Carpe Diem!
"The enjoyment of the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future"
"Phew... Finally" sighed Geet as she walked out of Port Blair Airport. She couldn't believe that she was finally here after so much of convincing her parents to let her go on a solo trip to Andaman Islands.
She quickly reached the Jetty and took a ferry to Havelock where she would be spending the rest of her 5 days. As she found a seat on the deck and settled down she finally breathed the fresh clean air and felt peace she hadn't felt for a long time now.
The ferry soon started to Havelock and Geet enjoyed the quiet ride watching the beautiful play of nature in front of her.
As she enjoyed the cool breeze her hair seemed to play catch with the wind. As she tried to tie them she heard a click and looked up to see a young guy about her age with a camera in his hand which was pointed at her. As she looked he lowered his camera and what she saw mesmerised her into silence. Two deep brown eyes stared back at her. As she took his face in she realised he had perfect M shaped lips with a stubble covering most of his face. And his hair slightly swept by the wind showed flecks of brown where the sun was touching them. As she continued to stare she saw his face transform as he went from smiling to smirking.
"Done staring at me?" were the first words she heard of his. He has a nice deep yet slightly husky voice she thought but realising where her thought was going mentally smacked herself and cleared her throat and said, "Don't you have any respect for privacy? At least have the courtesy to ask permission before clicking anyone's pictures" and turned away from him.
Maan who had finally taken a short break from his hectic office schedule couldn't believe his luck when he got the first flight to Port Blair. Finally he could practice Diving again. He was a trained personnel but never found the time to practice and finally had gotten away. As he got into the ferry he realised that it was too crammed to sit there and so took his backpack and had moved to the deck. Looking around he realised that it was perfect light setting to take some pictures and as he was trying some shots he saw this beautiful girl bent over the deck with her side profile seen to him. Her face was covered with her hair and it looked like a perfect picture and he clicked it before he lost his muse. As he looked she turned to him and it was as if she was an angel on this earth with the sunlight creating a perfect halo behind her. Her light hazel eyes seemed to twinkle but it could have been the lights play too. As he looked he saw an imperfectly perfect round face with brown hair. He wished he could capture this image but he knew he should ask her first and as he was able to he realised that she was lost staring at him. Well what a better way to begin conversation than with a cocky comment and so he began but who knew that was the wrong thing to do.
After hearing her reply he went and stood next to her and tapped her shoulder. As she turned he moved his camera so that she could see the picture he took of her and said, "If you don't like it I will delete it but I rather not" As Geet looked at it she was amazed that the picture didn't show her face yet captured a beautiful scene with an amazing background. She returned his camera and said, "I don't mind it. It's really beautiful"
Maan smiled and forwarded his hand and said, "Hi I'm Maan. Maan Khurana. And you are?"
Geet looked at his hand and was hesitate to introduce herself but ignored her brain and shook his hand and with a small smile said," Hi I'm Geet. Geet Handa. Nice to meet you"
Maan chuckled and said, "So formal. Chill you can relax. By the way Handa means you are Punjabi right? So are you from North?"
Geet frowned a bit and said, "Yes I'm a Punjabi but no I'm not from North. I'm from Bangalore" and thought that all people were the same assuming without knowing unknowingly doing the same.
Maan unknown to her thoughts continued, "Oh wow Bangalore. I have never visited it but heard the weather is amazing throughout the year"
Geet smiled remembering her city and said, "Yes it is. Have you heard the song 'Give me some sunshine.. Give me some rain' from 3 Idiots?"
Maan nodded and Geet with a small laughed continued, "That is true for Bangalore. You can expect Sunshine and then suddenly there is a heavy out pour. Unpredictable but lovely always"
Maan smiled and said, "I'm from Mumbai. What do you do?"
Geet, "I'm an Interior Designer and you?"
Maan, "Wow cool. I'm a stock broker in a private bank. So where are going to Havelock or Neil Island?"
Geet, "Havelock and you?"
