KHUMAARI- The Nocturnal Beast, PART 21

KHUMAARI

The Nocturnal Beast

"QUICK RECAP"

Geet was a small town girl grown up between overprotective men-her father and two brothers. Her only dream was to complete PG and become a psychologist. Living on her own in an apartment away from family as a rebellion act against her father who wouldn’t allow her to go out of town again for her PG, she had never imagined that her life would take such a drastic turn in a blink of an eye.

It happened one night, when her modest apartment was broken into by a devastatingly handsome yet ruthless man who abducted her and took her to a lonesome island in middle of nowhere. The man happened to be completely arrogant and self obsessed. Announcing himself as Maan Singh Khurana, he claimed that he wasn’t a man and rather a werewolf and that he had marked her two years ago at a party because she was his MATE. Having a scientific and practical mind, and also studying psychology, Geet believed him to be a lunatic. During her stay at the island, she discovered otherwise for he appeared quite sane apart from his weird talks. Utterly scared and cut off from the world, Geet tried to flee a number of times but all her attempts failed. Her rock-hard will to get away deterred a little not by fear but an unexpected and loving action that saved her life. Her savior was the same man-werewolf-that she had considered a beast and had attacked almost killing him. Somewhere touched and finding no escape she agreed when he told her he was to take her to his home.

On their way to his place that was in the same cold region as her town but still far away, she attempted another run off only to be stopped by a wolf bigger than any normal wolf. Struck and bewildered, her mind had no reason but to finally believe Maan’s word.

The changes were not just in Geet but Maan too. He understood how important the human female was to him n not just because his life was tied to hers as she was his predestined mate but also because he had began to feel for her, deeply. Against all his complains and objections, he realized that she indeed was his perfect match.

Upon reaching his home where his clan and family awaited, he introduced his mate proudly to everyone. Geet met Maan’s big, royal family that lived in a big mansion fondly called The Den. Maan’s father who leaded his family also leaded the whole clan because he was The Alpha, the king without a crown. Polite and full of life, Geet didn’t take time in becoming a part of the family which was united and accepted her with love because she was Maan’s mate and thus one of them. The remaining clan also accepted her when the human valiantly threw herself in between a helpless kid from their pack and wild wolves. Both, the kid and Geet got saved because Maan sensed the danger through his connection to Geet and came on time warding off the wild creatures.

All didn’t remain well, however. The abode of protector troop’s head-Vidhuat-was attacked and his imbecile mate was kidnapped by some unknown entity. A wounded and ferocious Vidhuat from the loss of his beloved mate was being kept down with the help of drugs until there was no lead found regarding his mate’s whereabouts.

Meanwhile, the clan’s medic, Paras-who had earlier taken Geet’s blood sample to run DNA tests, found out that Geet had recessive werewolf genes which had been awakened by Maan’s blood in her system. Since, Werewolves were born and not turned her survival was impossible and with her Maan’s too. The fact broke Maan but upon knowing the truth he decided to hide it from Geet who had become his everything.

Somewhere far away from their clan, in the jungles, Vidhuat’s mate Chavvi was held captive by the bad guys in the old church ruins. The once holy place had now turned dark and evil. Droh, who was behind it all, was brutal and heartless with intentions less than righteous. Even his mate-Sheen-couldn’t stop him from sending another message to Maan’s clan. Droh sent reckless males into Chavvi’s room asking them to spare just her life and take everything else.

Meanwhile, in Paras’s clinic, Vidhuat gained consciousness sensing that his mate was in pain. With difficulty Paras and his mate Trisha gave him another shot of sedative sending him into oblivion before he could cause any serious damage. Next day Paras went to Den to inform the Alpha (Maan’s father), Rudra, about the grave situation and of Vidhuat’s condition. Geet, who was listening to the conversation, suggested that Vidhuat should be given a chance to find his mate to which Rudra agreed but not before Vidhuat was completely healed.

