Maaneet OS: Interrupted!

Early morning rays of the sun streamed through the slight cracks between the heavy silk draperies. Millions of tiny dust particles were suspended in mid air highlighting the path of light as it hit the white marble floor before traveling to reflect the pearl white walls. Cracks of sunrays rushed to brighten the room's lush interior dcor. A huge king size bed perched on an intricately carved bed stand was set in the center while two small similar looking side tables stood on each side of the bed. Elaborately designed chaise was diagonally positioned near the sliding doors that led to balcony. A huge dressing table mirror stood directly facing the bed housing all different types of cosmetics as well as a variety of colognes and perfumes were neatly lined on the dressing table. Life-size canvas marriage photo of a couple hung high above the bed stand covered the major chunk of wall. Both man and wife stood dressed heavily in their marriage attire while posing for the photo. The serene smile emanating from him not only warmed onlooker's heart but also brightened up the room. On the other hand her dimpled smile gave a whole new meaning to definition of beauty.

Faint music of birds chirping away, happily singing songs of joy hit her ears. She stirred slightly clutching her quilt only to snuggle further deep into her pillow. A small smile played on her lips while her eyes remained shut. "Main kal aajaunga Geet." Her smile widened while she recalled him saying last night as she sat amongst many pillows and cushions with her mobile glued to her ear. Finally! She thought with a deep sigh before turning to lay on her back. Shielding her eyes from sudden bright morning light, she fluttered her eyes open. "Maan aaj aajayenge!" she exclaimed to herself gleefully before turning around to look at his photo by the bed side-table. She pushed away her blanket and hopped out of the bed grabbing a sharpie marker on the table end. She came to stand in front of a calendar hung on the wall and cross-marked the last available square in it. Giggling like a schoolgirl, she replaced the cap and ran to the bathroom to freshen up.

"Ayiye Geet madam, ek call karti main aapke liye bed coffee leke aati." Geet heard a lady's sarcastic remark as she walked down the stairs before entering the kitchen.

"Main call karti magar there is a correction darling, main chai peeti hoon coffee nahi," Geet replied coolly folding her hands on her chest.

"Shuru ho gayi dono," another woman standing beside the first lady said shaking her head. "Kyun uss bechari ko tang kar rahi ho Meera?"

"Haan Meera didi aap kyun mujhe tang kar rahi ho?" Geet asked stressing on 'didi' while giving her a challenging look.

"Naina di," Meera whined slumping her shoulders in defeat.

"You called for it darling," Naina said shrugging her shoulders before resuming to stir the contents of the stockpot.

"Geet ki bacchi. Tujhe na main dekh lungi. Let Maan come back babe," she threatened pointing the knife she was using to cut red pepper.

"Voh bechara karega kya? One look from Geet and he runs behind her like a hypnotized puppy," Naina giggled looking up to wink at Geet.

"Haan di. Pata nahi yeh Geet ne kya chaal chalayi hai, humara chota bhai bechara phas gaya," Meera added shaking her head ruefully.

Geet's eyes widened in embarrassment at Naina's comment and she hurriedly looked away to escape from her teasing gaze. Before she could completely recover she heard Meera's disapproval bringing her back to her fiery mode. Stomping her foot in anger she dashed across the kitchen to catch hold of Meera.

This had come to become a regular routine since the day Geet had stepped into Khurana Mansion as Maan's bride.

Geet Handa was the freshly appointed neuroscience lecturer at Jai Hind University appointed by the Dean for her brilliance and intelligence in her field in spite of her young age. Geet had recently finished her Masters in neurobiology and had begun her PhD research when she was offered the job. She really had no need to provide bread and butter to her family, which ran multi-national textile industry, but her passion to teach what she loved allured her to take up the job. Although she had the potential to teach, she was still quite new to the profession. She was struggling with balancing lectures and her PhD research when she met Meera Khurana-Kapoor, senior lecturer in the same department. Meera had graciously taken her into her wings and helped her efficiently manage both research and lecturing. Geet came to respect and admire her professionally while their friendship grew immensely on a personal level. Meera had never considered Geet as her junior and came to become quite peeved when Geet addressed and treated her like a senior. Their friendship on personal front grew very close with Geet being considered as part of Khurana family and before anyone knew it Geet officially became a Khurana family member.

