FF ~ Beauty & the Beast: Chapt 59 - 60 pg 10 Updated 08/02 - Page 8

Its nice parts

Goods interaction

Best thing is gaurav asked apology from geet

Now she knows he not liked to say NO to her

Hope this trip changed something in between maan and geet

Chapter 51

Maan gazed ensnared by her deep blue eyes, he should look away, pull away and move. Each time he looked at her, it gripped him, a sensation he hadn't ever felt burned within.

Geet swallowed, this time she was staring directly back at him. She noticed his eyes softened for a moment, intensified the next turning his soft chocolate brown eyes slightly darker.

She felt his lean body pressing against hers, it was a different feeling, his physique wasn’t the same as the others. She noted he was at least a good 6 inches taller, she perused his scars curiously drawing over to the unmarked skin, she sensed he was once a good-looking man, her eyes drew to the prominent curve of his lips, an unwilling desire surfaced feeling him pressed against her in all the right places, the sound of the trolley hitting something broke her thoughts.

Geet looked surprised, her lips parted and she looked lost for words.

Maan just stared back as surprised, their eyes drew down to the smallest space between them, there was no space, Geet cleared her throat stepping back whilst cursing inwardly reminding herself the man was a client.

Maan looked down awkwardly pondering whether he should say anything, should he apologise? He didn’t even know what to do in such a situation, it wasn’t a situation he had ever faced. He averted his eyes feeling embarrassed and walked past her, due to the small space once again their arms brushed one another, his elbow accidentally brushing the side of her breast unknowingly. Geet clenched her jaw and slipped into the toilet locking the door behind her, she sighed heavily chiding herself for staring at her client.

She remembered his eyes, how they were soft one moment then intense and dark the next, Geet seemed confused and reminded herself Maan Khurana was a client, business and pleasure don’t mix. She cupped some water and swiped some cool water over her face and wiped her face down, her skin had heated during that brief moment.

“Happy birthday, Pearson” Adrian whispered into her ear as he pulled off the blindfold.

Geet blinked adjusting her eyes as she looked up at the building in front of her confused then turned to Adrian curiously.

“Our keys” he held out a key to her.

“You… You bought the apartment here?” Geet looked taken aback.

They had been discussing their living arrangements for the last couple of weeks, nothing had been solidified, they usually brushed it off due to not being able to decide where they wanted to settle. Adrian had always been settled in Dubai, and Geet couldn’t just up and leave India now that her business had started and still needed to go to great heights.

Adrian smiled cradling her cheek and pulled her close pressing his forehead to hers, “I don’t want to be where you won't be” he murmured softly.

Adrian didn’t want to wait for a weekend, or two weekends to be able to see her. He woke up in the mornings searching for a glimpse of her, only to realise that she was a few countries away. He wanted to wake up and see her face in the morning, at night he wanted to sleep seeing her face. He had spent the last few months waking up and checking his phone for a message from her. And there was always something, be it an emoticon, a simple morning or a simple message saying she loved him. He couldn’t describe how he felt for Geet Pearson, it was unexplainable.

That night at the party, he hadn't expected to see Geet Pearson. It was so unexpected but she stole his heart in that moment and changed his life for the better.

“Do you realise what you're saying?” Geet looked up at him, “You're talking about leaving Dubai”. She had definitely not expected this, she had assumed they were going to continue talking some more and take even longer to decide but he… She looked at the key then back up at him, she couldn’t believe he was hers. She couldn’t explain how the softness of his eyes and the tone of his voice sends shivers down her skin, butterflies fluttering within, he made her heart skip a beat whenever he walked into the room with that confident stride, a teasing smile on his lips and she feels complete every single time. That party had changed her life for the better. When she had met him, she had assumed he was just another arrogant piece of ass who thought of himself but Adrian Lewis proved her wrong. She didn't think this dating thing between them would have lasted long, but he followed her to India, he impressed her parents, he supported her, shared his thoughts with her when she needed it and… slowly she found herself falling in love. Adrian Lewis swept her off her feet, his smile brightened her day, her heart raced with that one love filled teasing glance. The passion for flying, the training course in Dubai had led her to him. It was as if she was directed towards him.

“I know, I know what I'm saying Pearson” he nodded, “I considered my decision, I don’t want to just find you on weekends. I want mornings, evenings and nights with you”.

“Adrian…” Geet whispered softly, she tiptoed and threw her arms around him tightly.

Adrian grinned, his heartbeats accelerating enveloping Geet into his arms, it was coming true. He no longer will wake up to a text, he wouldn’t be sleeping alone, he'd have her in his arms, he'd wake up to seeing her face. Seeing her would be reason enough smile. He didn’t need anything else. He just wanted Geet Pearson.

Geet returned to her seat relaxed and now composed brushing off that moment, she tried to seem nonchalant about it but she had avoided glancing to her left where Maan Khurana sat facing forward. It seemed he was trying to act as if they hadn't just been pressed up against one another, which was a good thing anyway.

“Gigi, I wanna sleep” Nick smiled pushing his tablet off his lap and climbed on hers.

She was pleased her nephew was a great distraction, concentrating on him wouldn’t lead her to look over. She slipped her arms around his small body holding him close to her and rocked him gently.

“You going to tell me a story?”

“We're not playing bed time” Geet chuckled.

“I wanna hear story though, you not told me for ages and ages” Nick informed.

“Oh really…” Geet laughed.

Nick nodded and cuddled closer, Geet smiled and settled back comfortably.

“Okay, there was once a little boy named Nick…”

“He's got my same name” Nick grinned.

“Yes, now shhh… listen” Geet chuckled and narrated how the quiet little Nick was stolen by a monster and he had a very brave sister who fought dragons and saved little Nick.

“I don’t like that story, I want to fight dragons” Nick scrunched his nose. “Girls don't fight”.

“Boo boo, girls can fight a lot better than boys”.

“Oh really?” Sean arched his brows having heard her as he walked past.

“Tar, did you know Sean still…”

Sean scowled, “You…”

“Tara's looking over here, go back to your seat” Geet gestured.

“I'm going to get you back” Sean promised.

“I'm looking forward to it” Geet chuckled.

“Lemme know daddy! I help you, Gigi didn’t tell me good story”.

“Do you want to go sit over there?” Geet asked. “I'll get Theresa and love my little angel”.

“Gigi” Nick whined, “I'm angel” he crawled onto his knees and threw both his tiny arms around her.

“That is just mean” Kartik shook his head. “And I heard your comment, boys can fight better than girls, we're way stronger”.

“Majority men will always win physically, but can you use that brain to fight?” Zarina joined.

“I could win in a fight with you, kid. Any day” Geet stated. “You look like the size of measuring ruler”.

“You better believe her” Adhira laughed, “She doesn’t exercise to just look pretty, she's strong” she added.

“Arm wrestle?” Kartik asked not believing her.

“I almost carried you home on my birthday” Geet reminded.

“You carried him?” Gaurav questioned intervening curiously.

Geet recalled Maan had asked that it be kept from their family, Kartik looked nervously and glanced over at Geet pouting his lips and silently begging her to keep quiet.

Geet smirked, “I'm teasing him” she answered then mouthed to Kartik you owe me.

Kartik shrugged sighing in relief, had his family known he'd gotten drunk he would be dragged through hot coals by not only his grandfather, but grandmother and his parents.

