Wired Hearts (7) Thread:8, Pg:1 - Page 91

Originally posted by: coderlady

Loving the story so far. Hope to see a new chapter sometime.

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54. Reunion

“96 hours after the horrific hurricane struck, the city is trying to come back to life. Apart from excessive flooding, countless incidents of tragedy have also been reported all over the place. The properties of many have been affected and it can be said with surety that it is going to be a while before things can go back to normal for the city. The local government, however, is very actively involved in disaster relief operations now that the intensity of the storm has reduced significantly -"

I switched the television off as a shudder ran down my body, the scenes from the past few days coming alive in my mind again. It had only been over a day since we came back, safe and sound, having escaped the most nightmarish storm I had ever witnessed. If I hadn't witnessed it first-hand, sitting in my cosy living room as I was, the horrors of the stricken people would just be some far off story for me.

I shook my head vigorously, wanting to shake off the images of the two days of being stranded at that place. Wanting to distract myself, I quickly opened my phone and started reading the messages I had received. Acquaintances, friends, family, colleagues, there was a lengthy list of people wanting to know if I was alright. Feeling surrounded by people who loved me and cared for me, I knew there was a lot to be grateful for.

Arriving back had been overwhelming for all of us as well as our friends and family. Raya had been hysteric and especially difficult to soothe. The moment she had seen me standing in front of her, she clung to me, sobbing her heart out, and – for some time – I did the same. I let my tears flow freely for the first time since the hurricane began. It took some time for me to reign my emotions in but Raya was beyond herself. Raunaq had to intervene in our sisters' time to calm his wife down and I witnessed yet again the kind of soothing effect he had on her.

Raya had refused to let me move from her side so we were both now in my apartment and Raunaq was gone for work. My phone buzzed and the name I saw on the screen brought a smile to my face.

“Geet.” His voice was devoid of the usual chirpiness. “Oh my God! Are you alright? We were all so scared. I am so relieved to finally hear something from you! Thank God the nightmare is over!”

“Vyan! Vyan! Vyan" I tried to interrupt the barrage of his words. “I'm alright! And yes, the nightmare is over. I can't believe I'm back alive.” I tried to joke but of course it angered him.

“Shut up! How can you make a joke out of something like that?! You have no idea of the stress we've all been through! I... I...” He was out of words.

“I'm fine, Vyan!” I tried to reassure him. “I'm back home. I'm alive and well. I couldn't be more thankful for everything.”

We talked some more. His fiancee, Kittu also inquired about me and so did his mum. They had all been concerned over my safety and hearing their concerns, I felt loved.

With a promise to meet in a couple of days, we said goodbye and I was left to myself again. Since Raya was sleeping, I decided to fix myself a cup of coffee. Just as I grabbed the aromatic drink ready to devour it, my phone rang again, forcing me to rush to the couch and mute it lest it woke my baby sister up. Setting the cup on the table, I sank into the couch, pulling my feet up as I answered the call.

“Hello, Aunty! How are you?” The voice at the other end of line was filled with warmth and love as it always was.

“Geet, my dear! Oh, it is such a relief to be able to reach you and hear your voice! I can't ever stop thanking the Lord for bringing my kids safely back home. You guys gave us such a scare!” I listened to her as she told me how worried sick she had been for the umpteenth time since we had arrived. This wasn't my first call with her after returning but relief was still the most evident emotion in her voice.

I soothed her too, telling her we were all safe and back home now and that she must forget that horrendous time.

“You're right.” She agreed with me. “And that is why I called. I want everyone to have dinner with us tomorrow night. I want to celebrate that my kids are home and what better way to celebrate than to have all friends and family gathered?”

“Tomorrow?” I asked just as the door to my bedroom opened and Raya trudged out in all her sleep hazed state.

“Yes,” Aunty replied. “You're coming here tomorrow. And I'm not listening to any excuses.”

I smiled at her words. “I would love to come see you Aunty.”

Raya settled beside me on the couch.

“I'm going to call Raya next.” Aunty informed me.

“She's right here, Aunty.” I told her in response to which I was told to bring her on the line. Raya cleared her throat and talked to Aunty, giving her a maybe for the invitation, citing the excuse of wanting to confirm with Raunaq before saying yes. Of course, Aunty insisted and the call ended when Raya finally agreed to convince Raunaq to come to the dinner.

Returning the phone to me, Raya curled up on the couch, putting her head in my lap.

“Aren't you hungry?” I enquired as I lovingly ran fingers in her silken hair and she closed her eyes, giving her head a slight shake in response to my question.

