FF: KAUN HO TUM? 26th Mar: Chap 22 on Pg 99! - Page 58

Originally posted by: khwaishfan

thanks for updating!

lovely update! nice Maaneet moments! at 9pm Geet turns into Preet!

curious abt Preet and Soni!

update soon

Originally posted by: priyasree

Waiting for next

Originally posted by: aparna3011

waiting for next

CHAPTER 18. ANOTHER DEAD END

"So Geet is under denial?, Dev questioned as he looked at Maan. Maan nodded. It was 9 in the morning and Maan was in NT and Dev's room talking to them about what he heard from Geet when she was talking to herself. He explained how she believed that she had sleepwalking problem and she always ended up in that Lodge. He even explained that Geet didn't want him to know as she thought this happened only in Hoshiarpur and also she didn't think her marriage was strong enough at this moment to weather through what she perceived was her flaw.

Maan nodded, "But that's just not it. Geet said something in the morning that got me thinking.

"Kya?, NT asked as she sat beside her husband on the bed while Maan paced in front of them.

"Use lagta hai ki uske saath bachpan mein kuch hua tha kyunki Geet wahaan bachpan se jaa rahi hai! She thinks she has been going there every night as far as she can remember!

"Then I was right!, Dev mumbled, "It has to be multiple personality disorder! Something happened to her that created Preet within her! And this Soni lady is somehow related to all this mess, or else why would Preet consider her as her sister!

Maan and NT looked at Dev feeling a little overwhelmed by what he said. Then Maan frowned, "Lekin ek baat samajh nahi aa rahi mujhe! Both NT and Dev looked at him and he continued, "Geet ke gharwaalon ne kya kabhi yeh sab notice nahi kiya? Daarji toh uspe jaan chidakte hain, aur Rano Auntyji ko Geet ki har khabar rehti hai. And lets not forget how overprotective Brij and Uncleji are! How come no one knew about Geet's night time wandering till now?

"Maybe they knew! And they tried to hide it!, NT suggested. When Maan and Dev looked at her aghast, NT continued as she looked at them resignedly, "It happens! Log apne ladkiyon ki shaadi karwaane ke liye yeh sab India mein karte hain! Maan frowned, wondering if that was true. But he had a feeling that her family couldn't have lied to him.

"No! I don't think that's the situation here!, Dev unknowingly echoed Maan's thoughts, "I mean I have studied these people. They love Geet, are proud of her. She is not like a typical homely type of girl and yet they didn't force her to behave like that. They are ok with all her flaws. So I don't think they would hide such thing. Infact, if they would have known, they are the type who would have taken her to the therapist and even told everything to your Daadima the moment she suggested your marriage with Bhabhi!

Maan nodded in agreement with Dev's assessment while NT looked pensive.

"But why are we even discussing this?, Dev frowned, "We have something else to focus on!

"Kya?, NT was confused.

"What happened to Geet in her childhood?, Dev said.

"Whatever happened, her family must not have known about it!, Maan guessed, "Or else they would have told us already, right? He looked at Dev.

To his surprise, Dev shook his head, "Not necessarily!

Maan was confused, "But didn't you just say that they don't seem like the hiding types!

"Yes! But they will tell you only if there is something!, Dev said and when other two remained confused, Dev clarified, "What if they thought the incident was something small and didn't make big issue out of it but in reality it affected Geet more than they realised!

Maan nodded. That was a possibility!

"Wait!, NT butted in, "That means we can't even ask them! Because if it was something small, they won't even remember it now!

"But still..., Dev looked pensive, "We have to question the family!

"Without them knowing about it!, Maan added.

"I have an idea!, NT spoke up. When other two looked at her she explained, "Today you two go out and ask around about Geet discretely and I will stay at home and subtly question Rano Aunty and Geet! If Brij Bhaiyya is at home, I can even question him. I can say on breakfast table that I want to learn some new dishes from Rano Aunty and ask Geet to stay behind as I want to bond with her too. I will even rope in Daadima for a bonding session. I heard that she had great time with Rano Aunty yesterday. And as far as you two are concerned, you two can say you want to see more of the village!

"And how will you question the family?, Dev was not sure.

NT huffed and looked at him as if he was a moron, "Oh hello! Excuse me! Filmy paagal hain hum. Humne bahut saare filme dekhe hain! Humein sab paintre pata hai sach ugalwaane ke liye!

"Paint what?, Dev looked at her in confusion and Maan rolled his eyes, "She means techniques. He clarified.