On the other hand, due to some reason unknown to Geet Maan was suddenly very distant. He leaves her alone in his quarters for an entire night. There was no sign of him until the next morning when Paras came to inform about Vidhuat. When Geet tried to confront him he shouted at her in front of everyone. Geet felt humiliated and heart broken when he left for the town without apologizing or explaining.

At the old church ruins, when later Sheen went to see Chavvi, she found her in bad shape, abused and torn. Somehow hiding from Droh’s minions, the guilt ridden yet scared Sheen helps Chavvi, provides her with clothes, a wash and most importantly a friend.

 

Now next...

Part 21

Pain is a measure

We’ll do our best to find her, Mr. Khurana. The local inspector, Mr. Kalra said with a reassuring hand shake.

Maan nodded, forcing a small smile to pull the corners of his lips before striding out of the station. In open air he drew in several sharp breathes, confined spaces were really getting on his nerves. He craved to run, run as fast as he could, his feet pushing against the damp forest ground while rushing wind whipped his hairs back. But he was afraid. He was afraid of where he would end up.

Maan, you think these humans are going to help? Avi asked matching his steps to their car.

The more the fucking-merrier. They might reach places that we can’t.

Avi nodded as his brother unlocked the car and they climbed in. This is really bad. I am worried for Chavvi and Vidhuat, and-

And? Maan furrowed his brows feeding the engine oil.

And you. Look at you man. Avi ran an agitated hand through his hairs.Such a bad example of true love and all that shit. Predestined mates my ass.

Maan shrugged. He wasn’t good with words especially when it came to reassuring someone. Chavvi is alive and as long as we know that there is hope. Vidhuat is pretty strong, he will survive. Now me… I will die a content man. At least I met her before biding adieu to the world. There is a strange peace in knowing that I am going to go with her.

Dumbfounded, Avi ogled at the doppelganger sitting beside him. This person talking all poetic-shit couldn’t be his brother. He scowled. She hates you.

Probably- bad for her. But I don’t- good for me.

Hearing that, Avi could only shake his head. Don’t talk like you are already dead. As long as you two are still breathing, there is hope. Not bothering to reply, Maan stared hard at the road picking up speed. Those were your words only. Do you want me to kiss and reassure?

A smile-real one-broke out across Maan’s face before he replied. On my bloody grave, brother. Listen, I want you and Garv to monitor the search with humans. Keep an eye on them and see if they are able to find anything. I will see how far our protectors have gone and whether they have dug out something useful.

Ahem, about that. Grav… he is not in his right mind at the moment. Avi said.

What’s wrong with him?

He has it bad for a witch. I actually found out yesterday. I went to his room to see if he wanted to go to the club at night. His room was trashed and Grav was worse than his room. I somehow dragged him to the club and got him drunk. Sucker spilled everything out. Avi told conceitedly then continued. She didn’t come to meet him. Holy hell, what is wrong with both of my brothers?

Wait I second, a witch? Out of the entire female population he found a witch to sulk over? Maan asked incredulous.

Avi raised a bro. Look who is speaking, Mr-my-mate’s-human-with-lycan-gene-and-she-going-to-die-killing-me-in-the-process.

Maan stared at him humorlessly. Its all the more reason why he should be in town, it will take his mind off the witch. Not like we already don’t have a sea of problems. Tell him to suck it up.

Yeah, probably you are right. I’ll take him. Hope he isn’t hung over.

Exactly how much did you have him drink? Maan questioned.

Don’t even ask.

Holly-molly, the library is big. Geet thought as she entered the enormous part of Den. Why wasn’t I informed about it earlier?

Racks and racks filled with thousands of books were lined one after the other, so tall that she had to completely crane her head up to see the tops. It was dimly lit with stunning chandeliers hanging over the reading tables and crystal lamps set on the walls, casting dull yellow glow.

Oh my god. It’s so awesome. She jumped in her steps with a squeak, hell excited to see such a place that unbelievably existed right under the quarters where she lived-currently.

Can I help you?

Startled as well as mortified, Geet turned her head in slow motion to find an utterly handsome and cute guy looking at her with amused expressions.You saw all of it?