Gaurav had never allowed anyone to drink in their family, he had disciplined them to make smart choices, they were taught how alcohol damages their internal system and can have an affect on their training regime.

“How about a game?” Zarina asked. “Boys vs Girls – as we want to prove to Kartik that girls don't need to be physically strong to fight them”

“Maybe after everyone eats” Geet responded noticing her colleagues in the galley and placing the food containers on the trolley.

Chapter 52

After everyone had eaten, they decided to push the games for another day as they were feeling a little tired. Nick had dozed off in Geet's lap, she stood making him lie down on her seat with his legs curled up on his seat. She grabbed a hold of her hold luggage and walked down towards the galley.

“Geet, what are you doing here?” Ashley questioned.

“Is there any spare seat in first class?”

“I'm not upgrading you” Ashley informed.

“So that means there's a seat free” Geet stated.

“Why didn’t you just buy first class” Sophia questioned as she walked into the galley.

“Had it been only me, then I would have. I've got a party of around 30, maybe 40” Geet answered.

“You earn more than enough” Ashley pointed out.

“Its outside of the company budget, I have a certain budget going towards each trip. This one has already gone over. I just want to rest a little comfortably, I'll go back to my seat in an hour or two” she responded. “Plus, the toilet is much better, I want to change and sleep comfortably”.

“Only for a couple of hours” Sophia pushed the curtain aside.

“Thanks, I owe you one” Geet smiled and slipped into first class, she strode into the toilet first and changed out of her shorts and tank top sliding into her grey lounge wear bottoms and hoodie. She changed her heeled boots for her white converse trainers, she then walked out and settled in the empty first class chair bundling in with the blanket. The space wasn’t tight as it had been in the economy class, she pulled out the recliner and stretched her legs leaning back and closed her eyes.

“Who are you?” Nick rubbed his eyes looking around pouting his lips.

“You don’t remember?” Gaurav questioned.

Nick frowned and looked to the side, his eyes curiously drew to Maan's face. “You look like Deadpool guy” he sat up on his knees leaning close. “Did you have an accident like Deadpool?”

Maan looked back at Nick, the little boy looked so innocent and curious, “Something like that” he answered.

Nick nodded and glanced over his shoulder at Gaurav, “Hey Santa, you seen my Gigi?”

Gaurav smiled, “I think she went that way” he pointed.

“Gigi” Nick called out from his seat, he knew he wasn’t allowed to leave his seat alone. His Gigi wouldn’t be happy with him if he climbed down.

Gaurav noticed a couple of passengers shifted uncomfortably and shot an annoyed glance, “Nick, how about we both go and find her?” he suggested.

“No, I don’t know you. You're stranger. Gigi say stranger is danger” Nick responded shaking his head. “I not know you Santa” he frowned and stood up on his seat. “Daddy” he called out.

“Sean” Tara nudged her husband waking him up.

“Hmm…” Sean murmured.

“Get Nick, he's disturbing everyone. I could hear him from here” she pointed.

Sean glanced over his shoulder rubbing his face and saw his son standing up on his seat calling for him, he tossed the blanket aside and walked over to where Nick was stood.

“Hey buddy” Sean lifted him up, “Where's your Gigi?”

“Santa said she went that way” Nick pointed.

Sean glanced to where Nick pointed and knew instantly his sister in law was resting comfortably in first class.

“Okay, let's go” Sean returned to his seat with Nick in his arms settling back and pulled the blanket over themselves.

“Where's Geet?”

“Enjoying first class” Sean answered, “She done that last time as well”.

“Don’t blame her” Tara chuckled.

“I want Gigi” Nick looked at his parents.

“Your Gigi left you” Sean muttered and closed his eyes, “Sleep now”.

“Sean” Tara smacked his arm seeing how upset her son looked.

“She left me?” Nick asked when Sean opened his eyes. “I not bad, daddy”.

“No, no… buddy, that isn't what I meant” Sean hugged his son. “Uh.. She's sleeping”.

“I want Gigi, daddy” Nick responded. “I not sleep, Gigi need to tell me story”.

“Okay, I'll go find her” Sean sighed placing his son down and walked down towards the galley.

“Sean” Ashley looked up from her magazine standing to her feet, “Can I help?”

“Can you wake that lazy ass and tell her to return to our class?” Sean requested. “Nick is on the verge of throwing his tantrum”.

“Oh..kay” Ashley nodded and walked over to wake Geet.

“I left him sleeping” Geet walked out carrying her hold luggage. “I was close to dozing off”.

“Yeah, well you can sleep with us” he answered walking back.

Geet shoved her luggage back into the top cabin, her eyes drew to her nephew who walked over hurriedly towards her. She sat down taking him into her arms and pulled the blanket over them.

“Where did you go?” Nick asked. “I didn’t find you, Gigi”.

“Nowhere, you can sleep now” Geet replied rocking back and forth. “Sleep…”

“I want to hear story” Nick demanded.

“Boo boo, don’t make me leave you here. Sleep. I'm tired” Geet responded.

Nick seemed contemplated but after a while shrugged and rested his head on her chest closing his eyes…

“Is everyone here?” Geet asked looking around ensuring the whole group was around, they had landed in LA just 10 minutes ago and now were gathered in the waiting area.

Hearing murmurs of yes, she nodded and addressed. “Right, the busses are on their way and the others…” she paused hearing her name.

Geet glanced over her shoulder seeing one of the managers of her London firm walking towards them with their group from London.

“Anna” Geet gave a quick hug, “Glad you're all here. I was just saying the busses are on their way. I'm now just waiting on Kieran and Arshad” she informed. “Javier and Kelsey couldn’t make it, some of them are flying over though from the firm” she added.

“Okay, I'd spoken to Kieran. He should be landing soon, I think Arshad has already landed but is waiting” Anna replied.

“Can you text him and tell him to join us here” Geet responded, “Keep an eye on them all, I'm just going to get changed out of my loungewear” she then turned to her female colleagues gesturing them to join her.

“Where are you going?” Kartik questioned noticing Shaira, Zarina and Adhira grabbing their hand luggage and moving away.

“To get changed” Shaira answered.

“Why? We're leaving in a bit and would be heading straight to the hotel” he looked confused.

“You'll see” Shaira walked away with her colleagues.

“Where are you going?” he noticed Aryan and Saahil grabbing their hand luggage and going in the same direction.

“To freshen up and change” they both answered.

Kartik shook his head, he wondered what was the point. They were leaving soon enough, he shrugged and glanced around, he hadn't known that Geet had extended her business to different countries. It just showed how less he knew of the company he worked in, he was going to have to brush up on his knowledge and skills if he wishes to continue his employment and extend the contract he has.

Suneel and Marissa made an effort to go around and speaking to Geet's colleagues from the other branches, as always there were new faces whom they'd never met before.

Maan had stepped back slightly, covering himself behind his father who was thankfully a couple of inches taller. He pulled his hood up over his head and turned slightly to a different angle in the hopes that no one would stare in his direction.

“I didn’t realise her company was quite big” Rhea looked at her husband, she was surprised.

