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[Song: Tere Meri Prem Kahaani Hai Mushkil]
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceAw0zwCJ24&ab_channel=Tiko%27sMusic
To be in love is to know that their one smile could keep you going for years.
It was a cold Saturday. Somewhere in an unknown European country in an apartment that was a bit colder than she had wanted, Geet Handa sighed.
It had been 10 years since she had left everyone she had ever loved.
She stared outside, the leaves orange, the weather colder and her electricity bill higher.
The summer was long gone, the heat had almost entirely vanished and a coldness seeped in. It however could not be compared to the coldness in Geet’s heart.
As she stared outside, she thought back to when she was back in India. Oh her home country. Full of colours, warmth, family, home cooked meals, noise that seemed loud back then but unknowingly was the peace she had prayed for. She didn’t want to leave her home but alas. She remembered that this november, it was about to be 10 years since she left in the middle of night with a single suitcase. A suitcase she wished she could fill to the brim with everything she had ever loved and owned but it could only fit a few items. Geet Handa left her home that November, only leaving a letter, confirming that she is safe but won’t return.
She wished she could go back and be amidst her loved ones but became discouraged as she remembered the event that changed her life 10 years ago.
10 years ago
Geet Handa grew up in a simple middle class family. Amidst the noise of the neighbourhood, her mother’s shouting at her to do her homework in the afternoon, her dad telling her to not be on her phone late at night, her brothers annoying her during the day, Geet was happy.
Geet’s only mistake in life was that she dared to fall in love with a man. A man she should’ve never dared to love.
It was the final year of college. Geet was all set to write her final exams and then marry the rich guy her parents had chosen for her. A bit outdated but Geet had seen her older cousins get married as soon as they had finished college so it wasn’t something that was bizarre for her, Her parents had selected her groom for and he seemed decent. Geet knew she would make a good housewife. Her future in-laws had promised her that would never have to set foot outside for a job. Geet was taken aback when she had heard that but her parents convinced her that it was nothing to be afraid of, as a good husband provides and takes care of his wife. A good husband takes care of his wife’s every need without her having to lift a single finger. A good husband provides. Geet liked the thought of that. Being the 2nd child but only daughter meant that she was the one who had to be responsible, so she was more than happy to have someone take care of her for a change.
Geet was walking in the hallway on a sunny morning of her college when she was suddenly approached by her favourite professor who asked her for a word with her in her office.
“Geet, as you know our college gets to send 1 student every year for their master’s abroad. It’s a scholarship awarded to those who not only excel in their studies but also show phenomenal strength in communication. This year we have decided that you are the most worthy and we would like to give you this once in a lifetime opportunity”
Geet was starstruck. She had never thought of moving abroad. Wait scratch that, she had never thought of getting a master’s.
She was about to refuse but before she could her professor interrupted her and told her to think about it until graduation.
Geet walked out of the room and suddenly bumped into someone. Geet apologised before meeting the eyes of her stranger and when she did she was starstruck. He was handsome.
The stranger said it was his fault as he was busy looking at the college’s architecture. He apologised and left. Geet was still starstruck. Her heart skipped a beat for the first time.
The next few days were spent with Geet hoping to bump into her perfect stranger but Geet had no such luck.
She had wanted to see this stranger again and luckily for her, he was in the class that was usually attended online by Geet.
Geet usually loved in person classes but there was 1 class that always bored her and made her fall asleep. That one random Tuesday Geet decided that enough was enough, she was going to attend that class in person. She was severely behind on studying. She walked in and what do you know, she bumped into her stranger again.
Maan, Maan Singh Khurana was his name. A scholarship student who had recently transferred in his last year of college. Maan Singh Khurana was brilliant. He knew all the answers the teacher asked and even though he was new, he had already been part of many college clubs. You would think he had always been a student of her college.
Geet had never in her wildest dreams expected to fall in love with someone, much much much less someone she had only seen glimpses of. But perhaps it was love at first sight. Her heart couldn’t tell.
That day after college she was walking home when she got caught in a rainstorm. She was still on college grounds and unfortunately for her ran into Maan, again.
Geet was wet from head to toe, Maan who noticed that offered her some tissues and his coat, hoping she would stop shivering.
It was there on that day that Geet’s feelings truly blossomed into love. He was caring, even though she was a complete stranger.
She continued to see him in that one class and fell deeper and deeper in love.
As the days went by, Geet attended that 1 class in person every time. And her feelings for Maan deepend even more than before. It was a bit absurd, except “sorry”, “so sorry”, “I’m so so sorry” “thank you”, they had never exchanged any more words and yet, Geet was in love.
Then finals came. In hopes of getting closer to Maan, she asked him for help in that class they had in common. Geet knew that if she had spent 30 minutes intensely studying, she would ace that class but she couldn’t resist a chance to get closer to Maan.
Maan agreed and they started studying together in their breaks. Sometimes in empty classes, sometimes in the coffee shop on college grounds. Geet would always get a tea and Maan a coffee.
The finals that had been nearing, arrived. Geet successfully wrote her papers, knowing she would ace them.
As the last semester of Geet’s college life started nearing its end, the start of her married life started to signal its arrival.
Family members started to coordinate when to arrive at her home for the wedding, preparations for the wedding started to get more and more obvious. The chatter of a shaadi ka ghar, the decoration, the cleaning. Geet’s mother forcing her to stand in the kitchen after college, to watch her cook, a last minute preparation to make sure Geet could become a good wife whose husband was happy with her. In the midst of all this, Geet was lost.
She had just started learning the meaning of love and now she was supposed to be okay with starting a life with a strange man. Geet was distraught. For once in her life, she was considering if her parents were right. Geet started to fear her own thoughts. A few months ago she was okay. She was happy to become someone’s wife but now, she wanted to become Maan’s special someone.
Geet had known that falling for someone would never result in a marriage. Her parents had always told her that they would find someone who would treat her like a queen. They themselves may be middle class but they would make sure Geet’s marriage alliance came from the upper side. Which is why they were against love marriage. Geet’s parents had always taken examples of her cousin Sameera. Sameera had married for love, against her parents’ wishes and ran away from home with the poor boy from the neighbourhood. She had 2 children with her husband before he left her for someone younger.
Ofcourse, there was another thorn in her way. Maan Singh Khurana didn’t love her. For him she was simply a friend or worse, a clueless college student.
Geet consoled her heart. It was simply a crush that was one sided.She could move on, Her fiance, albeit no Maan Singh Khurana, wasn’t that bad looking.
Eventually Geet’s day of engagement arrived, a mere 4 weeks before graduation.
Geet’s cousins dressed her up beautifully. A gorgeous orange lehenga with zardozi embellishments, golden bangles, gifted from her future mother-in-law, a green necklace to complete the look. Geet was ready to become a fiance.
Her cousins slowly and steadily brought her to her future fiance where she got the shock of her life. Next to her fiance stood he, the love of her life, owner of all her thoughts and tenant of her heart, Maan Singh Khurana.
He was introduced as the to-be fiance’s brother-like childhood best friend.
You know when people say “ it felt like earth had slipped from my feet” ?
That is exactly how Geet felt. The man she was in love with was the best friend of her to-be-husband. She couldn’t even process the thought.
Geet was panicking on the inside but on the inside, oh she was as calm as the eye of a hurricane.
It was this calmness that made sure that no one suspected a thing and the engagement went off without a hitch.
Geet had sleepless nights henceforth.
She tried extremely hard to not think about Maan. She cleaned the house from top to bottom. She even completed all her remaining useless tasks for college 2 weeks in advance but alas. Maan was all she could think about.
Geet knew for a fact that she could never live on if she never confessed her feelings. She could not start a new part of her life until she closed this one part. She decided to confess to Maan and then move on. Marry her fiance, live the life of a rich man’s wife, attend kitty parties and be taken care of, never ever having to lift a single finger.
She wrote a letter to Maan, asking him to meet her on the balcony above at 1 am in the morning on the night of her Mehendi raat.
She would confess and move on. That seemed like the smartest idea.
At 5 min past 1 am on the Mehendi raat, Geet walked on the balcony. It was dark and she could only see a shadow. Knowing she had asked Maan to meet her there, she started her confession. The confession where she said to love Maan and no one else. The confession where she wished he could be her fiance. She conveyed her sadness that she could never be with Maan, as she wouldn’t be able to face society. Marrying the best friend of your fiance? She would never be able to live that down!
Geet’s confession was unfortunately heard by the wrong person. It wasn’t Maan who stood there in the empty balcony corner, where he was supposed to be.
No.
It was her fiance.
He immediately turned and faced Geet with a horrified expression and slapped her so hard that she fell.
He then proceeded to call her names, to insult her and threaten that he would tell everything about her to the world.
Geet, whose tears had wet her face entirely clung to his feet, asking no begging for him not to do that. However, her pleading fell to deaf ears. He announced that he would break off their marriage immediately.
Angrily he left and then proceeded to wake up everyone. He went ahead and did exactly what he said he would do. He broke off his marriage and left Geet to pick up the broken pieces of her existence.
Geet’s parents, who had never ever raised their hands on any of their children, raised it for the first time. Geet’s cheek was already red from the slap from her fiance. The slaps from her parents made it bleed.
Geet found no peace. She had no idea what to do. She had no idea how to face society. Her only mistake was falling in love, why was she being punished so badly?
Geet realised that she had to leave but where. Geet spent the entire night thinking of that until her phone buzzed with a reminder to officially submit her application for her study abroad for her master’s. At that moment Geet knew that was going to leave her home, her family, her country everything she had ever known.
Present day
Geet soon realised that she had unknowingly spent an hour reminiscing about the past while staring outside through the window.
Geet had to admit, that while the life she was living now, wasn’t one she had ever expected in a million years, she was in a way content. Did she wish she was back in India, with her family and her friends? Yes, but here in this unknown country where no one knew her past, she found a different kind of peace that she would’ve never found back home. She did love her life here even if it hurt at times.
It was another simple Monday morning. Geet was hastendly making her way across the train platform to go to work when she bumped into someone. A stranger that somehow smelled like home. Maan. Maan Singh Khurana. The man whose thoughts she had spent 10 years running from. She instantly knew before even meeting his gaze and when she did it was met with longing. He stared at her, not believing his eyes. Before he could say anything, Geet dashed, trying to get out of his sight. But Maan knew better. He instantly caught up with her, held her arms and silently looked at her, begging with his eyes to not run away, not to leave him, not again at least.
He asked her to go have a cup of coffee with him, tea ofcourse for her. “I will only ask you this one thing, a cup of coffee for me in your company”. Geet tried to refuse, saying she had work which was not an excuse but her reality but Maan insisted, he pleaded. “After your job then, Geet please, please”. Geet reluctantly agreed. She knew she could easily just ghost Maan. But there was something about him that she just couldn’t ignore. She knew that if she didn’t agree, she would regret it for her entire life. A part of her brain even wondered if she would regret leaving all those years ago if she had refused.
After work Geet walked down to the quiet coffee shop nearby where she had agreed to meet Maan. Her Maan, no he wasn’t hers but her heart who instantly became as warm as it had been in India, didn’t want to admit.
Geet walked in and saw Maan sitting at the corner table, anxiously waiting for her. Geet wondered if he had thought she would ghost him. She walked towards him after meeting his gaze. Slowly steadily, as if she wasn’t walking towards him but rather just closing the distance that was created in those 10 years. A part of her wondered if he was here for her. If he had scorned the earth looking for her, to ask her to give them a chance. Geet knew it was just wishful thinking but her heart had hope.
She sat down, across from him. A waiter instantly set down 2 cups on their table. A coffee and a tea both steaming hot. “Hi” both said.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjqFZxAr9MM&ab_channel=E-Lyricist
The rain drummed softly against the window, each droplet racing to join the puddles on the ground below. Geet sat curled up on the couch, a faded photograph in her hands. Maan’s infectious smile stared back at her, a reminder of the laughter that once filled her life.
It had been two years since that tragic night when everything shattered. Maan had been her anchor, her confidant, and the love that filled her heart. They had shared dreams beneath the stars, promised each other forever, but fate had written a different ending.
Every corner of her life echoed his absence. The cafe they used to visit, the songs they had danced to, even the simplest moments felt heavy with loss. Geet moved through her days like a ghost, haunted by memories that lingered like shadows.
As she traced the outline of Maan’s face in the photograph, a lump formed in her throat. The last time they had been together, sitting on a park bench, hands entwined, he had looked deep into her eyes and said, “Geet, no matter what happens, I’ll always find my way back to you.” His promise echoed in her mind, a haunting reminder of what she had lost.
That night had been perfect until it wasn’t. They had laughed, shared dreams, and basked in the warmth of each other’s presence. But a reckless driver had stolen him away, leaving Geet in a world devoid of color.
The coffee shop where she worked became a refuge, a place where she could lose herself in the rhythm of serving customers. Yet every cup of coffee served was a reminder of Maan. They had spent countless afternoons there, sipping lattes and dreaming about the future. Now, each interaction felt like a reminder of the void in her life.
“Geet?” A voice pulled her from her thoughts. It was Meera, her best friend, stepping inside the cafe, shaking off her umbrella. “I brought you your favorite.” She placed a steaming cup on the counter.
“Thanks, Meera,” Geet said, forcing a smile. But her heart felt heavy, and the laughter that used to bubble between them now felt stifled.
“Want to talk?” Meera asked, concern etched on her face.
Geet sighed, looking down into her cup. “What’s there to talk about? I’m stuck in this loop of memories.”
“Maybe it’s time to share some of those memories. You don’t have to keep them all to yourself,” Meera urged gently.
“I just miss him,” Geet admitted, her voice trembling. “It feels like a part of me is missing.”
As the rain pattered outside, they sat together, sipping their drinks in silence. The warmth of the cafe contrasted sharply with the cold emptiness in Geet’s heart. After a few moments, Meera spoke up again.
“Do you remember that song you used to sing with Maan? The one that always made you cry?”
Geet nodded, tears pooling in her eyes as she recalled the lyrics that felt so close to her heart.
Humari adhuri kahani, ab tak hai adhoori...
The song spoke of love that lingers even in absence, and it resonated with her soul. It was a reminder of the dreams they had shared, and how life had pulled them apart.
“Let’s listen to it,” Meera suggested, pulling out her phone. Geet hesitated but eventually nodded, knowing the melody would bring both comfort and pain.
As the first notes filled the air, memories flooded back - Maan’s laughter, the warmth of his hand in hers, the way he always knew how to make her smile. Geet closed her eyes, allowing herself to be swept away by the music.
She let the tears flow freely, each drop a release of pent-up sorrow. Meera sat beside her, silent but supportive, offering her presence as Geet surrendered to the emotion.
When the song ended, Geet opened her eyes, feeling both raw and liberated. “I feel so lost without him,” she whispered.
“It’s okay to feel that way,” Meera replied softly. “But you don’t have to carry that pain alone.”
“I just don’t know how to move forward,” Geet admitted. “Every time I think of letting go, it feels like I’m letting him down.”
“Moving forward doesn’t mean forgetting him,” Meera reassured her. “You can carry his love with you while still living your life.”
After their conversation, Geet found herself wandering through the park they used to visit. The sun was beginning to set, casting golden light through the trees. She remembered Maan’s laughter echoing through the air, the way he would chase her around, his playful spirit infectious.
As she walked, she recalled another of their memories which made her happy and sad at same time
It felt like Maan was still with her in some way, connecting them across the chasm of loss. She closed her eyes, breathing in the fresh scent of rain-soaked earth, wishing she could turn back time.
Suddenly, she felt a gust of wind, and for a brief moment, it felt as if Maan was standing beside her. “Geet,” his voice echoed in her mind. “You have to live for us both.”
The thought struck her with an intensity that made her heart race. Could she truly honor his memory by embracing life again?
That night, Geet lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the photograph of Maan beside her. She thought of the dreams they had woven together and the plans they had made. She wanted to fulfill those dreams - not just for herself but for Maan too.
In the days that followed, Geet began to take small steps. She returned to the cafe with a renewed purpose. Each day, she shared stories about Maan with her customers, bringing him back to life in her words. She poured love into her work, crafting each cup of coffee with care, knowing it was a way to celebrate the love they had shared.
One afternoon, as she served a couple celebrating their anniversary, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness. Their joy reminded her of what she had lost. After they left, she retreated to a quiet corner, tears brimming in her eyes.
paas aaye dooriyan fir bhi kam naa huyi...ek adhuri si humari kahani rahi
She felt the weight of those lyrics pressing down on her. But amidst the sadness, she also felt the flicker of hope. Maan wouldn’t want her to be consumed by grief. He would want her to embrace life, to create new memories.
With that thought, she picked up her phone and called Meera. “Let’s go out tonight,” she said, her voice steady. “I want to celebrate Maan’s life, not just mourn his absence.”
Meera’s excitement was palpable. “That’s a great idea! How about that little restaurant we loved?”
As the night unfolded, Geet found herself laughing and reminiscing with Meera. They shared stories about Maan, recalling his silly jokes and the way he would light up any room. Geet felt lighter, each shared memory transforming her grief into something beautiful.
Later, as they walked home under the stars, Geet felt a sense of peace settle over her. She closed her eyes and whispered to the universe, “Thank you, Maan, for everything.”
The weeks turned into months, and Geet continued to find ways to honor Maan. She volunteered at a local shelter, using her love for cooking to prepare meals for those in need. Each act of kindness felt like a tribute to him, a way to keep his spirit alive.
One evening, as she was stirring a pot of soup, she played their song softly in the background. The familiar melody wrapped around her like a warm hug.
Humari adhuri kahani, ab tak hai adhoori...
Geet smiled through her tears, recognizing the beauty in the unfinished tale of their love. It didn’t have to be perfect or complete. It was real, and it had shaped her into the person she was becoming.
As spring arrived, the world around her blossomed. Geet felt herself blossoming too, shedding the layers of grief that had once consumed her. She still missed Maan every day, but she had learned to carry his love as a source of strength rather than sorrow.
One sunny afternoon, while volunteering, she met a young boy named Arjun. He was shy but had a spark of curiosity in his eyes. Geet found herself drawn to him, and they began to bond over their shared love for stories.
“Do you have a favorite story?” Geet asked one day as they sat on a bench together.
Arjun nodded, his eyes lighting up. “I love adventure stories! They make me feel brave.”
“Bravery is important,” Geet said, remembering Maan’s own courage in facing challenges. “It helps us overcome our fears.”
As their friendship blossomed, Geet realized how much joy Arjun brought into her life. His laughter reminded her of Maan, and their bond became a source of healing.
One day, as they were preparing a meal together, Arjun turned to her. “You miss someone, don’t you?”
Geet hesitated but then nodded, feeling a connection with the boy. “Yes, I do. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to miss someone and still be happy.”
Arjun smiled, a wisdom beyond his years shining through. “Maybe they’re always with us, in our hearts.”
His words resonated deeply within Geet. She had spent so long feeling like she had to choose between holding on to Maan’s memory and moving forward. But Arjun’s insight reminded her that love transcends time and space.
That night, as she lay in bed, Geet closed her eyes and whispered, “Thank you for showing me how to keep loving, Maan.”
With each passing day, Geet embraced life a little more. She started writing again, pouring her thoughts into stories that celebrated love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
She often returned to the park where she had last felt Maan’s presence, sitting on their bench, letting the memories wash over her.
The lyrics echoed in her heart, reminding her that while Maan was gone, their bond would always remain. She felt a sense of completion, knowing that their story was not merely about loss but about the profound love that continued to shape her life.
As summer approached, Geet organized a small gathering at the cafe to celebrate Maan’s life. She invited friends and family, sharing stories, laughter, and memories.
That night, they played the song that had once brought her to tears. As the familiar melody filled the air, Geet felt a wave of emotion wash over her, but this time it was different. It was a celebration - a tribute to the love that had touched her soul.
rang the noor tha, jab kareeb tu tha .. ek jannat sa thaa ye jahaan...
With every verse, she felt Maan’s presence, as if he were right there beside her, smiling and cheering her on.
As the evening came to a close, Geet stood up, holding the photograph of Maan in her hands. “I want to thank everyone for being here. Maan was a light in my life, and I know he would want us to carry that light forward.”
With that, she felt a sense of peace settle in her heart. The fragments of her life were coming together, weaving a new story - one that honored the past while embracing the present.
In the end, Geet learned that love never truly fades; it transforms and evolves. Maan had left her with an unfinished story, but she had the power to continue writing, to create new memories while cherishing the old.
As she stepped into the future, she knew she would always carry Maan with her - not as a shadow of grief, but as a beacon of love guiding her way.
Humari adhuri kahani, humari adhuri kahaniii
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ihl4oiT-oPg&ab_channel=EnglishLyricalSociety
“Geet Geet,… where are you” shouted Tayijo, frustrated at Geet’s regular habit of disappearing
“Biji, let her be. You know she need to seek the moments with her own self”
“No Rano, stop supporting her in her madness. We have been trying to make her understand it since last one year but she is not understanding”
“Yes Rano, it is time she accept the reality of her life” said Mohinder
“And Tayiji, it is not only her but the whole family is bearing the burn of her stubbornness. First we just used to listen from people from our village, now things are spreading like fire”
“Rano, you are understanding right? Darji is not ready to take any more defamation”
“Chodri hui ladki… Daarji ki poti.. Chi… what all we have to bear for this stubborn girl?” Brij had now lost all his patience with Geet. Rano knew, same was happening with Daarji. He was losing any patience with Geet. His respect was way above Geet’s emotion for him. Now they have started looking for a prospective groom for her so that they can send her off. The groom and family will be granted a huge chunk of land on top of hefty amounts in bank, cash and jewelry for Geet to be accepted by the groom's side. Rano gulped saliva under her throat feeling the humiliation her daughter has to undergo in addition to her emotional heartbreak.
But her Geet was not ready, maybe will never be, to marry anyone else.
“Rajji, go find your Geet di, wherever she is. A very nice proposal has come for her and the Groom to be and his family is coming to see her.” Tayiji ordered in a strict tone. Is Tayiji this heartless, maybe not. Not for Daarji’s so-called respect but for Geet. She needs to move on, come out of her one sided devotion to her so-called husband. Smile like before, play around with Titu and Rajji or stay happy forever in her new life with her new husband. So what if they have to buy her a husband by pouring wealth. Their Geet will smile again.
“Mumma, I do not know where Geet di is?”
“Rajji, no drama with me. Go call Geet, things need to be set up straight into her head now”
Rajji was walking in the farmland which will lead her to the machan where her sister must be having some peaceful time.
“What is Geet Di’s fault in all this? She always did what these people asked her to do. One fraud was caught on the mandap and the other - Na, can’t even think anything against him, it will hurt Geet Di. But did these people not compel her to marry Jiju. Geet di gave her heart to her husband, what’s her fault in it?”
Geet eyes blankly looking at the farmland when Rajji reached up to Machan.