The cute guy pursed his lips trying to muffle a smile. Yep, I did.

God Geet, you didn’t see his desk right beside the door. Idiot! She thought hiding her face behind the book in her hands.

To add on to her embarrassment, cute guy couldn’t hold more and finally erupted into laughter. You were entertaining.

Yeah. Geet smiled too. You must be the librarian. Why I haven’t met you till now considering I have been introduced to every single person of this clan?

I generally don’t go parties or welcome ceremonies in your case. No disrespect intended, I was going to come but I passed out while reading a book.

Geet grinned. That makes the two of us. Even I don’t like parties. Hi, I am Geet.

I know. I am Gyan. He offered her his hand and she shook it shyly.

So we both have the G thing going on. Geet joked consciously, making Gyan nod with a sweet smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners, warm and friendly.

My mother named me Gyan because she thought I was really smart as a kid.

Well, you have the guts to work in a library, so I won’t argue her.Geet said. She placed the book over his desk. Um, I actually have some favor to ask.

And what would be that? Gyan asked tracing the book’s hard cover with his fingers fascinated.

I am not able to read this. It’s written in some ancient language.Niyati said you can translate it. Geet’s eyes were desperately hopeful.

Lycan History? Where did you get this book? I have not seen it before.

Geet twisted her lips. It’s borrowed.

Gyan picked up the book carefully as if testing its weight in his hands. By the expressions on his face Geet could tell he was intrigued. Just as he opened the book a frown appeared on his lovely face mixed with disappointment.

I can’t read this book. Geet was disappointed too, greatly. Because it’s blank.

What- He turned it around for her to see. But- there were things written all over-weird patterns. Niyati saw them too.

Understanding dawned upon Gyan. He closed the book and gave it to Geet.Open it.

Huh? Like me opening will magically have the words appear. As she said the words, her hands did what was asked and there they were- the weird patterns she couldn’t get the head and tail of. What was happening?

You got it from a witch, didn’t you? This book is centuries old and magically bounded. Only the cover has been restored to increase the book’s life, that’s why the words over the cover are in English. See these pages. He rubbed one thick, dirty-yellowish page between his thumb and forefinger. The corners were scruffy and it indeed looked old. Only Geet hadn’t guessed it was that old. The pages and ink both aren’t of this time. The writing is visible only when you open it because this book is bounded by a magical spell. This book wants you to read it.

Geet was confused. Why me? I don’t even know the script.

Gyan shrugged. Here.

She placed the open book into Gyan’s hand. He flipped the pages while his intelligent eyes scanned them. Impatiently, Geet tapped her foot.

I need time to translate. You come to me tomorrow. I will match and translate it tonight and tell you what’s all in there, ‘kay?

Yeah. Geet nodded deciding that she liked the guy. He was insanely cute and helpful. I’ll catch up tomorrow. Thank you.

In Parth’s clinic, Maan stood immobile staring at Vidhuat. Eyebrows furrowed, beads of sweat coated Vidhuat’s face and every once in a while he moaned as if in pain-certainly in pain-because his mate was in the same condition. Maan closed his eyes. If something like this ever happened to Geet… no, he didn’t want to imagine.

After having a word with Parth, he met with Shivam who was currently in charge of the protectors’ troop in the absence of Vidhuat. Nothing new. No leads, scent or trail, and they searched everywhere. It was like the bloody attackers-whoever they were-had vanished in thin air. In thin air? Vanished? As though they knew the whole land. Could it be a work of an insider? Maan speculated as he wandered the exteriors of Vidhuat’s abode where they had found him and lost Chavvi.

Maan’s clan was loyal; they were all firmly knit together by years, centuries of devotion and ardor. The witches were another story.

He saw the witches for what they were- secretive, little wenches. His father trusted them however, for some inane reason. Still, his father’s opinion failed to change his. He didn’t believe them, not a tiny bit. Only a witch-witches-could breach the clan’s safety and assist such a proficient escape.