“She didn’t really speak about it” Gaurav happened to hear and looked at his daughter in law, they hadn't a clue of how big her company was, they'd always just assumed that it was the only office in Mumbai – not something that had branches extended in different countries and well known, “I'm quite impressed” he added. “Working full time, then managing a company along with extending the business out to different countries. It's quite commendable”.

“I agree” Rajeev nodded, “Kartik, you never said…”

“If I knew, I would have” Kartik answered. “I didn't do much homework” he responded.

“You might want to buckle up son, you're working for a growing renowned business” Rajeev replied. Savitri kept quiet as her family talked, she was taken by surprise seeing the accomplishment Geet had achieved.

Suneel and Marissa walked over having greeted some of the colleagues.

“Are you okay?” Suneel asked, “Geet shouldn’t be too long, the busses would be here soon”.

“We're fine, thank you Suneel” Gaurav responded. “We never realised how big the company is” he commented.

Suneel smiled, “Geet doesn’t speak much about it, she's always saying to let her work do the talking” he responded.

“You've got a very talented daughter” Gaurav smiled.

Marissa looked at Rhea and Savitri, “How was the flight?”

“Very long” Rhea chuckled. “I could fall asleep right here”.

Marissa smiled, “I'll join you, let's just grab a chair”.

“I don't think there's any need, they're coming” Kartik pointed.

Heads turned and watched in awe as the ladies had changed into spectacular fitted dresses that hugged their figures perfectly. Geet had donned on a Roland Mouret Betley dress, slipped into her white peep toe pumps.

Maan turned slightly stealing a glance, he swallowed thickly watching the way she moved, her hips swayed unknowingly, her head held high, confidence and pure happiness radiated in her blue eyes as she looked around.

Geet paused in front looking around giving a quick wave over to Arshad who has now joined the team with his group.

“Busses are out front, anyone can sit on any bus. We're all going to the same location” she informed. “Has everyone got their suitcases, handbags etc…?” she questioned. “I don’t want to anyone straying away until we've reached our location”. As they all murmured in agreement, Geet asked them to walk out the terminal.

“How was your flight?” Geet questioned Arshad and Anna as they walked together.

“Shorter than yours” Arshad chuckled. “Only 5hrs flight, so we set off just earlier this morning and arrived here, before you” he added.

“This is why I wish my parents moved to London” Geet replied.

“Hey, appreciate the weather in India” Arshad told her, “It's been raining non-stop, I cannot wait for some sun” he grinned widely.

As the doors opened and they stepped out, cameramen snapped their pictures.

“Ms Pearson” Andrew Cooper walked over smiling handing her a bouquet.

“Andrew” Geet smiled giving him a brief hug and a peck to the cheek. “How many times have I said, call me Geet. How are you?”

“I'm good, we're very glad to have you back” he responded.

Geet smiled at the cameras with her colleagues, she was asked questions with regards to the awards but decided to keep quiet. Her answers surely could be twisted and posted in an entire different context and once something is out there – it can never be pulled back.

“Your car is waiting” Andrew pointed. “Shall we?”

“Thank you” Geet smiled, turning to Adhira “Can you make sure they all get into the bus? All the emergency contacts should be on the email so if anyone is missing – call them”

“Will do, don’t worry about it” Adhira assured.

“Thanks, I'll see you over there” she responded and followed Andrew to the waiting car.

Andrew opened the car door, Geet slipped inside and he walked around the other side climbing into the driver's seat.

“How was the flight?” Andrew questioned as he started the car.

“Very long” Geet replied. “How's Cathy?”

“She's doing well, she's excited for your stay here”

“I'm guessing that’s 'she's wanting an appointment to discuss a renovation' right?”

“You know my wife well” Andrew laughed. “Excited for the awards?”

“I'm looking forward to it” Geet responded, she smiled as he drove through the large black gates and grinned widely taking in the location of their stay.

Geet didn’t wait for Andrew to open the door, she climbed out glancing over her shoulder hearing the engine and in came the busses one after the other.

“This isn't a hotel” Kartik commented approaching her.

“We don’t stay in hotels” Zarina replied joining his side, “We're all house sharing”.

Geet left them to it, “Anna, Arshad” she called out taking them to the side.

“To make it easier, I've settled for having each team staying in the mansions. You can take that, Anna you take that mansion and I'll take this” she told them. “Room sharing though” she added. “There's only like 6-8 bedrooms”.

“Alright” they both took the keys Geet handed them.

Geet then turned to her group asking them to follow her inside.

Maan had not expected this, he had thought they'd be in a hotel not mansion sharing. He kept close to his father keeping his hood on, no one had really looked around and greeted one families much due to how crowded they all were.

They all entered gathering in the hall, when Geet started speaking once again.

“Right, there's only around 7 bedrooms in this mansion from what I know. And there's around 40 of us altogether, so we're all going to share. I've got the mattresses set up, you can choose where you sleep. Be mindful that some may not want a mixture of men/women, if you don't mind then sleep in the same room. There are two bathrooms in each room, and a changing room so that is a plus. Tomorrow evening is the award so please be ready by 6pm, the cars will be here to drive us” she informed authoritatively. “Now you can go and choose where you wish to sleep and who you wish to sleep with” she waved them off.

By the time, they all selected the rooms Marissa and Suneel happened to be sharing with Savitri, Rhea, Gaurav and Rajeev. Maan and Kartik had chosen a room together, no one had yet come in and joined them, Maan noticed some had passed the room and figured it was due to him no one was coming.

“I'm so glad you're here” Kartik sat down on one of the mattresses and looked at his elder brother who stood leaning against the window frame looking outside. “Thanks for coming”.

Maan glanced over at Kartik and smiled, “You're welcome, Kartik. I'm happy to be here for you” he responded softly.

“Hey, you mind if we come in?” Sean knocked. “The other rooms are kinda taken”.

“Sure, come in” Kartik grinned.

“This is my and Gigi's bed” Nick ran in and jumped onto the mattress jumping up and down.

“Of course, it is” Sean rolled his eyes and dragged their suitcases in, Tara followed in cradling a sleeping Theresa in her arms.

“I apologise in advance for any crying from my little one” Tara replied. “She can be a little loud” she added.

Maan straightened slightly having caught on that Nick had just said he's saving a mattress for his Gigi, which meant… Geet Pearson would sleeping in the same room as them.

How was he going to be able control his feelings?

What they encountered in the plane had not left his mind, each time he looked at her, he could feel the press of her body against his front, the softness of her breasts pushed forward, her tensed toned abdomen aligned against his abdomen and those eyes... God, he couldn’t forget the dazed blue eyes that had looked right into his own.

The person he'd been talking about, just walked in as well. Geet had kicked off her heels holding the straps in her hands.

“You better have chosen a good room with the best view” Geet walked in saying and glanced around. “You found this room, only?” she questioned Sean.

“You should've assigned everyone then” he countered.

“You better not annoy me, kid” Geet looked at Kartik.

“I was just…”

“Don’t” Geet shook her head and noticed Maan by the corner.

Damn she thought inwardly. The man she'd avoided for the rest of the flight was now staying in the same room as her. And once again, he was staring though trying to seem discreet.

She swallowed hard and turned to look at her nephew, the memory of feeling his body pressing against hers stirred something within.

Maybe it's because I haven’t had sex in a while she tried to reason, but that didn’t seem like the reason she felt herself turned on.

Maan had averted his gaze noting she had glanced his way.

