Distorted Lives..FOUW..Thread 2..... updtd note pg 105 - Page 30

Originally posted by: pallavimn

Superb update dear.

I love everything about update.

Like ani and vicky's convo.

Geet asking for chocolates to maan. And mostly like maan's opinion about their mother.

Please update soon dear.

Take care.

Thank you for your comment dear. I am glad you liked it.

Originally posted by: anmirza

I am loving the the bond that has developed unknowingly between Maan and Geet! I hope they get along really and become soulmates

Thank you for your comment dear. I am glad you liked it. I am sure the journey forward will be enjoyable for you guys.

Thank you everyone for such overwhelming response.

Before I start I would just say this is not just an ordinary story. Neither Maan nor Geet are perfect people here. they are both imperfect and here's a story of few people who are no where near perfects. This is the story of their flaws...their imperfections...their incompleteness. Do comment and press like. They inspire me to write better. In case anyone wants pm please add me as buddy.Awaiting your honest opinions.

Part 30

Distance

Annie always had a habit of getting up early in the morning. The soft sun rays rejuvenated her and gave her the courage to face a new day. The terrace was her place. The gym was for Maan bhai and Rey used the inner gardens for his Yoga. But the terrace was her space and nobody in her house intruded.

Annie was confused more than anything.When she was talking with Vicky or be with him it was like everything was perfect. But that feeling evaporates whenever she is alone. She could see Arjun making his way in her heart.

She had loved Arjun with an innocence that doesn’t exist in her anymore. She thought Arjun was the one for her. But Arjun broke her heart. A part of her wanted to go back and see if things would be better this time round. But she was not going to rush this time round. Plus, there was Vicky to consider as well…. Vicky was someone who had always been there for her. Vicky had been there to stitch her back with a devotion only someone with true love can manage. She cannot break Vicky…. He didn’t deserve that kind of hurt.

Unknowingly tears seeped out. She didn’t want to make this kind of decisions. Fate of two people she loved shouldn’t be in her hands. How could she ever choose? But she would have to because she couldn’t have both. As Maan Bhai said, life isn’t easy but it is simple. If only her choices were as simple as it seems on paper.

“Annie”

The rich baritone of her elder brother made her turn back. Maan Bhai had dark circles under his eyes. Too many sleepless nights. He looked too tired yet here he was when she needed him the most. Without a word she ran to him and hugged him. He smelled of hospitals and medicine yet the safety and protection of his arms were as ever soothing her fears.

Maan sensed her need for support and provided her whatever she needed. Once she was a little recovered her pulled out of the hug saying,

“Ann… I came here to talk to you. Can you?”

“Believe it or not Bhai, I was missing you and wishing you were here helping me sort through my emotions.”

“Here I am then.”

“No Bhai, I can’t be selfish.You are bone-tired. Look at you, you can hardly stay awake. Please take some well deserved rest. We can chat later.”

Maan smiled. His little Ann had finally grown up. Is this what a father feels when his daughter leaves home?The thought of a daughter brought back the pain of losing his unborn child on the forefront. Even after a year that wound is still tender. But this is about Annie.

“My sweet little sis, do you think I can ever sleep knowing you are in turmoil? So let’s talk and then I can sleep.”

“Love you Bhai. I am confused Bhai. I don’t know what to do? I don’t know whom to chose? How can I decide my own fate let alone the fate of two other men? Men I love too much to wish ill.I don’t want to Bhai. I don’t want this power.”

“Oh Ann. Only you can make your choices my dear. “

“But other people are involved and I don’t want to hurt anyone. Arjun is here and remorseful. He wants to give our relationship the chance I desperately wanted to have a year back and I have a feeling if I don’t take I will always wonder about what if. On the other hand, there is Vicky. Vicky, who had been there for me always. I love him too and I don’t think I can hurt him. And leaving him would shatter him. Tell me Bhai how can I make this impossible choice?”

Maan kept quiet. The morning sun rays were soothing. He organised his thoughts so he can make Annie understand what he wanted to convey. Words were not his forte but he had to try.

“Ann, I don’t know what to say or rather what you want me to say. This situation is somewhat of your making as well.”

“How can you say that Bhai?”

“Very easily. I have to show you your mistakes if you don’t see them Ann. That’s what an elder brother is supposed to do. You knew you were not over Arjun. Yet you went ahead and jumped into a relationship with Vicky. Vicky also shouldn’t have agreed to become are bound for you but if what you say is true he was in love with you. You were not. So if today you are facing this choice you have only yourself to blame Ann. Arjun was always there in the equation. You brought Vicky in which was neither right nor fair to Vicky.”