Family functions, get-togethers, parties were a mere excuse for Geet to visit Meera and her family and same applied for Meera. Geet was the only child of Vijay and Kiran Handa and had mostly grown up alone with just her parents so the lively Khurana family had been more than welcoming for her.

Savitri Devi Khurana headed the family followed by her only son Adinarayan Singh Khurana. She had bravely taken Khurana Industries started by her husband after his sudden demise before giving it away to her son. Along with his wife Shreya Adi Khurana, he brought their company to new heights. He was blessed with four children, three girls and one boy. But soon fate had taken them away due to an uncalled for accident.

Riya Khurana was the oldest of the brood followed by Naina and Meera. And finally the most pampered them of all was the youngest child, Maan Singh Khurana. Riya along with her little brother Maan came to assist Daadima in the family business along with Riya's husband Raj, whom she had met in office. Naina on the other hand pursued her dream of becoming a doctor and married a fellow cardiologist Arvind. And Meera's love for teaching fully blossomed when she chose to become college lecturer. Of all the four children only Meera had an arranged marriage with Yash Kapoor. While Riya and Naina had fallen in love in their respective work places, Meera had never taken interest in men or marriage. Daadima had encouraged her to find a match for herself, but Meera had asked her find a guy for her. Thus, she had an arranged marriage with Yash but that didn't stop her from falling in love with him after marriage.

While Riya and Naina had a much easier time marrying their love Maan had a much tougher time writing his own love saga. Being the youngest, he was always spoilt and pampered by his sisters. His childhood was filled with naughty pranks and a lot of spankings from his Daadima. Yet that didn't stop him from growing into a promising and bright young adult shining in both sports and studies. Like his maa, Riya, he wanted to help his Daadima's family business. Completing his MBA in London along with a degree in architecture, he came back to assist his Daadima and sister.

Surrounded by the best women, he never felt the need to marry until he met Geet. He had seen her frequently visit his home along with Meera and acknowledged her presence during family functions and get-togethers. But one particular incident had him seeing her under new light. His Daadima had a sudden heart attack putting the whole Khurana household under pressure and frenzy. Along with his family, Geet too had accompanied him caring and helping his Daadima recover back her health. In spite of being born with a silver spoon, she came personally every day after college to take care of Daadima like she was her own family. Other than his family, he had never seen anybody go out of their way to help and take care of his loved ones voluntarily. Her humility along with her selflessness had led Maan to become a prisoner of love. But the only problem was his fear of rejection and reluctance to spoil her relation with his family. He always kept away from her but the longing in his eyes had caught the attention of his sisters.

Meera was the first to notice his sudden withdrawal and the distant looks he constantly had when Geet was around. She had immediately confronted him but he was reluctant to confess anything shrugging it off as her mere imagination. But Meera knew the right person to get him talking was Riya. Since he was a child he always preferred to open up with his eldest sister, Riya, whom he fondly addressed as Riya maa. Be it sharing his achievements in school or his darkest fears in life he always ran to Riya. She was his friend, philosopher, guide, and a motherly figure. Nobody could get him to stop playing pranks or get him to agree to something other than her. And even this time too he spilled the beans about his love for Geet when Riya came to talk to him realizing something wrong with her baby brother's behavior.

From then on there was no stopping. All the family members were informed of Maan finally falling in love. Rejoicing that finally Maan had agreed to settle down, elders of the family went to talk about alliance with the Handas. On the other hand, Naina and Meera helped their baby brother confess his love to Geet who accepted she did grow fond of him recently. Both families were extremely happy for the new ties that had brought them closer and immediately had their kids married.

Affection and care had multiplied towards Geet with her entry into Khurana mansion as Maan's wife. All three sisters, in spite of being married, couldn't stay apart from their family and thus had come to live in penthouses built right beside the mansion. But most of the day everyone lived in the mansion and returned to their respective homes just to retire for the night. And like any other day Naina and Meera had come to Khurana mansion. But today was very special because their baby brother was to arrive soon after his first official independent and successful project in London.

