Nothing Can Keep Us Apart
Part 96 - Choti princess ki mom
As Geet took Priya in her arms and got both of them situated, she tried to calm herself down. Since Priya had began eating solid foods, the nursing sessions had diminished down to only four times a day now. Geet didn't want anything to interfere with this special time with her daughter. Not even the actions of her infuriating husband.
Everything he had done that morning was either disappointing or angering. It started when Geet woke up. When she opened her eyes and looked around their room, she discovered that Maan was already up and gone. That was strange because for months they had either woken up together, or Geet had gotten up first. He also wasn't in their daughter's room when she went to get her little darling ready for the day.
When Geet came back to their room with Priya gurgling happily in her arms, she was surprised to find Maan had already showered and was finishing getting dressed. Walking over to Geet, he took Priya in his arms, saying he would get her breakfast ready today, and for Geet to come down as soon as she was fresh.
Geet tried to understand exactly what this behavior meant. When she sat down for breakfast, she finally said, "You seem to be in a hurry today. Getting up early and ready so fast, do you have something special going on today?"
"No, I just felt like getting in a bit of extra time in my workout today. Why?"
"Oh, I just..."
"What's wrong with Vicky?" interrupted Maan, as he watched Vicky walk quickly away from the table. "He's been checking his phone every thirty seconds and hardly touched his breakfast."
"He's waiting for Meera to call."
"Well, why doesn't he just call her? Or better yet, just go over to see her. What's the need to get so worked up?"
"Maan, where have you been?"
"What do you mean?"
Geet rolled her eyes at the total obliviousness that Maan was exhibiting. "Maan, Meera left for America weeks ago. He can't just go over and visit her when ever he wants, like he used to."
"Okay, but that's still nothing to get so hyper about. He should be more focussed on his studies then what his friends are doing."
Shaking her head, she accused, "You still don't get it, do you?"
"Get what?"
Just at that moment, Priya thought it would be a great idea to throw some of her food right at her father's face. Geet laughed as she watched the sticky mess slide down her husband's cheek and on to his vest. Maan gave his daughter his typical "don't mess with Maan Singh Khurana" look. It didn't last long in the face of Priya's slightly toothy grin.
"So, you want to turn breakfast time into play time? Well, we better get you and me cleaned up before we go to the office." Maan wiped off most of the food on himself and Priya's hands with a napkin before picking her up. "We can't meet clients looking like this. We'll both go get nice and clean, and then wait for Mama by the car. How does that sound?"
Priya babbled happily and put her sticky hands all over Maan's face as he picked her up and began to walk away. Geet called out to Maan, but he was too wrapped up in Priya to pay any attention to his wife. Thus, Geet was prevented from telling him her suspicions about Vicky and Meera, as well as anything else.
After considering for awhile, Geet decided that Maan might say something to her in the car. So, she decided to remain silent herself, and wait for him to speak. He did eventually, but only about what they could expect at work that day, and about Priya. He said nothing on the subject that Geet wanted him to.
When they got to the office, Geet was starting to get a little upset. She didn't want to say anything in front of thee office staff, but she couldn't help the slow burn of anger that started to grow, ever so slowly. That anger was only increased by what Geet considered Maan's unreasonable behavior regarding a client. Or Geet. She wasn't sure which of them he had a problem with, but it all came to the same thing.
So here she was nursing her daughter, and trying to forget the fact that her husband had apparently forgotten about their marriage anniversary and was behaving in worse than typical dusht danaav mode. Geet felt so upset that she didn't even feel like going back to work. She just wanted to stay and play with Priya for awhile. Actually, she really wanted to go and sit on Maan's head and give him a big piece of her mind, but that would have to wait until they went home.
Maan didn't give her any such opportunity to do as she was thinking. Soon after she had finished feeding Priya, Muskaan came and told her that Maan wanted her to come to the 10th floor right away. Geet tried to find out why, but all Muskaan could say was that it was very important. Geet herself couldn't figure out what it might be, as the only thing that was on the 10th floor was their largest conference room, which was seldom used, and some empty offices, ready for future use. Geet reluctantly left Priya with Mrs. Chatterjee and made her way to the elevator, cribbing silently about her dusht danaav husband the whole way.
