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Tum Kaun Ho?
A Maaneet Fan Fic
Chapter 78
July 6, 2011 6:45 pm
The InterContinental had hosted many large events in it's time, but none were quite like the eldest Khurana son's sangeet. Dadi had gone all out, saying that no expense was too great for her pota's wedding. The decorators and hotel staff had decked out the Grand Ballroom in a mixture of modern and traditional Indian decor. The DJ played a mix of popular American and Bollywood music to complete the atmosphere as guests queued up to enter, greet Dadi and Maan before picking up a program and finding a seat.
Maan was becoming more and more impatient as the minutes passed and there was no sign of Geet. He asked Dadi more than once about going to find her, but Dadi seemed unconcerned. She was walking around somewhere with Naintara, but it was Maan's duty to great the guests, and Dadi would not agree to let him go.
The breaking point came when it was time for the function to start. Dadi took Maan near the middle of the room where the chairs for him and Geet were. Dev and Naintara were standing just off to the side talking. Maan expected Geet to be with them, but she wasn't. He rushed up to Naintara and demanded to know where his fiance was.
"Oh, she's with Annie. They're fixing something with her dress. Don't worry, Veerji, she will be here in just a minute."
"Maan, don't get excited," Dadi said in response to his irate expression. "Sit down, the program is about to start."
"Goood evening, Ladies and Gentlemen. The Khurana Family would like to welcome you to the sangeet celebrating the marriage of Maan and Geet. If you could find your seats, we have a special number to start off our wonderful program tonight. For your convenience, English translations for all songs have been provided in your written program. Now sit back, relax, and let the fun begin."
The announcement coupled by the light dimming down to pitch black, stopped Maan from storming off to look for Geet. He also felt Dadi and Dev place their hands on his shoulders and push him into the seat. Not wanting to create a scene, Maan sat quietly, but he promised himself that if his Geet wasn't sitting next two him in two minutes, he didn't care what kind of scene he made.
Before he could even say as much to Dadi, the music started with cymbals and a stringed instrument. A large spot light shone on the wall, revealing a feminine silhouette swaying to the beat of the music. Maan was more interested in where Geet was, than the woman dancing in front of him, but being the only thing in the room visible, his eyes were naturally drawn to her.
When the lights slowly began to brighten, Maan's interest increased exponentially.When he realized who it was who danced in front of him, he shot straight up in his chair, barely able to contain himself. It didn't matter if she had her face covered, or turned her back towards him, Maan could recognize that slim body and long, dark brown hair anywhere.
When she turned around and her dance started in earnest, Maan was lost. All of the guests, the hotel employees, even his family melted away as he watched his beautiful, sexy Geet dancing and singing just for him. Maan was so engrossed in watching her, that he didn't even notice when a group of young women joined her on the floor and began dancing also. As she moved her body and her hips swayed enticingly, Maan felt his desire grow painfully, but more than that, he was absolutely awed.
Watching Geet move so quickly, with such energy and precision, Maan couldn't believe that he didn't know she danced so well. Even after their sessions with the choreographer, he never would have guessed she could do the kinds of moves she was doing. Just watching the way her hips moved back and forth, Maan about fell out of his chair.
When she finished the dance, and the crowd of guests broke out in deafening claps, Geet was only interested in the response of the one Maan sitting in front of her. She had seen the expression on his face a few times while she was dancing, and she thought that he was impressed. The way he was looking at her now with his eyes hooded, she had no idea what he was thinking.
Maan slowly got up from his chair and stalked up to her just like a tiger hunting it's prey. Geet smiled nervously, wondering what he was going to do. When he grabbed her shoulders, she had a momentary thought, spurred on by the fire in his eyes, that he might ravish her right there in front of everyone. But he didn't, instead planting a quick kiss on her nose, before pulling her into a fierce hug.
"Geet, I had no idea you were able to dance like that. How in the world did you ever manage to put this together without me finding out?"
"I arranged it with Isha. She had a friend who teaches at one of the academies here in Chicago who was able to work with me. The other girls are students there. So, did you like my surprise?"
"If you mean the dance, then yes I did. Very much," replied Maan. Then he looked sternly at the woman in his arms and continued, "I did not like not knowing where you were. That was very bad and you deserve a punishment for hiding from me like that."
Geet blushed and hit him lightly, saying "You and your punishments," unable to meet his eyes.
"Yes, punishment," he affirmed. "To start with, you are not allowed to leave my side for the rest of the night."