Some moments of silence ensued as I kept running soothing fingers in her hair. I noticed the dark circles under her eyes and the way she looked so worn out. Her state began to trouble me.

“Chhoti...” I called out softly. “Are you alright?”

She didn't open her eyes, nor did she make a sound. Her only reply was to nod slightly but since I was watching her face intently, I noticed the moment her chin wobbled and she swallowed a lump. It was then that I knew something was bothering her.

“What's wrong, Chhoti?” I asked a little worriedly now and when she made no move to answer, I goaded her. “Won't you share with your Di?”

She sniffled. Her silence was worrying me but she took some time and coaxing to speak up.

“I thought,” she said between her snuffled sobs as her tears kept falling in my lap where her head still rested. “I thought you were going to leave me just like mama and baba.”

Chin wobbly, voice shaky, she finally confessed the reason of her distress and I couldn't help the tears that began to cloud my vision. I didn't realise my Chhoti was so sensitive. I didn't blame her for being so either. Quickly gathering my own emotions together, I pulled her up in a sitting position. She looked down at her hands.

“Look at me, Raya!” I said softly but firmly, finally managing to make eye contact with her. Her red-rimmed eyes began to clog my throat once again but I kept my emotions at bay. I needed to be the elder one right now. “I'm here and I'm fine.” I kept a steady eye contact with her to get her to believe in what I was saying. “So long as it is in my power, I am going to be with you.” Firmly enunciating each word to get my message across, I continued. “You're never going to find yourself lonely and that's a promise.”

Wiping the tears streaking down the face, I smiled in a reassuring manner. “Now forget the nightmare because it is over and this, right now, is our reality.”

She hugged me tightly. “I love you, Di!”

“I love you too, Chhoti! Never forget that.” I ran a soothing hand on her back for a few moments before deciding to lighten things up. “Now go and freshen up. I've been waiting for you to wake up so we could eat together and I'm famished!”

The beauty of Khurana Mansion struck me once again as I stepped out of my taxi. The grandeur of the white building doubled as it shone brightly amid all the lights against the backdrop of the twilight glow of sky.

Since Raya and Raunaq were running late, I had come to the party alone dressed in an all black attire. Anaya had already reached, I knew from the continuous text messages I was getting from her, asking where I was.

The insides of the mansion stunned me even more than the outside. There was a certain vibrancy to it. Music played in the background, bright lights lit up the gigantic room and the picture was completed with people having a good time. I could hear laughter and chitter chatter from where I stood at the main door. I had known it was going to be a grand event but I had not foreseen the exact extent of it. There were so many people, quite a few I did not even recognise that I could not find a familiar face.

Trying to find Anaya or Aunty, I slowly proceeded to step into the hall, only to stop mid-step when my gaze landed on a figure who had just appeared on top of the staircase and continued to step down the stairs. Maan did not see me standing there at the entrance, staring at him speeding down the staircase, his hair bouncing with each step. I felt a sudden rush of excitement on seeing him which made me stand on my tip toes to keep him in view just as he blended in the crowd, having landed down from the last step.

“Hello?!” A hand waved right in front of me, startling me out of my star-struck daze. “What are you looking at?”

Shaking out of my stupor, I grinned at Zara. “Oh, hey!” With a greeting hug, she led me inside. “I was looking for someone familiar.” I replied to her question and I hoped I had covered well enough. I didn't give her a chance to say otherwise and enquired after her kids before asking where Aunty was.

As directed by Zara, I threaded through the crowd to find Aunty sitting on one of the sofas lined up against the far end of the room, happily chatting away with who seemed to be her friend. Upon seeing me, she got up exuberantly and opened her arms as I hurried to take up the hug I really needed. The warmth of a mother's hug could never be mistaken and I soaked all of it in before Aunty pulled away a little to cup my face in her hands and plant a loving kiss on my forehead.

“Geet, my child!” She gazed keenly at my face, caressing my cheek. “Now I can say all my children are here.”

“I missed you!” I said and bent in to give her another hug as she lovingly patted my back before pulling away and turning to the friend who she had been chatting with, and who was now curiously looking at the exchange between us.

“Simi,” addressing her, Aunty spoke, one arm still around my shoulder, “this is the daughter I was talking about. This is my daughter, Geet.”

Her words, and the way she proudly called me her daughter formed a lump in my throat and I could feel wetness begin to cloud my eyes. She noticed it too, and patted my cheek softly. “Now, now! It's a happy day. Make sure to keep it that way!” She smiled before telling me to enjoy myself and to find Anaya who'd been waiting for me.