Maan smiled and said, "Same Havelock"
Geet smiled and turned away and looked at the scenery around and wondered what was she doing? Being 25 years old and an Interior Designer had its own pressures in life. Her parents wanted her to settle down but she felt she wasn't yet ready for it and needed to discover who she was before getting into any new relationship. She had a boyfriend or two but neither lasted with her demanding career and her reserved nature. She had wanted to be an Interior Designer from her college times and worked hard to achieve what she lacked. But since the past few months life had become stagnant with the same demands of clients and parental pressure. She desperately needed a break from it all and finally had been able to convince her family after a lot of forth and back. She really hoped she could finally discover what she might have been missing for a long time. Travelling had always fascinated her but with her career and family she could never do it and finally she was on her first solo trip. Talking to a stranger was never really easy with her being painfully shy and she felt as if she had finally made progress albeit a small one by having a small conversation with a complete stranger.
Maan seeing her busy in her thoughts drifted apart and continued capturing some more pictures for his collection. Maan had not felt connected to nature in a long time now and was really glad that he could now do it without any disturbance. As he thought that his phone rang and he sighed and said, "Too soon. Thought too soon" and picked up the call and got busy in it.
Soon they reached Havelock and went on their own ways.
After settling in and freshening up, Geet went to Beach No.7 aka Radhanagar Beach. As she left the bus she was welcomed to the beautiful sight of the setting sun. The sky seemed to be lit with oranges, pinks, purples and reds as the Sun went further down the crystal clear water. It was such an amazing experience that Geet just sat there and enjoyed it. Finally her mind was blank and she was living the moment as she always wished for. As she looked the sun set and soon the skies got dark and the stars came out twinkling.
As Geet got up and started going towards the main road, she thought she heard her name being called and turned to look around and saw Maan running behind her. She turned and waited for him.
As he reached he stopped and started breathing a bit heavily what with all the running and mumbled that he needed to start running more daily to improve his health. After catching his breathe he looked up to see Geet looking amused at him.
Maan, "And we meet again"
Geet laughed at his cocky comment and said, "Yes we do"
Maan smiled and asked, "So what are your plans for today?"
Geet felt a bit taken back by his question but reminded herself that she was here to experience new things so replied, "Actually nothing. You? Any special plans?"
Maan, "Perfect then. Would you like to join me to the Elephant Beach? It's just a few minutes' walk from here and I heard that they are going to have a party there. Wanna go?"
Geet was hesitant about going alone with Maan and it was evident on her face. Maan tapped her shoulder to bring her out of her thoughts and pointed to few people who were going towards a small forest trail and said, "Woh sab bhi wahi ja rahe hai. Don't worry I won't try to take advantage of you or anything. You are safe with me and you feel uncomfortable anytime you can go back. The routes are pretty straight and easy"
Comforted by his words she nodded and both began walking in the same forest trail. As they walked Maan noted that she was reserved and didn't talk much and that intrigued him more.
Maan, "So Geet tell me about your life"
Geet thought about her life and a slight smile came on her face, "My life is like everyone's I guess. I have had my shares of joy and sorrow as all have had. My dad was in the army and that is how he came to Bangalore. Mom is from a small village in Punjab. I do have 2 siblings. One elder sister who is married and younger sister is in college finishing her studies"
Maan, "Seems like you are really close to your family"
Geet, "Yeah. Me and my siblings are really close. We have had a gala time always. We have always been like an anchor to the other. And our parents have always been an inspiration for us specially Mom. She has truly shaped us into what we have become today"
Maan smiled and said, "Truly Moms are the best. Even I'm close to my mom. She has always supported me and many times protected me from Dad as well. My dad and me have a love hate type of relationship. He never seemed to be happy with whatever I did but now I know that seeing me successful he is among the few who is proud of me"
Geet, "And siblings?"
Maan, "No only child but I always wished for a sister"
Geet amusedly replied, "Ah so finally the reason for so much cockiness. Being the only child you have been pampered always and now it has got to your head"
Maan smirked and said, "Yeah so what. Till it doesn't hurt anyone nothing wrong in being a bit cocky"
Geet laughed at his crazy logic and looked around and realised that they had crossed the trail and reached the beach. It was so different from the beach they came.
They was a bonfire light and all around people were busy dancing, playing music, talking etc. It was like a small explosion of activity in a very calm and serene atmosphere. Maan held her hand and pulled her along with him towards the bonfire.
As he reached 2 guys with beer bottles came towards him and handed one of it to him. Maan took the bottle and turned to Geet and said, "Geet meet my friends Neil and Matt"
Geet, "Hi"
Matt, "Wow Maan. You just reached today evening and you already met a beauty. Dude slow down" and winked.
