Hello everyone, sorry for the few days absence. I am back and so are my updates. I give you two because there is a lot in them. Plus, I still haven't written a proper epilogue as I don't know what to write it about... So enjoy and please leave comments and hit the like button... Thanks

Chapter 39:

Concern

 

 

Geet was back at BG. Romeo had somehow managed in her absence but the place was a mess. She cleaned up and went to the kitchen. Word had spread in KC that Geet was back and everyone tried calling her or grabbing a good table for lunch. She was so busy that she had worked through without one single break. She didn't have any proper meal for some time now as she was more occupied with other things and felt a little light headed. Maan had done most of his work for the day when he headed to the archive to get a file. He shook his head, still no secretary. And Tasha was not at her desk. He was stepping into the room when he heard a conversation. It wasn't very loud but clear enough for him to hear. Without wasting much time he fished out his phone and pressed the record button. When the person had finished he returned to his desk, locking the door behind him and replayed the conversation.

Maan was deep in thought. He called Adi and had a serious discussion with him. Adi was not really surprised at the conversation he had heard. He told Maan about how even at previous occasions this person had done things similar but since he had no proof he never mentioned it. They decided on a few things and Adi made way to Pinky to give her some work. Maan called Geet as felt like hearing her voice but no one picked up. He quickly rushed up and saw Geet going into her room. He followed her and was just in time as Geet had fainted and was falling.

"GEET." He made her sit on her chair and got some water for her. She woke up and saw Maan kneeling down.

"Geet, what is wrong? Why did you faint?"

"Kuch nahin hua sir, bas thora sa chakkar agaya." She tried getting up but she felt weak and dropped back.

"Did you have anything to eat lately?" But he knew the answer. She shook her head. He went into the kitchen and saw how much work she had done since morning. This was her first day after returning from Ahmadabad and it looked as if she had never left. He looked into various dishes and located some curry with rice.

"Geet, muh kholo." He fed Geet who was looking tiered and pale now. She finished and said:

"Aap jaye yaha se, mein thora araam kar ke apna kaam karungi." She got up and wanted to shove Maan out.

"Accha?" He sat on his favourite rocking chair (he had missed it so badly!) and put Geet on his lap. The rocking motion calmed both their hearts down.

"Geet, tum mujse baat kyun nahin karti?"

"Maine kab baat nahin ki?" She asked putting her head against his shoulder.

"Tum phir itni chup chup kyun rehti ho?"

"Mamma" was all she said. For days now she had missed her. When she had told Maan all about Rahul she also remembered how her mother has promised her that she would join her. It has been years now and there was no news of her. She was worried sick.

"Main Mumbai jaake dekh thi hu. Shayad mamma waha ho aur mujhe dhoond rahi ho?"

"Tum kahin nahin jaogi Geet." Maan held Geet firmly in his embrace.

"Kyun nahin? Agar Mamma Mumbai mein hui to mujse miligi kaise?"

"Mamma Mumbai mein nahin hai. I looked for her that is how I know." Geet put her hand around Maan's neck. She started to shiver slightly. She was scared.

"Aap ko aap ki mamma ki yaad aati hain?" Maan nodded.

 

Annie, Dev and Vicky were sitting round a table with Ferri.

"I have following information for you guys. It is not pleasant let me warn you." They read the document.

"I am not going to believe this" Dev stated.

"I don't know. There is no proof is there?" Vicky asked.

"If this is not true then what is?" Annie managed to say.

It probably is best if you all confront your mother about this. She is the one who can tell you if it all is true or just a lie." Ferri sneezed again. She had been doing it since she returned from KC.

"Are you alright?" Vicky asked concerned.

"Dust allergy." Ferri said annoyed.

 

Sonia was walking up and down the room. Her mother silently watched her daughter. All these years, she had entrusted Sonia with the wellbeing of her second daughter and now this. "Maa, she is well settled in Australia. You know how family life is. She might not have time to write." Sonia would say every time.

But it was her fault not Sonia's. She should have taken more care. 'Babaji, uska khayaal rakhna.'

 

Maan talked to the doctor.

"She is fine Mr Khurana. I think she will feel better if she meets her family member again, you know the one she keeps talking about." Maan sighed. He should have taken more care.

"Any chance this might happen again?"

"I looks to me that she is losing will to live. No food, drink or sleep. As long as you give her what she is asking for she should be ok. And keep a close eye on her. There is a chance that due to weakness she might faint again and hit the floor harder."

Maan nodded and thanked the doctor. He walked to room 420 and looked at her lovingly. He had to do something and that, too, very soon. It is the time now."

He arranged for the discharge and carried her to his car. She had lost weight and her skin looked paler than ever.

"Don't worry. I am taking you to the person you want to meet. Just give me half an hour." He told the driver to go to the apartment. On his way there he made a second call. By any luck his lady love will soon be the happiest person on earth.

 

Geet had been called to her apartment. She had rushed there only to find it empty.

"Yeh Maan sir bhi na, humesha mujhe pareshaan karte hain. Saara kaam chorkar yaha dauri chali aai aur yeh hai keh. Babaji aap hi inka kuch kijie." She got up from her bed when she heard the main door open.

She ran out only to see….

"MAMMA" Geet ran to Rano. Rano looked at Geet and for the first time in years she smiled again.

"Geetu."

"Mamma aap kaisi hai? Aap apna koi khayaal nahin rakh ti na. Dekhye..." But Geet broke off as she became aware of her mother's state. Maan helped Rano to Geet's room and made her lay down.

"Geet, apni mamma ke liye kuch khaane ko bano. Unko kab se bhook lagi hain." Maan didn't have to tell Geet twice as she rushed into the kitchen and made her mother's favourite. Tears were still rolling down her face. She took the plate and glass and went back to her room. Maan was sitting on the other side of Rano, holding one of her hands.

"Mamma dekho. Aloo ka paratha. Aur Lassi bhi hai." Geet fed Rano and she silently ate from her daughters hands. At a point Rano stopped Geet's hand and directed it towards Maan.

"Beta, tumhe bhi bhook lagi hain, haina?" Maan nodded. They ate and Rano went to sleep as she was still weak.

 

Maan had to gently force Geet away from her mother. He led her to the living room and they cuddled up on the couch.

"Maan sir, meri mamma ko kya hua? Why is she like this?"

"She was not treated well. I located her some days ago but she was not in a state for you to see. I wanted her to take rest and get normal but it just became worse. Hence I decided to let you two meet." He left out the hospital part.

"Where did you find her?" Maan hesitated.

"At your home in Hoshiarpur." Geet wept.

"What did they do to her? It's all because of me, haina?"

"Sshhh. Don't say that. She is your mother. You will just pain her by saying things like this."

"What did they do to her?" Maan kept silent. Some of her wounds had healed but some were still visible. Maan told Geet about them. There was no point of hiding it. Sooner or later she will come to know. If she knows now it will only give her more strength to take care of her mamma tomorrow.