"That's supposed to be a punishment?" Geet questioned, her face wrinkling in confusion.
"Sure, for Dadi," Maan replied with a straight face, before both broke into laughter and hugged again, thoroughly amused by the reference to Dadi's attempts to keep them apart.
July 6, 2011 7:15 pm
With one arm around each other's waist or shoulders, and the other holding hands, Maan and Geet enjoyed the rest of the program put on by their family. First the two little boys came out to the dance floor and did a very hilarious little performance to Hai Na Bolo Bolo. Near the end, JD grabbed Geet's hands, Harsh grabbed Maan, and they pulled the two out on the floor to spin around with them. When they were done, Geet held out her arms and JD came for a big hug and lots of kisses.
"JD, you did so good singing along with that song," praised Geet.
Harsh wasn't to be left behind, coming over to say, "Tayi, I helped JD with the Hindi."
"You did? Well, thank you for all your hard work," said Geet, giving the older boy his own hug.
Next it was time for a group of girls, mostly daughters and granddaughters of Dadi's friends, to come out and do their dance. There was an obvious range of talent among the group, with some of the girls forgetting steps at times, or moving out of sync, but that didn't really mattered. What mattered, is that they all had fun dancing on Mere Khwabon Mein, as did the guests, getting into the song and clapping along with the beat.
Then came the moment that most of the guests had been waiting for, Naintara's skit depicting the journey of Maan and Geet's relationship. Naintara stood in for Geet, Dev in for Maan, and since their story would be incomplete without JD, Harsh had that role. Pinky acted as narrator, while Reham O Karam from We Are Family played in the background.
"This is love story of two lonely people, who after many years, found happiness together. Geet Handa, an orphan who came to Chicago with dreams, and Maan Singh Khurana, an angry young man, facing his own tragedies by shutting out the world."
As the soft music began and Pinky started her narration, "Geet" came forward into the spotlight, then "Maan", as each were introduced.
"A sad little boy is brought to live with his angry, aloof uncle. An angel comes into this boy's life, coming to turn his sadness into happiness. But the uncle is still angry, in his own world. He does not know he has met the angel before, he does not even bother to find out anything about this angel, Geet Handa."
When the vocalist began, "Maan" came walking with "JD", leaving him in the center stage, before going off to the right and standing angrily in a separate spotlight. "Geet" walked towards "JD", dried his tears and the two hugged. Picking up "JD", "Geet" looked over towards "Maan", but "Maan" had his back towards them both. The real Geet couldn't help but shed tears at this reminder about how JD came into their lives, ultimately bringing them together. Maan hugged her close, reassuring her that the sadness depicted in the skit was no longer a part of their life.
"Geet and JD became more than best friends, but Maan was nowhere to be seen."
As the chorus of the song started, scenes were shown depicting the growing closeness between "Geet" and "JD". All the while "Maan" was by himself. "JD" would sometimes try and go to his uncle, but eventually the spotlight on "Maan" went dark, making him impossible to find.
"Life couldn't go on like this for ever. Eventually, a brush with death forced Maan and Geet together, creating situations that required Maan to come out of his chosen solitude. Taking care of Geet, and worrying about her opened up a new dimension to this angry young man. He took more of an interest in little JD, and slowly, he began to connect with the beautiful angel that had come into his life."
A very filmy fall/catch scene was enacted by "Maan" and "Geet" to depict the stabbing incident and subsequent move to the mansion. Once she was in his arms, "Maan" carried "Geet" everywhere, with a delighted "JD" following around. Eventually, "Geet" was well, and three of them were together, with "JD" happily holding both adults' hands.
"With time, their relationship progressed. They became closer, Maan started having feelings for Geet. She was like no one he had ever met before. Everyone in his family loved her, it was just a matter of time before he did also."
The second chorus accompanied the depiction of "Maan" and "Geet's" new found relationship. They began dancing together. First they were at arm's length. Then slowly, they came closer, until they held each other tightly as they swayed to the music. The growing love was evident from the expressions on their faces.
No more narration was necessary. As the couple continued to dance it was obvious from their actions, coupled with the lyrics being sung, that there was only one outcome to the end of the story. With the final bars of music being played, "Maan", "Geet", and "JD" all came together. Finally the angel, sad little boy, and angry young man had become a family.
