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 32
New Friendships
Rehaan was little vexed. He knew it was his mistake but he was hurt and was not in the mood to be reasonable.His skin had turned red and his shirt was ruined. It was a gift from Maan and those were always special to him. He shook his head. This day kept being better and better.
Rehaan reached the waiting room and spotted Annie talking with a woman he couldn’t see the face of. He stepped in but he came to face to face with the witch he met earlier.
“YOU”
“YOU”
Annie who had been busy talking looked towards them and walked up.
Annie:” Rey, why are you so late? And why the hell are you shouting? It’s a hospital.”
W:” Thank God Annie at least you are sensible of that fact… So this is Rehaan?”
R:” How do you know Annie?”
A:” Don’t tell me Rey you didn’t recognise her? And the amount of time you spend at Arjun’s office alone should have clued you in.”
Rehaan looked at the woman closer. She looked familiar and suddenly he realized who she was. This was Pari, Yash’s widow. The reason he didn’t recognize her was because he never really noticed her whenever he was at Arjun’s office.
R:” You are Pari, Brij’s sister-in-law.”
The sarcastic smile on Pari’s lips faltered a bit at the word sister-in-law before she faked the smile again. Rehaan knew the difference though. He suddenly felt like a jerk even though he couldn ‘t have known what caused this light faltering of her smile. Rehaan decided that he needed to concentrate on their original mission.
R:” I thought there will be someone else here as well?”
Annie smiled. Rey was subtle,she had to give him that. But she knew him better. But for now she would allow him the respite.
“Rey, Geet is there with her daughter.”
“Daughter?”
“Yes, a cutie pie named Muskaan.”
The name ‘Muskaan’ was beautiful. But how come Geet is married?
“Geet is married?”
Pari couldn’t help but join in at this moment.
Pari:” Actually Geet is divorced.”
Rey:” Oh I am sorry. My brother just got divorced as well. It is never easy either on the person or family. And here there is a kid involved as well.”
The sincerity of Rehaan struck a chord with Pari. He was still not entirely comfortable with her but he could still empathize.
Geet meanwhile carried Muskaan and came near them.
Annie:” Hey Geet, this is Rey. He was the one I was talking to you about.”
Geet smiled and nodded as Muskaan dropped a bombshell. She greeted him happily saying,” Hello jerk uncle!”
Geet’s reaction was just plain hilarious. Her mouth opened in O as she tried to accept her daughter’s word.Annie looked amused though she was confused. Pari looked down embarrassed. Rehaan couldn’t keep the grin off his face.
Geet brought herself under control as she talked to Muskan in a strict voice.
“Muski? Why would you call Uncle with that name?”
“Mumma, Pari maami was calling uncle Jerk. So I called him jerk uncle.”
Geet gave Pari a dirty look and addressed her daughter.
“Muski, that is not uncles name. Pari maami was mistaken. And don’t you ever use that word. This is Rehaan uncle.”
“Mumma, why can’t I use that word?”
“Umm… because that is a bad word.”
“So, why was Pari Maami using bad word?”
Rehaan couldn’t help anymore. He burst out laughing as he turned to Pari and questioned cheekily,” Yes Pari Maami, why did you use a bad word?”
Pari glared at him while others were more amused than anything. She sat down in front of Muskaan and held her ears.
“Maami is sorry Muskaan. Maami shouldn’t have used that word. I promise not to use it again. Promise you won’t as well?”
“I promise Maami.”
Rehaan smiled. He looked at Geet and said,” Your daughter truly is incredible. May I ask an impertinent question?”
Geet smiled. Rehaan was someone who you could be at once at ease with. “Shoot Mr. Gill.”
“Please no Mr. Gill. Mr. Gill is my dad. You call me Rey. Anyway, did Maan meet Muskaan?”
Geet smiled.
“Fine. Rey it is. But you call me Geet as well. Yes, Maan and Muskaan have met. He was there for us at a very difficult time.”
