
Chapter 44: An engagement with the enemy
For every step we take,
I hold your hand,
For every moment we spend,
I live in joy.
For every kiss,
I let go of my barriers,
And for the rest of eternity,
I will love you.
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The five of them sat on the bed with a bowl of chips in front and Mel sleeping peaceful in the centre. It was almost as if the clock had been turned back and they were back in Australia discussing and whining about their lives.
But this time it was Geet they were grilling.
"So what happened?" Naina asked with a ridiculous grin on her face that said that she already knew the answer. The truth was that she did for the look on Geet's face told everyone how happy she was. Naina not only felt happy for Geet but for Maan as well because they truly deserved on another.
"Well…he asked me to marry him" She smiled, trying not to blush but it was a futile endeavour as was keeping the smile out of her face.
The reactions were predictably varied; Dev smiled and grabbed Geet's hand to give a soft squeeze, Meera hugged Geet, Naina laughed joyously and Seb groaned.
"Please tell me you didn't agree!" Seb whined, not really meaning it. "You cannot marry that man!"
But Naina still hit him on the head, "Shut up dork"
Dev told Geet, pinching her nose fondly "Ignore the clowns. I am so happy for you! You deserve all the happiness in the world."
"I am so happy for you darling," Meera's arms were still around her and the look that she gave Geet clearly showed how relieved she was but as she was Meera, practical as always, she also asked "What about Mel? Is she okay with this?"
Geet nodded, "She really likes Maan."
"Well…you know what this means?" Dev smirked at Geet, "You'll be my bhabhi"
"Bhabi?" Geet shuddered at the word. "Dude if you ever call me that I'll punch the living daylights out of you!"
"Oh what does bhabhi mean?" Seb asked, perked by Geet's annoyance.
"NOTHING!" Geet yelled out the same time as Dev saying "Older sister-in-law. It's a term of respect….means that she is old now!"
"Oh…really?" Seb smirked. "Well isn't that exciting for Geet…oopsss…Geet Bhabhi!"
"Dumbass she isn't your bhabhi" Meera pulled Seb's hair affectionately. "Are you Maan's brother?"
"No way!" Seb looked disgusted at the idea while it was Geet laughing now.
Naina gave an evil grin, "Well Maan is like a brother to me, is actually a brother. So technically he will be a brother like figure to you as well"
The look on Seb's face was priceless.
And that was the way Nonna found them when she came into the room. She shook her head at the group, all are professionals but look at them laughing like hyenas.
"Out!" She pointed her finger at Dev and Seb, with her other hand on her hips. They all knew that when Nonna was in that stance she meant business.
"But Nonna!" Seb protested, "We are chatting"
Knowing what would disgruntle her grandson, Nonna raised an eyebrow, "In my days the bride and groom stayed apart before the wedding. Don't want any accidents happening on my watch. I have to look after Naina."
"Nonna!" Seb was disturbed by his grandmother mentioning this, he didn't really want his grandmother talking about his relationship.
"Don't think I don't know what you boys think of" She shook her finger at them even though she was laughing inside. "In the words of Mel, no hanky panky!"
Seb blanched and immediately walked out with Dev, leaving an amused bunch of women.
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The whole mansion was bustling with activity as the preparations for the engagement party for the two couples was on full swing. Flowers and candles filled every corner, men carrying baskets filled with decorations and of course his grandmother, the co-ordinator.
"Don't put that there!" Savitri Devi imperiously ordered, wanting everything to be perfect for her grandson's party. She then turned towards her other grandson, who was standing next to her, not paying attention to any of the details instead focusing on his phone. "Maan!"
"Yes Dadima?" Maan asked distractedly, not really bothered.
"Do pay attention!" Savitri poked him, even that didn't garner any attention.
"Dadima, you've become a horror while planning all this" Maan rolled his eyes.
"Well finally one of you are getting married" Savitri said in a dramatic voice before sharpening her tone. "Speaking of which there is something I need to ask you"
"Ask away" Maan tried to sound nonchalant, even as he saw the shrewd look on his grandmother's face.
"Hmmm….well it's about Geet." Savitri analysed her grandson's face and saw the imperceptible tightening. "Is there anything happening between the two of you?"
Maan frowned at his grandmother, "If you already know, why even ask?"
"Darling remember that I am the one who taught you all the tricks you know" Savitri laughed and patted his cheek.
"Fine" Maan rolled his eyes again, "I was going to tell you anyway. Well….I asked her to marry me"
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Virender looked angrily at the TV. There on the national channel was the news about the impending wedding of Dev with a girl named Meera.
