BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 34

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 34

They write anything without proof. And I never felt the need to explain myself to them. He looked into her eyes. But there was never anyone else, just you. I slept with girls, had inconsistent girlfriends and even one night stands but I loved only one. You. He hugged her again.

Resolve in her eyes, Geet stood up. Maan, there is something I want you to see. Taking his hand she led him to their room. She left him to stand beside the bed and when came back there was a box in her hands. He recognized it instantly.

Maan couldn’t mistake it. This was the box Geet had taken from her dingy building where she had lived before he had brought her to his place. The place was creepy and disgusting, yet she had gone back there and endangered herself for this box that Maan couldn’t comprehend the importance of. Since seeing it, he was dying to know what was there in the little metallic chest, but more than that he had wanted Geet to show him what treasures it held. So he had quelled that part of him that desperately wanted to see its contents and with time had all forgotten about the thing.

Maan stared at her hopefully. She had brought it out today and probably his wait was going to end.

My treasure box. She said smiling and patting fondly the smooth brown surface that still shinned like it was new. Her eyes hardened. I have never opened it. Not since I kept away my things in there.

Maan noticed that her fingers were trembling. His heart squeezed with the need to embrace her and to make her forget all the cruelties of life.

Geet glanced up drawing strength from the love that was always there in his eyes for her and opened the head. Curious Maan peeked into the box, all sort of things lay there. A chain, anklets, a red tie?

She sat on the bed and a perplexed Maan did the same. What is all this?

Memories. She pulled out the anklets from the box. My mother gave me these on my thirteenth birthday because I was so crazy about her anklets. She brought me these to get me off her head. She chuckled, wistfully. She picked up the chain and showed him eagerly. My sister brought me this from her first salary; she was so happy and spent all of her pay on us. And this was my father’s. She took out the red tie, eyes now wet. His favorite. Maa always commented that it was too flashy but he still wore it at every party. Maa used to get so pissed. Geet said laughing to stop from crying.

A photograph was there in the box. She picked it up. See this. Her voice came out shaky, losing its loudness. On Geet’s insistence Maan tore his eyes from her face and focused them on the snap. My family photograph. Just look at me. Big specs, unruly hair. I was such a nerd, wasn’t I? How did you came to like me is still a mystery. There were other things in the box. A greeting, her last Nokia mobile, a folded portrait she had drawn of her father. Maan didn’t know she drew portraits so well. Everything had a piece of story attached to it and she told him like she was living it all. In the end there remained a sole object lying at the base of the box. It was a small book and she picked it up for Maan to see the cover. His eyes widened with obvious shock. Our book. The Romeo and Juliet you stole.

I didn’t steal it.

Yeah you did. She hugged the book to herself. You did. And I am thankful.

Her mourning started with tears and then sobs erupted from her mouth. Oh god, I am breaking down. She miserably tried to wipe her face but Maan held her hands kissing the knuckles. Then before she could start to really panic because she was crying Maan pulled her in for a hug.

It’s okay. You can cry.

Maan I was normal once. My life was perfect. Now I realize it. I had a family and they loved me. They loved me so much. And they took care of me. Paid for my education, fed me, gave me a roof. Things we all take for granted. I had never known that one day I will have nothing; that I will have to sell myself for every piece of bread. What I wouldn’t give to go back. What I wouldn’t give to erase all the scars that I bear, to erase everything that has happened to me… that I have done. I wanted to die but death is scary Maan. I couldn’t face them; make them witness what have become of their daughter, sister. This was acceptance. Easy, sweet acceptance. I never opened the box because if I had then I would my lost life and fall weak. I would want to die. But I couldn’t die. I couldn’t.

She couldn’t kill herself. What she hadn’t done to make herself believe that she didn’t regretted and wanted her life back. She had lived for days, months and years… making herself strong and emotionless, going through the same terrible routine. Living with no family, no assurance, constant fear, and doing what was every girl’s worst nightmare. She had seen people at their worst, the mask they wore during the day and face that they revealed at night.

