Tag: Annie

The Loss

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

Their baby! He had a connection with the baby even when he did not know of its existence. Everytime he had saved Geet, he had saved the baby too. In the twisted ways of the fate, the baby had become the reason why Geet had come to his life. Even if he had not developed any other feelings for the baby, he would have given it his life for this one favour! He had hated Geet when he first came to know of its existence; at least he thought so. But even then, he had felt a sense of responsibility towards the baby. He had not been able to leave Geet when she was pregnant. He had scolded her everytime she ignored her pregnancy and acted childishly. When he had accepted her in his life with her past, he had assumed the responsibility of the baby. He was doing it for Geet’s sake and he did not realize when the sense of responsibility had turned into care and then immense love. He did not realize when he had started looking forward to the baby’s arrival in their lives, not just for Geet’s happiness, but for his own as well. He did not realize how, but all of this had happened. He had started feeling enthusiastic about becoming a father. And finally he was happy with his life, with his small family.

And then the accident happened. He was heart-broken. He had never felt this helpless in his entire life. He wasn’t sure what was tearing him apart more. His own grief or Geet’s heart-breaking pleas to bring her baby back! At that moment, they had cried in each other’s arms.

But later…

He looked up to see Geet standing in the balcony. His Geet! He felt like he not only had lost his baby, but he was also losing Geet. She was completely oblivious to her surroundings. Even to him. His presence did not affect her any longer. He remembered the time when she would sense his presence in the house even from far. The time when she had come running to him after his return from Chandigarh, not caring about her dupatta that had caught fire. The time when simply by going close to her, he would have her weak in her knees. Now she walked past him as if he did not exist.

If there was one thing which could have helped him come out of the grief the baby’s loss had brought, it was Geet’s chatter. If only she would talk to him. He would have happily listened to anything she said; if only she would talk. But he was not able to do anything to make her talk. She had talked to him properly only once. When he had tried to clear up the things from the baby-room he had decorated so enthusiastically. She had accused him of trying to take away baby’s memories from her, which was all she was left with. How hurt had he felt! But what could he do? Whom could he blame? Definitely not Geet, who had become practically lifeless. He could not be mean to her. He had been a witness of her struggles for the baby. He had understood that the baby was more important to her than even himself and he had accepted it. But what was he to do now? For her, for himself? He was in a double whammy. The loss of the baby had hurt him deeply. And seeing Geet like this was tearing him apart. In trying to give strength to Geet, he was not able to even grieve for the baby openly. There was no respite for him.

He shuddered as the thought occured to him once again – he was losing Geet too. He was losing his most precious possession. Life was slipping out his hands like sand.

—

“Khana kha lo Geet. Tumne breakfast bhi nahin kiya tha.”

She just pushed the plate away and got up to leave.

“Ruko Geet. Meri baat to suno.”

She had barely eaten one chapati since yesterday. She was already weak after the accident. This way she would kill herself.

The thought made him shiver again. Where had she gone? She had to eat, even if that meant him force-feeding her. He decided to go and look for her.

She was wandering in the garden. From a distance, he saw Dev approaching her. This had him worried. He did not want to shout from there, lest it disturbed her. He walked faster, but Dev was already talking to her by the time he reached there. He overheard him, “Geet. Main tumhara dukh samajh sakta hoon. Woh mera bhi bachcha tha…”

“Dev,” Geet shouted at him with such force in her voice that not only Dev, but Maan was also scared for a moment, “Agar tumne dubara mere bachche ke saath apna naam liya to main tumhara khoon kar daaloongi. Bhool ke bhi aisi galti mat karna.”

She was trembling in anger. Her eyes looked mad and murderous. She looked like she’d actually make good of her promise of killing Dev. Dev silently retreated as Maan went to her and held her.

Without saying anything, he directed her towards the mansion and she complied silently. There was something in her violent demeanour that troubled Maan. His instincts were warning him. Geet was not fine at all. He managed to feed her one chapati, but she would eat no more. That should give her some energy at least, he told himself. He asked her to take rest and went out on the terrace to clear his mind.

—

Annie saw him going to the terrace and just then she spotted Dadi Ma.

“Dadi. Aapko nahin lagta hai ki Geet ke miscarriage se na sirf dono log dukhi hain, balki unka rishta bhi bikharta ja raha hai? Geet ko to jaise pata hi nahin hai ki Maan bhai uske aas paas hain. Aur Bhai bhi apne man ki baat kar nahin pa rahe hain. Aapko nahin lagta ki hamein Geet se, ya un dono se baat karni chahiye?”

“Annie beta. Aapki baat to sahi hai. Ye bahut hi mushkil daur hai inke liye. Lekin beta, humne it dono ko shuru se dekha hai. Jab ye log ek-doosre ke liye apne ahsaason ko maanne ke liye bhi taiyaar nahin the, tab bhi ek doosre ki kitni fikr karte the, ye hamein pata hai. Bahar se dekhne mein chahe jaisa lage ki ye hamesha jhagad rahe hain, ya ek-doosre se baat nahin kar rahe hain, lekin inke beech mein kissi bhi teesre insaan ke liye jagah nahin hai. Hamare ya aapke liye bhi nahin.”

“Lekin Dadi, abhi kuchh zyada bura waqt nahin hai?”

“Ham jaante hai Annie ki aap kya kah rahi hain. Lekin hamara yakeen maaniye. Ye jab jhagadte hain, to isliye kyonki ek doosre ki awaaz sune bina rah nahin sakte. Ye agar chup rahte hain to bhi ek-doosre ki khamoshi padh lete hain. Inke rishte ke har utaar-chadhao ko inhone khud hi suljhaya hai. Abhi bhi bas ek doosre ki hi baat samjhenge. Kissi aur ke kiye kuchh hoga bhi nahin. Rishte to humne apni zindagi mein bahut dekhe hain beta, lekin inke beech kuchh alag hai, kuchh bahut gahra hai, jise aam taur par log samajh bhi nahin sakte. Kabhi kabhi to hamein bura bhi lagta hai, lekin aapne bhi to dekha hai na ki Maan ko Geet ke saamne kuchh aur nazar nahin aata hai. Hum bhi nahin. Aur Geet bhi Maan ke liye kuchh bhi kar sakti hain. Maan ki kaisi kadwi baatein jheli hain inhone ek samay par. Inka pyaar, nafrat, khushi, gham sab kuchh ek doosre se jude hue hain.”

“Theek hai Dadi. Jaisa aap theek samjhein. ”

—

When Maan came back from the terrace Geet was not in the room. He wasn’t sure why, but he panicked. He checked the bathroom and the balcony. She was not there. He rushed out of the room. He saw Nakul going down the corridor.

“Nakul, tumne Geet ko kahin dekha hai?”

“Bas abhi-abhi kitchen ki or gayi hain.”

“Kitchen?” She hadn’t shown interest in anything, including kitchen and cooking, since the accident happened. Why to the kitchen suddenly? Water was already there in the room.

Maan spotted her as soon as he reached the kitchen door. He was horrified and cried out, “Geet!”

Geet looked up to him. Her eyes, which always spoke to him, were strangely empty. She was holding a meat knife close to her wrist. A single wrong movement and she would have harmed herself.

“Ruk jao Geet. Tumhein chot lag jayegi.”

“Maan! Mere paas mat aayiye. Mujhe mat rokiye aap.”

“Kya kar rahi ho Geet tum?”

“Main apne bachche ke liye jee rahi thi. Ab mujhe nahin jeena hai. Mere paas mat aayiyega Maan. Mujhe rokiyeha mat.”

