and Geet have had more regular contacts. It is like they had gone back to being like regular siblings rather than the unusual norms they had followed all those years. And she can't thank Maan enough for this.
However Maan was the cause of all the confusion in Geet's heart. She did not know how to feel about Maan. A part of his heart told her contionuosly that it was wrong to move on but another part of her heart wanted Maan. It did not help her matter that Maan was actually giving her space as she had asked for. Over the months Maan had become an integral part of Geet's life. Now when he wasn't there Geet realized how much she had grown to depend on him both professionally and on personal level.
Geet continued sulking without any apparent reason. Another Friday was here and it was too different from the last one. Last Friday was beautiful with them travelling together and the beautiful surprise Maan had arranged.
Sighing Geet packed her belongings to leave for the day when Vicky came up beside her.
Vicky:" Hey Geet, what are you doing tonight?"
Geet:" Nothing Vicky."
Vicky:" Hey listen, I and some of my friends are planning to go and have some fun. I think they are planning to go to Sutra at the Lalit Internationals. He had managed to secure a place for our group. Why don't you join us?"
Geet:" Umm... Vicky I don't think I will be comfortable and I don't know any of your friends."
Vicky:" Come on Geet. My friends are really nice chaps and I promise you will enjoy the evening. Come on when was the last time you did something real fun. You have been in Mumbai for so long and I can tell for sure that you did not really enjoy your days here."
Geet:" That's not true. I enjoy in my own way."
Vicky:" Come on Geet. Okay I will confess the truth. See one of my friends who was supposed to be my partner tonight had a sudden emergency and had to leave Mumbai and It is couples entry only. Now please just come for helping me. If you don't enjoy the night I promise I will never ask you out."
Geet was still not convinced so Vicky continued convincing her all through the way. He made the most innocent puppy dog face that at the end Geet gave in. Just before leaving for his own hostel Vicky said," Hey I will pick you up from your hostel at 8 pm. That way we will have enough time for some dinner before we are due at the Sutra."
Geet simply nodded and entered the hostel. Pari and Naina were having some discussion going on and both look liked they had just arrived.
Geet:" Guys, umm I am going out tonight."
Naina:" Going out where?"
Geet:" Vicky asked me to accompany him with his friends. They are going to the Sutra at the Lalit Internationals. "
Pari:" Wow! You agreed?"
Geet:" I did try declining but then he wwas continuously pestering. I don't know why but I just agreed. I guess I just wanted to try a something whole new not me thingy."
Naina:" Hmm but Geet, just stay safe. Except Vicky you hardly know anyone of the group."
Geet:" That was what was worrying me so much. But then I thought that I know Vicky for quite few months. He seems like a nice person."
Naina:" Just stay safe. Hey when are you guys going? It is quite a long way from here to Andheri."
Geet:" Vicky said he will come to pickme up at 8."
Pari:" Okay, so let's get you ready for your first crazy night out."
Geet:" Night out?"
Pari:" Come on Geet, this place is in Andheri. It is practically another part of Mumbai. So there's no way you will be able to keep the 12o'clock deadline of the hostel. Anyway, when you are going out enjoy the night Geet. Now we have a very little time to get you ready so you better head for the shower while I and Naina choose your dress and accessories. "
Once Geet was inside the washroom Naina looked at Pari and asked the question which was bugging her from the time since Geet announced her plans.
Naina:" Do you think it is alright for Geet to go out like this?"
Pari:" Even if it is wrong we can't change. It is Geet's life and she can live it the way she wanted."
Naina:" Still what is your opinion?"
Pari:" I think it is just great. It is high time Geet starts making some new friends. "
Naina:" Don't know why but I feel that Geet is just being reckless."
Pari:" No Naina, Geet is just being normal. I know you being the princess and engaged at a young age things were different for you. But this is what normal single girls do. They go out, meet new people and you know in general live. First time after coming to Mumbai Geet is doing things remotely normal for people of her age."
Naina:" I don't know if I agree."
Pari:" Geet is just in her early twenties, not some grown up lady. She is fresh out of college. Just for once don't think like Maan sir's sisterbut think like Geet's friend."
Geet came out and the duo stopped talking. Soon all three of them got busy and by the end of it all it all paid off. Geet was looking smoking hot. Pari's red dress and stilletoes had given Geet a different look. And Naina had used the straightner to straigten Geets hairs and done her make up. Overall Geet had undergone a total transformation.
It was almost 8 and soon Geet got a call fromVicky stating that he is waiting for her downstairs. Once Geet was out of the room the duo began their discussions.
Pari:"Naina, are you still with those thoughts?"
