FF: KAUN HO TUM? 26th Mar: Chap 22 on Pg 99! - Page 52

Originally posted by: leena63

This song was picturised on Aruna Irani & her expressions were simply superb

CHAPTER 15. PREET IS BACK!

Previously in Kaun Ho Tum?

Maan walked ahead and grabbed Geet by her shoulders. Geet looked shocked. He pulled her close harshly and spat, "Kaun ho tum? Geet's expression turned confused but Maan didn't relent, "Bataao!, he hissed, "Kaun ho tum? Geet ya Preet? For a second they were still and then Geet pushed Maan's hands roughly and stepped back. She looked at him with fire filled eyes, "Preet! Haan! Hun main Preet!, her voice echoed in the room as Maan, NT and Dev looked at her with horror.

"Lekin pehle mujhe aap yeh bataayiye..., her calm voice reverberated in the horror filled room, "Yeh Preet hai kaun? Maan was taken aback while NT and Dev shared a confused look.

"Aapne mujhe uske baare mein kuch din pehle bhi poocha tha! Kaun hai yeh Preet?, her eyes were spitting fire as she glared at Maan.

Suddenly she pushed him back, "Bolo Maan! Kaun hai yeh Preet? Kahin yeh aapki koi ex toh nahi? Ya shaayad..., she gulped and looked down. Maan realised what she was trying to imply. But before he could defend himself, Geet looked up with blazing eyes, "Bataayiye Maan! Yeh aapki mistress hai kya? "Geet!, Maan hissed in shock.

"Haan! Haan Maan! Haan! Geet hun main! Koi Preet nahi!, Geet let out a sob.

When Maan stepped ahead to comfort her, she stepped back and glared at him, tears from her eyes flowing down her cheek, "Mat aayiye mere paas! Jab tak aap mujhe bataate nahi ki Preet kaun hai, mat aayiye mere paas! Toh kaun hai yeh Preet? Kaun hai yeh jo humaare beech aa rahi hai? Kaun hai yeh jo mujhe aur aapko har raat door rakhti hai? Kaun hai yeh? Main bhi toh miloon usse! Poochna chaahti hun main bhi usse! Kaun ho Tum? Aur kyun aa rahi ho mere aur mere pati ke beech? Kaun hai woh Maan? Bataayiye na! Aur agar aapko isse pyaar tha toh mujhse shaadi kyun ki? Kyun mujhe pyaar ke sapne dikhaaye? Kyun mujhmein jhooti ummeed jagaayi? Kyun Maan kyun? Geet broke down crying and when Maan stepped ahead once again to comfort her, she turned around and ran off.

"Geet!, Maan shouted after her but she didn't stop. She simply pushed past NT and Dev and continued to run. Maan brushed his hands through his hair in frustration. He looked down on the floor unsure while NT and Dev stood still, their heart broken at what they witnessed.

NT suddenly stepped ahead, "Maan Veerji! That was wrong! How can you even think it was Preet when it was clear ki woh toh Geet thi!

Maan looked at her with confusion and NT explained, "Arre! Preet sirf 60s ke gaane gaati hai! Aur humein tumse pyaar hai kitna toh Kudrat ka hai, 1971 ka!

Maan stared at her incredulously while Dev rolled his eyes, "NT Darling! Just shut up! NT pouted and looked away with a huff.

"Maan! Yeh sab kya hai? Geet yahaan se rote hue kyun gayi? Kya kiya tumne?, Daadima roared as she entered the room. NT and Dev shared a worried look as Daadima stormed towards a sorrow filled Maan.

"Humein kuch samajh nahi aa raha! Kab se dekh rahe hain hum Maan! Geet jab se shaadi karke aayi hai ghar pe, use maine sirf shaadi ke pehle din khush dekha tha! Uss din ke baad se uske shaqal par sirf tumhaare liye chinta dekhi hai! Aur kuch nahi! Ek nayi naveli dulhan ko haste hue nahi dekha humne! Yahaan aate waqt bhi khush nahi thi! Sirf dikhaava kar rahi thi!

Maan looked up at her in shock. How did she know?

Daadima glared at him, "Humein pata hai! Hum kuch nahi bole kyunke yeh pati patni ka maamla hai! Phir aaj tayyaar hote waqt Geet ke chehre par asli khushi dekhi toh laga, haan, sab theek ho chukka hai! Lekin ab hum kya dekh rahe hain? Woh rote hue yahaan se gayi? Yeh sab kya hai Maan?, Maan had no answer to Daadima's questions.

