Ab ke Baras! Chapter 14 up! On 12th Apr! On Page 41! - Page 21

CHAPTER 11. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME?

"Good morning, Geet!, came the voice and Geet who was in the kitchen serving food on some plates, turned around. There stood Maan, all dressed up in shirt and jeans.

"Goodwaala morning, haiga ji!, Geet chirped and turned back to serving, not noticing that behind her, Maan was rolling his eyes at her odd greeting. He then smiled softly. This girl was something else!

"So... what are you doing?, Maan asked as he entered the kitchen.

Geet gave him a smile, "Naashta paros rahi hun!

Maan didn't need translation here as Geet pointed to the food and the plates. Geet must have prepared breakfast for us. Maan frowned. But when did she get up? I have been up since 7 and I didn't hear a single noise of utensils. He looked on impressed as Geet handed him the plate. His eyes widened as he noted the parathas with a dollop of ghee on it. He internally cringed. So much fat early morning! But externally he looked normal. Geet had taken so much effort to keep him fed. It would be stupidity to insult his host by commenting on the ghee. I will simply do 50 push ups extra tomorrow.

Soon Maan and Geet were seated on the floor and eating. As Maan ate, his eyes went to the house and its structure. As an Architect and a builder, any house piqued his curiosity and unable to resist, he asked Geet about the house.

"Yeh ghar..., Geet looked at him cheerfully, "Yeh toh mere Daarji ke Daarji ne banaaya! Bahut puraana ghar hai yeh! Azaadi ke time ka! Daarji toh kehte the ki iss ghar mein azaadi ke liye ladne waale log ek ya do raat ko rukne ke liye bhi aate the! Aur yahi nahi, yeh jo baraamda hai na, yahin par baithke Daarji ke Daarji aur unke doston ne kayi saari yojnaayein banaayi thi angrezon ke khilaaf!...

Geet continued to ramble and Maan continued to watch. Her face was glowing while talking about her family history and Maan was unable to resist smiling at her excitement. He asked few questions here and there but mostly he let Geet talk as both continued to eat.

Suddenly a thought hit Maan. If I lived in Hoshiarpur, so many years back, I should find this place familiar! There must be some place, some scene that would look familiar to me! Forget about places, what if I had lived here? Some house here must have belonged to me. This is so confusing.

Just then Geet spoke up as she got up from the floor with her empty plate in her hand, "Suniye! Aapka naashta hogaya ho toh hum abhi niklenge!

"Niklenge? Where?, Maan questioned as Geet walked towards the kitchen.

Geet turned around and smiled at him, "Yaad nahi! Kal maine aapse waada kiya tha, gaao ghumaane ka!

Maan's expression showed understanding, "Oh yes! It was supposed to be my pleasure, khush... Khushnaseebi!

Geet grinned and walked into the kitchen, "Jee haan! Toh aapko khush karne ke liye hum abhi niklenge! Phir main aapko poora gaao dikhaaungi! Lekin usse pehle main aapko kuch khaas logon se milaaungi!

"Khaas? Who?, Maan frowned as he got up with his plate.

Geet came out of the kitchen and gave him a shy grin, "Meri zindagi mein bade important waale log!

She looked at him nervously, "Chalenge na? Aap unse milenge na?

Maan noticed her nervousness and gave her a pleasant smile, "Oh definitely! Why not!

Geet beamed at him and walked off. Maan looked at her retreating back with a fond smile.

Maan and Geet set off to explore the Village but before that Geet took him to the village square where some old men sat discussing something.

"Chachaji!, Geet squealed as she came forward and took blessings from the man sitting in the middle of the group. Once he blessed her, she went to take blessings from other men. The first man looked at the man standing few steps behind Geet with curiosity. Geet noticed his look and introduced Maan as the man who helped her and brought her home. She introduced the men by their name and informed Maan about how these men were the Panch, the heads of the village. The man in the middle, whom she called Chachaji, was the main head that is Sarpanch.

