FF: Forever and Always........part 43 in new Thread - Page 54

Thanks a lot dear!😊

Ah don't worry, still a lot left in the story😉

Maan's feelings are as important part of the story as that of Geet's and they will come I promise. You just have to wait a bit before he opens up about himself.😊

I can never ignore anybody's request and I always try to incorporate them as the story allows me to😉

It seems kabhi mai aap ke thread pe kaan pakaadti hoon aur kabhi aap mere thread pe😉😆

I understand di! Even I wait for free time before reading your updates.

'Load off shoulder'- I think that's the most apt description of Geet's condition. For years she had let Armaan's passing away be the only thing guiding her. She had tried holding on to him by force almost virtually living with him. But now she has finally realized and accepted that Armaan is no more and there is nothing she could do to get him back.😊

Yes she has come a long way from where she had been. I am glad you liked it.

That sentiment is actually one of the principle of my life. 😉

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Believe it or not I kind of described my own first date. I mean not the place r situation but the dress code.😆

Ab office romance na ho toh Maaneet ki kahani complete nahi lagti hai na😉

I will surely keep your demands in mind di!! Thanks a lot for all the support😃

Part 34

Geet was super excited about Meera and Sid coming to Mumbai. She was very jumpy and Vicky seems to notice that.

Vicky:" Hey Geetie pie, whats up? You seem excited about something?"

Geet:" What the hell is Geetis pie!! Anyway my friends are coming tonight. I am so excited to meet them."

Vicky:" Wow that's great!"

Geet:" Thanks! After semesters this is first time I am meeting them..."

Vicky and Geet chatted a little and Geet informed that she is going to take a leave on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Vicky smiled and bid her bye. She was about to go away when she received a text from Maan.

Maan:" Miss Song! Wait up.Come to my cabin before leaving."

Unknowingly a blush crept up on her cheeks as she walked towards Maan's cabin. Once she knocked she heard him say come in'. Maan was doing something on his desktop and motioned her to sit down. He continued doing whatever he was doing giving Geet opportunity to observe him.

Geet had watched Maan work numerous times but this was the first time she really looked at him with a different outlook and suddenly a professional Maan seemed a hell lot attractive. The way his eyes were scrunched in concentration made him look adorable and Geet smiled at the thought.

Maan looked up at her and found her smiling. Geet looked sweet while smiling.

Maan:" I see you are very happy thinking about meeting your friends."

Geet:"Huh!"

Maan:" I said that you are happy thinking about meeting your friends."

Geet:"Oh! Yeah I am really happy about them. Why did you call me in here?"

Maan:" I am hurt Miss Song. Do I need a reason to see you?"

Geet blushed and mumbled to self," And Flirt Singh Khurana is back!"

Maan:" Did you say something?"

Geet:" Nope but I am getting late. It is Friday and will have more traffic on the roads and I have to reach the airport."

Maan:" Yes and that is the reason I called you here. Just wait for sometime and I will take you to airport myself. Then once you all get settled in the penthouse I will leave."

Geet:" That is completely unnecessary Maan. I can just take a taxi there plus my friends don't know you."

Maan:" You don't want me to go?"

Geet:" It is not exactly that... I just think they won't be comfortable meeting with you like that... I hope you will understand what I am trying to say Maan."

Maan:" Relax Geet. Here take the key card to my pent house. I have already informed the hotel so you guys won't have any trouble."

Geet:" Maan you didn't feel bad right? I didn't want to hurt your feelings."

Geet was sitting with her face downcast and guilt laced in her expression. Maan got up and came near where she was sitting. He kept his finger at her chin and raised her face making her look at him.

Maan:"Do I look like a person who has been hurt?"

Geet simply nodded her head in negative. Maan pulled her up into standing position and tucked an estranged hair behind her ears. Then he softly whispered," Geet I understand that this entire concept of us wil be hard to digest for them. I just wanted to take you to airport since it means getting a long drive with you but now that I can't I want you to take my car."

Geet was about to interrupt when Maan kept his fingers on her soft lips and said," It's either you taking my car or I taking you in my car. You pick."

Geet smiled a little. Then she said," I pick your car and driver then. That way I can say that my generous boss had given me the facility."

Maan:" Am I just your generous boss huh Geet?"

Geet:" Am I missing something?"

Maan:" May be..."

Geet:" What say Mr Khurana we continue this argument some other time because I am really getting late?"

Maan:" You are right Geet. Nakul my personal driver will be waiting for you outside the gates Geet. "

Geet:" If I am taking your car how will you go home Maan?"

Maan:" I do have more than one car Geet!"

Geet:" Show off much?"