Tears poured from Maan’s eyes too for he was not immune to the pain she felt. But he also knew that he wouldn’t ever understand what she had endured, how she had survived because he had lived a sheltered life and could not imagine how having no one to depend on really felt like. He didn’t know what hunger meant… and more than that he would never understand what a girl went through when she had sex with corrupt strangers for money. The knowledge was blinding… piercing. Did Maan want to know all she had lived; would he be able to bear?

She stared into his eyes hard. I have done bad things. Maan knew what she meant. I really am filthy.

No you are not. Moreover, I believe in the beauty of soul.

And you think I have a soul? “Behold, all souls are mine, the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.” She quoted from the bible. My soul is dead.

Maan clenched his teeth but didn’t speak. He felt strongly against her words, very strongly.

You have given me a lot. Today you have gifted me the truth. I wanted to give you something too. So you get this… she pointed her trembling chin at the box. A treasure box full of fucked up memories and me… a ruined girl with baggage.

And I accept. I accept the treasure box and the dark mermaid.

Geet smiled; a sad, broken smile.

Maan brushed his lips against hers but she threaded her fingers into his hairs pulling him for more. He deepened the kiss, entering and ravaging her mouth. Geet ended the passionate kiss with a soft peck. This was for always being so awesome.

He gave her a breathtaking half smile. You just know how to thank me. He kissed her forehead and hugged her for a long time. Come on, love, I’ll put you to bed. Geet nodded although she didn’t want to leave him. He cleared the bed putting Geet’s box carefully back into the closet. Covering his love with warm blanket he climbed in pulling her back flush against his front. His lips found her neck and shoulder leaving a trail of lingering kisses.

Good night, Geet. He whispered in her ear. Kissing his knuckles like he had done, she echoed back. Good night.  

Next morning Geet woke up and stretched lazily like a cat. Bright sunlight fell over her from the space between the curtains. She squinted. Why Maan wasn’t in bed with her? She looked at the alarm clock on the bedside table and it was 10:30. Shit, she had slept for that long? There was a nicely folded note lying beside the clock. She picked and unfolded it.

Good morning, Sunshine. I tried to wake you up-not hard enough-but you were in deep sleep. I have an early meeting to attend so leaving. It’s difficult to believe that you redid the whole room in one day all by yourself that too so beautifully. Thank you for that and also for last night. Thank you for sharing a part of you with me.

Miss me.

Your Romeo.

She blushed with a face splitting grin. After brushing teeth and tying hair in a pony, she bounded down to the kitchen where Neena was doing her job.

The cook didn’t look at her and said in a curt tone. Omelet and toasts are for breakfast. Geet nodded. You will have juice with it?

Geet unusually felt like having milk. A glass of warm milk will be better.

Neena raised a questioning brow but refrained from commenting. Geet stuck her tongue out at the grumpy cook once her back was turned towards the breakfast table. Within five minutes, Neena presented the breakfast tray before her then strolled back to the kitchen. Seriously, what was her problem?

Geet noticed another neatly folded note placed at the corner of the tray, a fresh, red rose kept over it.

Since good, old Neena wouldn’t ever think of giving her a note and flower, it was undoubtedly from her hubby dear. Her heart missed several beats as she smelled the sweet scent of rose and opened the note once again to Maan’s beautiful cursive handwriting.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god,”

Even Jesus returned after death for those who worshipped and loved him. Then why can’t your soul, for me?

Geet gasped. He had quoted the bible too. This note was so different from the other one, so much deeper… meaningful. Only Maan could refute and convince her of almost anything. Look how much he had changed her-from a prostitute to a wife. And he had certainly revived a part of her that she thought was dead.

The silly grin still present on her face, Geet folded back the paper and drank her glass of milk. She brought her mobile and texted Maan.

Read your notes. I am missing you.

His reply came after a minute. Then come to me.