Perhaps Grav pining after a witch wasn’t so bad after all.

The sun was going down giving way to the stars and full moon. By that time Geet was thoroughly bored and snappy. Even Cotton couldn't lift her cloudy mood and dejectedly had gone under the bed to do whatever dogs did under the bed.

After the bitter morning incident, there was no sign of Maan and without him she felt like a naked, live wire fluctuating at the faintest of contact. The supercilious stunt she had pulled before Lovina… Gosh, she was so embarrassed. That was why after her talk with Gyan she had chosen to remain holed up in Maan's room.

Maan's room!! It reminded her of him. They had come so far. Their first meet at the apartment, err, the lounge, the fights on island, his tenderness under the hard shell, her fear of him, her denial, his abhorrence against the fates and finally the acceptance... His and her. Then their blossoming closeness. And now all of a sudden he was pulling the rope, cutting it off. She didn't understand why.

Yes, she was angry because he wasn't there with her. Because every time she thought about him, his ex-mate-to-be’s tantalizing face flashed before her eyes. Lovina had been in the Den earlier, what for? Geet was anxious, even worried... Argh, her own feelings were incomprehensible and to think she was a psychology student. Her emotions were all jumbled and messed up because of that man or Were.

Maan Singh Khurana was a mystery, an enigma. He was Bermuda Triangle, MH370, Stonehenge and Black hole... He was all the secrets of universe. Capricious and chartless, he made her so afraid, bone chillingly afraid.

Gone for a day and this was her condition. She had absolutely no clue when her entire universe magically rounded and began to revolve around that... Damn, he wasn't even a man. They both were so different. Sun and the moon. North pole and south pole. Entity and shadow.

Geet, enough with the metaphors, they are not going to help. She started to pace across the room. I am going mad. I am going mad.

If she had a phone she would call him and demand for an explanation. Too bad she didn't have one. What was the use of having a telephone tower? Where in the world was he? He had gone to see the police and hadn’t come back since. Will she ever understand him? Her eyes roamed around the room. This was his lair; maybe she would get some answers here. His study was her first stop.

Encyclopedias, dictionary, all kind of magazines-business, wildlife, modeling (girls in small bikinis)-and few novels. They were there for décor-apart from the magazines-because Maan wasn't a reader. He was more of a run-in-the-woods kind of guy than sit-inside-with-a-good-book kind of gentleman. There, she knew something about him.

She found nothing substantial in study. Coming back to the bedroom, she tackled the walk in closet. Geet wasn't subtle about her search. She threw things around. Clothes, shoes, watches, belts, ties, bows, more clothes. The guy loved to dress up. In the lowest cabinet were old things. Board games, toy cars, puppets? Small things that little kids played with. Why Maan had kept these things, his childhood must have ended 60-70 years back. He was freaking 82 years old. Phew! Still he looked too unbearably hot and tasty. To think that that the gorgeous, ultra sexy specimen of male anatomy was ever a noisy, gullible babe seemed eccentric. There were several other cabinets that were sadly locked. Why were they locked exactly?

She got back to the bedroom. Searched around and found nothing of matter. Bathroom was full of all kinds of male stuff- soaps, shaving creams, after shaves and what not. There were things for her too some of which she had used during long, blissful baths- soap, shampoos, wax strips, shaving blades, body oils. Geet grudgingly admitted that they smelled heavenly; whoever had bought them knew what a girl liked. She checked the quarter’s living room and the small sitting area that opened into the balcony.

As she came out to the living room, she found his mobile phone lying discarded on the table. He didn't have a mobile on himself? For a moment her angelic and demonic sides battled then the devious Geet won and she snatched the mobile up as if it would crawl away on its own. It was a sleek, golden iPhone and Geet had no idea about how its OS worked. Thankfully, the thing wasn't locked and she navigated her way to the call log. Avi. Avi. Parth. Shivam. Who is Shivam?

