A Cursed Up Love T4 Complete (Extra 1/2) pg 37 14/02 - Page 23

Chapter 70: A love for life (B)

Maan walked out the conference room knowing Geet must be waiting in his office, with rushed movements he ordered the employees that followed behind, 'Neil make the required changes in the documents' he spoke turning to the tall man, standing next to him was Tasha; after Sasha's exit Tasha was now his secretary; an association which was causing a lot of gossip. 'Ok' Neil answered and then turned to Tasha, forwarding his hands to take the file off her hands, however even after taking the file he still held onto her hand and walked away toward his office. Adi and Maan looked at one another with a knowing glance but decided to ignore, 'Maan sir Geet is sleeping' Pinky notified just as they walked past the reception, he stilled for a minute and then asked for an announcement to be played, it was of a soft breeze, a clear indication for the employees on his floor to be as quiet as possible since his wife was sleeping. The care and love only magnified over time.

He walked softly towards his cabin and hushed Adi before turning the knob, there she slept on the sofa he brought when she first came to the office, the throw was lying half on her and other half on the floor. 'Adi wait here' he ordered unwilling to show a different side of his wife to his staff, he then quickly walked to the desk and collected a file, 'There, I want everything as explained in the file' his smile was soft and endearing as if handing over a part of himself. 'Sure' Adi answered turning on his heel, 'By the way Sasha has turned to the Worker's Tribunal citing unlawful removal from work' Adi added turning to Maan's angering eyes. Though Maan hadn't said anything however he shut his cabin with a curt nod, marking the end on conversation, also a sign that he would deal with it. Hence without wasting a second, Adi walked back passing a number of staff who stopped and wished him 'Good evening' and he nodded in acceptance however he only turned to Pinky and wished her asking for a coffee and she willing followed pursuit, two coffee's and silence followed but Pinky would have it no other way. With Sasha gone, Khuranna Construction was much more peaceful, the troublemakers lay low and the hard-workers preferred the change.

Maan locked the door and closed the blinds, he walked to Geet and covered her fully with the throw, bending down he kissed her forehead and then went about doing his work. It was probably 40 to 50 minutes, when finally Geet moved stretching her arm and yawned.

'Good evening' Maan wished picking up the receiver, A coffee, a bottle of water and a sandwich please' he ordered from the caf downstairs, still focused on Geet who got up, folded the throw, set the sofa straight and then walked to the adjoined toilet to freshen up.

'Tuna and cucumber Ok for you?' he pointed to the plate of food as she walked out and sat opposite him nodding her head, 'How was Uni?' he asked next, but she brought out her hand and showed the stop sign, he then watched her swallow while he uncapped her water bottle and forwarded, only after drinking water did she say it was good, 'Prof thinks I've got a natural flair'. She smiled and continued eating, the last 2 months seemed to have flied by. It turned out, Geet didn't like Fashion, which was totally unexpected instead she preferred Social Work much more maybe because Naina was there, but each day she'd be back to Maan's arms and narrate a new incident. Obviously with her course, she also decided to help Dadima out at the foundation, so when she wasn't at University, she'd be at the Women's centre or the Orphanage learning or teaching, something which helped build Geet's character. She was always compassionate but now she was spirited, engaged and thrived. 'Vicky started toward, he worked for 3/4 hours in the morning I think, with Meera' he informed as she continued to eat. Time to play around with Vicky had reduced with her busy timetable, hence she wasn't aware of a lot of things and some he decided to keep to himself up until she was free, and seeing how it was Friday he finally let off a little steam, 'Sameera had her child, she went into labour early and the boy is premature by 1 and half months' he brought up the topic after nearly a month, last she heard was that the baby had a definite problem with his heart. 'How's the baby?' she asked walking around the table and sat in his lap, 'Good I believe, still early to determine what's wrong but Dadima was saying both mother and son are good for now' he added playing with her hair that rested next to the temple. Over the weeks, Maan grew familiar with Dadima's increasing communication with Sameera while he detached, barely texting her. Come to think of it, he only text after the baby was born to congratulate. 'When was he born?' she asked resting her head to his chest and placed a delicate kiss there, 'Monday, he's nearly a week' he continued to twirl a stand of her hair in his fingers, 'Shall we go see her and the baby?' she asked next, Hmmm dadima also wants to visit, 'Once Vicky fully starts we'll plan something' he answered 'But before that we still need to go on a honeymoon' he didn't wait a second taking her mouth into his, she let out a yelp of shock but soon adjusted to his demanding lips.

'Lakhan what are you doing here?' Geet asked as she walked in, Maan followed behind with her big bag and study books.

'Wow that's rich!' Lakhan frowned

'Everyday you'd call home and complain to Darji that I never visit and now when I finally do, you're still complaining' he bleated getting off the sofa to hug Geet who though hugged back but still pinched 'When do I ever complain, its Darji that keeps on asking me when you last visited' she lied as Lakhan screamed in pain, Vicky and Maan both laughed knowing now painful her playful pinches can get.