Geet sighed dreamily. I don’t want to disturb.

But I want to get disturbed. Please. He replied.

Aww. Geet grinned, almost falling off the chair with happiness. The evil part of her decided to have fun. No. Mr. Khurana, as much as I would like to please you, there is a company you have to run and so I shall not come in between you and your work. After all you left me for some ‘early meeting’ this morning.

His reply came. Wait. Until I get my hands on you.

Oh god she was smirking and Neena was giving weird looks. Finishing her breakfast in record time, Geet hurried towards the bathroom to bathe and get ready.

Maan was bit irritated but still a small smile shimmered on his lips. He knew she was playing with him. Stupid girl. Stupid, utterly sexy and amazing inside-out girl. Shaking his head he got back to work wanting to get over with the day fast and retreat to his lovely wife.

He was engrossed deeply in file when the intercom rang and his receptionist’s professional voice was heard as he pressed the green button. Sir, Deepika Ma’am is here to meet 
you. Shall I send her in?

Damn. He had half the mind to say no but for how long he would avoid her. Yes. I would like to see her.

The line went off and shortly Deepika sauntered into his cabin, as if she owned his entire office. Maan had the urge to roll his eyes. He smiled and she beamed coming to him and pecking his cheek.

Where have you been?

Recreational tour.

So have I heard, Croatia? Maan nodded as she leaned against his desk beside him. He closed the file that was lying before him. Well, you could have invited me. I would love to accompany you.

Maan gave a lopsided smile. Of course you would. How is Debraj project going, I heard there were complications.

Again work. Do I have boring written over my forehead? She leaned down 
grasping the lapel of his coat with her hand. She whispered genuinely. I missed you.

Maan raised his brows. Same here. He said trying to pry her agile hand off his coat, she was crumpling the material.

Hmm… Deepika breathed on his face tracing his cheek with a long nail.

Deepika, this is office.

You didn’t mind when we were together. She said huskily, running her lips under his jaw. Maan moaned, more from revulsion than pleasure. This lady just didn’t know how to take a hint. He gripped her hand that was making a quick move of opening his shirt buttons when footsteps sounded outside the cabin. They both ignored it as Maan brought her hand closer to his chest tightening his grip around her fragile wrist.

His tone was calm yet authoritative. No, I did mind even then. You sh- He was interrupted by the door opening and a furious Geet standing with blazing eyes.

Didn’t somebody taught you to knock the door before entering? Deepika hissed.

Maan turned exasperated eyes towards Deepika and muttered under his breath. If I were you I wouldn’t dare pissing off the lioness anymore than she already is. But of course Deepika didn’t hear him; she was engrossed in glaring back at Geet. To Maan’s surprise, Deepika didn’t move and stayed perched on his desk confidently and Geet didn’t move either, her jaw tightly clenched as if she was tempering down the urge to kill. In the moment of tense silence Maan let go Deepika’s hand and righted his shirt.

Finally, Geet marched across the room and held the same hand that Maan was holding and pulled Deepika away from the desk and pushed her a feet away from Maan. Maan’s jaw dropped down. No-no not a cat fight. Hell would freeze before he saw his Geet’s pretty skin scratched by Deepika’s manicured nails.

How dare you touch me? Who the hell do you think you are? Deepika screeched; her seductive voice gone down the drain.

Just the perfect question. I am his wife. So you better stay away from my husband. If I saw you trying to seduce my husband again, I swear to god I will make you regret it massively.

Deepika started to laugh and Maan thought she was hysterical from shock. Wife… Husband..? You have to be kidding- As her eyes darted to Maan and he offered no argument against Geet’s announcement, Deepika’s laugh evaporated. She looked back and forth from Maan to Geet.

You can’t- You said marriage wasn’t your thing. How could this wench make you change your mind and I couldn’t? Deepika was actually in shock. She turned tearful eyes at Maan then glared at Geet promising payback before leaving the room hastily. Geet saw her leave with satisfaction. 