Her face showed a madness that scared Maan.

But he realized the gravity of the situation and forced himself to think with his mind and not heart.

He suddenly said, “Dadi Ma. Aap yahan?”

Geet got confused because he was looking past her towards the kitchen shelves. How could Dadi Ma be there? She looked back instinctively and Maan used this opportunity to jump towards her, grab the knife and throw it away. He held her tightly lest she took the knife back and harmed herself.

When she realized what had happened, she started struggling in Maan’s grip, “Chhodiye mujhe Maan. Mujhe zinda nahin rahna hai. Mujhse meri zindagi bardasht nahin hoti hai…”

“To pahle mujhe maar daalo Geet. Agar tumhein kuchh hua to kya main zinda rah paunga? Pahle mujhe mar jaane do,” Maan cried.

The mention of Maan dying gave a jolt to Geet. She stopped struggling and looked up at him horrified. Her eyes were no longer empty; they showed immense pain. Pain at the loss she had already suffered. Pain at the potential loss of Maan, that he had just told her about.

Maan felt exhausted and he kneeled on the floor in desperation while holding Geet’s hands, “Geet. Main jaanta hoon ki maine apna waada toda hai. Hamare bachche ko main nahin bacha paya Geet. Mujhe tumhein chhod kar nahin jaana chahiye tha. Mujhse bahut badi galti ho gayi. Aur iske liye tum mujhe kuchh bhi sazaa de sakti ho. Lekin Geet – agar khud ko mujhse door karne ki sazaa dogi to main bardasht nahin kar paunga. Itni badi sazaa mat do Geet. Mera saath mat chhodo. Maine apne bachche ko kho diya hai. Ab agar tum bhi mere saath nahin rahogi to main kaise jee paunga?” His voice was sad and he looked defeated.

Geet did not say anything, but her tear-filled eyes told him that she understood him, finally! He got up, held her by shoulders and took her towards their room. She leaned on him slightly and he tightened his grip around her.

Annie noticed them together in the corridor and smiled.

—

Geet woke up in the middle of the night to find Maan awake. He was watching her.

“Kya hua Geet?” He asked all worried.

“Kuchh nahin. Bas pyaas lagi thi.”

“Oh!” He poured water for her.

After drinking the water, she asked, “Aap soye nahin Maan? Raat ke do baj rahe hain.”

“Haan. Woh Geet – main soya tha. Lekin achanak neend khul gayi.”

She knew he was lying. She thought for a moment and said, “I am sorry Maan. Maine aapko bahut pareshaan kiya. Mujhe pata hai ki aap dar gaye hain ki main phir se… I am really sorry. Main apne dukh mein itna doob gayi ki aapki tadap dekh hi nahin paayi. Main…” she started crying. She had understood Maan and had realized that she was being unfair to him. But her heart was still bleeding for her baby and she could not hold back. Maan did not try to stop her from crying. Just hugged her and few drops of tears escaped his eyes too. They couldn’t have wished away their grief. They could not have stopped themselves from crying. But they could at least do it togeher, in each other’s arms. And then one day they would be strong again!

– The End –

His Obsession (Part 3 – Last Part)

Posted MishLeave a commentPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

Maan saw Dadi Ma pacing up and down in her room. He felt bad, but right now his first concern was that she had behaved irresponsibly towards Geet.

“Dadi Ma!”

“Maan bete. Aap? Aapne Dev se kya kaha hai?”

“Main batata hoon Dadi Ma. Aapko chinta karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Lekin aapko nahin lagta ki Dev ki chinta mein aapne Geet ke saath zyadati ki hai? Aap jaanti hain ki woh pregnant hai, aur doctor ne use stress na lene ke liye kaha hai. Aapne Dev ki baat mujhse chhupane mein use kyon involve kiya? Agar is stress mein uski tabiyat kharaab ho jaati to?”

“Maan beta. Hamein kuchh samajh mein nahin aa raha. Hum kya karte? Hum maante hain ki Dev ne jo Geet ke saath kiya woh maafi ke kaabil nahin hai. Lekin apne dil ka bhi hum kya karein. Aakhir hain to Dev bhi hamare pote hi na. Woh museebat mein the. Maut ki kagaar par khade the. Aise mein hum unse kaise munh mod lete?”

“Dadi Ma. Jo bhi baat thi aapko mujhe batani chahiye thi. Aap please mujhse waada kijiye ki aap Geet ko aise asmanjas mein nahin daalengi. Woh bahut pareshaan ho jaati hai. Please Dadi Ma.” He was polite, but it was clear that he would not have it any other way.

“Theek hai beta.”

“Dadi Ma. Maine Dev ko uske khoon ke keemat de di hai. Main use sadkon par besahara nahin chhod raha hoon. Agar woh poori zindagi apni ungli bhi na uthana chahe, to bhi use bhookhon nahin marna padega. Lekin isse zyada main uske liye kuchh nahin kar sakta. Aur woh hamare saath nahin rah sakta. Na sirf Geet ko, balki usse zyada mujhe uska hamare aas paas hona manzoor nahin hai.”

Dadi Ma knew her grand son well. There was no way she could get any more concession from him. So, she agreed.

When the three of them met the dinner table, Maan made extra efforts to make the environment cordial and tension-free by teasing Geet. Dadi understood his intention and played along.

—

When they reached their room after the dinner, Maan pretended as if he suddenly remembered something, “Geet. Doctor ne tumhare liye massage recommend kiya tha. To chalo abhi.”

“Abhi? Maan raat ho chuki hai. Abhi kahan jayenge. Main kal din mein chali jaungi.”

“Nahin Geet. Maine spa waalon se baat kar ke ghar par hi intezaam karwa liya hai. Chalo to sahi. Aur abhi massage karwane se tumehin neend bhi achchhi aayegi.”

He dragged a confused Geet to the door of another room and asked her to get in. What was the hurry to get a massage? She entered the room, which was dimly lit and had had a subtle, soothing fragrance. The room was set up like a spa with a suitably relaxing atmosphere. She found the spa staff there, two girls in their uniforms. One of them handed her a robe and asked her to get undressed and come back in the robe. Geet went to the bathroom to change.

She came out and found no one in the room. She came to the massage table that was put up in the room and startd walking backwards in confusion, when she suddenly hit someone. She turned back startled to find Maan staring at her with such intensity that she could not miss it even in the dimly lit room. He had changed into his vests and pajamas.

“Aap? Woh spa waale log kahan hain?”

Maan replied in a husky voice, “Geet. Tumhein lagta hai ki mere rahte main kissi ko tumehin haath lagane doonga?”

“Maan. Woh ladkiyan hain.”

“Koi bhi ho. Tumhein chhone ka haq sirf mujhe hai. Samjhi tum?”

“To massage kaun karega?” She tried to tease him.

“Yahan mere alawa to koi hai nahin?”

“Maan – aap ye shararatein band kar dijiye,” she tried to bring sternness in her voice, but it drowned as Maan picked her up in his arms.

He made her sit on the massage table and untied the belt of her robe. The robe stayed in its place. He asked her to lie down on her stomach and she complied silently. He pulled off her robe from her shoulders exposing her shoulders and upper back for a while. He covered her with a long massage towel before taking off the robe completely. Geet shivered.