Maan stopped a while and let his words sink in. He was pained to see Annie’s eyes tearing up but this was necessary. She needed to understand that she was responsible for her own mess.

Annie composed herself a bit.

“You are right Bhai. I can’t blame Arjun or even destiny for everything. I created this mess. I used Vicky initially to escape my pain and loneliness. But now I love him. I can’t do to him what Arjun did to me? What difference would there be between Arjun and I then?”

“I am proud of You Annie that you are taking responsibility for your choices. You were not intentionally hurting anyone but you did a mistake. Being an adult means taking responsibility and cleaning up your own mess Ann. You cannot continue existing in this triangle. At the end, you can only have one of them. And so you need to let go of one of them and mean it. Choice is yours but don’t drag it about.That would be more painful for all of you.”

“I don’t know if I can choose Arjun. I love him but I don’t think I can ever trust or respect him.”

“I am not here to influence your choice Ann but do you love Vicky truly? He doesn’t deserve your halfhearted efforts. If you love Vicky give him your all or let him go so, he can find someone who would.”

Annie was quiet. She thought about her phone call last night. Even though Vicky was joking about there was some unexpressed pain in his voice. It was like he was slowly breaking inside and Annie didn’t like the fact that Annie was the one breaking him. He truly was an amazing person. He deserved a whole heart, not someone who would slowly suck the life out of him.

Looking back, she could realize that she had always clinged to Vicky for emotional support and he had given it all to her without asking for anything in return. How had she turned so selfish that she did not see his pain? He didn’t deserve this pain and she didn’t deserve his unselfish love when she couldn’t give him some back.

So the answer was right here and she had been searching everywhere. Arjun didn’t deserve her. He still thinks he was right and until he learns to treat her as equal with the respect she deserves, she cannot be with him. But she wasn’t someone who can love fully.And Vicky deserves to either have his love returned or to be freed so he can find someone else.

“Bhai, I think I am going to be single for next few months at least.”

“Why?”

“You were right. This mess to certain extent has been my making. I can’t blame myself for Arjun’s decisions Bhai. He has to take responsibilities for those. But Vicky was entirely my making. I can’t turn back time Bhai. I wish I could. I can’t change the fact that any hurt Vicky would receive due to my decision could have been avoided.”

“Now Annie, give Vicky enough respect to take his choices into account. He did chose to be with you knowing you were not entirely in love with him.”

“Yes, but it is as you said. I was the one without emotions involved. I shouldn’t have used him to get rid of my loneliness.”

“Okay.”

“I will let go of Vicky. I think it is time I sort things in my heart first. If I want to be Vicky, I have to truly let go of Arjun. And if I want to go back to Arjun, I need to stop feeling guilty about hurting Vicky and forgive myself. Even if I chose none of them and move forward with someone entirely new I need to get rid of any lingering emotions first. Only then can we all move forward.”

“It won’t be easy Ann.”

“Nothing worthwhile in life is easy Bhai. Remember you told me that. And there can be nothing more worthwhile than life partner Bhai. I have to do this Bhai. For myself, for Arjun and for Vicky. I will need space so I can resolve the conflicts of my heart. Maybe then I would deserve the love I want.”

“You have always deserved Love Ann. Now tell me, how will Vicky react to this?”

Annie closed her eyes for a bit.She knew exactly how Vicky react.

“He would be hurt Bhai but he would accept it and respect my decision. He might try to call me but he won’t if I say no explicitely.”

“You trust him that much?”

“I trust him more Bhai.”

“And how would Arjun react to this?”

Annie sighed. She knew what Arjun’s reaction will be as well.

“He would fight my decision. He would try to force contact.”

“Then what would you do with Arjun?”

“I know if I tell you, you would make sure Arjun doesn’t cause any problem. But I don’t want to come between your friendship. I think I need to go away Bhai. It would give me an excuse not to be in touch if I am in a far away place and I would get my space.”

“Hmmm…...”

Maan looked at the distance. The buildings were making everything feel congested. The curse of staying in city is that the place was a concrete jungle. He suddenly missed the tranquillity of mountains.

“What Bhai? Just a ‘hmmm’! Tell me that I am doing right thing.”

“You are doing the right thing for you my dear Annie.”

“I want to do right by all….”

“Only God can do that my dear.You do right by yourself and avoid doing wrong to others. That’s the most we humans can achieve.”

They looked on. Decisions were made. Annie was finally at peace. She would let both Arjun and Vicky know when time comes for her to leave. Now she needs to decide where she will go. It feels like she is running away but she really needed a change.

“What if I really lose them both in the process Bhai?”