Her eyes were on fire again as she looked at Maan. Next time you plan to fuck your “business partner”, remember to close the blinds.

 _______________________________

PRECAP- 1. Oh-oh, Geet angry… How will Maan manofy ;)

2. Last precap continued.

Imp note:

Got late this time, was held up a little. I am so happy that you guys read my note and commented. I got so many comments this time. I am very delighted and immensely motivated. Thank you so much for the love. Thanks for the wishes too. A very happy new year to everyone; may this year be the best for all of us so far.

Please don't forget to leave a comment.

XOXO

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 33

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 33

When at night he reached back, Geet was the one to open the door and not Neena. The sight that welcomed him had him taking in a sharp breath. Holy-fucking-hell, dressed in a magenta saari she was angelic. Maan forgot his complaints and anger. Damn, he even forgot how to speak.

You can come in you know. She blushed hiding a silly grin by staring down. Maan balanced his falling heart and willed his legs to move.

Never… saw you… saree. He stated idiotically.

Yeah I know. How do I- Unfortunately for her, the gorgeous saare over which Maan was going all wide-eyed and jaw-slacked didn’t cooperate so well. As she took another step it got stuck under her foot and she tripped over it falling flat on her face.

With a curse, Maan came to her side.

Ouch… She winced, stars dancing above her head. Maan was saying something but her brain couldn’t process it. Arms wrapped around, he took her to the couch. That hurt. She rubbed her forehead, eyes brimming with tears. This wasn't what she had planned. Maan removed her hand and examined the injury.

Neena. He called. Neena came hurrying. Go get an ice pack or something.

I think I draped the saree too low. But they had showed like that in the video. She complained pouting like a two year old.

You learned on internet? You could have asked Neena for help. For god sake, you didn’t have to wear a bloody saree if you can’t carry it off. He yelled and Geet flinched, surprised and hurt by his anger.

It was my first time. Tears spilled out of her eyes.

Maan bit his tongue. I… I didn’t mean it that way. Shit, what had he done. She had worn it for him; don’t know with how much difficulty. One glance at her face and he knew he’d caused serious damage. She was touchy about all these things after their wedding. And he had downright shouted on her for trying to please him. Now she would always remember his harsh words while wearing a saree, if she ever wore it again.

You were… so happy when you saw me at the door and then I had to trip and ruin it all. I am so stupid. Why do I even try? I can’t cook or wear anything traditional without making a fool of myself. I am such a horrible wife. Geet cried more when she remembered that she had redecorated his room. How will she show him now? What if he got angrier? She hadn’t asked him before shifting all her things into his personal space. If he felt stifled by all her impositions, she wouldn’t be surprised.

Neena bought and handed the ice pack to Maan. He first wiped her tears with his handkerchief then carefully pressed the pack over the swell on her forehead. I said that in anger. I shouldn’t have. There is nothing wrong with you wearing saree, love. But when you fell, I lost control. Can’t you see hurt baby, that’s all.

He blew on her swelling and she closed her eyes, the ache in her head replaced by his tantalizing smell. Thank god you aren’t bleeding. Come, I will take you to bed.

No. I mean, let’s go to my room.

Maan frowned. What room? Old one? Who said that’s your room? Neena must have kept your things there because she didn’t know better and I forgot to tell her this morning since I had to leave early. He picked her up and she practically jumped out of his arms.

What is wrong with you? Your will hurt yourself again.

What is the problem with my old room? Can’t you stay one night there? How can you be so… biased?

Maan could have banged his head on the wall. Is your brain fine after the hit? He asked quizzical then his expression eased like he had figured out whatever it was. What are you hiding, Geet?

Geet bit her lip. Busted! Nothing.

He strode upstairs and she moaned. Not even god could stop him now. Bracing herself she went behind, holding the saree above her ankles. God forbid if she tripped again and ended up in a hospital.