Rehaan smiled. He was curious but anymore personal questions would have to wait.
“Maan told me about a young woman stealing his heart. I should have known that Maan would only give his heart away to someone special. In fact, I think I lost my heart to young Muskaan here as well.”
Saying that, Rehaan couldn’t help but pull Muskaan’s cheek slightly.
Geet was startled when Rehaan speaking about Maan losing his heart. She knew she needed to make some comment but nothing came to her mind.
Rehaan smiled. He had some additional plotting to do. Maybe if he could use this opportunity to further their investigation it would be better. They need Geet at Khurana Mansion.
Clearing his throat, he addressed others.
“Geet, I see that you are very tired. Why don’t you let Annie take you to the Khurana mansion for some well deserved rest? Then you can come back with Maan and that would be easy for us.Since Miss Pari is here, a family member would be here in case of emergencies.And I will stay here to help as well. What say?”
Annie could understand the wisdom of this idea. Geet would get her rest and she needed it badly. And their tentative friendship would strengthen as well.
Annie: “Oh, that would be absolute pleasure. Please say yes, Geet.”
G:” But… Muski needs to be looked after.”
A:” You are too tired and Pari needs to stay here so it would be best if you both come to mansion with me. I can look after Muskaan for you while you take rest.”
G:” I don’t want to trouble you guys.”
A:” Oh please Geet!! Please don’t hesitate. Over the years Brij bhai had been another brother to us. That makes you family. And you already know Maan bhai.”
R:” That’s half problem solved. Maan is the worst amongst us!!”
Rehaan was laughing at his own joke when a soft voice rebuked him.
M:” Maan Uncle is the best!”
The cuteness of her indignant expression was too endearing for all the adults and they smiled in unison.Annie crouched down in front of Muskaan and asked in a gentle tone,” So Muskaan, do you want to visit your Maan uncle’s house?”
Muskaan was instantly excited and smiled in response. Turning to her mother she said,” Oh Mumma can we?”
Geet could understand everybody’s wishes and to certain extent their motives as well. But she was being bombarded from every direction and was almost ready for defeat.
“Annie, I will come with you and bring Muski with us but only if you can promise me something.”
“What Geet?”
“That neither me nor my daughter would come in contact with my mother.”
Annie could understand where Geet was coming from and agreed wholeheartedly and accepted her conditions. She collected the car keys from Rehaan and left with Muskaan and Geet promising to send back the car with driver.
Pari and Rehaan were suddenly alone and an uncomfortable silence engulfed them. He watched Pari. There was an air of melancholia surrounding Pari and now he could understand the reason behind it.
Rehaan cleared his throat and began the conversation.
“Umm… I am sorry.”
Pari looked at him. Rehaan could see her being surprised.
“You should be, you knocked me down.”
“Not for that. You were responsible for that as well. I am sorry for whatever has hurt you unknowingly that you lost your smile and had to fake it.”
Pari was startled. She faked smile all the time. But it had been so long that someone called her out on it.The sincerity in his tone made it impossible to be sarcastic. Suddenly she felt vulnerable like someone had chipped her armour and the fear of exposure was tangible.
Rehaan watched Pari closely and realized that she needed reprieve. He offered one freely.
“So witch, you burned my skin…the least you can do is get me a cup of coffee.”
Pari understood his efforts for what it was and was gratified for it. But she took the lifeline he threw at her.
“Well, you are not as much of a jerk as I thought you to be so I will get you coffee. But tell me something.Why are you trying so hard to get Geet to your place?”
Rehaan could have deflected the truth but for once he relied on it.
“Maan needs Geet and Muskaan in his life. My brother can be extremely thickhead when it came to his own needs.Annie and I just wanted to establish friendship with Geet so we can later if required, play cupids.”
“Thank you for your honest but let me warn you. Geet had been badly hurt before, way more times than she deserved. As her friend, as her sister I am not going to let you manipulate her into anything. If Maan and Geet would build something, it has to be on their free will.”