Lovina. Her eyes widened seeing her name on his log. She had called yesterday and they had talked for whole ten minutes. Six hundred seconds. Geet had no idea about it. Why didn't he tell her? It was before he freaked out and ran away. Her heart sank and curled into a tiny ball, shedding tears of sheer agony. Why would he tell you, you fool? It screamed at her viciously. Geet didn't mind. She understood it was hurt badly. Very badly.

Keeping back the phone slowly, she sauntered back to the bedroom. The day had been incredibly long filled with Geet's-lone-adventures. Now she was exhausted. The sight of the bed made her want to puke. So she came out to the living room instead and lay on the couch. She hadn't slept last night and her tired eyes closed automatically. Before going into oblivion her last thought was whether she should leave for good.

Geet was dreaming again or so she thought. She was back in the woods, between tall trees and under grey sky. There was dense fog everywhere. She walked a few steps forward and stopped in her tracks as a figure came into sight.

A magnificent wolf, larger than life, its long black fur shinning silver in moon light stood in all its glory. The beast purred at her approach, two big eyes anxious. Geet didn’t run this time. Warily, she raised her hand and the wolf lowered its head in desperation, ears tucked back. Its head nudged forward while looking with glossy eyes, encouraging her to make contact. It needed-craved-her touch. She touched its crown fearfully with the tip of fingers and the beast created a little mewing sound in its throat that reached the depths of her heart. Then it was gone.

She looked around for the wolf but it was nowhere. Only the fog grew deeper, swallowing her. Her eyes opened.

My lady...

Robe? Sitting up she rubbed her sleepy eyes. What's up?

You skipped dinner. I knocked on your door an hour ago but you didn't respond. I assumed you were asleep or using the washroom so I left to come back after a while. But this time too when you didn't respond I came in. Are you alright? Robe’s voice was dripping with concern.

Geet looked up at the worried butler, confused. Why wouldn't I be alright? See am all good.

Robe flushed. Yes, you are. Forgive me for barging in, my lady. Shall I bring your dinner here?

No, I don't feel like eating. Robe nodded rather apprehensively but said nothing. And please call me Geet. What time is it?

Cotton had come out from under the bed and was circling around Robe.Quarter to ten, Geet. Would you like a cup of warm milk or coffee?

She couldn't swallow any kind of food at the moment even if she wanted to. Not now. Not without him. Did he eat? How could she still worry about him after what he did to her? In the dream... Was it Maan?? Robe, I had eaten from the refrigerator while I was downstairs. She lied for the good butler's sake.

Oh, very well then. Will see you tomorrow morning. He gave a tight smile obviously not happy and reached for the door to leave.

Robe, umm.., did you happen to see Maan after he left in the morning?

Yes. I saw him sometime around seven this evening. Although he didn't join everyone for dinner. Sire must have eaten in the city.

Okay. She said keeping her expressions neutral and looked down despondently at her hands when the door closed softly behind Robe. So Maan did come back but avoided his quarters because she was there. Can she feel shittier?

It seems that we are left alone. Geet said to Cotton who in turn jumped on her lap and licked the underside if her jaw. She giggled. At least you are not so complicated. That's why mumma loves you so much.

Later as Cotton slept soundly on the lush rug, Geet tried to get her heart to cooperate. It was just beating so fast and she had no control over it. She'd started to feel claustrophobic inside the room. The hands on watch claimed it was past eleven, for her it might have been a year. All the tension and weirdness was making her crave something sweet. A bit of sugary delight would surely help her Maan mania.

Slipping on her cardigan she left the quarters. Walking down the hallway she pondered on what to eat. Perhaps there might be some ice cream in the refrigerator, even jam would do. Her mouth watered at the thought. In her reverie she banged into a decorative table and knocked off a vase.

No. Geet screeched, effectively catching the vase mid air. Wow. She breathed into dark surprised by her own reflexes.

Faint voices caught her attention. Tucking a lock of hair behind ear, she tried to hear harder. Growls. She heard growls. And grunts, as if someone was in pain.