Daadima continued to scold Maan, "Ek toh dopahar ko bechaari ne kitne mehnat kiye aapke liye woh surprise tayyaar karne ke liye! Dopahar ko humaare paas aayi! Aapka favourite song jaanne! Jab humne unhein bataaya ki aapko yeh gaana pasand hai toh usne uss gaane ke bol internet se dhoondke nikaale aur poora dopahar use by heart karne mein lagaa di! Uski mehnat ka aapne usko yeh sila diya! Humein vishwaas nahi hota aap aise bartaav karte hain! Daadima huffed, turned around and stormed away.

Maan looked at Daadima's retreating back in shock. It was not Preet who sang that song. It was his Geet. Just then he remembered Geet sitting in front of the computer working on something. She was noting down the lyrics! Shit! What have I done?

Just then Rano entered the room in hurry. Maan looked at her in surprise.

"Geet puttar ko kahin dekha hai, Maan puttar! Mil hi nahi rahi! Poora ghar dekh liya! Yahaan hai kya?, Rano asked.

Maan shook his head, "Nahi toh!

"Pata nahi kahaan gayi! Abhi toh yahin thi! Paanch minute pehle dekha tha! Ab paanch minute mein kitthe chali gayi? Brij, Brij ke pappaji aur Daarji toh baahar gaye hain khet pe! Ab main kaise use jaake dhundhun? Aur kahaan dhundhun?

Maan was now getting worried. Where is Geet? Sab meri galti hai! If only I hadn't accused her!

Just then the clock rang 9 and Maan stiffened. Nearby NT gulped while Dev took in a sharp breath. Wherever Geet was, she was not Geet anymore. But where was she? Just then Maan got an idea. He knew exactly where he could find Preet.

"Mujhe pata hai woh kahaan hai!, Maan turned to his mother-in-law and smiled at her, "Main use dhundh laaunga!

"Jeeta reh puttar!, Rano wished and Maan ran off towards his Jeep.

As Maan reached the Jeep, Dev and NT called out to him. He looked back and realised they had followed him. "Maan! She is Preet now, not Geet! How would you know where she is?

Maan smiled sadly, "She is at the place where I met her first time! She is at Singh Da Lodge!

Dev looked pensive and then spoke up, "I will also come with you! I want to see Preet in her natural environment! It might help me with her treatment! Maan nodded and both climbed into the front seats of the Jeep. Both were surprised when they felt movement behind and turned to see NT climbing into the back.

"Where are you coming?, Dev asked.

"With you?, NT said in a tone that meant Dev was an idiot for even asking the question.

Dev huffed, "But why? You are not needed there!

NT shrugged, "Arre! Every time Preet comes, she sings a different song!, NT turned towards Dev excitedly, "And I want to hear what she sings today!

Dev slapped his forehead while Maan shook his head and started the Jeep. Off they went to Singh Da Lodge where they will once again meet Preet.

Maan, Dev and NT reached the Lodge in record time. As they looked around searching for Preet, Dev noticed something. The main door was shut. He pointed it out to Maan who nodded and explained, "I know! The first time I met Preet, the owner told me that he closed the door daily in night and next day it would have been open! It can be opened only from inside and yet it remains open in the morning!

Dev frowned. Just then NT piped in, "Chor darwaza!

"Eh what?, Dev blurted out.

"Arre! Secret door! Is ghar mein kahin na kahin Secret Darwaza hoga! Filmo mein yeh sab hote hue dekha hai humne!, NT explained.

Dev nodded, "Its possible! Maan looked pensive too.

"But where is Geet?, Maan wondered.

"You are forgetting Maan!, Dev spoke up, "She had started only five minutes before us. And she is on foot unlike us who came by Jeep!

"But humne Geet ko raste mein kyun nahi dekha phir?, NT mused.

"She must be knowing some short cut! The road winds around the Jungle! I think, if we cut through the Jungle directly, we might come here sooner too!, Dev explained.

Maan suddenly noticed the Jeep, "I think I should park the Jeep somewhere so she doesn't see it!

Dev nodded and Maan went and drove the Jeep away from the place. A little far away, he parked the Jeep. Just then he noticed something. A girl in Geet's dress was drudging through the Jungle in the direction of the Lodge. Maan got down the Jeep and ran off towards Lodge. He reached Dev and NT, "I just saw Geet heading towards here!

"Lets hide!, Dev mumbled.

"But where?, NT looked around in confusion.

Just then they heard some movement. All three stiffened and shared surprised looks. Dev pointed to the back of the house and Maan nodded. Yes! All three agreed. The noise was coming from the back.