When the music was over, the clapping erupted, the guests clearly having liked the presentation. Geet ran up to Naintara, trying to speak, but no words would come passed the lump in her throat. The two friends hugged each other, while Maan and Dev did the same.
Geet was forced to get control of her emotions, for now that the skit was finished, it was time for her and Maan to do their dance. Maan was quite looking forward to the dance, not only because he and Geet were together. He was going to show his Mishti that she wasn't the only one who could have a secret.
When Maan started to lip sync with the opening lines of Aye Mere Humsafar, he could see that Geet was indeed surprised. In fact, Geet was so surprised that it was only her natural talent for dancing that saved her from stumbling when she saw Maan singing to her. The shock lasted only for a moment, replaced by happiness. Happiness because she knew Maan had learned the words only to make her happy.
Though it wasn't a part of the plan, Geet knew the words well enough, that when the female vocal came, she could sing along also. As she and Maan danced, the guests were enchanted. It was like they were seeing a Bollywood movie come to life, where the hero and heroine were in love with each other, and showing it through song and dance.
July 6, 2011 7:45 pm
Before the sangeet was opened up for general dancing, there was one last number to be performed. The entire Khurana family, along with a few of their close friends, came to the center of the dance floor. This dance was unchoreographed, with the participants dancing how ever they felt to the popular Tenu Leke from Salaam E Ishq. Naintara and Geet periodically did some of the moves from the film, trying to get Dev and Maan to follow them. Dev tried, but Maan was resistant. He would dance with Geet, dance on Bollywood music, but he refused to make a fool of himself.
July 6, 2011 8:10 pm
"My dear, your dancing was just wonderful, and to start of the sangeet with Aaja Nachle, very appropriate. What ever made you think of it?" Dadi's friend Khanika Rangwala had cornered Geet and Maan when they went to get some refreshments, determined to converse with them.
"It was my friend Pinky's idea. She thought it would fit well, especially since we used the phrase on the invitation."
"Well it certainly did. And your dancing was just marvelous. As good as Madhuri Dixit. I've heard several people say so."
"Thank you for the complement Aunty, but I could never be as good as Ms. Dixit," demurred Geet.
"Nonsense, my dear. You're too modest. Maan, you're extremely lucky to be getting a bride like Geet. Don't take her for granted."
"No, Aunty," assured Maan.
"Well, I'll leave you two alone now. I'm sure you want to finish eating."
"Thank God she left!" exclaimed Maan as soon as Khanika was out of earshot. "I thought she would never leave."
"Maan, don't be so rude."
"Rude? Geet, this is our sangeet. We're getting married tomorrow. An idiot would know that we just want to be alone."
Just then Maan saw another of Dadi's friends heading in their direction. He quickly made Geet put down her plate and dragged her back to the dance floor. She protested, but Maan wouldn't hear it. He reasoned that the only way they could be together without interruption, was to keep dancing.
July 6, 2011 11:30 pm
"Dadi, Geet and I are going to head home now." The party was wrapping up, and many of the guest had already gone home when Maan announced his intentions to Dadi of the same. He had his arm around Geet's waist, who was holding a sleepy JD cuddled up in her arms.
Dadi looked at them with pursed lips, causing Maan to frustratingly ask, "Dadi, you're not going to say we can't go together, are you? This is the limit!"
Dadi laughed and said, "No, I'm not going to say you can't go together. You're taking JD with you, so I trust that you both will behave in front of him. However, when you get home, you both need to go straight to bed. Tomorrow is a big day, and you should be as rested as possible."
"As if we need to be reminded what tomorrow is," said Maan, rolling his eyes.
"Oh, go on with you!" exclaimed Dadi, giving Maan a very light slap on the face for being so cheeky.
July 7, 2011 9:15 am
Beep. Beep.
Geet picked up her phone and saw that she had a text message from Maan. "Meet me at the storage vault? Now why would Maan want me to meet him there? Is there some problem with work?"
The quickest way to get to the basement and the storage vault from Geet's room was to take the back stairs. Geet thought of telling Naintara or Pinky where she was going, but didn't see either of them, so rather than wait, she decided to meet Maan as fast as possible. She hurried down the stairs, not noticing that in a house preparing for a wedding, it was strange that she saw no one on her way.
When she got down into the basement, she noticed the storage vault was already open. Rushing inside, she was surprised and even let out a little shriek when her arm was grabbed, pulling her off balance. In the next instance a large hand was placed over her mouth, and Geet saw Maan's irritated face looking down at her.
