BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 51

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 51

Three days after Manan’s heart breaking departure, Geet sat on the balcony reading To kill a mocking bird. She was on a rather interesting juncture in the story but her mind simply refused to concentrate on the black letters printed over white. Finally giving up she closed the hardcover and kept it on the table. Lying back on the lounge chair she tried to ward off the silence. But it wasn’t going anywhere, it remained rooted around her. She wondered how more days it would take for the absence created by Manu to diminish and disappear.

She had tried to keep herself busy, had even taken up meager jobs of cleaning and helping Nina in the kitchen. Surprising the cook wasn’t so hostile of her anymore. It was because of Manu, Geet knew. That kid was magic.

Not the chores or books had helped keep her engaged all the time. She ran out of things to do, got bored of reading and that’s when her mind wandered to bad places. It wandered to her cell phone where Dev still called and dropped a threatening message every now n then. Geet always worried Maan finding out about them, so she made sure her phone was hidden when Maan was there with her. She thought about changing her number but that would only result in Maan asking questions. The Dev-il, on the other hand, would get hold of her new number sooner or later.

The tedious task of hiding the incessant phone calls n messages from Maan made her aware of all that she had not disclosed to her husband. Their marriage was going through some rocking grounds as it was, Maan knowing how that she had betrayed him in the manner she had was going to be the final blow.

Feeling hopeless and lost, Geet absently rubbed her stomach thinking if she should have taken Maan on his offer when he had suggested that she should work in KC. Although, nobody liked her there, they would have thought she was Maan’s whore who had climbed the company hierarchy by bedding their boss. They would have hated her for working with them. She had experienced the hatred first hand when she had operated in KC for a few days. Besides, Geet had been honest about not wanting to work. She had worked hard and dirty for number of years, now she wanted to rest. Sit back, be a family woman, keep her family happy and not do a shit job at it.

Her phone rang inside the room. It wasn’t the ringtone she had set for Maan. It wasn’t the one she had set for Dev either. She went in to check who it was and was surprised to see it was Shaan. They hadn’t talked after that party where her possessive husband had punched Shaan in the face.

Hey. Geet said cautiously.

How’s everything going, princess? At Shaan’s normal voice, Geet felt relieved and joyous. So he wasn’t angry at all.

Good, mostly. What about you?

I have to tell you something Geet. Why don’t you come to our usual restaurant?

I can’t. Geet said. She so wanted to go n meet Shaan but Maan wouldn’t like that. Also, although the topic hadn’t come up, Maan didn’t exactly say whether she could go out on her own or not.

Geet, it’s important. I wouldn’t have made such a demand otherwise. His somber n urgent tone made her anxious. If Shaan was being this serious it was certainly something very important.

Damn, I hope it isn’t something bad. I will be there in a bit.

She reached the restaurant, not forgetting to take the car and a security guard with her. Maan was obviously keeping tabs on her. If he knew she was meeting Shaan, she would tell that at least she had taken car n security with her for a change.

Shaan had already ordered the burger she preferred. She took a seat opposite him, they had barely exchanged greeting before she asked. So what is it?

Her friend was only too eager to tell. I went to this function yesterday, a charity auction. Maan was there too but only for about ten minutes. Geet raised her brows wondering where this was going. Just as he left Deepika arrived like she was avoiding him or something. I know she is because I have observed her coming to every gathering only once Maan has left.

Geet nodded. Yeah, my guess is same. It’s because she knows Maan and I- Umm… you continue.

Okay, so she came. It was the usual mixing and talking with everyone. Then I saw her talking with Dev who was already there. I have never liked that kid; most people know that he isn’t very fond of Maan. That was the reason he wasn’t in Deepika good books ever. Yesterday though, they were talking like old friends, hushed voices n all. I found it odd. Being me, I tried to figure it out. They moved away from the crowd, out of the main section. I followed them n I think they didn’t see me because I heard Maan’s name been taken n yours too, more than once. I couldn’t get what actually they were talking but it just didn’t sit well with me. It felt like they are up to something. I wanted to tell you as soon as I can. Maybe I am just being stupid, or maybe I am not.

Geet sat frozen in her place, dread coiling around her. Her throat had suddenly gone dry. With trembling hands, she grabbed the glass of water n drank it all in one go. Then set it down a bit too harshly. So it wasn’t Dadimaa who had told him. She said to herself.

Told who n what? Geet, are you alright? Shaan asked, concern lacing his voice seeing how the blood had drained from her face.

Shaan, Maan n I, we are married. Geet told him, knowing she could trust him with the secret.

Untold emotions passed across his face, before he schooled his expressions. Well, you didn’t even call me at the wedding. His voice lacked the intended playfulness; there was shielded pain underneath, which Geet failed to notice.

It was meant to be a secret considering I was a… you know what. But Deepika got to know, I told her in a moment of heat, not long after I found out Dev knows about it too. I had thought it was Maan’s Dadimaa told him but apparently I was wrong. She didn’t realize how badly she was shaking as she covered her face with cold hands. Shaan rounded the table and came to sit beside her. He held her around the shoulder.

Geet, did something happen? You look shaken up, princess. Deepika or Dev did something to you?

She raised her head. I am scared to them, of Dev more than anything. He is evil.

Tell me what he did and I swear to god I’ll make him pay. At her weary shake of head, Shaan figured Geet was uncomfortable with the topic. Going against everything in him, he let it go. The thing that Geet liked most about him; he never pressurized or forced something. He was a true friend, ready to lend a shoulder just to cry on.

Have you told Maan about Dev?

No. I can’t. It’s complicated. She sighed, trying to get a grip on herself. Thank you, for letting me know, Shaan. After everything that you endured because of me, you are still here. I respect n adore you for that really. And what happened the other day at party… I am really sorry that Maan punched you.

Shaan chuckled. It’s okay. If I were in his place I would have done the same. Now about the thanks, you don’t have to say it, darlin’. You know how much I love you; you can always count on me. He punched her shoulder lightly with a wink, making Geet smile despite everything. In a moment of seriousness, he added. Remember if you are in a problem-any kind, any time-just give me a call, okay?

Geet nodded. Okay.

I went out today. Geet told Maan in the evening before he could to ask her about it.

I know. You took the car and security, so it’s all right. I don’t want to know where you went as long as I know you are safe. He stretched his legs so she could take a seat. Geet settled against the warm comfort of his body.

So I’m not grounded.

No, love, you are not. You have all the freedom that you want. Just think about me when you are out and be safe.

She gave Maan a long thank you kiss. I love you.

So do I. He said.

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@Nish285

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