He started with massaging her arms, gently kneading the muscles and she relaxed. But after that the entire massage was an exercise of sweet torture for her. He turned his attention to her legs after the arms. His touches grew sensual, as he massaged the muscles around her ankles and toes.He slowly pushed the towel up as he massaged her calf muscles and then thighs. The towel was barely covering her hips and she gasped. A mix of relaxation and arousal was driving her crazy. The he covered her legs with the towel and uncovered her shoulders and back. While massaging her shoulders, his hands strayed to her nape, neck and upper chest, leaving her breathless. This wasn’t going to help her sleep better. He massaged her back after that and in between touched her spine lightly. It sent such sensations through her body that she could not keep still and her body jerked.

Maan smiled and asked naughily in his heavy voice, “Kya hua Geet?”

Her breathing was heavy and she did not reply. He then asked her to turn around. She did that trying to keep herself covered with the towel to the extent possible. He massaged the front of her legs, including thighs, once again causing her to hold her breath. Then he massaged her forehand lightly and it really relaxed her. All the tension she had been carrying for past few days seemed to leave her with his touch. He also expertly pressed her eyes and she felt good.

Then his hands roamed all over her face and she knew it was not a part of the massage. He stroked her hair, crushed her ears, rubbed her cheeks and touched her lips. His touches became rougher and demanding. The massage table was not big enough for what he wanted next. He picked her up, deposited her on the bed and climbed beside her. He repeated the massage, only this time he explored her body with his lips and not hands. Geet drowned in the feelings and reached out to hold and touch him. Her eyes were closed. As she reached his shoulders, she realized that he had undressed himself. She surprised Maan by pulling him closer to herself. Maan stared at her lips and attacked them furiously. The passion and desire that both of them had checked for months came pouring out and the night witnessed their passionate, yet sweet union.

After they had caught their breath lying next to each other, Maan turned to Geet and kissed her on the forehead, “I love you Geet.”

Geet smiled, but felt too shy to say anything. She lifted her head a bit and kissed him on his chest where his heart was. Shy and bold at the same time, she enamoured Maan. He tightened his arms around her as they drifted off to sleep feeling safe and content with each other’s closeness.

– The End –

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His Obsession (Part 2)

Posted Mish1 CommentPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

“Dev!”

“Bro Aap?”

“Dev! Tumne khoon de kar meri jaan bachayi hai. Tumhara jo bhi ehsaan hai, woh mere oopar hai. Usko lekar Geet ya Dadi Ma ko emotionally blackmail karne ki tumhein koi zaroorat nahin hai,” Maan immediately came to the point.

“Bro. Aapko kaise pata chala? Aur maine koi ehsaan nahin kiya hai. Main…”

“Kya chahiye tumhein Dev?”

“Bro…”

“Kitne paison ki zaroorat hai tumehin? Geet se kya maang rahe the? Tumhein jo chahiye mujhse lo. Geet ko dubara pareshaan mat karna.”

Dev told him about his debts.

“Theek hai. Apne creditors ke naam mujhe de do. Main sab karze clear kar doonga. Aur haan – mere paas tumhare liye ek aur deal hai.”

“Deal?”

“Haan! Mumbai mein maine ek naya ghar liya hai. Tum wahan ja kar rahoge. Agar kuchh kaam karna chaho to kar sakte ho. Na karna chaho to mat karo. Tumhare account mein tumhare kharchon ke liye main har mahine paise transfer kar doonga. Tum apni life jee sakte ho. Bas laut kar yahan Geet ke saamne mat aana.”

“Par Bro. Main apne parivaar ke saath rahna chahta hoon. Aur Dadi Ma…”

“Dadi Ma ko ye jaan kar bahut khushi hogi ki tum apna career khud banana chahte ho. Tumne apne fayde ke liye meri jaan bachayi aur main tumhein uske badle ghar aur paise de raha hoon. Manzoor ho to theek hai, warna… Mere jeete jee to main tumhein yahan nahin rahne doonga.”

Dev just nodded.

“Tumhare tickets tumahre paas pahunch jayenge,” Maan said and left the room, not to look back.

When Maan left, Dev was seething with anger and vowed to take his revenge from Maan. He hated his power over him. How could his brother treat him like shit. He had hoped to create a rift between Maan and Geet by meeting her repeatedly and sowing doubts in Maan’s mind. But the plan had obviously failed. He needed to do something more direct now!

—

Once Maan came out of Dev’s room, he consciously decided to not think about him. His thoughts returned to Geet. He could not help feeling overwhelmed with what she had done for him. Taking help from the man she detests the most! How would she have felt while asking him to help. And bearing him around her all the time after that. Unable to ward him off because she was under his debt. Could he do something to make up for that? Could he do something special for his Mishti, who managed to make him fall in love with her again and again? He, of course, had her test results with him.

—

He loved his sherni, who would talk incessantly, who would not be put down by any body or any situation. But what drove him really crazy every time was how she became helpless in his arms. He only had to go near her and all her resistance gave way. The chatterbox of a girl turned into a silent wax doll, looking so vulnerable, yet comfortable – as if she belonged there, belonged to him. She had become just that a few minutes back when in his frustration he had held her really close and had tried to physically coax her into giving in! When he had seen her like that, it had taken him all his willpower to not lose himself in her and get back to the business at hand. Now that everything was out of the way, he was going to have her to himself for the rest of the evening.

Feeling an urgent need to take her back in his arms, he took long strides towards their bedroom. But he stopped at the door when he saw Dadi and Annie in the room talking to Geet. From what he could hear, there was nothing important going on; just the usual women’s chit-chat. He got irritated. He was in no mood for small talk with anyone, not even Dadi Ma or Annie. But before he could go away Dadi noticed him and asked him to join them. He could not refuse. He absent-mindedly answered a few questions they asked him about his day. He felt relieved when Dadi Ma finally said, “Chaliye Annie. Maan abhi laute hain office se; unhein aaraam karne dete hain.”

Maan and Geet saw them off till the door of their room. As soon as they went out of sight, Maan turned back, locked the door and got hold of Geet surprising her.

“Mujhe pareshaan karne mein tumhein mazaa aata hai na Geet? Pahle itne dinon se poori baat na bata kar tum mujhe pareshaan kar rahi thi. Aur ab jab sab theek ho gaya to tumhare paas mujhse baat karne ki bhi fursat nahin hai. Kya zaroorat thi Dadi Ma aur Annie ko bulane ki abhi?”

“Par maine unko nahin…”

He shut her up by covering her lips with his hand, “Chup. Bilkul Chup. Bahut bolti ho Geet.”

She did shut up. Her eyes showed some fear. But this fear of hers did not worry him. It only heightened his desire for her.

“Reports to padh li hongi tumne?”

He hadn’t removed his hand from her lips. So, she replied by nodding.

“To tumhein ye bhi pata chal gaya hoga ki ab tumhare paas mujhse bachne ka koi bahana nahin hai.”

She did not reply, just closed her eyes. Maan took the chance to plant kisses on her eyes.

Just then someone knocked on the door. Maan glared at Geet, left her and went into the washroom to freshen up.

Geet opened the door to see Dadi Ma there. She looked disturbed.

“Geet beta. Maan kamre mein hain kya?”

“Dadi Ma – woh washroom mein hain. Fresh ho rahe hain. Kya baat hai?”

She held Geet’s hand and brought her out of the room, “Geet! Hamein chinta ho rahi hai. Maan ko aapne bata diya hai kya? Kya unhone Dev se koi baat ki hai?”

Geet found herself stuck, “Woh Dadi Ma…”

Just then they heard some sound from the room. Maan must have returned. Geet looked helplessly at Dadi Ma. She understood, “Hum baad mein baat karte hain.”

As Geet stepped back into her room, she realized that Maan was standing very close to the door. He must have heard the conversation. She was horrified and did not know what to say.