'Meera this is my younger brother, Lakhan' she introduced happily holding onto Lakhan as Meera walked downstairs, they then settled on the sofa, as Nakul brought about beverages and snacks that were already ordered by Dadima.

'Yeh kya hai' she asked pointing to the corner, where loads of wrapped gifts awaited.

'Darji and Rano chachi sent them over, apparently you're not feeling well' Lakhan informed looking at Maan, who just got up and quickly walked up the stairs, Geet watched with a knowing look. It was indeed true with her busy schedule, she had limited time to call home; so naturally she complained to Maan about missing home and each time he'd correct her saying the Khuranna Mansion was now her home, although it pleased her like no other however she'd still ended saying 'I miss maa, papa, darji and the rest'. So when the wife complains what could the husband do; of course he turned to his mother-in-law and complained too, 'Aunty please try and come, Geet is missing you guys' he had earnestly asked, with it being cropping season, they couldn't come however they made sure Lakhan visit with a tonne of gifts.

'Brij veerji wanted to come too but he couldn't make it, some consignment issue but I'm here' Lakhan prodded poking Geet's shoulder in glee, 'Of course you're always here, you practically live here but still don't come to visit your sister' she moaned in agitation rubbing the part he prodded. 'Correction, I study here but I don't live here in Delhi. My placement has me travelling all the time' he amended her thinking although she fretted however let it go, running to the corner to receive a package, 'Vicky it's so you' she smiled throwing the gift in his lap to which he smiled. 'What it is?' she asked the minute he tried to rip the cello-tape, 'That's rude, it's my present' Vicky moved away placing the gift beside him, between him and Meera and again Geet started to whine and mope. 'Maan' she called the minute he stood on the stairs and he immediately called out 'Vicky' in warning, of course what followed was Vicky revealing his present and Geet smiling ear to ear. Indeed she was the centre of Maan's universe, one word and he'd do anything for her.

It was late in the night when Lakhan left promising to visit soon which everyone immediately refuted knowing his soon was probably a year or two later, though he swore however still remained red-faced in embarrassment.

'Look after yourself' he kissed Geet's forehead in brotherly affection after hugging both Maan and Vicky

'Oh and Darji said they'll all visit after you come back from your honeymoon' Lakhan teased tapping the side of her head which she turned to the floor and Maan smiled ingenuously.

'Bye' Lakhan waved from the car, after his car left the driveway they all walked back in, Meera was the first to leave and come back with a package, 'Veerji these came a while ago' she said handing over an envelope, 'Yeah Adi called' Maan took it and shoved it into his pocket after making sure Adi had indeed followed his order from the file he handed in the afternoon. 'So where are you going?' Vicky asked interested, 'None of your business' Maan answered nonchalantly making the ladies laugh, 'Geet you too, shouldn't you be hitting bhai for me' he moaned moving away from the laughing Meera, to which Geet shrugged pointedly staring at the present he received from the Handa's, this was obviously his answer to disregarding her wish to see his present before.

'You all are traitors, and bhai shouldn't you be appreciative, I mean the only reason you're even going on a honeymoon is because I offered to go back to work full time next month?' Vicky boasted getting up and raised an invisible collar

'Why should I thank you, you're only returning a favour. Didn't I handle the business when you went off to Egypt for your honeymoon?' Maan questioned raising a brow in confidence and Vicky sat back down defeated

'Maan where are we going?' Geet sat placing her hand on his that rested on his thigh, Dadima and Meera watched in wonder, 'You'll know soon enough' he answered to her angered face, Vicky burst out laughing and an angry Geet stood up and stomped away swearing both Vicky and Maan under her breath.

'Veerji'

'Maan' both Dadima and Meera reprimanded in a smiling voice, of course no one could afford an upset Geet. She was probably the only Khuranna who could turn the mansion upside down with just a tear.

'I'll go see to her' he immediately got up running after Geet shouting endearments as she ran faster towards their bedroom.

Chapter 70: A love for life (C)

'Morning sweetheart' he wished sweetly into her ears as she moved away from the disturbing noise with a frown, next she felt soft confetti fall over her face, each kissing more gently then the previous, cracking a small smile as sleep left slowly, easily.

'Morning' she smiled lowering the duvet, she looked up at Maan with a soft smile and then closed her eyes once again feeling soft strokes, only after Maan had stopped did she open her eyes again and look at his hand that stopped a few lengths away from her face, crunched between were pink and red petals and then she looked around to find several scattered around her face.

'Maan' she asked pleasantly sitting up and he threw more petals on her making her giggling

'Why?' she asked holding onto a bunch of flowers he forwarded next: a wide array of daisy, roses, lavender and few sunflowers.

'Just' he shrugged before lifting her up and walking to the bathroom, she screeched in his hands shouting 'Maan put me down' but he heard none and to be honest neither did she want to leave his arms.

'So where shall we go first?' Maan asked putting apricot jam on Geet's toast, which she received with a smile and then bit the toast before bringing up a glass of milk to her mouth. Maan silently ate beside although all his attention was on his woman dressed in a yellow maxi looking breezy in the spring climate.