Geet was lost looking at the farmland but has she even once observed how the grown up crops were dancing as the wind blew, how the color of the farm changed from yellow to green on the movements of the plants or did she even remember these farms were her home long back, were she loved to run for hours and hours. She knew each and every path of this farmland. But all these were alien to Geet now.
Looking at the farmland, all she could imagine was him coming to her, tearing the farmland, to take her away with him. But she very well knew it was impossible. He will never come for her
“Nasur ho tum meri zindagi ka… samjhi Geet. Why don’t you just leave me and go”
Woh humsafar tha....
Woh humsafar thaa magar us sey humnawai na thi…
That night when she was silently packing her bags he was in the room all the while. Not once did he stop her from packing but when their eyes had met, did she wrongly read that he wanted to stop her?
She let the small laugh as tears slid down her cheeks. She knew it was just her inner hopeless wish that she felt he wanted to stop her. Same as when she was leaving, he just kept looking at her, never stopping her but his eyes told her another story altogether
Tarq-e-taaluqaat pe…
Roya na tu, na main
Lekin yeh kya ke chain se soya na tu, na main
Bicharte waqt un ankhon mein thi hamari ghazal
Ghazal bhi wo jo kisi ko kabhi sunai na thi
But where was she wrong in her hope? Even though tied with her in the marriage just because of his Dadima’s words, he had been there for her. She had felt his unsaid care for her, protecting her silently between his family. Family whom he loved more than himself. He could never go against his family for the girl he married only in a situation. But was it only the situational marriage between them? Nothing more?
“Geet Di”
Rajji’s words broke her terrain of thoughts and Geet gave her a smile.
“Di, they are all looking for you and the house is on fire” Geet nodded and got up. Why do they want her there?. As per them, she has not been able to please her husband and thus have been left by him.They were all ashamed of her then why do they need her when she is trying to calm the unending storm within her heart.
“Di, they have found a proposal for you” Geet looked at Rajji confused
“Proposal? I am already married” Geet voice cracked while making that claim. Rajji could feel the pain her Di was going through. She didn’t know why Di left Jiju and came back to stay here and why Jiju has not yet made a single contact with Di.
“Daarji and Veerji are not going to listen to anything, Di.”
None of these mattered to Geet anymore. Any shouting, demeaning words, people’s words, her Tayiji’s concern for her life or her mother’s fear for her. She was like a smooth surface from which all these matters passed through without an impact.
Geet must have just stepped inside the house when she was pulled harshly by Brij and thrown inside to land on her mother’s arms. Brij closed the door and stood in front of his aunt only to pull Geet away from her arms
“Brij aaram se. Waise he hosh nahi hai kudi ko” Rano pleaded
“Brij please, you can talk calmly as well” called out Mohinder
“Kudi, listen to me now” came loud voice of Daarji, silencing everyone else in hall with his authoritative tone
Geet looked at him. Everyone knows, since she has been back from her husband’s house, she has become stubborn like stone. She obeyed them in all matters except this.
“Listen, we have found a very nice proposal for you. The family is well reputed, and the groom has good business as well. It’s not that we are pushing you anywhere. We have also ensured that even if you are not able to keep your groom happy, he will not leave you.”
Geet was simply looking at Daarji with a stone-like expression.
“I am already married Daarji, how can I marry again” Geet said in low yet calm and confirmed tone
“Gee-eet!!!” Brij came to her in anger “Brij stop. Let me talk to this girl”
“If you are married, why are you staying here for the last year? Leave apart come to take you back, why have your husband not even once tried to check on how you are doing.Why don’t you even let us go there to talk to them?”
“It's between my husband and me, there is nothing that you can talk to him about. I do not want anyone to question anything from him as once again I repeat he has not left me, I left and came here”
“And how long are you planning to stay here?”
“Daarji, this is my house as well. Can I not stay in my house for as long as I wish without any condition”
“Enough of your talks now girl. I am three times your age and I know this world better than you. I very well know, your marriage has ended. Whatever you may claim but I know your husband has left you. Or else he could have come to take you back. Listen, my respect is above this stubbornness of yours. I cannot let people badmouth my reputation. Get that clear”
Tayaji came in front “Daarji, let me talk once”
“Geet Puttar, do one thing, make us talk to Maan once.” Geet stumbled back after hearing his name from her Tayaji. Just his name ‘Maan’ in the air could bring elective waves into her veins.
“Fine, the groom's family will be here by six. If you are able to make us talk with that so-called husband of yours by four and depending on what he says, we will decide to stop the new alliance. If not,then without a word you are coming down all decked up to present yourself to a new family.”
“No Daarji”
“Rano, Chahat, Meenu take her and start getting her ready if she is unable to fulfill the condition by 4. Due to her, even my opponent got a chance to demean me. This needs to be stopped”
And he left Geet at hands for her sister-in-law, her Tayi ji and and mother
All the ladies entered the room “Meenu, close the door” ordered Tayiji and held Geet’s arm tight. At least this pain can bring some sense into this girl
“Kudiye, get your husband on call right now. Let us all know where you stand in his life.”
Geet looked at her Tayiji - again blankly.
How could she call him? What will she say?
“Maan come and take me with you”
And why will he even come for her? Has she not packed her bag on her own and left from there? And did she not do it because he asked her to. Did she not wish him to move ahead in life before leaving? What if he has already moved on with Sameera, Mummy ji’s favorite girl? But even that thought scares her- him being with anyone The only thread of hope that she has is he has not yet sent her the divorce papers.
In her one year stay with him as his wife, he had not been her companion by all means. He had never countered his mother when she talked about her, he also did not support Dadima’s words in her favor. He had shown his frustration on her, shown her how stuck he was in his life due to marrying her. He had cleared that he would not proceed in life with her till his mother accepted her, which eventually never happened…
But even with all this, she has always seen him keeping his distance from Sameera. In private, he had respected the relationship they had been tied into.
Adaavatein theen..Taghaaful thaa, Ranjishein theen Magar..
Adaavatein theen..Taghaaful thaa, Ranjishein theen Magar..
Bicharne walay main sab kuch thaa
Bewafai na thi…
But now it has been a year. How could she forget that he has disparately asked her to leave?
How can she call him when she knows calling him will bring her into the reality she has been running away from?
Geet was again lost in her pool of thoughts
“Call him, NOW” scolded Tayiji.
“I can’t call him. He will call me when he has time”
After that no one listened to her, some for their respect and some to fix her life.
Geet did not wish to waste her energy on arguing with anyone on this topic. She did not want to make the mockery of her deep feelings for him. Her feelings for him is all she has left now and it's her own, she will not share it with anyone here. Let them do what they want to, she in no case can even think to be anyone else’s.
********************
It was a beautiful evening from the grand balcony of Maan Khurana’s balcony. Sipping his whiskey, Maan’s eyes were fixed on the beautiful sunset at the far end of the long running beautiful garden of Khurana Mansion. By the look of it, anyone will say he was enjoying the pleasant view of a beautiful evening. No one could say that he was so lost in his own thoughts that his eyes were just fixed blankly on the horizon.
“Maan, why are you sitting all alone dear”
Maan looked at his Dadima and smiled. Dadima settled herself in the chair opposite to him
“Why are you so lost, son?”
“Dadima, they fixed her alliance today” there was a deep crack in his voice
“Maan, you sent her away. Still you keep track of her, Why dear?”
Maan looked at Dadima and smiled, turned away to take a sip from his glass, shook his head and looked back at Dadima, with a smile. The smile was nothing but mocking his own self. Words were not needed for why he kept track of her.
“For once go and meet her. Bring her back“
“With what Rights, Dadima? Why would she want to come back? Why would she want to come back to me, this family, why Dadima? Those words of mine that day, broke that delicate string of our relationship that she had been holding onto”
As usual they reminisced that uneventful day which had made Maan uttered those words
Everyday burning under the guilt of breaking the heart and trust of his mother, seeing the tears in the eyes of his so strong mother , he had felt so helpless that day.
The restlessness of the guilt, tears of hurt in his mother’s eyes, the son that day overpowered the husband in him.
“Naasur ho tum meri zindagi ka, why don’t you just leave me and go Geet” He had said at last, frustrated by the daily drama in the house.
That time he was not sure of his feelings for her but he knew he loved his mother. Due to his guilt towards his mother, he was failing daily as a husband. His mother had not accepted her, and he could not till his mother accepted her.
Frustrated that he could not stand for her. The Maan Singh Khurana, who was known to the world for his strong stand on his life, could do nothing to protect her from daily humiliation. Why was she hanging on with such a man? Wanting to free her from this daily humiliation and tears in the eyes of his mother had made Maan uttered such words. The words that are still piercing in his heart.
She would have still been here had the darkness of that day not further consumed everything .
Encouraged by Maan’s disrespectful words to Geet, Sameera took a chance to insult her further.
Sameera’s insult was sugar coated but lethal. She had the backing of his parents, especially his mother.
Geet was in such a shock with Maan saying “naasur hi meri zindagi ka tum” that Sameera’s insulting words passed over her head. Maan lost his patience seeing such an insult of hers in front of him. He just wanted to shut up Sameera, but that would hurt his mother. But, why was Geet listening to such an insult?
“Geet, Kitni begairat ho tum. Why are you still standing here, have some self respect and just leave this place”
All Sameera’s insults surpassed her brain but his second words hit the core of her heart, tearing it into pieces.
“BEGAIRAT!!! she repeated in low yet the deep crack. Maan knew there and then, what a big blunder he had done
Geet quietly turned and left from that place
Woh humsafar tha.... Woh humsafar thaa magar us sey humnawai na thi…
Kay dhoop chaaon ka aalam raha
Judai na thi…
That night when he entered the room after stabilizing himself from the shock of his words, she was silently packing. How will he face her now? She had been bearing all the insults so far just for him. She understood his situation but what had he done, placed the last straw by his extremely hurtful words.
Never had he thought that she would pack her bag like this. But what else can he expect after his such demeaning words to her?
He kept looking at her silently, did not have guts or words to ask her not to pack. How could he?
Next day when she was leaving and one last time as their eyes met, not with words but he wanted to convey his heart from his eyes. Geet kept looking at his eyes. She tried to read his eyes, and waited for him to speak. But his guilt did not let a word out of his throat
Bicharte waqt un ankhon mein thi hamari ghazal
Ghazal bhi wo jo kisi ko kabhi sunai na thi
“Maan, aap theek hain” Dadima brought him back
“I am fine Dadima. Woh theek nahi hogi” Again his voice cracked. He got up and left.
Maan closed his files and system and was about to retire for the night
“Maan”
“Mom you, now?”
“Can we talk?”
“Of course Mom, come in.”
“You look very disturbed today. What’s the matter”
“Nothing Mom”
“I am your mom, Maan. You may think otherwise but I love you deeply”
Maan immediately took her palms into his “Mom, you don’t have to say it.”
“If you think so, share with me” Maan made his Mom sit on the bed and settled beside her, his hands still holding hers
“It’s about her?” she asked, seeing his hesitation. Maan gave a nod.
“Maan, I never had idea that she had this huge effect on you”
“I didn’t know either. But the way she left made it worst” he left his words hanging there
“You must be blaming me. But Maan, was I wrong in my place? “
“No Mom, you were never wrong. Did I ever say that? Have I ever supported her above you?”
“Maan, had I known that she really meant this much to you, I would have given up. I would have explained Sameera. All I knew was that you were trapped in that relationship as well .”
There was silence for some while
“For that unknown girl, my long time promise to my dear friend was broken. You very well knew how important that promise was. My friend has left this world, trusting her daughter's future at my hand.I had promised her that I will secure her life with my son, My Maan. Was I wrong in not being cordial with her? Every Time I saw her, she reminded me of my promise being broken. The shattered dreams of Sameera “
“Mom, I’ve never blamed you; it was my fault. But when I had to handcuff the man Geet was marrying at the Mandap, it felt like everyone’s eyes were on Dadima. Daarji, an old friend of Dadaji and Dadima, looked hurt, his respect at stake. Dadima's head was lowered in shame because I handcuffed Geet’s Groom in the Mandap. I couldn’t let Geet marry that fraud. No one believed me the day before; if they had, she wouldn’t have been there. Luckily, my team gathered enough proof against him before the wedding. The accusations against Dadima for my acts, the shame for Daarji from the villagers, and Geet’s blank stare at her family were all heart-wrenching.”
He held his Mom’s hand tightly “ I was unable to let Dadima down. It was that situation Mom It does not mean Dadima’s promise is above yours”
He paused for a few seconds “But Mom, why did you raise her topic today?”
“Your Dadima was giving me angry glare all the time after she came out from your bedroom”
“Dadima ..” he shook his head
“Maan, you really fell in love with her. I had no idea. Trust me Maan, any of my promises were never above you or will ever be. ” She paused
“Maan, when did you fall in love with her and how? Your marriage was not your choice, she was not your type, you married under pressure, then how and when?”
Maan was lost in his thoughts. When and how did it happen
‘*
It was their first night together in Khurana Mansion. She had been waiting on bed for him, when he had just passed on to his wardrobe to get his change of clothes.
She was not expecting much from him either. Her welcome in the house has told her the story. Other than Dadima, who had single handedly done all the process of welcoming her, while others had shock, anger and accusation on their face.
On her entry to this Mansion as his wife, his mother had called out
“How could you, Maan? You very well know Sameera has been waiting to be your bride for years. You both were soon going to tie the knot, how could you do this to her and to me, my promise? I will never accept this girl as my daughter in law, never. You can very well start your married life with this girl but can never get my acceptance, never.”
“Mom, this all happened in the situation I have explained to you. I have made a promise to her, she is my wife now. That is the fact but I promise you, I will not start my married life with her till you accept her as your daughter in law”
“I will never Maan. This girl is nowhere a match to be your wife and above all you will have to ultimately leave her and marry Sameera”
She had heard it loud and clear.
Ignoring her expectation of any conversation, Maan had thus moved to get his clothes. He took his pair of night suits and as he turned, he found her standing right in front of him.
The moment his eyes went on her, he got lost in the stark beauty, so close to him. Her almond shaped hazels met his dark brown orbs. So deep they were; he was drowned in them. Nothing seemed to be in his control at that moment. Before he could realize, she was sitting on the ground, her hands on his feet. He was stunned by her act. He bent to pick her up, held her shoulder when he felt the teardrop on his feet
“Geet, get up. Don’t do this” he lifted her up and then she suddenly hugged him
Maan’s hand automatically went around to hold her when he realized his promise to his mother. He then immediately pulled back his urging hands
“Geet, before my mother accepts you, this is not possible” he spoke but seemed like she was in her own zone. He hands joined in front of him
“You saved my life. I am getting scared to death even imagining what would have happened had I been married to that criminal. You saved me like a God”
Maan felt shocked, what had he been thinking “Geet, don’t fall on my feet and join hands like this in front of me. Being a police officer, it is my duty to stop any wrong and catch the culprit. I was just doing my duty”
“No, you are the God of my life. Not only did you save my life, but for the respect of my Daarji, you married me. Had you not married me, my Daarji who has always held his head high, might have had to bow his head down in front of all. I would have died before seeing this”
“Geet, it was not your fault that the groom they selected for you was a criminal”
Tears streamed down her eyes through her cheeks “You are no less than God to me. I know it is not easy for you to accept me as your wife. But today I promise to be yours from my soul and body till my last breath. In this relationship, you are not bound to any husbandly duty but I promise, I will be your wife and do my wifely duty towards you till my last breath. I give you my words, I will be there for any of your needs without any question and expectation. Jo kiya aapne mere liye, zindagi bhar ka farz nibha diya”
Maan had kept looking at her. Does this girl even know what she is saying? This big stature for just doing his duty. He kept looking into her eyes, which was full of love, admiration, respect and submission for him.
He had no words to express like her. Accepting her in words would be disrespectful to his mother. But that first night itself, she hit that inner cord of his heart that he knew, he was hers and only hers till his last breath.
“Go sleep”
Next morning, it was Sunday. After a life changing event and not having to go on duty, Maan was sleeping late in the morning.
The sunlight had seeped into the room hitting his sleepy eyes making him turn other side and that very moment he felt water droplets on his face.
“What the…” he opened his eyes which fell in her wet curly hair. Scared from his sudden words she turned and his eyes were unable to move away from her striking raw wet beauty.
She was scared like a kitten for the water droplets on his face
“I will clean it right away? Lost in her fear she had bent down to wipe the water droplets on his face from her dupatta, taking Maan in a complete trance of her innocence mixed with her beauty.
After making him completely lost in her with her innocent act of wiping his face from her dupatta, she was about to move away. He suddenly pulled her to him “I am sorry Maan” her words brought him back and he loosened his grip from her
“Did I ask such a complicated question Dear? When and how did it happen”
“Mom, love just happens. It does not tell you exactly how and when it happens. Love has its own rule, it does not care of any promise, any social boundaries. It makes its way and reaches one's heart surpassing all these restrictions and makes its own place. At least that's what happened to me.I never planned to fall in love with the girl my mother has not accepted, it just happened. Maybe I fell in love with her love”
“Maan,as I have now, I will accept her wholeheartedly. Sameera has understood that she and you were never made for each other irrespective of Geet coming in between or not. Why don’t you bring her back”
“Mom, it’s not about me but her. Do I even deserve her? Can those words that I spoke to her be ever taken back? Will I ever be able to return her respect to her? She had been humiliated in front of my eyes, she had borne demeaning words from me, and had been ignoring my words in the name of my frustration. But those words that day, the disrespect that I brought to her, I broke her into pieces. I do not hold the rights to bring her back and make my wife”
Kamini wiped a small teardrop that was forming at the corner of his eyes.
“Has she moved on?”
He gave a small laugh “she will never and that’s my fear. I am scared for her Mom”
“Scared??”
“Mom, can I ask you a favor?” “Anything dear. I am an unfortunate mother who is the cause of my son’s pain. What can I do for you dear?”
***************
Geet was sitting in the center stage for the mehndi ceremony. The haveli was decorated like a bride. Mehndi was brought in a decorated bowl. Everyone there was so relieved and happy for their own reasons. They wanted to get rid of her, so she was ready to give them what they wished.
“Kudiye, now bring a smile on your face. Your life is going to take a new turn. Forget your past and be ready for your new life” She called the mehndi girl to Geet
“Do a beautiful Mehndi on bride’s hand” ordered Tayiji
As the celebration was going on, Geet preferred to be lost in her favorite world, that was him and only him
How he had been himself with her when they had been alone in the house. Those times he let her be his wife and never stopped her from doing things for him
‘*
That day after a hectic day in the office, all Maan needed was a cup of coffee. Too much hatred in his loving family has torn him in two pieces. That day no one was at home and just like some rare times she had got a chance to do something for him.
When she walked into the room with a cup of coffee for him, Maan was in his undershirt, just about to put on his shirt. She felt so shy and flushed at the sight of him like that.
“Ji Coffee” “Come in”
As they silently sipped in the coffee she had felt his eyes on her all the while. There was nothing like that between them , still she was blushing like silly.
“Okay, you take a rest, I will leave” she said, still unable to look at him. She was about to move
“Geet, I am having a headache. Can you ” before he could complete, she ettled beside him and massaged his head. She kept messaging him for hours and he never asked her to go away.
Those were some moments when they had been alone, he had also been the exact opposite to what he had been when in public gatherings.
Once his mother had a small get together of close friends and family party for celebrating his award. It was a function for her husband so even though being not invited, she gathered her guts and went into the party.
Her mother in law clearly showed her dislike of her presence there.
“Maan, I am leaving the party. Let her enjoy here”
“Mom No, it’s your party, please”
“She is here now, spoilt the whole party,I am leaving” and next, Maan had grabbed her hand and pulled her to the corner
“Who asked you to come here”
“It's a party for you, my husband. How could I not?” and next, he crushed her arms so tight pushing her to collide on the wall, anger pouring in his eyes
“Baizzat hona pasand hai tumhe, yun sabke samne… why did you come here?”
“You are my husband, how could I…” “I have not accepted this relationship, then with what rights are you here”
’****
That was their relation - sometimes he was so cordial and sometimes she could not recognize him to be the same person
Kay dhoop chaaon ka aalam raha
Judai na thi…
Woh humsafar thaa magar us sey humnawai na thi…
Noises brought her back to reality. The Mehndi was done with nd Armaan written on her hand
Geet excused the Mehndi girl from there, took the cone and modified it to read just “Maan”.
*****
“Sir, just received the news”
Maan turned “What news Adi?”
“Tomorrow is her marriage. Today is her mehndi and Sangeet. She has moved on Sir”
“Only if she could in this life, Adi” His own sentence struck in his mind
“Adi, it’s urgent. You apply for my leave for tomorrow. I have to leave immediately”
Maan reached home “Mom, we are leaving immediately, you and me”
*****
It was the day of marriage and they were decorating her for someone else. She was sitting lifeless, lost. She could neither cry nor hold her tears.
Kaajal daaro
kurkura surma Saha na jaaye
Jin Nain mein pee bassay
Dooja kon samaaye
***
The Mandap was ready, Geet was looking out of world as the ladies made her sit on the mandap
“Maan, she has moved on. Why are we here?”
“Mom, I promise, if she marries happily we will quietly leave. No one will even know that we were here. But I doubt it. I am so scared seeing the numbness of her face. How could they not see?”
“You want her back?” “My wish doesn’t matter, she matters”
******
Geet was settled on the mandap, numb. Groom-to-be had just stepped on the Mandap when everyone saw Geet falling on the ground unconscious and white foam coming out from her mouth
“Geet… Geet” there was a chaos
The groom’s family started blaming, Daarji’s head bowed, Brij was on fire “Disgraceful girl” Ladies rushed to Geet.
“I will see how she does not marry?” Brij held her arm to straightened her up “Even if she die, I will make her complete this marr…” he could not even completed his sentence when he felt strong fist on his face, throwing him far away from Geet
“How dare you” And without waiting for anyone, Maan lifted Geet in his arms and moved towards his vehicle
****
Maan was pacing to and fro when the doctor came out from the room.
“She is all good Mr. Khurana. We have flushed all the medication out of her. You ca go and meet her”
As the door opened, Geet was hell scared, Daarji and Brij Veeji will now forcefully get her married. How is she still on this earth? The door fully opened and she could not believe what she saw in front of her eyes
“Maan?” He moved towards her and then “Mom?”
“How dare you do this Geet?” scolded her mother in law. Geet was scared seeing her
“Do you think it is just your life? You belong to someone, belong to a family” her mother in law scolded her. Geet could not believe, it was he mother in law, claiming her to be the member of her family “m-m-mom”
“Now enough of the drama from both of you. Both of you talk and sort it out”
She left, giving the duo time to talk
After his mother left the room, Maan settled on bed beside her and held her hands in his “This is how you planned to punish me” A single line of tear from his eyes fell on her hand
“Ma-aan”
“Geet, I do not deserve your forgiveness but this punishment is not acceptable. I could survive away from you but not under the sky where you do not exist, Samjhi tum”
“Maa-aan” she wiped his tears and placed her palm on his lips. Maan held her hand and placed a soft kiss on her palm.