Maan was looking intently at her with his hands folded in front of his chest. She found it difficult to look into his eyes and tried to move past him towards the bed. He stopped her by stretching his hand in front of her.

“Dadi Ma ne tumse kaha tha mujhe Dev ke baare mein na batane ke liye?”

Geet found herself stuck between the man she loved to death and the woman he respected the most; between Maan and Dadi Ma; between her ultimate love, and the woman who had accepted her like a daughter; between her instincts as a wife and a lover and her duty as a daughter-in-law.

She dropped on her knees and started crying inconsolably. Maan was immediately worried. He also kneeled down and cupped her face.

“Geet. Nahin Geet – aise nahin karte. Rona band karo please. I am sorry Geet. Maine tumhein pareshaaan kar diya. Please ro mat. Mujhse baat karo Geet. Apni pareshaani batao.”

Geet leaned on to him still crying. He stroked her hair to calm her down. After she had regained her control a bit, he made her stand up and led her to the bed. He sat her on the bed and poured her a glass of water. After drinking the water she looked better.

“Pareshaan ho gayi ho Geet?” He asked very softly.

“Meri kuchh samajh mein nahin aa raha tha Maan. Aap jaante hain ki main Dev se nafrat karti hoon. Main uska saaya bhi hamari zindagi par nahin padne dena chahti. Lekin Dev ke liye nafrat mere liye aapki zindagi se badi nahin hai Maan. Isliye jab kahin aur se khoon ka intezaam nahin ho paya aur Dadi Ma ne mujhe bataya ki Dev appko khoon de sakta hai to main usse madad maangne chali gayi. Main jaanti thi ki aapko ye achchha nahin lagega, phir bhi main aapse kabhi bhi ye chhupana nahin chahti thi. Lekin Dadi Ma Dev ko le kar pareshaan thi. Dev ki chinta mujhe nahin hai Maan, lekin Dadi Ma ki baat ko bhi mana nahin kar sakti thi. Main kya karti, kuchh samajh mein nahin aa raha tha. Main kisse poochhti Maan? Main to aapse ya Dadi Ma se hi salah leti hoon. Aur yahan aap dono ke hi beech mein chunna pad raha tha.”

“Aur jab tumne mujhe bataya to maine tumhari madad karne ki jagah tumse sawaal poochhne shuru kar diye. Sorry Geet.”

“Nahin. Aap please sorry mat kahiye. Ismein aapki kya galti hai. Mujhe to maaloom hai ki aapke liye sach har cheez se oopar hai.”

Maan pulled her in a protective hug. Wasn’t this eighteen year old being put through too many responsibilities? As a wife, as a daughter-in-law, as a would-be mother. She had no one to go back to for advice. Except himself. And it looked like he had not been able to make himself approachable enough.

“Geet! Meri ek baat maanogi?” He asked breaking the hug.

She just nodded. Why wouldn’t she?

“Geet. Ye sach hai ki main Dadi Ma ki bahut izzat karta hoon, unki bahut fikr hoti hai mujhe. Lekin Geet – tum meri jeevansaathi ho. Main tumse alag nahin hoon Geet. Dadi Ma bhi hamare beech nahin aa sakti. Chahe koi kuchh bhi chahe, tumhein mujhse kuchh nahin chhipana hai Geet. Maanta hoon ki main perfect nahin hoon, main gussa ho jaata hoon, jo tumhein achchha nahin lagta. Lekin tum to mujhe bardasht kar sakti ho na Geet. Phir ghabrane ki kya zaroorat hai? Tumhein jo bhi samajh mein na aaye mujhse poochho. Jo bhi pareshaani hai mujhe batao. Maine tumse pahle bhi kaha hai ki jab tak hum saath rahenge koi problem badi nahin hai. Hum har mushkil ka saamna kar sakte hain. Hain na?”

A smile finally appeared on her tear strained face as she nodded in positive. They hugged again.

Geet said when the broke the hug, “Maan! Dadi Ma pareshaan hain. Aapne Dev se kya kaha?”

“Geet. Ab tum pareshaan mat ho us baare mein. Dev ko apne khoon dene ki keemat mil gayi hai. Aur main abhi Dadi Ma se baat kar ke aata hoon. Bas main tumehin aur pareshaan nahin dekh sakta. Waada karo – is baare mein nahin sochogi.”

Geet smiled and nodded. Maan left the room.

—

To be continued

—

Related stories

Ununderstood Feelings

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

 

Note on the OS

There were many a things that were not properly explored since CVs hurried through the Dev’s exposure track.

Maan had accepted Geet without knowing that her culprit was his own brother. We, as audience, knew it. But I felt that this aspect of this relationship should have been explained to at least one more character in the serial too. Probably to Dev or Daadi or some friend. Also, the entire track of Daadi’s reaction to Geet’s pregnancy had practically not been explored. This OS is an attempt to explore some of those things.

And sorry for that weird word “ununderstood”.  I wanted one word for “not understood” and “misunderstood” was not the right word. Some online dictionaries did list the word “ununderstood”. So, I went ahead with it.

—

Although Annie had been looking after all the arrangements and office staff had very enthusiastically pitched in to help in the wedding arrangements, the day had been tiring for Maan. The wedding was scheduled for the next day. And besides the wedding preparations, his worries about Geet’ safety would not let him rest. He kept running to check on her on some pretext or the other.

A while back, Annie had forcefully sent him to his room to take some rest. He should be able to enjoy his wedding, she had argued. Once he was alone, the only thought on his mind was that of Geet. He either felt worried about her, or felt extremely elated at the thought that in a day she was going to be his – completely and forever.

While he was dealing with his oscilating mood, Dadi entered the room.

“Dadi Ma! Koi kaam tha?”

“Nahin Maan beta. Kaam to sab log kar hi rahe hain. Main to bas aapse baat karne aa gayi.”

“Kuchh khaas baat hai kya?” His words were neutral, but Maan suddenly looked worried.

“Nahin beta. Aap itne nervous kyon ho rahe hain? Koi problem waali baat nahin hai. Bas humne socha ki kal aapki zindagi ka itna bada din hai, to ek baar pata kar loon. Aap khush to hain na?”

“Of course, Dadi Ma. Ye aap achanak kya poochh rahi hain? Aap achchhi tarah jaanti hain ki Geet hi meri khushi hai.”

“Hum aapko thanks bhi kahna chah rahe the.”

“Thanks? Woh kisliye Dadi Ma?”

“Aapne jo kiya hai wo aasaan nahin hai Maan. Ye jaante hue bhi ki Geet aapke bhai ke bachche ki Maa banne waali hai, aapne use apnaya. Agar aap aisa nahin karte, to pata nahin Dev ne jo Geet ke saath kiya, uski bharpai hum kaise karte. Aur hamein poora vishwas hai ki aap is bachche ko dil se apna lenge. Aakhir woh aapke bhai ka hi to…”

“Ek minute Dadi Ma,” Maan was almost disgusted at this interpretation of his relationship with Geet. But he controlled himself because of his respect for Dadi Ma, “Mujhe aise kaam ke liye thanks mat kahiye jo maine kiya hi nahin hai.”

“Kya matlab?”

“Dadi Ma. Main Geet se isliye shaadi nahin kar raha ki jo gunah Dev ne uske saath kiya uski bharpai kar sakoon. Maine Geet ko sirf aur sirf isliye apnaya hai kyonki main usse bahut pyaar karta hoon. Par aapne ye sahi kaha – maine us bachche ko sachche dil se apna liya hai. Lekin isliye nahin ki woh mere bhai bachcha hai. Balki Isliye ki woh Geet ka bachcha hai.  Aur isliye woh mera bhi hai – hamara bachcha hai. Aur Dev ka to naam bhi main uske saath nahin lena chahta. Main nahin maanta ki Dev ka us bachche se koi lena dena hai ya uske oopar koi haq hai. Ye baat kam-se-kam aapko pata honi zaroori hai Dadi Ma.”