When the elevator stopped, and the doors opened, Geet rushed out, determine to find her husband and quickly finish what ever it was that he wanted. Just seconds after she stepped out of the elevator the lights went out, and Geet felt something being put around her eyes and tied tight. She was shocked for a moment, but then she realized who it was that was responsible.
"Maan, what are you doing?" Geet got no response except for an arm around her waist, which began to propel her forward.
"Maan, I know that it's you," said Geet, even as she put her hand out in front in an instinctive gesture to avoid walking into something.
"I don't know what you think you're doing, but I want you to know that I'm very angry with you. You are being worse than double dusht danaav today." Still no response.
"Where are you taking me?" asked Geet, confused when she felt herself being guided slowly up some stairs and through a door. "Maan, honestly, this is getting ridiculous. I'm taking off this blindfold."
Geet moved her hands toward her face, but she felt two strong hands capture them, and force them down near her stomach. She could feel herself being pulled back against a hard chest, and a soft kiss on the back of her neck. The kiss sent shivers down her spine, distracting her long enough that she did not notice when she was released or that her eyes were being uncovered.
It took Geet some time for her eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight, but when they did, she saw that they were on the roof of Khurana Constructions. The entire roof top was covered in roses of all colors. In the center of the roses was a covered arbor giving shade to a small round table covered by a white sheet, plates, candles, and a cake.
Geet's mouth dropped open in surprise. She had never been on the roof before, and she could hardly believe that it had been turned into a garden paradise. Walking forward, she couldn't help but finger some of the delicate blossoms. Coming over to the table, she saw placed in the middle was a cake in the shape of a heart. Adorning the cake were delicate white flowers, and written in red were the words, "Happy Anniversary."
Geet smiled a real smile for the first time that day. Looking at the cake, she felt the happiness bubble up inside her. She was just about to turn around and throw her arms around Maan, when she remembered everything that he had done that day. She definitely was not going to let him off the hook, just because he arranged for a cake and a few flowers.
Folding her arms, and putting a stern look on her face, Geet turned around and asked, "What's all this?" Maan just looked at her with a satisfied smile, which got Geet's ire up. "You think after forgetting our anniversary, you can placate me with a few flowers and a cake? Well, it's not that easy, Mr. Khurana."
Maan was taken aback by Geet's response. "Geet, I didn't forget our anniversary."
"Accha? Then why didn't you wish me this morning? From the time I woke up, until just now, you did not say one single word that would tell that you remembered."
"Geet, I wanted to give you a surprise, that's why I didn't say anything earlier."
"A surprise. Truly?"
"Of course. Geet, I would never forget the date of our marriage."
"Well, then why did you do all this here, at the office? It's very strange."
"Geet, Khurana Constructions is where I fell in love with your sweet and simple nature. It's where I fell in love with you. What better place to celebrate our first year of life together?"
Geet's face broke into a beautiful smile, as she heard the touching explanation given by her husband. Maan took Geet's hand in his and led her over to a chair at the table. He helped her to sit, and then picked up a knife. Just as he was about to cut the cake, Geet suddenly remembered something else she wanted to talk about.
"Ek minute, Maan. Before you cut the cake, there's something I want to ask you."
Maan indicated with his eyes that she should ask. "Why did you say that I couldn't do the project with Mr. Ram?"
Maan set down the knife, and looked at Geet in disbelief. "Geet, that discussion is over and done. Why do you want to bring it up now?"
"That's not the answer to my question, and yes, I want to bring it up now. You were very rude, Maan, and that is extremely unlike you, at least when dealing with clients. Bimmi had to pacify Mr. Ram a lot, before he stopped threatening to take his business elsewhere."
"Geet, can't you just forget the whole thing?" asked Maan, turning his face away slightly, looking uncomfortable.
