MG FF: Winter's End Thread 2 link 1st post - 4.2.14 - Page 21

Chapter 9

Mrs Batliwala was the most difficult client MC had ever seen. She changed her mind about every ten minutes and Adi, Yash and Geet were at a loss. They kept changing their plans, adding and removing things but yet she was not happy. At a point Romeo came up with an idea and Mrs Batliwala considered. She finally asked her hubby who had fallen asleep in his chair, about the idea. Everyone controlled their laughter. Mr Batliwala was fed up with his wife's constant changing mind and simply agreed saying this is the best of all ideas.

"Ok, Rustam likes the idea so this is final." Geet saw the others sighing. Mrs Batliwala said she will hold a little party at her place to celebrate the contract and they will sign it there. She personally invited Geet saying her presence is very much wanted. Geet simple smiled but the others knew what was going on in her mind.

"Guys help me." She said once the clients were gone.

"Sorry Geet but it looks like you will have to go this time. She personally invited you and the contract has to be signed by you." Geet made a face.

The party was set for Friday. Over the rest of the week Geet had not seen Maan. He sent her all her work and she did it all. She wondered if she was a little too direct the other day but this is how she was with people. She didn't like to beat about the bush and said on people's faces what she wanted.

Mrs Batliwala has assured that no media or photographers were to be present so she didn't have to fear seeing a photo of herself in the papers. Luckily Maan won't be there at the party, too. But that is what she had thought.

Maan didn't go to office for the rest of the week. His parents and Dadi were very much surprised at this. Dev had heard and seen enough to know why his brother was upset but still he was not angry.

"Maan, since you have so much spare time on you hand I need you to go to a party. Mrs Batliwala has personally invited you and you can't refuse" his mother said. Mrs Batliwala Maan could refuse in a minute but his mother he couldn't. There was no point of arguing with her as she always found a way to force him. This time he gave up without a fight. Geet's words were still playing in his mind.

Friday evening came and MC staff made their way to Batliwala Villa. Geet had decided to go with a Sari. It was beige and simple with not too much work on it. She kept her hair open and make up to a minimum. Adi had told Pinky to accompany him. Since both worked at different places and long working hours they hardly spend much time together. These parties were a way to make up for at least some time lost. Yash and Vicky complimented Geet. They had both grown very fond of her. Yash had, as he admitted once, a huge crush on a girl. But she worked in a rival firm. Adi chuckled; it was like him and Pinky.

Mr Batliwala welcomed them and drinks were handed around. The announcement was made and Geet and the Batliwala's signed the contract. Maan came in a little later. His entry was usually very grand but this time he just wanted to disperse somewhere in the crowd. Unfortunately Mrs Batliwala saw him and pulled him to Geet and the others.

"See who we have here. Maan Singh Khurana." Vicky, who had seen him coming quickly moved away. Geet stood still. Mrs Batliwala left them alone and Maan looked at Adi, Pinky, Yash and Geet.

"So Adi, you found a new post?" He asked. Adi nodded, trying to smile.

"Executive MD in Mishra Constructions." Maan balled his fist. He had often regretted firing Adi. He had realised that it was never his fault, but sorry was not a word that existed in his dictionary.

"Good." He saw Pinky. Maan knew Pinky and Adi were married. As he had fired Adi, Pinky had handed him her resignation letter. He saw the determination on her face as she said she wanted to leave. But he also knew that first Adi was jobless, and then even Pinky, so to make up for his mistake in one way he had persuaded Pinky to stay.

Yash he didn't know.

"This is Yash Malhotra, our head architect." They shook hands.

"Shouldn't your MD be here too" Maan looked around.

"Yeah, is somewhere around at this party, please excuse us" Adi had said. He purposely avoided mentioning a pronoun. He took Pinky and Yash along so Maan wouldn't ask any more questions. Maan was a little hurt by his friends' cold behaviour. Even Geet wanted to leave.

"Geet, stop." Geet halted and turned around. Maan looked at her from head to foot. She looked very professional in her office attire but today he could only describe her as beautiful. Her face was shining and her big hazel eyes were looking at him with interest.

"Anything the matter Mr Khurana?" she asked.

"Why are you here?" That didn't sound right but Maan simply wanted to keep her from going.

"I came on special request of Mrs Batliwala. I would have preferred not."

"Why?

"I don't like parties and lime light. I am more comfortable in a small corner where no one can see me." Geet smiled as she advanced him.

"Look, I am sorry for what I said to you the other day. I realise I was a bit too direct."

"No, it is ok." Maan said quickly.

"It is not. You see, I have this bad habit of telling of faces what I think and I prefer people to do the same with me. No point of beating about the bush." They walked along the corridor.

"So you meant what you said?" Geet nodded.

"You might not realise, but you are quite rude and arrogant." Maan kept silent. He very well knew he was and he wasn't proud of it.

"And sorry about the nothing special too. I don't think I know you well enough to be able to judge you on that." Maan had a little smile on his face.

"Do it more often, it really suits you."

"What?"

"Smiling. Did you know that one minute of laughing is equal to 45 minute of relaxation? Just a random fact." Maan wiped the smile of his face, he didn't want her to see it. They walked a little further and Maan wanted to ask Geet something yet he hesitated. She might take it wrong. Yash called them for dinner and both went their ways. The rest of the evening Geet talked to Yash while Maan kept looking at her. He felt much better after Geet apologized although he realised he should have, too. Maybe this was his way of getting things straight again.

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Here is the next chapter. After a rotten exam, I didn't feel like updating for a few days. Sorry about that...