Tara hadn't missed the glance her sister threw in the direction of Maan Khurana, she glanced over at Maan then to Geet curiously. She was going to speak to her sister about what that was all about, it seemed it had escaped the notice of the other two males which didn’t surprise her.

Typical males she thought shaking her head and settled on the mattress with her daughter in her arms watching her son interacting animatedly with her sister.

Chapter 53

The evening came quickly, everyone had freshened up and came into the living room mingling with one another.

“Hey Geet” Suneel walked into the living room and found her sat on the sofa with Nick resting besides her and Theresa sat on her lap.

“Yeah?” Geet looked up from her niece.

“What are we going to eat?” he questioned arching his brows curiously.

“There's take out menus in the kitchen drawer, order something for all of them. First night put it on the company tab” she responded.

“Not everyone wants to eat American” Suneel replied. “Any other options?”

Geet looked around, no one was really close to them to hear her, “Tell them to experiment different foods, we're not in India now. They're always eating that”.

“Says the hypocrite, you don’t eat indian food when you're in India” Suneel countered in amusement.

“Because I don’t like the oiled filled food going into my body, you know why Asians have high cholesterol in their bodies?”

“Don’t give me a biology lesson” Suneel shook his head. “How about we all make something together and have a buffer type of thing?” he suggested.

“If you're cooking, then fine” Geet replied.

“You going to make something?” he arched his brows.

“I'll toss the salad, get Tara to cut it” Geet grinned.

“Lazy” he laughed.

“Whatever, old man” Geet stuck out her tongue.

“So, what have you decided?” Marissa walked in smiling at her husband and daughter.

Suneel then explained his idea.

“That's all fine, but we need to go shopping for ingredients” Marissa replied.

“You said the first night is on your company tab right?” Suneel looked at his daughter.

“You're such a tight arse, dad” Geet responded to which he laughed at.

Her response hadn't gone unheard, it just so happened to be when Savitri walked into the room with Kartik.

“I'll have to go shopping for the things” Geet stood, “I've got the company debit card” she stated. “Give me a list of what you need” she told him.

“What are we making first?” Marissa looked around.

Rhea happened to hear and joined into the conversation, “How about one curry, biryani and raita for those who want indian?” she suggested.

“Has anyone got nut allergies?” Zarina's father walked over questioning.

Fck sakes, by the time they decide it's going to take all night Geet pondered as the parents got together and started rambling.

She pulled out her phone dialling Arshad's phone number, “Hey Arshad, how are you guys eating tonight?”

“Oh we've ordered takeaway, burgers, fried chicken legs and chips for us all here” he replied.

“Okay, enjoy” Geet responded scrunching her nose, she then dialled Anne's phone.

“Hey Geet” Anne answered chirpily.

“Where the hell are you guys?” Geet questioned hearing the loud background music and people chattering away.

“We've come out to eat, I put it on the company tab by the way so if you see the first night is…” Anne trailed off laughing.

“You, cheeky mare” Geet muttered, “You could’ve told me at least. I would’ve joined you because here they're cooking” she scowled at her dad.

“Sorry, we were starving. We hadn't ate on the plane, our flight was shorter than yours”.

“Its fine, enjoy” Geet cut the call and looked at her parents. “You finished deciding what you're making and wanting?”

“Yeah, here” Marissa handed her the list the parents made. “I'll make salt and pepper chicken with stir fried noodles for those who don’t want indian”

Geet scrutinised the list then looked at the parents, “This is easily going to cost me $300, why don’t I just order a buffet here?”

“Its called getting to know one another” Saahil's dad responded. “Ladies always bond over cooking and talking about their rotten husbands” he winked.

“At least you got that right” Saahil's mother replied. “The only thing you ever said right”.

Geet chuckled, “I'll go get the things” she passed Theresa to her mother. “You realise, you're cooking for around 40 people” she asked.

“Yes, we know” Marissa responded.

“Okay, make sure you make enough. Some might have seconds like dad” she reminded.

“Cheeky sod, get lost” Suneel gestured towards the door.

Geet glanced down at Nick who was occupied with his tablet, “Hey boo boo”

“Yeah, Gigi?” he looked up from the screen.

“You wanna come shopping?”

“Oh yes” Nick jumped down the sofa excitedly.

Geet headed upstairs, she went into the room she was staying in and found Sean sat cross-legged whilst Tara lay on her side, Sean massaging her lower back.

“You okay?” Geet sat down besides her sister.

“Yeah, I'm good” Tara assured and looked at her son as he pulled on his shoes.

“You both going somewhere?”

“Ingredient shopping, dad suggested everyone makes something” Geet rolled her eyes. “The old man comes up with weird ideas at the wrong time, tomorrow evening is the show. Everyone should be well-rested, but no he has to come up with this grand idea of everyone getting together and making something”.

“Who's going with you?” Sean asked curiously.

“I'd probably take two of my colleagues, but before that I need to check where my rental car is” Geet tapped a number on her phone.

…

“Hi, its Geet Pearson” Geet started speaking as someone answered the phone. “My reference is Cl-G9872345-RT23, I ordered a rental car and the delivery was expected to make it earlier this afternoon” she informed.

…

“Okay, great thanks. How far out are they?”

…

“Alright, thank you” Geet smiled.

“What car have you rented?” Sean questioned.

“Audi Q7, its larger than what I prefer but we're all here. Yours is coming tomorrow”.

“Sweet” Sean responded. “Give me the price, I'll transfer the money over”.

“For this full week, I got both cars at $3,780” she replied.

“Okay, I'll transfer half of it to your account” Sean pulled out his phone making the transfer and paying for the rented car he'd be using for his family.

Geet looked down at her phone receiving a text, her car was here. She held onto Nick's hand and headed downstairs, “Hey kid, Zarina” Geet called out.

“Why do you keep calling me kid?” Kartik frowned.

“You shouldn’t have responded” Geet smirked, “C'mon we're going for a drive”.

“Why me?” Kartik asked.

“I'm doing you a favour, I'm adding some responsibility on your belt” Geet responded.

Zarina chuckled slipping into her jacket and followed behind out of the car.

“Hey is that…” Kartik paused looking surprised.

“Audi Q7” Zarina finished looking at the car in awe.

“Its not all that” Geet rolled her eyes, the car wasn’t to her taste however she required a large car for this trip.

“It’s the Audi Q7” Kartik stated.

“Whatever” Geet took the keys from the driver who dropped the car off and unlocked the car. She helped Nick into the back seat buckling him in then climbed into the front seat.

Once they had settled, she drove towards the grocery store with the list her mother had given.

“Hey” Adrian muttered softly over the phone.

“Hey what’s up?” Geet answered.

“It's Thursday” Adrian smiled faintly.

“Geet glanced at her watch and closed her eyes, “I… I'm so fcking sorry Adrian. I'm on my way now” she stood gathering her keys and handbag. “I got carried away with a video conference” she explained. “You know how it is with the new firm…”

“Yeah, yeah I do” he smiled.

“Oh shit Tara asked me to come over and help her with setting up the nursery”

“Rain check?” he asked.

“I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you” she promised and bid bye.

Adrian pocketed his phone, he looked at the untouched table which was decorated with her favourite lavender scented candle in the middle, her grilled salmon meal on a hot plate keeping warm for her. He lowered his head blowing out the candle, rolling his sleeves up he started up on clearing the table.

