I was so happy today. I had great news to share with my great grand daughter-in-law. It has been a while since I saw a smile on her face maybe this will light some shine on her face. I looked at the closed door; as usual she might be in her room sitting on the bed just thinking about the past. I didn't know what to say to her, how to help her come out of her dark past, how to forget his memories, his torture, everything.
Maan is my grandson and I was not able to stop him. I was not able to help Geet, after what she has done for me and this family. She saved me from breaking down, she sacrificed herself and her baby's health to save me. I know, no matter how much I do for Geet, I will never be able to forgive myself for putting her life in danger because of my grandson no because of my late husband.
My husband was the one that starred this mayhem of power and greed. He was the one that trained my late son in the name of power. Under the pretense of name and wealth. We were nothing. We are nothing. This fame, this power, this wealth came at what price? All of us were strangers under one roof. I hated my late husband for whatever he has done. I hated him for turning everyone like him.
I hated him for aborting my kids just because they were not boys. It still pains me to know that I was suppose to be a mother of three kids including my son. Over time I lost my respect and love for him. I hated my late son for turning my Maan into him as well. For repeating the same history with his wife. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't. He was my only hope. I wanted to protect him when he was little but the fear got to me. Even Vicky was turning like him if it wasn't for Geet.
I never cried when my husband or my son died. I know its bad but I was kind of relived. I was relived that I and my daughter in-law don't have to live in fear anymore. I was angry, hurt, afraid but was never able to voice my opinion in front of them. How could I? We, the women of the household, was looked down upon. We were never considered about our feelings, our interests or anything. Our main purpose was to bear children and to listen to their command. I hated seeing my daughter-in-law live in fear and regret for not being able to stop Maan.
I saw a lot of changes in Maan after Geet went to coma. I know for once he was feeling guilty seeing her in that condition, seeing his baby in that tiny box fighting for her life. He felt guilty for sure but does that mean he is changed? I can't never be too sure of him that is why I asked him to stay away. It is better this way. I don't have to see Geet's sad face anymore, her eyes will no longer have fear with his presence.
Slowly, I opened the door hiding the surprise with one hand behind my back. "Geet beta" Tears ran down my face when I saw the most horrific scene in front of me. There was broken glass near the window mixed with blood, Geet was on the bed with her foot bandaged while she looked at the door dazed with tears. I thanked god that Anamika was still sleeping unaware of the state of her mother.
My hands started to shake as I walked toward Geet. Slowly, I sat down on the bed touching her hand to get a reaction but nothing. She was still as a statue. The surprise was long forgotten now all that mattered was Geet to me.
"Geet beta. What happened?"
I slowly nudged her hand to bring her out of her deep dark thoughts but nothing. She was sitting still. My heartbeat started to beat faster with every possible thoughts running through my mind. I didn't want to call the servants for help, I couldn't call Mohindar either, for he is not at home. I was all alone to deal with her. I needed to have her come out of her shock before it is too late. I once again nudged her hand, still no reply. Slowly, I sat closer to her cupping her face gently calling her name once again.
"Geet beta."
I sighed as I saw her eyes looking at me with pain and fear. Why? What was going on in that head of hers?
"What happened beta? How did you hurt your foot?" Geet held on to my hands tightly as she cried. She quickly hugged me crying on my chest. There was nothing I could do but to let her take out her pain and grief. I let her cry. Perhaps that is why I am able to connect with Geet and her pain, for I, went through the same turmoil. The same fear. The same pain.
"its okay beta. Cry all you want. Let it all out. I am here" I kept patting her head until her crying stopped. I gently made her lie down and gave her a glass of water. I waited for her to say something. Tears still cascaded down her eyes as she looked everywhere else but towards me.
"What happened? How did you hurt yourself? Who bandaged your foot?"
"woh I stepped on the glass by accident. I am okay now."
"hmm" (I knew there was more to the story which she is not telling me but for now I let it be. She is not in a state to talk or even move right now. I look at Geet wiping her tears and tried very hard to smile) "okay. umm let me call the doctor to do your bandage, again."