'Anywhere you take me!' she answered between the swallows and he smiled now forwarding a few biscuits her way but this time she stopped and turned it back to him, with a smile he accepted the biscuit. In the next 30 minutes, they lazed around kissing and hugging before Geet finally reached for the travel brochures, 'Shall we visit the city?' Geet asked in an energised voice, and Maan nodded with glee. They were in Amsterdam, capital city of Netherlands, on a honeymoon. Last month, both had worked hard; Maan did overtime to accommodate the honeymoon so Vicky wasn't swooped with work on his 1^st week back, full-time that is, even with Meera helping however there's so much she can do with her experience being different. Geet worked on assignments and the Foundation diligently, earning high merits. Like promised each day Geet returned to Khuranna Construction; slept for half an hour and then worked on projects from university or helped Maan regardless of his protests. With Geet by his side, no matter how tired Maan felt he still worked endlessly, the previous month was packed with various consignments and watching over numerous plots, time again he left on short notices and stayed a night or two away from her, every time he'd return with a gift and plenty of love. They say distance makes the heart fonder' and so was the case with Maan and Geet, so when he'd return she'd hog onto him like a pillow to a duvet, and he'd treat her like the only person on earth. They felt treasured and loved, finding the only thing they both wanted. So after so much of pressures and demands, finally Maan revealed his plans to Geet a week before teh holiday; their honeymoon on Geet's first break. A week away from family and work, a week of love, fun and leisure. Yesterday they travelled to the flower garden where Geet stood mesmerised by the beauty of nature and Maan by the beauty of his wife, they then visited the museum and Anne Frank house. The day prior to that, they stayed in bed after arriving at the hotel since they were jet lagged from the travels. So technically, this was the second day of site-seeing.

They walked randomly hand in hand, stopping at any spot of interest. Geet stood in front of the lettering 'I Amsterdam' posing as Maan clicked a few pictures, in each she'd curve her lips and smile with her eyes, at times she'd jump asking Maan to click vigorously or she'd slouch against the letters smiling goofily.

'Maan' she then called pulling him to the statue and posed while a passer-by snapped two pictures, the first she smiled at the camera and he stared at her with an indulgent smile, and in the other they both looked deeply into each-other's eyes counting maybe the invisible specks but the picture looked beautiful and full of love. 'Thank you' they thanked the passer-by before turning to a cafe, Geet sat by the window and he left for the counter ordering cakes and drinks.

'Maan shall we go to the beach?'

'Geet shall we go shopping?' both spoke at the same time and ended up laughing, 'Ok we'll see' Maan then pushed Geet's hot chocolate and cut the Carnival Cake in two, a smaller piece for himself while the bigger portion was pushed forward to Geet. 'That's too big' came the usual complain, 'Geet you'd need the energy when we start shopping' he answered looking through the brochures and she cheekily cut her piece of cake and pushed a spoonful into his mouth, 'Geet' he laughed at her brazen behaviour but indulged in being fed, it wasn't like every day she fed him rather it was always the other way round. 'Don't you want to go to the beach' she asked when he pushed the spoon away and indicated she eat some too with his sparked eyes. Though he hadn't said anything but she knew he'd do what she wanted, so they settled on shopping before going back to the hotel for a nap and then maybe go to the beach if Maan could keep himself away from her.

'Maan look at that?' Geet screamed pointing towards a strange looking building, however he cared less digging his face further into her nape

'Maan' she moaned looking around in coyness, people around seemed unbothered and fully absorbed in the electric boat ride. It was their fifth day, unlike planned they stayed at the hotel all day yesterday: spa followed by leisured swimming, lunch and then bed. Heat flushed darker on Geet's cheeks feeling Maan's cold fingers slip through her shirt, that how it started yesterday afternoon and by night they were exhausted and laden in sweat.

'Maan' she screamed louder turning around when her knees felt weak, some people turned towards them hearing her shout but then smiled looking away, Maan hadn't paid no attention to her angry words rather dipped down and took her mouth into his, his tongue swiping against hers.

'Maan it's embarrassing' she complained when he released her, her face hidden in the crook of his neck. He giggled however repeated 'I love you Geet' like an oath and she repeated soon after looking firmly into his eyes, a shy smile and golden haze. To the world it seemed like love, but to Maan it seemed like he finally found someone who wore him in her eyes much like how he wore her. Geet was blessed with her prince charming and Maan was awarded with a woman who made him her first priority. This was their answer to the curse they lived, a life of true love and adventure.

The end

As requested by Flame, there would be extra chapter/s (1 or 2, maybe 200 or so words); 1. Sam/Adeel, 2. A meet with Maan/Geet and Adeel/Sam; I don't think we had a proper conversation between the four though there was a hit and miss in Sam's room at the hospital. Also I feel Geet is too young for kids (she's 18 if I remember correctly), so the final chapter is penned as an epilogue. I do not plan to write when or if she'd have any kids, I'll leave the rest to your imagination lol.

Anyway other than that I hope you enjoyed reading this tale, sorry it took ages. I started writing this May 2016, so thank you guys for sticking by and continuing to read. Also Netherlands and Holland is the same, sorry if it causes any confusion.