CHAPTER 23. WILL MAAN WIN THE BET?
Geet walked outside and was surprised to see Annie hugging someone. The man had his back facing her so Geet could not see his features. He was a tall man though, that much Geet noticed. As she walked closer, she saw Maan and Dev also joking with that person. Who is this? Geet frowned. As she reached the car, Annie grinned at her, "Geet! Look what surprise Dev gave me! Meet Arjun! My husband! He was supposed to come back a week later but he is back today!" Arjun turned around and Geet finally got to meet Annie's husband. They shook hands and Arjun looked at Annie, "So this is the fake Princess?", he commented. Annie nodded and Arjun turned back to Geet. He looked at her from top to bottom and then turned to look at Maan with wide eyes, "Wow Maan! You did a great job! If Annie hadn't told me, I would have actually believed that she is a Princess from some big Palace in Rajasthan!"
Geet narrowed her eyes at Arjun's comment. Why was he crediting Maan? What about me who trained so hard or what about Annie who gave me this perfect look? Annie seemed to have same thoughts as she piped up, "Excuse me! Geet and I have worked hard too! And don't forget that Dev also took part in this! It was a team effort!" Arjun smirked at her, "Say what you want! But the main credit does go to Maan!" He turned back to Maan and shook his hand, "Great work Maan!" Annie huffed in indignation while Dev ignored the whole jibe. But Geet was fuming. Arjun giving credit to Maan is forgivable. But why is Maan not defending us? She looked at Maan and was disturbed to see a smirk on his face. He is proud of it, as if it was all his hard work! Geet shook her head. Don't focus on this Geet! You have a party to go to!
An hour later, they all reached the party. All five of them stood outside the doors. Geet fumbled with her hands in nervousness. Hey Babaji! Let everything go perfectly tonight!
"Ready Geet?", Annie asked and Geet nodded.
"Chak de phatte!", Dev cheered and Geet chuckled.
"I know you will fool everybody!", Arjun gave his vote of confidence too. Geet nodded.
Then Geet turned to Maan and looked at him with expectant eyes. He turned towards her and simply gave her stern look, "Don't let my hard work go waste!" Geet felt disappointment wash over her. That's it? No best of luck or any kind of tender words! Chod Geet! You already knew this fellow was rude and arrogant! So why are you even expecting encouragement from him? But Geet knew why she was expecting such things from him? He loved her! Couldn't he have cheered the love of his life? Geet pushed aside her thoughts and focused on the party. She had to make sure Maan won this bet! Now he was not just her trainer! He was also the love of her life! She couldn't let him down!
Dev, Maan, Arjun and Annie started to walk towards the party. Geet took in a deep breath, said Babaji's name in reverence and walked into the party. One by one the heads turned to check who arrived and once their eyes fell on ethereal looking Geet, they simply stared at her. Eligible bachelors checked her out, young girls fumed in envy and many folks even wondered which Khurana Bachelor's girlfriend is she! Dev raised an eyebrow at the way people stared towards them as they walked into the party. Definitely Cinderella theme going on here, he thought. He snuck a look at the Prince Charming of this story and pressed his lips tightly as he realised the anger Maan seemed to express with his eyes and body language due to everybody staring at Geet. No feelings, my foot! You keep lying to yourself but your body betrays you to us! He looked around and was surprised to notice that even Annie was looking at Maan differently.
"So you finally realised?", Dev asked Annie softly.
"Oh yes!", Annie muttered as she looked from Maan to Geet. Geet seemed to be too focused on her task of being a Princess to notice Maan's expressions or body language.
"You were right!", Annie muttered, "We are definitely getting Geet as our Bhabhi!"
"But only if our brother stops being egotistic and does something about it!", Dev retorted.
Annie looked at Dev curiously and Dev explained in whisper, "Bro is in denial! One guess as to why!"
Annie blinked rapidly as she realised what Dev was trying to say. Maan's ego would never let him confess to Geet whom he still saw as just some waitress.
"Oh no!", She whispered.
"Oh yes!", Dev sighed.
Geet looked around worriedly. Why was there no known face in the party? She met some people in her first party but she could not spot anyone of them here. Just then Maan came close to her and whispered while nodding at other guests, "Don't expect to see the guests from other party here! They were socialites and these are corporate and embassy people! Total different circles! That's why Daadima isn't here either!" Geet nodded and they continued to walk in.
Geet watched as Arjun, Dev and Maan were recognised by everybody. Even Annie was recognised. She was told by Annie that all three were quite famous as businessmen in the Corporate circles and as Annie always accompanied her brothers before marriage and husband after marriage to such parties people knew her too.