Dadi looked surprised. Maan looked at her and realized that he needs to explain more, “Dadi Ma. Shayad aapko ye lag raha hai ki sagai waali raat se pahle mujhe pata nahin tha ki Geet pregnant hai?”

“Aapko pata tha?”

“Dadi Ma! Aapko lagta hai ki Geet itni badi baat mujhse chhupati? Geet aisi nahin hai Dadi Ma. Woh kabhi jhooth nahin bol sakti, sach nahin chhipa sakti. Mujhe pata tha ”

“Lekin unhone mujhe to kabhi nahin bataya?”

“Woh mera faisla tha.”

“Aapko nahin laga ki sagai ke pahle aapko itni badi baat mujhe batani chahiye thi?”

“Dadi Ma. Main maanta hoon, lekin main sahi mauke ki talash mein tha, jab aapko sab kuchh samjha sakoon. Main nahin chahta tha ki ye baat is tarah se aapke saamne aaye ki aap bewajah Geet ke khilaaf ho jayen.”

“To aapko pata tha Geet ke pregnant hone ki baare mein, aap ye nahin jaante the ki kasoorwar Dev hai aur phir bhi aapne Geet ko apnane ka faisla kar liya Maan? Aapko itna wishwas tha un par?”

“Sach to ye hai ki maine poori baat sune bina Geet ko galat samjha tha, bahut galat samjha tha. Apni is galti ke karan main almost use kho baitha tha Dadi Ma,” Maan’s voice reflected the sadness and fear at the mere thought of losing Geet, “Agar sach much Geet us waqt mujhse door chali jaati to pata nahin kya hota? Us par bharosa na karne ke liye main apne aap ko kabhi maaf nahin kar pata. Aur meri khushiyan? Woh to uske saath hi hamesha ke liye chali jaati.”

Suddenly Maan came to his senses. He had opened up too much in front of Dadi Ma and he would not feel comfortable about it later on.

“Khair Dadi Ma. Ab main un sab baaton ko yaad nahin karna chahta. Hum us mod se bahut aage nikal chuke hain.”

“Theek hai beta. Hum bhi buri yaadon ko nahin kuredna chahte the. Bas aapki khushi aapko mil gayi, aap muskurate rahein, isse zyada hamein kuchh nahin chahiye.”

“Thank you Dadi Ma,” Maan finally smiled to convince her of his happiness.

Dadi smiled back too, “Theek hai beta. Aap aaraam kar lijiye, hum abhi chalte hain.”

—

Geet  was finally left alone for sometime after conitnuously being busy with one ritual or the other. Maan had been checking on her since the morning, but she hadn’t seen him in last one hour or so. She grew eager to see him and decided to sneak into his room, hoping that he would be there. But she had just reached his door, when she heard Dadi Ma thanking him for accepting Geet and her child. She could not resist overhearing the rest of the conversation.

By the time Dadi left, she had tears in her eyes. Although tears were not for herself, she did not want to alarm Maan. So, she decided not to meet him then. Dadi, thankfully, had not see her while leaving.

—

As soon as Dadi left, Maan once again grew restless thinking about Geet. He decided to go to her room and see her once.

He saw Geet in tears as soon as he stepped out of his room. He assumed that she must be feeling bad because of what Dadi said. He did not ask her anything there. He brought her in the room.

“Geet tum Dadi Ma ki baaton ki wajah se pareshaan…”

Geet silienced him by putting her hand on his lips, “Main apne liye pareshaan nahin hoon Maan. Maine to jab Dadi Ma ko aapko thanks kahte suna, to mujhe aapke liye bura laga. Log aapke pyaar ko shayad samajh nahin paayenge. Mujhe bura laga ki Dadi Ma bhi aapko nahin samajh payi.”

“Geet!” Maan was genuinely surprised at how she was thinking.

“Haan. Aur aap to kabhi kissi ke saamne apni feelings batayenge bhi nahin. Mujhe bhi kabhi duniya ko nahin batane denge ki aapke dil mein kitna pyaar hai, kitni hamdardi hai.”

“Geet. Agar ye baat hai to tumhein pareshaan hone ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Duniya mere baare mein kya sochti hai, isse mujhe koi farq nahin padta aur tumhein bhi nahin padna chahiye. Duniya ko nahin pata hai ki main tumhein lekar kya mahsoos karta hoon, kyonki main kissi ko batana chahta hi nahin hoon. Tum samajhti ho na Geet. Bas itna hi chahiye mujhe. In fact, main Dadi Ma ko bhi kuchh explain nahin karta. Lekin unke liye ye samajhna zaroori tha ki main Dev aur uske gunahon ke baare mein kya sochta hoon. Bas isliye maine unhein poori baat batayi.”

Geet had nothing left to say. She just hugged him to convey her agreement and support for whatever he wanted to do.

Geet decided to leave after sometime, “Main jaati hoon. Shayad Dadi Ma, mujhe baaki rasmon ke liye dhoondhti hui aa jayen.”

Maan held her hand, “Bas ek din ki baat hai Geet jo main tumhein kissi bhi wajah se jaane de raha hoon. Kal se…”

He intentionally left his sentence incomplete and it had the desired effect on Geet. She smiled and blushed heavily, before she turned around and left.

As Maan looked on, a smile of happiness and contentment formed on his lips too.

 

Making Up

Posted Mish2 CommentsPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

Note on the OS

In one of the episodes before their wedding, Maan was troubling Geet by holding her hands under the dining table, forcing her to eat with her left hand. Dadi Ma and Annie noticed it and it created an embarrassing situation for Geet. Maan was enjoying teasing her and added more to her discomfort by asking her to serve him rice. She warned him, but when he did not let go, she exposed him in front of Dadi Ma and Annie. When they realized that Maan had been holding her hands, they teased him a lot and this made Maan angry at Geet. He scolded her for exposing their private life in front of others. He thought she did not want him to touch her and hence decided that he would not touch her until the wedding.

I felt very bad for Geet after that episode and wrote this OS. In the show they hand handled it differently by turning it in to a funny challenge. My take is more emotional.

—

What had she done? She hurt him? His pride? His prestige?

Yes – it was not intentional, but she still ended up doing it. How could this happen, when she claims to know him so well; when he himself has this faith on her that she knows him more than he knows himself?

At that moment, it did not matter to her that the whole incident was triggered because of his prank. He was the one who was embarrassing her by holding her hand under the dining table. But when she exposed him, the situation went out of her hands. He could not take all the leg pulling. And then in the office. She was hurting badly when he was telling her all that. That she needs to keep their private moments private.

But right now, it wasn’t her self-respect or hurt that mattered. How could it? He was the person who taught her how to live with self-respect. He was the one who healed all her hurt. And she had hurt him. He had put up with so much for her. He had put up with all her naivety and mistakes and still loved her to death. How far she must have gone this time that he was hurt by her behaviour?

That was the only thing that mattered. He was hurt. How could she make amends? He was so angry, that she did not have the courage to go and say ‘Sorry’. What if a ‘Sorry’ was inadequate!

—

As he sat in his cabin alone for a while, his anger started to cool off. And that’s when he realized what he had done.

