Knock, Knock! Who's there? Pt 21/22 pg 80, 82 23/04 - Page 18

Chapter 7

'Erm Geet I...I kinda told Rano aunty about Maan and now she wants to visit' she finished as Geet fell back in shock and Maan rushed a hand for support. Geet's shallow breathing and Sam's quiet avatar spoke of the disaster that awaits. Maybe helping against the minds decision wasn't the right way of doing things?

'Sam' Geet called moving to lean against the radiators in the passageway, Maan had moved a little so now Sam stood close enough with a sorry face trying to form a speech which would be palatable for both Geet and Maan, however Sam was never really good at filtering hence she decided to stick with the utter truth.

'Rano aunty called when Heavy Nose was here, I wasn't thinking straight because of Mrs Possessive. Plus you forced me to go up, so I was kind of angry' Sam tried clearing the air, ultimately stating how her mind was a mess hence the mishap which Geet payed little attention to and rolled her index finger as if suggesting to continue. The baby all of sudden seemed to have drained her energy, so placing a hand over her growing belly she leaned further into the heat seeking some solace.

'Rano Aunty received a bleep in the alarm system from here and then realised it's us from the video footage, she called to know really and I kind of confirmed we moved here for the time being. Then she asked about Dev and I said you've finished with him, which I think she was happy about but she asked about the baby and how you are doing, she also wanted to know whether Dev would support you when required and I kind of said that he wasn't the father, and Maan is here to take care of you and the baby' Sameera explained placing a hand over Geet's belly on the other side while another hand went to tuck Geet's hair behind the ear, while Geet continued with her deep breaths growing in agitation and fear.

'You told mum *deep breathe* about *deep breathe* Maan?' she asked incredulously, though Rano knew of Geet's pregnancy however they still hadn't talked of its origin, Rano had predicted it to be Dev and Geet hadn't bothered to further divulge into details. The Handa parents though allowed her freedom however were still a little orthodox and cultural, hence they disliked the thought of Dev and Geet. Not only because he was older but because of the sects they belonged to. However bent in front a stubborn child, living in was a whole new matter. Only she knew of the pain she went through to live with Dev, difficult would be an understatement. Hence just to please her parents, Dev had suggested Civil partnership using her youth to his advantage not to bound to a marraige, at that time both she and her parents had agreed. However once they walked out the picture, he had schemed her into accepting a Cohabitation contract which of course she now regretted. Her parents after all were right about Dev being unworthy of her: of her trust, of her companionship.

'It just slipped out' Sam peeped scared to face her friend's wrath. Maan unsure of the turn on event remained silent until Geet's uncomfortable position caught his eye and he then asked both the woman to sit down in the living room where they can continue with the discussion to which they both followed still deep in thought.

'I think Rano aunty thinks he's your partner now?' Sam told looking plainly at her nail, totally bending her head in shame as Maan forwarded a glass of water to a now more comfortable Geet, her breathing seemed to have come under control also

'Oh lord' Geet cried not knowing what to do with her best friend however instead she focused on the matter in hand rather than her guilty friend who would burst into tears if she continued with her shell-shocked personality never mind breaking into a tirade of angry swears like how she so desperately wanted to. Sam's conscious attempt to avoid fun and games wasn't missed either, showing just how mortified she was with herself.

'Could you do me another favour?' she asked instead to Maan who looked on with a small smile as if agreeing to her request.

'Erm... Can we... maybe pretend to be a happy couple for my parents' she asked in a small voice hearing him sigh she quickly jumped into an explanation 'Maan I really don't want to upset my parents further, I'm their only child and I know how annoyed they would be with me, which I deserve but dad would also be angry on himself for not protecting me from hurt which he doesn't deserve. I mean I deserve the pain I go through for choosing a scumbag like Dev but not them, they're such lovely parents' she persuaded in one breathe tightly tugging one hand into another, as if trying to suppress her nervousness. Sam sat beside and tried her best to remain silent hoping Maan would agree with her friend.

'Yes... I mean it can't hurt to please your parents' he agreed once again with a firm nod and Geet broke into a small smile herself feeling tension elevate. Now Maan was not only her legal partner, but her fake real partner too or at least to her parents anyways. Geet had then looked at Sam and pressed her hand as if trying to say 'it's ok' to which Sam smiled again but before she could say something else Geet had connected to Rana.

'Rana if mum asks then please act as if you know Maan' she requested when he answered, what followed was a questioning conversation, several focused gazes at a ducking Sam and some appreciated smiles to Maan.

'So that's sorted' Geet finally breathed in relief relaxing beside Sam after the little marching session she had with Rana over the phone.

'I need to add something...' Sam stuttered as Maan again got up to leave and Geet stood beside wanting to see him off to the door however her words halted their movements and a look of horror crossed Geet's face seeing Sam's terrorised expression.

'Rano aunty and Mohinder uncle are on their way now, probably will be here soon' she finished and Geet fell against Maan's strong profile. Again a hand went over her shoulder in support and again her breaths quickened into shallow grasps.

'Oh no' all three thought just with the prospects of the future adventure.