The steel edge in Pari’s voice made Rehaan realize that she was being absolutely serious. He hated so much seriousness and gave a smirk.
“ What will you do Witch? Put me under some sleeping spell.”
“Oh no!! You are too ugly to be a sleeping beauty… I will turn you into a toad instead.”
“So only a princess can kiss me back to my original form?”
“Nope…. I will turn you into a toad so you can stop being annoying and pushing down unsuspecting visitors…”
They both looked at each other and suddenly they laughed. A new tentative friendship was forming and Pari didn’t know whether things were good or bad for her future and that of Geet’s.
Part 33
Maana ki hum Yaar nahin…...
Geet had slept as soon as she reached Khurana Mansion and had been shown to a room after making sure Muskaan would be fine.
Now she found it was already evening.She had a long uninterrupted sleep and she felt a lot better. The house was oppulant but still managed to be homely.
Geet wandered out of the room she was given. There was a balcony that had an incredible view of setting sun.She looked at the setting sun forlornly. Where was her home? The Handa house had never been a home to her. Yash’s flat despite being a place she felt safe and protected had never been a home for her. She had always addressed it as ‘Yash’s flat’ even in her mind.
Her house in Darjeeling would have been a home. But the betrayal had destroyed any feeling of home away from that place. So, where was her home? In Thirty years she couldn’t create any home for herself.
A voice broke her reverie.
“Geet…”
Geet turned back and found Maan staring at her. He had a bed head and was wearing his night suit. His eyes still looked sleepy and Geet found him cute.
“Geet, are you really here in my house?”
The sheer incredulity of his voice made Geet smile.
“Your siblings are too hard to resist. Plus, I was tired.”
“I should have known that Ann and Rey would plot something. I am sorry if they made you uncomfortable.”
Geet smiled at the affectionate tone of his. He was the good brother. No wonder he and Brij veerji were friends even if he was younger.
Geet looked outside towards the horizon and said absentmindedly,” They were not making me uncomfortable. It’s just everyone from Brij bhai to your siblings are planning to make us meet and I am not sure what to do about it. “
Maan was silent. He agreed with Geet but things were more complicated than either of their siblings knew.
This almost fatal attraction between them should not be the basis of their relationship. Yet he knew there was more to them just attraction. But the crux of the matter was that they were undecided and it felt like everybody wanted them to decide before they were ready.
“Maan…. I guess Darjeeling had been different. I was not that social there and my prolonged absence lost me even more society. I am unused to having my life discussed even by well meaning family.”
Maan knew he had to answer but he was searching for words to convey what he felt.
“Geet! Believe me I understand.But the thing is we can’t keep an unnamed relationship while staying in society. So we name it. You know this and that’s why you told Brij that I am your friend.”
There was a pause and both gazed into each other’s eyes trying to read the unreadable emotions there.
“If I try telling Ann or Rey to stop trust me, they will make even more efforts to push us togather.”
“So what do we do Maan?”
“We ignore their implications and become friends. I want to be a part of Muskaan’s life. I love her so much and she soothes my wounded heart. Why do we need to over complicate things Geet?We met and we helped each other. Don’t friends help each other?”
“But you and I both know that what we have is too complicated to be mere friendship.”
“Friendship is never ‘mere ’Geet. And nobody needs to know about that. That night was only for us Geet. It is too hard to explain.”
“I am sorry Maan but Pari already knows. I needed to share.”
“You trust Pari to keep your secret right?”
“I do.”
“Then it doesn’t matter. The others need not know anything. We are friends for now. Let’s settle our own hearts. I don’t know about you but I am not ready to move on Geet. I am still too hurt to do a new relationship any justice. So let’s not worry for a future that may or may not happen.”
“Is it so easy Maan?”
“It should be as easy as we let it. I am not saying that there is nothing between us but friendship.”
“I doubt either of us can be more than friends now let alone ever. But promise me something Maan.”