“Don’t ever forgive me, but do not punish yourself this way”
“you, here? how?”
“Did I have any option? You filled my room with your liveliness and love and one fine day left it stranded. And then what did you do with yourself - kept living with memories of the man who insulted you”
Geet nodded sideways, tears slid down her eyes. His sitting there with her, for her , talking to her, was beyond her imagination. Maan could no longer see her tears and pulled her in his embrace. her tears were wetting his chest “Now, what did I do to make you cry?”
“Since we have been married, I do not remember how many times I have imagined being in your embrace like this. My head resting on your chest. How it will feel” she confessed innocently
“How does it feel?”
“More beautiful than whatever I have ever imagined”
“For that you have to live with me, make my room lively like it was in your presence and then be ready to be bored by my embrace, every now and then.”
“Meri is zindagi ki humsafar banogi Geet?”
“Humsafar” she said and hugged him tight
Song: Bol Do Na Zara from Azhar
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wQkmUGcutM&ab_channel=Tiko%27sMusic
The rain outside fell in steady sheets, blurring the world beyond the large glass windows of Maan’s office. It was a fitting reflection of the turmoil brewing inside him—a storm of emotions he had kept hidden for too long. Maan sat there, watching Geet as her face flickered between hope and heartbreak. Deep down, he wanted nothing more than to ease her pain, but he couldn't bring himself to say the words she longed to hear. He'd grown up in a world where love was shown, not spoken—a world where vulnerability was hidden, not shared. His silence wasn't a lack of love but a protection, a wall he'd built long ago, shielding himself from the loss and disappointment he feared would follow if he let his guard down. The air between them had grown thick with tension, and for weeks now, Geet had been distant, her silence like an unscalable wall.
Maan Singh Khurana was a man of few words, but Geet… she had always been his weakness. Instead of speaking his love, Maan chose to show it in every way he could, hoping it would be enough. He remembered the times he'd stayed up all night, worrying about her safety, arranging for her comfort without her knowing, ensuring her world remained steady even if it meant sacrificing his own peace. His love was in these acts of service, the small gestures, the silent reassurances. When he brushed a stray strand of hair from her face or let his fingers linger on her hand, it was his way of saying everything he couldn't put into words. Her mere presence used to light up his world, her smile the balm to his otherwise stoic life. But now, that light seemed to be slipping away, and no matter how much he wanted to stop it, he couldn’t bring himself to say the one thing that might make her stay.
Flashback (Few Weeks Ago)
The sound of crashing glass echoed through the Khurana mansion, followed by the heavy thud of footsteps retreating into the silence. Maan stood frozen in the center of the room, his eyes fixed on the shattered remnants of a vase—one of Geet’s favorites. It had been an accident, but it felt symbolic, as if the fragile pieces of their relationship were breaking right before his eyes.
Geet's voice, a fragile whisper, broke the silence. Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, bore into his. "Aap mujhse baat kyun nahi karte, Maan?" she pleaded, her voice rising with each word. "Why do you make me guess?" Her shoulders slumped, her heart heavy with disappointment.
Maan had clenched his fists, his jaw tightening with the effort it took to remain calm. "Not everything needs to be said, Geet. Sometimes it's better this way."
"Better for who?" she had snapped, her voice rising. "Aapke liye? Because it’s certainly not better for me! I can’t keep living in this uncertainty, not knowing where I stand with you. Do you even care anymore?"
Her words had pierced through him, and though he had wanted to reach out, to assure her that he cared more than she could ever know, the weight of his own insecurities held him back.
Geet gazed at him, feeling the weight of all the unspoken words pressing down on her heart. She loved Maan for the way he protected her, for his silent strength and unwavering presence. Yet, that same silence was the source of her pain. She needed to hear the words—to have something tangible to hold onto. She had whispered "I love you" to him so many times, hoping, praying he would say it back. Each time he remained silent, the ache grew sharper, yet so did her love.
She'd fallen for him precisely because of the way he loved, unassuming and deep, but she also needed the reassurance only his words could bring. She wanted him to know that his silence left her restless, yearning for a confirmation of the love she could feel but not hear.
But, like always, he had chosen silence. A silence that now lay between them like a wide, impossible gap.
Flashback (Two Nights Ago)
As the days passed, the distance between Maan and Geet only grew wider. Every conversation became a minefield, every glance a battlefield of emotions neither dared to express. The weight of everything unsaid bore heavily on Geet, but she wasn’t ready to give up. Not yet.
One evening, she decided to take a step—one last effort to salvage what they had. Maybe, she thought, if she could get Maan to see how much his silence was hurting them both, he might finally open up.
She knew where she would find him. The terrace. It was where he often went to think, to escape the pressures of work and life. Tonight, she hoped, it could be the place where they could talk, where she could break through his walls.
The air was thick with the scent of rain, the sky still cloudy from the earlier downpour. Maan stood at the edge of the terrace, his hands gripping the railing as he stared out into the distance. Geet watched him for a moment, her heart aching at how alone he looked, even when she was right here. She stepped forward, the soft rustle of her dupatta catching his attention.
“Maan,” she called softly, her voice barely audible over the distant sound of raindrops hitting the pavement below.
He didn’t turn around, didn’t acknowledge her presence right away, but she knew he had heard her. Taking a deep breath, Geet walked closer until she was standing beside him.
“Mujhe aapse baat karni hai.” she said, her voice firm despite the uncertainty gnawing at her insides.
Maan’s grip on the railing tightened, but he remained silent. The cold wind whipped around them, pulling at Geet’s hair, but she didn’t care. She had to make him listen.
Her voice, a mere breath, trembled as she confessed, "I can't bear this silence anymore, Maan. It's suffocating me." Her eyes, filled with a mix of sadness and anger, met his.
Finally, Maan turned to look at her, his expression guarded. “Tum kya chahti ho, Geet? Kya kahoon main tumse?”
“Main chahti hoon ke aap mujhe batayein ke aap kya mehsoos karte hain?” she exclaimed, frustration and sadness bubbling to the surface. “I’ve been waiting, waiting for you to let me in, but you keep pushing me away.”
Maan’s eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite place—guilt, maybe, or regret. But his voice remained steady, distant. “There’s nothing to say. Everything is fine.”
“Fine?” Geet’s voice broke as she shook her head in disbelief. “Is that all this is to you? Fine?”
Her words hung in the air like a challenge, daring him to contradict her. But Maan, who was always good at hiding his feelings, said nothing. His silence was the answer she had feared all along.
Tears welled up in Geet’s eyes as she took a step back, the pain of his indifference hitting her like a punch to the gut. “I don’t know how much longer I can wait for you to feel something, Maan. I can’t be the only one fighting for this.”
Maan’s jaw clenched, his hands gripping the railing so tightly his knuckles turned white. But still, he said nothing.
Geet swallowed hard, her heart shattering with every second that passed. “If you don’t care enough to fight for us, then maybe… maybe there’s nothing left to fight for.”
She turned around and walked away, her chest tightening with the weight of what she had just said.
Present Day
Tonight, like many nights before, she stood by the door, ready to leave. Her fingers gripped the handle, knuckles white from the force, as though she was holding onto more than just a piece of metal. She was holding onto the last shred of hope she had left.
"Maan," her voice, though soft, cut through the silence like a knife. "I can't do this anymore."
Maan’s heart clenched. He knew this conversation was inevitable, but it didn’t make it any easier. He remained silent, staring at her back, willing her to turn around, to look at him, to give him one more chance to make things right. But Geet, in her typical fashion, didn’t wait for a response. She had waited long enough.
"I can't keep pretending everything is okay when it’s not. You've pushed me away for so long, and I’m tired of waiting for you to care."
His fingers twitched, desperate to reach out and stop her, but he didn't. Instead, he spoke coldly, his voice devoid of the emotion raging inside him. “You’re making a big deal out of it, Geet.”
She turned then, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Am I? Or are you just too afraid to admit that you don't care about me anymore?"
Maan’s breath caught in his throat. Of course, he cared. Of course, he felt more for her than he could ever express. But years of discipline and control had taught him to suppress such emotions, to remain distant and guarded. The one time he had let himself feel… it had resulted in heartache. He wouldn’t allow himself to go through that again.
"You think this is easy for me?" he finally spat, his voice harsher than intended. "You think I don’t care?"
Geet blinked, startled by the sudden outburst, but the hurt in her eyes remained. "You don’t show it, Maan. How am I supposed to know what you feel when you never say it?"
A faint melody began playing in the background — Adi must have switched on the radio, but the sound seemed distant compared to the storm brewing between them. Music drifted through the air, the melancholic tune punctuating the tension in the room.
Itni mohabbat karo na, Main doob na jaun kahi
Vaapas kinare pe aana, Main bhool na jaun kahi
Dekha jabse chehra tera, Main toh hafton se soya nahi
Geet’s lips trembled as she spoke again, her voice cracking with emotion. "Main kab se intezaar kar rahi hoon, ke aap mujhse kuch kahenge. Anything that would show me that you still care."
The song’s lyrics echoed in Maan’s ears. Bol do na zara, dil mein jo hai chhupa… Say it, the song urged. Say what’s in your heart, before it’s too late.
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisi se kahunga nahi
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisise kahunga nahi, Main kisise kahunga nahi
But Maan couldn’t. He wanted to, God, how he wanted to, but every time he tried, the words got stuck. He was never good at expressing his feelings, especially not when they ran this deep.
Geet took a step toward him, her voice trembling. "I thought… I thought we had something real. But now, I don’t even recognize you anymore. The man I fell in love with—he’s gone. And maybe it’s my fault for holding onto the past, for believing that you—"
"That I - what?" Maan interrupted, his heart pounding wildly.
"Love me," Geet finished, her voice barely above a whisper.
The silence that followed was overwhelming. Maan’s chest hurt with the heaviness of those words. He wanted to shout that he did love her, more than anything else, but the fear of being vulnerable stopped him. What if she didn’t believe him? What if he confessed, and she walked away anyway?
The tension between them was a complex blend of longing and restraint, a soulful connection that transcended the physical. For Maan, words felt inadequate, while Geet longed for the intimacy that only a spoken confession could bring. He knew she needed him to let go, to share in her vulnerability. She wanted his soul, not just his presence—a love beyond physical desire, where the mere acknowledgment of emotions was an act of trust.
The lyrics of the song hung in the air, swelling with the intensity of Maan’s unspoken feelings.
Mujhe neend aati nahi hai akele, Khwabon mein aaya karo
Nahi chal sakunga tumhare bina main, Mera tum sahaara bano
Ik tumhein chahne ke alaawa, Aur kuch humse hoga nahi
He had felt this way all along. Why couldn't he just say it? As the realization hit him, Maan stepped closer, his heart racing. “Geet, I—”
Tears welled up in her eyes as she shook her head, backing away from him. “You don’t have to say it if you don’t want to, Maan. I understand. Just know that I can’t wait for you anymore. This… this pain is too much to bear.”
"I can’t do this anymore," she repeated, her voice breaking. "I can’t keep waiting for you to feel something. I can’t keep hoping that one day, you’ll tell me what I need to hear."
Maan stepped forward, panic rising in his chest. He couldn’t lose her, not like this. "Geet—"
But she shook her head again, her tears now spilling freely down her cheeks. "I’m done, Maan. I’m done waiting."
As Geet turned to leave, the song reached its chorus, the words a perfect mirror of Maan’s silent plea. Bol do na zara… Tell her now. Before it’s too late.
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisise kahunga nahi
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisise kahunga nahi, Main kisise kahunga nahi
It wasn’t always like this for them. Once, not too long ago, Maan and Geet had shared a bond that seemed unbreakable. He remembered the first time he realized just how much he loved her. It had been during a particularly chaotic day at the office, one where everything seemed to be going wrong. Geet, as usual, had taken charge, her calm demeanor and infectious laughter bringing a sense of peace to the entire team. And to him.
He had watched her from across the room, the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, the way she made everyone feel like they belonged. It was then that he knew—he was in love with her. But admitting it, even to himself, had taken time. Too much time. By the time he had finally gathered the courage to tell her, life had thrown them a curveball. Misunderstandings, family obligations, and his own insecurities had kept him from ever saying the words that could have made all the difference.
The rain outside had slowed to a drizzle, but inside, Maan’s world remained in turmoil. He couldn’t just let her go, not without a fight. He had to tell her—no more holding back, no more letting fear control him.
He grabbed his coat and rushed out of the office, his mind set on one thing: finding Geet.
He drove through the rain-slicked streets, his heart racing. He knew where she would be. There was only one place she went when she needed time to herself, and he prayed that she was still there, that he wasn’t too late.
The café where they used to spend quiet moments together came into view, and Maan parked haphazardly outside, not caring about the rain that soaked him as he sprinted inside. His eyes scanned the room, and there, in the far corner, sat Geet, her head resting on her hands as she stared blankly out the window.
The café’s radio was still playing the song, now nearing the final verse. Maan's heart clenched as he approached her.
Humari kami tumko mehsoos hogi, Bhiga dengi jab baarishein
Main bhar karke laya hoon, Ankhon mein apni, Adhoori si kuch khwahishein,
Rooh se chaahne wale aashiq, Baatein jismo ki karte nahi
For a moment, he just stood there, watching her, his heart aching at the sight. How had it come to this? How had they drifted so far apart?
Taking a deep breath, Maan walked over to her table. She looked up as he approached, her expression unreadable. The room was filled with an unspoken conversation, a yearning that spoke louder than any words. Maan reached for her hand, letting his fingers entwine with hers. He looked at her, his gaze intense, as if trying to convey what he couldn't say. She closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch, wishing it were enough, but knowing her heart craved more.
"Aap yahan kya kar rahe hain, Maan?" she asked, her voice devoid of emotion.
His voice, barely a whisper, trembled as he spoke. "Mujhe tumse baat karni hai, Geet." he confessed, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and fear.
Geet sighed, looking away. "Baat karne ko ab bacha hi kya hai? There’s nothing left to say."
But Maan shook his head, his heart pounding. "Sab kuch. There’s everything left to say. I'm sorry, Geet. I’ve let my pride and my fears come between us, and I don’t want to lose you because of that. I care, Geet. I care more than you know.”
Geet searched his eyes, looking for any sign of truth in his words. “Then why can’t you just say it? Why can’t you let me in? Main aap par yakeen kaise karoon?”
“Kyunki main darta hoon.” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’m afraid of what I might lose if I let you in completely.”
She glanced at him, her eyes still filled with doubt. "You’ve never told me how you feel, Maan. How am I supposed to believe you now?"
Maan swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he reached across the table to take hers. "Because I’m telling you now. I love you, Geet. I’ve always loved you. I was just too afraid to say it."
Silence enveloped them again, but this time, it was a different kind of silence—one filled with unspoken words, shared breaths, and lingering glances.
“Main tumse bahut pyat karta hoon, Geet,” Maan confessed, his heart pounding against his chest. “Par mujhe wo dikhana aur jataana nahi aata. Mujhe laga ke agar main tumse doori banakar rakhunga, I was protecting you. Protecting myself.”
Her eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t pull her hand away. She blinked back her tears, her heart racing at his admission. “You could have just told me. I would have understood.”
“I know that now,” Maan said, stepping closer until they were almost touching. “I know I’ve hurt you by being silent. But I need you to know that I never wanted to lose you.”
“Then don’t,” Geet replied, her voice steady. “Don’t push me away. I want to be here, with you, but you have to meet me halfway.”
For a long moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. The song’s final words played softly in the background...
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisise kahunga nahi
Bol do na zara, Dil mein jo hai chhupa
Main kisise kahunga nahi, Main kisise kahunga nahi
Maan’s voice cracked as he spoke again, his heart in his throat. "Please… mujhe ek mauka aur dedo. I promise ke main tume aisa kabhi mehsoos nahi karaunga like you’re not enough. I love you, Geet. And I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you."
Tears welled up in Geet’s eyes, and for a moment, Maan feared that she would reject him, that it was too late. But then, slowly, she nodded, her hand tightening around his.
"You should have told me sooner, Maan," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
"I know," he whispered back, his heart pounding in his chest. "But I’m telling you now. And I’ll keep telling you, every day, for the rest of my life."
Geet smiled through her tears, and in that moment, Maan knew that they were going to be okay. They still had a long way to go, but for the first time in months, he felt a flicker of hope.
As they sat there, the soft glow of the café lights casting a warm glow on their faces, a sense of peace washed over them. The rain had stopped, and so had the storm within their hearts. They held hands, their fingers intertwined, a silent promise of a future together.
In that moment, they realized that their love had always been there, unspoken but undeniable. The silence that had once threatened to tear them apart had now become a bridge, connecting their hearts in a way that words could never express. As they walked out of the café, hand in hand, a new chapter began, filled with hope, love, and the promise of a beautiful future.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk74h-FUj9k&ab_channel=Zunastics%5E_%5E
Maan clenched his fists as he could hear her voice already, filled with panic and worry. His chest tightened with the feeling of helplessness and he waited with bated breath as the footsteps tapped across the floor drawing closer to this room. Geet appeared, her eyes widened with concern and her beautiful curls plastered to her cheeks as she crossed the room towards his side.
“Maan! What’s going on? Pinky told me you fainted in work and were rushed to the hospital” she asked touching his shoulders. “And these doctors… they said a specialist is coming to see us” she said and he could hear the trembling in her voice. “What is going on?”
He wanted to drown in her beautiful eyes and forget everything. He looked away unable to hold her gaze and cleared his throat. For the past few months, he had hoped all of this would be a nightmare and it would all go away. Seeing Geet filled with concern and fear shattered his hopes and filled his heart with dread of how he could tell her.
“Maan…” Geet urged touching his shoulder. “Kya hua?”
“I… I maybe hadn’t been eating properly the last few days so…”
“No, no… Why is a specialist coming? Kya hua? Please batao mujhe”.
Maan closed his eyes, he felt his throat becoming tight. He had wanted to protect her, shield her from this inevitable that would consume them both. He also didn’t want to keep lying and giving her false hope.
“Maan…” Geet said gently as she moved to stand in front of him, she touched his cheeks turning him to look at her. “Jo bhi hai, we can handle it. Batao mujhe please” she urged. “Main hoon tumhare saat”.
“I… I thought it would go away” he admitted with a trembling voice. “I… I don’t have much time left. I… I have cancer, Geet”.
Silence descended the room and Geet’s hand dropped from his cheek to her side and she instinctively stepped back, her face filled with cold dread of fear and disbelief. Maan’s eyes filled with fear and she felt her chest tightening.
“Nahi… Nahi, Maan. You must be wrong. That… That can’t be true” she mumbled shaking her head. “This can’t be true, the doctor’s must have mixed something up” she said trying to convince herself. Maan closed his eyes, his heart breaking each passing second as she couldn’t wrap her head around the truth.
“This can’t be happening” Geet said shaking her head. “We’re supposed to be getting married in a few months” she whispered. “The doctor’s are wrong and if they’re not then… then we will get a second opinion…”
“Geet” Maan whispered reaching out his hand for her.
Geet shook her head, tears cascading down her cheeks and she stared at his open palm. Her lips trembled as she slowly reached forward and clasped his hand. He tugged her close to him.
“I didn’t want this to be true. I’m so sorry”.
“How… How long have you known?” she questioned.
“Few weeks. I thought I was just fighting off this infection or something but I wasn’t getting well so I got myself checked. The cancer has spread everywhere. I hoped they did a mistake and I… I didn’t want to believe it. I got a second opinion and there’s nothing… nothing they can do anymore”.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I… I wanted to create just happy memories for you. I… I didn’t want to burden you with my illness, love. I… I wanted to fill your life with so much happiness in my last few months”.
Geet cried and cradled his cheek. “We’re going to fight this as much as we can”.
“Love… I don’t want you to watch me wasting away in front of you. I can’t ask you of that”.
“You’re not making this choice. You’ve already made a foolish decision for not telling me first” she chided and pressed her forehead to his. “You don’t get to make anymore decisions for me. I’m going to be here”.
“I don’t want you to remember me like this, Geet” he whispered, his voice cracked, and he curled his arms around her waist. “I don’t want to be a burden. My health is progressively getting worse, love. I don’t want to be a burden on you” he muttered feeling himself weakening and on the brink of crumbling. He had silently been carrying this weight alone for the last couple of weeks, living with the fear of dying, the grief of having to leave this world and Geet behind. Now with Geet knowing, he felt the pain, the fear, the anger, the grief was threatening to spill out.
“Shush” she pressed her finger to his lips and stared into his eyes. Her eyes filled with determination. “I am not going anywhere so you are stuck with me, and you better get used to this”.
A tear slipped down his cheek. “I… I don’t know how to do this alone. I don’t want to say goodbye to you” he confessed slowly as another tear escaped before he burrowed his face into Geet’s chest. He allowed himself to finally let go and cried out his pain. Geet choked back on her sobs and tightened her arms around him. Together, they held on to each other praying for a miracle, both their hearts broken and clinging onto the little time they might have left.
After a while, Geet sat on the chair beside Maan’s bed holding his hand as he filled her in on what he had been doing with the doctor. Dr Armaan Malik was his oncologist and had been informative and answering Maan’s questions over the last couple of weeks when he had been given his diagnosis. Geet tightened her grip on Maan’s had when he mentioned the words ‘terminal’ and ‘cancer’ together. She couldn’t comprehend this. This was Maan Singh Khurana after all.
He was a storm to be reckoned with. He was always a man of few words, but his presence demanded attention and respect. He was always so strong, physically and emotionally rarely showing any vulnerability. He was sharp, intelligent filled with silent determination. Beneath his stoic exterior, only those close to him and whom he loved knew he was compassionate, he loved deeply, he was committed and would do anything to make you smile and laugh.
Maan looked at Geet as she rested her head on his lap with her hands gripping onto his tightly. He smiled faintly and stroked his fingers through her soft curls. Who knew how long he had to cherish these curls? Maan had learned from Geet what love was, his barriers had come down with her love and warmth. She had brought joy into his life and crumbled the barriers he put up.
He would leap through fire if it meant keeping the smile on Geet’s face. He felt guilty because soon, she would be consumed with unavoidable grief and he was going to be at fault. He wanted to protect her from that, he couldn’t imagine her enduring this grief and he wouldn’t be here to console and comfort her. He was going protect her as much as possible, he would try his best to help her to his last breath. He wanted to see a smile on her lips before he passed. He couldn’t see her crying.
Geet slowly lifted her head as the door opened and in stepped Dr Armaan Malik.
“Hi Maan, how are you feeling?” Armaan asked giving a small smile to Geet before he focused on Maan.
“A little better. What are the results?”
“Please say you can do something” Geet intervened before he could answer. “There must be something. Medicine has advanced a lot more now”.
