FF: Forever and Always........part 43 in new Thread - Page 48

Part 32

The night was amazing. They stayed till early morning and then decided to take a stroll at the juhu beach. So the entire gang reached there. Watching sunrise was a serene moment. Everybody was silently witnessing the beauty of nature while even in the loud rumblings of the sea there was a certain level of peace.

Geet couldn't help but find the contrast between this sunrise and another one few months ago. It was when she was at college and also her first sunrise she shared with Maan. That was a time Geet had lost all hopes nd dreams yet that morning had been a new dawn to her as well. She had somehow found back her will to live..

Armaan had always taught her to live every moment of life but somehow after Armaan Geet had lost the will to live. Meeting Maan had changed that.Slowly, patiently and may be unknowingly Maan had brought her back to the living breathing person she is now.

Vicky who had been silently walking beside Geet observed Geet. It was like she was having epiphany or something.

Vicky:" Hey Geet, wassup? You are too silent..."

Geet:" I am just ...you know...just trying to observe the surroundings. "

Vicky:" Just that?"

Geet looked up. Vicky seems to be much more observant than she had initially given credit of. Taking a deep breath Geet said," You know Vicky, I used to be a different person altogather before Armaan passed away. Then came a phase where it was hard even to think that I am breathing while he is not. Then I became complete numb. But one particular dawn, quite similar to this one I realized that I am insulting Armaan by not living when he had always inspired me to enjoy every moment of my life. I think coming to Mumbai was the best decision of my life. I became better. I am nowhere near the same person I used to be. But I like who I am now."

Vicky side hugged Geet slightly and said," You can never be the same person you once were before all these stuffs hurt you. They are said to be life altering events for a reason Geet. But they make you stronger and even better person. I am glad you are being so positive about life in generally."

Geet smiled. In her heart sh agreed with Vicky totally. These are called life altering events for a reason. You can never really be the person you used to be before the storms hitting you but maybe things were going to be better.

Maan was an amazing person. He had been a loving grandson, caring brother, supportive friend, helping boss, wise guide and understanding lover. He loved her. Yet days after days he had listened to Geet ranting about her lost love. It takes one strong man to bear the pain of understaning and accepting that your love loves someone else. But it takes even stronger ones to listen and support when your love mourns her love.

Smiling Geet said," Vicky, I guess we should get going. "

Vicky smiled as they both got on the main road to hail a taxi to lower parel."

As the taxi sped towards the south Bombay Geet could feel the new energy flow through her veins. Maybe this new dawn was truly the new beginning of her life.

*****

Meera just wok up and checked her cell. Then she realized that Geet had sent her a text almost at the end of night. What could Geet possibly want to talk about that she cannot do over skype or phone? Meera felt an inherent need to go and meet Geet as soon as possible. She dialed Sid's number filled with a strange restlessness.

Sid:"Hey Meer, I was just about to call you!"

Meer:" Sid we need to go to Mumbai."

Sid:" Why do you sound so worried Meer? Is something wrong with Geet?"

Meer:" Sid I don't know what is wrong. I got a text from Geet yesterday night about meeting and talking to me about something in person. Is something wrong? Why didn't she just talk about it over skype or something?"

Sid:" Meer Meer Meer! Stop freaking out. I don't think it is something wrong. On the contrary I think something is right. Maybe Geet is finally letting go or something. Anyway I was calling you about something related to this. I think I can manage an off for next to next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. That gives me five days of time which I think is perfect for our Mumbai trip. Do you think you can manage?"

Meer:" I will just talk to my supervisor. I had told her beforehand and I don't think that will be a problem since workload is really less for now."

Sid:" Fine confirm. Then I can check for flight tickets for next Friday so that we both can reach Mumbai relatively at same time."

Meer:" Great! I can't imagine I will be meeting Geet."

Sid:" I am hurt Meer. I thought you will be excited at the prospect of meeting me, your boyfriend."

Meer:" Oh Sid! Stop being over dramatic!"

Sid laughed. Everytime Sid laughed with such abandon Meer feels like the hole in her heart is being filled a little. Love really heals wounds of past.

Sid:" love you meer but hurry."