Maan smiled and it felt natural to hug her lightly and place a soft kiss on her forehead. Geet left but her heart was filled with happiness. It did not feel wrong to be with Maan. On tha contrary it felt somewhat right to be with him. Maan and Armaan were opposites. Armaan was adventurous and like a whirlwind. He was always excited to take new chances and taking risks was his second name. Whereas Maan was different; He was more like the light breeze that has a soothing effect on one. He was more matured and calm compared to Armaan probably because he was older than him. Yet Maan had finally captured Geet's heart a bit and even though it was too early to make something out of it Maan was still an important part of Geet's life.

******

The Mumbai airport is one of the busiest airports in India and a lot of flights are scheduled to arrive making it a time consuming task to collect the baggages. Both Sid and Meera had decided that whoever reaches first would wait and they would leave together to search for Geet.

Meera's flight had arrived five minutes prior to Sid's. However due to extreme air traffic they both were delayed at the baggage belt. It took almost half an hour before they could come out of the arrival gates of the Mumbai domestic airport.

Geet had texted them both that they should enquire about the car pick up point where Geet is waiting for them. They enquired with one of the airport security officers and then finally reached at the pick up point.

Soon they could find Geet sitting inside a BMW. They both were quite shocked at this however to avoid congestion of traffic got inside while the driver helped putting their luggages inside the trunk.

Sid:" Geet is there something you are not telling us?"

Geet:" What do you mean Sid?"

Meer:" Did you win a lottery or something. How the hell do you have such car and driver?

Geet laughed out and the inside of the car was filled with her musical laughter. Meer and Sid were happily surprised with Geet. It was like almost the old Geet was back.

Geet controlled her laughter a bit and said," This is not my car duffers. My boss had kindly offered his car so I can receive you guys from airport. "

Meer:" Wow Geet, your boss seems like a good person."

Geet:" Yeah he is. Sometimes I feel he is too good to be true!"

Sid:" Why? What's so special about him? I don't want to be rude but I am genuinely curious. You seem like you are worshipping him and that is something Geet Handa never does."

Geet smiled and winked at Sid.

Geet:" I am sure we can talk about that later my dear friend."

Once the driver dropped them at the Khurana Hotel branch at lower Parel Nakul left after greeting Geet. Sid and Meera had their mouths wide open looking at the glamerous hotel.

Sid:" Geet have you gone out of your mind or something that you brought us here?"

Geet:" Have some faith Sid!"

Meer:" No Geet. We can't afford this place."

Geet:" If you both duffers are done follow me."

Geet approached the reception while Sid and Meer continued looking at each other and slowly walked inside carrying their luggages.

Geet talked with the receptionist for a minute and they started walking in a particular direction. One of the room-service boys working in the hotel helped them with their luggage upto what seemed like a private lift. The boy said to Geet," Ma'am this lift will take you directly to the penthouse. Your key card will help you open the room. In case you need any assistance or anything else please call 9 for reception and 98 for the kitchen to place orders."

The entire time, Meera and Sid were too stunned to speak. Once they reached the pent house and Geet asked them to settle down however Sid opened his mouth.

Sid:" Geet this is not funny. We can't even afford one room at this place let alone this pent house. What were you thinking?"

Sid would have kept on with his venting out but Meera kept her hand on his shoulder to stop him and said softly," Geet I don't know what you were thinking but this place is way costlier than what we can ever afford."

Geet was waiting for them to stop bombarding her with questions so that she can clear their doubt. However the naughtiness long lost in her had crept back in the last few days. With amusement in her eyes she started talking.

Geet:" Meer what do you think, this place is for rent or something?"

Sid and Meer looked around for the first time after they had entered the place. Even though it was clean and screamed of affluancy it had a personal touch which can never be found even in a five star hotel room. There were some photos kept on a shelf and they seemed family pictures of different vacations. The shelf contained some books and there was a hand drawn painting framed and hung on one of the wall. The place was definitely not for rent. It was too personal with all these belongings. It felt like a home.

Meer:" No... I mean things scream here to be personal but then...how?"

Geet:" Meer this is my boss's personal penthouse. I was worried about you guys spending too much on this trip. So he offered us to stay here for five days. There are three bedrooms so we can still have all the privacy we want. We can have soo much fun here!"

Sid was serious even when Meera was excited at the prospect of spending five days in that pent house.

Sid:" Geet, to offer us to stay here was really considerate of your boss. But don't you think this is taking undue advantage of his goodness?"

Geet:" Trust me Sid, I tried not to take his offer. But Maan can be very persuasive when he wants to be. And he even wanted to come and receive you guys at the airport with me. I refrained him saying it must be awkward for you guys."

Sid:"Hmm but I am still uncomfortable with the arrangement."

Geet:" Don't spoil this whole purpose of visit by being uncomfortable. Just trust me and enjoy. He genuinely wanted us to use it so we can enjoy. Otherwise I wouldn't take the offer."

Sid:" Geet is there something we are missing?"

Geet:" What? Nothing as such! Why don't you guys freshen up?"