Maan laughed and said, "Shut up dude. There is nothing like that. And don't talk about slowing down. I think its better you take that advice"
Neil laughed with Maan and said, "Matt why do you mess with Maan. You know that he won't let it go"
Matt, "Yeah yeah whatever" and left to catch up with some of his other friends. Soon Neil too left. Once they left Maan asked Geet if she would like anything and when Geet denied they moved closer towards the beach.
They never realised when they got lost in talking and forgot all about the party happening just a few distance away. After a while when Maan realised his beer bottle was empty they decided to get back to the party. Maan told Geet to wait near the bonfire while he got some drinks for both of them.
As Geet was waiting she saw a tall girl with fiery red hair which looked like the fire burning in the bonfire. She was easily noticeable because of her hair. As Geet looked the girl began dancing and started pulling all people around her to join her.
After a few minutes she saw the same girl in front of her telling her to join in. Geet shook her head but the girl wouldn't take no for an answer and pulled her in. Geet didn't know what to do and just moved her hands hesitantly. Soon she began to loosen up and started enjoying the beats. In no time she and the girl were dancing and jumping around with no worries in the world. Geet forgot about everything and just enjoyed the high from dancing around. As she was dancing she didn't realise the girl had left and was busy dancing with someone else.
Geet came to her senses when she felt a hand around her stomach pulling her back. The person pulled her really close and began dancing sensuously. Geet was about to try n push him when she heard him, "Relax Geet it's me Maan"
Geet sighed in relief and tried to relax but being so close to Maan was making her feel a lot of unknown things. She enjoyed the feel of his hand yet felt tingling all over her body whenever he came close. He took her hand and spinned her for about two rounds and when she stopped she was now facing him. Suddenly the music around them started to slow and people to pair up. Maan pulled her close and left her with no option but to wrap her hands around his neck. As they swayed they grazed into each other's eyes and it seemed like the perfect moment. Time stopped as it feels when you experience something new, different yet good. They never realised when they got lost in each other's eyes. It seemed that no words were needed again as their eyes seemed to do all the talking.
As they were lost in each other they heard a lot of cheering which seemed to have finally penetrated their bubble and burst it. As they moved away from each other they saw that a guy had proposed to a girl and she had accepted and so all were cheering.
After the dance it seemed that they had lost words and after a few uncomfortable silence they decided to leave. Geet left with the girl i.e. Rita who was also staying at the same hotel as she while Maan waited for his friends to finish partying before leaving.
Even though they had separated but both seemed to be lost in each other's thought. Geet couldn't believe that she danced so closely with Maan who she had met just that day. It seemed that the island had some magic that was changing her slowly.
The next morning Geet woke up later than her usual time, "Finally a good long sleep without that stupid alarm. Hmm feeling hungry. Let me get ready fast and get some yummy food in my tummy"
After getting ready in a capri pant and tank top Geet left to have breakfast. As she came out she ran into Rita who joined her for breakfast. After breakfast they decided to go to one of the diving school and get themselves enrolled because what was the use of coming to Havelock if you didn't do some diving and explore the marine life.
After enrolling for the basic course they returned to the hotel for a small break before returning to the diving school with their swimming gear for the 1st training session.
Meanwhile Maan after throwing out Neil and Matt from his room had decided to sleep in before going for his diving. After his breakfast he went to the diving school where he was requested to be a trainer for 2 new students as they were a trainer short. Maan agreed as it was a good opportunity for him to train a blessed before the actual dive.
At 2 PM, Geet and Rita reached the school and were given some paperwork to do and then some theory class was taken. As the person went out to submit the paperwork Rita began complaining, "What is this man? I thought we would be learning about diving and stuff but here they are making us do paperwork"
Geet smiled cheekily and said, "We are learning only na. Didn't u read in the papers the instructions for symbols to be used underwater?"
Rita's eyes bulged out and she said a bit hurriedly, "Seriously that was in the papers. I just read a bit of it in the start but then it got too boring so just skipped through it. G please tell what was written in it"
Geet wrinkled her nose at her new nickname and said, "Don't call me G. It sounds so stupid and chill I was just kidding. They had the instructions but they will again tell us about it during our training"
Rita puffed her face in annoyance and said, "G you monkey. Why are you kidding about all these things?"