“What Geet?”
“When you are ready to move on you won’t wait around for me. You would move on and fall in love and be happy.You deserve happiness Maan.”
Maan smiled.
“I promise to do everything I can for my happiness.”
“Not exactly the promise I wanted…”
“I am a man of my words Geet. I can only make a promise that I am willing to keep.”
Geet looked at Maan. Once again she felt like Maan was promising her something unsaid. There was something in his eyes that she was afraid to name. Maan could feel her tense up. He had their rational urge to kiss her but he resisted. He however held her in his arms.
She tensed up a bit before relaxing into his arms melting. He knew that Geet needed time and he needed time as well. But for now he can have little solace.
He kissed her on the head lightly and slowly, reluctantly pulled out of the hug. He held her by her shoulder and bent down placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
“Don’t fret over the uncertainties of the future. Whatever it is we can deal with it. Now we should concentrate on healing. You also have Muskaan to worry about.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“That’s the only way my dear Geet!! You can’t focus on the difficulties alone or life would always seem harsh… Rather than that focus on the beauties of life, cherish all the gift sand you will see that life will become easier.”
“Do you do that in your life Maan?”
“I have not done that in years but I am trying. You should too Geet.”
They looked at each other. They knew both of them were trying too hard to ignore the attraction they felt for each other but now was not the time. They each had too many things to take care of. Geet smiled. She decided to change their mood.
“Are you ready for what your sister has in store for you?”
“Hardly. But we need to get you to hospital and feed you before that.”
“So what are you going to feed me?”
Maan smiled and Geet liked this smiling Maan much better.
“Anything you wish Madam.”
“I feel like Pasta. Anyway, I have dallied enough. I need to go find Muskaan.”
Maan silently guided her towards the living room. They entered the living room and watched Muskaan playing round with Annie. Muskaan suddenly saw both Geet and Maan watching her and gave a shout of glee.
“MAAN UNCLE…”
She ran the distance between them and jumped up and Maan caught her deftly twirling her round as she laughed. Geet had a smile on her face as she observed her daughter with Maan. Maan held Muskaan in his arms as he observed Geet observing him and smiled back at her. These silent interactions went unnoticed by muskaan but not by the two other adults sharing the room; Annie and Daadima. Annie smiled watching them.Something about the trio felt just right.
Savitri Devi was worried. She knew what the kids were thinking. While she wanted to rejoice that somehow Maan had regained his softness but the road ahead was not easy either for Maan or his family. But still she had to smile at the picture they made of happy family. Something about them made it seem just right.
Maan:” Hey princess, how are you?”
Muski:” I am having fun with Auntie. You know Maan uncle, Auntie Annie is very pretty like a princess.”
Maan:” Well Muski, want to know a secret? I used to call Auntie Annie ‘Princess’ when she was young like you.So are you hungry?”
Muski:” No.”
Maan:” Not even for some yummy pasta?”
Muski:” Umm…. Maybe…”
Maan laughed at the cute expression Muskaan was making. Geet came near and caressed Muskan’s cheek while smiling. Savitri Devi had tears in her eyes watching them. Maan had a serene smile on his lips and seemed so in peace.
Annie came near Daadima and whispered to her,” You know Daadi, I was a bit worried when I learned that Geet is a divorced single mom. I worried if Maan bhai would be ready to tackle something like that. But just watch them Daadima. I don’t think even they themselves are aware of how right they look togather?”
Daadima observed slightly and nodded,” My sweet Annie, I think you are right. But we cannot push them. They need to come to terms with what they have on their own.”
“Don’t worry Daadi, I am not going to push them. Doesn’t mean I won’t try giving them opportunity to them to meet.”
Meanwhile Maan cradled Muskaan and lead Geet towards the kitchen. He put Muskaan down and smiled at Geet.
“So Geet, how would you like pasta in mushroom sauce with some garlic bread?”
“Sounds yummy. And Muski loves mushroom. So are we ordering out?”