Who could that be? She followed the sounds and they grew louder, going from one hallway to another. She had expected whoever was making the noises to be nearer. How could she hear from so far? Damn, the Den was so big- a maze of hallways, folding into one another decked with carved tables and beautiful vases sited after every few feet, the floor all covered in deep red carpets. The carving on walls, crystal lamps and old paintings, everything about the palace was exquisite in an imperial kind of way.

Finally, she turned a corner and knew that the people were there. A sweet citrus scent permeated the air. It was bewitching. She walked closer and abruptly halted, electrified. The two people before her stilled too- Niyati bent over the decorative table on her stomach, hands pinned above her head by Parth who was pushed against her back, his pants hanging below his hips while he... Oh my god. Geet gasped and Parth's head snapped towards her. His eyes glowed red in same fashion as she had seen Maan's when he was seriously furious. Shit.

A growl rumbled from within Parth’s chest. In a flash Niyati pushed him behind her, keeping a placating hand on his chest, covering his path to hide his nakedness or to protect Geet was unclear. Frozen, Geet remained glued to her spot. Niyati turned to her not moving from where she stood between Geet and Parth. Thank goodness she was clad in a dress which slid down to her knees automatically.

You should leave. Niyati said in a small voice, her skin flushed and hair disheveled. She was panting, breaths in sync with her mate who didn’t seem to be in possession of his senses.

As life returned into Geet's unmoving body, she blushed the deepest shade of red and nodded frantically. A sharp turn and she all but ran back. Before losing sight of the two Weres she glanced behind her and saw Niyati caressing Parth’s cheek making little hushed noise as one would do a cornered, wild animal.

An ache bloomed deep in the crevices of her chest. Running into Maan’s quarters she closed the door shut, sliding down and hitting her forehead against the wooden panel. The little appetite she had developed for the something sweet was now smothered completely.

She had walked in on Parth and Niyati while they were-what they had called it?-mating. Shit. Shit. Shit. But it was passionate and ferocious. She had caught a peep; they both didn’t seem to mind the roughness. In fact, they were so into it that they hadn’t noticed her coming at all which was something when you were a Werewolf with superhuman senses.

Geet felt like a kid, who had walked in on her parents. She was both embarrassed and intrigued. And her head was a bigger mess now. She missed Maan more. Hell she was miserable without him. There were questions that she wanted answers to and this tingly feeling down her stomach was another problem. How in the world would she survive the night?

In the underground cell underneath the Den, Maan was in his own version of hell. The walls were all tiled and so was the floor, a Persian rug laid over at the center of the room. Furniture was sparse- single couch, a pair of wooden table and chair and a small freezer with limitless supply of beer.

Despite the normalcy of all items in it, the room was anything but. This cell was special, designed with the motive to keep the occupants strictly inside. Instead of wooden door, it had bars crafted of moon’s metal- silver. If a Were tried to break them the skin would rip apart coming in contact with the metal resulting in intense pain and wounds that wouldn't heal so fast.

In simpler words, this room was perfectly fit to keep a beast confined. Like him.

Propped over the couch, he slugged down another can of beer. This night was going to be the longest. All his muscles were loose and achy as though he had just fought a match of wrestling and lost it badly. His bones were sour while the wolf in him was growling, standing on its hinds wanting to break out of the confines and take her with it. In the woods, below the moon and then love her in ways she would never forget. It was immensely enraged and unnerved to have been locked up, away from its mate at this time of month.

Maan had a hundred ideas in mind of what he would like to do her sweet, little body. In how many ways he would claim her, every inch, and every spot. He would teach her the real meaning of pleasure, how good it felt to be owned and cared for. Oh, how he would like to caress her naked skin, her luscious breasts and the apex of her thighs. He could bet she tasted as sweet as she smelled. Digging nails in the arms of couch, Maan snarled, huffing and sweaty. He knew his wolf was playing with him, putting those thoughts and images in his mind. Every fiber in his body was on fire, pushing him to break free, to fuck the circumstances or her opinion and whisk her away.

