Forced Love = Complete - Page 58

Chapter 16

It's been a whole month that he hasn't seen her, heard her or talked to her. It was the punishment he prescribed himself however if the opportunity presented itself then there was no stopping him, he'll gallop the extra mile just to see her smile, or jump over the high tides to witness the wave of her smile. Maan hid behind closed doors in the hope of just catching a glimpse of his wife early in the morning and pluck his ears outside her door late night wishing to hear the rhythm of her musical voice. He was a sinner and people who sinned aren't granted easy redemption. The more he saw, the more he craved. Ultimately starving himself from the joys of life, office and his bedroom were his dark worlds. The gym become the witness to his agony, his pain, his regret and his failure. Blood dripped from his being like water but it did little to the pain he still felt remembering her cries. During the day, he spent countless hours in the office making progression towards a better Maan and in the night he'll fight the demon awakened by her memory. Although he hardly stayed at home he noticed her movement, her involvement in the household affairs and deep down it made him happy, to accept this place as her home, the place which was his personal hell. Who would have thought that this was the man who the world feared, the same man who took pleasure in ruining people and their dreams. But times have changed and so has he. Over the past few weeks he helped more people then he ruined in the last decade, he gave more charity than he ever loaned. Being Delhi's biggest lone-shark, it was hard initially to stop his illegal affairs. Lending money and charging high interest were his ways. Guns and body guards were his power but impressing Geet had become a target. He didn't know whether she'll ever forgive him nor did he expect it. But pleasing her had become the sole aim. Maybe that's why when Pari stopped talking to Geet, it hurt him seeing her pained. So he tried everything possible and now a month later Pari and Geet were best buddies. Anni was Geet's ally, Brij was closer to his sister than ever before just leaving him outside her circle of life. Possibilities of 'them' fading fast but hope of a happier Geet lingering his mind. He watched Geet become more independent, a self-made women. She was even appointed as a teacher at the local school, somewhere he hoped she'll share it with him, never mind asking he would have been happy just to be in the outskirt but each time reality stroke hard, that men like him didn't deserve second chances.

But it wasn't only him that was witnessing the chances, Geet watched his movement for the past few days. The Maan that stood today wasn't the Maan that she hated, this Maan was delicate to his niece, kind to his sister and helpful to the people around him. Being the kind women that she was, she forgave Anni after a week's worth of sorry. Seeing Anni cry herself to sleep, her profusely apologising weakened the hard exterior of Geets heart. Anni truly repented by giving up what she claimed as her own, her creed, her belief that Dev was hers. When all weapons where laid in front of Geet, she had no option but to forgive Anni. Maan lagged behind, maybe somehow Geet would have probably forgiven him too but then why think about the inevitable. Geet liked how her life was, a loving friend; a caring brother and a naughty niece. All she wanted was at her finger tips, a job; a house and people who loved her. Maan was a changed man to the world but to her he was still the man who ruined her being. But it was harder to stop her heart from being affected by his actions, his words or his personality.
'Pari samalke'
'Anni look after yourself'
'Naina eat this its good the both of you'
His caring attitude towards his family made a place in her heart, it tinkered the rough texture and smoothed the pain in her heart. Deep down something in her wanted the same care and affection for herself, seeing a tending Maan gave her some hope. Not that he didn't care for his family before but there was a new side which even took care of his helpers, papers complimented his charitable actions, people sang praise of the Maan Singh Khuranna which was her formally wedded husband and unknown to her, her heart noticed the change. But it was Pari's declaration that won her heart over, just last week the innocent child confessed that it was her Mama's doing or else Pari would have never been Geet's friend again making Geet's heart beat faster than a beam of light. A part of her wanted Maan to come and apologise so she could witness the change the newspaper and Anni kept boosting about. Although she herself knew it too but the hurt heart kept shutting her mind down, not wanting to be on the brink on insanity again.

'Geet you ready' Anni shouted from the hallway making Geet rush, tomorrow was her first day at work and both the girls decided to go on a shopping rampage.
'Geet please hurry up' Anni shouted again causing Geet to run down the stairs in lightning speed, only for her to trip on her skirt scaring herself and Anni out of their skins. But before her soft body could hit the hard floor, a warm pair of hands engulfed her, securing her in his arms. Maan had returned home to collect an important file, had Adi been around he would have asked him knowing that Geet would be home but since Adi was out of town Maan had no option. So he had to make a surprise visit home during the daylight. He only hoped Geet and Anni had already gone out but now with her in his arms, all the thoughts swam out of his mind. To finally see his wife up close after a month was like offering a traveller water in the desert or giving a dying man his breath back.
'Tum teek ho' he asked softly seeing her frightened
'Hmm' she answered distancing herself but still in his hold which welcomed her like rain on a summers eve or snow on Christmas day. Geet's heart finally felt peace seeing his black orbs looking back at her. Maan lost weight, his stubble grew longer and dark circles lingered below his eyes but he never looked better to her. His soft demeanour polished the last debris of her broken heart.
'Erm take this' he passed over his credit card which she took absent minded. Seeing his calm, gentle and loving avatar Geet was flowed.
'I'm starting work tomorrow' he smiled hearing her finally share her life still holding onto her for his dire life.
'I know, I wish you all the best and happiness' he said sincerely before letting go of her and walking down the hall but she stayed there watching him disappear through the giant doors. 'Did that just happen' Anni questioned herself, all throughout the month she had been trying to get Geet and her brother together. Not for her selfish reason, but to see them happy and maybe to get rid of her guilt which was maybe a little selfish.
'Chale Geet' Anni touched her shoulder bringing Geet out of her thoughts

'I can you believe it?' he laughed seeing his reflection remembering the little moment with his Geet. There was no repulsion, no hurt, no pain, no hate, no he even lost count now. But seeing Geet in his arms raised a hope, a longing desire that maybe just maybe Geet and him can come to be. But the next second his conscious kicked in, why would Geet ever accept him after what he did? Her pain, her cries, her tears all accusing him of inhuman acts. His work forgotten he headed back home to give himself the pain which he had given her, physical pain by attacking ice; wood; fire whatever would suffice his agonising heart.

'Geet I think we should buy that' Anni said pointing at a printed blue flared skirt but Geet took little notice, too occupied by her thoughts. A certain somebody and their hug still ruled her mind, silencing her heart which still remembered the pain. Passing over the credit card to Anni, she walked further down noticing a couple too involved to be aware of their surroundings. The man guiding his lady into another store, and Geet followed them. It was like a magical thread pulled her to them, their love; their care, their smiles. Something in her wanted all that for herself, a life free of love wasn't what she envisioned in her future. She wanted respect, honour and love. Her heart craved for that one person who solely loved her, who truly belonged to her.
'Geet that's Maan bhai's credit card' Anni voiced coming back stupefying Geet not exactly remembering when she got that from him or why she even had that with her
'Sorry wait let me give you mine'
'No its ok, whatever his bhai's is yours after all he is your husband' a chirpy Anni answered before running off in another direction pulling Geet along.

Next: Changing views and SURPRISE RETURN
Note: How was that? I decided not to dwell on the Khuranna's suffering rather to show their changed sides to know the extent of their improvements. Any guesses who will return?

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