Why did he talk to her like that? Couldn’t he see the hurt in her eyes, when he told her that he would not even touch her. And when he told her that he would no longer listen to her. And when he shouted at her in the office.

This was the woman who had taught him how to smile, how to let go of worries. How could he rob her of her smile! The smile that she managed to keep even when she was going through the hell in her life, through the death threats by her own family, through the social stigma of becoming a single mother, through the days of financial insecurities, through all her loneliness. And he robbed her of that smile, which had sustained her all her life. And which now sustained him too.

This was the woman who trusted him blindly. She even waited for the snow in Delhi, because he asked her to. Why did he have to be so harsh with her? What had come upon him? If he wanted her to behave differently all he had to do was ask her. Yes, she blabbered non-stop in front of him, she fought with him in a way nobody dared to, she made fun of him, but none of it came in the way of her true feelings for him. The true feelings, with which she practically worshipped him. Did she ever really say “No” to anything he asked her for? She did not. She could not! What should he do? Go to her cabin and say ‘Sorry’? What if a ‘Sorry’ was inadequate?

—

He could not decide what to do. The day was filled with meetings, because he wanted to finish off as much work as possible before they took leave for their wedding. Meetings that she scheduled because he had asked her to. Even this simple thought made his heart ache. He only had to ask her. Why did he shout at her and utter those hurtful words!

The last meeting ran till 7 pm. He came back hurriedly from the conference room. He would take her home and talk to her. Do whatever he can to heal her wounds. But she was not in the cabin. Pinki was still there, packing her things up to leave for the day. He asked her. Geet had left at 6 pm. She looked unwell, but she did not say anything when Pinki asked her.

Unwell? Maan almost cried. What happened? Why did she not tell him?

—

She was facing away from the door, leaning on the rod of the bed. He could hear muffled sounds while standing at the door. What was she doing?

He tip-toed to go and face her. She did not realize he was there. What he saw there broke his heart. Her eyes were closed, as if she was trying to control her tears. But they were uncontrollable. They were flowing through her closed eyes. She was biting her lips to not let a sound escape. But he still had been able to hear them at the door itself.

His hands naturally moved to wipe her tears. But he suddenly remembered what he had said in the morning. He will not touch her till their wedding. Not that he cared about that any longer. But he wasn’t sure what she thought of it. How will she take it if he touched her? It took him all his self-control, but he decided to hold back for the time being.

Then he slowly called her, “Geet!”

He could see surprise on her crying face. She did not open her eyes immediately. She wiped her tears with her fingers. And then opened her eyes. She was still biting her lips.

He had to read her lips as she tried to say, “Aap?” She had such a heavy throat due to her crying that the voice did not come out.

He looked around and found a jug of water on the side-table. He poured her a glass of water. She took the glass from him, but did not drink. She kept looking at him with eyes whose expressions killed him. Why was she looking so guilty? He was the one who should be guilty?

“Geet! Pinki ne kaha ki tumhari tabiyat theek nahin hai. Kya hua Geet?”

She drank the water now to find her voice back.

“Nahin. Maine to aisa kuchh nahin kaha tha use. Main bilkul theek hoon. Koi ghabrane ki baat nahin hai.”

‘Woh itna gussa hain. Phir bhi meri tabiyat kharab hone ke dar se bhagte chale aaye,’ she thought and felt even worse.

“Kya aap mujhe maaf kar sakte hain?”

“Geet…” Maan grew emotional.

“Mujhe pata hai, mujhse bahut badee galti ho gayi hai. Lekin mera yakeen maaniye, main aapki insult karne ki soch bhi nahin sakti. Ek baar maine aapko galat samajha tha Maan, aur uske liye main itna pachhtayi hoon ki galti se bhi aapki baaton ko mana nahin kar sakti. Please mujhe maaf kar dijiye. Maine anjaane mein aapka dil dukha diya.”

Maan’s guilt increased a thousand folds as he heard her repeating what he already knew. She would always do what he asked her to.

“Chup Geet. Bilkul chup,” he had said this so many times earlier. But this time he did not put his hands on her lips with authority. His own words, uttered that morning, had come back to bite him.

“Geet. Tum please apne aap ko zimmedar thahrana band karo. Galti meri thi Geet. Mujhe tumhare oopar gussa nahin karna chahiye tha. Main bhi to jaanta hoon ki tum meri har baat maanti ho, mujhe tum par chillane ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Main gusse mein apna aapa kho baitha Geet. Subah bhi meri hi galti thi. Mujhe tumhein sab ke saamne pareshaan nahin karna chahiye tha. Main sirf tumhein lekar hi possessive nahin hoon Geet. Main apni is chhoti si duniya ko lekar bhi bahut possessive hoon, jo sirf hum dono ki hai. Ye main kissi ke saath share nahin kar sakta. Lekin in sabke beech maine tumhein bahut pareshaan kiya Geet, aur woh bhi bewajah. I am sorry. Please mujhe maaf kar do.”

That was it. Everything was resolved between them. This was how it was meant to be. She moved towards him, but suddenly stopped. His words in the morning… Did he still mean them? He saw her hesitation and spread his arms inviting her. She came to him immediately. As they stood there in each other’s arms, where they really belonged, a calmness descended upon them. The calmness that was theirs, but had eluded them the entire day, thanks to a silly fight.

Bachelor Party

Posted Mish5 CommentsPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

 

“Sab logon ne itne pyaar se aapke liye party arrange ki hai to aap itne nakhre kyon dikha rahe hain?”

“Geet! Mujhe nahin jaana hai – mujhe ye sab pasand nahin hai.”

“Haan, haan – Pata hai. Aapko hansi-khushi waali koi cheez kabhi pasand kahan aati hai? Lekin doosron ki khushi ke liye bhi kuchh kar liya kijiye.”

“Geet tumhein pata bhi hai ki Bachelor party mein kya hoga?”

“Kya hoga? Aasmaan sar par to nahin gir padega na? Bataiye kya hoga?”

Maan hesitated and Geet started again, “Dekha. Koi jawaab nahin hai. Bekaar mein bahane banaye ja rahe hain. Dekhiye – Adi Sir ne mujhse request ki hai aur maine unhein promise kiya hai ki aap party mein jayenge. Ab agar aab nahin gaye to main aapse baat nahin karoongi.”

“Geet!”

“Maan!” she imitated him.

“To tum nahin maanogi?”

“Nahin.”

“Theek hai. Marzi to tumhari hi chalegi. Lekin baad mein kuchh gadbad ho to mujhe mat kahna.”

“Aap wahan ja kar logon par cheekhne-chillane nahin lagenge to koi gadbad nahin hogi.”

Maan gave her an angry stare and walked out of the room.

“Babaji. Ab bas party mein inka mood theek rahe.”

—

Annie walked in to Geet’s room, “Geet. Tumhein pata hai Bhai kahan hai?”

“Haan. Woh Arjun ne bachelor party plan ki thi. To Adi Sir aur office ke baaki logon ke saath wahi attend kar rahe hain.”

“Kya? Bhai aur bachelor party? I can’t believe it.”

“Kyon?”

“Kyon? Tumhein pata bhi hai bachelor party mein kya hota hai?”

“Tum dono bhai-bahan ek jaisi baatein karte ho. Aisa kya hota hai bachelor party mein?”

Annie saw her cluelessness and decided to take advantage of the situation by giving her a rather exaggerated description of the dancing girls who would definitely be invited to the party and what all they will do including a special private dance for the groom.

Geet was flabbergasted and Annie left with a mischievous smile on her face.

