When she woke up the next day, it was already 7. Lately she was not used to waking up late n now as she was at a new place she knew she had to do certain things. Then she remembered that it was Sunday so maybe she was not that late. She quickly got up n glanced around the room which was dark at night but now was fully enlightened by the morning sun rays. She noticed the pink walls, stuffed toys, the small bed, colour books n understood whose room it was.
After a while she hesitantly peeked into Maan's room, her bag was there n she needed to change n freshen up. On finding it empty she heaved a sigh of relief. She quickly took bath n headed towards the kitchen.
I am sorry Dadimaa.. She said nervously, scared almost. I don't know how I slept so much.
It's okay beta. Dadimaa, surprised by her strange behaviour, patted her cheek to calm her down. Waise bhi aaj toh Sunday hai.
Ji... Geet smiled dimly. I will get the breakfast ready.
You don't need to do all this. Dadimaa said. Just make something sweet.
Nai Dadimaa. Geet declined immediately, she didn't want to be a burden on them. She would cook n do all possible things to pay them back for letting her live in their house. If you don't mind, I want to cook. Please.
As you wish. Dadimaa smiled. Nakul will be there to help you.
She made food separately for everyone as per their likes,told by Nakul n also kheer because it was her first day in KM. Maan, Dadimaa n Annie took their places on the dining table while Geet made it a point not to come out of the kitchen until Maan finishes his breakfast. Dadimaa had other plans she called Geet out as soon she came to know she was not joining. Maan stiffened at the sound of her name but kept a check on himself. Geet reluctantly came out n slumped down on the chair eating like a bird. Both didn't look up but there mind was focused on the each other only, they could do anything but ignore the other's presence.
Bhabhi your kheer is out of the world. Annie commented. Aur aapka asar toh Nakul pe bhi aa gaya hai, breakfast is also better than before.
Nakul frowned then supplied. Aaj sab Geet didi ne hi banaya hai.
Maan shocked to his wits wondered, when did she learn to cook. She was a disaster in kitchen but she must be faking it too, she always knew how to cook but didn't want to reveal all her hidden talents-tactics then.
Khana sach me bahut accha hai. Dadimaa said n gave her a jewellery set. Geet wanted to deny but didn't knew how to do it at the moment n decided to return it later on. Maan observed keenly what Dadimaa was doing, getting trapped by the forged innocence; he also decided to deal with it latter.
Accha ab hum chalte hai, I have a meeting. Dadimaa said. She was a social worker now n also had political commitments though she didn't do it professionally anymore but she was still active in some way or the other n hence was mostly out of KM.
Am also leaving. Annie said after Dadimaa left n stood up quickly.
I hope you are not meeting him. Maan said in his stern voice. It was the first time Geet heard him that morning n was happy that his words were not directed towards her.
J..ji bhai. Annie shuttered n Maan saw right through her lie. I mean I won't meet him again.
She said n left getting the cue when Maan resumed eating. Geet also immediately stood up she didn't wanted to be left alone with him. She grabbed her plate to keep it in kitchen.
Daddy... Came the same sweet voice from previous night making Geet turn.
Princess. Maan responded taking her in his arms, forgetting his angry n dark demeanour.
I slept with Annie n also watched princess movie. She said excitedly.
That's good. Maan said making her sit on the table. You brushed your teeth?
Yesh...
Show me.
Eee... Jia adjoined her teeth pushing her lips apart to show her shinning pearls.
Geet watched in amazement. She didn't know if she should be happy or sad because she felt nothing. The pain nullified the stupefaction. It was bizarre enough that she was liking the way he was smiling with his daughter but at the same time was pained that his daughter was not with her but someone else. Keeping her plate in sink she left, because she was neither needed nor belonged there.
Good girl. Maan praised n Nakul brought the bowl filled with cereals soaked in milk. Now time for your breakfast. With that Jia opened her mouth n Maan poked a full spoon into it.
He made her finish the whole bowl then wiped her face clean with napkin. He took the glass to her mouth n she gulped the water down her throat.
Let's go for bath. Maan said.
Daddy... Jia whined, sulking her upper lip.
No, princess I told you good girls bath daily. He explained.
But Jia don't like water.
You just drank a full glass.
You silly. Jia giggled. I don't like water on my body.
Oh but you like when it rains.
Yesh... But I don't like it inside.
She was pretty smart, Maan concluded. So you won't take bath? He asked n she shook her head in confirmation. Then I have only one choice. He smirked n his hands found their way on her tummy.
No Daddy stop... Jia said between fits of laughter as he tickled her non-stop. Otey otey... I take bath. She agreed gasping for air.
That's like my princess. Maan said finally ending the tickle session.
I lub you Daddy. Her eyes shinned as she placed a damp kiss on his cheek n he knew it was gospel.
I love you too. He embraced his only real possession. If the world was callous she was his escape.
PRECAP- Geet proving Maan wrong.
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
701