"Mere Daarji yahaan ke Sarpanch the pehle! Aur Chachaji unke ek dum pakke dost! Daarji ke jaane ke baad Sarpanch ka post inhein mila!..., Geet continued to talk and Maan noticed that the Panch members were looking at her with amusement and fondness. It seemed they were used to her rambling. Once all the introductions were done, the Sarpanch asked what Maan was doing here. Maan said the same story that he gave Geet and they accepted it. They asked what Maan's grandfather's name was. They wanted to see if they knew him. But when Maan gave the name, the men didn't recognise it. Maan was not surprised. His Daadaji had never been here. It was just a story. Soon Geet excused themselves citing that she wanted to introduce Maan to her aunts and led him away. If only they had heard the conversation between the Panches that followed after they left, Maan would have had some hope about finding more about his past life.

"Yeh munda jaana pehchaana nai lag raha?, asked one Panch.

The Sarpanch, "Ki keh rahe ho tussi? Mennu toh aisa nahi laga! He stared at Maan and Geet's retreating back with curiosity.

"Nahi! Maine isko pehle kahin dekha hai!, said the first man again.

The Head shrugged, "Shaayad yeh munda apne Daadaji ki tarah dikhta hoga aur tu unse saalon pehle mila hoga!

The first man thought and nodded. Maybe that was the case!

Soon Maan found himself dragged to some houses near the square. Maan noticed that these houses were in better shape. Obviously these houses were not going to be destroyed for Mall building. Maan was shocked to notice that he was feeling bitter about Geet's house being demolished. Why was he so angry about Geet's house on her behalf when she herself had accepted the fact? He was brought out of his thoughts when they reached a house and Geet knocked on the door.

The door opened and a lady in her forties came out. She saw Geet and her eyes lit up. She squealed and hugged Geet tightly. Geet was also grinning as she hugged the lady back.

"Geet puttar! Kaise hai tu? Tera safar kaisa tha? Koi takleef toh nahi hui na?, the lady questioned.

"Ek dum changa!, Geet replied with a grin. She then turned around to Maan, "Maan! Inse milo! Yeh hai Roop Chachi, meri Ma ki khaas dost! Ma ke jaane ke baad jab bhi mujhe ma ki jaroorat padi, inhonein hi mujhe sambhaala!

Maan smiled at the lady as he folded his hands and said Namaste.

Geet turned to the lady and started to introduce Maan, "Aur yeh hai Maan...

But Geet was cut off as the lady stepped forward and started speaking, "Haan! Haan! Mennu sab samajh aa gaya!

Geet looked baffled and Maan was sure that his face displayed the same bewilderment.

"Main sab samajh gayi yeh kaun hai!, her Chachi looked at her playfully, making Geet frown. Chachi looked at Maan and frowned, "Arre! Dekh kya raha hai? Paaon choo mere!

Maan blinked and looked at Geet. What is happening here?

The Chachi huffed, "Arre! Geet nu ki dekh raha hai? Poori zindagi padi hai use dekhne ke liye! Ab paaon choo!

Geet shrugged at him and Maan bent and took the lady's aashirwad.

"Jeeta reh, puttar! Jeeta reh!, the Chachi mumbled as patted his head. He stood up, still unsure as to what was happening.

Suddenly Chachi dragged Geet and made her stand by Maan. She looked at both of them with bright eyes and suddenly cried out, "Haaye! Geet flinched and Maan took a step back in surprise.

The Chachi continued to chatter in loud voice, "Kinni soni Jodi hai! Kinne pyaare lagte hain dono saath mein! She turned around and started shouting, "Arre! Vimmi, Sullu, Rani, Rajjo! Dekh! Geet aayi hai! Aur saath mein Damaadji bhi aaye hain! Geet aur Damaadji saath mein kinne vadhiya lag rahe hain!

Geet's eyes widened in shock as she looked at Maan with jaw dropped open. Maan turned to her in shock too. Both turned back to look at the Chachi.

"Chachi! Nahi!, Geet squealed as she realised that Chachi had mistaken Maan for her ex fianc.

"Kya hua?, Chachi turned and looked at Geet with a frown.

"Main inse shaadi nahi kar rahi!, Geet blurted out.