"The secret door!, NT whispered. All three sneakily went to the backside only to look in shock. There was a trap door right behind the house and Geet was getting in through it. It was covered in bushes so unless you knew it, you wouldn't have found it. All three felt a sense of foreboding go through them. It was time! It was time to see Preet in her natural environment!

Once Geet disappeared, all three waited for few minutes. And then they headed towards the trap door. They saw that it had stairs heading down. All three looked at each other and nodded. Time to head in! Maan entered first and then NT followed with Dev bringing the rear.

As they reached the bottom, Maan, Dev and NT looked around. It was an old storage room. All three noticed a door open at one corner. Geet must have gone through there, they thought. They headed towards the door when Maan's eyes fell on an old picture on the wall. Maan took few steps towards the picture. Two people were sitting prim and proper on a seat facing the camera. But the picture was obscured in some places due to dirt and grime. Maan raised his hand to wipe the dirt when suddenly Dev hissed from behind, "Maan! You can check the house later! Right now our focus is on Geet! Maan nodded and followed Dev out of the room. They reached a big hall which Maan recognised as the entrance. Just then they heard someone humming and Maan took in a deep breath.

"Kahaan se aa rahi hai awaaz?, NT wondered as Dev looked around. But Maan didn't need to look around. He knew exactly where the voice was coming from. He pointed towards a door which he knew led to a corridor, which would lead to an open room where he would find Preet bathed in moonlight, looking ethereal in her white widow garb, singing songs. His heart skipped a beat as he remembered the first time he met Preet.

Maan headed towards the narrow door. "Maan!, Dev hissed in alarm but Maan didn't pay any heed. Dev huffed but followed Maan too. NT was right behind him. As they walked through the corridor, the voice started sounding like a proper song.

Tera Mera Pyaar Amar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Tera Mera Pyaar Amar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Mere Jeevan Saathi Bataa

Kyun Dil Dhadke Reh Reh Kar

All three shared a glance filled with apprehension and headed towards the door that led to the courtyard. As they came out of the courtyard, Dev grabbed Maan and NT and pulled them back into the shadows. There, right in front of them, stood Preet, dressed in white from head to toe, looking out of the window and singing.

Kya Kahaa Hai Chaand Ne

Jisko Sunke Chaandni

She walked away from the window and started wandering.

Har Leher Pe Jhoomke

Kyun Yeh Naachne Lagi

She rearranged the pillows lying on the sofa nearby.

Chaahat Ka Hai Harsu Asar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Tera Mera Pyaar Amar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

"Itne jaldi dress bhi change kar liya? Yeh bhootni toh badi fast hai!, NT commented making her husband glare at her. NT shrunk back at the glare just as Preet continued to sing.

Keh Raha Hai Mera Dil

Ab Yeh Raat Na Dhale

There was a picture on a wall nearby which Preet began to straighten.

Khushiyon Ka Yeh Silsila

Aise Hi Chala Chale

She moved to another photo and wiped the dirt on it with her dupatta.

Tujhko Dekhun Dekhun Jidhar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Tera Mera Pyaar Amar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

"Did you notice something?, Dev asked in whisper.

"Haan!, NT nodded.

"What?, Dev was confused. Dev didn't even explain what he noticed and NT was already nodding. What did she notice?

Hai Shabaab Par Umang

Har Khushi Jawaan Hai

NT leaned towards both the men and whispered, "Preet sings only songs of Sadhna!

"Who?, both men whispered in confusion.

Meri Dono Baahon Mein

Jaise Aasmaan Hai

NT huffed and whispered back, "Arre! Sadhna! Yesteryears' top actress! Lag ja Gale, Naina Barse, O Sajna and this one, all are Sadhna's songs! Main kehti hun Preet is either Sadhna's fan or she has Sadhna's ghost in her! Dev slapped his forehead and Maan rolled his eyes.

Chalti Hun Main Taaron Par

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Tera Mera Pyaar Amar

Phir Kyun Mujhko Lagta Hai Darr

Dev grabbed both NT and Maan's hands and dragged them back into the corridor so that they could talk freely and Preet couldn't hear them. Once they reached near the entrance hall, Dev spoke up, "What I noticed is that Preet treated the house like her own home. She was neatening the sofa, straightening the photos, like this is her house and she is maintaining it.

Maan nodded, "Yeah! I noticed the same!

"And you remember? You had said Preet didn't attack you here, the first time you met!, Dev spoke and Maan nodded.

"Matlab she feels safe here! Protected!, Dev explained and other two nodded.

"I have an idea!, Dev said as he frowned in thought.

"No way! I am not going to speak her again!, NT shook her head vigorously.

