A Cursed Up Love T4 Complete (Extra 1/2) pg 37 14/02 - Page 3

Chapter 57: Shackles, suffering and curses

It was Geet's last day in Hosyarpur, so she woke up extra early around 5:30. The sun was still sleeping, and the eerie morning pigeons cooed in an arrhythmic harmony. Very quietly, she peaked out her bedroom after a quick shower, noticing the corridor clear she slowly jogged down to the kitchen; stuffing her bag with whatever she could fetch and then slowly edged towards the main door. Every once in a while, she'll turn around to inspect.

'Ok let's do this' she cheered patting her shoulder once outside, the watch read 10 to 6:00am. The dark sky and the cold roads raised a few alarms, barking dogs and shuffling leaves quickened her speed almost running in the direction of yesterday's journey. She had wanted to witness the sunrise from the mountain top, a wish the Handa's would have fulfilled, but it a personal goal to view the magical morning alone, as if to reward herself for her bravery.

'Geet tu pagal hogaya he' she rebuked her pacing heart tapping it down to size as it jumped in fright every time a sound erupted like the calling of an owl, or the howling of a wolf, she even tripped at the sound of a cry; a baby's cry.

He was lightly resting against the glassed panel on the passenger seat, his driver soundly snoring beside but he was too lost in watching the old Haveli in front. Adeel had landed the night before and even before he could plan out a schedule, he had instructed the driver to drive out to Hoshyapur, completely ignoring his secretary's calls or Sameera's messages. A pain stemmed sharply, a pain so indescribable yet familiar; like a worry of neglect. His heart ached with agony remembering the little memory of his mother's he did save, was it fair to not pick out moments. Why were celebrations gritted with torment? Why where smiles filled with hurt? Why were memories like flood gates; rushing out of its hold and before you know it, you're in its tight grasps drugging out the little breath that was uninfected, poisoning the little felt solace.

'I'm not like him' he convinced himself even with him standing just two metres away from her house. It was a whispering wish to be anything but the man who stole his mother's freedom. 'I AM NOT' he repeated an reverent prayer closing those dismal eyes and then immediately jerking forward as he watched Geet sneak out into the lonely dark roads. Without thinking twice he followed pursuit with silent steps.

Sameera hadn't slept a wink all night, her hair a mass and ceased clothes telling a tale of her fight against the bed until she gave up and sat beside the open window overlooking the silver specks growing old and amber illuminating from an edge.

'Mummy loves you baby but...' She cried letting the water flow down her worn face and hide in the curfew of emotions.

Sameera once again looked over at the phone resting behind on the folded bed as she sat a feet away; cold and alone. The only source of light coming from the candle which stood proudly on the window sill. Once in a while she'll flicker her index finger through the flame and then twirl the shinning liquid that rested in the palm of the other hand. Red, anguish, and hurt against soft, fluid and free.

'Mummy's confused!' she confessed once again looking back at the dead phone and then at the warming venom that lay in her fickle hands

Last night all she received as a message 'I'm here', followed by silence from Adeel even after hundreds of missed calls and even more texts. He had forgotten her, she cried as devastation took over and an uncared-for bottle made its presence left at the corner of the mansion. With Maan busy preparing for Geet's welcoming and everyone's indifference towards her entire existence, her devastation grew. Green lines implanted within knowing of Geet's fortune, who was loved while no one, not even an itch cared for her being. Sameera hadn't bothered casting a black shadow over Geet's homecoming plans rather stayed within the 4 bedroom walls; silent strikes of jealousy, anger and fear accumulating. Every cell within wishing for Adeel, every fear wanting to be released from prison of loneliness. For someone like her who never stayed sane for long, it was suffocating. To be consciously aware of neglect, was both pitiful and tormenting.

'I'm sorry baby' she wept in weakness pushing the numb glass to her stilled lips; slow and steady. At first it tasted bitter, and then it gained in flavour; sweet, sour and sincere

'Ahh I missed you' she whispered against the glass, her blood running on newfound relief as another trickle smoothed down the ache in the heart.

Maan stepped out the home gym, looking very happy. Geet was coming home and then they would travel out the country, just him and her. He had already arranged for their suitcases to be filled, accommodated the schedule to fit around the few days' vacation. He wanted to shower Geet with all the love he had, the love she was promised when she ventured into a marriage with him. This was the last day' he promised himself, today was the last day he'd spent away from Geet and love.

Rushing into a hot shower, he walked into the unfamiliar bedroom with a towel wrapped securely around his waist. To the side lay a stack of ironed clothes, on the dressing table was his watch, wallet and a masculine perfume in the midst of Geets famine fragrance. After the holiday, he'd either shift into her bedroom like he is doing now or they can always move into his bedroom, whatever she chose. She was now going to the decision maker, the anchor. That thought pleased his personality as reality looked unfathomable.

'Maan eat breakfast beta' Dadi requested raising her voice as Maan rushed downstairs even before she could step out of her bedroom.

'Sorry very busy today' he shouted back with a subtle smile still glued to Adi on Bluetooth. She smiled back and then closed the door to her bedroom again, only then noting the clock which read 6:45am, yeh Maan tha' she asked herself giggling. This was completely out the picture for her oldest grandson. She joined her hands in prayer wishing for this newfound passion to last, for his joy to last.

Geet sat very close to the edge, with a cold paratha in her hand and a water bottle in the other. She looked directing at the rising sun, as the greying clouds dissipated into white ones, warmth and shine beckoned the rising animals. Each species called out a different greeting. She sat there on the hilltop, silently biting away the paratha, never once removing her eyes form the peppered amber/pink sky. The red circle seemed to be stubborn in waking up but by the time she finished the last of the two parathas, it stood waving orange light.

'Beautiful' she praised awestruck, getting up on her toes and circled wanting to witness the change that took a matter of few minutes.

'I wish I could come back' she twirled around the stationed sun and then turned around almost immediately, as if registering a danger lurking behind. A silhouette of a man made her heart jump in fear, he wore black trousers and a white shirt; both in as much contrast as his hard face and soft eyes.