Turning around and taking a deep breath to keep myself under an emotional check, I glanced around the room and my gaze zeroed in on Yana, running somewhere. I knew Anaya wouldn't be too far from her and I was correct.

“Finally!” Anaya huffed as soon as she saw me appear. “I've been waiting for you since forever!” She hugged me tight but continued with her tirade. “Whatever took you so long? I got two hyperactive kids ready, one lazy husband to get dressed and be fully done up myself and still be here on time and you?! Latecomer!”

I chuckled. It was typical Anaya to launch into her own monologue without giving the other person a chance to speak at all. “Now what are you laughing at?!” She was irked. “I've been going crazy here with these two devils running all over the place and not letting me relax a bit!”

Controlling another giggle which was about to burst out of my mouth at her complaining, I spoke, “It's okay. They're just kids and they will run around obviously. Why don't you sit and let Ayush keep an eye on them for a while?” Her mouth opened at his name, I was sure she was going to start another complaining speech so I quickly intervened before she could begin, “who isn't anywhere to be seen.” Turning towards her, I asked the inevitable question. “Where is Ayush?”

“Oh, he grabbed the first opportunity to go enjoy himself alone.” At my questioning look, she bothered to let out a little more detail. “He said he'd seen somebody he knows as soon as we arrived and disappeared. Now I know he's out there and making sure he doesn't cross paths with me.” A scowl on her face finished her rant and just to make her feel better, I started siding with her.

“That's not fair!” I furrowed my eyebrows to keep up the act. “I'm going to have a hard talk with him tonight. How dare Ayush think he can just dust his hands off of responsibility of his kids and burden you like that! You'll see! I'm gonna kick his - ”

That did it. She laughed. “You suck, Geet! You know you can't act and acting angry on top of that...” She shook her head and chuckled again.

“What are we laughing at?” Came the voice from behind me which made me jump.

My reaction to Maan's voice made Anaya break into a peal of laughter as Maan and Ayush joined her while I kept a hand on my wildly beating heart, trying to bring it back to normalcy. Even though my cheeks were red from embarrassment and it was myself who my friends were laughing at, the sight of the three of them together, choking with laughter was worth everything. I could spend my whole life this way.

All four of us settled on a table along with Anaya's twins, who were given some snacks to keep them occupied while we chatted. I became the butt of Ayush's jokes quite a few times but it was all in good humour so I enjoyed along with the rest.

My eyes, however, kept being pulled back magnetically towards one person and I noticed how good he looked, how beautiful his eyes were, how charming his smile was, how infectious his laughter was and every little thing.

I had to keep myself from completely zoning out of the conversations so I was a little relieved when Maan was summoned by his mother. Anaya had already taken the twins to the bathroom to get them cleaned up so it left me and Ayush at the table. He pulled his chair closer to mine.

“So how was the adventure?” He asked in a light hearted manner.

“Terrific. Adrenaline-pumping. Goosebumps inducing. Mind blowing.” I replied in the same manner, resulting in a chuckle from him.

“I can't say the same about how I felt though.” His voice took on a serious note. “I’d replace your ‘terrific’ with ‘terrified'.”

I took a deep breath. “Do you actually believe any one of us who were stuck there would really think of it as a tremendous time?” I paused to look at him. He was waiting for me to continue in all his seriousness. “I... I... I can’t even tell you what went through me. Those loud thunders... that pelting rain... the way we had to evacuate in an emergency with just the bare essentials... that trip to the dome... the days and nights of uncertainty spent there... all of it has left a deep mark in me and I know for a fact that it’s going to be a while before I can forget the impact of it.”

“I can understand, Geet.” He patted my hand, which was resting on the table. A few seconds of silence ensued before he spoke again, his gaze down on the table, fingers tracing the rim of the can he was drinking from. “I was trying for you guys to get on a plane back home before the situation went out of hand but alas. Anaya was in a frenzy. It was hard to keep her occupied with the kids when all she talked about repeatedly was whether I had managed to reach you guys yet or not. Sitting here, I felt helpless, I’m sure you guys did too.”

I raised my eyes to where I could spot Maan talking to one of his mum's friends and recalled that night when he’d been yelling over the phone, yelling over the manager, getting angry for being unable to do anything at all. “Yes. It was the worst feeling ever.” Shuddering, I glanced back at Ayush. “If it wasn’t for Maan and his continuous tries, I think we wouldn’t have been on the first flight out.”

