PART 22
Geet was not sure when she woke up. It was
definitely early in the morning. Last night's conversation with Meer came back
in her mind and thugh Meer had assured her that she wasn't mad at Geet, Geet
knew better.
The hurt was too evident in Meer's voice.
She just hoped that someday Meer will be able to forgive her. Tears rolled down
her eyes unknowingly until she felt another hand wiping them off softly.
Pari was standing with a worried expression
on her face.Geet looked up only ti start rying more as Pari hugged her tight in
her arms.
Pari:" Okay Geet, you are completely
freaking me out! What's wrong?"
Geet:" I am a bad fried."
Pari:" No sweety, never.. You are a
wonderful frined I am so lucky to have."
Geet:" I hurt Meer."
Pari:" Not that I should but what is wrong exactly?
Only if you are comfortable sharing it."
Geet:" I am not sure if you will be hurt or
not but I did not tell Meer about my friendship with you. It has nothing to do
with you but the thing is she is not over Yash yet. And somewhere I did not
want her to know about it. Maybe I was wrong but hiding this fact seemed like
the the right thing to do. But right now I feel like a traitor. You know she is
hurt and I am sad that I hurt her.But Pari, believe me when I say this that I
am not sorry for being your friend."
Pari took a deep breath and said aoftl," I
understand Geet. Even though I know I had absolutely nothing to do with her
break up with Yash I understand her pain. And you are one of her closest
friend. You being friend with me will hurt her and it will take her a little
time to accept it dear. "
Geet:" You understand right that I don't
regret being your friend?"
Pari:" Of course Geet, I understand. You
just have to give Meera some time to accept it. I am sure she will understand
too. Now get ready before MK decides to be mad for you being late."
Geet shook her head and started getting
ready for another day in office. This is going to be a long day for her truly.
******
Maan was noticing Geet for quiet few days
no. She has lost her usual bubbliness. Geet is always been quiet but now it is
like silence is brooding and it is almost like she is in war with herself. It
is Friday and Maan took it as an oppurtunity to have a chat with her.
Maan called up Geet at the very last moment
in the pretext of working to his cabin so that others will leave the office at
6pm.
Vicky:" I don't get it Geet. What is with
this last moment work? It is Friday for Christ sake? You might have some plans."
Geet:" I don't have any plans Vicky. Don't
worry. Have a nice weekend."
Vicky:" Umm Geet, what is going on with
you? I have noticed that you are not being yourself for past few days. Is
everything fine?"
Geet:" Yeah Vicky. Just some health issues.
"
Vicky:" Did you visit a doctor Geet? It is
not good to neglect your health issues."
Geet:" Don't worry so much about it Vicky.
I will go and visit MK. You get going. Meet you on Monday."
Vicky:" Bye Geet, take care of yourself."
As Vicky left Geet walked towards Maan's
cabin. For some reason she had a feeling that this evening Maan and her will
not be talking about something that is not really work related. She tentatively
knocked on the door to Maan's cabin.
A firm come in' greeted her as she stepped
inside. Maan gestured her to sit and then again he was immersed into the file
he was reading. Geet observed him. It had been a few days she really had talked
t Maan. He was truly a good person and Geet was glad that she met him. He had
helped her in more ways than one. In a way she is more alive because of Maan's
words and support. Somewhere she can relate to Maan more than she can relate to
any other person.
Maan looked up and softly," Geet give me
just ten more minutes. I am almost done with this file."
Geet asked him to carry on and said," Maan,
just don't worry. I can always wait."
Maan was startled a little by her informal
tone. Geet rarely uses such informal tone in office. But he had a job to finish
so he did not bother thinking about it. Once he was done he looked up. His eyes
met Geet's and there was something in her eyes that was foreign to him.
Maan cleared his throat and said," Geet,
what is up with you from past four days? You are not being yourself?"
Geet looked up. So he did notice. But she
did not want to speak about her problems today. Every single time they talk it
has always been about her isues. Today she did not want to talk about it.
Geet:" Maan, I don't want to talk about it
please."
Maan sighed loudly. He knew that making
Geet talk would not have been easier. He asked softly," Geet, do you have any
plans for today evening?"
Geet:" Nah! No plans. I will just go back
to hostel and maybe watch some Hollywood chick flick. I am alone for this
weekend since Naina will be staying at your place and Pari is with Yash who has
come to visit."
Maan took her hand in his and said," Then
let's go out. We two have been crushed under the pressure of project and since
both of us don't have any plans let's go out."
Geet:" Are you sure Maan that is the only
reason you want me to go out?"
Maan:" You told me you don't want to talk
about it and I respect your wishes Geet. Come on, let's go. It is going to be
heck of a traffic since it is Friday night."
Maan came out along with Geet. He asked his
driver to leave and then both of them sat inside the car. Once they were out of
the office Maan asked Geet randomly," So Geet have you ever been to Bandra Bandstand?"
Geet shook her head in negative and said,"
The only places I have been are in south Bombay. I did not really have much
time to visit other places."
Maan:" Bandstand is really a good place to
sit and talk, maybe even sit in silence. You have already been to Marine Drive
but let's see if you find it as peaceful as I find it."
Geet:" I am sure I will love it. After all
it is recommended you."
Her musical laughter filled the car. Maan
smiled and spoke:
Maan:" I take it you did not see the Bandra
Worli Sea link as well?"