Rhea entered the bedroom to change into something comfortable before she started cooking, Savitri had returned to her room sitting on the mattress whilst her husband sat on the other reading one of his crime books.

“Are you coming, maa?” Rhea asked after she walked out of the washroom changed in her simple comfortable salwar kameez.

“Abhi nahi” Savitri shook her head.

“What are you doing, Rhea?” Gaurav looked up from his book curiously.

Rhea then explained what Suneel had suggested.

“Suneel is cooking as well?” Gaurav smiled amused, it was uncommon of the husbands to help in the kitchens.

“He's going to make Geet's favourite cucumber, avocado salad and her potato salad” she answered smiling. “At least, next time I know what to offer than our food” she chuckled.

Gaurav laughed, “That's true, at least now she won't be going home on an empty stomach”.

Savitri looked between her husband and daughter in law, “Koi zarurat nahi hai” she informed.

“What's happened now, Savitri?” Gaurav asked.

“I went downstairs, and she disrespects her father, Gaurav. She called him… she called him a tight arse and Suneel… Suneel just laughed and acted as if his daughter hadn't said anything” she frowned shaking her head. “What sort of behaviour is this? Kids are meant to be brought up respecting their parents and…”

“Savitri, maybe father and daughter were joking and teasing one another” Gaurav suggested, he couldn’t see Geet disrespecting her parents, she was polite and always happened to be composed and treating everyone with respect. She had a grudge against them, however not once had she acted disrespectful, she had continued to maintain a cordial working relationship.

“What sort of teasing is this Gaurav?” Savitri asked shaking her head. “I admire her work, she's a… admirable business woman but she lacks the respect that a girl should have”.

Rhea kept quiet, she excused herself. She wasn’t going to butt into their conversation, she knew Savitri all too well, her mother in law would be quick to intervene if she opened her mouth so it was fruitless trying to speak to her and getting her to change her attitude towards certain people like Geet.

“What the hell is lady fingers?” Geet frowned at the list.

“Okra” Zarina responded grabbing a packet. “Should I get a couple more?”

“Just get two packets, what the hell are they making?” Geet responded. “Kid, get me… whatever that says” she pointed.

“Paneer” Kartik read aloud.

“Yeah, go get that” she nodded.

“I want crisps” Nick demanded.

“No, that's unhealthy” Geet shook her head.

“Can I get ice cream then?”

“No, stop asking” Geet replied.

“You're mean, Gigi” Nick crossed his arms.

“Fine, I'll bring my angel Tessi Wessi next time” Geet turned her head from him.

“Gigi” Nick whined reaching up to touch her cheek. “I'm angel”.

“Yes, you are, be a good boy” Geet lowered her head pressing a kiss to his forehead.

The rest of the shopping was done with Geet giving her instructions, Zarina and Kartik fetching the items and placing them in the trolley.

After they finished, Geet paid for the items with her company debit card then they returned to the mansion soon enough.

“Go help with the shopping” Geet tossed her keys to Aryan, she placed Nick down and hurried up the stairs.

“Gigi, where you going?” Nick yelled climbing the stairs behind her.

“I'm going to the toilet, stop following me” Geet answered hurrying into the bedroom and bathroom locking the door behind her. She turned around yelping as she came face to face with a bare chest Maan Khurana who only had a towel hung around his waist.

Maan had tensed in his place, his hands clenching by his sides. He hadn't realised the door was unlocked, then recalled he'd unlocked it then remembered he wasn’t alone in a hotel room, he was sharing.

Geet's eyes drew over his chest, she noted the faint scars along his side, a line trailed across from his hip to his abdomen. It hadn't escaped her notice that his abdomen was lean, he wasn’t toned or muscled like some men she had previously once known. She watched captivated and pondering curiously, Maan Khurana intrigued her. His complexion wasn’t fair, nor completely dark, it had a sort of wheatish complexion.

Her blue eyes curiously trailed upwards, his chest was clear of any markings, passing his shoulders she noticed some more scars and marks which piqued her interest as she pondered the story behind the scars. She stepped forward.

“Gigi!” Nick yelled knocking on the bathroom door. “You been in there for hours now”.

Damn you Nick she cursed as she was pulled out of her trance and realised she was gawping with her lips slightly opened.

“I… Sorry… I…” Maan cleared his throat looking around uncomfortably. Once again, he found himself losing his senses around her.

“I should've checked before barging in” Geet murmured unlocking the door, “I'll use the other bathroom” she pulled open the door.

Nick stumbled forward as he aimed to kick it, Geet snatched him up in her arms catching him in time before he fell.

“Woah there boo boo, you nearly fell” Geet chuckled lifting him up in her arms.

“Hey Deadpool” Nick waved.

“Nick” Geet looked embarrassed glancing over her shoulder apologetically and noticed Maan Khurana offering a smile. He couldn’t give a smile to me when I just embarrassed myself she cursed and looked at her nephew. “Not nice, you don’t say that to anyone”.

“What's his name?” he asked as Maan closed the door to change.

“Maan” Geet responded, “Now can you wait here whilst I come from the bathroom?” she placed him down and walked to the other bathroom.

“Okay, but don’t leave me out here Gigi for hours and hours. Were you kissing man like daddy does to mummy in the bathroom? They be in there hours”

I don’t want to know my sister has sex in the bathroom Geet scrunched her nose going into the second bathroom. As she closed the door, she wondered what the hell just happened.

Had Nick not come then… She shook her head, No, Maan Khurana is a client.

Chapter 54

As the night came, after everyone had eaten they retired to the rooms. They were tired after the very long flight, they hadn't slept very well on the plane. The chairs weren’t as comfortable as a bed is. Tara paced the bedroom floor trying to rock her daughter to sleep though she continued to whimper and wriggle in her arms.

Geet had slipped into the bathroom to change, once she changed she slipped into her long gown then returned to the bedroom.

“What?” Geet arched her brows noticing her nephew sitting cross-legged on her mattress.

“Story, Gigi” he held up a book.

“Your daddy will read you one” Geet pointed, “I'm going for a swim right now”.

“Can I come?” Nick sat up on his knees excitedly.

“No, boo boo. It's late, you need to sleep” Geet replied shaking her head, “Gigi wants some time alone right now” she walked out of the room.

Nick looked down frowning, Sean smiled and walked over lifting his son into his arms.

“How about we read together, buddy?”

“But Gigi…” Nick pouted.

“Your Gigi is going for swim now because she's smelly. She needs to wash herself”

“Smelly Gigi” Nick giggled covering his mouth.

“Right, shall we read?” Sean questioned.

“Yes, we do the noises as well” he nodded eagerly and settled alongside Sean on the mattress resting his little head on his father's chest listening to his daddy read to him.

Geet sighed in relief as she slid open the patio doors and stepped outside, she tilted her head back smiling feeling the cool air. It wasn’t as hot as before; the air was warm yet cool which she absolutely loved. Placing her towel down, she undid the belt around her gown dropping it onto the chair and stretched her arms up. She had eaten a little too much tonight, and she needed to burn off the calories from her body before she went to sleep else she'd be feeling bloated all night and wouldn’t be able to sleep. Not to forget that she was fcking turned on, damn that image of his body wouldn’t leave her mind. She'd blame her state of uncomfortableness on her being attracted to Maan.