“But here you are.” He smiled, diffusing the thickness in the air.

“Yes, here we are. Back home.” I returned his smile.

“And I couldn’t have been happier.” This time, his smile was heartfelt.

“About what?” Questioned Anaya as she made herself comfortable in her chair again with the kids beside her.

“Ah, nothing.” Ayush shrugged her off and she found it mysterious, her eyes squinting all at once.

“What?” She asked assertively. “What are you so happy about, Mr. Ayush?”

“About it not being my day to run after the kids.” He grinned. “Gosh! I couldn’t be happier I did the babysitting yesterday.”

I chuckled. It was always hilarious seeing these two banter. Ayush had purposely hidden the real topic and if he wasn’t my friend and I didn’t love him already, I would’ve loved him for loving and caring for my best friend the way he did, even if he teased her or cracked jokes or annoyed the hell out of her. This was true love. It made me wonder. Could I love somebody like that? Could somebody love me that way?

My eyes drifted off to Maan again. He wasn’t easily detectable but I managed to spot him. I wasn’t paying attention to the couple on my table anymore. It was the tall man, indulged in conversation with someone else, oblivious to the fact that he was being watched, who had all my concentration. Only when Ayush got up to go did I come back to my senses and hurried to pull my phone out and pretend to do something on it, just to buy myself some time.

I had assumed I was being secretive about my star struck staring at Maan until Anaya burst my bubble, once Ayush left the table.

“What's up?” She asked, wiggling her eyebrows with a wide grin. With Ayush gone and kids busy watching nursery rhymes on her phone, Anaya had grabbed the opportunity to corner me. “What's going on with you?”

“What do you mean?” I asked cautiously eyeing the glint in her eyes.

“You've been ogling Maan throughout! Do we have something going on in your mind?” She winked. “Or heart?”

“Was I that obvious?” I asked with wide eyes, internally deciding what to tell her.

“Duh!” She waved a hand dismissively. “You can't fool Anaya! You're all gooey over him. There's got to be a reason!” When I didn't say something instead a blush rose over my cheeks, Anaya's eyes grew rounder. “Oh my God! What is it, Geet?! You've got to tell me!”

“I don't know, Anaya! I can't say what it is!” I sighed as I rested my face on my hand, which was propped up on the table as my gaze followed Maan again. I couldn't go deeper into his thoughts because Anaya wasn't letting me off the hook easily.

“I can't believe this!” She gasped, making me turn towards her. “You're smitten by him!”

“Perhaps!” I admitted with a slight smile. “But hey, just shush! Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill!”

She was shaking her head before I was finished. “No! You have to tell me everything!”

Her demand was cut off conveniently as my phone rang. It was Raya who had just arrived and was looking for me.

“Does Raya know?” Anaya asked in a hushed voice as soon as I cut the call.

“No,” I told her hastily, “and don't talk about it in front of her, okay?”

“But I need to know the details!” She protested.

“Later.” I told her and got up to walk towards the entrance where I could spot Raya and Raunaq along with G and her kids who had just stepped in. I knew Anaya was dying to know every itty bitty detail but I just wasn't ready to talk about it in front of everybody.

I was meeting G's kids after quite a while so as soon as Sneha spotted me, she leapt forward and hugged me with all her excitement. Ryan, who had recently entered the awkward teenage, stood there confused so I pulled him in for a hug, which he returned rather stiffly.

“My, oh my! You kids are growing up so fast!” I exclaimed as I broke the hug and looked at them.

“But you're just the same, Maasi!” Complimented Sneha. “In fact, you're even prettier than the last time I saw you.”

I laughed. “Oh my goodness, G! She's a flatterer like you!” Raya's comment caused her to receive a smack on the back of her head by G, consequently making me and Raunaq chuckle.

“Look who's talking!” Joked G and they both indulged in a light banter until Ryan intervened and said he wanted to meet Maan.

“I need to meet Aunty too,” said G.

“I do too,” chimed Raya.

“You guys go ahead, I'll see you around.” Ryan quickly walked towards the far corner where I could see Maan and Ayush standing with someone.

Raya wanted me to go with them but I told them I'll just join them in a minute. I wanted to see Ryan and Maan greet each other so I kept my pace slow as I started walking after the rest of the group. With a fond smile, I watched as Ryan caught Maan's attention and then the later greeted him with a fist bump, engaging him in some conversation which Ryan surely looked happy about.

“You are going to drive me crazy with the suspense!” Anaya hissed as she came to stand right beside me, probably having seen my attention towards the one person again.