Meer:" Yes dear. I will. I am dying to meet Geet..."

Meer kept the phone and smiled naughtily. She could almost see Sid pouting and making faces not getting his I love you too'.

Contemplating for a moment Meer texted Sid," Hey dear, for the record I love you too!"

As if imagining his beautiful smile Meera's heart was filled with warmth. They had still a long way to go in their relationship and she is still a long way from being completely healed. But Meer realized that she is getting there at a good pace.

However Meera longed for a day when she can look at Yash and Pari together and stop feeling a pang in her heart and wish them a future together and not feel jealous. Maybe someday she can watch them together and yesterday's pain won't hurt her...

*****

Geet was so excited at the prospect of Meera and Sid coming to Mumbai. However something was bothering her. None of them had really considered where Sid and Meera will be staying while they are in Mumbai. Meer can stay with Geet but what about Sid. And hotels are out of question since two rooms for five days will be costing them too much. Anyway they are coming by flight which will cost them much any way. But then Bus or train means wasting of precious time. After spending so much time together they had grown to be family for each other and even five days seems like nothing.

Geet was busy thinking all these while taking a light stroll at the marine drive. Suddenly she was called from behind by a well known baritone. Geet took a deep breath and turned back to find Maan.

He looked casual wearing a tracksuit and a T-shirt. This was the first time he had seen Maan at such casual attire outside the sanctity of his home.

Maan:" I had been calling you Geet but you seem to be in some sort of Geet land or something."

Geet:" Was that you trying to joke Mr. Khurana?"

Maan:" Ah yes Miss Handa!"

Geet gave Maan a glare and both started walking enjoying the slight breeze. As if to start a conversation Maan said," Hey geet remember we first met in Mumbai at the Narimaan Point?"

Geet:" I do remember Mr. Stranger."

Maan:" Is it Miss Song?"

Geet:" Are you trying to flirt with me Mr. Stranger?"

Maan:" Is it working?"

They both laughed out loud. It was like all the tensions between them just flew out of the window and they were back to being Mr. Stranger and Miss Song to each other.

Maan stopped laughing after a while and asked Geet," Seriously Geet, how have you really been? I am meeting you after almost an entire week."

Geet:" And whose fault is that? You were like invisible or something."

Maan had an amused look in his eyes and said," I was out of country Geet. I returned today and since it was anyway a Sunday there was no point of going to office. Were you missing me Geet?"

Geet:" Yes...I mean No...I mean what I would have done had I had any doubt regarding some office work... Ummm..."

Maan laughed out loud second time in the evening. Geet pouted cutely thinking Maan making fun of her.

Maan pulled her closer watching her trying to walk away and said softly," Oh Geet, do you have any idea how amazing, wonderful and adorable you look when you are trying to hide your nervousness?"

Geet blushed hard and looked down mumbling," I don't like you right now Mr. Stranger."

Maan replied in his huskiest voice possible," And I love you Miss Song."

Geet had known for sometime that Maan loved her; but never before had the words being spoken so directly. Looking up she found truth and sincerity shining through his eyes. She waited for guilt or anger to surface but all she found was a strange tranquility settling in. It was like a man lost in dessert has finally found an oasis.

Looking up she said loud and clear," I don't love you yet Maan. But I am getting there. Just hold on a little. I have finally figured out what others have been trying to tell me for years. Loving you won't stop me from loving Armaan. You haven't taken Armaan's place in my heart. You have made your own space. And I have a feeling only you can understand my feelings for Armaan. Now will you wait for me to get there because I really think I am falling for you Maan?"

Maan was totally taken by surprise at her heartfelt confessions. Geet looked up to find love and hope shining and his face lightening up making him look much younger. He smiled one of his rare full smiles, one reserved for only his close ones to witness.

Maan cleared the clogging in his throat not trusting himself to be able to speak yet. Then he held her hand softly and asked the question bugging him.

Maan:" Geet, is this a dream?"

Geet smiled.

Geet:" No Maan this is reality. This is our reality."

Maan:" I can't tell you how happy I am right now. Heck I can't find words to describe my feelings. I don't think there are enough words in any language to tell me. But I want you to tell me something truthfully. This is most important thing."