She continued to remind herself over and over he was her client. He was a client.

But the thought of him being almost untouchable made him all the more desirable.

She'd changed into her black bikini outfit, and walked to the edge. She dipped a toe into the pool feeling the temperature, the water was just right, she took a couple of steps back then moved forward and dived in creating a splashing sound.

Geet moved smoothly swiping her arms and kicking her legs, she dipped her head beneath the water then lifted her head taking in a deep breath.

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she recalled the image of his naked chest, the droplets of water that lingered on his skin, some which trailed down and disappeared. She closed her eyes growing frustrated. He's a client – forbidden. No mixing business and… Fck sakes.

She growled inwardly and continued to do a few more laps around the pool, unaware that someone's eyes followed her as she moved effortlessly through the water, her body moving in a smooth curvy rhythm.

Maan hadn't gone to the bedroom after he'd ate, instead he had come outside and taken a walk around the large garden to clear his mind. Before this trip, he had another session with Shirley and explained his fears of flying abroad with strangers, he dreaded should he fall asleep will he have a nightmare. Shirley had prescribed him a medicinal drug; however, he hadn't yet consumed it. He settled on a bench taking out the packet from his packet as he thought over and over whether he takes the drug, when the sound of the patio doors opening echoed in the silent dark night. He glanced over and noticed Geet Pearson.

He pushed the packet into his pocket assuming she'd probably come for a walk, he hadn't expected what she'd done next.

Geet slipped out of her gown, he swallowed thickly as he noticed under the dry warm night sky the abs on her abdomen, the perfectly shaped breasts covered by a black material, her bikini smoothly covering her lower half hugging her figure nicely.

He stared struck with the way she moved, there was something that tugged at him, tingling sensations burned within. He recalled the incident in the bathroom, she had seen him.

Her soft blue eyes were filled with curiosity, not disgust as one would have looked. He pondered as to why she seemed curious, rather than repulsed. The answer lingered in his mind, however it wasn’t possible. His ugliness drove away girls away, like that he had lost someone for being too ugly for her. Geet Pearson seemed like the epitome of beauty and perfection, so why would she…

He shook his head brushing his fingers through his hair, he smiled faintly and looked ahead captivated by Geet swimming. She burrowed under the water for a while and leaped upwards breathing heavily and smiling.

He found himself envying the droplets of water that trailed down her body, she swam towards the edge and climbed out of the pool brushing her fingers through her wet hair.

His breath caught as she towelled herself dry, as she turned her back he noticed the tribal design that trailed across the small of her back. He eyed the design wondering when she had gotten that done. He lifted his head looking as she moved away from his line of sight, he figured when he didn’t see her over the next minute she had returned inside.

“Looking for someone, Maan?” Geet questioned coming from the other side.

“Shit” Maan jerked back, his heart racing rapidly as he stared taken aback.

Geet blinked surprised at his reaction having caught him, “Sorry I shouldn’t have surprised you like that” she responded.

Maan cleared his throat, his cheeks reddened in embarrassment. “It's… I hadn't expected anyone” he murmured.

Geet tilted her head looking amused and smiled softly, “What are you doing sat here in the dark?” she asked glancing around. “Everyone is knackered from the flight”.

Maan pondered thoughtfully, “I…I couldn’t sleep” he answered softly. “I'm sorry about the bathroom before” he started after a moment.

Geet frowned in confusion.

“I'll be careful” he added.

“I won't” Geet replied, her honest answer blurted from her mouth, but she didn’t regret it. For the last half hour of swimming, all she'd done is exhausted her body, she failed in cooling her sexual attraction towards the man who'd occupied her mind. So, it was better she admit it to herself rather than try to muffle it down and hiding it.

Maan looked surprised and confused at the same time, he looked away noticing the intensity of her eyes boring in his eyes, “Its getting late” he stood and moved to walk away, his mind pondering over her choice of words. She's saying something else and you're interpreting it wrong he inwardly thought.

“Yeah, it's getting late” Geet said standing to her feet walking in the same direction towards the mansion. Maan couldn’t even turn and go into a different room, they were both sharing the same room and were only going to be a couple of feet away from one another.

How was he going to be able to sleep with her images floating in his mind over and over, he clenched his teeth and felt his cheeks warming up as her image continued to replay over and over and his body was reacting to it. His footsteps increased the pace,

Geet pulled the towel from her wet hair as she followed in behind, she patted her hair dry forgetting the small step and tripped forward.

Maan turned around hearing her curse just as she came colliding with his chest and her hands planted on his chest, her head bumped into his jaw and he moved a couple of steps back as he tried to maintain his position wrapping an arm around her waist. Whilst doing so, their bodies pressed together. Geet felt the evident arousal pressing into her abdomen, Maan swallowed thickly as he looked down at the woman in his arms so close to him, her gown was parted slightly giving him a glance of her plump cleavage pressing forward.

Geet found herself mute, butterflies skittered almost in anticipation and excitement, her heart rate picking up its pace, the heated sexual thoughts that she hoped to cool whilst she swam returned in full force.

Under the night sky, she tilted her head and looked at Maan.

With no one to break their contact, she took her time perusing him noticing certain features that made him handsome despite the marred skin. His eyes were darkened, his chest heaved heavily, Maan looked almost vulnerable as he looked down at the woman he'd seen in his dream for the last couple of months. And now… they were touching, they were so close.

But she was still far away, she couldn’t be… His thoughts halted as he felt her shift, her fingers reached up and pushed the hood down revealing his entire face to her.

Geet smiled softly as she felt him shudder underneath her fingertips, she traced the curve of his lips she'd thought about for the last day or so. She should step back and return to the room, she should remind herself he was her client but damn it was so difficult. Especially when she could feel the same desires from him, it was always so easy when she had her own hotel room, a club nearby to find someone to satisfy herself but now… The swim didn’t help either, it only exhausted her body physically, she wanted the sexual satisfaction.

Maan squeezed his eyes closed and loosened his hold on her waist ready to step back when he felt her now cold fingers trailing down, her head tilted curiously as she watched her finger moving. Geet pressed forward brushing her abdomen against his arousal eliciting a gasp from his lips, she watched as his eyes opened and looked down at her.

She shouldn’t, she knew it but Geet brushed off her thoughts, she tiptoed and cupping his nape and guided his face down. Her mouth covered his, she quivered as if she'd found something to quench her thirst. Maan was stunned, hesitant. He hadn't felt this before, he felt the soft brushes of her lips, the swift swipe of her tongue teasing him. His arm around her unknowingly tightened and he found himself reciprocating tentatively.

It didn’t help that her gown was slightly damp and her body cooled, the damp wetness teased his senses, Geet brushed her tongue along and moaned in pleasure as she gained entrance to explore his mouth. She hadn't felt the softness of a gentle kiss, it was always hard kisses but this kiss was different. It was gentle, almost like stepping into a new territory. She explored in a gentle teasing manner, she grazed her teeth along his lower lip, Maan murmured a soft hiss as she nipped and soothed with her tongue.

Maan wanted to pull her closer, almost as if on instinct he did however his hands loosened as he felt an overwhelming sensation, he pulled his head back breathing heavily.