As Maan opened his room door, she lurked behind all the while cursing herself for not asking, for thinking too far along, for trying to please him only to get him angry in the end. First the saree then the room, she was a free ticket to disaster.

His mouth hung open. It was like he had entered someone else’s room and still it held a strange familiarity-intimacy. Curtains were changed, furniture was shifted or altered and her things were adjusted with his- mingled together. Everything was stylishly arranged. However, the centre of attention was the big, monochrome photograph of them from Croatia surrounded by eight other small ones on the front wall at the bed’s head. The room seemed fuller, livelier. Better.

This was what kept you busy whole day? His face was impassive and voice stern. New tears formed in her eyes as she nodded. An apology was on her tongue when she got surprised seeing a smile break out at the corner of his lips.

Maan shook his head. You are more insane than I am. You thought I wouldn’t like this?

Geet heaved a sigh of relief. For a moment I thought you wouldn’t like me in your room since I am such a mess and you also need your privacy. I know how much you cherish it. And then I changed everything. She looked around wearily. You sure you don’t mind? I can keep everything back at their places.

No. I like how it is now. I would have gotten all your things shifted into my room anyway. We are always going to live and sleep together from now so that only makes sense. You talk about privacy? I want it with you. Here. He opened his arms and she shuffled in. One big palm cupped the back of her head, while he softly laid his lips over the lump on her forehead. What am I going to do with you, Mrs. Khurana?

Geet buried her face in his chest. I have to ask you something.

Later. Did you have dinner? She shook her head. Then I will change and we’ll go downstairs to eat. Her clasp on him didn’t loosen and face didn’t rise from his chest. Love, what’s wrong?

I don’t want to let go of you. Her voice was muffled and she was no less than a little girl in that moment. It’s the only place where I won’t trip over silly sarees, where I feel safe.

Maan kissed the top of her head. I love you. Eventually she set him free.

When Maan came out of the bathroom after taking a quick bath, Geet was cutely poking the bump on her forehead standing in front of the mirror. I look comic. She turned and took him in, all glorious bare chest and wet hair… Yumm. Maan smirked pulling on a T-shirt.

You should be least worried about looks after hitting your head on hard floor. There could have been serious injuries.

I have survived worse. She stilled when Maan’s expressions suddenly hardened. Wrong choice of words. She blinked. I am hungry. Let’s go.

Neena served the dinner and after all the drama, they ate in companionable silence. Her earlier comment mentioning ‘worse’ hadn’t escaped his mind. This time he wouldn’t just ignore his inner voice that craved to know. He wanted more from her. He wanted to know all that was to her and her past. Neena, you can leave for the night. We’ll clear the table. So Neena left them alone.

Geet cleared her throat. While I was browsing the internet to know how to wear a saree, I came across few old articles. The truth was she had looked for it. Dev’s words had left their mark and although she trusted Maan, curiosity got better of her. The thing was not just Dev but media also thought that Maan had an illegitimate child, born out of wedlock. Nobody had ever seen him with the child but there were rumors that had ruled the gossip columns a couple of years ago.

It really didn’t matter to Geet if he had a child and past with some girl. Everyone had a story; some could be discussed while others were better hidden in the closet. She just didn’t know why Maan wouldn’t tell her, of all people she wouldn’t ever judge him, although, he might have had his reasons. For all she knew it could be a lie. There was only way to find out.

You know that I would never judge you right and you can tell me things. She said twisting her fingers together.

Geet, what are you hinting at?

She took a deep breath. Do you have a child?

Maan stopped eating, after a moment’s pause he spoke, face impassive. Let’s finish our dinner first then we’ll discuss.

Suddenly, her appetite was dead. Somehow she got through the dinner and after clearing the table, they settled in the living room. Geet was prepared for the worst.

Geet, like you said, don’t judge me okay? His face was ominous. Yes. Yes… I do have a son but I am not his father.

What is that supposed to mean? Geet thought. 