With every ounce of strength left, he tried to wipe his mate’s face off his mind for he couldn't take another second of this torture. Inside, his wolf wailed, howling in pain, longing for her one touch- calling out to her. It didn't understand the reasons or limits. It just wanted its mate. It just wanted Geet.

Maan staggered to the fridge for another can of beer to chill his boiling nerves. However, his legs failed n he fell down as another wave of change coursed through and the beast initiated to take over once again.

Following morning was bright, sun shining in its glory, not at all withered by what all was wrong in the world beneath its illumination.

Geet was combing her hairs. In the vanity mirror wide, weary eyes stared back, dark circles apparent below them. She sighed. She hadn't slept for two consecutive nights. For some reason nights were the hardest without him.

In the mirror, she glanced at the light mark on her neck and instantly regretted it. With deft fingers she put on some cream to hide the fatigue marring her face and proceeded to go downstairs. She didn't want be seem rude and distant by not attending meals with the family which housed her. Everyone was on their seats around the table as Robe and Jhanvi served breakfast. Only Maan and Garv were missing. Upon seeing Geet, Jhanvi beamed.

Good morning dear. I am glad you joined us for breakfast. I will bring a plate for you. Jhanvi scurried away into the kitchen and Robe followed to get more food.

Geet greeted everyone with a smile and clumsily took her seat. Avinaya resumed his chat with Rudra. Niyati and Parth were sitting across her, both red faced. It was surprising for Geet to see Parth blushing more than Niyati who was smiling like a fool. Geet couldn't stop the genuine grin breaking out on her face. The two were so much in love.

After tough attempts at swallowing her breakfast, Geet gave up. Being the first one to finish, she later helped Robe in clearing the table. Everyone had left the dinner hall and Geet collected the last of plates and glasses.

Ahem, Geet... It was Parth and he was still blushing. Niyati was standing beside him trying to keep a straight face. Umm, actually we wanted to apologize, err, for... You know...

It was way too awkward especially with Parth trying to explain and doing a poor job at it. He was fumbling. Geet had always seen him calm and in control of his surroundings. Well, apart from last night.

Niyati took over the charge from him. He wants to apologize for what you saw last night. Us, doggie style.

Parth gasped and glared at his mate although Geet could tell he was amused too. Damn lady, get a grip on your tongue. And just like that the awkwardness was gone. Niyati grinned shrugging. She was in every sense the perfect mate for him.

When Geet got back into the kitchen to keep the utensils, Robe and Jhanvi were talking about something in soft voices. No, sire wasn't there the entire night. I had gone to his quarters. Robe said.

Then do you think he- Jhanvi suggested anxiously while Robe's expressions were solemn. They found Geet standing at the doorway and stopped the discussion. Clearing his throat in a funny manner, Robe left.

Do you need help with something else, Mrs. Khurana? Geet asked pretending that she just didn’t catch them gossiping presumably about her and Maan.

No, that’s all.

Geet nodded ready to leave when the elder woman grabbed her hand. For a split second Jhanvi’s eyes moved to Geet’s neck then travelled back to her face. Geet, I know how hard it is to leave your home for a male, to blend in his world. We all respect you for the sacrifices you have made. Just always remember one thing, you are not alone. If you ever need someone to talk to, about anything, I am here. Consider me like you mother, okay?

A lump formed in Geet’s throat. Without thinking she hugged Jhanvi tightly. After the initial surprise, Jhanvi hugged her back. I will keep that in mind. Geet said with a teary smile.

__________________________________

Author's blabber:

Sorry for the delay, like always but it was a big part, like always, hehe. A big twist is coming up and you all are going to love it

Thank you for the lovely comments friends although I am a little disappointed seeing the number of likes. Maybe because I sent the pms a little late. But please, do press the like button. It take me ages to type each part, then edit it. I don't want to disappoint, please help me through this story. Without your support I would never reach the destination.

Do press the like button and leave a comment.

Belated happy new year all.

Please COMMENT if u liked the update