Armaan looked apologetically. “I’m sorry, there is not much we can do at this stage other than comfort Maan. The cancer is aggressive and is affecting his bones and organs” he explained.
“How much time, doctor?” Maan asked softly.
Armaan’s eyes filled with sympathy as he answered. “Max, 2 months”.
Geet’s heart shattered and Maan’s grip tightened on her hand. Maan had accepted his fate but seeing Geet’s soul being destroyed him all over again.
“No, no… There must be something”.
“Geet… please”.
“No, no” she cried shaking her head. “Maan… I can’t… I can’t lose you”.
Maan glanced at Armaan silently gesturing him to give them a moment and Armaan nodded leaving the room silently. Maan pulled Geet closer and cradled her cheek.
“Love… please”.
“Kya karungi main, Maan?” she sobbed. “How can I live without you?”
“I don’t want to live without you either, Geet. I don’t want to leave you too”.
“Maan, you have to fight. Let’s get someone else, please” she pleaded. “You promised to love me forever, remember? When you proposed. We’re supposed to be planning our wedding!” she cried. Maan pulled her closer and embraced her tightly. Geet gripped onto him burrowing her face into his neck and sobbed. “Don’t accept this, Maan. Please… We need to fight. You promised to love me”.
“And I want to. I wish I could keep my promise, love. I want this more than you know. I love you so much, Geet” he responded.
Geet clung to him tightly, her body shaking with her sobs as the thought of their future being lost. Oh, how they had so many dreams and desires for each other. And now, they had 2 months. 8 weeks. She wanted to freeze this moment and hold onto him forever. As her sobs subsided, she pulled back slightly and looked into his eyes. She only had 2 months to memorise everything and cherish every single moment with him. She would make these months memorable for them both, so he would be at peace and leave with a smile.
Over the next couple of days, Maan decided he didn’t want to be spending his last moments in the hospital, he had only a limited time and he was going to spend it with Geet. Geet organised for nurses to come take care of him as they were professionally aware what his needs may be. She also reached out to her business partner, Riddhima and took a leave from their business so she could focus all her energies on Maan.
Geet finished her call with Riddhima and re-entered their bedroom finding Maan sitting on their balcony. Maan stretched out his palm invitingly and she walked across with a smile taking his hand and sat down beside him. Together, they watched the sun set over the horizon. Maan tightened his hand on Geet’s.
“Can you promise me something?” he asked as he turned his head to her.
“Kya?”
“First promise me”.
“Maan, please”.
He smiled. “Promise me that you will find happiness after I am gone”.
“We’re not talking about you going” she responded with tears in her eyes.
“I need to know you’re going to be ok, Geet. I need to know that you will continue to live and move forward. Please promise that you will keep going”.
“Maan, please let’s…”
“Just promise me, I just want you to be ok. I need to know”.
“I… I promise I will be ok. I will… continue to live and I will find happiness” she said. I will find happiness living with your memories Maan she added silently.
“Thank you” he lifted her hands and kissed them.
~~~
“Geet, can you just sit down?” Maan huffed.
“Why don’t you just let me help?” she countered sitting at their table and keeping a watchful eye.
“Because I said so” he answered rolling his eyes. He had insisted on cooking tonight for them despite his waning strength. He lifted the bowl of pasta he put together and brought it to the table and sat down with it. Geet had set up the table while he had cooked.
Maan forked some pasta and held it out to her.
Geet smiled, her heart swelled with love as she opened her mouth and took a bite.
“How is it?” he asked and waited as she chewed slowly.
Geet hummed and furrowed her brows.
Maan worried that he messed up took a bite and scowled at Geet. “What’s wrong with it? It tastes delicious”.
Geet cheekily laughed and he shook his head at her realising she was teasing him.
“Geet! You should’ve been praising my dish and kissing my hands”.
Geet laughed and curled her arms around his neck dropping a peck to his lips. “It is very very delicious”.
He smiled and dropped his forehead to hers. “I always imagined we would be like this. Just you and me in our little world”.
“Then… let’s pretend we have all the time in the world” she said, her voice thick and barely above a whisper.
That night Maan had his arms wrapped around Geet as she slept peacefully against his chest. He traced gentle circles on her shoulder as he memorised the feel of her warmth nestled against him. He wished he could stay here with her in his arms forever. He traced her face with his eyes loving the wayward curls resting against her plump cheeks, her lips slightly parted and her arms clinging on to him.
A tear slipped down his cheek as he thought of their future. He wouldn’t be here growing old with her and he was leaving her alone. He brushed away his tear quickly not wanting to disturb her. They should have been focusing on their wedding planning and tasting cakes and dresses right now. He imagined how it would have been. Geet wearing a deep red lehenga, her hands painted with henna with his name hidden in the designs. Him waiting at the mandap and eagerly waiting for her to walk down towards him. Their eyes would have been filled with happiness and love as they were finally going tie the knot.
Unfortunately, he wouldn’t have that chance now. He wouldn’t watch her walk towards him, he wouldn’t mark her forehead with the sindoor making her his wife, he wouldn’t be searching for endless amount of time in her palms for his name.
Maan leaned down and kissed her forehead, the thought tore at him that he wouldn’t be experiencing this with Geet. A hollow ache started to form in his chest and consumed him from within. One day, she would experience this but it would be someone else. The pain was so deep and it was as if his heart broke all over again.
“I wanted to see you as my bride. I wanted to spend my life with you, love. I’m sorry. I will always be with you though. Watching over you. I’ll be a part of you, always though. I promise. I will live in your heart” he pressed another kiss to her forehead. “I love you. I will love you in every lifetime, Geet. I will find you in our next life together” he promised.
Geet stirred slightly and said his name. Maan’s tear escaped and he couldn’t stop it as it splashed onto her cheek. Geet opened her eyes and found Maan’s eyes filled with tears.
“Maan…” she whispered cradling his cheek. “Kya hua?”
“Would you love me one last time?” he asked, his voice cracking.
“I will always love you” she promised. “There is no last time” she whispered lifting her head slightly and Maan leaned down kissing her deeply…
~~~
“I’ve got two left feet” Geet said with a chuckle when Maan held out his hand to her.
“I’ll hold on to you, my love” he promised.
“Maan, how about you rest?” she inquired.
“C’mon, give me this dance Geet” Maan urged wiggling his hand.
Geet stood up from the balcony chair and clasped his hand. Maan pulled her closer sliding his arm around her waist. She stared into his deep dark eyes, losing herself into his intense gaze and licked her lips when his eyes darkened and trailed down to her lips.
Maan grinned and leaned down kissing her lips tenderly. Geet withdrew after a moment and rested her head on his shoulder, they moved together in a slow gentle rhythm.
“I wish I could’ve been here to have our first dance at our wedding together” he murmured.
Geet’s heart skipped a beat and she closed her eyes painfully. “I… I told you I wanted to still get married” she mumbled softly.
“I don’t want to do that to you, love. I don’t want to marry you so I could leave you a widow” he whispered into her ear. “In our next life, I will marry you and hold on to you forever” he promised.
“I want to hold on to you forever now” she lifted her head and stared at him. “I want to hold on to this moment and you”.
“My love… I will always be here for you even if I am not here”.
Geet eyes filled with tears and Maan brushed away the tear that slipped down her cheek.
“Tumhare bina, main kaise jeeyu, Maan?” she mumbled and cradled his cheek.
“You will live for me, you understand? Promise me, you will continue to live for me”.
Geet pressed her face into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her tightly holding her as she cried into his chest. “I don’t want to live without you” she sobbed.
“My love, you must” he said firmly and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Promise me, please or I will be burdened with this”
Geet hesitated and didn’t want to answer.
“Geet” Maan prompted.
“I promise…” her lips trembled as she reluctantly replied.
~~~
“Please don’t leave me” Geet whispered clasping onto Maan’s hand. “Please, I beg you” she pleaded.
Maan smiled faintly. “You made my life worth living, love…” he murmured. “Thank you for loving me and giving me these memories”.
Geet choked on a sob and she shook her head. “Please, please… Please stay for me”.
“I wish… I wish I could, love. I never would have left you” he said as a tear slipped down his cheek. “I’m sorry” he apologised.
Geet cried and buried her against his shoulder and holding him. She could feel him slipping away, the pain it came with consumed her. She could feel his heartbeats become uneven and she prayed for a miracle hoping he could stay.
“You promised you wouldn’t leave me?”
“When?” he chuckled faintly with tears in his eyes.
“When you proposed!”
Maan smiled. “I… I think I lied”.
Geet’s heart tightened. “Please stay for me” she begged.
“I wish… I so wish I could, love. Don’t forget me… Visit me once or twice”.
“Always. You’re etched in my heart, my soul. I’ll never forget you and you are always going to be with me” she cried.
Maan smiled faintly. “Give me your smile, love…” he whispered.
Geet struggled but finally managed to smile weakly, her face wet with tears and she pressed a kiss to his forehead, their eyes locked together and he smiled weakly.
“No…” Geet whispered as he closed his eyes and his grip on her hand loosened as he took his final breath. The silence in the room was deafening and she felt her heart break all over again…
Geet continued to clutch his hand even though his warmth had started fading and he was becoming cold. The world had become empty and hollow without him here. The colour and warmth in her life had left her. She silently cried as she thought of all the memories they created together, the playful food fights in the kitchen, the sneaky kisses when she’d be in a virtual meeting, the nights when they held each other and slept.
“Aaargghhhhhh” She screamed letting out a gut-wrenching cry that vibrated against the walls.
~~~
Geet found herself visiting all the places Maan and her used to visit after he had been laid to rest. She relived every memory and moment as if trying hard to cling on to every memory and live with them. She visited the beach every evening, dipping her feet into the sand and smile when the waves lapped over them. He had told her he loved her for the first time in this very beach when they’d strolled along after dinner. Geet closed her eyes tilting her head back enjoying the cool evening breeze.
“I love you, Maan” she whispered, and tears slipped down her cheeks when he couldn’t respond back to her. How she would give anything to hear his words again?
~~~
Geet stared silently at the two pink lines. Her fingers trembled and she clamped a hand over her mouth. Her heart pounded with a mixture of joy, disbelief and sadness. She had woken up today feeling despair and didn’t think she could continue living like this. She couldn’t carry on with the weight of Maan’s loss burdening her heart. She had been staring at the bottle of pills in her medicine cabinet and contemplating her decision. She had already apologised to Maan internally for breaking her promise to continue living but she couldn’t. She was dying every day without him, and she couldn’t continue living like this. It was when she went to reach for the painkillers that her eyes landed on the pads. It had been a while since she had a period, she thought, and it led to this moment now.
Pregnant. She was pregnant with Maan’s child.
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she pressed a hand to her stomach, her heart already swelled with love and a deep connection to the life growing within her. A part of Maan stayed with her. He hadn’t truly left her. He departed but left a gift for her. He kept his promise to being with her always. He had given her a piece of him to hold and love. He… He had given her a reason to continue living when she had lost all hope and was about to end it all.
Her smile faded slightly. “I’m… alone, though” she whispered. “Oh… Maan… Why aren’t you here with me?” she clutched the pregnancy test to her chest. She was going to face this journey without him, the thought of raising his child by herself… A wave of anxiety and sorrow crashed over her.
She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes, imagining he was beside her. His warm arms around her and placed on her still flat abdomen.
I’m here. Always she imagined he would say and reassuring that he would take care of them both.
A bittersweet smile tugged at her lips, and she chuckled. “You would’ve been going crazy with happiness, right now” she whispered. She could almost hear his voice.
“Seriously? We’re going to be parents! Mazak toh nahi kar rahe ho na? We’re really going to be parents”.
Geet smiled imagining his reaction before her eyes filled with tears and they cascaded down her cheeks. She cried softly placing her hands on her abdomen. “How can I do this without you?” she whispered. Maan was her anchor, he reassured her when she felt conflicted, he was her strength, and he always made her feel safe. Now it was her turn to become this baby’s anchor and protect them always.
How was it that she felt so alone but connected to this baby at the same time?
“We’re not alone though” she whispered. “We’re here for each other, haina? Your mama loves you so much and… your papa…” she stammered and brushed away her tears. “Your papa loves you so much, little one. He would’ve shown you if he had the chance”.
Geet exhaled deeply and wiped away her tears. This was supposed to be a happy moment, no, it is a happy moment. She felt hope in a long time. Maan had given her a gift to love. He might not be here physically, but his love was. She caressed her abdomen and smiled feeling a wave of happiness and excitement mixed with pain. “You’re still with me” she whispered. He hadn’t left her alone. His love lived on in their baby and he saved her.
~~~
Over the next couple of months, Geet pregnancy journey was a path of both happiness and sadness. There were days she’d wake with a smile on her lips and a flutter in her stomach reminding her that Maan’s love continued to remain with her. Then there were other days when she’d be consumed with grief of his loss and how she could do this without him. Geet’s love heightened as the weeks turned into months and she watched her bump grow bigger each week.
She spent evenings stretched in their bed and telling their baby stories of Maan. Geet chuckled once again when the baby kicked whenever she mentioned Maan.
Geet had started preparing for the arrival of the baby which wasn’t too far away. She rummaged through the pile of clothes she had been gifted by their friends and family wondering which one she wanted to pack for the hospital.
“This is very difficult, baby” she muttered. “Kaunsi choose karu?” she picked up another onesie and considered it. “Maan Khurana, where are you when I need you?”
At that moment, she felt a kick from her baby and she laughed. “Ok, ok I know you are here”.
Geet smiled softly as she thought of Maan cradling their baby in his arms once he or she was born. She could imagine him smiling proudly and cradling their baby in his arms so protectively.
“We’ve made an angel, Geet” he would have whispered.
“Your papa would have loved you so much” she informed the baby as she cradled her bump.
~~~
“This is where your papa told me he loved me” Geet said resting a hand on her bump. She had recently visited their favourite places again and telling their baby of their love stories and the memories they created with each other. “We dreamed of a future together. He promised me forever..” she muttered.
Geet looked across the horizon enjoying the warm sun kissing her skin and felt a sense of peace as if Maan was reminding her that he was here, with them, forever.
After a couple of weeks, Geet was in the hospital exhausted and overcome with emotion as she cradled their baby in her arms. It was a girl with deep dark brown eyes like her papa. Geet was felt as though she was holding the most precious treasure in the world.
“Welcome to the world, my love” she whispered as she took in every detail of her daughter. Dark hair, long lashes, the tiny nose, all of which reminded her of Maan. She pressed a kiss to her daughter’s forehead, her heart constricted with the powerful emotion that burned within her. “You’re everything that I dreamed of” she murmured to her daughter. Geet’s heart ached longing for Maan to be here in this moment. She was saddened that he wasn’t here, admiring and gushing over their daughter.
Geet smiled and considered the name she had chosen in the recent weeks. One that would be honouring the man who would always be a part of her soul and heart.
“Maansi” she told her daughter. “Your name is Maansi. A tribute to your papa, my darling. You are a piece of him that I will forever carry with me until he and I meet again”.
Geet felt her heart break and heal at the same time. Maansi’s eyes locked with hers and she blinked. Geet smiled faintly, it was almost like Maan’s love was reflecting in their daughter’s eyes.
As the days followed, Geet felt herself hope. She had promised Maan she would find happiness and it turns out it had been him that had filled her life with happiness again. She found herself speaking constantly to their daughter, before it was Maan only suffering with her non-stop talking which he was always amused with and now it was their daughter. Geet shared memories of her love story with Maan with Maansi. She would sit on the balcony cradling their daughter into her arms and rock her gently as she spoke of the love of her life.
“Your papa was so strong, Maansi. He always looked angry but inside he was so soft and gentle. He loved your mama so much. He… he would have been the best papa to you. You and I would have been the two sides to his heart” she murmured as she stared out into the city. Maansi seemed to agree as she wriggled and a small smile curled onto her lips.
Geet grinned and exhaled heavily. “Thank you, Maan. Thank you for giving me a reason to live. Thank you so much for this gift… this angel” she said as she looked down at Maansi. “I love you, Maan. You’re always here with me, in my heart and soul. And now a piece of you… is right here in my arms” she closed her eyes and pressed a kiss to Maansi’s forehead. “Thank you, my love…”
5 years later
As the years passed, Geet’s life continued to have Maan’s presence lingering everywhere. She saw him in Maansi’s laugh, in her brown eyes that sparkled with the playful glint that mirrored his, in the strength she had to find within herself. A strength she hadn’t known she had until she had to live without him and bring up their daughter alone. Maan was in every heartbeat of hers.
Geet clasped her daughter’s hand as she strolled along the beach where she had created so many memories with Maan. She walked to the water’s edge and chuckled when Maansi squealed at the water lapping over their feet. After a moment, Maansi said, “Mama, I’m going to make a sandcastle now for papa, ok? He will be able to see it?”
“Of course, darling. Make papa a sandcastle. He is always watching us” she responded gently stroking her daughter’s cheek.
Geet watched Maansi bounce towards a quiet spot a few feet away and digging into the sand with her tiny hands and her brows furrowing in concentration. She chuckled and stared across the horizon. Another small wave lapped over her feet and she smiled closing her eyes. “I know, you’re here” she whispered. “Did you see her? She is like you” she added and paused for a moment. “I… I came here today to thank you, Maan. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for me the strength to continue living otherwise I wouldn’t have met her. You saved me. I didn’t think I could continue going if it wasn’t for you” she murmured.
“I used to think I could never heal, not fully anyway. I thought… I thought this emptiness in my life would be endless and I would always be alone. I thought the colours in my life faded… but you didn’t let it happen” she said with a soft chuckle. Her eyes filled with tears. “You left me with your love so I could continue to make more memories for us both and because of you I have been able to be strong every day…” she sniffed and wiped at her tear. “I’m… I’m letting go of the pain… I’m going to live fully, Maan. Just as I promised, I’m going to live for Maansi… for myself and… for you. Always for you” she finished and closed her eyes feeling the sun rays beamed and kiss her skin with its warmth. In that moment, Geet felt Maan was right there with her.
“Thank you, my love” she said finally feeling her heart bloom without the added weight of grief and pain. Geet felt lighter than she had in ages, her heart filled with gratitude, and she smiled knowingly that he kept his promise of being with her always, in their daughter, in their memories and in their love.
He whispered huskily in her ear, his hand going around her waist, bringing her closer to him. He kissed on her cheek; he started drawing circles with his thumb around her shoulders….
I want to confess something to you
Dua bhi lge na mujhey Dwa bhilge na mujhey
Jabse dil ko mere tu lga hai ,,
She just said Hmmm, she so much lost in his touches…. He lifted her left hand and kissed upon her knuckles, proceeding to her wrist, making his way to her arms and then the crook of her neck where he left several soft kisses….
He stopped in mid and look towards her face, her reaction is not different, she is blushing, her chest heaving, her eyes are closed… he placed one kiss on each eye and asked for opening the eyes…she slowly opens the eyes and look to him…
He kissed on her forehead, temple, cheeks, she lifts the hand to the nape of his neck, & her fingers start moving in his hairs…she find his lips very close to her lips…her fingers moved from hair to his neck to his face…
Suddenly something happens, her eyes start feeling with tears…. He realized, today he gone very far, she is not ok with his advance, how can he judge her wrong… she run inside the house leaving him incomplete disbelief & shock…. He just staring the empty space where few seconds ago, she is standing in his arms…. he wants to talk with her now…. he simply run behind her, He reached her room door, and her door get closed at same time… he knocks softly when she does not give him any respond… he left silently, he doesn’t want to wake up anyone at home past midnight…. He placed both his hands on door and whispered her name…
She placed her forehead on the door and hear his low and painful voice…. She slumped along the door frame, hugged both legs together and cried silently between her knees…
He come back to room and start thinking why she runaway like that, why was she crying… he does not judge her actions wrong …. It’s too early to take step ahead… I did something wrong.
So many questions, only she can give answer to him…now he has to wait for the morning… in morning she can’t run away from me… why it felt like something wrong was going to happen…
I hope I haven't lost her forever
*******
Approx Four months back
As usual, he gone for business trip and coming after two weeks, whenever he come back from this type of trip, his full family give him attention & extra love specially his daadimaa, but today again his family busy on pampering his childhood enemy… he was hurt, his family is everything for him but after that everyone supporting that girl.
When yesterday he calls at home confirming about come back, he hears unknown voice& after asking the name of person, who picks his phone…when she tells the name, at next second, he cut the call hearing her voice after many years…
He had thought after stopping going HP, his problem gets solved, I wouldn't have to see her ever smiling face again in own life… she only snatches his things from him…just make innocent face and everyone start falling in her trap…. She always being the centre of attention of his family, while he sulked in the corner. This is his family, not her. why she is behind my family… when my mother is alive, I had to share my mother love with her… now again she come in his life…. Why???
He entered in his room for calm down own little anger, he opened the two buttons of his shirt and going throw, his eyes fell in the direction of bed, a figure lying down on his bed…. When he takes step closer to see the figure… He forgot about everything else as it dawned on him that the person whom he doesn’t want to see or meet at this moment, now sleeping peacefully in his bed in his room… who the hell gave her permission to sleep in his room….
.
He left to daadi room, and seeing her sleeping peacefully, he unable to decide what he do now. But that girl can’t sleep peacefully in his presence…. She can't sleep peacefully after disturbing my sleep.
.
He again come back to room and pick jug and throw the water on her face…. In next second, she sits on bed and look towards the person who throw the water upon her at this time… before she realized
He pulled her out of the bed, dragging her to the hall downstairs. He jerked her away from his hand in the middle of the hall and spoke
Ye pura hall tumhara hai
Jaha marzi sona chaho
Aaj ki raat guzaar lo
.
He left to own room…
**********
Next morning when daadi seen geet in hall and get to know what Maan did with her at night….
**********
Daadi is angry with Maan behavior, she gives him same treatment, she picks the jug and throw water upon him….
Maan wipes the face and asked daadi ye kya tha
.
Daadi : aapne kya kaha geet se
Hearing same name again at morning from daadi mouth, his mood spoiled again and make him angry….
Why you brought her here
D: maan humari baat to suniye phle
M : I don’t want to listen her stupid stories
With her sweet talks and innocent face, she might have won over your hearts but not mine. I have seen her real face.
.
She insulted me, always interrupt me, and give me back answers standing in my house, after this you all take her side and love her more than me…
D : maan
You have no idea
What happen with her
M : asa bhi kya hogya daadi
D : Rano & Mohinder are no more
They died 10 days ago
A sudden grief overcame him along with images of the past that haunted him even today.
Maan : what
How
Daadi why you did not call me back
Daadi caressed Maan cheek and spoke
I told you that I have to go hoshiyarpur for some School related work, after signing the related documents, me & dev just ready to come back to Delhi, suddenly I feel dizziness.
In hurry I forget to take my BP medicine, Dev take me to doctor… that day we met geet in hospital, she is so lost…
She is staring the space blankly, her body is cold, it was so painful to see her like that
We can’t leave her alone like that
Maan wo humari geet thi
Hum kaise use us halaat me chod dete
.