"Ssshhh! Do you want someone to come?" he whispered fiercely.
"Maan, I don't understand you," she whispered back. "What was so important that you wanted me to come down here for?"
The very next second Maan pulled Geet to him, crushing her against his hard chest, as his lips met hers for a searing kiss. After a few minutes of plundering her sweet mouth, Maan said huskily, "Maybe I just wanted to make out a little with my Mishti. In this crazy house, where else would we be undiscovered?"
"Maan, again you are doing your mischief?" Pushing him away, she continued, "Our Haldi ceremony is about to begin. We don't have time for all this fooling around."
Geet turned and was about to stomp out of the vault, when Maan caught her hand and pulled her back to him. "Alright, I'll tell you the real reason I called you here. Our Haldi ceremony is about to begin and I wanted to be the first one to put haldi on you."
"But Maan, why did you call me here? You could do that outside, itself."
"No way Geet. If I requested Dadi to let me apply haldi to you first, she would laugh and tease and then just say no. I know her well, so I decided to meet you secretly. I put a bit of haldi from what Guptie was mixing up into this bag, and had Dev and Adi distract your 'guards' so that you could come without anyone noticing."
"Mr. MSK, you think you're pretty smart, don't you? But what if I say I don't want you to put haldi on me?"
Maan's eyes widened determinedly and he quickly put some haldi on her cheek before she could utter any more protests. "Well, Mrs. MSK, it's too late for your objections now. So, how about you admit that you want to apply haldi first on me too."
July 7, 2011 9:30 am
"Geet, we've been looking all over for you," said Naintara as she and Pinky hurried up to her in the hallway. "Where have you been?"
"Uh..."
"Never mind," said Pinky. "We don't want to waste anymore time."
The two women grabbed Geet's hands and pulled her towards the back of the mansion and outside. A tent had been set up in the backyard, with two small stools where Maan and Geet were to sit. Naintara and Pinky made Geet sit in hers while Dev and Arjun were bringing Maan out.
"What is that on your face, Maan?" asked Arjun, looking closely at Maan's cheek. "Did someone already put haldi on you?"
Maan just glared at Arjun, before saying, "Instead of wasting time asking useless questions, can we start the ceremony?"
Arjun just held his hands up in defeat, before commenting, "Someone seems eager to get things started." That just made Maan glare harder, while Geet blushed and looked away.
The ceremony began with Dadi applying haldi to Geet and Dev applying haldi to Maan. Then the rest of the woman, starting with Naintara, placed haldi on Geet's face, arms and feet, while the men did the same for Maan.
JD was fascinated by the process, and wanted to put the yellow stuff on his GT. He came up next to where the bowl was sitting, and before anyone could stop him, he scooped up a big handful. With a naughty grin, JD smushed the haldi onto Geet's cheeks, leaving her face a goopy mess.
"JD, we don't put the haldi like that," admonished Naintara.
"Oh, let him be, Di. In fact, I think his uncle should get the same treatment," said Geet with a spark in her eyes.
JD's smile got wider, and he left to do as Geet suggested, leaving Maan in even a bigger mess, if that was possible. All the adults laughed when Maan wiped of some of the haldi and put it on JD's nose. JD didn't know what to make of that at first, but then he hurried back to Geet and demanded that she should put the yellow stuff on him, just like Uncle did. Geet laughingly complied.
July 7, 2011 10:00 am
"Now that the Haldi Rasam is finished, it's time to get the bride and groom ready for the wedding," announced Dadi. "Now, Maan, you know that after the haldi ceremony is completed the bride and groom are not allowed to see each other, so I don't want you doing any more of your sneaking around. Oh, yes, I know all about that, don't think I don't."
It was the day for Maan to glare at everyone, and Dadi was no exception. Geet just looked away shyly and blushed, embarrassed about what the guests must be thinking from Dadi's teasing. When Dadi took her hand to lead her away, she went meekly, hoping that no one else would say anything.
"GT, where are you going now?" asked JD, running up behind them.
"I have to go get washed and dressed," replied Geet, "and you have to go with Uncle."
"I know. We get to ride a horse. I wish it was a lion, but Uncle says that it has to be a horse. Don't take too long, GT, we'll be waiting."
Geet lovingly caressed JD's little cheek, before looking back towards Maan. The heated look in his eyes said he would be waiting. Waiting to finally make her his wife.
Note: More goodies on the next page.Edited by laxmi2010 - 14 years ago
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