Sorry guys for late update. Office has been very busy lately. This update is very big (almost two updates rolled into one) so hope it will make up for it.
Rachana – Thanks dear for your insightful comment. Till last update, it was just one day since he found out about her being a widow and hence his priority was to make sure she was ok. But in this update, you will see him finding more information about his past. He will still not be exactly judgmental because he always knew she came from a dark past thanks to his knowledge on first day itself that she lives in a charity hostel. He is much more mentally prepared and also too deep in love to retrace his steps back.
Geet's past will come out quite soon and it will be sad but nothing of which he hasn't seen glimpses of. Her lack of education, fear of men, being a widow and some more things which he will find in today's update will help him in taking it much better than otherwise.
Btw, thanks to your comment, I have extended his talks with Daadima and self talks to bring in more clarity. So do keep them coming when ever you get a chance as it definitely improves me as a writer to plug any gaps and think more rationally.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please add ritzypm as buddy to gets PMs for this FF
Chapter 34 – God Bharayi
Thant night, Maan went to meet Daadima. He had temporarily found solace in the fact that Geet looked happy and more herself but he was still worried about her facing the office next day. Also, somewhere he wanted to find out more about her past.
He told her briefly as to what happened on the site. He was careful to not show any emotional attachment so that the astute lady does not figure out that he was emotionally troubled with what happened with Geet when he had called her on that day. He kept the conversation restricted to professional concern only.
"Daadima, is there anything more I should know to avoid any problems in office tomorrow. If required, I can brief senior staff to ensure proper decorum."
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81v-RHKZbiw&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81v-RHKZbiw
Mera jeevan kora kaagaz kora hi reh gaya
Jo likha tha aansoon sang beh gaya
Mera jeevan
Savitri Devi smiled sadly at his grandson's concern.
"Kya batayein aapko Maan. Humein bhi bahut kuch nahi pata. Itna jaante hain ki she is a widow and also scared of her family – both of them. She told me that she can not go back to her in-laws and her own family wanted to kill her. Why, she never told me and I did not ask.
I still remember the night I had found her unconscious on the highway near Hoshiyarpur. She was badly injured with sword wounds. She was so scared and bleeding so profusely.
The moment she opened her eyes in the hostel, her fear…her distrust and the fire inside her even in that state to protect her honor always led to me to believe that she had been gravely abused and probably been punished for some mistakes which were not of her own making.
But over the time, I have seen the strength of her character. She has very high self respect and from day one her only thought was to become self reliant. She has a very tender heart which can love others selflessly. In front of my own eyes I have seen how much love she has showered as if it was her nature. But somewhere she has trust issues and lacks self confidence when it comes to society or family. I think that is the main reason why she so quickly identified herself with Meera.
Almost every girl in the hostel has a dark past. Some are orphans, run away or abused but Meera is the one who was so badly let down by her own family. Left to die on the train track without her fault. I think it is that pain which she identified with. Pain of her own family letting her down and trying to kill her for no mistake of her own."
Ik hawa jhoonka aaya, Tuut dali se phool
Na pavan ki na chaman ki, Kiski hai ye bhool
Kho gayi khushboo hawa mein kuch na reh gaya
Mera jeevan kora kaagaz kora hi reh gaya
Daadima sighed.
"Sorry beta, for rambling off. But as far as office is concerned, you don't need to worry. As I said, she has unusual tenacity to get up from falls of life and move on. I am sure she will be ok. If possible just ensure she is busy and curb off any undue gossip."
Maan just nodded his head absorbing everything Daadima told him and walked back to the outhouse.
"Geet…meri Mishty….what have you gone through. I remember when you decided not file the police case against Rahul because you were scared of your family finding about your whereabouts….but your own family tried to kill you. How can someone be so heartless….aur aisa kya hua hoga"
Maan thought of all the cases of honor killing which come in news.
"Honor killing…but she is a widow. That is no reason but then what? Maybe her in-laws were abusive and she did not want to go back to them and she became a burden for her family. Lekin killing someone for that?
Udte panchi ka thikana, Mera na koi jahan
Na dagar hai na khabar hai, Jana hai mujhko kahan
Ban ke sapna, Humsafar ka saath reh gaya
Mera jeevan kora kaagaz kora hi reh gaya
Whatever may be the reason, whole idea of a family trying to kill one of their own is disgusting. But then who knows better than you Maan."
He gave a dried laugh – "Family is the one which is supposed to stick together but don't you know the real meaning of family. Getting what you want from life at the expense of another one in the name of family….a free pass to whatever one wants"
He looked at lightly illuminated KM from his window.
"Family is nothing but this darkness which stretched between this window and the mansion behind the lights and big gates of this very place...a faade…just a cover up."
Next day
Maan was pleasantly surprised to see a confident Geet. He gave her enough work to ensure she did not get embroiled in unnecessary talks. As days passed, things settled to normalcy. There were moments when he will find her staring at him and will blush slightly at being caught. Somewhere he felt her changing attitude and recognition of some feelings at her end. But he decided against any confrontation which may scare her and to take is slow and easy.