Maan’s heart ached at the insecurity in her voice. He caressed her cheek and told her in a soft voice,”You cannot lose the things that matter for asking a little space Annie.Whatever is truly yours will withstand the test of time. I don’t know what future will hold for you my dear but know this. Your brothers, your family will be there right here waiting. So even if you lose both of them you won’t lose everything.”

The brother-sister duo smiled but it was filled with sadness. Maan smiled and changed her mood.

“Now I think I need to sleep. I will go back to hospital again afterwards.”

“Oh! Who is with Brij bhai now?”

“His sister is there but Geet is tired as well. I think Brij will go and sleep for sometime and then will come and relieve Geet and Arjun so they can go and get rest. “

“We need to have another chat Bhai….I am very interested about this Geet.”

Maan smiled a naughty smile.

“Oh Ann!! I am sure that can wait.”

And he did something he hadn’t done in years. He ran away before Annie could respond. Annie smiled and thought,” Now I am even more curious. I think I need to meet this Geet. Maybe Rey and I can go there and relieve Brij Bhai. That would give us a perfect opportunity. Only for you Maan bhai would I bear all the awkwardness with Arjun… But I need to meet this Geet.”

Annie skipped down the stairs her heart much lighter. She had some planning and plotting to do.

Part 31

Planning and meetings

Rey was feeling quite serene.Meditation always helped him feel grounded. Suddenly the whirlwind named Annie and sat beside him jostling him in the process.

“I have had the most brilliant idea Rey.”

Rey was annoyed. Annie was taking away the tranquillity of his morning meditation.

“What Ann? You know I like it quiet in the morning!”

“Oh shut up Rey! Maan bhai is back and I had the most amazing idea. Right now Brij Bhai, Arjun and certain Miss Geet is at the hospital. Maan Bhai is back for some rest.”

“Okay?”

“So what do you think about you and me going to the hospital?”

“on what purpose?”

“Twofold actually. We can go and send Brij Bhai and Arjun home for much needed rest. Then we can stay back with Miss Geet.”

Rehaan’s mind started calculating as he thought different possibilities.

“What about Mrs. Handa?”

“I can hardly help her Rey after her reaction yesterday. Morover Daadi can help her if required.”

“Is hospital a place for matchmaking Ann?”

“You see I am not matchmaking.”

Rehaan gave her a look.

“At least not yet. I want to know this Geet. Maan Bhai will deny everything but I feel like this Geet has had an impact on Maan Bhai. And I need to know this woman. We cannot miss this opportunity. Come on Rey, I have a feeling this will be the best impulsive decision I have ever taken.”

“Fine but you will deal with Maan.”

“Chicken!”

“Well I deal with enough of his outbursts in office. I don’t think I can deal with this….”

“Oh just agree with me that you are afraid of Maan Bhai’s temper.”

“Only an insane person like you won’t fear his temper.”

They bickered a bit more but Rehaan had to agree that Annie’s idea was a good one. They took the car after informing Daadi about their plans. Rehaan was busy searching for a parking.Annie was already on her way inside. She had called Brij on the way and they were still at the waiting area.

Rehaan spotted a parking area and went ahead and parked his car. He was hurrying through when he collided with someone as he felt scalding hot liquid sip into his shirt. He yelled out as he thought that nothing about this day would be tranquil.

He looked up at the apologetic eyes of a woman. He thought he had seen the woman somewhere but he couldn’t recollect where.

Rehaan:” Can’t you watch where you walk? Or do you like knocking into people? Don’t you have eyes?”

Woman:” You know I was going to apologize even though you were the one who knocked me and my coffee down. But you are such a jerk you don’t deserve my apology.”

R:” What did you just call me?”

W:” Didn’t you hear it? Are you hard of hearing? Anyway it will be my absolute pleasure to repeat it. You are a jerk.”

Rehaan was gobsmacked for a bit before he retorted back.

R:” YOU YOU…. YOU Absolute Witch!!”

W:” How dare you call me a witch?”

R:” Oh so you can call me a jerk but I can’t call you a witch.”

W:” You were behaving like a jerk.”

R:” You were behaving like a witch.”

Another soft voice asked a different question,” Can you do magic?”

Rehaan looked towards the voice find a little girl looking at him with an innocence only a kid can manage.

‘The witch’ herself answered the kid.

“Muski, I will talk to you after dealing with this…. ugh.”

“But how can you be witch if you don’t do magic? You don’t have a wand hidden do you?”

Rehaan couldn’t help it. His laughter burst out.

W: “Don’t you laugh. You created this situation.”