Geet:" What Maan?"

Maan:" Is this your own decision? I mean I don't want you to take this decision under anyone's pressure even if that person is someone really close to you. So tell me truly Geet, did you make this decision for yourself?"

Geet's heart swelled with respect for the man in front of her. Even in this moment he wanted to ensure her happiness first. How can she not fall for the man he is? Wiping away an errant tear she said,

Geet:" Maan, this is purely and absolutely my own decision. I had made this decision based on my heart's desire. Nobody ahd pressurized me even a tiny bit. You may be the epitome of selflessness but I am too selfish. I am doing this because I want this. This, this connection what we have since the first moment I have met you, I want it bad. I want the life I once dreamt of. I want a lover who will be my friend first and understand me to a level nobody else can. I want a family I can call of my own. I have craved for a true family ever since I can remember. And now I want it bad. I want it all Maan."

Maan side hugged her and brought her closer providing her the strength and security of his arms. Then he said in his voice deep with emotions," Then that is what you will get my love. But Geet I am no selfless person. I have always been selfish. I am a mere human with my own sets of mistakes and regrets. Don't put me so high on some pedestal. "

Geet:" I wish someday you could see yourself with my eyes. You have no idea how amazing you truly are!"

Maan:" And I wish the same for you. You would realize you would always be the better person between us both."

Geet:" We are never going to agree on this you know."

Maan smiled. They kept walking. In the midsts of the crowded Marine Drive two hearts have finally found their solace and they were walking together.

Geet was a bit worried about Maan' expectations on her and their relation. Maan could suddenly feel Geet tense up. He nudged her slightly and asked," What's wrong Geet?"

Geet:" Maan I mean, I know we are in a relationship but I mean..."

She couldn't complete feeling herself blabbering without really making any sense.

Maan understood her and turned her to face himself. Then tucking away an errant hair behind her ears he said," Geet it is absolutely okay. I understand your apprehensions. I assure you that you will be the one deciding the pace of our relationship. I give you full right to make any decision regarding us. I understand that you have been in a serious long term relationship before and you will never really get over your past. I understand that aspect and never ever hesitate to share your past if you feel that would help. I will always be your friend first. "

Geet:" But what about your expectations Maan?"

Maan:" I trust you Geet. I have trusted you enough to give you my heart and I trust you enough not to break it."

Geet:" But what if I do something someday that will hurt you?"

Maan:" Then I will understand that either it wasn't really your intention to hurt me or maybe I deserved it."

Geet:" Maan! What did I ever do to have you in my life?"

Maan:" I ask the same question to myself every day."

Geet:" I hope someday I will be able to love you the way you deserved to be loved Mr. Stranger."

Maan:" I hope someday I can be the person you deserved to be with Miss Song."

They both smiled and continued walking holding onto each other. It was like everything fell into place for them...

PART 33

As they walked on Maan suddenly remembered the worry previously on Geet's mind. He asked her softly,

Maan:" Geet what were you thinking about before I called you?"

Geet:" Nothing important Maan."

Maan:" You are breaking your promise Geet."

Geet:" What do you mean Maan?"

Maan:" You promised me we will always be friends and you will share your worries with me. Now you are breaking that promise."

Geet smiled. Maan can be so adorable sometimes. Maybe completely falling for him wouldn't be such a difficult thing after all!

Geet:" Oh you remember about my friends Meer and Sid right?"

Maan:" Yeah, what about them?"

Geet:" Actually Maan they will be here this Friday and will stay till Wednesday. They are coming via flight to save time. Now I stay in a girl's hostel so even if I can manage for Meer, Sid cannot stay with me and so making only Meer stay would be plain rude. I can ask him to stay with Vicky but that would be awkward. So last option is them staying at a hotel. Staying at a hotel for five days is costly. So I was trying and thinking if there is any alternative for them."

Maan watched Geet intently for her entire monologue. She was truly concerned and it marveled Maan as how easily emotions get portrayed on Geet's face.

Maan:" I have an idea for your problem."

Geet:" What?"