Then I decided we take Geet to delhi with us; after knowing you two don’t get along, I take this decision… I don’t want to hurt you Maan, sorry for that
Maan : nhi daadi
D : I give her guest room at first place, but she unable to sleep, doctor denied giving her sleeping pills daily, one day I am showing her house, she feels peace in your room and just slept without medicine
Listen this Maan is ready to shift to guestroom, but daadi denied, now geet not going take this room… he felt bad for her maybe first time.
**********
Hearing from daadimaa, geet not eaten the food from morning, he walked towards geet room with a plate of food in his hands… He knocked at her door and pushed it open to find Geet standing at the window, looking at the garden below, her face shining under the moon light. It was then that he noticed her properly for the first time since he came back. She wasn't the geet that he remembered. She had changed, drastically… That geet could not remain silent, by now it would have taken the whole house upside down.
.
He remembered how his mom excited that day and running from here & there…& he wants own mom attention…
The two childhood friends Rano &Shweta from Amritsar were married into two different cities, Rano married with Mohinder & start living in hoshiyarpur, Shweta in laws also belong to Hoshiyarpur but with time Late Rajendra Khurana start the business in Delhi and Shweta come here after marriage with Anurag…
But today fate had decided to bring together, Shweta come to HP with full family for summer holidays and living in own Khurana Haweli…. And both friends bumped with each other in market… they hugged each other & cried to see after long time….
That day first time Maan & geet meet with each other…
Shweta introduced Maan & dev to Rano& geet….
Maan & dev both curiously look towards geet, she is sitting so calmly opposite of both, when maan & dev smiled to see her cute girl, she looking so beautiful in pink frock looking like beautiful angel…... she turned her face away from him, looking anywhere but him…
Dev : bhai usne muh kyun fer liya
Maan : how I know
Shweta : maan , dev geet ko apne sath lejaaiye
Ise apne toys to dikhayo
Maan at the moment he reached near her;she buried her face in her mother neck…
Rano : sharma rhi hai
Come on beta
Go & play
.
Geet : no
Rano : aap ko friends banana pasand hainna
Rano try to make understand 4 years oldgeet…. But today she is not ready to listen her….
Chalo geet handshake kro
.
Maan extended his hand towards geet but she turned her back to him. He moved to her front, trying to hold her hand fora handshake but she jerked her hand away.
Geet gives him glares and said motu
Rano: geet
Maan feel so bad to hear from her “MOTU” in first meeting, he is healthy from childhood… he loves to eat Maa handmade food… in school to some friends make fun of him but he never gives importance to those…. But when he like the angel geet, she also called him Motu, it hurt him…. The 7 years old Maan not like geet anymore… in this age too he is cute chubby handsome boy…. Maan looked sadly at her, his cheeks puffed while she glared him … its was first time someone rejected his friendship offer…
*****
Like this many more incidents happen after first meeting where geet called him Motu & irritate him, take his family attention upon self…
.
The past week had broken geet completely, she missed her parents badly, she missed her mother caressing touch, her scolding for her mischief, she missed her father, how he makes her understand the things, help her always, always stand beside her, support her in every decision of her life…. Make her independent …. She able to complete the education only due to him…. Above all this she missed their presence around own.
Daadi trying best to console her, trying to make her understand this is not a way to dealt with pain …
In all this, one name Maan also making her cry, how can he behave with her like that, he drags her down and left her in hall, when he knows very well, she gets scared from darkness…. She wasn't expecting anything pleasant from him. Her past experiences had warned her enough. But now situation is different, and his behavior hurt her more…
Maan stood silently at the door & observing her, hair sort hairs were now really long reaching to her waist... Her eyes which were always bright with excitement were now vacant and distant…. He knows she is crying to remember uncle & aunty, he already feeling bad due to own behaviour, but he does not know about her lose at that moment… that tragedy changed her, or she actually turned into different person which he doesn’t knows her…. He come here for apologize for his behaviour … he hesitated for a minute before he cleared his throat to make her aware of his presence. She tilted her head towards him a little, acknowledging him and then turned back towards the window, avoiding him.
Maan : I do not know about uncle & aunty
Listen I understand what you are going through
Geet turned and looked towards him and asked you really understand
.
You have any idea
How much I am excited to come back HP
How many things I want to share with my parents
What you can understand
Tell me
.
but that call
.
Pr wo call mere parents ka nhi tha
I get a call from hospital instead
.
How does it feel Maan
to sit through the process of getting claim over your own parents' dead bodies?
.
Tears now flowed from her eyes, maan gulped the pain and takes step closer to her…
How does it feel to step into a house where your parents will never be???
You never understand this Maan
A person like you can never understand what’s other go through
.
She turned her back to him wiping her tears but this tear unable to stop today…he held her arm & twirl around to come face to face with him, she raised her head to look in his eyes, he also fighting like her with emotions, he just takes her in arms and hugged her….
Geet : you
Maan : shant geet
********
Days start passing & geet also little bit coming out from grief… one day Daadi get to know about geet searching the job and she does not share this with her… daadi have no problem with her working but what a need to do job outside own company… when she can join KC…. But geet eyes only waiting for Maan response when she does not get to hear any word from Maan…
.
Geet denies politely, but Maan spoke in mid
Maan : you going join KC from tomorrow as intern
If I and my team like your work, then you get a job
Nhi to
Then You are going throw out from KC
******
Two weeks passed, and she can feel so much change in own self, she feeling she start living again…. First week dev daily takes her with own, but she feels due to her, dev changing own schedule… she not liking all this… By the end of the week, she convinces Daadimaa and dev… she starts going to office with public transport….
But today is unlucky day of her, first she get wake up late at morning, and when she reached to bus stop , she felt a few drops on her face… she loves rain but today she don’t want that rain come… in hurry she forget to take umbrella… now what she do, she need to find some Auto…she cursed maan under her breath…surely today he going reach before her and she going hear his long lecture upon late coming… in the past week he had kept her on her toes….he give her joining under own, she reached before him to prepare his schedule sheet, his coffee…
She reached office with good amount of late 30 minutes… her clothes also get wet…she rushed to cabin & quickly unbraid her wet hair, throw the dupatta on one chair … and in next moment her cabin door was banged open…
.
When today maan reached office, his cabin not been prepared for his arrival, last night paper sheets are at same place, no schedule placed, and his coffee too not come till… he swirled his chair and look towards glass which separated his cabin with her…. That means she not come to till. When she already left from home, where the hell she is roaming in office hours… she needs to explain to him for her delay….
.
His words died on his lips, when he enters in her cabin, as geet turned to see intruder, her hair flipped due to turn and come in contact with his face…. His eyes fall upon her face, how drops falling slowly – slowly from her hair and coming down from her face and getting lost into her curves…
She turned and picked the dupatta….
Geet : aap ase kaise
Maan : you have to lock the cabin
When you are not in good state
Meri jagah aur koi hota
To
Geet : ek aap hi ho
Jo mere piche-piche aa jaate ho
.
.
She turns the face lightly to see him, his eyes looking her from back continuously….
Maan : dry yourself
And don’t come out
.
.
He come back to own cabin, but geet wet image again coming in front of his eyes… how his heartfelt at that moment… her down eyes, shivering lips, long hair… now she starts looking pretty to him…Maan who never leave the focus while working but today his heart playing with his mind…
the image of geet constantly occupying his thoughts… today while working why his eyes followed the movement of her hand, his eyes travelled from her face to her neck to her full body…. how her finger moves in between the hairs… her lips speaking something but his heart looking her pink full luscious lips…
,,
What the hell I am doing…
*********
Geet condition is not less than him, whenever her eyes met with him, she feels something different in heart… why nowadays she feels his eyes completely focused upon her…. One day she is arranging the presentation sheets for him…when she turned to look in his directionand found him staring at her, his face too close to hers…. for her he is always her Motu, but office female fan following of him call him different names like dhak dhak, hot-hot boss, hotty… he really changed in dynamic personality over the years… that cute chubby Motu become really hot…. His body, his face, his M shaped lips, everything become attention of attraction…
.
Today she is so happy to remember the previous days, how maan send the collection of suits into her cabin… how much he changed in those days, in childhood he never cares her like now he does… she is walking on construction site casually like she walking in park, so lost in own thoughts did not realize this side through crane heavy weighted boxes are passing….
She realized only when she hears so loud voice of him…. She looks above and realized its going fall down upon her… due to fear her mind, hands, leg stop working …she gets freeze on spot… She thought she was going to die like own parents when one hand grabbed her around her waist and one held her hand, she was then lifted off her feet then twirled out of the way. And box just fall near her feet's…
She just hugged the person tightly who save her, her chest rising and falling against the hard body of her Saviour. It was after several moments that she realized that she was hugging a stranger intimately and many people looking her and when she lifted her head off his shoulder immediately to find Maan looking down at her.
Geet : maan
.
he is going towards the car, when his fall eyes upon the figure, he realized it’s geet…. This girl is really mad why she is walking on site like that… when he given her instruction just go and sit in car…he called her2- 3 times… what I do with her, when she stops own day dreaming…. he takes step towards her…. But when he seen heavy weighted box passing above from head and clearly placed Danger sign too then why she going in that direction and madam is so lost in thoughts not realizing what happening around her… suddenly he sees box knot start opening and going fall, for saving her he screamed at top voice and run in her direction, just scoop her by waist and turn her other side….he feels today he lost her … when she hugged him, he takes her in own embrace more tightly…
when she lifts the face from his chest to seeing him, and take his name… he felt sudden anger in own veins to see her carelessness …today he can lose her if he gets late few seconds…
Maan : are you out of mind geet
Aaj pata hai kuch bhi ho sakta tha
Why you walking on road like that
What happen with you
He pulled her closer to himself grabbing her more tightly… few tears slipped from her eyes hearing his angry voice… already she is in little shock state…
He cupped her face and wipes her tears….
Geet aaj tumhe kuch ho jaata
To
Mein kya krta
Ek pal ke liye tumne ye nhi socha
She looked him absently… her heart sudden feel excitement in this situation too, her lips trembling, her hand hold gets tight on his vest….
He scoops her in arms and take towards car…. He makes her sit in car but she not ready to leave his vest… his condition is not less than her… his lips are so closer to her, touched her lightly… she realized what happen now, she takes little step back… and turn face another side…he also turns the back… what the hell I am did ….
*********
Today Maan is so angry from morning, and reason is unknown from her … she not getting why he gets hyper on each other things… adi sir not done any mistake, after that Maan scold him…. Poor sir…. Today she going complain his daadimaa… when daadi pull his ear then he going understand only….
When she reached home, she seen sad face of daadimaa, annie & Vicky also not looking happy….
She starts thinking what happen with all…. At end she asked the reason behind of this gloominess…. When daadi tell her the reason, geet realized the pain of everyone… she also starts missing own parents…
.
At night, she sits on swing and looking towards stars… few tears slipping from her eyes, he come and sit near her….
Geet : "You miss them a lot, don't you?
His eyes turned soft to hear from her…. She looks towards him….
Maan nodded…
Geet : I can see that you are in pain, and you are hurt like me to losing the parents
Maan that three months make me understand, pain never goes away, it only lessens with time….geet looking him with wet eyes ….
Maan : I am very unfortunate geet
I fight with mom and left for US, for fulfilling own dream, I get degree from MIT but in this process, I don’t get to see her last time…
When last time you come to delhi…
Maan 18years, geet 15 years
This time geet family come to delhi in vacation, because geet want to go out of town…. She so happy to see Khurana Mansion…. Here is more space of playing…. One day she roams in garden, she seen Maan kissing some girl …. She is shocked beyond of anything…how can he kiss any girl without marriage…. This is crime…. Maan did crime…. She run inside and tell everything about Maan deed… and he get good scold from daadi & mom… and his mom denied sending him US…now he goes to do graduation from Delhi only….
But in reality Maan only holding that girl closer and kiss on her cheek… but due to that GEET nature, he not going bend down own wishes…
…. At end he did fight with own mom and ready to leave home… if she does not agree with his wishes…. Her mom agreed half heartily but stopped talking with him properly…. But maan take this lightly… he knows her mom never get angry upon him…. When he come back from US, surely his mom going hug him tightly and going scold too….
But he never knows, his life going take a U-turn that time….
*******
Geet : am sorry for that day
Maan : No geet
We can’t change our past
I am 19 that time geet & giving the paper, my phone is on silent mode… daadimaa calling me that time
When I check my phone
Us waqt late ho chuka tha
My mom already takes the last breath
I do not get the ticket for that day
Then
When I come to INDIA
Dev already did funeral
I lost her
Geet didn't even take a second to throw her arms around his neck, hugging him too herself tightly. He hugged her back…
Geet : am really sorry
Mujhe complain nhi krni chaiye thi
Your last memory with aunty is not good due to me
.
Mujhe laga Maan
You doing some crime
Maan break the hug and asked now you know
Kissing the girl on cheek it’s not crime
She blushed in tears due to see his intense gaze uponself in this situation too.
His lips touched her cheek….
*********
One night after dinner,he come to her room and asked from her coming to party with him
She did not ask any question from him, why he wants to take her with own, she just said YES
Before going he kissed on her cheek and spoke
I will send the dress for you
.
And you can’t deny me
She nodded….
*******
She feels little nervous for opening the gift… hope he not choose that sort of mini dresses for her…she prayed from babaji first then package is opened… she smiled but in next moment get shocked too…
Kya karu mein inka
This red saree is really beautiful with Indian western blend is unique and specific quality of the outfit… the designs seamlessly blend traditional Indian fabrics, such as silk and organza, with indo-western cuts and silhouettes. In sort this is flared drape saree… main problem is blouse for geet, which is V cut in front only covering her curves, sleeveless and backless too…
Seeing her in this simple red saree, Maan heart beating so loud on that moment … she looks hot and sexy … only this two-word come to his lips… she had left her hair loose just like the way he liked…. He wants to think when he starts liking her open hair… that wet look when her hair come to his face flash in his mind…. Then when she wears that green suit which he sends for her… she looks breath taking that day too…. Her curves … he scolds own self once again for thinking on wrong direction but what can he does, his heart going opposite to his mind…
She knows how his eyes look her when she come down from stairs, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously, her eyes unable to look him ….
Maan : you looking breath taking
Geet : thank you
**********
Geet is confused why he ask from her to come to party, she is just intern in her company, but his answer surprised her…
M : You are our guest and mine friend too
Geet : pr humne to kbhi aapko apna dost nhi mana tha
Humesha aapko pareshan kiya
Aapne jb bhi A side kaha
Humne B side kaha
Maan : kya abhi bhi nhi maanti ho
Geet : kya aapko lagta hai
Koi Maan singh khurana ki friendship ko mna kr sakta hai
Maan : kissi aur ka pata nhi
Pr Geet Handa kuch bhi kr sakti hai
Geet (kaise kahe aapse hum Maan, aap sirf ek dost nhi hai mere, usse khi jyada bn gye ho)
*******
Present Night
Just few hours ago, how much she is happy to dancing in Maan arms, how she smiling in his arms , how his eyes staring her intently, while dance how his hand move from her hand to her bare arm, how he lifted her, then placed down, those simple soft touches burn her, how her arms went around for support towards his neck… his thumb pressing her waist… she felt his breath warming her face, his nose slightly touch her cheek , then his lips touch her earlobe … loud clap broke our moments…
She takes deep breath, thank God place is dark not fully lighten, no one notice our position, she just wishing this…
.
And just outside the house, he wants to confess something from me, how I lost in his touches, his love, if call today didn’t come, I would have committed sin...
she finds his lips very close to her lips…her fingers moved from hair to his neck to his face… her one hand holding the phone which is on silent mode, and Abhishek name flashed on screen…
reality of her life hit her …and her eyes filled with tears ….
And in all this I hurt maan , without giving him any explanation, I run like coward, sorry maan
I am unable to face you
.
why you called me today….
.
No geet
She wipes own tears and scold own self
How can you let Maan close to you geet
Why your heart taking Maan name
Teri Meri, Meri Teri Prem Kahani Hai Mushqil
Do Lafzoon Mein Yeh Bayaan Na HoPaaye
When you know
You have no right
You are already engaged
How can you forget your life truth like that
.
Ek Ladka Ek Ladki Ki Yeh Kahani Hai Nayi
Do Lafzoon Mein Yeh Bayaan Na HoPaaye
.
She helplessly cried hugging own self….
.
She can’t forget that day, when she come to Home and her parents fixed her alliance with abhishek… she is not ready for marriage because she is studying and not think about this too… but she gets ready for parent’s happiness…Abhishek going left to Mumbai after engagement for 6-7 months for some project.
After engagement both talked few times on phone but her heart unable to build connection with him
**********
Maan had a tough night, now he can't wait any longer…he ready to ask forgiveness from her, if his last night behavior hurt her, he ready to face her anger too. he is ready for everything whatever she was growing throw his way…. But she can’t push him from own like that…. he going knock on her door, but it’s already opened… he pushes the door slowly; he gets surprised to see her room in devastated state… vase lying broken on the floor, bed sheet was crumpled, pillow throws in somewhere corner of room… her saree which she wearer last night falling on side sofa …. Her almirah is open and clothes scatted all around…
Did I hurt her so much last night?
.
But I not judge her wrong
I know, she feels same for me
Then why all this, she doing with us
Why
.
He wants his answer from her….
And now she can’t run away from him….
Maan locked the door and take her name “GEET”
She turns, he can see redness in her eyes, the puffiness under them, her sad drown face….
Maan takes steps near her, but she takes step back….
Geet looks everywhere except him….
Aap yaha kya kr rhe hai
Maan : ye kya halat bna rakhi hai
Geet : mein sb thik krke aa hi rhi thi
Maan held her arm and pull closer….
Maan : mein kamre ki nhi
Tumhari baat kr rha hu geet
Asa kya ho gya hai
Geet : aap phle hume chodiye
Maan : tumhe mere chune se kbse problem hone lagi hai
.
Geet tells me clearly
Baat kya hai
He cupped her face and asked geet kya huya hai asa
.
Geet : is kamre ki ye halaat
Is wajh se huyi hai
She removed his hand and forward own hand in front of him….
Maan not get what she pointing….
Then geet tell him in more clear words…
Geet : hum apni ring , apne samaan me dund rhe the
Maan eyes fall down on ring….
Geet : ye humari engagement ring hai
.
Maan hand going touch that ring, but hand fall down instantly hear about her engagement… he inhaled a sharp breath, he unable to believe what she had just said
He looked up at her, hoping that she plays prank with him like she does in childhood…
Maan : maine sayad kuch galat suna
Geet : aapne bilkul shi suna hai , Maan
He took steps towards glaring her, making her take several steps back, in this process she falls upon bad….
Maan bend to help her…
Geet : hum khud manage kr lenge
Please aap humse dur rahiye
he wants to give her answer back, but this moment he needs to calm down first… after hearing from her mouth two times, he unable to process the truth… no she can’t do this with him… she can’t play with his heart like that ….
Maan : no
He can’t stand here anymore, he left from here in anger, hurt, betrayed by her… At that moment, he felt as if a part of his heart had been shattered into pieces.
.
Geet condition not less than him, she never want to hide this truth of own life from anyone, actually this relation never reach up to her hearts, and when she come back college from HP after engagement, she not wear the rings too… she don’t want anyone know about this… she already so confused with all this… she unable to deny to own parents for marriage… one day surely she going marry… but right now moment is not right…. But she trusts own parents for this and ready to take a leap of faith… now she has to 6-7 months for knowing him better and prepare for own self for this relation… but suddenly lose of parents shake him badly… at that time daadi give her shelter &love… and Maan friendship start healing her wounds… she starts coming out from grief… she totally forgets about Abhishek in this period… all things start becoming beautiful in her life…. She starts falling for Maan…. But one call from Abhimanyu is reminder of her forget relation… she is so angry upon self… she feels, she cheated Abhimanyu and own parent’s upbringings…. How her family trust her and what she did… this is last wish from her parents… and she goes fulfill this, even if my heart breaks into a thousand pieces… but in all this what Maan have fault… why God punishing him for her sin… please Babaji help him…
.
Maan feeling the same void, which he feels when he loses the parents…he is angry, hurt, his whole world had turned upside down in one night…. everything becomes dull around him, he come out for driving cooling own self, but that cool breeze also unable to help him…
Why geet
When you are engaged geet, why you let me come close to you
Why you did not stop me
Why
For once you do not feel necessary to inform me, why
ek dost ke naate hi bta deti mujhe
.
Pr tumne to mujhe sayad kbhi kuch mana hi nhi
.
Second time in own life, he feels so helpless …
After thinking full day, he stands from bench and come back to this conclusion… if geet hide this fact, surely geet unhappy with this alliance…. or he is not good person for her… He does not judge wrong about her feelings… he going make her confess, she also feels same for me like I feel for her….
Geet kissi aur se shaadi nhi kr sakti hai
Kyun ki wo sirf Maan Singh Khurana ki hai
…But geet get married ...
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niigwrpafFo&ab_channel=VerseVibes
There was buzz and hustle bustle in the office of Khurana Enterprise this morning. The curiosity was at its peak. Everything has changed since last month when they heard that Maan Singh Khurana was the real owner of the company. The name they have never known even existed was the owner of the company and has now decided to overtake the power in his hands.
Who was he? Where was he till now? Why this sudden access to power? How can Rajveer and Dev Khurana give him their power to this Maan Khuarana?
Did they hand over the company to Maan Khurana as the share of the company was going down and they wanted to sell it off before the loss and bankruptcy hit them. There were innumerable questions. There were so many buzzes and rumors coming out. They have heard Dev Khurana making statements about father Rajveer Khurana, taking care of Maan Khurana’s optimum education and living childhood after Maan Khurana’s father, his uncle had slipped into coma and in return Maan Singh Khurana has ditched them by taking everything the family owned in his hands only.
Other rumors say that Maan Khurana has been staying in his own house like a servant since his father went into a coma, that Maan Khurana never had any say in the family or business. Then how did things change suddenly?
There was other undercurrent news that the person behind the whole power change game is Geet Handa , daughter of Mohinder Handa, CEO and President Handa Textile. Geet Handa is bestie of Dev and Annie Khurana. All knew that Geet Handa and Dev Khurana were soon to be engaged. And this whole power over take was the result of some love triangle.
Various news, so many rumors but today everyone was curious to see the unknown Maan Khurana for the first time.
And then entered Maan Singh Khurana along with his 10 commando bodyguards to the grand premise of Khurana Enterprise. And not a single gaze could move away from their new unimaginably handsome boss.
It took a grueling month for the once-simple Maan to transform himself into this new persona. Sometimes, an unexpected and deep hurt can awaken a side of a person they never knew existed.