“You're stronger than that, sweetheart! I'm sure you can take a few days of suspense.” I teased her, picking up pace to join the rest of them.

She kept walking with me. “No way! I'm not going home tonight without knowing everything. Why this change? How? When? What changed? Did something happen between you two? Did it happen on this trip together?” Her voice became louder with each question.

“Hush, Anaya!” I looked around to see if anyone had heard us. “There's nothing really to tell!” I shrugged, turning to face her as we came to a stop. “I don't know what to say to you.”

“Why don't you simply answer my questions?” She suggested, having judged that I was close to giving in.

“Okay, then. Shoot.” I sighed.

She grinned victoriously. “Did something happen on this trip?”

“Well...” I thought. “ Yes, and no.”

She scowled. “What kind of an answer is that?! Give me some detail at least!”

“Detail of what?” Raya asked as she joined us where we were standing. I glared at Anaya in warning as she opened her mouth.

“I wanna know about her trip.” Anaya answered her and I held my breath, partly fearing she was going to let the cat out of the bag. “I was asking what kind of a place it was but she won't give me any details.”

Raya was skeptic, of course, but didn't say anything.

“Why don't we go sit on the table and Geet tells us everything...” Anaya's innuendo did not go unnoticed by me.

“Why are you so desperate to know about this place, anyway?” Questioned Raya as we settled on the table.

“Umm... Ayush and I are thinking of planning a vacation soon so I just want to know my options well enough.” She shrugged with an innocent face and I marvelled at how good of a liar Anaya was. “And what better way of knowing about some place than your best friend having visited very recently?”

“You're right.” Raya nodded. “Why don't you give her an overall review of the place, Di?”

When Raya agreed with Anaya and turned to face me, I could see the latter's sly smirk for having me cornered. I wasn't going to give in.

“I haven't seen much of the city for her to get a good review, Raya.” I stated as innocently as I could and then turned to face the cunning woman who was still struggling to keep a straight face. “I’ve already told Anaya I don't have much to tell.”

Raya was oblivious to the exchange between me and Anaya so she was surprised when Anaya spoke up rather irritably. “And I've already told you to tell me what you know!”

“Chill, Anaya!” Raya chuckled at her impatience. “I'm sure she can give you some information. Right, Di?” She turned to me.

“Sure. Um...” I thought what to tell. “I went to this restaurant for dinner which was really good. Great food, great ambience.” I carefully edited the part of who I was with but Anaya wasn't deterred. She quickly threw the very question my way which I wasn't planning on revealing the answer to. And now I had to. “I went with friends. You know, we went to the city in quite a large group.”

“I didn't know you were friends with your colleagues.” Anaya said skeptically.

“I am.” I said with a straight face.

“That's not enough information.” Anaya complained.

“I told you I don't have much of it, anyway.” I shrugged.

“Okay, girls!” Raya butted in. “Enough of this. Let's go grab something to eat.”

“Where are your kids, Anaya?” Asked Raya as we walked over to the buffet tables on one side.

“They're playing with Ameerah in her room.”

So that was why Anaya was so carefree and focused right now, I realised.

There were all sorts of mouth-watering delicacies on the buffet tables. As we helped ourselves around, I could feel Anaya's jitteriness. I knew she hadn't let it go so I made up my mind to answer her truthfully and completely whenever she asked. I did not have to wait long though, for as soon as Raya moved on to the next table, Anaya whispered her query to me.

“Did you go to that restaurant with Maan?”

“Yes.” I answered while serving myself some rice.

“Was it a date?” The excitement in her hushed whispers was unmistakable. “Who asked who out?”

“Well, not really.” I answered her first question and saw the evident disappointment on her face, making me wonder if she would have been happy if it was actually a date I had gone to with Maan. “And he offered me dinner, so I took the offer.”

“But why?” I could see the curiosity was killing her.

I smiled at her reactions before answering. “Because he wanted to apologise.”

My reply puzzled her. She had obviously not expected it. “For what?”

Even though I had just promised myself I would answer her truthfully, I wasn't sure if I could tell her about the dancing episode so I picked a middle answer. “We had a little fight before we went to the trip.”

“What's taking you both so long?” Called out Raya when she saw we were still standing halfway through the table.

“Coming!” I said and turned back to Anaya, talking in quick words. “Listen, I've already told you this is nothing to be very excited about,” she looked at me doubtfully, “but there are things I would like to share with you later.” At her immediate lit up eyes, I quickly tried to demolish the sandcastles she was probably building in the air. “Don't keep your hopes so high. There's no juicy stuff.”