Dev rolled his eyes, "No! I am thinking all three of us will go as travellers and ask for a place to stay!

Maan nodded at the idea, "Good idea!

NT looked hesitant.

"If you want, you can go back to Handa House!, Dev offered.

NT thought for a second and then gulped, "I think I will feel safer with you!

In few minutes, all three were back in the courtyard.

"Excuse me!, Dev spoke up and Preet, who was looking at some photos, turned around and looked at them in shock, "Ji! Kaun hega tussi? Ki bole?

"Raat mein rehne ke liye kamre chaahiye the humein!, Maan explained, "Gaadi kharaab hogayi hai! Kal subah usko theek karwaake chale jaayenge!

Preet thought for few seconds and NT, who was looking at Preet with trepidation, grabbed her husband's hand tightly.

Preet then nodded, "Theek hai! Aayiye!

She led them towards some other corridors. As they walked, Dev couldn't resist from asking Preet some questions, "Aap iss ghar ki maalkin hain?

Preet nodded, "Ji! Main vyaah karke iss ghar wich aayi thi! Tabse etthe hi rehti hun!

NT looked shocked but Maan and Dev didn't show any reaction, not wanting to spook Preet away.

"Aap kitne saal se yahaan hai?, Dev asked.

Preet smiled serenely, "Kuch hi mahine hue hain!

Dev and Maan shared a look. This was new!

"Humlog..., Maan hesitated and looked at Dev and then looked back at Preet, "Handa parivar se milne jaa rahe hain! Unke ghar rishta leke!

Preet's eyes brightened in excitement, "Kya? Sachchi? Tussi mere Soni nu vekhne jaa rahe ho? Changa changa!

Before they could ask any more questions, they had reached their rooms. Preet showed NT and Dev one room and Maan the one across the first. As soon as Preet went away after asking if they needed anything else, all three headed out of the rooms.

"Soni! Who is Soni?, Dev asked.

"Another mystery to solve!, sighed Maan as he rubbed his forehead.

"I think we should retire to our rooms! If we ask any more questions or wander around, Preet might get suspicious and that can even affect Geet negatively!, Dev explained. Maan and NT nodded and all headed back to the rooms.

Early in the morning, Dev woke up with a jerk. What woke me up? He wondered. Beside him, NT also sat up looking disoriented. That's when he heard it. Somebody was knocking non stop on the door. He got up to check it and was astonished to see Maan there. "Maan! Its..., he looked down to his wrist to see the time and then looked up blearily, " 6 in the morning! Who wakes up so early? NT also came behind Dev and stood yawning. Maan huffed, "I didn't sleep the whole night! Just now I went to search for Preet and she was nowhere!

"What?, Dev was wide awake at this news, "Where is she?

NT was worried, "Must have headed back to the Handa Haveli!

"But why would Preet go there?, Maan was confused.

"Lets check with the Haveli and then think!, Dev suggested.

They pulled out their mobiles to call either the Handas or Daadima only to find the battery drained.

"Must have died in the night without charging!, NT pouted.

"Lets go back! We can begin our search from there, if needed!, Maan suggested.

All nodded and after refreshing themselves, they headed to the Handa Haveli.

As they entered the Haveli, they were surprised to see almost the whole of Handa family rush towards them with Daadima in tow. "Maan bete! Kahaan they aap log? Kab se hum aap teeno ko phone laga rahe hain! Koi uthaya kyun nahi?, Daadima asked.

Maan sighed, "Phone dead tha Daadima! Geet aayi kya?

"Haan! Subah jab sab log uthe toh Geet ghar par thi! Raat bhar humlog uske liye aur aap logon ke liye ruke rahe par koi khabar nahi aayi! Toh 1 baje ke baad sab sone chale gaye! Aur jab uthe toh Geet ghar mein thi!, Rano explained.

"Par Geet thi kahaan?, NT asked.

"Ghar ke pichwaade hi thi! Keh rahi thi kuch baat se udaas thi aur wahaan sochne chali gayi! Raat ko hi aagayi!, Rano explained.

"Strange! Kal raat jab hum dhund rahe the ghar ke baahar tab toh nahi dikhi!, Brij mumbled.

Dev and Maan shared a shocked glance.

"Chalo! Yeh sab chodo! Maan bete, Dev bete, NT bete, jaao! Jaake nahaalo aur naashta karne aao!, Daadima explained.

As all three headed towards their rooms, Dev stopped them.

Dev frowned, "Another mystery to solve! If she was still Preet when she woke up, then why would she go back to Handa Haveli, when she had the Lodge Haveli for home? And if she woke up as Geet, then how did she explain her presence in Lodge instead of the Handa haveli to herself?