They enjoy while I am made to live like this!
He banged his hand against the table in anger, wanting to beat up the his three sons who had the audacity to not only put him in this situation but also to enjoy their lives.
Enjoy the last moments of peace before I destroy you, he thought vindictively.
But just as soon a smirk broke across his face, Well maybe I should visit them. After all I can't miss my son's party.
Slowly he started to make a plan. It will be the perfect setting. And it will be the last time they will laugh!
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After a long talk with his grandmother Maan managed to leave her room. He was pleased with her happiness at his relationship with Geet.
But something she had said made him disgruntled. She had asked when they were getting married and he still had no clear time to tell her. After all he had to wait for Geet's decision on that front.
Be a bit patient Maan, after all you've waited so long a while longer won't hurt you, he tried to console himself but a part of him wanted to hasten things and make sure that nothing could ever get between them.
He went to his office, where predictably Vicky was already waiting for him.
"Had the long talk with Dadi?" Vicky asked with knowing smirk on his face.
"Do you have a reason to be here?" Maan grumbled back half-heartedly for he was too happy to let Vicky's ribbing get to him.
"Well apart from your lovely future…plans, there are other pressing matters at hand." Vicky as usual spoke in his evasive manner before getting down to the main point, "My sources say that Virender will be attacking today"
"Well, well it seems he is finally getting up his ass" Maan chuckled, "How predictable our father is!"
"That he sure is but are you sure about this plan?" Vicky leaned forward, wanting to see his brother's determination.
"This is the only way that we can truly bring him down for good" Maan pointed out, "He could get away with most things but not attempted murder caught under surveillance. It will also give us the chance…to settle with him"
"And that I wouldn't miss for the world" Vicky shared a smile with his brother. "Father needs to feel the love from his sons. Anyways I need to go now" With that he left Maan's office.
Time to set the stage for Virender, just hope that he doesn't ruin the night, Maan pondered. But I'll make sure that he can never bother us again.
"Maan Sir, your sherwaani has been sent to your room" the ever efficient Nakul interrupted Maan's thoughts as he entered the study after knocking.
"Thanks" Maan grunted out before getting out of his chair and rushing to his room.
On entering the room he saw the sherwani on the bed but also saw that there was a note there are well, that's weird.
Picking up the note with raised eyebrows, he opened it to see a letter addressed to him.
Dear Maan,
Meet me at the pagoda at the back.
There is something I want to tell you.
Love,
Geet.
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He walked into the pagoda, looking around to see if he could find her but instead he saw a little table in the centre around all the potted plants.
"Geet!" he called out, while turning around to see if he could get a glimpse of her.
"I am here" came a voice from the right, making him turn towards her. And there she was wearing simple sweatshirt with track pants. Her hair was pulled back into a simple ban and her hair was devoid of any make. It reminded him of the first time he met her.
"So you told me to come out here" Maan smiled as he walked towards her and realised that she was carrying a tray with a lid. "What is happening, Geet?"
"Take a seat…sir" She smirked at him, holding the chair out like a waitress, "Your order is already here"
Confused but complaint, Maan took her lead and sat down.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" She asked with a smile as she fixed the napkin on the table. "I was serving that day and you entered the cafe looking as if you didn't have the time for anyone. I used to wonder who you were, everyday I would stare at you. Who would have known that our lives would be changed forever?"
"I remember everything" He smiled at her, relieving the memory that he held within himself for so long it seemed. "The moment I saw you, I knew you were special.
She put down the tray in front of him on the table and opened the lid for him. On the tray there was a simple note.
Even more confused Maan picked it up and read the single line that was written on it.
Will you spend the rest of your life with me?
Maan turned to her, with an almost impossible amount of ecstasy. Geet picked up his hand and held it within hers, letting it engulf hers. "Will you?"
"Of course" He stood up and embraced her, unable to spend a moment not holding her in his arms. "But you already agreed to marry me, so why?"
"Because you deserve this" She pulled back to hold his face in her hands. "You love without limitations, you give without limitations. This is my promise that I will love you…limitless. No matter what happens, I will be on your side."
She pressed a kiss on his lips, the barest of touches, yet sweeter than anything else. Whispering she continued, "I am not dressed up neither are there flowers or other embellishments. Because this is who I am, the girl you first met and this is who we are. Everyday you'll see this woman, not an overly dressed on but one who will say and do ridiculous things."