Geet stared up surprised, her chest moving up and down rapidly almost trying to draw her some breath inwardly as if it had been sucked all out.

Maan pulled his hood back dipping his eyes down averting her as he wondered what the hell just happened, his action of shying away made Geet frown. She pulled her gown closed and stole another look, he kept his face turned away.

“No point of regretting it now, you liked it” she stated bluntly gesturing to his arousal when he looked back confused, then she turned and headed upstairs leaving Maan standing there pondering.

Maan returned an hour later, having had his sleeping medicine after a lot of contemplating; he crept into the room and as he walked by, he saw Geet shift her head and stare at him, he swallowed thickly and walked towards the mattress near the window and climbed in.

“You know you liked it” Geet whispered loud enough for him to have heard.

“Liked what?” Tara lifted her head arching her brows.

Great, the cow hasn’t slept Geet thought and shook her head turning onto her stomach and burrowed her head into the pillow. Fck! She just had kissed her client, she fcking liked it more than she should have and wanted more. Damn. Damn. Damn.

Chapter 55

The morning that followed the mansion was filled with the echoes of excited murmuring, Geet was on the phone since morning with Andrew to find out when the treatments she’d ordered will be here for her team.

She hadn’t any time to think of the kiss she had shared, and she didn’t let herself think on it much either. She couldn’t be distracted today of all days, she had a show to look forward to and there will be designers from across the world including a boatload of reporters.

She paced back and forth keeping her eye on the door waiting for Andrew to come in, her feet paused as the sound of a car pulled up.

Geet walked over to the front door opening it and smiled seeing Andrew exit the car followed by a group of people following in with small suitcases.

“I was about to call you” Geet stated with a smile as he joined her near the front door.

“Sorry for the slight delay, we were stuck in traffic” he apologised, “as requested everyone is here” he gestured to the group.

“Okay, great. There’s a room that’s empty for them” Geet pointed stepping aside and pointing towards the empty reception hall.

“Enjoy, I’ll see you in the evening” Andrew wished her pressing a gentle peck to her cheek and turned to leave.

“Say hi to your wife for me, I hope to see her over there” Geet told him waving.

“She’s going to be there” he smiled on assurance, “Geet Pearson is in town, she’s not going to give tonight a miss” he winked.

Geet chuckled waving him off and turned around heading towards the kitchen dining room as she knew most of the group was sat around lounging around and eating their breakfast leisurely.

“Geet, here’s your bagel” Suneel held out a plate as she joined them.

“Thanks Dad” Geet answered taking a seat on the stool by the breakfast bar and started eating now relieved that the treatment team was here and setting up.

Geet swivelled around facing her colleagues, passing a brief glance over to the families; she addressed them all “Manicure, pedicure, hot stone massage and makeup team is setting up in the reception hall on the other side of the mansion, those who’ve showered can go meet them and start on your treatments, those who haven’t - shower”.

“Nothing for us boys?” Kartik frowned.

“You’re all going to get a manicure, pedicure, you’ve no choice in the matter however a massage and makeup is optional” she replied, “You’re all going there as my team, you’re representing my company so I am not going to allow anyone show me up by going underdressed or not looking the very best”.

“What about if I don’t have enough money to cover the treatments?” Kartik questioned.

Rhea rolled her eyes, “we’re here”.

“It’s covered by my company, they’re all paid to treat you all” Geet responded at the same time.

“Oh in that case I’ll take the hot stone massage” Kartik replied.

Geet nodded and glanced over at Tara, “I hired Emma Jamison”.

“No way” Tara looked surprised.

Geet grinned widely, “You’re welcome”.

“Aaaa..”.. Tara squealed walking around the counter and giving Geet a tight hug. “I love you so so much right now” she muttered. “I totally forgive you for telling dad about my piercing” she whispered making Geet laugh.

Maan stared up at the blank ceiling thinking back to the kiss he'd shared with Geet Pearson, he couldn’t meet her eyes, he'd avoided looking at anyone conscious someone would have seen them and… He squeezed his eyes closed swallowing thickly, he had restlessly turned and shifted on the mattress. Sharing a room wasn’t something he wanted right now, he wished they'd been in hotel rooms where he could’ve hidden himself away from everyone.

He was confused and thinking over and over what had led Geet Pearson to kiss him.

He glanced to his side and sat up seeing Tara enter the room, she offered a smile and placed Theresa down and turned on the baby monitor.

“She's asleep, she wouldn’t be waking up any time soon” she informed Maan. “If she does, I've got the baby monitor turned on” she added. She didn’t want him to assume she was leaving her daughter in his care, she stood smiling and turned to leave. “Aren't you coming downstairs for breakfast?” she questioned recalling that she hadn't seen him around.

Maan looked away, “I'm not hungry” he murmured softly.

Tara looked at him curiously then walked out to meet Emma Jamison.

“I'm going to treat myself to a back massage” Marissa told Suneel as she walked into the room which they'd shared last night. “Also, a manicure” she added as she crouched down grabbing her suitcase and grabbed a change of clothes. Marissa looked up at Rhea who'd walked in with a cup of coffee for Gaurav. “Rhea, are you going to join us?”

“For?”

“Massage”

“It's for colleagues isn't it?” Rhea chuckled. “Let the youngsters enjoy it”

“Of course not, it's for everyone. They're hired till the afternoon. There's 8 of them here who'll be giving massages, another 8 doing manicure and pedicure. Its only a 20 minute massage. It's really good though” she explained. “You guys should join” she looked at Gaurav, Savitri and Rajeev. “Back massage releases a lot of stress”.

“I'm fine” Gaurav chuckled, “Rhea, why don’t you go and enjoy?” he suggested. “Savitri, you should go with her as well” he added.

“I'm fine, thank you very much” Savitri frowned at her husband.

“Enjoy yourself” Suneel told his wife pressing a kiss to her cheek, “I'm going for a run”.

“Mind if I join?” Rajeev asked. “I hadn't gone this morning”

“Sure” Suneel smiled.

“C'mon” Marissa looked at Rhea with a smile. “Just bring a change of clothes, towels and gowns are provided by them”.

Rhea grabbed a change of clothes and followed Marissa out, soon enough Rajeev and Suneel were out the bedroom as well.

“Why are you making a face for, sweetheart?” Gaurav smiled seeing his wife's face.

“As if their daughter isn't enough, they've still got young hearts” Savitri rolled her eyes.

“Savitri” Gaurav shook his head. “Tum bhi na…”

“Did you see them just kiss so normally in front of us?” she pointed. “They're parents of grown up adults. There's something called privacy, nobody wants to see them kissing”.

“He kissed her on her cheek” Gaurav chuckled. “We're here to enjoy and be happy for our grandson so please”.

“We should've gone to our own hotel” she muttered.

“Savitri, bas bhi karo please” Gaurav looked disapprovingly. She looked away huffing and rolling her eyes at her husband.

“C'mon you” Sean lifted Nick into his arms.

“No, daddy. I want a massage like mommy and Gigi”

“Not now, let them enjoy” Sean walked out of the room yelling out to his wife, “We're going out, enjoy!”

Tara smiled keeping her eyes closed as Emma Jamison worked on giving her a facial.

“This feels so good” she moaned.