Geet:" Nah!"
Maan:"Comeon lady. Fasten your seat belt.
No matter how many times you drive through the sea link, your first time is
always the best."
Geet gave a cheecky smile as the tensions
of the week, the work pressure, the stress due to having a fight with Meera all
evaporated into a nothingness...
True to his word Maan drove towards the
sealink. He showed Geet the Hazi Ali which once again Geet pointed out that she
had not visited.
It was fun driving with Geet. She and Maan
were falling into a comfortable silence. Maan took the left turn to take the
sea link and Geet looked outside. On an impulse she rolled down the windows
letting the wind burst across her face. Her hairs started flowing in random
directions getting tangled and unmanageable but she was totally enjoying the
drive and laughed out heartily. Her laughter was infectitious and soon Maan
found himself smiling with her. Maan paid the tolltax and they both entered
Bandra.
As usual the Friday traffic was brutal in
Bandra link road and it took some time before they reached Bandstand. Maan
pointed out Shahrukh Khan's Bunglow Mannat and Geet watched it from outside.
After he had parked the car Maan took Geet and went near the sea. Though it was
little dark and rocky but Maan helped Geet out. Once they found a suitable rock
they both sat down looking out towards the vast expanse of sea. The patrolling
boats seemed so small from far, like tiny dots of light.
It was thankfully low tide and the weather
was pleasant. After days it was clear sky making it possible for them to have
that outing.
Maan was silent yet his presence was
comforting. When did they become so close that even in silence they could feel
comfort in each other? Geet's mind was confused. Maan read her confusion in her
eyes and asked softly," What is bothering you Geet? You know right that you can
speak to me about just anything?"
Geet noded her head but did not speak. Maan
however did not stop himself from questioning this time.
Maan:" Geet, is it about me? Is that why
you are not telling me?"
Geet:" There are many things going on Maan."
Maan:" Geet, you can tell me because I feel
like I am one of your worries."
Geet:" I don't know how to say this."
Maan:" How about you just tell everything."
Geet:" Okay... see I don't know how you do
this. I mean you handle your emotions so easily. But I, I just ruin it. From
the day I got to know about your feelings it's like I changed about how I look
at you. I can't tell but I think I feel differently."
Maan:" How differently?"
Geet:" I am not sure how to explain. I mean
I have worked with you even when we had been friends but now...now I feel so
aware of you. "
Maan:" Is that disturbing you Geet? Am I
being over bearing in any way?"
Geet:" No, not at all. I mean I am really
thankful to you for being there for me. But something is wrong with me that I
can't handle these emotions. How can you handle things so easily?"
Maan:" I can handle things because I am
much older than you Geet. You are young so of course it won't be easy for you
to handle emotions. As a friend should I tell you something?"
Geet:" What?"
Maan:" Just feel what you are feeling. There's
nothing wrong in it. Don't pressurize yourself to feel anything or stop from
feeling anything. Let your heart lead the way."
Geet was reminded of Armaan. He had always
been the one to help her sort out her emotions... She was hit by a memory of
past...
Armaan
was aware that Geet feels something for him. His feelings for Geet had long
changed and as they were approaching the middle of school year his resolve to
bare his heart was getting stronger. They were in class twelfth now. It is
slowly becoming a now or never situation.
Geet
would now and then blush when he would comment about something or flirt with
her. A blushing Geet was a sight to behold. But today Geet was sitting alone
being her grumpy self.
Armaan:"
Hey Geet, what's up?"
Geet:"
Nothing Armaan. Absolutely nothing."
Armaan:"
You are grumpy. It can't be for nothing can it?"
Geet:"
I don't know what to say."
Armaan:"
Try. We had been best friends since forever. You know every embarrassing story
of my life and I have known yours. None of them had ever made me judge
you. So tell me, what is bothering you
so much Geet?"
Geet
took a deep breath and said," I think I am having feelings for someone Armaan.
I am not sure if he returns those feelings. I don't want to lose his friendship
just because these stupid feelings have crept in my heart. I am confused as to
what to do?"
Armaan
pretty well knew who these feelings were for. His Jhalli Geet had no idea how
much head over heels he is in love with her. Clearing his throat he said
softly," Geet, I am not sure how to say this but don't ever be afraid of
feeling something. Don't think so much. Just feel what you have to feel. Who
knows he might also have same feelings and is simply trying to fight it just
like you..."
Geet
smiled her perfect dimpled smile and hugged him. Even though it was strictly a
non-passionate hug between two friends they both were totally aware of each
other.
Geet was swept back from memories as she
heard Maan calling her. Maan said in a soft but firm voice," Geet I havealready
told you this. But here I am telling you again. My feelings are my
feelings. You don't bother about them.
But if you at all feel something then go on and feel it. I promise to be always
just a friend of yours until you want something more or something less about
this relationship. I believe I keep my promise Geet."
Geet shivered under his intense gaze but
said softly," I don't think I would ever want to be not a friend of yours Mr.
Khurana."
Maan smiled his devastatingly charming
smile and said," I will hold you onto your promise Miss Handa. You should
always be careful with your promises."
Geet smiled and said," I definitely will
keep that in mind Mr. Khurana."
Maan smiled but became serious again. He
asked again the question Geet had been avoiding the entire evening," Jokes
apart Geet. Tell me what is really bothering you because I believe there is
more to it than the equation between us."
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