The Bride & The Knight ~ Maneet SS ~ Updated Chapter 2 @ p.n. 5 ~ 14/7 - Page 5

Chapter 2 - The Bodyguard

As he moved around her, Geet couldn't help but feel a shiver of anticipation coursing through her veins.

Geet's heart pounded erratically in her chest as Maan's fingers brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. She couldn't help but feel a rush of warmth spreading through her body at his touch, her skin tingling with a sensation she had never experienced before.

Maan, too, felt the magnetic pull between them, the intoxicating scent of Geet's perfume filling his senses. His fingers lingered on her skin, tracing invisible patterns as he fought to control the tumultuous emotions swirling inside him.

With a soft sigh, Geet leaned into Maan's touch, her eyes fluttering closed as she surrendered to the overwhelming sensations washing over her. She could feel the heat of his body radiating against her skin, his presence enveloping her in a comforting embrace.

Maan's heart skipped a beat as he watched Geet's reaction, her vulnerability tugging at his heartstrings in a way he had never experienced before. In that moment, he knew that he would do anything to protect her, to keep her safe from harm.

Lost in the moment, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of longing and desire. Time seemed to stand still as they stood there, enveloped in the intimacy of the moment.

Oh... Maan Khurana?

Maan stepped back, breaking the spell that had enveloped them. Both turned around to find Ranjeet Handa standing there on the door with few of his associates,

Ji sir...’ he walked ahead to greet him.

Arey aap hath mein tape ke kyo khade hai?

Thodi si galatfami ke wajah se.. maan said with smile

Ranjeet laughed out suddenly realized the meaning of his words, ‘achcha acha samajh gaya..

Papa ...’ geet who had just recovered herself from the daze state, was now confused, she goes to her father,’ yeh sab kya ho raha hai

Tum jo samajh rahi ho..woh yeh log nahi hai..yeh CID officer hai...

Wahi sochu....how can CID officer make wedding clothes...’ geet blurted out innocently.

'You are absolutely right. But I am not a tailor, I am a CID officer...' maan clarified her again, Yaha ke halat kharab hone ke wajah se, we decided to wear this clothes to mix with the people of village.

Geet looked at her father totally confused, ‘Then what is there in those many boxes filled with clothes...' she asked as pinky had told her the same on both assumed him as tailor.

‘weapon...’ maan clarified.

Meri shadi ka kya hoga phir...’ geet was saddened and horrified however she composed herself.

Befikar rahiye. hum app ke hifazat ke liye aaye hai jab tak hum Zinda hai aapko kuch nahi hoga yeh Maan Singh Khurana ka vada hai...’ ( Be carefree. We have come to protect you, as long as we are alive, nothing will happen to you, this is Man Singh Khurana's promise...') She didn’t say anything on that, just look at him for a moment and then walked away...

Maan kept staring at her back until ranjeet called for his attention, "Officer Khurana," Ranjit said, "Thank you for coming. I am grateful for your assistance."

"We're here to ensure your daughter's safety, Mr. Handa," Maan replied. "We'll be conducting a thorough security assessment and implementing measures to prevent any threats."

Ranjit nodded, leading them inside. The mansion was a hive of activity, with decorators, caterers, and family members bustling about, preparing for the upcoming wedding. Maan's eyes scanned the room, noting potential entry points and vulnerabilities. It took good 20 minutes as they talked and checked around whole mansion.

In the end, they stepped out into the garden, a beautiful space filled with blooming flowers and the soothing sound of a fountain. In the midst of this picturesque scene stood Geet. She was talking to a group of women, her laughter ringing out like a melody.

He again stared at her, she has changed into simple silk saree now...looking stunning, with long, dark hair cascading down her back and eyes that sparkled with intelligence and warmth. There was a grace about her, a quiet strength that Maan admired instantly.

After a while Ranjeet excused himself to attend to other matters, leaving him alone in the garden to stared at her.

Geet could feel someone gaze on her, so she turned around to see him standing there and when he caught her gaze he smirked at her way....she excused herself from her maid friends and walked upto him...there was pink hue covering her face realizing about the earlier mishap...she shivered thinking about their close proximity.

Her eyes met Maan’s, and she offered a polite smile. “Hello again, Officer Khurana. Thank you for being here.” And I’m so sorry! I had no idea,” she stammered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief.

Maan chuckled softly, his gaze softening. “It’s alright. I should have clarified earlier. But I must admit, I enjoyed our little misunderstanding.”

Geet’s embarrassment melted into a smile, her heart fluttering at his words. “Well, Mr. Khurana, I’m glad you’re here. I feel much safer already.”

Maan took her hand, his grip warm and reassuring. “And I promise, I’ll protect you with everything I’ve got.”

As they stood there, hand in hand, the connection between them deepened. It was a moment neither would forget, a serendipitous encounter that marked the beginning of something beautiful.

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As the evening progressed, Maan and his team discussed the security measures with Geet’s father. They reviewed the layout of the mansion, the schedule of the wedding events, and the potential vulnerabilities. Maan’s meticulous approach and calm demeanour instilled a sense of confidence in everyone.

Geet observed Maan as he worked, noting the way he commanded respect and attention. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there was a reassuring calm about him. She found herself feeling more at ease with his presence, a sentiment she hadn’t expected.

Next day, at evening, Maan was busy with some work when he saw her walking into the room with tray of meal.

Yeh lijiye. Pahle khana kha lijiye and then work...’ she put the tray before him on the table, taking papers from his hand, she put them aside.

You seem not taking care of yourself, I have only seen you working continuously from last day.

Maan just chuckled on her blabbering before replying, I am habitual of it geet.

Par aapko aise nahi karna chahiye, you should keep balance with your work hours and take meal on time.

Meri chodo, tum batao tumne khana khaya? He asked affectionately taking his plate.

Yes I had...pinky is there to bug me...' and both broke into small chuckle...

It happened so naturally between them, both didn’t realized when they come in comfort zone, from aap to tum’ and from strangers to became close to friends...talking so causally...

he couldn’t stop admiring her... he couldn't help but notice the way Geet carried herself. Despite the looming threats, she remained composed and focused on the wedding preparations. It was clear that she was not just a politician's daughter; she was a woman of resilience and courage.

After he was done, geet got up to walked out but maan stopped her,

geet...

Ji..?

If you have any concerns or need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Geet smiled genuine warmth in her expression. “Thank you, Maan. I will.” She walked out of his room, feeling a strange mix of emotions. The impending wedding, the threats, and now, the presence of this stoic yet kind officer—everything was changing, and she wasn’t sure how to navigate it all.

But as she glanced back at Maan through the small window, she felt a small spark of reassurance. Perhaps, amidst the chaos, there was a steady hand guiding her through. And for that, she was grateful.

To be continued.....

Precap – Kunal...?