"She must have made some excuse!, NT offered, "Because denial is better than admitting there is something wrong with you!

Dev nodded, "Probably!

"Dev! We can figure this out later! Right now we need to know how to help Geet!, Maan gently reminded them of their main goal.

"For that, we need to know more about this Preet! What can you tell me about this Singh Da Lodge? Preet thinks of it as a home so that might be the key to solve our puzzle!, Dev explained.

Maan shrugged, "All I know is that the owner found that a ghost roamed around here six months back and after that people started sensing it too. After a while, people stopped coming and now the owner wants to sell it but no one is ready to buy it!

"Then we need to meet this Lodge owner! Only he can tell us more about this house!, Dev said.

"Fine! Lets take a bath, have some breakfast, phir hum dono chalte hain!, Maan said.

"Aur main kya karun?, NT frowned.

Dev smirked, "Tum woh karo jis mein tum maahir ho!

"Kya?, NT looked excited.

Dev grinned widely, "Tum bakbak karo aur gharwaalon ka dhyaan bataao!

"Dev!, NT whined while Dev laughed and Maan chuckled.

And the plan was made. Maan and Dev would go and meet the owner of the Lodge after breakfast. But first Maan had to cheer his wife up who must have been angry at him.

Maan headed towards the back of the house, where he saw his wife sitting on a chair looking morosely at a distance. "Geet!, he whispered softly. Geet ignored him. He hugged her from behind. She shrugged his arms away. Maan sighed. "I am sorry!, he whispered.

"Kaun hai yeh Preet?, Geet whispered, her voice filled with hurt.

Maan winced. Ab iss sawaal ka kya jawaab doon?

"Koi ex girlfriend thi kya? Ya koi current waali?, Geet fired at him as she stood up from her seat and whirled around, glaring at him.

Maan smiled at her sadly. Ab kya kahun?

"Woh ek ladki hai jo bilkul tumhaari tarah dikhti hai Geet!, came a voice and both turned to see Dev standing there. He came forward and walked towards Geet. As he passed by Maan, he whispered, "Sach mat bolna! Till we know the whole story! Maan nodded.

"Woh kya haina Geet, she was a Doctor in my clinic and was crazy for me. But I didn't like her and when I rejected her she swore revenge!, Dev rambled as he stood in front of Geet, "I forgot about her totally after that. But at your reception I saw you. You look like her in so many ways and she was so cunning and manipulative that I didn't trust her to go to any extreme to enter my life even if it is by marrying Maan. So I was worried that you must be Preet. But Maan refused to believe me. Said, you had to be Geet, you cannot be some Preet. But I was so adamant about my beliefs that Maan couldn't move on in his relationship with you. And yesterday when I told him that the song you sang was her favourite, he got agitated. He swore that he would once and for all prove that you are not Preet, so he asked you directly! That's the story behind what happened yesterday and what is happening for so many days.

Behind him, Maan looked at him with raised eyebrows and wide eyes at the story Dev spun so easily and on the spot.

"Oh!, Geet mumbled as she looked from her devar to her husband. Maan smiled at her uneasily and prayed in his heart that his wife bought the lie.

"I am sorry Bhabhi!, Dev smiled at her cutely with his hands holding his ears and she forgave him.

She smiled at him, "Jaayiye Devarji! Aapko maaf kiya! Aur aapke uss Bhai ko bhi! Lekin ab aapko yakeen hua na ki main Geet hun, Preet nahi?

Dev nodded, "Yes! I know! Chalo! I better get going. NT wants to talk to me! He smiled at her and walked off.

As he passed Maan, Maan whispered, "Didn't know you could lie so well!

Dev smirked, "Professional hazard. Can't tell the patient the truth always, eh?

Maan nodded.

Dev continued, "I am off to tell NT about this story, so that if Geet talks about it, NT is not blindsided!

"Or rather, Maan teased, "She doesn't think the story is real and kill you for not telling her about it!

Dev huffed and Maan smirked.

Dev walked off and Geet came to her husband. Maan smiled, "I am sorry Geet, tumhein itna pareshaan karne ke liye! Might as well play along to Dev's story, Maan mused.

Geet pouted, "Aapko maaf kiya! Kyunki maine notice kiya ki Dev ne kahaa tha ki aapko vishwas tha ki main Geet hi hun! She smiled at him and Maan pulled her in his arms. Just then Daadima called and Maan parted his ways from Geet, both heading in.

So... How was that?

Hope you liked it!

The song is from the movie Asli Naqli (1962) and sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Thank you, take care and have fun,

Kalpana