Just then, the first test of the bet happened. A Lady stepped ahead and asked Maan if he would not introduce the beautiful lady with him. Maan smiled and introduced Geet, "Meet Your Highness, Geetanjali. She is the Princess of a small gharana in Rajasthan!" The name was decided one night when Annie declared that Geet wasn't Princess like name. Dev had suggested the name Geetanjali' and it stuck.
"Oh really?", the Lady seemed shocked. Maan introduced the Lady to Geet and both shook hands.
The Lady asked Geet few questions in fluent English and Geet replied similarly. Finally the Lady excused herself and Geet looked at Maan with worry. Maan gave her a proud smile, "Well done! She believed you!" Geet grinned widely. Maan leaned down and whispered near her ear, "No need to show so much teeth! You are Princess! Remain demure!" Geet felt a shiver at his breath so close to her before the words penetrated and she huffed. Pasting a shy smile on her lips, she met the next person who came to ask about her.
Soon one by one people came to ask about Geet. Some of them were polite, some of them spoke in taunts laced in sweet words and some even were in awe of meeting an obscure Princess. Geet greeted them all with grace, politeness and demureness that a Princess should have. But then came the most important test of the night.
"Maan! I would like to introduce you to someone!", the lady from earlier arrived with a middle aged couple in tow.
"Meet Your Highness Prince Uday Singh and his wife Princess Aradhna! They hail from the Royal family of Jodhpur in Rajasthan!" Maan took a sharp breath in and looked at Geet with wide eyes. Geet nodded indicating that she was ready for the main test, the test that will determine if Maan won the bet or not! If she fooled a Prince and Princess into believing that she was another Princess, Maan had won the bet!
Maan shook hands with the Prince and Princess. He turned towards Geet, "And in front of you are Your Highness Princess Geetanjali of Jaigadh, Rajasthan!" Geet shook hands with the Prince and Princess. The Prince looked curious, "Princess of Jaigadh? That's unheard of!" Geet smiled and gave the rehearsed answer that Maan, Dev and Annie had planned for her, "It's a very small town in the state. It used to be a big Princely state many centuries ago before one of my ancestors gambled everything and we went in debt. The Title remained but rest was lost. Luckily my grandfather started his business and we are out of poverty. Now my family is known for their cottage industry rather than the Title!" Geet shrugged. Maan and Dev watched with bated breath. Even lie could be sold if spoken with right confidence and proper acting. And hence, it was upto Geet's acting as a Princess that would determine if the Prince and Princess bought her story. Did Geet make the right sales pitch? Both wondered.
The Prince nodded, "Oh! Interesting! But sadly its true that many Princely states were lost in last few centuries! Nevertheless, I am happy to meet you!" Maan and Dev gave deep sighs of reliefs. Geet's glee was seen in her eyes when she glanced at them. As the Prince and Princes continued to speak with Geet, Dev pulled Maan aside, "You did it! You won the bet!"
Maan smirked, "That I did!" then he shrugged, "But we already knew that I would win!"
Dev nodded, "Geet is extraordinary. Her hard work and focus was commendable from the start. So it was obvious we would win before we even started her training!"
Maan frowned, "But even if it hadn't been Geet, I would have won!". The Pride was palpable on his face, "It was not Geet who made this venture successful. It was successful because I could do it. I can change a girl from waitress to a Princess!"
Dev frowned but before he could say something Maan walked away. Dev shook his head. Bro and his ego! Suddenly, I am scared for Geet!
An hour later, Dev was exhausted. How many more people he had to meet tonight? But networking is important for the Company so he had to meet people. He bobbed his head to the music playing in the party. Half an hour earlier, the dance floor was open for dancing and many couples went to the floor as the DJ played 90s romantic songs. He sighed just as Annie came over.
"Hey sis! Enjoying?", Dev asked.
"Forget my enjoying! Look at Geet!", Annie seemed annoyed as she pointed at middle of the dance floor.
Dev turned to look at where she was pointing and blinked in surprise.
"Oye hoye! Geet seemed to be enjoying herself!", Dev commented and he was right. Geet was dancing with some man and seemed to be grinning and laughing.
"That's her sixth dance partner for tonight. Half an hour earlier the first guy came over and since then she hasn't left the dance floor! One after another, one after another, she keeps on getting asked for dance!", Annie groused.
Dev turned to look at Annie with a frown on his face, "Don't tell me!", he gasped, "You are jealous!", he spoke in wondrous voice. His voice got excited, "You are jealous that Geet got asked to dance so many times! Oh this is so fun!" He chuckled. Annie stomped on his foot and he winced. He looked at her with mock anger and Annie rolled her eyes, "I am not jealous, you Dolt! But someone else is!" Dev looked at her bewildered and Annie pointed towards the bar. Dev turned around and his eyes widened.
