FF: Almost lovers (4): New thread link Pg 1 - Page 60

Originally posted by: rsroopali

Originally posted by: vivacious_gurl

wow sanju... i read all the parts back to back today and thoroughly enjoyed reading... awesome FF

Originally posted by: vj2102

AMAZIN FF

Originally posted by: Zicko

i have read a number of ff's on Maaneet on this forum...but "Almost Lovers" hands down my favourite! 😳

P.S: i LOVE Geet here.

Originally posted by: EternalMaaneet

Hi there...

I have been following this story for a long time now... you are a wonderful writer! :) This story is different yet very interesting.. however, it's come to the point for me where I can no longer take the pain and hope for relief to come... as much as I love Geet for having such an iron will and hate Maan for doing things he did... I just can't see them like this! I think I am assuming things too quickly but I don't see any hope for them being lovers.. don't think Geet will ever be able to forgive and don't think Maan will ever be able to repent enough.. the woman in me says that Maan deserves every bit of it but then... I don't know why my heart still goes out to Maan when he is hurt! Arghh... 😡 so I am sorry... first time I write something and end it so miserably.. I don't think I have it in me to continue seeing them like this... I love Maan and Geet in this ff to bits... maybe once you finish the story and it somehow turns out to be a happy ending.. I'll find some courage to fill in the gaps... 😭

Lots of love.. 😊

Originally posted by: vivacious_gurl

how much more time for the update hun???

Chapter Twenty Nine

I watch you burn,

And let myself blister

I watch you die,

And feel my heart stop

I watch you love

And feel that love scorch

--------------------------------

Present:

He had wanted her to be happy and to spread some of her innate light to him. He had wanted to be with her, not to possess her. He had wanted her.

And for a while he had succeeded. He had deluded himself into thinking that all would be well, that their love would overcome his own shortcomings.

As he laid down in bed, all the happiness had experienced only moments ago, dissipating away till there was only his anguish and pain, he realised that certain barriers could never be broken. In his aim of making her happy, he had wilfully overlooked the innate strength in Geet's character. The very iron will that he loved, would not let her move on with him.

He had seen that strength the day they had first slept together. Despite it being her first sexual experience, she had not judged or blamed him. She had let her sense of justice and impeccable dignity carry her through. Yet he had blinded himself, convinced that all would be good in time.

He picked up Geet's pillow and buried his face into it. He let her scent pervade his senses, let it drown within him and create for a moment a sense of calm. But he knew that he had to face reality, for this can no longer go on.

He got up and walked towards the bathroom, opening the door and stared at Geet who didn't even look surprised at his intrusion.

"What do you want?" Geet asked without looking at him. If she had turned around, he would have seen the desperation in her eyes. Her whole body ached to go to him and touch him. To give up this vendetta. But she was Geet Handa, able to tamper down even on that strong urge.

"That is what I should ask you" His voice was surprisingly subdued, causing Geet to take a quick glance at him. "What is you want, Geet? Just ask"

She slowly walked up to him till they were toe to toe, "Can you set me free? Prove that you care enough to give me up?"

Maan just stared at her, not saying anything. He looked into her eyes, trying to see the truth in her words.

Geet gave a small laugh, "See, you cannot even give me that"

With that she exited the bathroom, leaving a contemplating Maan.

Is that what you really want, he thought sadly, then I have failed. If I couldn't show you how much I love you through all the times we have spent together than I am a failure.

He sunk onto the floor, with his head resting against the wall. He wondered if this was penance for all his sins. But why should she pay?

-------------------------

Past:

Geet Handa was always cool and collected, always in control. Despite all the chaos and turbulence in her life, Geet was used to keeping a facade of calm.

She couldn't explain the way she felt after waking up next to Maan that morning, it was a mixture of guilt, embarrassment as well as happiness. Even as she walked into her house, she smiled at everyone, not giving any concern. There was not a single expression on her face that gave away the emotions that were rocking within herself.

"Am that girl?" She thought with sadness and anger at herself as she sat down on her bed, "The type that moves on within a day from one boy to another. Maybe Rehan was right, I am not as strong and honest as I thought of myself"

It was impossible not to think of Rehan as she thought of last night. Once upon a time, she had built dreams about marrying Rehan and sharing this intimacy with him. Even though she now knew that future would never be, there was piece of her that ached at the loss.

Along with thoughts of Rehan, she remembered the details of last night and of Maan. She closed her eyes at the memories that were intruding and refusing to leave. She recalled the way his arms had held her and the look in his eyes as he had stared at her. There was such passion and sincerity in his eyes, as if she was the only thing in the world.

Just as she was recalling his smile as she had nearly fallen of the sofa, a sudden sound made her realise she had a text message.

I want you to know that regardless of whether you ever love me or not, last night will always be special. I don't want you to regret anything or make yourself feel bad about what happened. You were seeking comfort and I was more than willing to hold you. I'll be here for you in whatever way you want me; as a friend or even more. ' Maan.

Despite her best efforts she felt the slightest of smiles tug along her lips whilst reading the message. It was impossible to deny that she felt a connection with him, for he was all that any girl could have wanted.