"No, Dadima. Its okay it is already done"
"ohh you did this?" (I needed some answers but only if she was ready)
"no uhh woh" I patted her head knowing she was not ready.
"its okay beta. As long as you are bandaged, that all it matters. Anyway, I have come here to give you a surprise." I hold a card in front of her waiting for her to take it.
"What is it Dadima?"
"Open and see it for yourself." I waited while Geet read the contents.
"Name ceremony for Anamika?"
"yes. It is time that we give her proper welcome and as well as do puja for her and yours well being."
"hmm that is great but don't uhh father of the child have to be available as well?"
"hmm I know." (I hold her hand tightly assuring her) "Don't worry. I don't think Maan will be there. its up to you to decide. Are you ready to face him?"
"Face him?" How can I explain Dadima what is going in my head. What I am feeling right now. Actually, I don't know where to even start. What I am feeling at the moment is it right? Am I betraying myself and others? Will I be putting Anamika in harm?
Nothing is making sense anymore. Nothing. I am suppose to hate Maan not not..ugh. Why is he making everything so difficult for me? Why? When he was around me I used to live in fear and waiting for my freedom. Now, when he is truly going away from me, I am still feeling restless waiting for him. Why?
I can't even share my pleas with anyone. I know Dadima would be hurt and angry at me if I told her that yes I want him to come to the ceremony but I know he won't come. Maan has always fulfilled his promises, no matter what. If he promised to stay away than am sure he will stay away, but for how long?
I looked at Dadima as she waited for me answer question.
"its up to you Dadima. Doesn't matter with me."
"hmm okay I will send the invitation to him and see if he comes."
"Okay."
"by the way there is another surprise for you later on. Until than why don't I call someone to help you get ready."
Within minutes servants were in the room cleaning up all the mess while nurse helped Geet clean up. Dadima took Anamika downstairs playing with her.
What should I do? I told Dadima that its up to her to invite Maan. What if she doesn't? I have to talk to him, even if it is the last time. I have to talk to him. An idea struck her. Vicky.
With the help of the nurse she goes to Vicky's room who was busy doing his homework. How much I missed that boy and his cute talks. The nurse makes her sit on the bed leaving the two alone. Vicky comes and kisses Geet on the cheek putting his homework away.
He is the only one that could help me in this. Maan can't go away. If he took the responsibility than it is time that he fulfill it as well. My life was turned to hell because of him and now he has to fix it as well. I looked at Vicky motioning for him to sit on my lap, which he happily obliged.
"Vicky how is your school going? Do you have any friends?" (I pulled his cheek and ruffled his hair a little making him pout in anger.)
"Di what are you doing? Don't touch my hair. I tell bhai the same thing."
"ohh am sorry. I didn't know. What else do you tell your bhai?"
"Nothing. You know he is so nice to me now. He picks me up from school, he helps me get dressed and even plays with me."
"wow that is nice."
"yeah. When will I play with Anamika?"
"When she is old enough until than you can hold her and help her go to sleep"
"Really?" (I laughed seeing his face light up.)
"yes. This would help me a lot. Okay so I got a surprise for you. Tomorrow we are having this huge ceremony for Anamika. There will be lots of sweets and people but you have to help me in something. It will be our little secret, okay? You have to promise not to tell anyone. okay?"
"okay."
"I want you to convince your bhai to come to the ceremony tomorrow."
"What he is not coming?" (he asks shocked making "O" shape"
"yeah. Very bad nah. So this will be our little mission. Mission Maan. Are you in to help me?"
"yes. I won't tell anyone at all. I promise."
"good. I will give you a big gift if you do this for me."
"okay."
Geet hugs Vicky in happiness. Maan time to pay back for what you have done. You can't leave just like this. You can't. Vicky comes out of the hug with a smile.
"I will go right now to Maan bhai and talk to him."
"Remember don't mention my name or else the mission will fail. Okay."
Precap: Vicky annoying Maan.
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
Cricket
967