"Riya di! Dekho Geet is trying to kill me!" Meera screamed dramatically before hiding behind her sister who had just walked into the kitchen. Geet stood defeated with her hands on her hips panting heavily due to all the running.

"Nahi maa, I wasn't' I didn't' voh," Geet blabbered shaking her head furiously in denial. Of the three sisters, Geet held utmost respect and a hint of fear towards Riya. Of course she did love her but she always maintained a formal relationship with her. Just like Maan, she always looked forward for Riya's approval and advices. Geet always saw a motherly figure in calm and serene Riya and thus always made sure Geet was in control in her presence, afraid that Riya might feel disappointed with her.

Seeing Geet falter, Riya smiled indulgently, "Idhar aao," she motioned forwarding her hands. Geet walked hesitatingly taking calculated steps towards Riya before coming to stand in front of her with her head hung low. Riya took one step towards her and engulfed her in a hug causing Meera to lose hope.

"Didi, et tu Brute?" Meera asked slumping her shoulders.

"Kyun meri bacchi ko tang kar rahi ho?" Riya chided jocularly, stepping out of the hug and placing a kiss on Geet's forehead.

"Yeh kiss angle se bacchi lag rahi hai didi?" Meera asked squinting her eyes.

"Tu iski baat pe dhyaan mat do Geet," Riya assured with a smile. "Let's go see if everything is ready for Maan's arrival," she added taking Geet along to the kitchen.

Geet felt overwhelmed by Riya's gesture and amazed even Riya considered her like her own child. Thanking her Babaji for bestowing upon her such a lovely and warm family she proceeded to walk with her to the kitchen. But just before she could leave she turned to stick her tongue out at Meera taunting her at her loss before running to catch up with Riya. Meera huffed in anger and promised to get back at her later.

"Sab ready haina Naina?" Riya asked walking in.

"Haan didi, some Indian dishes for us and lasagna along with eggplant rollatini and some spaghetti in case he doesn't like lasagna. Aur of course Maan's favorite mango souffl," she finished.

"Perfect Naina," Riya smiled satisfactorily. "Abhi Raj called. He said flight has landed and Maan is out of customs. So I think they all shall be back soon."

"Naina di aap mujhe utha sakti thi na. Main bhi help karti," Geet whined feeling guilty for letting her sister-in-laws do all the cooking while she happily slept.

"Well my dear bahurani, Maan has given us specific instructions not to let you anywhere near the kitchen except to get food. Aur ab tumse kaam karwake hume marwaaoge kya?" Naina questioned incredulously.

"Di," Geet whined, "Mujhe pata hai I don't even know the C of cooking magar I need to learn na?"

"When we are all here tumhe takleef uthane ki kya zaroorat?" Riya asked cupping her cheek.

"Par Maa," Geet began trying to convince.

"Come on now, Maan should be here soon. Go and ask Nakul if the aarti thaali is ready," Riya urged.

"Ji," she replied half-heartedly and went to find Nakul kaka.

***

Tires screeching into the driveway alerted everyone in the house of Maan's arrival. Geet along with her little nieces and nephews rushed to the main entrance before calling out for Riya, Naina, and Meera. The kids crowded near the entrance jumping in excitement for their mama's arrival while Geet craned her neck to catch a glimpse of him after one whole month. She saw Raj along with Yash get down from front seats while the back door opened allowing Arvind step out. Finally Maan stepped out from the same side as Arvind. With the three men blocking her view as they walked forth towards her, she couldn't get a glimpse of her Maan. Disappointed she stood on her toes and craned her neck side to side.

Riya rushed along with Meera and Naina with aarti thaal in hand and stood waiting at the door. Three men stepped aside once they reached the entrance to give way for Maan to stand in the center.

Maan came to stand in the center with his laptop bag hanging on his shoulder. Geet noticed his black jacket was slightly crumpled owing to the long journey. His eyes looked a bit tired yet he stood beaming with a huge smile on his face as he saw his family especially Riya welcoming him with a proud smile.

Riya performed Maan's aarti evading any evil eye that may have befallen her baby and placed a small red dot on his forehead. She was giving the plate to Naina when she felt him bend to take her blessing. She instantly stopped him midway and brought him in for a hug. Maan tightly hugged her back content that he was finally back to his family. Slightly breaking off the she went to kiss his forehead, "Aaj maa aur pappa hotein toh they would have been really proud of you baby," she said addressing him fondly.