R:” I find it funny. And you created this situation, not me. I am on my way to visit someone and am getting late. So I leave her questions in your capable hand.”

He looked at the kid and said,”She will explain to you why she is a witch. Bye bye.”

Rehaan whistled as he moved on.His white shirt was ruined thanks to the hot coffee that has spilled. He saw the washroom a corridor away and thought of applying some cold water to his burnt skin. He couldn’t help but think that the ‘Witch’ was actually quiet pretty.

*****

Annie entered the waiting area specified to find Brij Bhai and Arjun sitting with a woman. All three looked tired and she was glad she came to help even if she did have some ulterior motive. Annie smiled and decided that Brij Bhai would be best bet to chat because she didn’t know Geet and she had no intention of talking to Arjun right now.

“Brij Bhai!”

All three looked up. Brij was surprised seeing Annie here. He thought Annie was avoiding Arjun. He kept his thoughts to himself as he greeted her.

Brij:” Hey Annie! What brings you here?”

An:” Oh Bhai, I just wanted to help. Maan Bhai came home and I got to know how you guys plan to stay some more time before going home for some rest. I thought that since one family member has to remain how about you and Arjun go home and rest up a bit. Rehaan is here as well. I can stay here with your sister. Once you guys are well rested she can go home and rest and meanwhile we are here to help her. What say?”

B:” Actually I am feeling the effects of the all nighter but Geetu is tired as well.”

G:” Oh Veerji!! Always thinking of others but I have had comparatively more rest than you. You came here after court so you need rest. Same goes for Arjun as well. You guys go ahead but just introduce us.”

B:” Oh yeah! Geet, this is Anwesha Khurana, Maan’s sister fondly called as Annie. Annie, this is my younger sister Geet. I am sure you both can get to know each other. Geetu, are you sure you will be okay?”

G:” I am Veerji. Go ahead and get some sleep. If anything happens I will let you know.”

B:” Come on Arjun, let’s go. You have an important hearing at 3 pm today. You cannot miss it and you need few hours of sleep before that.”

Arjun was helpless but Brij was right. He cannot miss this date so he bid a silent goodbye and left. A strange silence filled as Annie had no idea how to start a conversation with Geet. She was not a good conversation starter.

Geet watched Annie. She was quiet different from Maan. Annie was wearing a blue jeans and lavender shirt and her brownish hair was tied in a ponytail. Her eyes were black but it held the same compassion like another pair she knew.

Annie was observing Geet as well. She was wearing a black cotton pants and faded denim top with a blue scarf. Her hair was loose and she had dark circles clearly showing her ordeal.But she was beautiful in an unassuming way. Annie could see that Geet was watching her attentively so she thought to start a conversation rather than continuing this staring contest.

“So, Geet… May I call you Geet?”

“Of course. And what should I call you? Annie or Anwesha?”

“Oh do call me Annie. I absolutely hate being called Anwesha.”

“Why? It’s such a beautiful name. That is if you don’t mind me prying.”

“No big secret actually. My ex used to call me that all the time apart from Esha. It hurts.”

“I understand. My divorce has left a lot of scars as well.”

“Divorce?”

“Yeah, I got divorced a month back though we were separated for almost a year.”

“I am so sorry. My brother got divorced as well. It is so hard right?”

“Yeah. You won’t believe but Maan’s and mine divorce was finalized on the same day. We met that day at the court as Brij veerji was handling both cases. That was one heck of a coincidence.”

“I don’t get the coincidence. It seems quite normal to meet when your case dates match.”

“Umm… Yeah but I didn’t know my brother was friends with celebrities… Both Maan and Sam had been a shock.”

Geet prayed that Annie accept her answer. Annie did not need to know that the decision to divorce the respective spouses were taken the same day as well not to mention her other meeting with Maan. Geet had to be careful.

“Yeah I guess!! But Brij Bhai had known Maan bhai for a long time. Mohinder uncle was lawyer for our company as well. Arjun’s papa, Mohinder uncle and papa were good friends. I think Maanbhai and Arjun were school friends while Brij bhai was their senior. It was when Arjun took over practice from his father he met Brij bhai again and they became friends. And now it seems like all three of them had always been friends. In past ten years especially they have grown so close.”

“Oh!! I never knew. I used to stay in Darjeeling post marriage. Last ten years has made me lost touch with so many people.”

“But you get to stay in such a beautiful place.”

Geet smiled. Annie reminded her a bit of herself. May be if reality had not intruded she would have stayed this innocent.

“Annie, nothing about Darjeeling have remained beautiful.”