"Oh! Ok then! We will go according to your plan! Today we will ask about Geet's childhood to everyone we meet!, Dev said and Maan and NT nodded.

"I can't believe this! I simply can't!, Dev spat as he paced the room.

Maan sat on the bed in Dev's room looking at his pacing cousin. It was late in the evening.

"Not a single thing! Not a single...! Can you believe it?, Dev looked at Maan. Despite his words being aggressive, his whole body language was not. He was just frustrated because of what he found in the morning and the afternoon, when Maan and Dev went information searching about Geet's childhood amongst the inhabitants of Hoshiarpur. Or rather what he hadn't found in the whole day.

Maan shrugged, "I can't make a head or tail out of what happened.

"How can no one know anything about Geet's childhood? Not a single word., Dev continued to rant, "No accident, no traumatic experience, no abusive family member! Nothing that would induce a split personality! According to the villagers, her childhood was so uneventful that it was plain old boring!

"Maybe they didn't know!, NT suggested as she stood by the window, staring at her pacing husband. Geet was with Daadima talking about Maan's childhood and NT had slipped away to join the cousins in deciphering Preet's puzzle.

"Afterall..., NT continued, "Not everything is told to the Villagers by the family, especially if the family considered it trivial. Also, the villagers were not everywhere to see everything that happened with Geet!

"That's why I asked Maan to enquire with her friends! Afterall, friends tell friends everything. She must have told atleast one of her friends if something weird happened to her!, Dev replied and NT looked at Maan who simply shook his head.

"Nothing happened!, Maan sighed, "Other than one day while playing hide and seek, Geet was not found for three hours!

NT perked up, "Maybe something happened then?

It was Dev who answered, "Nope! When Geet was found, she didn't look scared or anything similar to the way a traumatised person looks like. Infact, she was happy and giggling because she managed to fool everybody.

"Did she tell them where she actually was?, NT wondered.

"Haan! She said she fell asleep while in hiding!, Maan replied with a shrug.

"Any success with the family?, Dev asked NT who also answered in negative.

"Her childhood was pretty damn boring! Other than her pranking habits!, NT looked at Maan suddenly, "Did you know she used to love to play pranks on people even as a kid?

Maan rolled his eyes as he was reminded of Geet's pranking abilities.

"I don't know where to begin now! This seems like a never ending puzzle!, Dev burst out, close to pulling his hair out. He was used to sussing out the problem in his patient in a jiffy and by now with any other patient he would have found a solution and even started applying it. But in Geet's case, he was still stuck in diagnosing phase.

"That is because aap sahi tarah se nahi dekh rahe hain!, NT pouted and both men looked at her.

NT continued, "You are going on as if it is a case of MPD! What if it really is a case of possession?

Dev rolled his eyes, "I don't believe in ghosts!

"Then what do you think is wrong with Geet?, NT retorted heatedly.

"Guys!, Maan butted in, "Whatever Geet's issues are, one thing is clear., he glanced at Dev and then at NT, "Her childhood is a dead end. We won't find anything there!

"Then where? Where will we find anything?, Dev carded his fingers through his hair roughly in frustration.

"I still think it is ghost and we should investigate Preet!, NT commented.

"And how many times do I have to tell you that Preet has to be a fiction of Geet's imagination!, Dev growled at NT, "That's what normally happens with MPD! Getting another personality of someone who was alive is very rare!

"But..., NT stuttered as she looked at her husband mournfully.

"Dev!, Maan's cut in, "I think NT is right!

Dev looked at Maan aghast as if asking whether he was mad.

Maan sighed, "Look! We have no other options. Geet's childhood, her family and the Lodge are dead ends. Only clue left is this Preet character. Might as well research her too while we are at it!

"But why should we investigate a character that has been created specifically to supress some trauma? Preet is a fictional character, Maan!, Dev cried out.

"But what if she was real? I have seen it happening in one of the movies! It can be possible., NT butted in.

"Ya! But those are extremely rare cases! And they still need some kind of trauma in young age to be triggered.. Dev explained.

NT sighed, "But we have to try it before we give up! We have nothing else to go on. And this is Geet we are talking about! She is our family. We can't give up this easily. We have to try, for her, or atleast for your brother. She placed a hand on her husband's shoulder as comfort and they looked at Maan who now sat with his head in his hands.

"Fine!, Dev mumbled, "Tomorrow we will find everything we can about Preet Ahluwalia if she is a real person!