As Maan Khurana walked straight with a stone-like expression, not even giving a glance to anyone. But as he passed people hissed
“Where was he till now, yaar”
“God had saved the best for the last” a young girl took a deep breath “Hayyy”
“Damn, mera toh dil dhak dhak ker raha hai” commented another one
“Yes, he is a total Dhak Dhak yaar”
The hall echoed with murmurs of "Heyy" and "Uff" from the women, while even the men couldn’t hide their admiration for the most striking member of the Khurana clan, finally stepping into the spotlight.
“What an attitude, yaar”
As Maan reached the 10th floor which had the offices of all executives, he took a stroll around the floor.
“I want all these old executive name tags to be removed immediately” he ordered and then entered his cabin “I want to be alone for an hour. Make preparations for the press conference I will be addressing. Make sure the needed people are present there “
“Sure Sir”
He looked around his cabin and then opened his wallet to get out a picture of a beautiful girl.
"Thank you, Geet Handa. I would have never reached this place without you. Tumhari bewafai ko salaam—See where it brought me."
He tore her picture and some other documents in pieces and placed them in a steel bin, lit the small lighter to burn them all into ashes
Kya hoti hai Bewafai tujhe Kerke Dikha Dunga
Kisi Dhokhe me na tu rehna Tujhe pal me Bhula Dunga
******* *****
On the other side in the grand lawn of Khurana Mansion
“Dev, how could you do that? You purposely called Maan to hear those words from me? What did you achieve by that?”
“What did I achieve? Nothing. I had no idea that Maan even had any awareness of his power, Even if he had any, I knew he never had guts to administer that. I wanted to break him that day. Making him hear those words from your lips for him, did break him. Fool, he was thinking he has one person who loves him. He had started trusting you like blind and the moment his trust broke, he was shattered like broken pieces of glass. My idea worked but I had no idea it would lead to this. Damn, that weak and meak has guts to take away all powers from us”
“He is more highly accomplished than you and you thought he didn't know his power” She gave a sarcastic laugh.
“It was his goodness that you and your Dad had those powers and he never claimed them. Dev, You did very wrong. I had not expected such acts from you. Now Maan is so badly hurt. He is broken from inside and balancing it with his new tough exterior. What did you gain from it, Dev? And see you brought loss to your own self”
“Well Geet, I know it’s not his hurt that’s troubling you but his knowing your intent and then everything going away from our hands, that’s troubling you right?”
“You ruined everything for me, Dev. Anyways, it was all my fault. I said those words that broke him. I own to my blunder”
“Geet, now that power is gone, you are behaving as if you really loved that sub standard Maan”
“Dev, I do not need to hear from you what Maan's standard is. You are very well seeing it. If you have guts go and challenge him in Office. It’s his first day there, do you have the guts to step in there?” she challenged
Dev clapped “Wow, I never knew how quick you could change your sides”
“You never knew whose sides I was or I am. No one knows, not even Maan” she left from there frustrated. She must face Maan and bear the brunt of his anger. But more than his fury, it’s the pain of breaking him that weighs on her. She has to be prepared to endure whatever he throws her way, yet her main task is to mend the shattered pieces of his heart and help him heal.
One Month Back:
He looked at the pictures of his mother and then went to the room where his father lay in a coma. Just kept looking at his Dad. He had nothing left other than those documents in his hands
“Dad, today I will be free. I am very happy. I will hand over everything to her. She is the one, Dad. If she has power then they will not treat me this way. You know Dad I cannot say a word against Taya ji, Tayi Ji , Dev and Annie. Itna kamzor hoon. Do you see these wounds in my body, all over my body? The wounds that I have been receiving from childhood, so that I am tamed to their tunes. They have tamed your son Dad. And see, your condition. They will not let you live if I do not be just a servant to them, if I do not sign on papers, wherever they want. I do not have the strength to deny them. Then what is the use of these papers to be in my power? This high grade education that you guaranteed for me, will not give me power, because I do not have strength to speak a word in front of them. It’s better that this power is with hers. She is my love and you know as well know, I cannot say No to her.”
He came forward and wiped the string of tears falling from the eyes of his Dad, who otherwise was immobile.
“Dad, she wants it for us. They can blackmail me but not her. She is part of their class, they will never dare to say a word against her. I love her more than these papers Dad. I am really happy to give her something. Happy that I have something in life that I can give her, thanks to you Dad. Nahi toh woh kahan aur main kahan. I am very happy because she will be very happy”
Maan had decided and was happy. She was his queen from childhood and today he will give these powers to her and make her real queen. If she has asked for it, he has to do it.
“Geet, you will know today, how limitless my love for you is”
Maan was happy that he had something in power to give her. World may think him a fool in love but he least cares. They anyways do not consider him more than a useless piece in this house, their servant and just a machine who can sign papers and checks for them.
Maan looked at the documents in his hand. Today he will proudly hold Geet's hand and take her to the lawyer, where he will hand over everything to her. Along with that he will present her this beautiful ring. Yes, he is going to surprise her with his proposal today.
Maan did not have a single inch of doubt that his Geet could ever say No to him. That was their relationship, beyond everything.
He was about to enter the room where he knew Geet must be waiting for him when he heard her voice.
“Uncle Rajveer and Dev, do you both really feel that I will marry that Maan or I can even be interested in Maan? See his class and see my class. How could you even think that? You all wanted those hereditary papers away from him. Do you think he will sign the papers just like that and hand them over to me? If I show him that he is not important to me, will he sign the papers? I definitely have to make him feel important. And that’s what I am exactly doing”
She paused “Dev - you very well know, right? Since childhood this is my trick with him, don’t you know. I had been little good with him and he has gone beyond to do things for me. And for this huge handover, I need to give him a little more attention, don’t I? Why was this question raised then? Today he will sign everything in my name, I will get power of attorney. It’s just a day’s thing and then he is out. I will break his mirage once I get the authority..”
The sudden sound of a falling vase took their attention and Geet turned to see Maan standing there shocked. Looking at her he stumbled
“Maa-aan” Geet mouthed, shocked. Maan showed her his Palm, stopping her where she was. He stumbled back
Rabba hai duhaiiii
Milke duniyaa kyun parayii
Kerte hain wafa toh
Milti hai bewafai
The document got crushed in his fists, he turned and left from there. Geet ran behind him
“Maan-Maan wait”
Maan stopped on her words. Well it has never happened that he has not listened to her. This one last time.
He turned “Maan listen.. It was” Geet tried to speak but the hurt and pain in his eyes were so deep, her words got stuck in her throat.
Kerte hain wafa to
Milti hai bewafai
Tujhpe hoga koi sitam to tu janega
Chirega dil jab koi gam to toh tub to manega
“This..” he showed her the documents “you did all for these?”
Geet nodded for No
“Is this that powerful?”
“No..” Geet nodded “Maan… No”
“So this is what it had always been, since childhood.” Geet was continuously nodding for No but Maan was already on his own trip.
He clapped “What a smart you are and what a fool I have been. “Don’t worry, now I will show you the real power of this document. And of course there is a class difference. You will see the real class difference now.” And he turned without caring of her stream of tears.
First meet and after:
Even though she was Dev and Annie’s best friend, Geet had always been sweet to him. Okay, she was their bestie, how could she always be with him. They considered him so low, the servant of their house. But then how slowly he has become fond of her and then head over heels in love. How slowly she has seeped into his heart.
It had not taken much effort on Geet’s end to win the heart of a lonely boy who was like a discarded piece in his own house.
How can he forget that beautiful day when he has seen her for the first time. He had stepped in his house after his school. All his cousins came home from the luxury car while he came from the school bus. They were in the same high school though. That time Maan had no idea that his high class education was all a set of his father’s conditions and his lawyer was looking into the matter. All he knew was that it was the greatness of hisTaya ji and Tayi ji that they took care of him when his parents could not. He was provided with a great education and stayed in the same house. He was made indebted to them and taught that he should always be grateful to them. Maan adapted the habit of keeping his Taya ji and Tayi Ji happy at any cost, which slowly turned into him living like a servant in his own house. He was humiliated, ignored and smashed by anyone. Slowly taking humiliation and considering himself as a refugee in his own house was installed within him.
That day when twelve years old Maan entered the house he heard a mesmerizing giggle. It definitely was not Annie’s.
He peeped in to see the back of another girl with Dev and Annie. His legs could not stop and he went closer to get a feel of that wonderful giggle. It filled the air all around with music.
“Maan, what are you doing here? Chup Chup ke humari baten sun rahe ho, sharm nahi aati”
“No, I was just..” Maan was trying to find out words when the giggling girl turned and Maan eyes fell on her mesmerizing beauty
“Hii…” she waved and came running to him
“Hi, I am Geet, aur tum”
Maan looked at Dev who was not approving of his presence there
“I am.. I am Maan. Dev and Annie are my…”
“He is no one you should know, Geet.”
Dev took Geet away from there but as Geet moved away she turned back to look back at Maan and gave a big smile. That one smile and Maan’s heart was gone forever from his heart.
Geet was their new neighbor. So after that Geet had been visiting their home to play with Dev and Annie. Maan would be busy with his homework and housework while she would be playing with Annie and Dev in her cute frocks and shorts. Looking from far at her beautiful curls on her face would make him smile.
A week passed by and Geet visited their place daily after school. It was another Monday when Maan was busy with his homework when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and was surprised seeing her sitting beside him
“I heard you are a very good student, will you help me with my studies?”
“Why won't I? But your friends won’t like you playing with me”
“I will play with whoever I want to. They are my best friends in this new city but I will play with you too” she said in her sweet voice.
Maan helped her finish her homework that day and later Geet kept her books aside.
“You are in the chess club, right?”
“I am in so many clubs, yes chess is one of them”
“I don’t join clubs, you have to stay after school for that. I want to be back to my Mumma the moment school ends” she confessed innocently, he laughed
“They won’t even have clubs for your grade. You are in class four right?”
“Yes, How do you know?”
He shrugged his shoulders “Not that hard, just saw you entering class 4 after assembly”
“But why are you in all the clubs?”
“Same reason as yours. I have nothing interesting to come back home. I enjoy my clubs.”
“I know you are in 7th grade and you are also the middle school student council president. Dev does not like that” she giggled and he loved it. Kept it in his heart, giving her a smile. His heart danced for the first time knowing she was impressed by him in some way.
“He doesn’t like me. But school does not run on the wish of a fifth grader, right?”
It went that way - Geet would play with Dev and Annie most of the day while Maan would be in his own world. But behind the scenes when Maan thought that Geet is not part of his world , that she is Dev and Annie’s friend and was busy with them, Geet would suddenly appear in front of Maan. And whenever she came to him they talked endlessly and in between he sometimes helped her with her chess games and sometimes in her preparation and most of the time she just asked him innumerable questions about him.
Just like that, once she saw red marks on his hands “Maan, what is this?”
“Nothing. You are coming after so many days. How are you doing?” he changed the topic
“Dev, Annie and all our friend groups think low of you. They made fun of me that day when they figured out that I had been talking to you. They said, I will be called out as a boring person like you”
“You think I am boring”
“No way. But I don’t want them to gossip. Maan what those red marks are? Dev’s Mom again hit you”
“No Geet, you should not say that way. They are elders. When they are taking care of all my needs, they have right to teach me lesson when I am wrong”
“Show me” she took his hand and pulled his sleeves up. Seeing the deep marks her mouth opened wide. He smiled and closed her wide opened mouth
“She never hits Dev and Annie” “You want your friends to get hit?” “Noo”
Similarly, days and a year passed.
“Geet, no. You are not inviting Maan to your Birthday party” Dev and Annie were shocked by her declaration.
“Yes, we don’t want him in my friend’s birthday party” Annie added
Geet’s parent’s as well did not like her inviting the boy whom their friend didn’t want. He was just a charity case and they were supporting his education and living.
“Uncle - Aunt , Mom -Dad, Maan helps me with so many things. What if he stops helping me? Anyways, he will just be standing in the corner. Please Dad. His posters were the best. I need his help in my student council election with poster and campaign” She pouted
Geet managed to invite Maan to her birthday.
Since childhood, no one could tell if Geet was using Maan or if she really treasured him and made other fools by downplaying him. Geet was a very smart child and always knew what she actually wanted. And it was only Geet who knew which one of two she was making fools of, Maan or the rest.
Rajveer Khurana had been lying for years that he himself started believing his own lie. He had claimed for years that he was the owner of Khurana Enterprise and as the years passed by and no one to claim he started believing it himself. But such huge financial facts had to come out when the time came.
No one would ever remember what was Maan’s birthday but his 18th birthday and his lawyer made an entry in Khurana Mansion. He had been sending notices since the last six months but Rajveer had been ignoring them. The lawyer came and announced that going further no deal or financial investment be done without Maan Khurana’s signature. He was the real and sole heir of the business empire that Maan’s grandfather had established and his father had taken to new heights. Rajveer was his father’s cousin and not a single penny of KE was his. The lawyer also asked him to clarify about the loss that KE has suffered from for years.
This was a bigger shock for Maan. The boy who had only known to listen to these people, in fact felt guilty at the knowledge of having power above them.
Going forward they had to get his signature for every single penny from KE. Each time Maan signed the document, Maan was made more guilty and ungrateful for having power over them.
Further, the legal team for Maan, pushed Maan to apply for university abroad as that was his father’s instruction and wish. This way Maan’s top notch education was ensured.
*******
Present:
It was for the first time that Maan was going for a press conference but as he moved ahead no one could say it was his first time.
Maan made few clear announcements - He was the sole owner of the company. Rajveer Khurana has given up his position as he was just the caretaker of the company while the real owner was getting ready to handle the company. He also hinted that there would be complete change in management and leadership.
“Another very important announcement is - We are no more having any alliance with Handa Textiles”
As this line got telecasted - Mohinder looked at Geet
“This is the man you have been feeling guilty for? This is the man you have always called your friend when all of us have asked you to side away from? See how he has abolished the name of his uncle from the company, the uncle who took care of his father’s company when he was incapable to handle it”
“Dad, it’s his company. You never wanted an alliance with him then why does it concern you if he is breaking alliance with your company. And you very well know, it is us, who have compelled him to be what he is today . But I am happy, very happy for him” her voice cracked. Her Maan, who believed each and every word of her will now never believe her.
“Geet, he is there only to get revenge on you, stop being happy for him. You had just been using him, right? What’s this sudden sympathy for him”
*******
Four months passed and that was enough for Maan to get complete hold of business and completely cut off Rajveer and Dev from business. The mode of revenge, that hurt, enabled to bring forward that hidden and suppressed caliber of his, surprising everyone.
Old leadership was completely revamped and new people hired. Whole business strategies changed.
“Sir Handa Textiles shares have gone completely down as you had planned. Being thrown out of alliance from Khurana Enterprise has hit their shares drastically”
“Make sure to buy all their shares open in the market. Make sure it is bought by different names and locations. I want to see Handa Textiles broken and hollow completely”
Sheeshe ki tarah hum Tere bharam ko tod dalenge
Kya hoti hai bewafai tujhe kerke dikha dunga
Bewafai Kya hoti hai kerke dikha dunga
On the other hand Mohinder Handa felt stuck in the situation of his company. He never knew the boy they had been taking for granted and never gave any value to his existence would not only come out as heir but also be a lethal businessman. But why was Maan targeting his company when in this whole world Geet was the only one who had cared for him and was still in guilt for him.
But all this thought came from him because his company was on the brink of bankruptcy. And all Maan’s moves had come unexpectedly as he was not prepared for it.
“Dad, I will talk to Maan. He is returning to the country tomorrow” Geet felt guilty that his dad was suffering because of Maan’s anger on her.
“Geet, he has been your friend since childhood, how can he ruin us this way? Everything is slipping away. I feel so helpless”
“If I am the cause, I will get you everything back Dad, at any cost”
Maan returned to the country after four months and had been busy in meetings since morning.
“Geet ma’am, sir has strictly instructed that no one can meet him without appointment”
“Then give me an appointment for him”
“Ma’am, his calendar is fully booked for two months. Can I set up after two months”
“I understand what you mean.” She gave a small laugh.
“Will you mind if I sit here?”
“Sure ma’am”
Maan got the information that Geet had been waiting for him. He took another 2 hours till it was late evening.
He later came out and was walking straight without looking at his sides
“Maan”
He kept walking straight, Geet ran behind him
His commando blocked her, Maan turned and signaled them to not stop her
“Okay, you want me to run behind you” She murmured and ran so she can catch up to him
“Maan- Maan, one meeting with you please or we can talk at home”
“My calendar is packed for next two months, my PA has already informed you. IAd only meet my friends at home” he turned to her “And I guess we never were, so that option is off”
“Maan”
“I will take five minutes walk before I settle in my car, I hope that should give you enough time”
“Maan, if you think I wronged you, punish me, why Dad?”
“If I think,?” he gave her a sarcastic side loop smile
“Punish me, why hitting at Dad’s business”
“This hurts you more?” “Maan”
“You got your answer. Anyways, it’s purely business. You have 3 more minutes”
Todunga gurror aise, toote hon khwab jaise
Rakh doon Na Kuchal Ke, Tanha jiye tu kaise
Kya hoti hai bewafai tujhe kerke dikha doonga
“Purely business? I can see that”
“Sure it is. As there never was anything personal. Just that i took more than needed time to learn. But better late than never”
“Anything I can do to make it not purely business? Something that can make you rethink as a friend”
“It’s all in your hand. Do something that makes me feel it’s not purely business.”
“What do you want me to do? Maan, not for this but otherwise as well, I can do anything you wish”
He looked at her and raised his brows “Really, as far as I remember, it has been only one sided. And you very well know who has been fulfilling whose wishes and what that lifelong fool gets in return”
“Maan, noo”
“Last one minute left. So without wasting time, one last thing. If you want to prove what you are claiming, convince me to marry you. Only if I decide to marry you and get engaged with you, it will then be personal and all your problems solved. So far it looks mission impossible for you, because I have already found a girlfriend for me who I am going to propose to at the launch of my new sub brand. By that day if you are able to convince me” he shrugged his shoulders and moved to his car.
“Maan, what are you talking about? This is not you”
“Times up” his commando opened the door for him and he settled him and his car drove off
Geet kept looking at his vehicle distancing from him
“You still love me so much Maan and so you're deeply hurt. But why didn’t you trust your love more than those words that you heard that day. I can’t let you be like this. I will heal all your wounds, in return you can give me innumerable wounds.”
“Kya hoti hai wafa tujhe karke dikha doongi”
That evening, when Maan entered the Mansion, he directly went to his Dad, still laying on the bed in his state of Coma
“Dad, what do I do? Why is seeing her so close after months, moving me? Why does she have the power to affect me? Why was it so easy to do things as per her wishes and why is it so hard to do things that I wish? I heard everything loud and clear from her own mouth, still why does my heart want to trust all the false feelings that she showed me today? It won’t take me a lot to confirm her words that day but why am I afraid of getting confirmation of her words ? Why am I giving her a chance to prove me wrong?”
He poured all his pain in front of his Dad and then came out from there, again masking himself as a man made of stone.
********
“Geet are you even in your senses”, scolded her Dad
“The man who has brought us on the verge of bankruptcy you are going to propose to him, so that he can say no to you. I can stay penniless but not let anyone, especially that man insult you”
“Yes, your Dad is right Geet”
“Dad-Mom, it’s not for our losses but for him. I have to do it for him.”
“Him? Do you really love him to the extent that you are risking to take his ‘No’ in public and adorn public embarrassment? When did this love happen to you?“
“Childhood, exactly when, I don’t know”
“You have been claiming you were just using him”
“What else was the option Dad? Had they known otherwise, they would have never let Maan ever talk to me. They never wanted Maan to have even a single person around him, who truly loved him.. And they would have pressurized you to make me stay away from him. You beleived they were your best friend. You would have not minded separating me from Maan”
“In friendship, you didn’t even realize that they had been lying all the while that they are the owners of KE. Did you ever question them? No”
“Rajveer was safeguarding his property. Had he not been there, who would have protected Maan’s property”
“Wow, protected Maan’s property by making him a servant in his own house. Anyways, I am going to win my man back. I cannot see him holding anyone else’s hands with lifelong pain in his heart. Will you support and trust your daughter for once Dad”
“It’s hard for a man who is ruining us but for you and your love - Go”
It was the grand party for the new Brand launch from Khurana Enterprise. More than that, people were anxious to meet the girl of Maan Khurana’s life. Maan Khurana, a man who made his name in headlines a few months back, was leading the headlines these days. He will be placing a ring on the finger of his lady love today and this was the matter of curiosity among all.
Maan entered the venue and beside him was a strikingly beautiful blond female , their hands interlocked with each other.
Geet was there all the while as he flaunted the girl in his arms at the party. Their eyes met couple of times but Maan efficiently ignored her eagerness to look into her feelings
Kisi dhokhe me na tu rehna,
Tujhe pal me bhula doonga
Kya hoti hai bewafai, Tunjhe pal me bhula doonga
Maan was determined to not be moved by her beautiful almond hazels which had capability to make him her slave. No, not anymore, he was determined and decided to bring his focus on the blond girl, all the while by his side.
Before the party could be called out Maan made his much awaited presence on the stage and the blond girl accompanied him. She was poised and had calmness all the time in her demure.
“Hello everyone, as you all know, today I am going to propose to the lady of my life. But before I do that, I wanted to let you all know, why her? In my life partner I am looking for someone who stands by my side in my brighter days and in my darkest times. My life partner should have courage to speak for me even when the whole world is against me. My life partner should be one who is proud of me. The person who I can trust blindly. My life partner…..” Maan was going on and on with his list. The list had to go on and on as somewhere deep down he was waiting for someone to stop him.
At last, “So now it’s time for me to introduce my lady who has all these things and I think she is perfect to be my life partner…. Meet…”
“Mr Maan Khurana….” Maan turned to see Geet getting on stage with a mic, a beautiful flower bouquet in her hand and a box. His heart stopped for a moment but he soon recovered. No, No way. He determined his heart again
“Mr Maan khurana…” she was breathing heavily and then knelt down on her knees, kept the box beside her and forwarded the bouquet to him
“Geet” he hissed removing his mic
“Go away from here, I do not want any drama” but she ignored him
“Maan, I do not claim to be the girl in your long list. I leave it on you to decide. I leave it to you to decide if our years of friendship were true or a mirage for you. I leave it to you to trust on my words that you heard or trust our year long relationship. I leave it on you to decide if you trust my eyes or my words. I leave everything to you.”