“Really? Nothing? I understand you have a broken marriage but I am sure there has been a lot of happy memories as well. Don’t tarnish the good memories for the bad ones. Grieve that it is gone but also be glad that it was there or you will always be regretting.”

Geet looked at Annie astonished.Here she was searching for how to come in terms with her divorce and Dev’s apparent apathy. And here was a girl telling her the simplest solution. So what if he had not loved her truly? She had. So last ten years weren’t a lie because it was true for her. And she got Muskaan. She could never regret Muskan.

Geet laughed.

“You brother and sister always teach me new things. When I am in need God sends one of you to answer my question.”

“I am glad I could help. I am not even surprised Maan Bhai helped you. He always has a way to explain things.My brother is very wise.”

“That he is.”

“So you know my brother well?”

“I don’t know if I know him well. But I know him a bit. We have met before as I stated.”

Geet made her meeting with Maan sound way more casual than it was. She hoped Annie wouldn’t pry anymore. But a sweet voice interrupted her musings.

“Mumma!!”

“Muski…”

Geet got up and spread her arms as Muskaan rushed into her waiting arms. Geet gave few kisses as Muskaan gave her few kisses as well.

Annie was watching the events unfold. She didn’t really know much about Geet before yesterday. She had met Pari a few times over the years and knew she was sister-in-law to Brij bhai but Geet was not a topic much discussed over the years. Brij bhai was always so private and he was elder even to Maan Bhai. Annie never had much courage to be too close.

She had come expecting to find a woman. Knowing Maan Bhai she did not expect a young girl. A young girl wouldn’t be able to handle Maan Bhai anyway. But she had never expected the woman to be a divorcee or Maan bhai to know the fact. And now came another blow. There was a kid as well.

Annie wasn’t sure what to feel.She was a modern woman sure and she never felt Divorce should be the end of life. But things were way more complicated than she imagined. This would take a lot more planning than she anticipated. And she would need Daadima’s help. She desperately waited for Rey to come in… Where the hell was he?

Guys I am sorry for being late but it takes time for me to type now. I gave double updates to compensate. I know there is no maaneet interaction here but it is necessary for plot and I will try updating as soon as possible.

thanks for the double updates.

Part 30

splendid update! excellently written.

her feelings are well portrayed.

hate Arjun for breaking her heart... but she seems like she still loves him.

at least she realises Vicky's pain.

can understand her dilemma.

Like the bond between Maan and Annie.

glad that Annie confided in Maan.

I agree with Maan.

at least Maan was direct with Annie.

Annie is in a tough situation....

but Maan was correct... if she loves Vicky she needs to give him her all or let him go.

great that Maan's words have impacted on Annie.

Annie made the right decision. she does need to get rid of the lingering emotions. being single is the best choice.

she does know Vicky and Arjun well.

so Annie has decided to go away for a while.

her fears are justified.

great reply from Maan.

as expected Annie is curious about Geet.

Part 31

Terrific update! brilliantly written.

hmm not surprised that Annie wants to meet Geet.

liked her idea.

of cos Rey is thinks about Mrs Handa.

ha ha Annie is indeed matchmaking.

will Annie be able to deal with Maan after he finds out?

Gosh Rehaan is afraid of Maan's temper.

oh no did Rehaan collide into Pari? seems like they met before?

finally Geet and Annie meet.

great that Brij went to rest.

as expected Annie and Geet obverse each other.

nice that Geet initiated the conversation.

so Annie is shocked that Geet is divorced.

liked Annie's advice to Geet.

can understand that Geet is not telling Annie everything.

Annie is stunned that Geet has a child.

are things are complicated?

wonder what dadima will say?

update soon

Great parts. The advice ma'am gave to aniee was really appreciable. As a brother he told anise where she had been wrong. He let her made her own decision. He advised her to give herself to one person with all her heart and let go the other one. I guess it would be a bad idea to give space to herself for her few day by staying away from this place.

So finally aniee met geet. She liked her and there is no doubt about it. But after knowing about muskan,she is in dilemma and she wants to talk with dadima about it. I guess it is natural to be shocked for once knowing about a woman who is divorced and has a baby whom her brother seems to like. Eagerly waiting for next dear.

Amazing, lovely n wonderful updates

Annie is in dilemma and Maan helped her out from the tough situation

She wanted to meet Geet and so went to hospital

But now knowing Geet being a divorcee and a mother she is confused

30

Very gud bonding between Maan and Annie and she discus hr problem and Maan explain in simple way and she agreed she should give 100% to hr relation and hr decision to b take break and b alone fr while is great that way she realize whom imp in hr life

And second thing she want to know about Geet whom his bhai taking interest