Sid:" Okay but do remember that I won't let you off the hook so easily."

As both left for one each room Geet also left to the third bedroom to change. While freshening up Geet could not help but think how they both would react knowing about Maan. Thinking about Maan brought a sweet smile on her face. She couldn't wait to share everything with Sid and Meera.

Suddenly her cell rang and she picked it up to find Maan calling.

Geet:" Hello!"

Maan:" Hello Geet, I just wanted to ensure that everything is okay. I hope you guys did not have any issues?"

Geet:" Not at all Maan. And the last time I came to the penthouse I was too angry to notice anything. But this time I dresay it is beautiful."

Maan:" I am glad you think so Geet. You should check out the terrace. At night when the world is sleeping it is an amazing experience to go out and have a look of the city from there."

Geet:" You seem like have done that too many times?"

Maan:" Yes Geet. I told you right that I use the penthouse when I want to have some me-time. Away from everyone and the harsh realities of business world I like spending time just to be with myself."

Geet:" You are a creative person Maan. You sound like a person who would enjoy books and poetries and just you know getting involved in creating something magnificent. Who made you a businessman?"

Maan:" Reality!"

Geet:" What do you mean Maan?"

Maan:" I told you right that I have a story to tell which does not have a happy ending?"

Geet:" I can listen."

Maan:" Your friends are here Geet. You should give them time."

Geet:" Stop trying to avoid the question Maan. My friends are resting and I am sure I have time to listen atleast to the answer of my question if not the whole story."

Maan:" You are one stubborn woman Geet Handa!"

Geet:" I have heard that thousands of times from Armaan and don't change the topic."

Geet could hear Maan taking a deep breath as if readying himself for the burden of the words to come.

Maan:" You already know that Daadima had been a famous painter. Among all my brothers and sisters only I was interested in following footsteps of Daadima. Papa and Chaachu had been totally involved in business and I think Dev had a keen interest even when we were teenagers. We were a close knitted family and Dev and Annie were interested in business while I was busy paving path for my career as an artist. However Papa had asked me to take some technical course just to keep my options open. I went for architecture at Delhi IIT and enjoyed the course. You see architecture made the use of creative side of me. I don't if you know this or not but when I was in my third year Mumma, Papa, Chachi, Chachu and Annie were involved in a fatal accident. Only Annie survived the accident and she had a fractured arm and leg which took almost another year to heal. Dev was in his first year of college and was devastated. Daadima had never really been involved in business and even after her help Khurana enterprise was suffering. It needed a young person with much energy and youth to fight the problems. I still waasn't really ready but then we suffered a huge loss. The company was on the verge of shutting down. This was my grand father's and my papa and chachu's dream that was getting destroyed. It was also ruining thousands of family's who work at our company and depend on it. That was the day I took charge. After completing my architecture I went for MBA at NYU where I met your brother. You were in 11^th standard that time. I handled business from there and then came back to India after completing the course. I was full fledged Buisnessman by then handling the business for almost five years. I had faced many losses and learned from them. And then I kind of enjoyed working utilizing my architecture skills in our construction company while my MBA degree to manage such a large enterprise. And you know the rest! And painting just remained my hobby."

Geet:" WOW Maan! I never thought you could have gone through so much. I mean we normal people think that rich people have it easy. But you have your own set of sacrifices and hardships."

Maan:" No success comes without sacrifice Geet. You see failure is truly the pillar of success."

Geet:" So you gave up your dream for others! That's really tough thing to do Maan."

Maan:" I gave up my dream so my parents dream don't get lost in to oblivion. I was the eldest and it was my duty to take charge. And when I compared my own dreams to the lives of thousands of families depending on our company including my own it felt nothing. And I still paint so its not like I lost it completely."

Geet:" You truly are an amazing person Maan. I am lucky to have you in my life."

Maan:" I am no judge of myself but I know that you deserve way better than me. I thrive everyday to be the man who deserves you."

Geet:" You told this before also. Why do you think you don't deserve me?"

Maan:" Because it is true. I don't deserve you."

Geet:" Promise me you will let me be the judge of that."

Maan:" I promise. But I am keeping the phone now. You must spend time with your friends."

Geet:" Bye Maan."

Maan:" Bye Geet. Love you !"

Geet:" I..."

Maan:" Don't fret your nerve over it sweety. Someday you will be able to say it back without any conscious effort and I will wait for that day to come."

Geet:" Thank you Maan. Bye!"

As she kept the phone off she felt thankful of Maan's presence in her life. Maan had also gone through a lot. His maturity is hard earned and Geet realized that fact. She wanted to support and be a true companion to Maan as he had been to her.

Time really heals !😊

loved Sid there...

waiting for the next!

maan share his past with geet n after that geet fell more n adore him more

waiting for next

Sid is alredy suspicious yeahhh

Waiting fr next