Part 3

Anushkaa

@nushhkiee

Part 3 -

The final weeks of the semester were here, and with it came the crunch of deadlines, presentations, and - of course - Geet’s incessant need to disrupt Maan’s perfectly organized schedule.

Despite his best efforts to stay focused on his studies and maintain his normal serious demeanor, Maan had found himself spending more and more time with Geet. It was like an unspoken agreement - he would do his best to steer their conversations back to academics (or at least something productive), and Geet would insist on turning everything into a big deal. The more he tried to resist her, the more she became like an unrelenting wave, pulling him into her chaotic world.

Today was no different. They were sitting together at their usual spot in the library - Geet, with her legs up on the chair, leaning back in her seat like she owned the place, and Maan, with his back straight and textbooks stacked neatly in front of him.

The silence between them was comfortable, but only for a few moments. Geet had been peering over her textbook, making little ugh sounds as she tried to focus.

“I swear, these definitions are all the same,” she muttered, running a hand through her hair, frustrated. “What is brand positioning anyway? Does it mean you’re stuck with one personality forever, like some kind of label?”

Maan glanced at her, a little surprised at the sudden outburst. “It’s a marketing concept, Geet. It’s about how a brand is perceived by the public in relation to its competitors.” He gave her a pointed look. “Nothing to do with ‘personalities.’”

Geet looked at him with wide eyes, pretending to be shocked. “Oh, right, of course! So, you’re telling me that I have to be perceived as a brand now? You know, like ‘Geet Handa: The Human Tornado’?”

Maan smirked slightly at that. "You already are a brand," he teased, his tone more playful than he intended. “A very loud brand.”

Geet put a hand to her heart. “Ouch! That hurts. But I’ll take it. Being a loud brand means I’m remembered, right?” She grinned widely, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m like... the social media influencer of chaos. People can’t forget me.”

Maan couldn’t help but laugh at her confidence. It was absurd, but oddly endearing. Maybe she’s not so bad, he thought, though he quickly pushed the thought away. He was a man of order. He didn’t let himself get swayed by chaotic, unpredictable personalities... right?

Geet, noticing that he was finally reacting to her, leaned forward a little, her face softening into something more thoughtful. “You know, Maan, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you let loose properly. I mean, really let go. You’re always so... serious. It’s like you have a permanent frown line.”

Maan stiffened a little, surprised by the sudden directness of her comment. “I’m not always serious,” he said, though the words felt a little unconvincing even to him.

Geet raised an eyebrow. “Really? When’s the last time you smiled just because you felt like it? Not because something was funny... but because you actually wanted to smile?"

Maan hesitated. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. He wasn’t exactly the ‘smiling’ type. His life had always been about goals and work. Smile if there was a reason for it, and otherwise... well, why bother?

Geet watched him carefully, reading the struggle on his face. She leaned back again, crossing her arms. “Look, Maan. You’re the kind of guy who, if someone threw a party for you, you’d be the guy in the corner sipping tea, pretending to enjoy it while everyone else is dancing, right?”

Maan chuckled despite himself. “I’m not that bad.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m starting to think you might actually be a little boring.” Geet grinned, then added, “I bet your idea of fun is... organizing your pens by color and size. Or maybe sorting your books by genre - alphabetically, of course.”

Maan’s eyes widened at the accuracy of her description, and he immediately looked down at his textbook to hide the smile that was creeping onto his face. “I... do not organize my pens,” he muttered, but it was too late. Geet was already laughing.

“Ah-ha! I knew it!” she crowed triumphantly. “You’re a walking, talking version of a catalog! And I bet you love it that way. But you can’t be all work, Maan! At least smile every once in a while. You might find it... contagious.”

Maan stayed silent for a few moments, his eyes darting between his open notebook and Geet’s face, which was now bright with enthusiasm. He could feel the warmth of her presence even though she wasn’t doing anything overtly special. She was just... being Geet. Loud. Fun. Spontaneous. And for some reason, it was starting to grow on him.

"You... you're ridiculous," he said finally, his voice quiet but still amused.

"True," she said matter-of-factly, “but I’m your ridiculous.”

Maan blinked, and for a moment, everything seemed to pause. She was looking at him with a wide, playful grin, but her eyes were softer than usual, more... open. She was challenging him, teasing him, but there was something else there too. Something more sincere.

Maan opened his mouth to say something - anything - but for once, words failed him. He couldn’t explain the sudden feeling that had settled deep in his chest. There was something about the way Geet made him feel... alive. Maybe it was her unpredictability. Maybe it was her ability to make even the most mundane moments seem like an adventure.

He let out a breath, realizing that - despite all the chaos she brought into his life ... he was starting to enjoy it. He was starting to enjoy her.

“You’re... not exactly what I expected,” Maan said softly, breaking the silence. The words were out before he could stop them.

Geet’s teasing smile faltered for a second, her eyes widening slightly. She tilted her head, her expression turning more thoughtful. “What do you mean?”

Maan looked away, suddenly embarrassed by the vulnerability in his own words. “I mean, I... didn’t think I’d ever get along with you. You’re... too loud. Too spontaneous. But somehow, I... like it. Like you.” He caught himself mid-sentence, realizing how it sounded. “I mean ... I ... I don’t know. I just ... ”

Geet stared at him, blinking rapidly as if processing the statement. Then, without warning, she burst out laughing. Not in mockery, but in the most delighted, surprised way. It was as if he’d just said something absurdly funny, and yet... sweet.

“Oh my God!” she laughed, clutching her stomach as if he’d told her the funniest joke in the world. “Did you just say you like me?” she squealed. “Is this an official confession, Maan Singh Khurana?”

Maan’s face turned a shade of red that could rival a tomato, but he refused to back down. “Maybe it is,” he muttered, embarrassed. “Maybe I like your chaos... your energy. Maybe I like that you pull me out of my head and make me... laugh for once.”

Geet, still laughing, leaned forward and held out her hand. “Well then, consider this my official acceptance of your confession, Mr. Khurana.” She grinned widely. “Welcome to the whirlwind. You’re officially stuck with me.”

Maan shook his head in disbelief but couldn’t suppress the smile that had finally crept onto his face. “You’re impossible.”

Geet just winked at him. “I know. But you’re stuck with me now. And I’ll make sure you have fun. Trust me.”

And for the first time in a long time, Maan didn’t mind one bit.