She grimaced, clearly not pleased but smirked almost immediately. “Losing hope is not one of Anaya's virtues.”

I rolled my eyes and reached Raya as we made our way back to the table. G joined us then as did Zara.

“Is there something I can get for you ladies?” Asked Zara, being the perfect hostess.

“Oh, no. Thank you!” Raya said.

“Why are you not eating yourself?” Questioned Anaya.

“I will, in a while.” Zara smiled.

“Come sit with us for a while.” I spoke up, patting the empty space beside me.

“I’ll take that offer up, I think.” Zara gracefully settled in the chair and sighed. “It's been a long day!”

“I’m sure you must be exhausted.” G exclaimed.

“How are the kids holding up?” I asked. “Where is Aarish?”

“The kids are a handful, I tell you. It seems like I don’t have a free moment to myself.” She shook her head exasperatedly. “Aarish just fell asleep little while ago but woke up just as quickly so I put him in his bouncer and gave him to mom. I need my hands free for a while.”

A casual conversation ensued among the mums on our table with Raya and I being the actively involved audience, chiming in every now and then. Somebody called for Zara a little later and she took our leave.

“I love her.” It was G who commented when Zara left the table. The rest of us shared the same sentiment. Zara was undoubtedly lovable.

“They make a great couple too, Ranbir and Zara.” Raya complimented, which made me realise I hadn’t seen Ranbir tonight.

“Has anyone met Ranbir tonight?” I asked.

“I did.” Replied all three of them in unison.

“I didn’t even see him yet.” I exclaimed casually.

“You must have been busy seeing someone else.” It was Anaya, of course, cheekily commenting while two pairs of eyes curiously drifted between her and me.

Controlling the urge to stomp on her foot under the table, I rolled my eyes. “Yes, of course! There are some jaw dropping sights in here.” I winked just as cheekily, shocking Anaya and making the other two laugh. “By the way, I’m gonna go do a round and greet some colleagues. You girls carry on.” Wiping off my mouth with a napkin, I quickly got up and started walking towards where I could see a group of the people who were with us on that trip. They all greeted me happily. The storm and our survival was the hot topic.

“You’ve been very brave,” commented one of the women, “making MK follow your instructions isn’t the easiest thing in the world and standing up against his orders like you did that night, not everyone’s cup of tea.” The rest murmured in agreement.

The memories flooded back, making a shiver slither up my spine. “I've done nothing special.” I spoke humbly. “We all were each other’s responsibility and if MK was worried about his team, somebody had to think about him.” I smiled at them. The said MK caught my eye standing alone, head bent over his phone, his face betraying no emotions. I fought the urge to go and peek into his phone and see if he was playing that basketball game he’d introduced me to on the train. A small smile lingered on my lips as I recalled that trip to the waterfall.

Laughter erupting in the group I was standing in pulled me out of my own little bubble. I did not know what they were all laughing at so I managed to excuse myself and walked around, meeting and greeting different groups of colleagues, all of whom were either curious about how the whole adventure played out or they congratulated me on having successfully eluded the storm.

Wherever I went, it seemed like Maan was always around. When anyone would mention him, I would see him right in my sight, his actions always catching my attention, more or less distracting me from the topic at hand. It wasn’t helping at all.

I did finally run into Ranbir – after I collided with Maan. I had just excused myself from Adi and Pinky and stepped sideways, ready to walk back to the girls when a body slammed into mine, jerking me slightly off balance.

“Ouch!” The body was hard and warm, but the impact made me stumble.

Almost instantly, firm hands came up to prevent an unpleasant fall. “Oops! Sorry!” I heard his deep melodic voice first. There wasn’t enough time to get lost in the depth of its huskiness because as soon as his hands touched me at the waist, it felt like a current passed through me and I almost jumped away from him.

Upon distancing myself from him, the staring eyes around us made me blush in embarrassment. But Maan seemed undeterred. “Are you okay?” He looked straight at me, making my insides churn. This was a man who would stand firm on his ground, regardless of what other people thought.

“Yes, thanks!” I smiled slightly, and noticed his brother standing beside him. Taking the opportunity, and in an effort to distract myself, I greeted him, making small talk just enough to normalise the situation. The prying eyes, realising there was nothing happening, went back to their own businesses while I took leave of the Khurana brothers soon, finally able to sit down at the table again.

“Met someone you liked?” Anaya teased. It was impossible not to get who she was hinting at and to know that the answer to her question was affirmative brought a jittery feeling in my stomach. I played cool though.