Geet in a sing song tone, "Riitaaa Im not a monkey though all our Ancestors started from there only" and poked her tongue out.
Rita, "Uff you are so annoying" and poked her tongue out at Geet.
Geet laughed and pulled Rita's cheeks tightly and said, "You are so easy to annoy"
Rita pulled away and glared at Geet but before she could reply someone walked into the room and so both went silent. As they looked up all three were shocked.
Geet, "Maan?"
Rita, "MK"
Maan, "Geet? Rita?"
Rita, "Yeah so now that we all have said our names can you tell what are you doing here?"
Maan started laughing and said, "Same old Rita. Well actually I'm here for some diving but today I'm supposed to train some newcomers. What about you?"
Rita, "Well I guess we are the newcomers. By the way how do you know Geet?"
Maan then remembered that Geet was also in the room and looked at her to see a confused look on her face.
Maan, "Uh I met her yesterday and Im sure you saw us both at the party yesterday"
Rita, "I thought I saw you but wasn't sure. Anyways since all this is done let's go!"
Maan, "Yeah you guys change and meet me at the pool"
Rita rushed to change while Geet went around collecting her things. As she was about to leave she heard Maan.
Maan, "So Geet excited for your first dive?"
Geet turned and shrugged and said, "Not really sure about it"
Maan looked surprised and said, "Why?"
Geet, "I do know swimming so no worries about drowning but I'm not really good at it and haven't practiced it for a long time"
Maan smiled and said, "Don't worry even if you didn't know swimming it wouldn't be a problem. For the basics it is okay if you don't really know swimming. So not to worry"
Geet, "Oh okay thats cool. So I'll get changed and meet you"
Geet went and got changed and met Rita who was waiting by the pool but there was no sign of Maan.
Geet, "So how do you know Maan?"
Rita, "MK we used to go to the same college but after 2 semesters I had to change college due to some reasons. During college we weren't really close just hi bye types but after college we did meet once or twice and kept contact through social media but not talked for a while now. How did you meet him?"
Geet, "Oh okay. We met on the ferry yesterday. Then again met at the beach"
Before they could talk anymore Maan came with all the gears. One more person came with him whom he introduced as Jacob who was also a trainer.
First they taught the hand signals to use underwater and then told them about the equipments used. After wearing the mask, oxygen cylinder etc they entered the pool and tried a bit of diving. Rita got it soon but Geet was having some trouble with the breathing so Jacob took over training Rita while Maan helped Geet.
When Geet didn't get it write for the 4th time she gave up and came out of the pool. Maan followed and sat with her and looking at her gloomy face said, "Hey don't worry. Many don't get it here but do better when in the open waters. So don't worry and just remember the symbols"
Geet cheered up a bit and after sometime Rita and Jacob too ended their training. After changing they decided to go to the beach and relax. As they reached Jacob and Rita met their friends and drifted off with them. Geet just sat on the shore and was enjoying the sunset. Maan got them some beer. For a while they sat in silence and enjoyed the view.
But after sometime Maan stood up and pulled Geet up too and holding her hand ran into the water. After stopping he started splashing her with water while she tried to stop him but he was in no mood to stop. After a few seconds she too began splashing him and soon both were just playing like little kids. Geet then got an idea and as she saw a wave coming crept behind maan n pushed him into the wave.
Maan who wasn't prepared fell forward and crashed against the wave and came out spurting water.
Geet who had run back to the shore began laughing looking at him. Once Maan saw her he started running towards her. By the time she realised it was too late to run and Maan caught her and carried her and threw her into the wave. When she came out she saw him laughing and pulled his leg making him fall next to her. After that both burst out laughing and just sat near the water and calmed their breathing.
After sometime they started feeling cold and left for their hotels after deciding to meet at the same beach in about an hour's time for dinner.
After changing they returned and went to a nearby restaurant and had dinner and had a blast talking, making jokes and just enjoying each other's company.
After dinner they strolled around for some time. Finally they retired to their rooms.
Next morning Geet woke up early and put on her swimming outfit and wore a loose dress over it. After having a light breakfast she and rita left for the beach from where they would go to the diving location.
