FF: Forever and Always........part 43 in new Thread - Page 63

Part 36

As Geet had suspected indeed Maan was having an important meeting, something he couldn't postpone, on Saturday.

Last night she and Meera had been up and chatting till late. In between she had called and fixed the program for next day with Naina and Pari. Naina was totally happy about everything and was dying to meet her friends. In fact Naina ensured that she would be bringing Dev along.

However the chat with Pari was a different one. Geet remembered Pari's reaction when she had called up.

Pari:" Geet! I thought you would be too busy to even think about us let alone call..."

Geet:" Yeah Pari about that..."

Pari:" Hey what's the issue? You fine? I thought you said that MK had arranged for a place to stay for you guys. Do you need anything?"

Geet:" Pari chill yaar! No everything is fine. I had a great time with Meer and Sid and yeah Maan did arrange for us to stay. But I called you up for something totally different thing."

Pari:" Okay...why do I have a feeling that I am not going to like whatever you are going to say?"

Geet:" Umm, I am not really sure about how you will feel. "

Pari:" Let's just rip the band-aid away in one go shall we?"

Geet:" Well I had planned on visiting the Elephanta caves tomorrow. I have invited Naina and Dev as well. And it will be great if you come as well."

Pari:" Are you crazy Geet? I and Meera together are like an explosion waiting to happen. My being there would ruin the trip for all of you. No Geet, you guys go ahead."

Geet:"Pari just listen up a minute before deciding. This was not my idea entirely. I mean planning the trip was my idea. But Meer said she wanted to meet you. And I thought it will be less awkward if all of us are together in a big group rather than just you and her alone. I won't force you but think about it."

Pari:" I don't know Geet. I mean it will be so awkward. I am the present girlfriend of her ex. Do you think it is a wise decision for us to meet?"

Geet:" You want the truth?"

Pari:"Yeah."

Geet:" I think it is great that you both can meet. No matter how much you deny but you guys are stuck. You both don't even know each other yet are wary of each other. Maybe one meeting would show both of you that you are not that different either. You both can't be friends Pari. I am not crazy enough to suggest that. But may be meeting each other would clear the animosity you both have for each other."

Pari:"I don't feel any animosity towards Meera. I don't know about Meera though."

Geet:" But you feel insecured with her presence even if it is a memory. It will help you once you meet her to know that she is not a threat."

Pari:" You would convince me anyway, right Geet?"

Geet:" Trust me Pari, I wouldn't if I didn't think it would help you."

Pari:" Fine Geet, I am coming."

Geet:" Great, come tomorrow to Khurana hotel by 12 noon. Naina and Dev are also coming here only. "

Pari:" Which Khurana hotel?"

Geet:" The one we stayed in. It's near our hostel as well."

Geet had kept off the phone soon after and had drifted off to a dreamless slumber. Geet tried nth time on Maan's cellphone only to have it ring on without anyone picking up. She angrily mumbled to herself,"This idiot Khurana will drive me insane someday. Can't he pick up even once? It's 7 in the morning for crying out loud... Kharoos... Does he start working so early or what?"

Geet left the phone on her bedside and looked up at the ceiling. Even if Maan had told her last night that it will be impossible for him to join them she still wanted him with her. Strange how easy it was for her to be his girlfriend! Maybe because he doesn't demand anything she feels like giving him everything.

Her phone rang at that precise moment bringing a smile on her face.

Maan:" Geet, what is wrong? Everything fine? Are you having any problem at the penthouse?"

Geet:" Chill! What is with everyone bombarding me with questions! I mean yesterday Pari and today you!"

Maan:" I mean I know you slept late and so many calls so early in the morning... Don't you think I would be worried?"

Geet:" No Maan, I thought you would be happy that I called up."

Maan:" Now that you talk about that I am happy. But I feel you have called up for a reason?"

Geet:" Yes Mr. Stranger. But first tell me why you did not pick up the call before?"

Maan:" Oh I was in gym. I didn't expect an early morning wake up call you see..."

Geet smiled. What is with this man that he can make her blush so easily?

Geet:" Hmm... Maan, can't you come today?"

Maan:" Geet, we talked about it right? I wish I could have but this meeting I can't miss. I am sorry Geet."

Geet:" I just wanted you to be there."

Maan:" Are you going to miss me that much, huh Geet?"

Geet:" Well..."

Maan:" Well what?"

Geet:" Maan truly I want you to come. But just not that I wanted you to meet Meera and Sid."

Maan:" I will meet them dear. But not like this in crowd. They might blurt out about our relationships. Remember you did not want our relationship to be public?"

Geet smiled. How can Maan always be so attentive towards her wishes and well being?

Geet:" How can always be so attentive about me?"

Maan:" I guess I love fulfilling your wishes."

Geet:" Are you trying to flatter me or something?"

Maan:" Ah! How in the earth did you figure that out?"

Geet couldn't control herself any longer and laughed out loud. Maan said softly something incoherently but Geet could not figure what he was saying.

Geet:" What did you say Maan?"

Maan:" I totally love the start of my day. I wouldn't mind if every day starts in this way!"

Geet:" What way?"

Maan:" Hearing you laugh. It gives me peace. It reminds me that you have come such a long way from the person I had met at that lakeside."