She paused
I am not here to ask you to trust me. It’s your decision. All I want to ask is, will you accept me in your life with all my shortcomings, Maan. Will you please accept me because my life is and will ever be hollow and empty without you”
Maan dropped his mic and picked her up “Agar maine kabhi bewafai ki toh… kyunki sikh li maine bewafai” he said making her to stand on her feet
“Meri wafa kaphi hogi hamare rishte ke liye… kabhi tutne nahi dungi hamara rishta. This is my word to you in front of all”
Maan took the mic from her “Everyone, now who else do you think can be my life partner”
He took out the ring from his pocket and took her hand but Geet pulled her hand back
“You do not have the right to propose to me.You are very very very bad. I will propose you” she said tear rolling down her cheeks
He forwarded his hand forward “As you wish. It always has been and will be like that. ”
They placed rings on each other, with the whole crowd witnessing their love. Maan circled his hands around her petite waist and pulled her close to glue to him and pressed his lips on hers, initiating a fervent french kiss.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wQkmUGcutM&ab_channel=Tiko%27sMusic
I was seated in a café, savouring a spiced pumpkin latte while my eyes were glued to my laptop screen. I was absorbed in my work, so much so that I hadn't realised anything around me. After a moment, I paused to take a sip of my drink and glanced around. The world stopped and my heart skipped a beat. There, standing in line, was Maan Singh Khurana. It had been years since I last saw him, and the years apart seemed to have changed him. He was broader, his hair shorter, and he looked even more intense than before.
Even without Maan’s razor sharp gaze upon me, I felt a familiar tremor run through me. The air around me seemed to thicken with tension, charged with an electric current that vibrated with the memory of our past encounters. The sight of him sent a flicker of warmth and regret all at once through me. I found it strange that the time and distance had not dulled the pull I felt towards him even after all these years, a feeling that terrified me back then and now, it still unnerved me.
I remembered the intensity of his stare, how it had once made my heart race and my skin tingle with anticipation. The café around me faded into a blur as past emotions surged.
Maan and I met at a wedding party of a mutual friend. I remember seeing him across the garden as he entertained a few of our mutual friends and there was something about him that drew my attention even before I had spoken to him.
~~~
“Geet, is the slideshow ready?” Anand asked as he approached me.
“It’s all ready, Anand but I can’t find the stupid adapter” I informed. “Stay here, keep the kids away from my laptop. Let me just look for the adapter, I know I had it somewhere”.
“Sure. But hurry, their dance will be over soon and the speeches will start and they want the slideshow” he pointed out.
“I know” I murmured and started hunting for my missing adapter for the laptop. I know I had seen the darn thing somewhere. It was as I darted around the corner, I collided headfirst into someone and my heart raced as I braced for the impact of a fall. Someone’s hands steadied me.
“Sorry, I didn’t see” I started and my words trailed off when my eyes caught on to grey captivating eyes of the man I crashed into. Maan Singh Khurana. The man that caught my attention earlier.
“Are you ok?” he asked steadying me and he stepped back.
I straightened quickly and nodded. “Yes, yes of course. Thank you for saving me. Sorry, once again”.
“No harm done”. He smiled faintly and my heart skipped a beat. His eyes locked with mine, almost as if we were both mesmerised with each other. I wanted to say something, but the words caught in my throat.
“I’m Maan Singh Khurana” he introduced.
“Geet” I responded and felt a warmth spreading through me as if I were blushing. Was I? No, I couldn’t. What the hell is wrong with me? I wondered.
“Are you planning to run away from the wedding?” he asked breaking the silence.
“No, nothing like that. I was actually setting up the slideshow for Dev and Meera. But I seem to have lost my adapter and I know I had it somewhere”.
“I think I saw Anjali playing with it and pretending its her necklace” Maan responded.
“That little potato” I muttered. Anand’s 8-year-old daughter was adorable and a menace sometimes.
Maan laughed. “How about I look with you?”
“I really appreciate that, they’ll be done with their dance soon and I need to have the slideshow ready to go before the speeches”.
As we walked together, our shoulders brushed accidentally, and I felt a jot course through me. I brushed it off reminding myself that I was with Angad. My boyfriend was steady, comfortable and our relationship was built on mutual respect and friendship.
I found Anjali as Maan said playing with the adapter as if it was her necklace and tried to cajole her into handing it back to me. But she was a menace as I said.
“Give me 10 dollars and I will give it you” Anjali replied.
“Anjali, this is for your aunt” I reminded her that Meera was her dad’s sister.
“10 dollars, Geet aunty or you can’t have my necklace”.
“Where do you expect me to pull out a 10 dollar bill?” I inquired gesturing to my gown. “I don’t have pockets in my dress”.
“10 dollars. I will take card payments as well”.
“Anjali, how about I give you the 10 dollars and you return the adapter?” Maan informed trying hard to stifle an amused chuckle. I glared at him and he held his hands in surrender.
“It isn’t funny” I stated.
“An 8 year old keeping the adapter as hostage is always going to be funny” he remarked as he pulled out his wallet. Anjali’s eyes widened.
“Done. Give me the 20” she pointed.
“Anjali…” I warned.
Before Maan could say anything, she swiped off the twenty and dropped the adapter onto the floor and ran. Maan burst out laughing and I couldn’t help but chuckle with him.
“Damn girl…” I muttered shaking my head and picked up the charger.
“Thanks, Maan for saving me” I said.
“A pleasure, Geet” he responded and I started to walk away.
“Hey Geet” he called and I glanced over my shoulder.
“Yeah?”
“Save me a dance?”
I hesitated for a moment and then nodded when he smiled warmly. He had helped me out so I could save a dance for him I thought. It was one innocent dance, of course.
I walked back to where I left Anand standing guarding my laptop. My heart fluttered with nerves and the unexpected interaction had my heart racing. I should have said no to the dance, I wanted to refuse for a moment, it was why I hesitated. I should have put a safe distance between us and ignored the pull I felt. But a part of me was curious and I wanted to feel that intensity of our chemistry. With that curiousity came the feeling of guilt for my attraction. I wasn’t the type that entertained myself with the temptation, yet I found the electric connection with Maan tempting even though it was forbidden – it was also undeniable. That frightened me. Did I just feel something or did Maan feel the same way?
This temptation also had me question my feelings for Angad. I wondered whether my satisfaction with Angad was merely complacency, was I settling for a relationship that I was just comfortable with and one that lacked depth and passion. The nagging thoughts unsettled me as I began to silently scrutinise the foundation of my relationship. My interaction with Maan ignited a spark that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I shook off my thoughts. I shouldn’t be thinking about this. Did Maan even feel anything?
Maan
From the moment, I had locked eyes with Geet – I felt an uncharacteristic pull towards her. My usual dating encounters were casual which allowed me to remain disengaged from having any feelings towards my dates. However, my reaction to Geet surprised and disarmed me at the same time.
This feeling towards her, it was both exhilarating and unnerving. I found myself glancing towards her, following her with my eyes as she moved through the crowd. There was something captivating about her, there was a depth in her eyes large hazel eyes that seemed to hint at so much more beneath the surface. When our shoulders touched briefly, I felt a current shoot through me. I could tell she felt it too, especially when her breath hitched. I hadn’t felt this before. It was foreign to me. I was now scrutinising my dating history and wondered how I had settled for a pattern of casual dating that lacked real substance. Geet stirred something within me that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
As the evening wore on, my heartbeat was thundering with anticipation for our dance that she promised to save. I caught her eyes after a while as everyone started going on to the dance floor.
I walked towards her as she danced with some other guy and stopped before them. “May I have this dance?” I asked confidently.
Geet hesitated which had me frown and look at the guy with her.
“Angad, this is Maan. He helped me play our blackmailer Anjali. I promised to save a dance” Geet said drawing our attention.
The guy, Angad, smiled faintly and chuckled.
“Since you helped Geet, I will give you my girlfriend for a moment, but I want her back” he said, and I felt my heart plunge down and my eyes locked with Geet’s. She almost looked apologetic.
He stepped away and disappeared through the crowd, I extended my hand.
She placed her hand in mine, the touch was electrifying, even knowing she was taken, I felt overwhelmed with her nearness. Our bodies almost touched as she clasped her hand on my shoulder and her face was mere inches away. Her warm breath caressed my neck, and I tightened my grip on her waist.
“You’re spoken for” I murmured.
Geet nodded slowly, her eyes reflecting a turmoil that I thought mirrored my own. “Yes, I am” she whispered, her voice seemed to be laced with regret.
The music surrounded us, each movement felt charged and our bodies moved in sync. Being so close to her felt intoxicating, her body pressed against mine for a second sending a ripple of desire through me and I struggled to remain a gentleman.
“Why does this feel so right?” I asked.
She looked up, her eyes searched mine and they pooled with emotion. “I…” she paused as if she was unable to find the words.
“Why is it that the woman I suddenly felt something for is taken?” I murmured.
“We’ve only met today” she responded.
“Sometimes it takes one glance”.
She considered my words and her eyes locked with mine. “Yes… it does” she admitted. “Yet, it’s terrifying”.
“I agree” I said. Our interaction so simple yet so complex with the reality of her commitment to another man. I wanted to explore this connection that we both felt towards each other, but we were painfully aware of the boundaries we were bound to.
“One dance is all I promised” Geet said as the song was nearing its end, and I tightened my hold for a moment wanting to rebel against the idea of letting her go. She gripped my shoulder for a second betraying her composure and the feelings she locked down on. Our eyes spoke a thousand words, we silently indulged in a fleeting fantasy before we both withdrew and stepped back releasing each other.
“Thank you for the dance, Geet” I murmured and smiled faintly.
She smiled then turned walking away. I felt tempted to stop her but didn’t.
Geet
“Oh my gosh! Inside everyone” I said with a laugh as it poured down. We had been playing games in the garden and enjoying ourselves. At first, it was few droplets and we continued our friendly games and within seconds, it was pouring down heavily. We all laughed and made a dash for the farmhouse to save ourselves from the downpour. Unfortunately, as we piled in with a gleeful laughter, we all realised we were soaked to our skin.
While Dev and Meera had gone off to their honeymoon 2 nights ago, we all had the farmhouse for a few more days before we all went back to the city and buried ourselves into our busy lives. The last couple of days really challenged my resolve towards Maan. The more I was around him, I felt more drawn towards him and guilt consumed me for my forbidden thoughts.
Everyone slowly dispersed to find dry clothes and I was in the foyer searching for a towel when I heard footsteps and Maan appeared with a towel in his hand.
“Here” he said.
“Thanks” I said softly taking the towel. Simple exchange, right. Wrong. Our hands touched and the spark of electricity was anything simple. It was raw and intense almost leaving me and my feelings exposed.
I patted my face dry before I turned slightly to rub my hair dry trying to ignore his presence, but it was so difficult. Even more so when he stepped forward closing the distance and his warmth enveloped me. I swallowed hard and lifted my head to look at him. His eyes locked with me, and he brushed away a wet curl that clung to my face. I couldn’t help but stare at him with the same turmoil and longing we seemed to feel for each other. If I felt the last few days to be challenging, then this was dangerous.
He trailed his finger down and brushed his thumb across my lips. My tongue accidentally peaked out to lick my lips and brushed his tongue. My heart pounded and I felt myself waver.
“I want you, Geet” he whispered almost undoing my defences and weakening my resolve.
I was in dangerous territory, my body leaned unwittingly close.
“Bol do… Geet” he murmured. “You want this too”.
He pressed closer and I wavered. “I feel something and I know you feel it too. I never felt this connection, Geet” he whispered, almost as if he was pleading. “Bol do na…”
An admission that would shake my world, this was no longer harmless. I stepped back shaking my head. “I… I can’t” I whispered feeling my voice break and a pang of pain course through me. “I’m sorry”.
I turned around and hurried up the stairs leaving behind the stranger who disrupted and shook my world within a few days. One glance is all it took. My heart was overwhelmed with the guilt of my betrayal to Angad. He had been so loyal and our relationship was built on our friendship, respect and we were supposed to be comfortable and satisfied. Yet, I had allowed my feelings for another man grow into something that was painfully unattainable. The brief moment of what could have been hung heavily in the air and my heart and soul was encased in turmoil.
Present
Maan
After I paid for my drink, I glanced around for a table, and my eyes narrowed in recognition. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a lump in my throat. As our eyes locked, it was as though no time has passed between us. The emotions that once consumed me came flooding back with a force. The thrill of seeing her, the pain of losing what could have been and the longing came back enveloping me and my heart.
I couldn’t believe she was here. The woman who had unknowingly changed the course of my life. I closed a part of myself that night, when I braved the decision of telling a woman committed to another man to tell she wanted me too. I crossed threshold of temptation and wanted her to cross it with me. Geet had changed me in more ways than that night, her absence shaped me, and I found myself closing off my emotions and strengthening the barriers of my heart because it only took one glance for me. And it took that one second for my heart to break.
Yet, in this moment, the barriers that I had put up crumbled around me with her intense stare. Once again, the connection remained undeniable, and I was drawn towards her. I remembered every moment in those few days, the sound of her voice, her laughter, the light that shone in her hazel eyes, those plump lips, the way she said my name.
I felt the urge to walk over there, close the distance that time and circumstances had imposed on us and took a step forward when her lips curled into a gentle smile.
“It’s been a while, Geet” I said casually trying to mask the undercurrent of emotion that coursed through me.
“It has” she replied softly, her smile reached her eyes but there was a hint of caution. “You look well”.
I stared at her for a moment silently. “Thanks, you haven’t changed at all. Still as beautiful and captivating” I said wanting to test the waters between us.
“I always look beautiful, in rags too” she laughed softly.
“I believe that” I responded, our gaze found each other’s again and held on. The moment broken when the staff brought over my coffee. I took a sip and settled for safe grounds while my mind swirled with other questions. Questions about Angad, her relationship status.
“So, how are things with you? Meera mentioned you’ve built your client base to international stage for your interior designing”.
“That’s right. It’s been an adventure for sure with lots of new challenges. How about you?”
“I’ve finally settled in New York – I’d been thinking about making the move here for a while after Dev and Meera’s wedding but cemented on it a couple of months ago”. The mention of Dev and Meera’s wedding drew back memories that we created and left behind. Geet expression said the same, she was thinking of the few days we spent at the farmhouse with our mutual friends unknowingly allowing ourselves to indulge in a fleeting fantasy.
“That’s good” she responded. “Funny we meet here at one of my favourite cafes to hang out” she attempted to remain casual.
“Favourite, huh? It’s a good thing its in my way to the office. I’ll have to pop by even more now” I teased causing her to smile, the pink hue on her cheeks told me she was still as affected as before. Our conversation drifted to lighter topics about our mutual friends, yet the air still charged with the chemistry between us. My mind wandered and I pondered silently about her relationship status, was she engaged? Married? I found myself search her hands – it was free of any jewellery which ignited a spark of hope unwittingly.
“Are you looking for something?” she asked as she caught me staring for a tad too long, her tone implied she was teasing so I smiled.
“Admiring your taste in the lack of jewellery” I responded playfully.
Geet’s wistful expression told me she understood the depth of my response. She didn’t say anything further and I felt the pull of our past and allure of the unanswered questions that whirled around in my mind growing too impatient for me to ignore.
“I have to ask…” I said unable to hold back anymore. “Apologies if I am overstepping” I paused searching her face to see whether she was uncomfortable, but she seemed to be waiting. “Are you and Angad still…um together?”
Geet looked away for a moment, her fingers traced the sim of her cup as she stared off into the distance when she finally looked at me again. A vulnerability I hadn’t seen before was present.
“We’re not together anymore” she admitted.
Those words shocked me and filled me with hope. It was selfish, but I couldn’t help it.
“My interior designing company took off and I was out of the country for months at a time which put a strain on everything. Angad and I… We sort of drifted apart becoming more like roommates than a couple. So, we parted amicably”.
Each word of hers sent a wave of relief through me – she was available and without any prior commitment. However, I also felt sympathy for her. This would’ve been painful for her; I knew of that much about her.
“That must have been hard” I said. “Starting over is never easy”.
She smiled. “It was, it’s been a while now, so I have had time to adjust to everything. My company has kept me busy and distracted”.
I nodded in understanding. I had taken solace in my company as well when we had parted ways to cope with Geet’s absence. My nights were filled with the few memories we created and each time I closed my eyes I saw her; each dream was us finding our way to each other. Could this be the chance?
Before we could venture our conversation to that, Geet’s phone rang and she answered speaking briefly then cut the call. “I’ve got to go, Maan. My client wants to meet earlier as she’s got another emergency appointment that has popped up” she said as she bagged her laptop and pocketed her phone.
I wanted to hold on to her, tell her once again that I still want her as much I as I did all those years ago. But I wanted to hear her say it. I wanted to hear her confess to me that she wanted me.
Geet walked past me with a gentle smile and a goodbye. I hesitated and closed my eyes.
Geet
It was as if time had not passed us. The angst and pull I felt throughout our conversation was even more intense than before. We were both available, I think. I hadn’t even though to ask but he seemed almost relieved when I mentioned that Angad and I were not together.
My heart thundered as I walked towards the door putting the distance between us. I stepped out and squinted as the splatters of rain started pouring down.
The rain… It reminded me of the night when he asked me to confess.
Bol do, Geet.
It was as if I was back there, and he whispered those words into my ear again.
I pushed forward trying to tell myself it was futile; he might not feel that way and I don’t even know if he was with someone know. My heart protested but my mind refused to cooperate. I had allowed my mind to wander of the years, thinking about all the what ifs. Angad couldn’t come to any of my trips abroad and something told me, Maan would have come. He would’ve created a new adventure every single time we were away and created passionate memories together.
I ran to the corner taking shelter under a porched roof and waited with the hope that the rain would slow down soon so I could meet my client on time.
My eyes lingered on the door of the café as it opened and Maan stepped out with his umbrella. His eyes caught mine and our gazes locked. I couldn’t look away and neither could he. His eyes perused me silently and I felt as if he could see through me, I knew I was drenched like that night once again and it was as if we were taken back to that night.
He took a step forward after a moment of hesitation. I could almost hear the unspoken words and his eyes spoke volumes. I found myself taking a step unable to hold back, ignoring the rain that showered me, and together we met in the middle. Maan covered us with his umbrella.
“Bol do, Geet… Please”.
“I want you too” I whispered, my heart lurching forward as the admission escaped my lips after the years of painful silence and longing. “Ab tum bolo…”
“I want you. I so want you” he murmured vehemently circling his arm around my waist.
I pressed my hands to his chest and looked up at him. His eyes filled with the unrivalled and open passion that he had hidden over the years, and I leaned up. Our eyes remained locked before we closed them as we embraced and kissed each other tenderly.
“Phir se bol do, Geet…” he whispered as he withdrew after a moment.
“I want you, Maan” I responded softly.
He grinned and I felt myself grinning with him, uncaring that the rain had drenched us despite the umbrella. He leaned down once more capturing my lips showing me how much he had missed me over the years and giving me a demonstration of the passion that burned through him. I reciprocated equally and clutched him tightly and poured everything I had wanted to say but couldn’t. The distance we had between us disappeared forever in this moment.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuIO-pa7moY&ab_channel=Afzallyrics
“Damn it” Maan cursed seeing the two missed calls when he finally looked away from his screen. He picked up his phone quickly and called back hoping she would pick up the phone.
It continued to ring before it went to voicemail. “Damn it” he murmured and sighed heavily. He typed out a text and sent it.
‘I’m sorry, jaana. I was busy. I miss you and love you’.
He scrubbed his palm over his jaw and looked at the photo on his desk of his Jaana.
It had been 6 months since Maan moved to the UK to set up his base and his girlfriend, Geet had been very supportive at first as this was his dream and a great opportunity to grow the family business. But lately, things had become challenging for them. The long distance and the time difference had started putting a strain on what was once a perfect relationship. Their means of communication went from seeing each other almost daily to missed calls and texts that felt flat.
In Delhi, Geet checked her phone the first thing in the morning and read Maan’s message. Tears welled up in her eyes, it had been nearly a week now that she had not managed to speak to Maan, and the silence was agonising. She recollected the night she had met him with a faint smile. That night he felt sort of lonely and now it was her turn it seemed.
Flashback
“Meera, I don’t know why I had to come” Geet whispered as she entered the ballroom of a luxurious hotel where a fundraiser was being held.
“Because you love me and don’t want me going alone” Meera mumbled. “Do you know how this town will talk if they know Meera Sahani went alone?”
“Glad you think of yourself so important that you will appear in the papers” Geet said with a chuckle.
“It’s the Khurana’s charity fundraiser, everyone who attends are going to be in it. Including you”.
“Well at least it’s not some nightclub” Geet responded with a smile.
“Oh my…” Meera suddenly tugged on Geet’s arm and gestured to the corner. “Look, that’s Abhay Khurana’s son – Maan”.
Geet looked to where Meera pointed and perused the handsome man. He donned on a sharp fitted tuxedo, his face stoic and brows slightly furrowed as if he was lost in his own world despite the lively party surrounding them all. Geet had heard a lot of the mysterious Maan Singh Khurana who was soon going to be stepping into his father’s world, Meera had yapped on about Maan Khurana non-stop as she had gone to the same university as him.
“He doesn’t seem to like people” Geet remarked.
“That obvious huh?” Meera said with a chuckle. “He’s mysterious”.
“Intense I would say” Geet said and quickly fell silent when his eyes shifted in their direction. His eyes zeroed on Geet, their eyes locked and for a split second, Geet felt as if he could see through her and sense that they were talking about him. She blinked and felt her cheeks heat up. She looked away and before she knew it, Meera was pulling her in another direction to introduce her to other friends.
After a while, Geet was feeling hot in the ballroom and looked around for a way out when she noticed the balcony. She started walking towards it wanting a breath of fresh air and a break from the crowd of pretentious attendees. She was just about to step out when she accidentally bumped into someone causing the drink to spill over their hands and some of it splashed on her dress.
“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry, I…” she started apologising.
“No need to apologise, I should’ve been careful and watching where I was walking”.
Geet tensed and slowly lifted her head meeting the dark eyes of Maan Singh Khurana. “Oh… Mr Khurana, I really…. I… I am so sorry, sir”.
“Sir?” he raised his brows in amusement.
“You’re… I’m sorry” she fumbled over her words.
“Please call me Maan and no need to apologise. It’s just champagne” he said with a gentle smile.
Geet felt her heart racing at the mistake and hoped this wasn’t something that will show up in the papers tomorrow. She could already imagine the embarrassing headline – ‘Geet Malhotra, daughter of the honourable barrister spills drinks over Maan Khurana’. The reporters certainly could and would make it sound as scandalous as possible to make their monies worth and her parents would not hesitate to take a bite out of her for embarrassing them.
“Are you ok?” Maan inquired.
“Um… Yes” she said trying to compose herself and brushed at the wet droplets from her dress.
“Were you trying to look for a way out to run away?” he questioned.
Geet smiled and shook her head. “No, just needed to get some air”.
“Trying to get away from the show offs, then?”
Geet chuckled.
“You don’t seem like you enjoy this party?”
“What gave me away?”
“You running away” he replied with a hint of amusement.
Geet chuckled. “I wasn’t running away, though I am upset I didn’t think of that” she joked.
“If you don’t like it, why are you here?” he questioned curiously.
“My friend dragged me here as her plus one not wanting to come alone or maybe she needed me sticking by her side to make it possible to endure the night with”.