"Kya?, Chachi gasped and then placed her hands on her hips, "Kyun nahi kar rahi? Bol! Kyun nahi kar rahi?

She stormed to Geet and glared at her. Geet opened her mouth to explain but the Chachi cut her off.

"Arre! Kami kya hai iss munde mein? Bol toh!, Chachi questioned Geet. She walked to Maan and grabbing his arm, pulled him towards Geet. She made him stand in front of Geet and continued to speak, "Bol na! Dikhne mein toh changa bhala hai! Chaudi chhaati, bade dolle, khoobsurat bhi hai! Phir kami kya hai?

Maan watched as the Chachi described his best features while pointing at the said parts and was surprised to see Geet blush. Why was she blushing? Must be out of embarrassment. Poor Maan! He didn't know that Geet was blushing because for the first time she realised how handsome her new friend was! And the whole thing left her tongue tied.

Suddenly Chachi dragged Maan again and placed him side by side with Geet. She clasped her hands in front of her with excitement, "Haaye! Dono saath mein kinne sone lag rahe ho! Tumhaari Jodi salaamat rahe!

"Chachi par..., Geet tried to explain but Chachi shut her up with, "Chup kar! Sagaai hogayi hai, aur munda bhi changa hai! Aur tu use manaa kar rahi hai! Bewakoof! Jhalli! Tu mere naal gal hi mat kar! Chachi huffed as she turned to Maan, "Oh Puttarji! Aapki aur humaari Geet ki Jodi kinni soni hai! Then she glared at both of them, "Ab khade khade mera mooh kya dekh rahe ho? Saath mein paao chuvo! Saath mein aashirwad lena bhi jaroori hai!

"Chachi!, Geet whined and huffed, "Yeh mere honewaali Pati nahi hain! Woh toh Kameena nikla! Sagaai tod aayi main!, she blurted out as fast as possible.

"Kya?, her Chachi rushed to her, "Tu ki bol rahi hai Kudi?

Geet sighed and explained the whole story, from her meet with her ex fianc to meeting Maan and coming here.

"Haayo Rabba! Woh Munda aisa niklega maine socha hi nahi tha!, Chachi shook her head with sorrow. Then she turned to Maan, "Maaf keejiye Maan puttar! Yeh sab mein main aapko ki ki bol gayi!

Maan shrugged, "Its ok!

Chachi smiled and thanked him for saving Geet from the goon. They talked for a while and then Maan and Geet excused themselves. Geet started to walk towards some place and Maan walked by her side. Maan was surprised to see how quiet Geet was. He snuck a look at her and was surprised to see her cheeks red and her head down. Aha! That's why Miss. Hoshiarpur Express is not chattering! She is embarrassed. I hope she was not too much embarrassed. I cannot believe I am saying this, but I miss her non stop chatter!

Geet felt nervous and shy. And she did not know why. She snuck a look at Maan and again felt her cheeks turn red as she remembered the compliments her Chachi bestowed on him. She realised that her Chachi was right. Maan was very handsome! She snuck another look at him and noticed how fit he was. She wouldn't mind having Maan as her life partner, she realised. Then she shook her head and scolded herself. How can she even dream of Maan as her life partner? He was an NRI and she was local! Their financial situation and lifestyles were different. And lets not forget the cultural differences! Aur mennu toh aadhi time inki baatein hi samajh nahi aati! Geet huffed and pushed their conversation with Chachi to the back of her head. Enough! No more thinking about it, she decided. What's the use of thinking of impossible? She sighed and pushed all thoughts of good looking Maan away.

Maan was surprised to hear Geet suddenly start talking about the village. He sighed in relief. Geet was back to talking. Now life seems normal!

"So... What are you going to show me next?, Maan cut in when Geet took a break from her explanation.

Geet felt relieved that Maan was speaking normally. She was scared that Chachi's marriage talks cost her, her friend.

"Geet!, Maan called her once he noticed that she was lost in her thoughts.

"Huh? Ki?, Geet looked at him.

Maan chuckled. Oh that ki!

"I asked where are we going now?, Maan replied.