Maan:" They can stay at my pent house, the one I took you to. It has three bedrooms along with attached bathrooms and a spacious living room with well stocked kitchen and an open terrace. I don't really use it unless I feel like having some me time. So they can stay there and even you can stay there with them. I mean your friends are here for you so I am sure you would like to spend some quality time with them."

Geet:" Maan that is incredibly sweet of you to offer but I can't accept it. It is too much."

Maan:" I insist Geet. Hotels in south Mumbai are costly and it would really be too much for your friends. If you had been staying at a flat or something this wouldn't have been an issue but now that you can't offer them your place for stay I think this is the best idea. I am sure in few months of job they don't really have that much of savings right?"

Geet:" I understand your point Maan but it feels like I am taking some undue advantage of your genorousity and that feels wrong."

Maan:" It is nothing like that. I am offering my help to a friend in dire need."

Geet:" Do you always offer your friends your personal pent house for stay?"

Maan:" I won't answer that. You know two of my friends; Tej and Adi. You can talk to them and decide. You can also think of an alternate but if by this thursaday you donot come up with something other than letting your friends stay at some hotel then I will insist that you take the pent house."

Geet:" Did I hurt you Maan?"

Maan:"Not at all dear. In fact your sense of self respect and self esteem made me love you more."

Geet:" How can you say such things that make my heart skip beats?"

Maan:" I am glad I do and even happier knowing that little secret. So how about we have dinner celebrating this special evening?"

Geet blushed but nodded her head positively.

Maan:" Dinner is on me."

Geet:" Why?"

Maan:" Today evening you have made me the happiest I have ever been in a long time. "

Geet could not really find a counter answer to that heartfelt confession.

Maan:" Last time we had pav bhaji at chaupati and I really loved it. So how about this time I take you to somewhere I like?"

Geet:" Not Trident please. I will be soo uncomfortable there."

Maan:" Oh I know dear. So how about a place not so high class as Trident but still somewhere I will find some good Itallian food?"

Geet:" lead the way Mr. Stranger!"

Maan:"Come along Miss Song."

Maan lead her to Pizza by the bay'. It was a beautiful place with a nice view of the sea from the glass windows. On Geet's insistence they sat at a seat by the window where they can have their dinner while enjoying the view. All of these felt really strange to Geet yet she can feel the butterflies in her stomach. While ordering she suddenly realized that this was in true sense her first date with Maan.

She had stopped thinking about dates after Armaan. Long ago when she used to imagine going to dates it would always be her wearing some beautiful dress with a man in his tux taking her to some posh restrauant and then after dinner they will have a slow dance. All of her imaginary dates would end in a goodnight kiss.

But reality was different. She was in black jeans and a white polo Tshirt with a high ponytail without any trace of make up. Maan was in his Tracks and Tshirt. It was more like a casual meeting than a date. However it was special. In that moment Geet realized that sometimes the simplicities of reality can surpass the intricacies of imagination because right then in that moment everything was just perfect.

Their first date was also like their first meet; unplanned and ordinary but a defining moment. Geet also had the epiphany that with the right person any moment is the right moment.

They ordered and then silence filled the table. Geet realized that she was officially dating the most eligible bachelor of the country; The Maan Singh Khurana, co-owner of Khurana Industries. Suddenly her new found confidence started faltering a bit. Maan might have realized the subtle change.

Maan:" Geet what is it?"

Geet:" Nothing ."

Maan gave her one of his don't-lie-to-me look and pressed further.

Maan:" Geet, you know right that you can share absolutely anything with me."

Geet:" I am worried Maan."

Maan:" Why?"

Geet:" You and I, us... We are soo different Maan. "

Maan:" No we are not."

Geet:" Don't you see it Maan? You are a rich businessman where I am simply an intern of your company. You have such a beautiful family whereas the closest I have to a real family is that of Meera's. Can't you see that you can have any girl you want and here you are wasting your time with me, a broken person? You realize right, that it might take years for me to completely accept you?"

Maan smiled sofly. His smile actually irritated Geet.

Geet:" I am not finding anything funny here!"

Maan:" I am smiling because you are adorable Geet. I know I am a rich businessman and you are an intern in my company. But I also know that you haven't even had your convocation and yet you are working in the number one company of India under a man who takes only two interns per year and that also only if they are up to mark. Yes you are nothing really big but you are fresh out of college. With time I am sure you will achieve things making your name.Who knows that someday you won't be more famous than me?"