Maan was tense. It was after 9. And Geet had turned into Preet again, panicked at being here and had gone off to the Lodge. Maan sat up once he was sure that Geet was nowhere around. He pushed the comforter away and went to the window. He looked out. The room was in the back of the house so he couldn't see Preet leaving. But he did stare at the moon while he waited for Geet to come back. Once she would open the door, he would act as if he was asleep. But till then he would wait.

As he sat there, Maan remembered an old song that spoke about his exact feelings at that moment. He removed his mobile out and played the song.

Kaise Kahein Hum

Maan closed his eyes in pain.

Pyaar Ne Humko

Geet's eyes flashed in front of his eyes.

Kya Kya

He opened his eyes widely and was surprised to feel something wet on his cheek.

Khel Dikhaaye

He brushed his finger at his cheek and looked at the wetness on his finger with surprise.

Kaise Kahein Hum

Pyaar Ne Humko

Kya Kya

Khel Dikhaaye

He shuddered as he remembered the first time he met Preet.

"Kaun ho tussi? Etthe kaise aaye ho?, Preet glared at him with anger.

Yun Sharmaayi

Kismat Humse

Khudse

Hum Sharmaaye

Maan sighed as his mind went back to the moment he met Geet.

"Kaun Ho Tum?, words tumbled out of Maan's mouth before he could stop himself.

The girl took his words in stride, "Main Geet hoon! Geet Handa! Aapki honewaali wife! Of course, only if you accept me!

Maan huffed. He wished for those days back when he was ignorant about Geet's secret. Another memory flashed through his mind.

Maan stumbled back in shock as he placed his hand on his cheek which was stinging from the slap.

"Geet!, Maan whispered as he looked at her aghast. Did Geet just slap him?

"Door raho mujhse!, Geet hissed at him as her eyes glared at him, "Aur main Geet nahi hun!

Maan's mouth fell open. This was not his wife. Then who was she?

"Kaun ho tum?, Maan whispered in shock.

"Main Preet hun! PREET AHLUWALIA!, the girl roared and Maan stumbled back in shock again falling on the bed. He could not believe this! What is happening here?

Maan winced as he remembered the slap.

Baagon Ko Toh

Patjhad Loote

Loota Humein Bahaar Ne

Kyun? Kyun mere saath yeh sab ho raha hai? And why my Geet? Usne kiska kya bigaada? Maan wondered.

Duniya Marti

Maut Se Lekin

Maara Humko Pyaar Ne

He remembered the heartbreak he felt when Dev told him that his wife was not pranking him or betraying him but was infact suffering from some strange disorder.

Apna Woh Haal Hai

Beech Safar Mein

Jaise Koi Lut Jaaye

Kaise Kahein Hum

Pyaar Ne Humko

Kya Kya

Khel Dikhaaye

As Maan looked at the moon, another memory came to fore.

Maan sensed her walk towards him from behind but before he could turn, he felt her fingers fluttering on his shoulder. His muscles tensed and he froze as his every part of body became aware of her. Her fingers fluttered from his shoulder to his arms and Maan smiled a little. His muscles tensed once again when her other hand snaked around to his chest. She placed her hand on his chest and Maan pulled his hand from the standard tai chi position and placed it on her hand. Their fingers intertwined as Maan leaned back. As their bodies touched, he sensed her face near his. He turned his head a little and placed a kiss on her cheek.

He blinked as his eyes started to tear up again. He remembered how they danced with each other the same evening.

Maan dipped Geet down slowly and slowly pulled her up. She spun herself out and acted as if she was walking away. Maan pulled her back and hugged her from behind making her smile. Both closed their eyes as they continued to dance. Maan kissed her cheek softly.

A smile came on Maan's face but before he could react he was pulled into another memory.

His eyes flickered to her lips and to her eyes giving her chance to move away. But she did not budge. She simply looked at him with emotion filled eyes. Maan could not stop himself anymore and placed his lips on hers. He lovingly kissed her letting her know through his lips how much he loved her. Her hands snaked up his neck to his hair and she pushed him closer.

Just then Maan was pushed off Geet and he fell onto the floor. He looked up at Geet confused as to why he pushed her.

"Yeh kya kiya aapne?, Geet whispered as she looked at him with horror.

"Hey Babaji!, Geet placed her hand on her lips horrified. She looked around in fear, "Yeh main kitthe aagayi? She looked at Maan with panic, "Tussi mennu kitthe laaye?

Maan shuddered at that memory and looked at the sky again.

Tum Kya Jaano

The singer chuckled mirthlessly as he sang and Maan felt the sadness in the singer's voice settle into him.