Geet:" How am I different from her Maan?"

Maan:" She was a shadow of your true self. She had no hopes and dreams. She was numb with all the pains. You are so much more alive Geet. You are such a strong person. Look how far you have come?"

Geet:" I had help from my friends and you did play a major role. I don't know what would have been of me if I had not met you Maan."

Maan:" You would have been just fine. You have no idea how strong you are. You would have been just fine without me. I on the other hand... I don't know..."

Geet:" Okay, let's stop praising each other. We are both just awesome! Now tell me, is there not even a tiny bit chance that you could meet us later at the Elephanta caves?"

Maan:" Not really Geet otherwise you know I would have agreed long time ago. Now tell me why do you really want me so bad? I mean I am happy and all but I feel there's more to it."

Geet:" Well, you know we both share love for painting. I was hoping we both could enjoy the caves, you know looking at it and trying to interpret the sculptures... But now that you can't come I guess I would have to do without you..."

Maan:" I can't come with you Geet, but I promise I will take you there someday, only we both."

Geet just loved his sincere ways to appease her. They soon kept off the phone after their long chat. Geet smiled thinking about her long phone conversation. Her dating period with Armaan had been so less and even then they would never really talk over phone. Her relation with Maan is different. Now that she had grown up she could differentiate between the romantic notions in movies and novels from real life experiences. Love is not about red roses and romantic gateways but maybe it is about being able to be your true self with someone.

Meera found Geet smiling clutching the bedspread. Sitting beside her Meera caressed Geet's head and then asked," Let me guess the reason for this sweet smile...Maan!"

Geet hid her face suddenly feeling incredibly shy. Meera shook her head and said," Geet you have no idea how happy I am to see you like this. You are finally being the girl I had known before..."

Geet:" Before Armaan! I can never be that girl anymore same like you can never be the girl you were before you and Yash broke up."

Meera:" I understand. But I think you are healed. To a large extent at least..."

Geet thought that Meera was right to an extent. Yes she still misses Armaan, but it is not the stabbing pain that she used to feel earlier. Talking about Armaan doesn't make her sad. She can remember their happy memories and smile instead of feeling the numbing pain.

Geet:"Maybe you are right Meer. I think I have finally accepted the truth that Armaan will never come back. I love him even now and a part of me will always love him. But I think I finally let him go for real."

Meera:" I am so proud of you Geet. You are one strong woman."

They both hugged each other. This was almost like old times when the two besties used to have heart to heart chat.

Soon it was 12 and Naina, Dev and Pari reached the hotel. Geet smiled and introduce everyone with Meera and Sid.The tension was thick as Meera and Pari shook hands cordially. They had their lunch and then they moved to get the ferry boat to the caves. Geet thought that Pari and Meera should not feel awkward so Sid and Geet were with Meera and Pari. Dev and Naina stole few moments of alone time as they enjoyed the view from deck. The ferry ride was fun as they kept there discussions round neutral topics like the spots to watch in Mumbai, the latest movies or even how hectic job life can be. With a lot of encouragement from Geet and cordial welcome from Meera and Sid, Pari slowly started taking part.

Once they reached Elephanta Dev and Naina joined them back. The walk to caves was strenuous, particularly for a person who does not exercise regularly. All of them were enjoying inspite because of the continous jokes they were cracking. They got a mango drink bottle and had their shades on to help them against the direct rays of sun.

However Naina was frightened by the number of mokeys sitting by the staircase. Dev side hugged her and led her forward. In all this Pari and Meera talked like normal friends forgetting their usual complicated relation. Slowly they ganged up to make fun of Geet. It was like one large group. Nobody could actually tell that they just met that day.

Once in the caves Geet was totally in different world. She was watching the ruins with the eyes of an artist. The others all knew Geet enough to not disturb her. Meera -Sid, Dev- Naina took opportunity to have some alone time while Pari walked with Geet.

Having Geet talk animatedly about the ruins and the art forms of that era made Pari enjoy them as well. Finishing up Geet asked the question bugging her for a long time.

Geet:" Pari, I hope you are enjoying yourself! I don't want you to be bored or feel awkward."

Pari:" Surprisingly Geet, I am enjoying.You were right. Meera and I are similar yet different."

Geet:" I am glad to know you think so."

As they were chatting they met others outside the cave. They hadn't even noticed and hours have passed. They had some great photos clicked. When it was finally time for the caves to close down the entire group started walking back. Geet was a bit tired so Sid and Geet was walking slower compared to the others. They had asked the others to walk faster so they can grab a place for them at the deck by the railings. That way they can all enjoy the cool breeze and view of Mumbai city slowly coming into view.

However, call it intervention of Fate or something; Geet and Sid were left behind to catch another ferry as the ferry where others were started moving before either Geet and Sid could board it or others could go back and wait. They contacted each other to confirm that all of them would be meeting at the gateway of India.

Pari and Meera stood awkwardly as Dev and Naina were standing somewhere else. Meera cleared her throat and said,

Meera:" Looks like the entire cosmos is conspiring so we can talk ..."

Pari smiled. Throughout the day she had surprisingly enjoyed Meera's company. Smiling at her dramatic way of describing their predicament Pari looked at her.

Pari:" I guess you are right. Maybe we should talk."