“Glad you're enjoying it” Geet chuckled leaning against the doorframe. “Here's your mocktail” she placed it down at the side table and pulled out her phone.

“Aren't you going to be getting a massage?” Tara asked opening her eyes.

“I am, I'm just going to check on Anna and Arshad, the other teams should've reached them and started on their treatments” she answered calling her colleagues. Once she'd been assured they were all receiving their treats, she cut the call and settled on her front on the massage table. Emma twisted the chair around and placed her hands on Tara's shoulders and started working on her shoulders and neck.

“Oh… that feels so amazing” Tara murmured grabbing her glass of mocktail and sipped.

“Damn…” she moaned hearing her daughter whimper and start to cry. “Sean… He's gone out” she frowned. “I'll be back” she told Emma and stepped down from the chair placing her glass down and grabbed her gown sliding into and walked out of the room.

Theresa shifted and whimpered, her whimpers not only caught the attention of her mother on the other side of the monitor but Maan's also.

He glanced over to where she shifted restlessly and cried kicking her legs, he glanced at the door and didn’t see Tara coming nor anyone else coming. He stood and walked over, bending he lifted her up into his arms as her cries grew louder and louder.

Theresa pouted, her lips trembled as she cried, he recalled the times he'd recovered little children from his missions, he rocked her gently in his arms cooing.

“What's wrong baby girl? You're okay, you're okay” he whispered gently moving with her in arms. Theresa quietened softly, her whimpers now small throaty gasps as she looked curiously hearing a new voice.

“You're okay” Maan smiled, he saw the curiousity in her soft green eyes as she reached out for his cheek, a small smile on her lips. “You're okay” he said again.

She touched his cheek and pouted blinking, another whimper escaped her lips, Maan walked over to the window, he slipped open the balcony doors. The warm air entered brushing against their skin, Theresa looked around curiously as he stepped outside.

“Is this nice?” he asked seeing her turning her head and looking all around.

As if she seemed to understand, Theresa excitedly shook her arms and smiled.

“Mommy's here, baby” Tara walked in and looked surprised when she saw Maan standing out in the balcony with her daughter in his arms. She smiled noticing her daughter smiling and shaking her arms excitedly.

“I'm sorry if she troubled you” Tara walked over.

“She only cried for a little bit” Maan smiled, “She's cute”.

“Thank you” Tara smiled and held out her hands, “I forgot Sean had gone out” she took Theresa into her arms. “We're going to give daddy a call aren’t we?” she cooed. “Tessi wessi woke up too soon” she kissed her daughter's cheek.

“If you're… if you're in the middle of something, I could keep her for some time?” Maan offered, he'd been sat overthinking about last night which only confused him to no end. He could use a distraction, and it seemed like Tara was in the middle of something as she was in a large fluffy gown.

Tara contemplated over his offer for a while, “Are you sure?” she asked. “I could have my husband return, he's only gone out nearby with our son”.

“It's fine, I could keep her for a while. She doesn’t need feeding or anything does she?”

“No, I fed her a while ago. She's fine” she checked her nappy, “Yeah, she doesn’t need changing or anything either. You're definitely sure?” she asked again.

Maan nodded, Tara smiled and handed Theresa over who turned her head to Maan frowning and reached out touching his cheek.

“Thank you” she looked appreciatively. “If she cries or fusses too much, I'm downstairs” she told him.

“I think we'll be okay” he smiled gently as Theresa gave him a toothless grin.

Tara smiled and turned walking out the room leaving them to it.

“Guess it's just you and me for now” Maan told Theresa.

“Right, everyone, go and get ready” Geet stated, “Cars will be arriving at 7pm sharp! Be here, ready and dressed your very best. There will be reporters, cameras, I don’t want any of you embarrassing yourself or me” she continued. “This comes only once a year. Any questions?”

“How are we all going to fit in a few cars?” Kartik asked.

“Leave that to me, kid. That's my concern” Geet chuckled. “Anything else?”

“Would a suit do? I only got a suit” he questioned.

“You've not chosen one from the rack?” Geet arched her brows.

“What rack?”

“Come with me, has everyone chosen theirs?”

“Yes” came the unified response.

“C'mon kid, you need hand holding” Geet held out her hand making everyone laugh.

“Hey, I didn’t know” Kartik replied following her instead of taking a hold of her hand.

“Right, there's tuxes and suits here” Geet pointed to the rack. “Tom Ford, Armani, Ted Baker, Versace. They're to be returned in pristine condition, so do not ruin it”

“Okay” Kartik nodded in agreement.

“You're… lean build and a little short” Geet perused him, “A Tom Ford Suit would be great for you” she looked through the rack and pulled out a navy coloured suit. “This”.

“Are they all on rent?”

“Yes, so I need them returned” Geet replied.

“Well why couldn’t we just buy them?” he questioned.

“Can you afford paying $3,964 for this suit?” Geet asked.

“Oh, okay” Kartik nodded with a smile. “Your dress also on rent?”

“You ask too many questions, and mine I bought in New York a couple of months ago” she answered. “Now take this and get ready, remember pristine condition. No perfume spraying or aftershave on it, before the after party you're all coming back here to change into something else” she informed.

“Okay, thanks” Kartik took the suit and walked out heading towards the room.

“Thank you for looking after her” Tara took Theresa from Maan, “Has she been any trouble?”

“No, she's been good” Maan answered.

“Oh have you?” Tara smiled at her daughter caressing her cheek. “Thanks again, I managed to have a few treatments in peace”

“You're welcome” Maan responded.

“Right, c'mon you we're going to feed you and get you ready” she looked at her daughter excitedly. “Your Gigi has got you a pretty pink dress” she cooed returning into the room.

Maan noticed that others were now coming into the room to get ready, he looked at Kartik as he grinned widely entering.

“You look happy” Maan commented.

“I'm excited” Kartik grinned widely, “Thanks for coming bhai, everyone is like buzzing with excitement” he added. “I need to get ready, I'm wearing this” he pointed.

“Tom Ford?” Maan looked surprised noting the label.

“Yeah, its rented but I'm wearing it tonight” he grinned. “How many boys my age can say they're wearing Tom Ford Suits?” he gushed.

“Get ready, when are you leaving?”

“In about 2hrs” Kartik glanced at his watch. “Oh you wouldn’t believe this, I had to have a manicure and a pedicure” he gestured to his nails. “They’re nice and clean though, gosh I had so many dead skin at the base of my nail, this is called distal – they shaped it” Kartik pointed. “Did you know this is called nail plate?” he asked.

“Kartik” Maan chuckled, “Go and get ready. Your nails look nice, you've shown them to me”.

Kartik laughed and headed into the dressing room to change, Maan figured it wouldn’t be long until Geet returns to the room to get ready as well and he wasn’t yet ready to face her.

He needed some time, he still was figuring things out.

He grabbed his cane feeling his muscles tightening, aching and headed out of the room before he came face to face with her. He returned to his seat at the bench outside near the pool and thankfully missed Geet as he'd walked out.

chapter 1

Both Maan and Geet are reluctant to get matched with anyone. Both have scars to deal with.

chapter 2

Maan saw Geet's picture and felt something. Not that he would admit it out loud though.

chapter 15

They have met. Her attitude has caught his eye. Has he made an impression her?

She tackled that jerk of a passenger. Lets hope he learns his lesson.