MG FF: Quantum of Solace -Updated Pt 46- Apr 28

Quantum of Solace

Part 32

Maan was fuming on so many levels at so many people that he had lost all judgment that told him to be calm, especially for the sake of the soul beside him. Instead, he was behaving irrationally to Geet and the questions she had the full right to ask. In the short distance her voice traveled from her sweet lips to his ears it became transformed into something rather unpleasant causing him to inch closer to snapping completely. He shut his eyes, held the bridge of his nose and prayed that they could get home before he reached that point.

Geet didn't understand how the tables had turned. She was supposed to be the angry one. Clearly he was hiding something but wouldn't budge in telling her. All she wanted was the truth and Maan was the only one she had come to always rely on for that. So why did he have stop now? Feeling a surge of anger and pain she again attempted to break their bitter silence but no avail as it appeared the present moment was more in Maan's favor.

The halting car not only brought them home but also gave Maan an escape to get his thoughts together. He exited the car with a steely slam of the door hoping he could make it inside and hide until he was ready to explain. But Geet was equally eager and tried her best to catch up to him as he went into the house.

"Maan, will you please respond to me!" She glumly said while trailing behind to match his pace. His silence continued walking into the foyer and was only steps away from climbing towards his study but abruptly stopped. From the corner of his eye he saw Dadi and Meera but behind them towered someone he'd least expected. A sense of relief and surprise washed him by the sight of a familiar yet new face but those emotions quickly faded into anger.

Hearing their voices or rather Geet's voice and Maan's stomps they left their occupied space and rushed towards the foyer. Dadima could tell from the scowl on Maan's face he was angry. How she wished to hide another reason that was bound to increase his anger but glancing over her shoulder Dadi knew that was impossible. Shifting her gaze to Maan to prepare for the onslaught she noticed Geet was still oblivious to Vicky's presence. Geet still caught up in chasing behind him for answers she failed to notice Maan stop and accidentally ran into his solid back.

"What the…Maan you can't stop like that!" Geet groaned while rubbing her head.

"Vicky?" he said in disbelief taking a step forward almost running to hug him but quickly stopped as anger overtook his movements.

For a moment Geet thought the minor head trauma was making her hear things but when she heard Maan's speak again with his voice slowly rising with each word she came around from his back and saw an anxious Vicky.

"When…how….WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?" Maan screamed at the top of his lungs as his anger took over concern.

Vicky smiled nervously hoping his brother would ease even a tiny bit seeing it. "I think we should put that aside for now don't you think Bro? There seem to be more dire things to deal with right now." He said glancing at Geet.

"Put it aside?" Maan gritted. "You left us hanging at the last minute with a ridiculous excuse of a letter! Now you show up out of nowhere and want me to put it aside!"

It seemed his brother had changed much, the same anger, same validity. "I know that was wrong but I'm back safe and sound. I only wanted to surprise you, but looks like the bigger surprise is on me." Vicky gazed around at everyone laughing lightly. Dadima held her head in disbelief. Where did Vicky think he was going with this?

Maan was beyond livid. Everything started piling up one by one since the day began and Vicky's surprise visit was the last straw. He loved his brother and was over the moon seeing him safe but he couldn't forget Vicky's stunt so easily.

If it only affected him it would've been another matter completely but Dadima was worried sick and Piyu was in a puddle of tears constantly for not having Uncle Vicky around. No, he definitely couldn't put it aside so easily this time. Maan turned on his heels and stormed off upstairs leaving everyone in different states from confusion to downright frightened.

Geet was about to follow Maan until the sight of a little someone hiding behind a pillar caught her eye. Seeing she was ready to burst into tears Geet bent down opening her arms with a soft smile. Piyu gladly came running into them. She snuggled deep into Geet's arms as she rose to stand up. "Why is Dad so mad?"

"Don't worry Piyu….he's just a little tired. After he rests he won't be mad for too long."

Piyu started to curl her hair around her chubby cute finger, "Are you sure Geet?"

Even Piyu could sense Maan was more upset than usual. Geet held her tighter. "Of course….you know what a grouch he is…and if nothing the Piyu monster can give him a visit with plenty of tickles."

She finally giggled, "I like that idea!" Piyu then proceeded to tickle Geet until she couldn't take it anymore and had to beg Piyu to stop.

"Alright honey I think you should save some energy for your dad now." Piyu relented happily while Geet questioned about her time at home while they were away.

"I had so much fun! Dadima let me watch cartoons and Nakul gave me candy then Meera and I watched the new Ice Age movie…" Geet tried to tell her to slow down but she was on a roll, "…and right before you got here Uncle Vicky and I were about to go play hide and seek."

Geet flashed a bright smile at her then kissed her cheek, "Sounds like you had a blast but we need to cut back on your TV time." She said looking at Meera and Dadi who ignored her eyes right then. Geet shook her head at them before diverting her attention to the person standing next to Dadi and realized no proper introduction had been done. She unwrapped one hand which held Piyu and extended her hand. "You probably already know but I'm Geet…it's nice to finally meet you."

So Geet already knew of him, from who though, Dadima or Maan he wondered. Either way, it didn't really matter because she obviously was important for everyone in his family from the scene that unfolded before him. And that was enough for him to know they would get along very well. He offered a weak smile of his own, "I'm glad someone's happy to see me."