“Endure it? Is it that bad?” he chuckled.
“No, no. It’s… I think its to do with the people being fake and trying to be all pretentious and care about charity. There are some showing off their money by ‘outbidding’ for the silly items”.
“Unfortunately, there is a certain… amount of pretence that comes with these events. What would be your ideal evening instead of hanging around here?”
“I would prefer to spend my evening with people who are real – sit around a table, eat pizza and play a card game” she answered.
Maan looked at her for a moment considering her words. She didn’t hesitate and looked genuine with her response, she was a rough diamond that sparkled amongst all these people. She was unaffected by the wealth and status surrounding them and most people in his circles loved all of this.
“I think we’ve come to have something in common then, Ms Malhotra”.
“You know who I am?”
“It is a part of my job to know who our guest is” he responded with a small smile.
“Plus one – I don’t think I belong here” she said with a chuckle.
Maan’s eyes softened and his gaze locked with hers. “You might the only person who belongs here. Everyone else had come to show off”.
Geet swallowed hard and her pulse quickened. There was some sincerity in his voice, and she felt her cheeks heat once again and looked down.
“Sorry, if I’ve overstepped or upset you” he said quickly and stepped back. His voice returned to his usual guarded tone and Geet seemed to notice the difference as well.
“No, no... Not at all” she responded. “I… I just never expected to bump into you and speak to the mysterious Maan Khurana” she said with a chuckle.
Maan smirked. “Mysterious? What were you expecting? I’m going to be watching from the dark corners like a phantom or something?”
“Maybe I thought a vampire” she said playfully. “Phantom sounds better though”.
“It does feel like that sometimes” he said after a moment looking around the guests thoughtfully. “I do end up watching from a distance and only having to communicate when its necessary”.
Geet’s smile faded slightly and she looked at him. “That sounds lonely”.
Maan looked at her taken by surprise by her insightful remark. “It can be. Sometimes its easier that way. Otherwise people start expecting things from you when you let them in”.
“Or maybe by letting someone in can make a difference”.
Maan watched her, their eyes connected and they stood in comfortable silence. This didn’t feel odd at all, two strangers in a bustling ballroom and a unwitting and unexpected connection that seemed natural.
“Geet” Meera appeared. “There you are” she paused when she noticed Maan standing there. “Oh… hi…” she said feeling embarrassed.
“Hello Ms Sahani” Maan greeted her with a small smile before he looked back at Geet. “I should… go” he said almost sound reluctantly.
“Of course,” Geet nodded and smiled tensely. “Thank you for the… um enlightening conversation”.
“Likewise, Ms Malhotra” he said slowly. “I hope it wouldn’t be our last”.
Geet’s pulse quickened, before she could reply, he turned away and disappeared in the crowd. She watched him leave and felt as if something shifted within her. What was this feeling?
“Ok… what were doing with Maan Khurana?” Meera squealed excitedly.
“Nothing. Is it time to go yet?”
“Oh come on, Geet! Tell me”
“Nothing my darling. Let’s get something to snack on” Geet said as she pulled her friend back inside.
Present
That wasn’t the last conversation. Since that night, they had met in mutual parties a few times before Maan had asked Geet out for a coffee date. There was no turning back after that and they had fallen in love. Both their families approved of each other as well. On the professional front, Maan was stepping into their family business and making strides. His ambition was to take their business to an international level which his father hadn’t yet done so he wanted to be the one who set the ball rolling in that direction. When he told Geet, she was supportive of this dream of his. Only she hadn’t realised it meant that it would start affecting them.
Geet met Meera for coffee in a café later that afternoon – once again unsuccessful in getting in touch with Maan.
“Did you get any sleep?” Meera inquired watching Geet stir her coffee absent-mindedly. “You don’t look so good, Geet” she added.
Geet forced a smile. “I’m okay” she said trying to reassure her friend. “It’s ok. I just didn’t realise long distance would be this hard” she mumbled.
Meera reached across the table and placed her hand atop of Geet’s. “You are not. Have you spoken to Maan this week? Like on the phone or video call?” she asked.
Geet hesitant and bit down on her lip forcing herself to not to break down and cry. “I… I tried but he’s busy with work. I don’t want to be the girlfriend who wants to complain because I… know how much this means to him but I feel like… I feel like I’m in a limbo. I didn’t realise it was going to be this hard not seeing him and speaking to him” she murmured. “I feel like… I am losing him”.
“Oh darling…” Meera said softly and dragged her chair to be near Geet hugging her tightly.
“This is embarrassing” Geet sniffed and covered her mouth trying to stifle the sob that threatened to escape.
“Shh, if you have to cry – cry. I’m here for you” Meera responded. Geet squeezed her friend tightly and burrowed her face into her shoulder allowing her tears to fall.
That evening, Geet rang Maan’s phone and hoped he could answer. She felt her heart jump in her chest when he answered.
“Hello” Maan’s voice echoed on the phone. Almost distant and firm.
“Maan…” she whispered.
Maan tensed and swallowed hard. “Geet” he whispered. “I’m so sorry I missed your calls. It has been hectic here and… I haven’t had a chance to really call you back. I barely have time to breathe”.
Geet bit her lip wondering what she could say. She was happy to finally hear his voice after a week, but she could note he sounded distracted, and his voice was tense.
“Oh… I understand” she said slowly as she continued to consider her words carefully. “Do you have a few minutes now?”
Maan glanced at his watch, “I’ve got a meeting in about 5 minutes so I can give you 3 minutes”.
Geet felt a pang of hurt with his response. “I… I wanted us to talk, Maan. Like really talk. You haven’t had time for us… and I miss you. I feel we’re becoming strangers” she responded and swiped at her wet cheeks where a tear slipped down.
Maan sighed heavily, his eyes once again went to his watch. “Geet, you know what I am trying to do here. I miss you too but this isn’t easy for me either. I’ve got so much to do. I thought you would understand” he muttered.
“I do, Maan. It is why you’re there and I’m trying to be supportive, but I feel alone and… I need you”.
“What can I do, Geet? You know why I came here, and you supported me” he responded feeling a little frustrated.
“Yes, but… supporting you doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t need you as well. We’re supposed to be partners. I’m supposed to be your girlfriend” she whispered, and he could hear her voice cracking.
“Geet… I can’t just throw everything away” he rubbed a hand over his jaw and looked up at his assistant who knocked on and gestured to the clock. “Look, I’ve got to go…”
Geer squeezed her eyes and cut the call before she cried silently feeling consumed by the hurt. Just 6 months ago, she felt she had won in life. She had landed a job as an associate lawyer in one of the big firms of the Delhi and looking to her work her way upwards, she was also the girlfriend of Maan Singh Khurana and in love with him. He had casually mentioned their future together and how it would look so she had seen herself getting married to him only. But that seemed so distant now.
The weeks that followed were filled with brief calls and messages that were left on ‘read’. Geet had started feeling lonelier, especially when she’d scroll through the newspaper articles and see Maan being mentioned of making waves in London and some of them included pictures of him attending dinners and galas. She felt her heart cutting into pieces when she noticed most of these events he attended with his pretty assistant and there were rumours circulating around of the two of them. The doubts started seeping in and affecting her resolve even more now.
Over in London, Maan walked Suhana to her apartment after an event they attended together. “Thank you for seeing me to my home, sir”.
He hummed with a forced smile, she turned to walk inside when her heel caught on to something and she nearly fell until Maan leaped forward and caught her. “Oh, careful” he said softly as he helped steady her onto her feet.
“I will remember not to wear heels with my two left feet next time” she said with a chuckle.
Maan smiled and released her arms before he stepped back. “Go on inside, it’s getting colder” he gestured and waited until she was safely inside before he returned to his car and headed back to his apartment. Once he freshened and changed out of his clothes, he went to his study. He sat down readying for another long night as he was unable to sleep well when his eyes landed on the photograph of him and Geet together. His arm around her shoulders tightly and she was staring at him, her eyes filled with so much love and he was even smiling faintly. It was one of his genuine smiles that he gifted to the people he loved. He missed her. It had been 7 months now since he had come here and he missed her so much. He missed her warm hugs, her laugh, her sweet kisses, the red cheeks that heated when he would whisper sweet nothings into her ears. He closed his eyes and tilted his head back. “Damn it…” he cursed. “I miss you” he whispered into the empty room. But what could he do?
He had worked so hard over the months, and he couldn’t abandon it.
The following day during his lunch hour, Maan called Geet’s phone with the hopes that he would bridge this gap between them.
Geet glanced at Maan’s name across her mobile screen and tightened her grip on her office phone. “Liyana, I will get back to you once I look into this” she informed her client and quickly cut the call after saying bye. She picked her mobile and swiped across to answer.
“Hello” Geet answered softly.
“Hey Geet. How are you?”
“I… I’ve been better. How are you?” she asked. She had wanted to demand answers from him about the photo that was printed in the articles of him and his assistant, but she still trusted him and their love.
Maan swallowed thickly and cleared his throat. “I’m ok. I know this… this is all hard on you. It is hard on me too, I… How do I fix this?”
“Maan… I don’t know” she said taking a deep breath. She stood up from her chair and walked across to the window. “Maybe… this… isn’t working” she murmured.
“Please, don’t say that Geet”.
“I don’t know what to do or say anymore” she pressed her lips together and sniffed trying her best to stifle her cries. “It’s been 6 months since we’ve seen each other, since… we’ve really talked. Maybe we’ve changed, Maan. We’re probably not the same people who fell in love”.
“Oh, please” Maan murmured and tightened his grip on his phone. “Geet, don’t say that. I can’t… I can’t do this without you. I want you by my side, Geet”.
“But I am not there, Maan. You’re not here and I feel like I am going through life alone”.
“What do you want me to do, Geet?” he asked feeling dejected and his heart was in his throat. “I love you. You love me too, right?” he said slowly and waited with bated breath.
“I love you more than life, Maan” she confirmed after a moment. “But sometimes love just is not enough, Maan” she added.
Maan’s heart felt tight.
“I need to go” Geet whispered and cut the call.
Maan squeezed his eyes closed and exhaled a deep breath feeling a pang in his chest. He wished he could’ve been going home and enjoying an evening with her tonight. Like those late evenings in his apartment in Delhi where they would play games and eat pizza.
Flashback
Maan sat cross-legged on the floor in the living room of his apartment. He silently admired Geet as she set up the scrabble board on the coffee table. What was once a cold and empty apartment which he used only to come and sleep in had become cosy and warm since they had started dating.
Geet was completely oblivious to his stare as she set the game in full concentration. Maan smiled enjoying the sight of her biting her lip and frowning. When she finally looked at him, she raised her brows seeing his gentle smile. He rarely smiled in public but seeing him now, that pleased her.
“What are you looking at?” she asked. “Do you not like the pizza? Are you regretting letting me order the veg pizza?”
He chuckled. “No, nothing like that, Jaana”
She felt her cheeks heat hearing his loving pet name for her.
“You look adorable making all those faces” he said with a laugh.
Geet rolled her eyes and nudged him. “I don’t just look adorable. I am adorable” she declared. “I hope you’re ready for me to kick your ass in scrabble” she said reaching for another pizza slice.
“You’re in for a challenge. Maan Singh Khurana always wins” he said with a smirk.
“Bring it on” Geet said as she took a large bite of her pizza slice.
“Who is the undefeated Queen?” Geet asked.
Maan looked at Geet, he may have lost but he loved seeing the bright smile on Geet’s face as she sat on his stomach straddling him and pressing her palms to his chest. “You are”.
“Say it louder, the neighbours didn’t hear that” she said jokingly.
“You are” he leapt up circling his arm around her waist and cupped her nape. “You are the undefeated Queen and I salute to your highness”.
Geet laughed and cupped his cheeks. “I love you” she whispered.
“Love you too” he answered and leaned down kissing her gently.
Present
It had been a month since Geet had heard Maan’s voice. She had gotten the occasional text with him asking how she is, and she responded politely and asked about him and his work. But they never texted each other beyond that. She had decided to focus her full attention on her career and keep distracted so she wouldn’t think about Maan and what they could have had.
“Is everything okay with you and Maan?” Jhanvi asked her daughter as she joined them for dinner.
“Why?” Geet looked up from her plate to her mother.
“Priya called today, she said when she spoke to Maan earlier this week – he sounded off” she informed.
“What’s this?” Shekar, her father joined them at the dinner table and placed his phone down.
“I was just checking with Geet – is everything ok between her and Maan” Jhanvi responded and looked at Geet waiting for an answer.
Before Geet could reply, Shekar jumped in.
“I was speaking to Abhay Khurana earlier – he was saying that he wants to announce your engagement to Maan soon”.
Geet’s heart pounded and she saw how her parents were getting excited. “Maa, papa please don’t go that far. Maan and I have only been together almost 2 years. 8 months of that 2 years apart” she reminded.
“So?” Shekar arched his brow. “I didn’t know your mother. I married her veil then I got to see her on her wedding night” he informed.
Jhanvi chuckled. “And you realised you hit the jackpot that night and I was the loser”.
Geet rolled her eyes as her parents joked about who was the better looking in their relationship. This is what she wanted to playfully fight over with Maan, not fight for time with him. She had watched her parents throughout her life and fallen in love with their relationship and wanted the same for herself. She had thought she found that with Maan, until it came crashing down recently with this long-distance relationship. Could that even be called a relationship anymore?
“What do you think, Geet?” Shekar asked breaking her from her thoughts.
“Not yet” she murmured and shook her head. “Excuse me, I’m finished with dinner” she said wiping her mouth on her napkin and stood. “I’m going to head home”.
“But Geet…” Jhanvi called out as she turned and walked away.
Shekar and Jhanvi exchanged a worried look between them.
Geet decided to walk home tonight rather than taking her car, she only lived around the corner from her parent’s home as they wouldn’t allow her to venture any further from their home. They had always been very protective of her and continued to do so even now at her age of 27 years old. Geet enjoyed the cool breeze as she walked, the sun was setting behind her and the roads were covered in an orange and red hue which was beautiful.
Geet thought of Maan and their relationship. 8 months ago, she would’ve been so excited and filled with hope at the thought of marrying Maan. But now, they were barely holding on by a thread. She wished he would come back, she wanted to hide in the warmth of his embrace and surround herself in his inviting scent.
Geet pulled out her phone and her finger hovered over his name. She glanced at the time and wondered whether he could take her call. She dialled his number and listened to the phone ring. It continued to ring until it went to voicemail. She cut the call and inhaled deeply trying to regain control of her emotions and continued her walk to her apartment.
Another month passed in missed calls and silence between them. The only time Geet had seen Maan is through the articles that were printed about him and most of them included his assistant even more since that picture of him holding her outside of the apartment went viral. The vultures had not failed once in documenting his moves in London and Geet’s resolve weakened.
Geet’s eyes perused the latest article, and this was of Maan again at some event. He had his arms around his assistant’s waist as he seemed to lead her towards their car. Her eyes filled with tears of frustration as she read the article, the warmth of his hand that was for her was on another woman and here she was pining for him for nearly a year now. Geet picked up her phone and called his phone.
He didn’t answer.
She called again.
“Geet, can I call you back? I’m just heading out to…”
“No this can’t wait” she cut him off. “You can go to wherever it is you want to go. Just hear me out. I can’t do this anymore. I… I can’t hold on to something that is already gone”.
“What…” Maan paused feeling confused. “Geet, if you’re talking about the articles then I promise you there is nothing going on between us. I was helping her to the car but there were a lot of reporters… and…”
“No, please. Please stop” she intervened. “I can’t keep waiting and hoping for a future that might not come” she added.
“Geet… Please don’t do this” he whispered as he turned away from his car. He strode back into his apartment building hurriedly and headed up the lifts to his apartment. “Please don’t do this to us” he said as he entered and closed the door behind him. Panic consumed him.
“I can’t… I’m sorry, Maan”.
“Geet, I am doing all this for us. I am working hard to make this all happen and… Do you want me to throw it all away?” he asked feeling frustrated.
“No, no, this isn’t what I want. I want you to be happy, Maan. But I also want me to be happy and I can’t be happy like this. I don’t want you to give up your dreams. I will never ask you of this”.
Maan closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry, I know. I know you’re not asking of this of me. I… I just need you to wait, please”.
“Maan, I can’t… I’m sorry. I don’t want you to give up your dreams, but I can’t keep living like this and I don’t want to end up losing myself in this”.
“I love you, Geet”.
“I love you too, Maan. I really do and I wish you all the best”.
“Geet…” he whispered.
Geet choked on a sob and cut the call letting out a gut-wrenching cry as she crumbled to her knees and sobbed for the love she had lost to the poisonous distance.
A tear slipped down Maan’s cheek as he stared at the phone in his hand absentmindedly.
This is all his doing. He had brought them to this moment.
He tugged at his tie roughly and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
He had just lost the best thing he had in his life. Tears shimmered in his eyes and escaped his eyes.
Everything he had been doing was his dream for him and Geet. He wanted this to be their dream, their life and he had lost his biggest supporter. She was there whenever he needed to call and vent, but he couldn’t make the time for her. Is this what he was working for? To have his heart broken and losing the love of his life? She had loved him so much. She had given him a reason to enjoy this life, and he had lost that reason. Maan looked down at the phone in his hand that started to ring.
“Aaarghhhh” he yelled out angrily and threw his phone at the wall...
Maan felt his world had darkened. He was standing at another business event surrounded by glistening lights, music vibrating through the air and he was supposed to be networking, but he couldn’t move forward and engage with anyone. He looked around the crowd like a silent spectator and recollected the first time his eyes locked with Geet’s across the room. How she had entered his life like a beacon of light and brought warmth into his heart. He felt nothing.
Now it was empty and cold once again. Even in this atmosphere, the silence of Geet’s absence couldn’t be drowned. He had brought this upon himself. He deserved this.
Geet’s absence weighed down on his heart and almost made it difficult to breathe. He thought of the nights they had spent together, the way her laughter would echo in his apartment making him forget about the pressures of his work.
If only he had made an effort to communicate and make time for her. She wanted him, she loved him and she needed him. If only he had made an effort. He had always been able to overcome any challenges that came his way, he was able to endure everything to get his way. But this… Emptiness. What he had felt before was not loneliness. He was well and truly alone now. Even if he conquered everything, it would mean nothing without her.
“Sir…” Suhana approached and touched his shoulder. “Are you ok?”
“Excuse me” he muttered shrugging off her hand and walked away unable to stand in the room anymore. He stepped out onto the balcony and their first meeting plagued his mind.
“Why couldn’t I keep a hold of you?” he whispered. “You are the love of my life… Why couldn’t I love you enough to hold on to you?”
He closed his eyes blocking out the muffled sounds of the event inside and silence descended. For a very brief second, he imagined himself back at the party 2 years ago and meeting Geet for the first time. That moment, that feeling consumed him as if he could imagine she was right here with him and he felt a small smile curl on his lips. He snapped open his eyes and the vision in his mind faded away.
“God! What have I done?” he murmured. “Geet… I’m so sorry”.
Another night of loneliness. It had been 2 months, yet Geet was facing another night of curling up on the sofa and wallowing in her misery. The memories continued to consume her, each time she’d try to move forward then something came up that reminded her of him. She couldn’t forget him.
Geet had her arms wrapped around her knees hugging herself. She closed her eyes recollecting their way he chuckled, the competitive streaks in their games, the way he held her gently whenever he kissed her, the way he made her forget the world around him, the way he stared at her as if he was mesmerised and only she mattered.
“Why does it still hurt?” she whispered.
A knock on the door caused her to jerk out of her thoughts and she looked confused. Geet slowly stood and walked to the door. She glanced at the clock, it was almost 11pm and wondered who it could be. She opened the door and her heart stopped.
“Maan?” she whispered looking in disbelief. “What… what are you doing here?”
Maan stared at her silently trying to form the words he had practised on the long journey home.
“I’m nothing without you, Geet. I… I missed you so much. Jaana, I was doing all of this for us but if you’re not with me then what would I be doing gaining all of that? I couldn’t stay away”.
“Maan… Why now?” she questioned and stepped back.
“Because I can’t let you go. I love you. I’m nothing without you. Jaana, what good is my dream and future if you are not in it with me?” he stepped forward, his eyes locked with hers and he reached out for her hands. “I’m not Maan Khurana without my jaana. You became my person. The person I loved so much, the person I let into my empty heart and when you left… My world darkened, Geet. You are my priority, my life, my love” he released her hands and captured her cheeks in his palm.
“How can you say that?”
“Because I love you. I missed you so much. Nothing else matters to me. I had to come and fight for us. I couldn’t let you go and I won’t” he added with determination. “Don’t push me away, please”.
Geet cried and her vision blurred. She wanted to believe and throw her arms around but she didn’t want to get hurt again. “How can I trust you? I’ve had my heart broken once, Maan. I don’t want you to mend it only to leave me again”.
“No, no” he intervened and brushed his thumb against her lips. “I promise, I’m not going. I tidied up all my professional affairs in the past 2 months and came back. My cousin is going to be looking after my company. I will have to go occasionally but only with you”.
“What?” Geet asked confused. “You’ve returned indefinitely? But your dream was to…”
“No, no. None of it is worth it without you” he said shaking his head. “My dream is to love you and live with you. I love you, Geet. I love you so much, jaana” he closed his eyes and pressed a firm kiss on her forehead. “You are everything I want. I love you so much. Give me a chance please”.
Geet nodded. “What about your job?”
“I’m going to work in our company here with dad. Tell me what I want to hear, Geet”.
She closed her eyes and cried softly. “I… I love you too” she curled her arms around his waist and sobbed softly into his chest. Maan embraced her tightly and promised to never let her go.
When Geet’s sobs slightly subsided, he withdrew for a moment cradling her cheeks in his palms.
“Would you marry me?”
“What?”
“Yes or no, Geet. That is all I want to hear” he stated. “I’m serious about us, about this. I want to marry you and make you my wife. I’m going to showing the world the Queen that stole my heart. Now, will you marry me?”
Geet didn’t hesitant and nodded with tears cascading her cheeks. “Yes, yes of course”.
Maan grinned widely and leaned down capturing her lips in an intense kiss.
“I love you so much” he repeated breaking from the kiss for a second. “Thank you for giving me another chance”.
“I love you too, Maan” she reiterated and hugged him tightly once again.
“We’re going to have to tell our parents soon. They’ve been eagerly waiting to break this news to the world” Maan murmured. Geet chuckled and hummed in agreement closing her eyes.
“I missed you so much” she whispered.
Maan hummed and tightened his embrace, the pain, the distance, the love, the emotions all lingered in the background but they were going to make this work. He was going to make her fall in love all over again and give her the world’s happiness in her lap. He would make up for the time they had lost together. Geet felt her a flicker of hope within, excitement bloomed within her and she could feel her heart slowly healing and knew she would heal as would Maan. They were two broken hearts ready to heal and become one soul.
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