As they waited for Maan and Jacob they chit chatted about their evening. Once Maan and Jacob were there they left in a boat. As they were wearing their gears Maan noticed Geet's hands shaking a bit as she tried to tie her mask. He held her hand and took the mask from her and began tying it.
Maan, "Don't worry everything will be fine. And I'm also there so you don't have to be nervous about it. Just take a deep breath and relax. When you are done with her dive you will never believe the experience you just had and would like to do it again and again. Get ready Geet there is a totally different world waiting just for you"
Geet relaxed a bit and said, "Thank you"
Maan smiled and squeezed her shoulder. Once they reached Jacob first went in followed by Rita. Maan got into the water and turned to help Geet in. Geet hesitated as she looked at the water.
Maan realising her hesitance said, "Don't think Geet. Just jump and get in. Trust me nothing will happen. I'm right here"
Geet nodded and taking a deep breath she jumped in. In the beginning she was having a bit trouble adjusting to the light and feel of water around here but as they went deeper her mind started going blank and as she looked around all that she could look was water, types of coral, small fishes and lot of different types of rocks.
Maan pointed to an opening around an underwater cliff. As they neared it Geet saw different shaped and coloured corals. Around it a lot of fishes were swimming around. Striped, with spikes, different coloured, some big, some small fishes swimming in sync was a sight to see. As she looked an oyster seemed to open but there wasn't anything inside it. But watching all these mystical things was an experience which could only be felt and words were less to describe it.
After looking around as they were coming up Geet held Maan's hand and pointed to a large tortoise that was swimming around near the ocean bed. Maan nodded and pointed to another one. After watching it for a few minutes finally both went to the boat.
As she removed the gears she couldn't believe what she saw and sat there grasping it. It was truly a magical experience as Maan had said and she was eager to go back.
Once they reached the shore they decided to go back and rest. Maan told Geet to meet him at the beach in the evening.
Geet reached her room and after freshening up fell asleep from tiredness from the dive. After sometime she woke up and changed and left for the beach.
As she reached she saw that Maan wasn't there yet and so went to a nearby store where she saw some knick knacks which she bought for her friends and family. As she was busy in trying some pieces of jewellery she didn't realise that Maan had reached and as he looked he was really awed by her. She looked perfect in the yellow top and white long skirt just like the sun. He had got his camera today specially to get some shots and what better picture than his muse. He clicked a few pictures and then decided to go and help her out as she was struggling with the clasp.
As he held her hand, Geet gasped feeling someone's hand on her. She pulled hers back and looked back to see it was Maan. Geet sighed mentally and asked, "When did you come?"
Maan cockily, "Just now. Now turn so I can help you with the clasp"
Geet pulled away and said, "No I don't want to try it. I was just looking around. Let's go" and started to keep the necklace back when Maan held her hand and took the necklace from her. He then made her face the mirror and put the necklace and locked the clasp. As he did his hands brushed against her back. Even the top wasn't able to stop the current from seering into her body and causing her to feel the warmth of his hands.
As she felt the warmth on her back she could feel her cheeks get warm as blood rushed to them. She bent her head to let her hair cover her cheeks. Maan noticed her red cheeks and thought she looked really cute but didn't want to embarrass her more and so moved away a bit and looked at other things.
Meanwhile Geet calmed her raised heartbeats and when she felt her cheeks grow less warm she looked up to see Maan looking at her through the mirror and as she looked he winked at her and moved away while Geet just smiled shyly and shook her head after seeing that he wasn't there.
After paying for all the things she bought Geet came out to see Maan was busy clicking some pictures of the beach. As she looked she wondered what was it about him that was making her feel all these things that she never felt before. Whenever he was near her she could feel butterflies in her stomach and when's he touched her it used to either tingle or feel like she was burnt yet she liked the feel of his warm hands on her. And whenever he was around she never felt uncomfortable or had to worry about anything. He also made her feel comfortable and safe whether and it seemed that he was attuned to her thoughts and could always guess what was going on in her mind. She felt like a young teen that is in love for the first time shying and blushing when her crush notices her and that wink oh god he looked so handsome and when he smiles it just melts her heart a little.
As she was lost in her thoughts Maan came next to her and flicked her head back lightly and said, "Stop dreaming about me Geet. Im right here with you"
Geet came to her senses and said with a frown, "Who said I was dreaming about you. Please I have better taste than that" and went ahead shaking her head at his cockiness.