"I couldn't do a ridiculously flamboyant gesture because this moment only needs us. Anything else would lessen what we feel. I know you were wondering why I was hesitating on the wedding…it was because I wanted to do something special for you, to make you understand how special you are to me"
He brushed his thumb across her lower lip, caressing it lightly, "I only need you to make it special" With that he leaned forward to kiss her, forgetting everything in that moment. Mouth fused together, they inhaled the other's essence.
The two stood in the Pagoda, amongst the plants and flowers but in their minds nothing else could exist. Their arms were around each other, holding and making promises to hold on forever.
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Virender stood outside watching his son embracing the girl. It burned him to see his son happily frolicking.
How dare he enjoys all this?
He couldn't bear to see that bas***d of his so happy but maybe there was a remedy.
Hmmm…..so maybe I am targeting the wrong person. If not Maan himself maybe the woman he loves. That should make it more enjoyable.
With a laugh to himself, he started to remake his plan and decided that this was definitely the best way to hurt Maan.
You can never be happy, I'll never allow that, Virender promised, You'll forever burn.
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It wasn't everyday that both a Khurana and Rathod got engaged, to two different people. There had been a few whispers about the broken alliance but Savitri Devi holding the engagement party for both the couples basically proved that there was no contention between the families.
The Mansion was filled to the brim with people. Everyone who was someone in Delhi was here, as were Meera's parents. Needless to say they were ecstatic with Meera's news and had rushed in as soon as they heard but even they weren't prepared for the Khurana opulence.
Neither was Geet.
It was one of the first times that Geet was wearing a sari and she decided that it was something she wouldn't do too often.
The pain we women have to put up with for looking good, she grumbled to herself as she gingerly walked, trying not to trip. It was a beautiful sari, she had to acknowledge that and truth be told she loved it. A light brown colour with beading around the edges, it was classy and simple in its beauty.
Unknown to her Maan was staring at her across the room in stunned silence. He had seen her wearing casual clothes, gowns and even kameez but never in a sari.
And as always she left him breathless.
A slow smile bloomed across his face and he started to walk towards her with single-minded determination.
But before he could walk far, he was interrupted by his grandmother's voice.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the engagement party for two lovely couples; Dev and Meera, Naintara and Sebastian" Savitri Devi regal as always, smiled down at everyone from the head of the room, not even needing a microphone. "Today is a celebration for new starts and to lasting love. I wish only for enduring love and happiness for both couples."
Smiling down on the pairs, she continued on, "Dev is obviously my grandson but Naintara is like a granddaughter to me. So it fills me with pleasure to see them find such companions who will respect and cherish them."
"But my happiness doesn't just end there. Today my eldest grandson, Maan, announced that he has also met the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, Dr Geet Handa."
This announcement was met with shock and disbelief, causing Savitri Devi to internally smirk but she continued on, "So today is special day for me all around. It gives me peace and contentment to know that my children will be settled and happy. Please join me in wishing them happiness for the rest of their lives"
Geet felt her heart lighten as she listened to Dadima's speech, for Savitri Devi had already approached and asked her permission.
"My clever grandmother!" Maan spoke from behind her as he put an arm around her, "Smarter than all of us"
"She is lovely" Geet smiled at him.
"Lovely but also cunning" Maan smirked but then focused on her again, "And why is that you don't look surprised?"
"Because she was kind enough to warn me earlier" This time Geet had a tiny smirk.
"That is just unfair!"
"Nothing is unfair darling" Dadima interrupted them, leaning forward to hug Geet. "I am so pleased darling that you'll be a part of our family"
"As am I" Geet hugged her back.
"You didn't feel the need to warn me?" Maan asked, disgruntled at the women.
"I am your grandmother" Dadima patted his cheek, "I don't need to warn you about anything"
She left a laughing Geet and a frowning Maan.
"She is something amazing" Geet grinned widely.
"She is something alright" Maan shook his head but then turned to his fiance, "But not to get carried away. May I please have the pleasure of your hand for this dance"
"I would be delighted"
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Geet was still smiling as she stood outside on the balcony but her feet and body was aching from the dancing and the walking.
She wasn't used to such people for she hung around intellectuals and normal people, not socialites. Yet anything was worth being with him.
She looked out into the sky and saw the full moon shine.
So beautiful, she thought even as she got ready to walk back but suddenly she felt something hit her head and then everything was dark.
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AUTHOR's NOTE:
I LOVED the comments. You guys are awesome!
So...the final showdown is set to happen.
I am feeling very bitter sweet that this story is going to end...sigh...well everything comes to an end😳
PLEASE DO COMMENT and press the LIKE button!!
Nothing motivates me as much as reading your comments!😃
-SanjanA
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