—

Maan was disinterestedly walking around in the party, mechanically replying to the wishes and jokes coming his way. The host appointed by Arjun announced the special surprise, which to nobody’s surprise was going to be a dance by some half-clad girls. Most of the attendees forgot about him as they gathered around the dance floor to make the most of the opportunity. At this stage of life, it was not possible for Maan to feel excited about this teen-age entertainment. But if Geet came to know about the dance, she would go bonkers. He smiled as he recalled the moments when even the simplest hint of the attention towards him from women had made her go green. She is as possessive as he is. Suddenly he felt a strong urge to be with her, to hold her in his arms, to kiss her. And then pushed more by this urge of his  than the wish of avoiding the party, he sneaked out.

—

“Geet kar di na tune phir wahi baat. Aa bail mujhe maar,” Geet was blabbering as she paced up and down in her room.

“Woh to mana kar rahe the jaane ko. Tujhe hi samaj seva karne ki padi thi. To ab bhugato.  Pata nahin woh ladkiyan party mein kya kar rahi hongi. Aur Maan? Nahin – mujhe un par to bharosa hai, par ladkiyon par nahin. Waise bhi ye Delhi ki ladkiya kaise chipakti rahti hain unse. Babaji – ab main kya karoon? Aap hi kuchh raasta dikhaiye na.”

“Haan – ye theek hai. Main phone kar ke unhein bol deti hoon ki woh wapas aa jayen. Koi party attend karne ki zaroorat nahin hai.”

“Nahin. Ye achchha nahin lagega. Aur phir woh mera bahut mazaak udayenge.”

She stopped pacing, held the rod of the bed and stood facing away from the door, “Babaji. Ab aap hi kuchh kijiye aur unhein party se wapas bhejiye.”

Maan walked up to her from behind and covered her eyes with his hands. Without even touching his hands, she recognized him, “Maan.”

She knew his touch so well and was so comfortable with it. She wasn’t even startled. He smiled, once again recalling the old days, when even an accidental pull on her dupatta or a touch on  her hand would push her to the edge of nervousness. They had come a long way.

He left her eyes and she turned around to face him.

“Aap yahan kaise?”

“Kyon? Abhi to tum apne Babaji se kah rahi thi ki main party se wapas aa jaun. Aur woh to tumhari har baat maante hain, hai na?” Maan teased her.

“Aap chhup-chhup kar meri baatein sun rahe the,” Geet pretended to be irritated to hide her embarrasment.

“Ye lo. Main kahan chhipa tha? Main to saamne darwaze par khada tha. Tum hi apne Babaji se baat karne mein itni busy thi ki meri or dekha tak nahin.”

“Aap meri taang mat khinchiye. Aap party se wapas kyon aa gaye?”

“Kyon? Tumhein achcha nahin laga? Theek hai main wapas chala jaata hoon,” he pretended to be offended and turned to leave.

She held his hand, “Maine ye to nahin kaha.”

“Lekin tumhari baaton se to yahi lag raha hai ki tum chahti ho ki main party mein jaun. Pahle bhi tumne hi mujhe wahan bheja tha. Main to nahin jaana chahta tha.”

“Par ye party to ladke bandhnon mein bandhne se pahle apni aazaadi ki khushi manane ke liye karte hain na? Phir aap kyon nahin karna chahte ye party?”

Maan turned around, held her at the shoulder and spoke emotionally, “Geet. Ye shaadi sirf duniya waalon ke liye aur tumhare liye hai. Taki log kabhi hamare rishte par ungli utha kar tumhein pareshaan na kar sakein. Jahan tak mera sawaal hai Geet, maine apne aap ko is bandhan mein bahut pahle baandh liya hai. Tumhari maang bharne se bhi pahle. Mujhe to pata bhi nahin chala tha Geet ki kab maine apni zindagi, apni taqdir, apni khushiyan sab tumse jod di thi. Aur jab pata chala, tab ehsaas hua ki is bandhan ke pahle meri zindagi mein khushiyan thi hi kahan, jo main unhein celebrate karne liye party karoon? Aur azaadi? Is bandhan ne mujhe jitni azaadi di hai, woh meri zindagi mein pahle kabhi nahin thi Geet? Hansne ki azaadi, khush rahne ki azaadi, zindagi jeene ki azaadi! Geet – meri zindagi mein jo kuchh bhi achchha hai, jo bhi hansi hai, jo bhi khushi hai, woh sab tumse hai Geet. Is bandhan ke alawa mere paas celebrate karne ki liye aur kuchh nahin hai. Lekin duniya meri in khushiyon ko nahin samajh sakti Geet. Unke paas tum jo nahin ho. To ye to sirf hum dono hi celebrate karenge.”

Geet was overwhelmed with emotions as she heard his monologue. Their bodies naturally moved for a hug. In the process Maan moved her hair away from her shoulder and planted a kiss there. She shivered, but made no attempt to free herself. Maan felt her shivering and smiled as he embraced her into a bone-crushing hug. His intensity was limited only by the concern for their baby.

 

Her Saviour

Posted Mish5 CommentsPosted in Fan Fiction, Hinglish, Maneet (GHSP)

 

Note on the OS

In the show Dadi and Annie had decided to have some fun at Maan and Geet’s expense. Dadi faked anger at how they were coming so close to each other before their wedding and made the rule that they won’t meet each other for more than half and hour a day until the wedding. This incident is supposed to happen in that context.

—

“Geet, kya hua? Tum ro kyon rahi ho?” asked Anvesha.

Anvesha and Dadi Ma had just sent Maan away from the hall in the outhouse reminding him of the “half-an-hour-a-day” rule. Anvesha had accompanied Geet to her room, while Dadi Ma was supervising the servants bringing Geet’s clothes and jewelry to the outhouse. Geet had tried her best to control herself, but she just could not help it any longer. Her tears were unstoppable. Anvesha tried to distract her for a while by joking and teasing, but Geet appeared lost. That got her worried and she called Dadi Ma in.

By the time Dadi Ma came in, Geet had made an excuse and had gone to the bathroom. She was hoping to control herself, but in the solitude her tears became even more stubborn. Anvesha told Dadi Ma about Geet crying. They waited for her to come out, but there was no sign of her. Dadi Ma called Geet and knocked at the bathroom door. But she did not reply. So, she decided to call Maan.

Maan ran to the outhouse.

“Geet kahan hai?”

“Bathroom mein, magar bahar aa hi nahin rahin Maan beta. Kuchh baat hui hai kya?”

“Aap log jaiye, main dekhta hoon.”

They were too worried to remember the half-an-hour rule and did what Maan asked them to.

“Geet,” he knocked softly at the door after they had left.

She heard him and as much as she wanted to jump into his arms, she thought others were still there and hence hesitated in coming out.

Maan tried the knob of the bathroom door. It was unlocked. He went in immediately. His worry increased a hundred times on seeing her tear stained face. He cursed himself for not having listened to his instinct when Dadi Ma was ordering him away from the outhouse. He had felt something was matter with Geet given the way she had clung to him. Before he could ask her, Dadi Ma and Anvesha had barged in and he had to leave.

But he was there now.

“Geet,” he ran to her, cupped her face in his hands and wiped her tears with his thumbs. Geet looked towards the room apprehensively. Maan understood what was on her mind, “Wahan koi nahin hai Geet. Chalo, kamre mein chal kar baat karte hain.”

He made her sit on the bed and poured her a glass of water.

“I am sorry Geet. Mujhe us samay jaana nahin chahiye tha. Tum tabhi pareshaan dikh rahi thi. Kya ho gaya Geet?”