He is adopted. I own an orphanage in Mumbai. The boy was brought there at the age of three. His parents might have died or abandoned him, we couldn’t find out. He had a hole in his heart. The first look at him and something formed between us- a connection of sorts. I adopted and got him treated in US.

Oh. Geet mumbled, her mind processing the information. When were you going to tell me this?

We had our plates full. You weren’t ready to accept me; I wasn’t so sure how you would react to me having a son.

You fear too much Maan.

Yes I fear. When it comes to you, I fear. And I am ashamed. He conceded. I had no clue how and when to tell you this. I haven’t been the best dad around. I have a whole company to take care of and I just don’t know how to be a father. I didn’t have a good example from my Dad. I suck at it really. Maa goes to see him at the boarding school and takes care of him during the weekends when he comes back to the house in Mumbai. He comes to me only during his summer vacations. Geet, I really didn’t-

I understand, Maan.

He was astonished. You do?

Yes. When I saw it on the internet I had decided that I was okay with it both ways. That is whether you have a son or not. Only you keeping it from me was disturbing, but I understand. Sometimes we are just too afraid of hurting someone or losing them. So it’s okay.

Maan sighed, his eyes closed and when they opened, Geet saw them swimming with wetness. When he spoke his voice was hoarse. You say you are a horrible wife but I beg to differ. You’re the most amazing life partner ever. You realize the very essence of marriage, its understanding and trust- an unshakable bond between two people. My relation with him is… complicated, like every other relationship in my life.

She nodded enveloping him in her arms. She had never seen MSK so vulnerable and needy. The article said you had someone in your life, even I thought so. She chuckled weakly to lighten the air.

They write anything without proof. And I never felt the need to explain myself to them. He looked into her eyes. But there was never anyone else, just you. I slept with girls, had inconsistent girlfriends and even one night stands but I loved only one. You. He hugged her again.

Resolve in her eyes, Geet stood up. Maan, there is something I want you to see. Taking his hand she led him to their room. She left him to stand beside the bed and when came back there was a box in her hands. He recognized it instantly.

 _______________________________

PRECAP- Geet preparing to meet Maan's son...

Imp note:

Hello everyone,

I am deeply disappointed with the amount of comments... there are 700+ views on each update of BF on Blog, higher than any other ff of mine since I don't post it on India Forum. Even if a single person visits the page twice to read the same update there would still be 350 readers. Out of 350, I get 20-30 comments- on the last update it was even lesser. I don't expect 350 comments. I don't even expect half of it. But what I get is really less and depressing. I don't want to make my blog private, thats not my thing. But I need your support. It's not unfair of me to ask for a little feedback. Don't comment every time or write a story. However once in a while a few words would be enough for me.

So please, consider this a humble request, take out a few minutes to make me know of your point of view. I'll be forever grateful.

XOXO

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 32

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

This part is for Neha. Belated happy bday babes. Loads of love to u.

PART 32

On their fourth day in Croatia, Geet woke up feeling restless and uneasy. As her eyes adjusted to darkness she noticed the dim sunlight filtering in through the flowing curtains. A glance at the clock made sure it was just after dawn. She twisted and turned, trying to call sleep back. In vain. Suddenly her stomach clenched and she ran into washroom to throw up the acid. Her throat ached as convulsions wreaked her entire body. She held the toilet tightly trying to keep her heavy head in place.

A warm hand rubbed her back and fingers gathered her hair pulling them off her face.

After throwing up the entire dinner in the toilet she slid back on the floor. Maan helped her up and she washed her face. He handed her the mouthwash which she took eagerly. It replaced the bitter acidic taste with that of mint. While Maan dabbed her face with a towel, she raised her weary eyes to stare into his concerned ones. Sorry, you had to see that.

Don’t be mad, you are sick. I’ll call a doctor. He picked her exhausted body taking her to the bed. Geet was surprised how he just knew she was too weak to even walk without her voicing it out. At times like these she felt too lucky-blessed-to have him. What she wouldn’t give to keep him happy, he was all that she had.