"Woah! What's happening there?", Dev couldn't believe it. His brother sat on the bar stool glaring in the direction of dance floor while gulping whisky after whisky.
"Why is he getting drunk so much? Normally he sips the same glass through the whole party!", Dev continued to look confused.
"You are such a nave idiot!", Annie huffed. Then she pointed at Geet giggling on the dance floor and then at glaring and fuming Maan.
Dev's jaw dropped open and then he started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?", now it was Annie's turn to get confused.
Dev chuckled, "Arre! Today morning, he denied that he was in love with Geet. I made him jealous and he blurted out that he loved her. Before coming here, he denied it again. And now suddenly, he is glaring and fuming. For someone who claims that he has no feelings for Geet, he surely seems to exhibit a lot of jealousy!"
"But that doesn't solve our problem!", Annie pouted.
"What problem? I don't see a problem!", Dev shrugged.
Annie slapped her forehead, "Arre! One love bird is getting drunk, the other love bird is dancing there! Try to understand!"
"Oh! You mean that?", Dev blinked, "Now I see the problem!"
"Do something! I can't see my Bhai like this!", Annie looked down sadly.
"Ok Ok! No need to go emotional on me! Let me try something!", Dev replied and walked off. Behind him, Annie giggled excitedly.
Dev reached Maan and sat beside him. Maan didn't even notice him. He was too focused on watching Geet dance with some random guy.
"How much are you going to drink?", Dev asked.
Maan looked away from the dance and gave Dev a glare.
"Stop drinking!", Dev uttered.
Maan ignored him and emptied another glass of whisky into his mouth.
Dev shook his head and grabbed Maan's glass before he could ask for more, "Enough!", he growled.
Maan sent him another glare and grabbed another empty glass while ordering for whisky.
Dev wondered what to say next. That's when an idea struck him, "Bro! I noticed the ring and necklace Geet is wearing! It was made for your bride right?"
Maan shrugged, "Yes! So what?"
"It was made for your wife, Bro!", Dev huffed.
Maan rolled his eyes, "Yes! And I gave it to Geet because it matches her clothing. Nothing else!"
Dev chuckled, "The necklace I can understand! What's with the ring? I don't think that was necessary! She could have gone without that accessory!"
Maan shrugged, "That's what you think. I thought the ring was needed to match her attire and her look as Princess so I gave it to her!"
Dev sighed, "Another excuse. How deep can you be in denial Bro that you can't even see why you gave that ring to Geet?"
Maan ignored him.
Dev huffed. He stood up and leaned closer to his brother, "I know you don't like her dancing with that guy! But what is the use of drinking? That is not going to stop her from dancing with that fellow!" Maan finally looked at Dev properly. Dev had Maan's attention.
Dev smirked, "Deny all you want, but you feel something for her! Situation is such that you can't even hide it! You tried your level best to not to fall for her, but today all you can think about is her! If that is the case, then claim her as yours! Make her yours instead of letting her dance with others!"
For a second, Dev thought Maan was about to get up and walk to Geet but then Maan turned back to his drinks and Dev sighed. He turned around and gave Annie a thumbs down. Annie looked defeated as she turned away. Dev gave Maan one last glimpse and then he also walked away.
What Dev didn't realise was that his words had affected Maan. They were running on a loop in his brain. Maan stared at his filled whiskey glass as he contemplated Dev's words. Just then the song ended and Geet caught her break from dancing. She walked near to the bar where buffet was kept and asked for some juice. Maan stared at her unable to look away. Another song started playing in the background. He got up from his seat and walked close to her feeling an unknown pull towards her. She was facing sideways looking at the dishes. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she turned around.
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
"Geet!", he whispered.
Zubaan Par Tera Phir Bhi Naam Aa Raha Hai
"Maan is everything ok?", Geet asked.
Jahaan Raaz Ko Chupaaya Na Jaaye
Jahaan Raaz Ko Chupaaya Na Jaaye
His heart thudded in his chest at her concerned expression.
Mohabbat Mein Aisa Makaam Aa Raha Hai
Maan was unable to look away from Geet.
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Geet felt herself blush at the intense manner Maan was staring at her.
Zubaan Par Tera Phir Bhi Naam Aa Raha Hai
Before Maan knew it, he had raised his hand and had silently asked her to dance.
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Maan felt bliss envelope him when Geet placed her hand on his. He walked with her to the dance floor and started to dance. As they swayed to music, he slowly mumbled, "I think you were right."
Geet looked at him confused and Maan elaborated, "Love is not just a hormonal side effect. I think it is much much more!" Geet's eyes widened. He was referring to the day they were practising their dance. Was he saying what I think he is saying? Before she could question him, he spun her out and pulled her in. She looked at him sideways as he hugged her from behind and swayed to the music.