Geet grinned, "Mere khet vich! Pehle it was green green fields, colourful flowers. Then her grin fell off, "Abhi its all viraan! Then she cheered up again, "Lekin jagah khoobsurat hai!

Maan nodded and soon they were on the outskirts, just some feet away from Geet's house. She pointed out to him where their fields used to start and end. Now somebody else owned them but nobody minded if she wandered around them. She dragged him to the middle of the field where there was some kind of station, Maan noticed. It was made of bamboo sticks and hay. He remembered seeing something similar in Hindi movies that his Daadima watched. Its where the farmer climbed upto and kept an eye on the fields. Geet dragged him to it and started climbing. Maan shook his head and followed her.

Once they reached the top, she explained how her family used to sow wheat and harvest it. Maan listened to her attentively as she talked about all the games she and her siblings played in the same field. For a second, he was unable to look away from her. Her face was alight as she remembered those happy days. And her grin and happiness was infectious. Maan found himself smiling at her and he simply stared at her. Only when her explanation finished that he looked away. What is wrong with me? He wondered. Why was I staring at her? Before he could question his emotions and feelings, Geet brought him out of his thoughts with her actions. She went down and brought some stones back with her. She picked up a stone and threw it far away. Maan was shocked to see that the stone hitting some crows and they flew away.

"What are you doing?, Maan asked in surprise.

Geet grinned, "Those kavve... Kaav kaav... Eat our daane... grains! We throw stone and they fly away!

Maan blinked for a second and then translated her words in his mind, "Oh! So you are throwing the stones to ward off the crows as they might eat the grains!

"Correct!, Geet chirped, "Now you try!

"What? No!, Maan was not interested.

Geet huffed, "Arre! Try no? Its fun!

Maan huffed and then grabbed a stone from her hand. He swung his arm and threw it as far as possible. Geet cheered when some crows flew away.

"That was fun!, Maan commented and was about to take another stone from Geet when he lost his balance. To stop himself from falling, he grabbed Geet's arm but even she was unable to save him. Both fell on the hay and it shook Maan. His heart beat fast at the sudden accident and he was glad to see that they fell on hay as that meant neither of them were hurt. He looked down to see Geet hiding her face in his chest. His heart beat calmed to normal and he prodded Geet. She looked up at him and Maan felt breathless. Her eyes clashed into his and he lost the sense of time and moment. His heartbeat picked up again but this time he didn't understand why.

Geet couldn't look away. His eyes captured her attention and she felt as if she was falling into an abyss. What was this feeling? She wondered. She had trouble breathing, her stomach was doing somersaults and her hands felt shaky and clammy. What was happening to her?

Suddenly something screeched at a distance and both came out of their thoughts. Geet sat up in shock and looked away nervously. This day was shaping up to be nothing but puzzling for her. Maan sat up and took a second to calm his heart. What is happening to me? He shook his head and turned to look at Geet.

Geet plastered a fake smile on her face, ignoring her body's reactions for now and looked at Maan. Maan smiled back but his smile looked more like a grimace. He must be feeling odd too, Geet thought. Both remained quiet as they got down and walked off.

Now where? Maan wanted to ask but he was too shaken by what happened to even open his mouth. Geet seemed to be in the same boat and both remained silent till Maan looked up and realised that they reached some lake.

"Lake?, Maan whispered in pleasant surprise.

Geet grinned at him, her normal behaviour coming to fore, "Jee haan! Humaare gaaon ka lake! Childhood mein na me, sister and brother, play a lot here!

Maan ignored her butchering of English and nodded. He took in the expression of happiness on Geet's face and realised how much she had lost in that fire. He walked towards the lake and noticed absentmindedly that Geet had already headed into the lake and was now standing in water upto her knees. She bent a little and started to play with the water. Maan ignored her as he took in the serene surroundings. It was beautiful! The lake was surrounded by hills and behind him was some kind of forest. The whole area was tranquil and Maan realised that if he ever lived in India this would be the type of place he would go camping to. Its perfect for camping! I would have loved staying here! He snuck a glance at Geet. And maybe I would have even met someone interesting people here! He went back to looking at the sky and the hills.