But not what I want, she thought with a sigh, as her thoughts shifted to Rehan once again though the pain of betrayal numbed the love that he had felt for him.

"Still, I would rather be alone than with one I cannot respect or love" She thought with determination, "Good riddance to Rehan," this was said with more force to convince herself, "And Maan...well I don't know what he is"

But she was rudely jerked from her reverie by her mother, "GEET!"

Running down the stairs she saw her parents standing in the media room, looking devastated. They were both transfixed as they stared at the television.

A middle aged man was speaking to a reporter, "Yes, I saw her going into the office. As the night janitor of the building I have to check every floor and I saw them together in his office. They hadn't left even by the end of my shift. All the lights in the room had been turned off, so you can only guess what had happened."

Geet felt her face flush and her body jerk, as she heard the implications. The truth Geet, the truth, her conscience told her, not letting her lie.

Her mother sank into the couch, with her head on her hands. On the other hand her father was frozen on the spot, unable to comprehend what was happening.

"Geetu" her mother spoke softly, "Just...just tell us the truth" Rano's eyes entreated her to dispel the comments as a rumour, nothing more.

But Geet couldn't lie, she only bowed her head down and gave the answer through her silence.

And the whole room echoed her silence, none able to break it.

--------------------------------

Geet looked at the sheet of paper in her hand as she sat on her office table. It had all the details of Maan's project. There was also the report from NCCA, National Competition and Corroboration Association. It was a government body that ensure that there was corporate espionage or collision. This information was the grenade that she had been holding on for, waiting for the perfect time.

Glancing up she stared at the television, as it started to show what she had been waiting for.

"For the first time in 8 years, the share price for Khurana Corporation has gone down. This is an unprecedented event, as the company has always shown only advancement and profit. Sources say that this is related to the brewing scandal about Mrs Geet Khurana, the CEO of Handa Constructions, and Mr Rehan Parekh.

We have heard that the two were childhood sweethearts and over the last couple of weeks they have been spotted together around the town. Everyone knows that Geet Khurana owns a large number of shares of the company, while not being actively involved. With all these rumours flying around, people are starting to wonder whether the two owners of Khurana Corporation will be together in keeping the company together. If the couple split, it will devastate the company, questioning its very future as the company may need to split. "

Geet felt the pain in the words, again the rumours about her. But this time she had been the catalyst she had spread the words.

She stared at the paper again and knew that it was time.

No going back now. She thought with grim determination, I have to be strong and follow through with my plan. Otherwise nothing will change. I can never move on.

---------------------------

Past

"I WILL KILL HIM!" Maan roared as he threw his remote at the television. The sordid story that was playing over the television had him clenching his fingers. But what was also prominent was the hint of guilt. It was because he had stirred interest in the media, that this man had been able to go to them to tell the story.

But Maan Singh Khurana was used to being in control. HE would never let a weasel like that man get into his path and hurt HIS Geet.

"Sir, he is Lalith Chadda, one of the night staff" Adi, always efficient gave details of the man to Maan. "Obviously he has been sacked. What else would you like to do?"

"Make sure that the man doesn't get a job anywhere else." Maan glared at Adi, who could only gulp, "Make sure that everyone understands the cost of messing with me"

"Without our reference and if we tell how disloyal he is, there won't be anyone willing to give him a job" Adi reassured, "But I will make sure that he is barred everywhere"

"I want him destroyed!" Maan growled but his mind was elsewhere. He closed his eyes as he imagined the pain that Geet was in, the embarrassment that she had been forced into.

I will make it all good.

------------------------

Geet felt the tears prick her eyes as she sat with her parents. Her father wasn't speaking to her, refusing to even look at her.

If it had been for anger it would have been fine but he wasn't angry. It was disappointment, infinitely worse.

Her mother was clutching onto her, holding her hand. Geet wished she could go back to being a kid and just curl up in her lap.

"Geetu, don't worry" Rano reassured her, her mother's heart forgiving everything.

"We...we cannot recover from this" Mohinder spoke in a soft voice, "The company has already sustained losses. With these stories, our shares are going to dip further"

Geet eyes opened wide as she stared at her dad, comprehending the severity of the issue.

But before they could go on any further, their butler announced Maan who strode in quickly.

"Mr Handa, I know that you might want to kill me at the moment but could I speak to you?" Maan's face was earnest in his sincerity, "I only want to fix the situation."

"How?"

"During our corroboration I bought shares of Handa Constructions. So I can invest more into Handa Construction and make sure that people know that Khurana Corporation is supporting your company. This will boost the share and give a positive spin. No one would doubt that the company is doing well."

Mohinder stared at Maan before he could reply, "Why would you do this?"

"Because...because I care" was all Maan could manage to say.

"And what about Geet? This may stop the rumours for a day but in the long term it will make it worse" Mohinder narrowed his eyes.

Maan clenched his hand as he geared himself up to say what needed to be said, "Sir, I love your daughter. I would do anything to make her happy"

As Geet heard his words, she felt a tear slide down her cheek. She saw the intensity in his eyes and couldn't deny the truth in his emotions.

"She...she means the world to me. So, I am asking you for her hand in marriage"

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AUTHOR's NOTE:

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-SanjanA