Maan smirked and followed her. He guided her to the same forest trail they had been to the office day flower the party but after walking a little distance he showed her the small trail which was a bit hidden. As they walked he said, "So Geet I didn't ask you then but how did you feel after your first dive?"
Geet smiled remembering her dive and said, "It was totally an out of the world experience as you said. I can just say that it was a mixture of magic and fantasy come true. Might seem a bit over exaggerated but I guess for me it was one of the best experience of my life"
Maan, "I know what you mean and no its not exaggeration. I remember my 1st time very well. I did it in Lakshwadeep Island. It has some of the amazing coral beds one can see. I have always been an adventure enthusiast and when I took my first dive and that too with my dad it was just amazing. I can never forget the mesmerised scene I saw when the corals and fishes created a new world altogether. That was among the few times when we have bonded well over something and I will never ever forget it. After that I have wanted to explore more and have tried to whenever I can"
Geet, "You are really passionate about diving right"
Maan, "Yes! It's one of those moments where I forget everything and just live in the moment. We all are so busy running with a lot of things to do that we forget to live in the moment. So this is a reminder to live and enjoy the small moments of life"
Geet smiled and said, "Carpe Diem!"
Maan, "Carpe Diem?"
Geet, "Yes Carpe Diem means live in the moment!"
Maan, "Which language is it?"
Geet, "Latin"
Maan looking surprised asked, "You know Latin as well?"
Geet smiled and nodded, "Yeah a little"
By then they reached the river. It had mangrove trees growing and they seemed to float around. The river was very clear and almost still. The whole setting looked really dreamy with tall green trees, clear blue water and light seeping through gaps between the trees. Geet gasped looking at this wonderful place.
As she was lost in the beauty Maan pulled out his camera and took a few shots of the scene as well as Geet. Once Geet had grasped the surreal location she sat near the river on a log. Maan too sat next to her. They sat in the silence for a while and just enjoyed the silence and the nature. No words were required to fill the silence.
As Geet looked around she saw a small white fur ball and as she bent to pick it up it stood and jumped away while Geet looked surprised. Maan who had been watching her began laughing seeing the rabbit bounce away while Geet was flabbergasted.
Geet hearing him laugh huffed and turned away and said, "Yeah yeah you don't need to laugh so much. It could have happened to you too. Hmph"
Maan went to her and tapped her shoulder but she shrugged his hand away. He tried again but she didn't give in. He then didn't do anything but took a few steps away while Geet was getting curious as to what Maan was up to. When she didn't hear anything she turned but saw that there was no one. She looked around a bit but didn't find him anywhere. Worried that something might have happened or did he leave her alone there in the forest she panicked and called out for him but he didn't respond. She moved towards the path from which they had come and heard some rustling sound and felt fear enter as she was alone in this forest. She gulped and moved a bit fast but as she moved fast she heard the rustling also get fast. As she was about to run she tripped and thought that now she was going to be dead but nothing happened. When she opened her eyes she saw Maan looking at her with an evil smirk on his face and realised he must have played a trick on her and got up and dusted herself all the while glaring at Maan and started walking back towards the beach. Maan rushed behind her and pleaded sorry but she didn't give in until he finally blackmailed her to forgive him or he would not leave her alone. Geet irritated with his antics forgave him and left for her hotel.
As she reached she saw Rita all dressed up. As Rita saw her she rushed to Geet and told her to get ready as they were going to a party. Geet didn't want to go but then remembered this was why she had come here, explore new things and experience new adventures. So she agreed and got changed and they left.
This time they went to a different beach which was a bit crowded with a lot of day tourist as well people who had come to attend the party. As they reached she saw that this also had a bonfire and she along with Rita mingled with few people.
After sometime she got bored as Rita was busy flirting with some guys and there was no one she knew. So she went and sat near the bonfire and took out her phone. She started texting one of her colleague about her holiday and diving and all the things happening.
As she was texting she didn't realise when someone came and sat next to her and as she was about to reply her phone was pulled out of her hand. As a reflex she said, "Hey give me my phone back" and looked up to see it was Maan sitting with the same evil smirk he had in the afternoon.