“No ma’am, I am cooking for you.”
“wow! You know how to cook?”
“Should I be offended at the incredulity of your tone? What is so strange about being able to cook?”
“You, The Maan Singh Khurana, Businessman of the year can cook. I don’t know why but I had this image in my head that truly rich people do not know how to cook.”
“I guess I can understand you to a certain level. It’s true that we have cooks for both everyday meal and to cook during parties. But you need to understand something Geet. I, Rehaan and Annie lost our mothers at quite a young age. So Annie and Rehaan didn’t have a mother to make them soup when they were ill or for someone to cook their favourites. I learnt to cook so my younger brother and sister could have that.I wanted them to know that they were loved.”
Geet was silent. Maan was busy preparing the ingredients and boiling water for Pasta. Geet felt for Maan. He was so different. But his words of what a mother could do made Geet sigh. She didn’t have that. Sometimes when she was sick, her papa would make her drink some chicken soup. Brij veerji would often tell her bedtime stories and Yashbhai would help her with her homework. Her mother was not even there in the picture.
“You were lucky Maan. Not everybody has a loving mother growing up.”
Unknowingly some tears sprang up in her eyes. A hand wiped them. She looked up at Maan. He had a sad smile on his face.
” Oh Geet, I wish I could change something in your past. You didn’t deserve any of that. I don’t care what she said to you and what you have made yourself believe to save yourself the trauma but you didn’t deserve any of it. It was her loss all along. She lost an amazing daughter like you.”
Something about how Maan said those words fiercely made her think. Her insecurity came out in her words.
“How do you know Maan that I didn’t deserve them? Maybe if I was a better daughter she would have loved me?”
Maan was frustrated with his inability to explain. He ran his head through his hairs. He held Geet softly by her shoulder and looked directly into her eyes.
“I don’t think I am equipped to make you understand just how much you didn’t deserve your mother’s treatment of you Geet. But if you have ever believed me, if you ever thought you could trust me with one single thing then believe this Geet; You did nothing wrong enough to deserve your mother’s negligence and apathy.”
The tears trapped in her eyes rolled down but Maan could see that she didn’t believe his words. Years of negligence and self-blame cannot be soothed by his one sentence.
“Geet, please promise me that you would seek counselling. You need to do it for yourself and Muskaan.”
“You think that if I don’t get help I will be a bad mother as well?”
“No my dear Geet, you can never be bad mother if you tried. But you have years of suppressed emotions like guilt, shame and anger. Plus, going through a divorce is no cake –walk. If I could help I would have. But I don’t have the tools to help you. You need to let go of your past so you could move forward in life. Please Geet. Get some help. I can go with you if you want. As a friend I can be there to support you.”
“Why do you care so much Maan?”
“Because I do Geet. You are not ready for more but I can care for you.”
Geet was silent. She was fighting with her years of beliefs. It was not easy to acknowledge that her mother was wrong. It was easier for her to believe that she was somehow unworthy than believing her mother to be the wrong one.
Maan could see her thinking and silently worked on their dinner. Muskaan was silently playing. Muskaan was such a quiet child for someone of her age. Dealing with her parents’ divorce had made Muskaan more matured for her age. Maan wished he could do something to make Muskaan carefree again.
The pasta was made and he served them all. Muskaan was having trouble with the hot pasta so Maan took the spoon from her. He blew a spoonful and fed her. Geet was lost and not concentrating. Maan shook her with his free hand smiled and motioned towards the food.
As they ate silently none of them noticed that they were being observed. Daadima and Annie had just come near the doorway to watch this scene of Maan feeding Muskaan. He truly looked like he is finally home. Love. These three behaved like a family even if they don’t acknowledge it. Annie had a feeling that it would take time for them to name their emotions.
Things are complicated because a little girl is involved. But in my stories I tend to make situation the villain rather than people just like most people have in their life. I am sure Daadima will surprise you.
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