"Aap haina maa," he stated firmly. Maan had lost his parents even before he could properly walk. As far as he could remember only his Riya maa had taken care of his every need since he was a child. He knew of no mother other than her and had always looked up to her as one. "Are you not proud of me?" he asked sincerely looking into her eyes.

"I am always proud of you baby." Riya's eyes glistened with unshed tears at his immediate reply. Others looked on proudly at Riya and Maan's love for each other. After their parent's sudden demise Riya had to shoulder the responsibility of the whole family for even Daadima was aging. She certainly had matured before her age taking care of her little sisters and her baby brother. Maan had been just a six-moth old baby when a plane crash had suddenly taken away their parents and since then she had tended to him like her own child. She of course never intended to take their mother's place in his heart but he had always kept her so.

"Oh ho maa, abhi abhi aaya hoon aur aap sabhaashi dene ke bajai ro rahi hain?" Maan joked hoping to clear the thick air of emotions. "Aur yeh kya mujhe door step mein hi khade kar rahe ho sab."

Everyone including Riya chuckled at his attempt to lighten the situation. Only Maan had the ability to change their foul moods into a smile with his presence. He had always brought a smile to everyone around him with his charm and sense of humor.

"Chalo Maan, if you don't force your way through this crowd here, you'll never make it in," Raj added jocularly, causing everyone to move in allowing the men outside to come in.

All the tiny tots hugged Maan's legs and squealed in delight; happy their mama had finally arrived. Equally enthusiastic Maan bent down to pick up his nephew Rohan and perching him above his shoulders while carrying his niece Pari in his hand. He hugged his other sisters, Naina and Meera, before chattering away with them.

"Vaise where is Daadima?" Maan wondered seeing her missing.

"She has gone on a teerth yatra Maan, she'll be back tomorrow," Naina said shifting her little boy from right to left hand.

Geet, who had been watching the spectacle unfold before her, stood in awe at the love and care the whole family possessed. Feeling pride and honor for coming into such a lovely family she saw him walk around to greet his sisters, nephews, and nieces. Wiping off her own tears, she excused herself to get something to drink for everyone. She walked into the kitchen alone and set up a glasses on a tray. She opened the fridge and bent down to get the juice box when she felt someone slide their fingers around her waist and forcefully pulling her back. She shrieked shuddering at the sudden grip and was about to scream for help when she felt the person shut her mouth. The feel of the person's hand did feel familiar but her panic-stricken mind refused to acknowledge fearing the worst. She struggled against the person's strong hold as she was being lifted off the ground and carried to a hidden corner in the kitchen. Before she knew it the person placed her feet on the ground and pressed his huge frame onto her back, squeezing her tiny frame.

"Main vahaan taras raha hoon, and you darling have come here to eat. You food monster!" he chided his voice husky with desire. "Now do I need to teach you how to welcome your husband?"

Geet, who had her eyes shut tightly, jerked her eyes open instantly recognizing his voice. It was Maan! Her mind screamed. But what was the need to scare her like that? She pouted for unnecessarily putting her through tension and on top of that he even blamed her for selfishly coming to get food. "Maan," she whined, "main aap logon ke liye juice leke aa rahi thi."

"Oh playing the good host huh?" he shot back sarcastically. "Pehle pati seva karo then samaj seva," he ordered winding his hands around her petite waist. His hot breath fell on her nape making her shiver while he bent down to kiss her earlobe. She inhaled sharply at the sudden feel of his cold lips on her sensitive spot causing her to completely leaning her whole weight on him. He sensuously slipped his long and slender fingers into her kurti and drew random patterns around her belly button. Unable to take his sensual torture she threw her head back, her eyes partially closed.

"Maan," her voice came out as a mere whisper. "Koi aajayega," she managed to say in spite of her highly aroused state.