Geet:" You are making fun of me?"

Maan:" No Geet, I am being serious. I know that you think that you are not good enough but what you have achieved at such young age people aspire. That is working in our company. And I did not do any favor to you; you achieved this purely on merit. About family, I am sorry Geet that your parents are the way they are. But you know the true value of family. You know what it is to not have a true family. And I am sure Meer's parents treat you as their own. And of course there is Tej. "

Geet:" you are telling this because it's truth and not to make me feel better right?"

Maan:" I am telling you this is truth. And regarding you being not able to accept me I understand. It is really difficult for you and I know that coming times won't be easy but I am sure we both can walk through the tough times together. "

Geet:" Still you could have so much better..."

Maan:" Why would I settle for better when I can have the best."

Geet blushed hard. It is really hard to argue when Maan Singh Khurana decides to go in all lover boy mode.

Maan:"I am not sure about something though!"

Geet:" What is that?"

Maan:"We have a huge age gap between us. I am not sure if I am the right person for you Geet. "

Geet smiled. She could feel his insecurities laced subtly in his words. Smiling slightly Geet said,"Maan I don't know what to say. I mean it might sound little filmy but I feel like I have grown a lot over past three years."

Maan:" So in other words you are trying to say Miss Song that you would have me in your life..."

Geet:"Exactly Mr. Stranger. Don't you think I had known about our age difference? I think I have fallen for the person you are Mr Stranger. "

Maan:" Same thing Geet. I love you for who you are. Your career or your family life doesn't matter here just like my age doesn't matter for you. I would be really proud if you excel in your career but if by some misfortune you don't still the respect I have for you won't lessen."

Geet:" Sometimes I wonder how you can be real! You are too good to be true. I wish I could do something for you in return."

Maan:" Being here, being with you makes me happy Geet. When you share your pains I feel lucky that your trust me enough to do so. I must have done something right for you to be so comfortable with me."

Geet smiled. Soon the food arrived and they had their dinner. Once the bills were settled they came out. Geet suddenly saw the Baskin and Robbins outlet just across the road. Geet looked up at Maan and said softly," Kuch Meetha ho jaye!"

Maan followed her eyes and said simply," As you wish my lady."

They had Geet's favorite Chocolate ice cream. The night ended in Maan dropping her off to her hostel. Before leaving he called her back and said.

Maan:" Geet I once again insist you to take the penthouse. It will be easier for you guys if you take that."

Geet:" I will consider it only if it is the last resort Mr Stranger. "

Maan smiled and left. For some reason she did not want to share the news of her new statuesque with Maan with Naina and Pari. Somehow the right to know first was reserved by her best friends Meer and Sid. Smiling she was going to sleep when she received a text from Maan.

Maan:"This was absolutely the best day of mine in a very long time Miss Song."

Geet:" Why isn't it the best Mr. Stranger? Should I be worried?"

Maan:" You have absolutely nothing to worry about sweety. I had my set of crushes but you are the only women in my life. I would share with you my best moment of life. But not today or even any time soon."

Geet:" Why Maan? I share my life with you but why can't you do the same?"

Maan:"I will Geet. Someday I will share everything with you. But let me warn you it does not have a happy ending Geet. So it will take a lot in me to share that with you."

Geet:" Take as much time as you want Maan. But remember I am there for you. Good night and sweet dreams."

Maan:" Goodnight Geet. Sweet dreams."

Geet:" I have a small request. I want our realtion to be a secret Maan. As long as I cannot fully accept you I don't want anyone here to know. I want to share with Meer and Sid but if you don't agree I won't share with them too. "

Maan:" its fine Geet. Nobody will know from me about us being in relationship. When you feel you are ready to share you will tell people. And of course you can share with Meer and Sid."

Geet:" Thanks Maan."

Maan:" Goodnight Geet. You don't want to be late tomorrow and your kharoos boss would shout at you."

As Geet closed her eyes in a very long time she had a sleep without any nightmares about Armaan leaving. In her heart may be she had made peace with the fact that Armaan is no more.