"If she really feels something for me then I should give her time to strengthen those feelings. I don't know why but I have belief in our destiny and on you – Geet's Babaji."
Sasha and ergo Tasha did not give much headache to Geet either. Sasha thought Geet to be unworthy of her attention.
"Ms. Behanji is so out of my league and if sparks had to fly they would have done by now. It's good that I don't have to worry about any new girl as obviously MK will not give even a second glance to such a fashion disaster."
She was completely oblivious to the strong feelings in either of their heart because she only saw them behaving professionally in office and had no inkling of Maan's connection to the hostel.
Almost a month later
"Di, seriously Mrs. Dixit gets mad at times. God only knows why we all need to participate in wedding of some minster and that too at this out of town place. She herself went with all the girls and asked you to get me. Now in seventh month it is so tough for me to walk and that too in this heavy dress but she won't listen…"
"Bas Choti…I am sure it must be important for the hostel. You are just a little tired so relax. See just for you she arranged a separate car…now relax. Here take some juice you will feel better."
Though Geet also wondered that why it was so important for all of them, including her to attend this marriage but then she shrugged and concentrated on Meera.
Finally they reached the farmhouse where wedding was to happen. It was quite a beautiful place with a very well maintained manicured garden in front.
"Wow…Di, this place is amazing. Look at the fountains. Even in summer, it feels so cool because of water droplets and the mist."
"Yes it is indeed amazing. Such beautiful flowers, grass and most unique thing is these black stone walls. They are so different and I guess it is because of them I almost feel as if I am in some tunnel with a cool breeze around me."
"Uff di…after working in KC, you only think about stones and walls."
Geet smiled and they kept on bickering as they praised the place and entered beautiful tinted glass building.
Suddenly Meera shrieked as rose and marigold petals started showering on her.
"Surprise!!!"
Meera and well as Geet's eyes widened as they saw everyone from hostel, Daadima and Maan sir there. Whole hall was beautifully decorated with blue and pink ribbons and cutouts of storks, babies and toys. Two big banners were prominently displayed and read "Congratulations to the new Mum" and "Welcome to Meera's Baby Shower"
Meera almost felt dizzy and tears started flowing out of her eyes with sudden shock. Geet held her anticipating her reaction as her emotions had been all over the place in last few months due to mood swings.
Daadima came forward with concern "Arrey beta, sorry if we scared you. Please, you sit here…Geet get her inside"
Meera shook her head smiling and crying at the same time. She was clearly overwhelmed and pregnancy hormones were not helping either - "Nahi Daadima…but I am so surprised…God I never thought I would feel so loved ever again in my life. Hostel gave me a place to live but…Di, you and everyone….I just feel so….After my family left me I just never imagined and I felt so lucky to find Di but this much love….someone cares for me too."
Daadima caressed her head gently.
"Shhh…Choti. Yeh kya baat hui. Off course we all love you…hai na Daadima."
But suddenly Geet's smile changed to a pout "Lekin Daadima…yeh kya. Aapne humein bhi nahi bataya…I am very angry. I also wanted to be part of it and you hid such a big thing from me"
Daadima chuckled - "You are still part of it Geet and I did not hide it from you because I am not the one who has arranged this party. Idea was to let you also enjoy along with Meera for a change."
"Come Meera you sit here so that function can start."
Meera happily sat in the middle along with Geet who was still little upset. She again whined "Still Daadima…who planned this party if not you and Dixit mam."
"Hmmm…Meera's bro."
"Ji?"
Suddenly they heard guitar strings and this time everyone got a surprise as Maan came from upstairs and hummed few lines for the would be mother.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjHqbhfA1qY&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]
See till 1:39 only
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjHqbhfA1qY
See till 1:39 only
Hmmm….he he he….
Phoolon ka taron ka sabka kehna hai
Ek hazaron mein meri behna hai
Saari umar humein sang rehna hai
Phoolon ka taron ka sabka kehna hai
Meera went and hugged Maan as he blessed her
"Always stay happy and this baby is going to bring even more happiness.
Come on ladies start the program."
Mrs. Dixit and the girls got trays with fruits, nuts, flowers and other items.
Daadima started the program by keeping a coconut, doll and some fruits in Meera's lap and blessing her whole heartily "Bhagwaan suraj se bhi zayda roshan kismet likhein is bache ki….sab kuch dein aur sabse pehle us maa ke liye izzat aur pyaar jo iski saanson ki dhaar hai"
(May God write even more brightness than sun in this child's destiny…give everything and more than anything, love and respect for the mother who is the reason for it's life.)
Mrs. Dixit came next and blessed her in a similar fashion.
"Geet beta…ab tum aao."
Geet smiled and got up but then stopped. She looked hesitant "Nahi Daadima…woh…it's ok. Let others do it…I am here only."
Though she did not say it directly but it was clear to all the reason for this refusal. Some nodded their head in agreement while Daadima and Meera were shocked by it. Maan was pained to see her like this.
"Kyon beta. Humne bhi toh apni blessings di na…phir aap asia kyon keh rahi ho?"
(Why dear. I also gave my blessings then why are you saying like this.)