Dadima placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You can't blame him Vicky; he was worried sick about you. Give him some time, Maan is a little stressed now and will come around soon."

Vicky nodded his head dejectedly before taking their leave to rest. Seeing Vicky walk away defeated hurt Geet immensely. She knew Maan was upset but decided maybe she could reason with him. "Piyu, why don't you go play hide and seek with Meera. I'll be back right away to join you."

Piyu, needless to say, wasn't keen on this, "But you just got home…I want to stay with you." She wrapped her legs around her waist tighter.

Geet glanced at Dadi for help. "Piyu, she only wants to freshen up. Geet will be done before you know it. Come on, let's go."

Piyu pouted and shook her head so Meera added "We will make marshmallow cookies." Geet and Dadima couldn't help but make an unpleasant expression at the sound of that but Piyu's face lit up. As soon as Piyu let go of Geet, she immediately ran upstairs before Piyu changed her mind.

She went straight to the study knowing he would be there staring at the ocean hoping it would swallow all of his problems. And only if it did she thought with a deep sigh. Slowly she walked to his side placing a hand on his shoulder. Maan didn't turn to acknowledge the gesture so lost he was in his thoughts. Geet firmly squeezed letting him know she was willing to wait patiently for him. Eventually the silence was interrupted when Maan unfolded his arms and pulled Geet in front of him.

"I don't understand why he did such a thing…I mean…did he not think about what he was putting us through by running off like that?" He voice sounded of man that felt defeated and aching. Along with that, the sheen in his eyes softened all the built up anger in Geet.

She stepped closer and ran a comforting warm hand along his arm. "There must be a reason why he did that and a good one. For the time being the important thing is that he's home. Talk to him…that's the first step."

He shifted his eyes to stoically gaze outside. Geet tightened her hold on his arm, "Maan, I know he hurt you by leaving but don't you see you're hurting him now by ignoring him. He's your brother after all...doesn't that mean anything?"

Maan looked at her with a bleak expression. She was a person that saw the good in all and wanted the good for all. It was his time to comfort her but things changed in a mere instant. He asked for time to sort out his words for her and in instead life gave him more problems. Maan closed his eyes and shook his head wondering where they were headed in this game of life.

Halfheartedly Maan agreed, "I'll talk to him but I can't forgive him that quickly. I'm not you." He smiled sadly.

Geet lightly kissed his cheek. "You only need to be yourself Maan."

Maan knew no matter how hard he tried he couldn't be anyone but himself. He couldn't be her. Geet could easily forget her own problems and attend to his for no reason other than because she couldn't stand to see him or his family in pain. That was something he didn't know he could do if in her shoes that very moment. But then again she didn't know the whole picture Maan recalled. It seemed the time had come to tell her at least now.

He took a deep breath and peered into her eyes. "Geet, first I need to apologize for my behavior in the car. I shouldn't have let my anger get to you and even more important, I shouldn't have ignored your questions."

"I wasn't angry at your behavior Maan. I know it's because you're worried. I was only upset because I felt you weren't being truthful to me."

He swallowed hard averting her gaze. Geet realized he was scared of her reaction. She raised her hand to graze his cheek, "In the future, whatever it is Maan, just tell me. Don't try to save me by hiding the truth. I'll find out sooner and later, and I'd rather hear it from you."

Was his goal to save her from the truth? Yes. Was it right and did it work? No. Did his attempts to save anyone ever work? Sadly no, they didn't. With this question answer session finished in his mind Maan realized his saving days were over and protecting days had begun. "I realized I can't be your savior so I'll be your protector. Think of me as that when I tell you."

He took her hand from his cheek and softly kissed it before seating her on the sofa. "It's probably best if I showed you…" Maan went to the table and grabbed the morning newspaper he'd always have Nakul deliver every morning. He knew despite the coverage on the front page it'd still be there. Grabbing it, he walked back to Geet and placed in her hands.

What could it possibly be that frightened even Maan so much? She unfolded the paper and from reading the first line the trembling in her hands was instantaneous.

Allegations of Improper Medical Degree Acquisition from Ivy League University leveled against Dr. Handa

In the headlining medical negligence case involving Dr. Handa, new accusations of improper payoffs have been made by Edward Walters. He claims there is considerable damaging evidence to back his claims and plans to expose Dr. Handa so she cannot hurt anymore families. In an exclusive interview with us Mr. Walters discussed his grief and efforts to gain justice for his late father along with details of the new allegations. "It grieves me to know that in this world we have dropped to such low standards for an esteemed profession. By using her wonderful father's name and wealth to gain a medical degree Dr. Handa brings shame to her family. I know her father would have been greatly disappointed by Dr. Handa's actions which are repressible and dangerous to our society." These claims also imply allegations of academic fraud against Harvard University. We contacted Dr. Handa and her alma mater for their side of the story but both parties declined to make comments.

Staring at the tear drop laden paper through distorted cloudy eyes everything seemed to be falling in place within her mind. The reporters questions about the new allegations, the increased security, and the Judge's warning against Walters. It all made sense. There was only one thing that floated in her mind, what next?

Originally posted by: Newdime

WOW look Minal who we have...its a lucky lucky day...

Finally after so long I feel the thrill...it has been dead...long time no see girls...lets have some fun...

Originally posted by: arabianpaki

😆

Hey!!

I know it has been VERY long indeed!!

how are you ladies!!?!??