Banaaya Hai Maine Tujhe Apna Saaki
Rahe Kis Tarah Phir Mere Hosh Baaki
The moment, the words, the music and Maan's arms around her made Geet feel giddy. She closed her eyes slowly and let herself get lost in the moment.
Banaaya Hai Maine Tujhe Apna Saaki
Rahe Kis Tarah Phir Mere Hosh Baaki
Maan turned her around and cupped her cheeks. He leaned down to kiss her.
Rahe Kis Tarah Phir Mere Hosh Baaki
Maan came out of his daydream with Geet still in his arms and both had stopped swaying.
Hey...Nazar Yun Behekne Lagi Hai Ke Jaise
Geet turned around curiously. Why had he stopped dancing?
Nazar Yun Behekne Lagi Hai Ke Jaise
Mere Saamne Koi Jaam Aa Raha Hai
Maan stared at her, unable to look away.
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Zubaan Par Tera Phir Bhi Naam Aa Raha Hai
Geet finally snapped her fingers in front of him and he looked away.
Jahaan Raaz Ko Chupaaya Na Jaaye
Mohabbat Mein Aisa Makaam Aa Raha Hai
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
He walked away from the dance floor unsettled by how intense his feelings were for Geet. Geet also felt unsettled due to overwhelming emotions and walked away to get better control on them. As the song continued, Maan's eyes kept on looking at Geet. He tried his level best to look away but his eyes always came back to her. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath hoping to control his emotions. He opened his eyes and was shocked. The whole party hall was empty. He looked down and was shocked to see himself dressed in white dress pants and translucent white shirt. He looked up to see Geet in front of him in white Salwar Kameez. She turned to run away when he grabbed her arm and pulled her close.
Yeh Zulfon Ke Baadal Ghanere Ghanere
Mere Baajuon Par Jo Tu Ne Bikhere
Her hair blew on his face and he pushed them away.
Yeh Zulfon Ke Baadal Ghanere Ghanere
Mere Baajuon Par Jo Tu Ne Bikhere
Her hand cupped his cheek and his hands moved to her waist.
Mere Baajuon Par Jo Tu Ne Bikhere
She smiled and he felt happiness thrum through his body.
Main Samjha Ke Jaise Meri Dhadkano Ko
Teri Dhadkano Ka Payaam Aa Raha Hai
Maan blinked and was back in the party. He was daydreaming. Again! But this time Maan chuckled.
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
Zubaan Par Tera Phir Bhi Naam Aa Raha Hai
Guess Dev is right! I am in love! A gentle smile touched his lips.
Jahaan Raaz Ko Chupaaya Na Jaaye
Mohabbat Mein Aisa Makaam Aa Raha Hai
Sambhaala Hai Maine Bahut Apne Dil Ko
The song came to an end just as Geet raised her eyes to look at Maan. As usual, the intensity of his eyes made her blush. This was not the first time it happened though. From the moment they left the dance floor, Maan seemed to look at nothing but her. Geet felt her heart beat sped up again and she had to look away to get her heart beat back to normal. I have made my decision, Geet declared in her mind. Its obvious that we both feel for each other. And Maan has shown his hand by giving me the ring. Its about time I confess too. Maan! Let this party end and let us go back! Then I will let you know exactly how I feel! Till then... She looked up and her heart sped up again at Maan's intense stare. She looked away. Till then please stop staring at me like this! I can't stop blushing! She whined mentally. But secretly she enjoyed his attention. Geet snuck another glance at Maan and looked away with smile. Still staring! Mere paagal Maan!
Maan stared at her for God knows how long. I love her, he thought as he stared at her. Now that he accepted it, Maan wanted her to know it. Infact, he wanted the world to know that she was his. No more dancing with random strangers! No more meeting guy friends! I assume you are talking about Viren, Dev's amused voice echoed in his head. Maan ignored it. I have to confess my love to her if I don't want to burn in jealousy every other day! Maan had made his decision, he would confess the moment they reached home and had some private time with each other. Yes! Tonight, I would make Geet mine! In all this Maan sincerely forgot that it takes two to tango. And he may be in love with Geet but he didn't know whether Geet loved him or not. But Maan in his arrogance forgot to take her feelings into consideration. But no worries! Life will teach him a lesson or two about arrogance pretty soon! But right now lets leave our love birds to bask in the excitement of making their confessions!
Oh la la! Here Maan wants to confess and there Geet is eager to confess! But folks, the night has yet to end! God knows what all things can happen in that time! Hmmm...
To know what happens after the party, wait for the next update!
Thank you, take care and have fun,
Kalpana
Edited by Kalpana_KaCy - 8 years ago
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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