ManeetFF Dancing Frm The Ashes link on pg146 - Page 16

And that's how Sid and Raina found them. They coughed loudly to get their attention. It was obvious they had accepted each other...they were finally together. They exchanged hugs and pats on the back.

The next morning, Geet walked about smiling to herself...she had barely slept that night. Happiness was blooming from every glimpse of the world that she saw. She drifted around her house, prancing away lost in her thoughts. Her mind reliving her dance with Nik, the stolen moments in his flat later on when he confessed his love to her,( behind the balcony door so that Sid and Raina wouldn't disturb)...the goodnight kiss on her forehead, the look in his eyes. Life was finally turning right for her. She uttered a silent prayer for Nik and his existence in her life.

She stumbled on to her father, reading the newspaper, having his morning cuppa. He was lost in his world of news, The Economic Times unfurled in front of his face.

She sat next to him. Nudged him on his leg.

''Paapa''

''Hmmm...?''

''Papa I want to talk to you.''

''And what is stopping you?''

''It's important, please listen, na''

He put down the paper and looked at her serious expression.

''Paapa..''.she said hesitatingly...''I think I'm in love with Nik.''

He was silent, his eyes roving over his 20 yr old's face. What he saw there, caused him pain. He had just got his daughter back, only to lose her to some other man. It was not fair...but he had learnt long ago that life never was.

It warmed him that Geet had come to him to let him know about her first ever boyfriend. Had he been the old Mohinder, he'd have heard this news from her Nani...but he was glad to be able to hear it from her own lips. This new relationship that they had going was good. She shared her events of the day, and he told her about the business and the stuff they had going on.

Was her having a boyfriend going to be a problem. He knew Nikhil. He had been over plenty of times. He was a good boy. He respected him for the change he had brought in his daughter...the result of which was his strengthened bond with her. Mohinder knew he was ok with it...but didn't a father have to give his daughter some pep talk...especially now that Rano wasn't there and it was mostly a mother's job to do that. No...he'd not let Rano down...he would bravely let the kids know his thoughts about it...he could be cool... he would do it their style...be the cool Dad...

''Beta I am happy for you.'', he turned happily towards her. ''I'm quite fond of Nik...you should call him over, let us meet officially, eh?''

''Really Paapa??'' she asked, her eyes shining.

''Sure sure...in fact he'll feel awkward alone, right?...call Sid, Mayank and Raina... Let's have dinner or lunch.''

''Ok how about tomorrow? Mayank's not in India, but I'll call Vicky.''

She leapt to hug him, not able to believe the change in her own father. Little did she know about the ordeal she'd have to face.

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Sid had picked up the gang, and reached the Handa home. He was relaxed about the visit. It would probably be one of the last few visits to Geet's haveli...He would miss her...but then he wasn't all that worried about her...she had Nik with her now. Mayank had been updated by him and Raina when Nik and Geet had been hiding behind the balcony door.

He kept sneaking glances at Raina. She was as comfortable as the next person. Vicky too had fallen in with the gang...being a good buddy of Nik and Geet, by now.

They all entered and greeted Nanima. She hugged them all turn by turn. Vicky's presence surprised her...she was pleased beyond measure.

****************************************

Geet was missing Mayank. All her closest friends were around...he was the only missing guy. She called him up and related all that was taking place. Sid and Vicky were laughing away with her Dad...it was nothing new to her.

Nik and Raina were talking with Nanima about something emotional, cause Raina had held her hand.

She choked up talking to him. It was the end of an era...everybody was starting something new in their lives. Vicky's canvassing for the studio and company was going to kick off soon. He and Nik had become inseparable and they had many hobbies in common that made them spend days on end together, very often leaving Geet lost , when it came to their conversation. She didn't mind that... She was happy Nik had found a partner in crime. They wouldn't get to go dirt-bike racing or hang-gliding as often when the dance company began work full scale. Geet had joined Vicky...she had begun taking an interest in her father's business too, but that was only as long as she didn't have to sit in the office for boring hours. In that way she and Vicky were quite similar. He too would much rather follow his dream than join his obscure older brother in his work.

At times like this she missed Mayank and his quiet assurance. He had been the rock in her life...Sid had always been the flamboyant loud guy who bumbled his way through everything. Mayank was the calm and collected one, who stopped her from messing up too often, who knew when to shut Sid up, who knew how to calm her frazzled nerves when her official boyfriend came to meet her dad...she missed him!

She handed the phone to Sid, who started relating a long list of boring things to him. Nik came and touched her elbow.

''You ok?''

''I am...are you?'

''Sure, babe. I've met your Dad before remember? Relax ''

'Hmmm...'', she said not in the least assured.

They gathered around the dinner table.

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Mohinder knew what he had to say. He would say it loud and clear in front of everyone...after all Vicky was no stranger...he was Savitriji's grandson and Sid and Raina were dating too, right?? They had to be educated about certain things, and by God would he do his duty...no matter how embarrassing it was.

Mohinder raised a toast to his daughter and Nik...to new beginnings.

''Kids, I know life was way different a few months ago. I just have to say that I'm glad you guys found each other. Nowadays, finding friends is difficult, let alone love. So here's to all you love birds on finding that happiness in your life. Cheers''

******************************************************

Geet sighed in relief. She had been worried as to why her father had invited the friends over. She started eating her food. But her father was far from done.

''But you know guys, nowadays life is following the west a lot. So I would appreciate you to maintain some decorum and not flow too fast in your feelings and go around smooching and sleeping with each other. Be resp----''

Geet spat out her spoonful of soup right in his plate, choking and coughing. Nik's glass dropped out of his hand and shattered on the floor, Vicky n Sid doubled up in silent giggles, while only Raina turned red with embarrassment.

''Paapa..pleeease...stop.'', hissed Geet furiously, wide eyed.

''What? What did I say? Smooching wrong word hain kya?? Oh is it shagging??'' he asked politely, confused about Geet's reaction - assuming he had got the youthful lingo wrong.

''Paapa...?!?!!!!'', she groaned mortified...she

glared at the now laughing Nik, thoroughly embarrassed.

Nik quietened down immediately. He put on a serious expression and turned to her father.

''Uncle, you rest assured that you won't face any such problems with Geet and me. We'll never let you down''

He looked back mischievously at Geet as his mind slipped back to him and Geet on the balcony the evening before.

In their haze of making out, he had, with effort, stopped Geet's roving hand from taking too much liberty under his shirt, making him lose control. He loved Geet, but his instinct somehow told him that it was not the time to take their relationship that much further. They had to go one step at a time. No doubt he was the responsible one of the two. She had been annoyed, but he had kissed and explained it as well as he could.

He smiled now, at her knowing she was thinking about the exact same thing!! She pouted at him, kicking him under the table. He grinned and pulled his feet away, winking at her. She looked mollified.

Sorry..next update shall be all Maan...I know u guys are becoming gussaa...plz me trying to finish this season asap...love u all

Amruta

Chapter 21 - The Making of Maan

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