Naina:" I don't know why but I feel it wrong. "
Pari:"Because you want Geet and Maan together. You are thinking from that point of view."
Naina:" Are you telling it is wrong of me to wish for them to be together? Her lover is no more. "
Pari:" It is not wrong Naina. I wish the same too. But I don't want Geet to live like a widow in case she doesn't want to be Maan. That is precisely what Geet had been living life for all these years."
Naina:" Maan veerji is good for her."
Pari:" I agree. But we can't force it upon her. Geet is an independent woman and if truly Maan is the one for her, she will have to figure it out on her own. She is not sixteen. You can't force her things."
Naina:" I don't want to force her. I just don't want her to make the wrong choices."
Pari:" Yet Naina, it is our wrong choices that teach us about the right ones. Let Geet do her own set of mistakes and learn from them. If going out with Vicky is wrong she will learn a lesson and if it is right she will get a lifelong friend. And I am sure it will be the second one. I am sure I know a tiny bit about people and Vicky is a nice person."
Before Naina could counter a deep voice said from the door," And I agree with Pari. You can't force Geet into a relationship Naina. This one is between Geet and Bro. Let them figure out things on their own."
Naina and Pari turned to find Dev standing at the doorway.
Naina: "When did you come?"
Dev:" Almost as soon as Geet left and you both started your debate."
Naina:" You think I am being silly."
Dev:" No Tara, you are not being silly. Just like Pari I agree that yes or no, it is for Geet to choose. Now come with me. We have to go for the business party for the new project. And by the looks of it you are far from ready."
Naina:" Oh it just slipped my mind. Just give me half an hour to get ready."
Dev smiled and left for the reception giving Naina the privacy to get ready. Pari helped out Naina and then Naina left with Dev. Pari switched on her laptop trying to entertain herself with some random movies. Yash had a nightshift and so won't be available for chat.
******
Vicky was fun. He was the type of friend everybody should have. He was one who can never let you stay gloomy. His friends were all fun to be with. They easily allowed Geet to get mingled and soon Geet found herself enjoying the evening.
Since Geet does not like hard drinks she preffered a coke while others took something stronger. It was fun being around them pulling each others leg. Thye were taking turns making someone there target. Soon Priyanka, one of Vicky's friends, suggested that they hit the dance floor. Dance flor was quite crowded but then the group formed sort of a circle and began dancing.
Soon Geet found herself letting loose and dancing out. Vicky was beside Geet all the time looking out for her and making sure she did not feel left out.
Suddenly there was a change in music and a romantic track was played. Everybody of the group began dancing with their respective partners. Vicky raised his hand and whispered softly into her ears," May I have this dance?"
It seemed natural to agree and soon they were dancing together. But soon Geet missed someone. She craved it to be a different set of arms. She wished it to be Maan. She wished to be in Maan's arms in complete abandon like she had done at Lonavla that morning. It was then precisely in that moment she realized that Maan was the one for her. The only person who she can spend her life with is Maan because strangely Maan understands her to a level like Armaan.
Geet realized that anyone in this world having the power to make her fall in love again is Maan. In fact she realized that she might have already fallen for him. Maybe that is why spending time with him, sharing such passionate moments with him had never really bothered her. Maybe in her heart she knew that those were not wrong.
Vicky could feel Geet tensing up a bit. He knew a little about her, especially, about losing her love. He felt that maybe the song had reminded her of her past. He slowly took her by her arms and left the pub and stood in the garden area of the hotel.
Vicky:" Geet are you alright?"
Geet:" Yeah I am."
Vicky:" Geet, you seemed lost. I felt it while dancing. Are you missing someone?"
Vicky meant it to be Armaan but a ghost smile appeared on Geet's face as as she replied Vicky.
Geet:" Yes Vicky. I am indeed missing someone. But thanks for inviting me tonight. I needed this gateaway. "
Vicky:" Hey Geet, I am glad you enjoyed."
Geet:" You have a great friendgroup Vicky. It is fun to be with you guys."
Vicky:" Hey, that's cool. Maybe we can plan something together again."
Geet:" Sure, I loved pulling your leg."
Vicky smiled. Geet had never looked so vibrant like tonight in all the months he had known her. He prayed that whatever brought the changes in Geet's life help her move on and be happy. Geet did not deserve to be so sad.
Geet said to him," Come on Vicky, let's go and rock the dance floor."
Vicky:" I think you are a total party animal..."
Geet:" With good music I am always in Vicky."
Vicky:" Let's go in then."
As they moved inside slowly Geet took opportunity to text Meer.
"Hey Meer, I need to talk to you. But this time I want it to be face to face. When are you guys coming to Mumbai? I miss you Meer. Love you."
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