Maan, "And we meet again Mademoiselle"
Geet laughed and said, "Its French not Latin" and showed her tongue out mockingly.
Maan laughed at her childish antics and said, "Yeah ok but what are you doing here alone and texting when there is a full blown party going on?"
As she was about to reply her phone rang and she moved a bit away to attend it. Maan waited for a while but since it was taking a lot of time he went and mingled with a few of his friends but he had his one eye on Geet only.
After a while he realised that she had finished her call and was near the water alone so decided to go and talk to her. As he reached he realised she was crying. He didn't know what to do and so said. "Hey what's wrong?"
Geet wiped het tears and said, "No nothing"
Maan turned her towards him and said, "Geet you can tell me. Maybe I can help"
Geet looked at his face and saw sincerity reflect in his eyes and sighed and said, "I have to leave for Bangalore tomorrow morning"
Maan shocked asked a bit harshly, "But it's too soon. You have been here for just two days and you said your trip was for a week"
Geet sighed and moved a bit away from him and sat near the water and said, "I know. Even I dont want to go but I have to"
Maan, "Can't it wait for another few days"
Geet, "I wish it could but it's really important"
Maan, "What is so important?"
Geet smiled sadly and said, "I to go to start my treatment"
Maan becoming serious asked, "Treatment what treatment? Are you fine?"
Geet looked away and said, "No I have Leukaemia and test results just came out. That is why I have to go back tomorrow"
Maan was shocked hearing it and said, "What? Are you sure the test results are correct. Did you get a second opinion?"
Geet who couldnt hold it anymore began laughing meanwhile Maan looked flabbergasted. After a while she tried to calm down but seeing his face she burst out again, "Oh God... hahahaaa.. Your face.. Totally worth watching"
Maan, "Geet stop laughing and tell me what is going on?"
Geet, "Hahahahaa ok. Chill Maan I was just joking I don't have Leukaemia. I have to get back because as usual people messed up in the project I was working on and now my boss is behind me to cut my vacation short and return and fix the mess. Seriously sometimes I just hate my boss for all the things she puts me through. You know I don't have any personal time at all. It's always home to office and office to home and just 1 day holiday. How do I work there only I know uff"
Maan was annoyed at her prank but hearing her complains said, "Geet you are crazy if you want to continue working there. Someone messes up but you have to clean up the mess how fair is it? And if you don't like your work then just leave it. You should do what you feel is the right thing and not go with what is safe and comfortable. And you should really not just read but follow it too"
Geet offended asked, "What did I just read and not follow?"
Maan, "Oh yeah what about the whole Carpe Diem thing? You read about it but have you tried to follow it ever? If you dont have a personal life have you thought of quitting and just doing what you like. Living the moment where you don't have any worries about office, project, client and what not. Geet learn to live your moments. These small moments only go on to make your life meaningful. Living like a robot is not living it's more like slavery. So stop being a slave and start living"
Geet was so touched by his words that she just went ahead and hugged him. Maan was surprised by her hug but after a few seconds hugged her back. After a few seconds Geet pulled back and said, "Thanks Maan. You words have inspired me a lot and I will surely think about your advice and work on it. But I have to go now. Need to get up early to go tomorrow"
Maan nodded and stood up with her. As she was about to go he stopped her and said, "Geet can I get your phone no.?"
Geet laughed and nodded and they exchanged each other's no. After that both left the party. Maan dropped her to her hotel and said that he would be here next morning to drop her to the port. Geet tried to tell him no as it was too early in the morning but he didn't hear and left.
The next morning, Geet woke up early and made sure everything was packed and left the room. As she reached the lobby she was surprised to find Maan already there. They quietly went to the port and as she was about to board Maan held her hand and got out a packet from his bag and said, "For you"
As Geet was about to protest he just pushed it into her hands. Geet opened to see the necklace she was trying yesterday and some pictures from their dive yesterday. As she was about to say the ferry sailor called all to board and Maan pushed her slightly towards the ferry. Geet looked back after boarding and saw Maan smiling and waving bye. Soon they became a distant figure as they grew apart.
As Geet settled on the deck with the package and her bag her phone beeped. She saw that it was an unknown no. and so checked it and began laughing, "And so we meet again Mademoiselle. This time on the phone 😉😉😉 "
Seher Hone Ko Hai
Marathi TV