“Naah! Nobody very interesting.” I spoke off-handedly. “Where’s G?”

“She got called by one of her kitty friends.” Answered Raya while biting into a scrumptious chocolate fudge brownie.

“You guys got yourselves dessert.” I noted.

“We got some for you too.” Anaya pushed a plate towards me filled with an assortment of bite-sized desserts which looked absolutely mouth-watering. I dug into it almost immediately.

“Hey, did you see that dude...” Raya’s animated voice was addressed to Anaya, describing one of the guests in the party who she thought was very sexy. I listened to them both discuss a hot guy and rolled my eyes. Two married women, both deeply in love with their husbands, often discussed other men they thought were drool worthy. I wasn’t going to intervene because they’d only tell me to suck it up and be a sport like last time so instead I let my eyes wander around the room as I took a spoonful of tiramisu.

Of their own accord, my eyes searched for the one I was infatuated with and I didn’t have to look any hard because he was standing just a few feet away, laughing away with a group of men. I revelled in the chimes of his laughter, the bite in my mouth all but forgotten. His laugh had to be one of the most beautiful sounds and I never wanted it to end. It did, however, stop in a few moments, after which his gaze diverted from his group and fell on me, catching me staring at him. There was a glint in his eyes as he held mine and raised his hand. Naturally, my eyes followed what he was doing. His hand reached up to his face, firmly holding my gaze, the curve of his lips quite prominent as he rubbed a long, sleek thumb at the edge of his lips, his smile simultaneously turning into a grin. My jaw dropped. What was Maan gesturing to me?! Did he know it was an indecent gesture? Did he mean to do it?! His friends reclaimed his attention and he turned away before I could process what he meant by that.

“Di! Di! You’ve got tiramisu on your face.”

“What?!” I snapped out of it and hurriedly took the napkin she offered, wiping off my face right away. Sure enough, there was quite a bit of it at the corner of my lips. To my utter chagrin, it dawned upon me that Maan had meant to send that message across and not the sensual, provocative gesture I mistook it to be. Oh I could just vanish into thin air if anyone knew of my misinterpretation.

“What were you so busy staring at that you didn’t know you had the thing on your face?” Anaya, trying again to get me to spill the beans.

“I was looking for that hot guy you were discussing. After all, neither of you have any chance with him but I still do.” I winked, showing off the whole set of my teeth with a smirk.

Anaya’s eyebrows raised at my comeback while Raya laughed. “That’s true!”

It wasn’t the last time Anaya tried to extract more information from me or to tease me indirectly during the night. I managed to dodge every attempt until the point when it was time to leave. While saying her goodbye, she leaned closer to my ear as we walked out together. “I'm going to call you once I put the kids to bed.”

As she stifled a yawn, I grinned, “And if you don’t, I’ll understand that you fell asleep.”

Giving me a nasty look, she walked ahead to buckle her kids in the car while I went with Raya towards her car. As I sat in and Raunaq started the car, I took one last glimpse of the man standing at the door of his home, deep in conversation with Ayush while the latter's family waited in the car. Peeling my eyes away from Maan, I caught Anaya watching me. She smirked amusedly as Raunaq steered our car on to the road and I knew she figured out who I was staring at again.

It started out as a quiet ride home as I saw the city passing by from the window. I was too engrossed in my own world to notice the couple sitting in the front seats conversing in an almost inaudible voice.

“Di.” Raunaq's voice was soft, probably not wanting to startle me out of my reverie.

“Hmm?” I turned to look at him in the rear-view mirror.

“I’m going to drop Raya with you. That’s okay, right?”

“Sure.” I said. “But it’s not needed.” I knew they both were worried for me and thought that I needed somebody to be with me.

“But Di,” Raya interrupted as she turned in her seat, “I don’t want to leave you alone tonight. What if you need me in the middle of the night?”

“I understand where you’re coming from, but Chhoti, I’ll be just fine on my own.” I tried to persuade her. “You have to go to work tomorrow and it’s too far away from my apartment.” She opened her mouth to protest but I continued speaking. “Besides, I’m just going to crash into bed as soon as I get home anyway.”

I could still see worry etched on her face. “Look Raya, I’m fine. If anything, I just need a good night’s sleep. And so do you, for that matter.” Her lips turned down at the sides. “I’d love for you to come stay with me tomorrow because you won’t have to go to work the next day and then we can stay up all night and spend some good time together.”

The couple was quiet for a few seconds before Raya broke the silence. “Are you sure, Di?”