“Nahin,” Geet was embarrassed, “Aap sorry kyon bol rahe hain. Sorry to mujhe bolna chahiye. Itna tamasha ho gaya meri wajah se…”

Maan tried to cheer her up by making light of the situaiton, “Haan. woh to hai. Ab dekho, sab ko pata chal gaya ki tum mere bina ek pal bhi nahin rah sakti. Nahin rah sakti na Geet?”

But Geet was too embarrassed to notice that he was joking, “I am sorry. Aap chale jaiye. Dadi Ma pata nahin kya soch rahi hongi.”

“Geet. Main mazak kar raha tha. Aur tum Dadi Ma ki chinta mat karo. Main unhein achchhi tarah se jaanta hoon. Wo Annie ke saath mil kar mazaak kar rahi hain. Hamari khushi se zyada kuchh important nahin hai unke liye. Woh kuchh nahin sochengi. Aur Geet, agar tum nahin rah sakti mere bina to ismein bura mahsoos kyon kar rahi ho? Main bhi to nahin rah sakta na tumhare bina. Warna us waqt choron ki tarah aata kyon tumhare paas?”

“Aapko to to jaise koi phone kar ke bata deta hai main jab bhi pareshaan hoti hoon. Kaise aa jate hain aap har samay meri madad karne.”

Maan smiled, “Taqdir ko bhi pata hai Geet ki tumhein ab kissi bhi cheez ke liye pareshaan hone ki koi zaroorat nahin hai. Isliye woh mujhe tumhare paas bhej deti hai. Waise Geet, tumhein agar koi pareshaani ho to tum Dadi Ma se bhi kah sakti ho. Tumhein pata hai na ki woh tumhein bahut pasand karti hain.”

“Haan, lekin main ye baat unhein nahin bata sakti thi. Unhein meri pregnancy ke baare mein pata nahin hai na.”

This scared Maan, “Kya hua Geet? Tumhari tabiyat kharaab hai? Aur tum itni der se baith kar ro rahi thi? Mujhe usi waqt batana chahiye tha na. Chalo hum abhi doctor ke paas chalte hain.”

“Aap please shaant ho jaiye. Aise ghabrane se kaise kaam chalega. Kuchh badee problem nahin hai. Bas mujhe thodee kamzori lag rahi thi aur chakkar aa rahe the. Aur Dadi Ma mujhe kapde aur gahne chunne ke liye bula rahi thi. Ye sab mujhe waise bhi samajh mein nahin aata hai to main thoda ghabra gai thi,” she paused and then felt that she was getting worried for trivial reasons, “I am sorry. Main ekdum chhoti-chhoti baaton par ghabra jati hoon. Pata nahin, aap saamne nahin hote hain to mere saath aisa kyon ho jaata hai?”

“Nahin Geet. Ye chhoti baat nahin hai. Is halat mein tumhein itna stress nahin lena chahiye. Meri hi galti hai, mujhe Dadi Ma ko bata dena chahiye tha.”

Geet looked at Maan with fear in her eyes. She was scared of Dadi Ma’s reaction towards her pregnancy. While she knew about Dev’s fraud, she was still not aware of the baby. Would there be another obstacle for their wedding now?

Maan quickly assured her, “Ghabrao mat Geet. Main jaanta hoon ye sahi samay nahin hai unhein batane ka. Aur tareeke hain hamari problem ko solve karne ke. Taki tum stressed na ho. Main abhi dadi ma se baat karta hoon.”

Maan started leaving, but Geet clutched on to his hands, “Kya bolenge aap Dadi Ma ko?” She was still scared.

Maan smiled, “Main unhein yahin bula leta hoon. Tumhare saamne hi baat ho jayegi.”

Maan called Dadi Ma up. She was worried about Geet and he assured her that Geet was all right and if she was free, she could come to meet Geet right away.

Dadi Ma reached there in five minutes, “Geet beta, aap theek to hain na? Maan, kya hua tha inhein?”

Geet was not sure what to tell her; Maan replied instead, “Dadi Ma. Geet shaadi ki taiyariyon se thoda pareshaan ho gai thi aur ghabra gai thi. Aap to jaanti hain na ki Geet ek seedhi-saadi ladki hai. In gahnon-kapdon mein na to iski bahut dilchaspi hai aur na hi inki samajh. Isliye pareshaan ho gai thi. Aap aisa kyon nahin karti, aap aur Annie mil kar Geet ke liye kapde select kar dijiye. Mujhe yakeen hai Geet ko woh bahut pasand aayenge. Hai na Geet?”

Geet smiled with relief and nodded affirmatively.

“Bas itni si baat. Geet beta, hum to aapse select karne ko isliye kah rahe the ki hamein laga aap apni shaadi ke decisions khud lena chahengi. Lekin ismein itna pareshaan hone ki kya zaroorat hai. Chaliye, koi baat nahin. Aap ye sab hum par chhod dijiye. Hum ek achchhe stylist ko bulwa kar aapke liye sab kuchh select karwa lenge. Theek hai?”

“Jee Dadi Ma,” Geet replied.

“Aur Dadi Ma, mujhe lagta hai ki Geet shopping wagerah se thak bhi ja rahi hai. To jahan uski zaroorat na ho, wahan use shopping par mat le jaiye. Aap chahein to main aapke saath aa jaunga.”

Dadi Ma found his request odd and it showed on her face for a moment, but she decided not to make an issue out of it, “Theek hai baba. Aisa hi karenge. Jismein aap logon ki khushi ho. Ab sab theek hai?”

“Thank you Dadi Ma,” Maan and Geet said together and all of them laughed at this.

“Achchha, abhi hamein thoda kaam hai, hum aapse thodi der baad milte hain Geet. Tab tak aap aaraam kar lijiye,” Dadi left the room with this.

Maan sat beside Geet on the bed, “Ab to koi parehsaani nahin hai na Geet?”

“Jab aap aa jayen to mere paas koi pareshaani kaise rah sakti hai?”

“Ab samjhi Tum Maan Singh Khurana ke jaadu ko,” Maan teased her.

“Haan, haan. Bade aaye jadugar. Abhi thodee der mein Dadi Ma aur Anvesha ko aadhe ghante waala farmaan yaad aa jayega. Phir dekhti hoon kaun sa jaadu chalate hain aap unke oopar?”

“Badi dikaat ho rahi hai tumhein mere saath na rah kar?” Maan continued in her playful mood.

“Aapko nahin ho rahi hai?” Geet became emotional.

Maan reciprocated her feelings, “Bahut ho rahi hai Geet. Isliye to ye laaya tha,” he took out a cell phone from his pocket and kept it in her hand.

“Ye kyon?” Geet blurted without thinking.

“Geet! Ab mujhe tumhein ye bhi batana padega ki mobile phone kis liye rakhte hain?”

“Nahin. Woh…” she realized that her question had been stupid.

Maan smiled again looking lovingly at his goofy, confused sweetheart, “Geet. Jab bhi meri yaad sataye aur mauka mile, mujhe phone kar lena. Kam se kam tumhari aawaaz to sun sakoonga. Aur agar mauka na mile to ek message hi bhej dena. To pata chal jayega ki tum theek ho.”

Geet smiled and kept the phone on the side-table.

“Ab aap jaiye. Kahin Dadi Ma ya Anvesha ko bura na lag jaye.”

“Geet. Jab unhein bura lagega woh mujhe jaane ko khud hi kah dengi. Tab tak main kahin nahin ja raha, samjhi tum?”

Geet looked at him with adoration. He had been her saviour yet again! She came forward and hugged him to express her love, gratitude and respect. He hugged her back feeling content and happy to have her.