"No, I can't just forget the whole thing. Maan, why won't tell me what happened? I don't understand why you're keeping things from me, that too on our wedding anniversary. There should be no secrets between us, Maan. We should be able to tell each other everything."
Maan still said nothing and continued with his face turned, looking lost. Geet put her hand on his arm, and again said, "Tell me, Maan. Tell me the matter."
Maan swallowed nervously, and took a deep breath, before saying, "I didn't like the way he looked at you."
"Kya?" Whatever Geet had been expecting Maan to say, it certainly wasn't that. "You didn't like the way he looked at me?"
"No! And he had the audacity to flirt with you in front of me. Saying that he never expected to see anyone as lovely as you outside of the movies and kissing your hand. All I can say is, he better stay away from you, or he will definitely get what's coming to him." Geet tried to say something but Maan stopped her with a finger to her lips. "Don't say anything about him being a client. No one has the right to touch or say things like that to my wife. Tum sirf meri ho, Geet. Sirf meri, and if you continue to make an issue of this, I can promise that we will argue."
Geet was shocked. She had no idea that Maan was so affected by Mr. Ram's behavior. He had seemed nice enough to her, and as he was nothing like that slimy Rahul, she didn't think anything of it. In fact, when Maan was around, it was fairly difficult for her to pay attention to any other man. However, that didn't mean that she couldn't understand what Maan was feeling.
"Maan, of course I'm only yours, just like you are only mine." Placing her hand on his cheek, she said, "I promise you, that for me, no other man exists, only you, my dearest, dearest pati."
Pulling Maan's face toward hers, Geet placed her lips on his, trying to express all her feelings in that special touch. Maan reacted instantly, crushing her to him, and deepening the kiss. Maan's feelings of jealousy were still very raw, but he could feel himself slowly calming down in Geet's embrace.
Now that her concerns were addressed, Geet felt very happy. Smiling as she pulled back a ways, she asked, "Shall we have some cake now?"
Maan smiled in return, and helped Geet to sit back in her chair again. He then cut the cake and Geet and Maan spent about half and hour feeding each other, and talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. They also spent a good amount of time talking about Priya, how it seemed like only yesterday that she was born, and now she was crawling around and starting to stand with support.
Not wanting to leave, but feeling like they had been gone long enough, Geet said, "Thank you very much for the surprise, Maan," as she stood up from her chair.
"Don't thank me yet, the surprises aren't over. You're leaving work extra early today."
"What?"
"I want you to go home with Priya about three and get ready. I'm going to pick you up at five and take you out for an anniversary date."
"But, why so early?"
"Geet, you know how fussy Priya has been lately about going to sleep at night. I really don't want to go out after she sleeps, and I thought that this way we could be back in time to put her to bed. That's okay, isn't it?"
Smiling at how, even during this time that was special for them, Maan did not let go of his concern for their daughter. "Yes, Maan, that's okay."
****************
Geet was standing in front of her mirror, and wondering how she had ever put on this saree. It was all the fault of that dusht husband of hers. When she got home from work, she found a box on the bed with a note from Maan, asking her to wear the clothes inside for their date. She had smiled then, but she was not smiling now.
This saree was even more daring than the ones Pari had insisted she buy. It was so see through, that it really left none of her body to the imagination. The blouse was so small, that she couldn't wear a bra underneath, and the panties! Geet had no idea how anyone could consider that little bit of lacy nothing, underwear. The entire outfit was something that Geet would never have picked herself, yet she had put it on.
"I've gone crazy. How could I have even thought of wearing this? Yet, how could I not, when Maan specifically asked me to wear it for our date? He is so shameless. Wasn't he just complaining about other men looking at me? Yet, he goes and buys me such clothes. But, Geet, you don't know where you are going for your date. Maybe it won't be that bad." Geet turned a bit, and looking into the mirror, said anxiously, "Look at that little clasp and how much of my back is showing. I've never gone out in public like this. What can I do? Maybe if I hold my pallu, it will cover me up good enough, that no one will look."