Tum Kya Jaano

Kya Chaaha Tha

Kya Lekar Aaye Hum

He remembered the dreams and hopes he had when they got married and how they shattered piece by piece in the next few days.

Toote Sapne

Ghaayal Nagmein

Kuch Shole Kuch Shabnam

He remembered Geet's screams and shouts everytime she came as Preet in front of him.

Kitna Kuch Hai

Paaya Humne

Kahein Toh Kahaa Na Jaaye

Kaise Kahein Hum

Pyaar Ne Humko

Kya Kya

Khel Dikhaaye

He smiled as another memory came to his mind.

Maan's eyes widened as he realised this was the surprise NT was talking about. He looked at NT for confirmation and seeing the question on his face, NT nodded. Maan smiled excitedly and turned to look at Geet who now stood beside Daadima with her head down. Maan frowned. Yeh itna sharma kyun rahi hai? She is not the type to shy away from attention. Just then Geet began to sing and Maan's breath was taken away. Maan was taken aback as Geet looked at him with intense emotions swirling in her eyes. Maan realised now why Geet was feeling shy. It was because she was singing the song just for him. And she knew that people will also realise the same thing. Maan smiled softly. How much will you surprise me Geet!

She sang for me! Me! You love me so much Geet! I wish I could help you with your problem. It's the least I could do for you after the love you have showered on me! Just then he remembered their fight.

"Lekin pehle mujhe aap yeh bataayiye..., her's 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.

Maan slammed his hand on the wall near him as he remembered the pain in his wife's eyes. Kya socha tha aur kya hua!

Aisi Baji

Shehnaayi Ghar Mein

Ab Tak So Na Sake Hum

He chuckled mirthlessly. Still staying up, waiting for some clarity!

Apno Ne Humko

Itna Sataaya

Roye Toh Ro Na Sake Hum

Sach hi toh hai! Main toh ab ro bhi nahi sakta! Kyunki sabko lagta hai ki sab kuch theek hai! Maan shook his head.

Ab Toh Karo Kuch

Aisa Yaaro

Hosh Na Humko Aaye

Kaise Kahein Hum

Pyaar Ne Humko

Kya Kya

Khel Dikhaaye

Maan headed to the bed and sat on it.

Yun Sharmaayi

He placed his head in his hands.

Kismat Humse

Preet's anger filled face flashed in front of him.

Khudse

Geet's mischief filled eyes stared at him.

Hum Sharmaaye

It was next morning and Maan waited with bated breath, his body hidden under the comforter, facing away from her side of the bed. Geet entered and sat on the bed beside him. He tensed up when he felt Geet lean over him. Then he heard her whisper, "I am sorry Maan! Sorry for not telling you about my sleepwalking. Please mujhe maaf kar deejiye! She leant back and went to sleep. Maan smiled sadly. Sab kuch maaf Geet, bas tum theek ho jaao!

SONG DETAILS: It is from the movie Sharmeelee (1971) sung by Kishore Kumar.

So, how was it? Hope you liked it. I know the update was boring, so here is a precap for next epi as peace offering.

"Mennu pata nahi tha ki iss Khurana naam ke peeche aisa chehra bhi hai!, the man continued. Maan looked up with wide eyes.

Daarji huffed, "Naam bade aur darshan chote!

"Daarji!, Maan whispered, "Mere baare mein jo bolna hai bol dijiye, lekin mere family tak mat jaayiye! Maan was a proud man. He was proud of his origins and he couldn't bear anyone saying anything about it.

"Ab aaya ghussa?, Daarji growled as he marched towards Maan and stood in front of him.

"Jaise aapka khaandaan aapki shaan hai, waise hi humaari Geet humaari shaan hai! Aur aap uske baare mein humaari hi gaao mein naam kharaab kar rahe hain?, Daarji shouted at them.

"Daarji aap samajh nahi rahe..., NT spoke up pleadingly but Daarji cut her off, "Main samajh nahi raha? Mennu samajh nahi aati? Mennu sab samajh aati hai! Aap log meri bachchi mein khot dhundh rahe ho!

Woah! A confrontation between Daarji and Maan? Ab kya hoga?

Next update will be here before this month ends! Till then, speculate!

Thank you, take care and have fun,

Kalpana

daarji tak tho baat pohochni hi thi

reading it at this hour giving me goose bump...scared

This mystery is never ending. Whats surprising is that none in her family is aware of it. Either its Geet's prank or something that someone knows about and not telling.

Loved the update.