"Nahi woh…aap ki bat alag hai daadima. Mere paas aisa kya hai jo mein kisi ko bless karoon. I am a widower with no family then….I don't want any bad omen to fall on my sister."
(No actually it is different for you Daadima. What do I have that I can bless anyone? I am a widower with no family then….I don't want any bad omen to fall on my sister.)
Maan could not hear more and come forward to give her peace of his mind as anger cruised his body at her thinking.
But Meera's word beat him
"Di, if you are a bad omen for me then I am happy with bad omen. I don't want anything else anyways."
"Meera…you don't understand. I can not be a mother then…"
"Stop it Di…bas. How dare you say you have no family? I am there na. And you are the biggest blessing…you being in my life is a blessing. As to being a mother….you are like a mother only to me and to this child who is going to come in this world. Aap iski masi hongi na….then you won't bless your child? Agar aisa hai toh mujhe kisi ki bhi blessing nahi chaiye…."
Geet ran and hugged Meera and pressed a kiss on her forehead. "Aisa nahi kehte….This is my baby and he will have the best destiny…iski zindagi mein har khushi…har kamyabi hogi."
But Meera was adamant and hesitatingly only but Geet placed all the things in her lap and all other ladies / girls followed her.
Mrs. Dixit started the dholak and the girls started to dance
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-5Z0YTvY9A&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]
See till 2:04 only
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-5Z0YTvY9A
See till 2:04 only
Tere sapnon ka sansar sawarne wala hai
Suna hai aasman se chand utarne wala hai
Apne aangan mein sitaron ka sajaye rakhna
Apni godh mein baharon ki bichaye rakhna
Haan….Ek nanha sa mehmaan aane wala hai
Meera smiled seeing everyone dancing around her and started moving her hands along with the music. Though she was sitting but that should not stop her from enjoying this day right.
Everyone continued to come and pamper her and shower her with blessings
Godh mein teri bhari mithayi ke jaisa mitha hoga woh
Godh mein teri bhare falon ke jaisa raseela hoga woh
Hoga teri chavi ya phir Krishna jaisa hoga woh
Vyakul hain naina ki nanha mehmaan kaisa hoga woh
Ki apne angna mein deep naya jalne wala hai
Ki nanhe kadmon se koi cham cham chalne wala hai
Haan….Ek nanha sa mehmaan aane wala hai
Everyone pulled Geet and Mrs. Dixit. They enacted a drama sequence with a small girl dressed as Krishna
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KngOTfCR7s&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KngOTfCR7s
Badaa natkhat hai re Krishhna-Kanhaiyaa
kaa kare Yashodaa maiyyaa
Mrs. Dixit pulled the kid's ears when Geet came and hugged the child inside her arms…Krishna ran away and Geet started looking for him starting a hide and seek game…
dhoondhe ri ankhiyaan use chahun or
jaane kahaan chhup gayaa Nandkishor
ud gayaa aise jaise purvayyaa
kaa kare yashodaa maiyyaa
ho bada natkhat hai re
Maan saw Geet coming closer to Meera and showering her love on her. It was evident from her eyes how much she cared for her little sister. Maan himself felt getting emotional as Geet caressed the baby bump of Meera. In that one moment he just wanted to scream out to the world that this was his family. His love, his sister and his nephew/niece. They may not be related formally to him but then they were related to him…they were his family.
mere jeewan kaa tu ek hi sapnaa
jo koyi dekhe tohe samjhe wo apnaa
sab kaa hai pyaaraa bansi-bajayyaa
kaa kare Yashodaa maiyyaa,
ho bada natkhat hai re
Geet caressed Meera's head and then the baby. Her eyes stung and so did Meera's as they felt the unnamed bond between them and the hope of their life…their happiness…their baby
Finally on everyone's insistence, Daadima also sang a song
"Pata hai…I always wished for a daughter. So this is for you Meera…ab jab Maan ne tumhein behen bana hi liya hai toh….and also for the would be baby…ab agar woh ladki hui toh naraaz ho jayegi nahi woh hum sab se."
Everyone laughed and sat around Daadima as she started humming as girls started dancing from the hostel
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlGANB8o6Po&feature=related_embedded[/YOUTUBE]
Link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlGANB8o6Po
juhi ki kali meri laadali
naazon ki pali meri laadali
o aas-kiran jug-jug tu jie
nanhi si pari meri laadali, o meri laadali
dharati pe utar aaya chanda tera chahara bana
champe ka salauna guladasta tan tera bana, o meri laadali
komal titali meri laadali
heere ki kani meri laadali,
o aas-kiran jug-jug...
sharmaae divaali taaron ki tere nainon se
koyal ne churaai hai pancham tere bainon se, o meri laadali
gudiya si dhali meri laadali
mohe laage bhali meri laadali,
o aas-kiran jug-jug...
har bol tera sikhalaae hamen dukh se ladana
muskaan teri kahati hai sada dhiraj dharana, o meri laadali
ganga ki lahar meri laadali
chanchal saagar meri laadali,
o aas-kiran jug-jug...
Precap – Yeh Jeevan Hai
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
44