“I’m certain.” I smiled in reassurance.

“But you have to promise one thing, Di.” Raunaq, who had been quietly listening until now, spoke firmly. “You’re going to give us a call, regardless of what time it is, if you need us, or if you feel lonely or scared or anything at all.” He was looking at me through the mirror with a sombre expression.

I smiled. What had I done to deserve a family like this? “I will call you, I promise.”

Raya was not pleased but she couldn’t protest any further so when they dropped me, she made me promise again to call them, whatsoever. They waited for me to enter the building before they left.

I was relieved to finally be in the sanctity of my home. Quickly stepping out of my shoes, I rushed to change into a night suit, ready to crash. Partially hoping Anaya wouldn’t call tonight, I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling covered with shadows because of the dim night lamp. I pondered over the party.

It had been a wonderful night. It felt more like a reunion to me because I met with and sat and talked with almost everyone I cared for. It was a night I wanted to engrave in my memory. It wasn’t about one particular person, it was about having all my loved ones around me, enjoying the night away with them. Aunty's love, Anaya’s mischievous tactics, Ayush’s jokes, Zara's welcoming smile and Maan's, well Maan's presence. I wish I had had a decent conversation with him tonight. I hadn’t gotten the chance, or the nerve, to properly converse with him and it made me a little sad.

I thought about Maan and the feelings he stirred within. I could tell I was very, very inclined towards him. I was infatuated. I was smitten, as Anaya put it. I wanted to be around him yet I did not want him to know what was going on through my heart and mind. He was unaware of his effects on me anyway and I wouldn’t have it any other way until I knew the depth of what I was feeling. Until I could put a name on it.

Nice update..

Waiting for next update..

wow thanks a million for updating. the update was worth the long wait

Chapter 54

Spectacular update. beautifully written

Thank God they are all fine and back safely.

of cos Geet is overwhelmed after what happened.

as expected everyone was worried for Geet.

Vyaan and his family are so nice.

glad that Maan's mom called insisting that they join for dinner.

can understand Raya's emotional state.... cannot imagine what she went through.

adore the bond between Geet and Raya.

great that Geet assures Raya.

liked Geet staring at Maan.... that moment just portrayed Geet's feelings.

Geet shares a beautiful bond with the Khurana family.

Ayush understood what Geet went through.

well nothing can be hidden from Ananya.

at least Geet was able to confide in someone.

Ananya's curiosity is reasonable.

Gosh she corners Geet who handled her well.

Geet cannot help but stare at Maan.

not surprised that Ananya teases Geet.

Raunaq was so thoughtful.

sad that she did not have a chance to converse with Maan.

Geet's feelings well portrayed.

she is correct to be cautious until she understands what she feels.

update soon

Originally posted by dqno1

some may think "ye kya likh rahi hai Avi"

You know right?

Hope you are well

Thanks for being there when things were horrid!

Take care Mari

I've been waiting for this for ages! 🤗

LIKE

0 Likes this

Been through some bad days but the sun is coming out

Hopefully we are over the worst

An update from you put a smile on my face!

At last I can curl in with it and enjoy with a peaceful mind..

Thanks Mari

Originally posted by: mayyo

@Bold: 4 a.m. here and I actually laughed out loud reading that line! 😂

❤️

Kya karein

kuch kuch ho raha hai for my fence dweller

I love to see that in stories and in life, lol

Thanks for replying Mari and the post

Ab ke reply na karti toh dosti pe shaq ho jata❤️

I thought this story will be discontinued nd will never know the ending ...but thnku for updating nd update was awesome nd heart fluttering ..could able to connect with geets emotions . The fatal attraction geet is feeling towards maan ..is pehla pehla pyar ka ehsaas ..hope things go right for her

...once agn thnk u 💞💞

Great update as always! I'm so glad you are back to continue this story. Your writing always takes me into a different world, which puts a smile on my face. Looking forward to the next part.

Chapter 54

Thank you for updating

Fabulous Chapter

Yes Geet is loved by her family and friends

and everyone wanted to know about her survival

while Geet paid much more attention to Maan

yes she is very much smitten by him

his laughter , his actions and presence is something

that makes Geet want to see more and be around Maan

Anaya on the other hand just wanted to know what was happening between

Geet and Maan

but I wonder will he fall for her

Der aayi but durusth aayi!.. About u, late aayi but update to jhakkas diye.... Aur about geet, she too late aayi but feelings sahih pakdi maan ke liye.

Thanx a lot for update.