Geet continued to look here and there at herself in the mirror, trying to adjust the saree to cover her more. She continued in this way, until she heard her name called. Turing, she saw Savitri enter the room.
"Geet, you are looking so lovely today. Happy anniversary, beti."
"Thank you, Dadima." Geet bent down to touch Savitri's feet, and received her blessing in return.
"Where is Priya?" asked Savitri.
"Vicky is playing with her. I thought that maybe that would cheer him up a little bit."
"Yes, I've noticed that he's been unlike his usual self, ever since Meera left."
"Dadima, do you think the same as I, that Vicky...?"
"Has special feelings for Meera? I have my suspicions, but he hasn't said anything to me. Anyway, I'm not sure what the three year separation will mean for them, so I've decided not to ask him anything now." Putting her hand lovingly to Geet's cheek, Savitri changed the subject by asking, "Geet, are you ready? Maan is waiting for you downstairs."
"Ji, Dadima, I'm ready."
Savitri and Geet both exited the room, and made their way to the stairs. Geet held her pallu with her right hand, trying to keep her back covered as much as possible. As she descended the stairs, Geet saw Maan waiting below. He was dressed in jeans and a shirt, which surprised Geet. She wondered if he needed to change, why didn't he come up before?
"Maan beta, aapki woh is ready, and looking quite good, I must say. I hope you've planned something very special for this evening."
"Ji, Dadima, um...I just want to check on Priya before we leave."
"O beta, what's the need to check? She's happily playing with her chachu. You and Geet go and have a good time."
"But Dadi..."
"But? But What? Don't you think Vicky and I can take care of our little darling? Now, don't give me that look. I think that you've forgotten that I used to change your diapers, let alone that I myself gave birth to and reared two children."
"Dadi, please!" Savitri just folded her arms and gave Maan a look that said she was not going to give in to him. "Fine. We're going. Geet?"
Maan stepped aside, indicating to Geet that she should come with him. Geet and Maan both began to walk out of the room. Savitri told them to have fun, and not worry about anything at home, as they left.
Walking alone with Geet in the corridor, Maan couldn't help but glance at her. She was looking so beautiful in the saree that he had bought for her. He had given Geet very few gifts over the course of their first year of marriage. Maan got a special thrill out of thinking that his wife was wearing something that was his own choice.
At the same time, he felt slightly shy as he said softly, "Geet, you're looking very beautiful in that saree." Geet kept walking, and didn't say anything, confusing Maan.
"Geet, did you hear what I said?"
"Yes."
Really not getting Geet's attitude, Maan grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a stop. "What kind of response is that?"
"What kind of response did you expect?" Geet couldn't keep her anger inside any more. "Aaj hamara anniversary hai! You buy me this fancy, expensive saree, so that I can dress up for our date, but you? You look like you're dressed to go to the beach or something." Geet pouted, and wouldn't look at Maan, rubbing her hands together in distress.
"Wait, you're upset with how I'm dressed? I thought you would like it."
"You thought I would like it?"
"Geet, you're always telling me that I should loosen up, that I don't have to act like I'm in the office all the time. Just last week you were asking why I had so many jeans, when I mostly wear office attire."
Geet's face scrunched up in disbelief. "You dressed this way, just because I complained that you wear office clothes too much?"
"Yes, but Geet, if you don't like it, I can go change."
"No!" Geet took a deep breath, smiled, and said in a softer tone, "No, it's alright. We're getting late."
As they continued to the car, Geet smiled to herself, remembering Maan's words. What a pati she had! He even changed the way he dressed, just because she complained about his clothes. Was there anything he wouldn't do for her?
It didn't take them long to get to the restaurant. Maan assisted Geet to get out of the car, and the valet driver took it away as husband and wife walked hand in hand into one of the most expensive restaurants in Delhi. As they were greeted by the manager, Geet noticed that the place was empty except for a few stray staff.
"Maan, where is everyone?" she whispered, looking around, as if she expected people to pop out of now where.
