Knock, Knock! Who's there? Pt 21/22 pg 80, 82 23/04 - Page 45

Chapter 17

It was 4 days after the sonography appointment that they found themselves in a wealthy restaurant, Mohinder and Rano were going back to Leyland to attend to some personal business hence before leaving they wanted to treat their kids to dinner. Geet was dressed in a fancy dress and black leggings, Maan in a shirt and trouser, Sam also in a dress and Rana in a suit.

'Maan now that we are returning, I'd like you to finish early and go on evening walks with Geet preferably' Rano advised and Maan nodded obediently holding delicately onto Geet's hand.

'And Sam I'd like you to pay more attention to your career' Mohinder looked squarely at Sam who had graduated with a 2.2 in Business and Relation degree however worked as a admin assistant in a medical surgery. Not that she didn't want to strive, but she just couldn't be bothered with the hard work. Of course a sour point for both Mohinder and Rano who were and still are very ambitious, but thanks to Adi that was slowly changing as she was now looking for jobs more proactively, 'And bring Adi over next time we come' Mohinder fondly asked remembering the brief introduction they had, Adi seemed to finally push Sameera excel. So naturally he liked Adi for Sam.

'I really wished to meet Maya, but never mind we'll meet next time' Rano spoke, and two head shot up, Sam who knew they split and Geet who found out through Sam but then Adeel smiled saying, 'Yes definitely next time, she's sorry for not making it today' squandering them in conflict. But before they could question, Mohinder waved for the bill and then after paying, they all headed for the car park. One after another, each hugged Mohinder and Rano who were set to drive to Leyland. Maan had then walked away towards Geet's car taking her along and soon after Sameera followed.

'Geet I'll start the procedure, I suppose Aunty will be back for the delivery so that doesn't give us much time' Rana had knocked on the passenger side window and Geet rolled it down listening to him, the cold seep in and Maan looked over hurrying Rana.

'Ok then I'll come by in a few days after submitting the case' once Rana finished, Geet nodded and so did Maan.

'Oh and Maan can you stay at the house for a few more days, Dev might come over grovelling and god knows what?' Rana instructed knowing of Dev's true character, the man wouldn't simply sit quiet while Geet's fights a legal battle for the firm and the flat. Totally unaware that the couple froze with his last instruction, deep down both were scared with her parents going, very much knowing that Maan's stay came to an end but with Rana's words, a new energy injected, a newfound happiness settled at the pit of their stomach.

'I would have stayed but I'm sure Maya moving in with me would cause problems' he said looking to the backseat where Sameera sat, she was too involved in her phone to pay real attention until Maya was mentioned.

'Why would she move in?' she asked incredulously, already angry as if ready to ignite

'Don't worry, I'll stay back' Maan immediately interrupted with a smile and Geet too smiled, finally releasing a breath of sigh and so did Sameera. 'Of course you'd stay, BABY DADDY you can't run away from responsibilities. You will stay and look after Geet, and save us from the horror called Maya' she ordered the next while the rest either smiled in Geet's case or rolled their eyes in Rana's and Maan's case. With good-byes, Maan drew away and Rana walked the other way to his car.

The ride home was quiet, up until Sameera received a phone call and then instantly the car fell into hollering laughter or sweet nothings, Geet sat smiling the whole way and Maan ignored everything around him apart from the woman sitting on the passenger seat; a delicate smile on her lips, fondly playing with her fingers that lay above her protruding belly.

'By the way I've dyed my hair brown' Sam interrupted loudly and both Maan and Geet looked at the rear view mirror at the red faced Sameera, 'Just the way you wanted' she added quietly, since the car turned oddly quiet they all heard Adi draw in a loud breath and then continue with a 'Sam', his voice sounding disappointed, 'I don't want to change you, I like you for you'. Maan had sighed loudly catching everyone's attention, 'Adi I can't believe you're dating a bimbo!' he relied with mock and Sam immediately hopped 'Adi I can't believe you're friends with a jackass'. This of course stopped Maan from acting out of character however Sam continued. Only after reaching home did she stop, quickly turning off the engine Maan helped Geet and walked diligently towards the house, Sam took out the keys and unlocked before running upstairs, her phone still glued to her ears.

'Maan you ok staying here for a few more days' Geet asked confused and worried, her voice small and her stance cowered, as if scared he'd say yes and break the heart that was growing so fond.

'Geet' he started nervously, but the loud impatient sound of his phone broke their moment. With the ring Geet heard, 'Maa' followed by a scowl so she moved slightly away from him in the passageway. Then when she heard him answer she walked to the kitchen, giving him some space.

'Maa what..?' he tried to intervene, behind his mother he heard his father's, Raj, inadequate attempts to silence his mother.