"See if I care my love," he replied nonchalantly nipping her ear earning a sharp gasp from her. Pulling her back against his chest, he kissed her neck before travelling down to place a firm kiss on her shoulder. Each kiss of his aroused a new point of pleasure. Encouraged by her response he nipped her earlobe earning a deep sigh from her. He turned her around in one quick motion and pressed himself onto her making her aware of his need. He caught her arms and pinned them above her head and was about to capture her luscious lips when he heard someone cough loudly. He loosened his grip and stepped away hurriedly fearing he it could be his Maa.

"There is something called as room for all your hanky panky stuff, my dear baby brother," Meera teased stifling a laugh. She wanted to check on Geet to see if she needed help bringing juice and lo she found Maan busily hovering over his wife.

Maan groaned rubbing his temple seeing Meera. He could manage anyone in the house but Meera. Now that he had been caught, she would not leave a chance to tease him in front of everyone. "Ugh Meera couldn't you spare me a minute alone with my wife?" he barked. "And let me remind you I am not your baby," he stated sternly, annoyed that she addressed him like his Riya Maa.

"Tsk tsk tsk. Gussa is not good for health Maan," she said faking concern.

"Accha?" he shot back. "But spanking is good for you," he said lunging to catch hold of her. Meera slipped away just in time and ran away with Maan hot in pursuit. She reached the hall and ran around the couch throwing a few love seats on him. He deftly dodged them while warning her to surrender.

The men shook their heads at the usual scene while Naina and Riya called them to settle their scores peacefully.

"Dekho bacche log are peacefully playing, aur yeh dono are running around and behaving worse than little kids," Yash commented slapping his forehead seeing his wife's immaturity.

Feeling tired from being chased all over the living room, Meera stopped and leaned on one of the couch's armrest panting for air. Maan soon caught up with her and was about to smack her when she managed to call truce asking to be forgiven. Having no choice he let her go and warned to not repeat it again.

Nobody bothered to ask the reason for their cat and mouse chase for it always turned out to be silly. Riya breathed a sigh of relief seeing they didn't kill each other and asked Maan to freshen up as lunch would be served shortly. Just then Geet walked in with the juice tray in hand. Although her eyes still reflected her frazzled state, she seemed to have gotten herself together after the little preview of what was waiting for her tonight. She saw him leave hurriedly towards their room. She placed the tray asking Meera to serve juice to everyone while she went to check if Maan needed anything.

Geet rushed past the huge marble hallways knowing he always needed her around to help him. Right from setting his clothes to getting his towel as soon as he showered, she needed to keep tab of his every activity. He was worse than a little kid when it came to getting ready. He would literally take the whole house by storm if he things didn't run accordingly. She entered the room and was about to call him when she felt herself being forcefully pulled into their room.

Maan heard her hurry behind him and smirked at his next set of action. He stood waiting behind the door wanting to take her by surprise. He heard her tingling anklets grow louder as she walked into the room. He instantly caught her wrist and hurled her into his embrace while his legs shut the door. Locking her securely in his embrace, he locked the door to be sure of non-disturbance. He then turned her around so she faced him.

"Maan, what was that?" Geet cried confused at his sudden action.

"Chup!" Maan ordered placing his slender index finger on her lips. "Bilkul chup." He studied her face once again imprinting each of her beautiful features. "You have any idea how much I missed you my love?" His voice was heavy with longing and emotion. He deftly pulled her chin up before he captured her soft lips for a kiss.

It was a hungry kiss, one that showed how much he missed her in these four weeks. Although the suddenness of the kiss froze her movements temporarily, it wasn't long before she responded actively. While their lips communicated their exploding needs, their hands relayed similar messages. His hands tugged her kurti finding a way to caress her bare waist. He pressed her body closer to him while her hands urgently ran over his taut muscles under the thin material of his t-shirt before moving up to grasp his thick hair and pulling him further down.

They broke apart gasping for air yet their eyes clearly reflected fiery passion. "Oh Geet, I love you so much," he moaned lowering to place a kiss on her now swollen lips.

"And I love you more," she rasped. "Only I know how I rocked myself to sleep on this empty bed every night," she said reaching up to rub her thumb over his slightly overgrown stubble. Her smile deepened accentuating her dimple, "Oh Maan it feels so wonderful to finally have you back," she finished placing a noisy kiss on his lips.