"It's just us, Geet. I booked the entire place, so we can celebrate without the distraction of others."
Maan and Geet were shown to their specially arranged table, and given menus to choose from. Geet let Maan choose for them, as he was very keen to introduce her to different continental food that he liked, now that she was no longer pregnant. When their food arrived, they took turns feeding each other. It was definitely the most sensual experience Geet had ever had with food, even more than her surprise welcome home dinner she had arranged when Maan came back from Australia. Geet was glad that Maan had seen to it that they were alone, because she never would have been able to behave in such a way in public.
When they finally finished their meal, Geet was a little sad, thinking that it was time for their date to be over. Maan had other plans. As Geet rose from her chair, Maan put his arm around her and started slowly escorting her to the large, open area in the middle of the restaurant.
I believe this is my dance, Mrs. Khurana," said Maan, as music began playing in the background.
Maan's hand moved slowly up Geet's bare back and over her shoulder, causing her eyes to close automatically at the intoxicating sensation.
She couldn't help but lean into his chest as he arm moved around her.
They began dancing in earnest, letting their movements convey the passion they felt for one another, instead of their words.
Wanting to be sure and get home in time to put Priya to bed, Maan and Geet left the restaurant at seven. When they arrived home, the sun was just getting ready to set, and Maan asked Geet if she wanted to spend a few minutes watching with him. She readily agreed. They made their way to the top floor of the mansion, and went out on one of the balconies on the back side of the building.
Maan stood with his arms encircling Geet's waist, his chin resting comfortably on her shoulder. Geet placed her arms on top of Maan's, and leaned her face so that her cheek was touching his. In this position they quietly watched the sun set for more than 10 minutes.
Just before leaving, Maan asked, "So, how did you like the surprises?"
"They were good, but..."
"But...?"
"For the rest of our anniversaries, even if you decide to surprise me, I still want you to wish me first thing in the morning."
Maan smiled, and replied, "As you wish, my sweet."
Walking hand in hand, Maan and Geet left the balcony to go to the nursery. When they got there, they found that Savitri had already bathed and changed Priya. All that was needed was for Geet to nurse Priya before she could be put to sleep. Maan held Priya while Geet unpinned her saree, and settled in a chair. Holding out her arms, she waited for Maan to place Priya in them, and then she got right down to the task at hand.
Priya didn't seem a bit sleepy. Her wide, bright eyes looked at Geet's face with interest. Seeing the beautiful eyes of her daughter, which Maan claimed were exactly like hers, Geet felt a recurring worry over take her. She hadn't said anything to Maan about her concern, but she couldn't keep it from him any longer.
"Maan, what are we going to tell Priya?"
"What do you mean? Tell Priya about what?"
"About everything. About Dev, about my family, our marriage, the trial..."
As Geet spoke, her words became increasingly tense, which Maan couldn't stand. He walked over to her and placed his hand comfortingly on her shoulder.
"We tell her the truth."
"The truth?"
"Yes," confirmed Maan, as he took Priya from Geet, and began patting her back. "The truth about the choti princess."
Geet cocked her eyebrows at Maan, as she began to put her clothing back together. Answering her silent question, Maan said, "It's a wonderful story, full of adventure and romance, and the sweetest choti princess that ever lived."
"Oh, really!
"Yes. Do you want to hear the story?"
"Why not."
"Well, the story is really for Priya, so you can listen while I tell it to her. It all started with the choti princess ki mom. She was a pretty young girl whose family was very conservative and strict. But the choti princess ki mom didn't let her family keep her from living life and being happy. She did all kinds of fun things with her younger brother and sister. Life was very good for the choti princess ki mom, until one day..."
Precap:
???
And Thanks Goes To:
Dadi changed Maan's diapers/nappies - July 16 Episode
Maan jealous - Dec. 18 Episode
Geet's saree & dancing - Dec. 20 & 21 Episodes
Who Got There First:
Nothing this time
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Pati Patni Aur Panga