Suddenly he flinched as water fell on him. He turn to look at Geet with wide eyes. She giggled at him. She cupped water in her hands and threw it on him once again.

"Geet! What are you doing?, Maan hissed.

"I am playing!, Geet replied in sing song voice as she threw water at him once again.

Maan looked away to avoid water onto his face.

"Stop it, Geet!, he growled.

"Nahi! Main nahi rukungi!, Geet grinned at him as she continued to throw water at him.

"I said stop it!, Maan growled as he glared at her.

She shook her head and continued with her antics.

For a second Maan stared at her and then he growled. Her eyes widened and she squealed as he ran into the water to catch her. She turned around and started to run. But she needn't have. All her actions were for naught as Maan had lost his balance and fallen into the water.

"Aaa..., Maan shouted as he fell.

Geet turned around and was shocked to see no Maan behind her.

"Maan!, she shouted in worry.

Just then a head came out of water and there was Maan Singh Khurana, sitting on the floor of the river, only his head visible. His hair was plastered to his head and his eyes blinked owlishly.

Geet blinked in surprise and then burst out laughing at the comic look Maan was sporting, "Maan... Ha ha ha ha ha... Gir gaye...ha ha ha!, she continued to laugh as she took in Maan's expression.

Maan's eyes narrowed. You are laughing at me! How dare you! With annoyance in his mind, he stood up. He saw Geet's eyes widen and her laughter stop. Yes, you girl! Stop laughing! Be scared! You mock me? I will show you! Still feeling annoyed at her, he marched towards her.

Geet was laughing out loud when she noticed Maan's eyes narrow. Then he stood up and Geet's breath was taken away. His white shirt turned transparent and molded to his body and Geet could see every single one of his muscles. Her eyes widened and her laughter stopped. Again her heart rate built up as the fine specimen of menfolk walked towards her with determined steps. She gulped as her eyes took in his strong physique, his washboard abs and his muscled arms. Haayo rabba! Babaji ne yeh kya cheez banaayi! She was suddenly aware of his masculinity and she felt her whole body responding to him.

Maan reached Geet and snaked one of his arms around her waist. She took in a sharp breath as he tugged her close and her body was smashed into his. She looked at his face as her hands grabbed his shirt in fear. Anticipation and nervousness built up in her as she stared at him unblinkingly. Suddenly she flinched and looked away as he shook his head and water droplets from his hair fell onto her face.

Maan stormed towards Geet and grabbed her by her waist. You are going to laugh at me? Now I am going to make you wet too! He pulled her slick knowing that his shirt would wet her top too. And then he shook his head, letting water fall onto her. This is for making me wet! He snarled in his mind, feeling satisfaction at having his revenge. But all thoughts of revenge flew out of his mind as she turned to look back at him. His heart began to beat faster again as she looked at him with wide eyes. Feeling himself drown in her eyes, he leaned close. His eyes fell onto her lips and for a while, he had the urge to kiss her right then and there. He bent a little more. Subconsciously, he noticed her lean forward too.

Geet felt her heart rate go up more as Maan leant a little. Hey Babaji! It was going to be her first kiss! She expected herself to be nervous when kissed for the first time. But she never expected herself to be eager about it. Why was she so excited to kiss Maan? She wondered. But then her thoughts flew out of her mind when Maan bent a little and they were breath away from a kiss.

Suddenly, one of them lost a footing and both went tumbling down into the water. Geet came up spluttering and beside her Maan did the same. They looked at each other and looked away. What had happened? Both wondered. Again there was silence between them as they slowly got up and out of the water. Geet fidgeted with her dupatta while Maan carded his fingers through his hair in frustration.

What am I doing? What is happening to me? Maan wondered. It must be the moment, that's all! Both were just caught up in a moment! Nothing else was there! Maan reassured himself.

Geet bit her lip. Stop it, Geet! Stop dreaming about him! She lectured herself. Woh tera nahi hai! Toh mat soch uske baare mein! She shook herself just as Maan suggested they should have some lunch. Geet nodded and both walked off to Handa House quietly.

So folks, how was the Maaneet romance? Hope you liked it.

Thank you for reading and take care,

Kalpana