The sun is not even up yet. I think it’s just the change of place, nothing much.

Geet… He said in his stern tone. It might be nothing much for you but I would like to be sure.

Oh god, Maan, now don’t behave like a father.

Maan didn’t falter. A husband is a father, friend and-

Geet pulled him down on the bed with a giggle and cuddled against him. Yeah, superman, you are my everything but I am all fine. So let me sleep.

He kissed her forehead. Are you sure?

Yep.

Next day they caught a ferry and reached Mijet, a group of islands filled with pristine wilderness near Dubrovnik. They decided to camp beside the lake, just the two of them all alone. Maan expertly set the tent showing Geet that there was hardly anything in the world that he wasn’t a perfectionist at.

You make me your fan. She told and stripped down to her bikini.

He licked his lips, eyes roaming her body. Believe me the feeling is mutual.

Geet blushed smiling naughtily. Really? I would like to know the extent of your… admiration? Come catch me. She jumped into the lake. Maan removed his T-shirt, loving the challenge and dived in behind her. The water was cold and their bodies hot for each other. He caught her in no time and when he did there was no stopping. He bought her out of the lake and made good use of the tent.

I know I said you didn’t have to bring me here but now I don’t want to go back. She said panting, her face alight in the after-sex glow. I like the adventure, peace and most of all I like that I have you all to myself and there is no one who knows us. You are not the country’s most sought after businessman here and am not a pro- I mean am not what I was.

Maan nuzzled her neck, kissing down to the swell of her breasts. Do you think I like it any less? But love, this is not real. Our life remains back in Delhi, where I have to take care of KC. A dream is more beautiful when it’s a dream, turned into reality its allure fades. So we’ll let this be a dream. We can come back whenever you want to, okay?

Geet nodded when he looked up from her breasts for an answer.

Ten days passed by too fast. They enjoyed as much as they could n did it all-kayaking, sea diving, explored the wilderness on a bike with butterflies-which was a miracle considering how much time they spent making love. But in middle they took out time to live in the place they had come and make sweet memories that would remain with them forever.

Sadly, they had to come back sometime. Maan had already told Nikita to shift Geet’s belongings back to his place. So when they got back all her things were there. Since Dadimaa and Maan’s mother had gone back to Mumbai, there were no issues with her coming back to his house-her house too, now officially-and even if they were there he wouldn’t have let Geet live at Nikita’s place anymore.

Geet hadn’t actually believed that she would come back to Maan’s house-their house-so she was extremely happy to be back, their little nest where it had all started.

Only when they reached, Geet figured out that their sweet home was intruded by the Devil himself.

What-

Before she could complete, Dev spoke. Bro, how long it has been.

Maan engulfed Dev in a warm hug and Geet all but scoffed.

How come you are here?

Well, I went to KC to meet you but was told you had gone out of India. Now I know why. Dev eyed Geet meaningfully. They told me when you are coming so here I am.

Yeah I actually wanted to take a break from work. Maan said, sitting down on the couch. Geet grimaced. Gosh, they had just arrived. Couldn’t Dev wait to show his ugly face? Not like Geet would have appreciated it anymore but at least Maan wouldn’t be so exhausted. Damn, the way he looked at his little brother with so much adoration and care, Geet wanted to punch Dev in the face so hard his nose would break to no restoration.

You don’t miss me bro. Didn’t even tell me you were going out.

I am sorry. Maan rubbed his forehead, genuinely apologetic. Before leaving I was kind of busy.

Yeah, I heard of the accident. I even came to see you at the hospital but you were unconscious. Dev said with so much concern, it made Geet’s blood boil. She kept her mouth shut, with difficulty. How are you now?

As you can see, am all good. So how were you here, all waiting for me? I know that’s not your thing Dev.

Trust you to know everything, bro. Actually, I wanted to ask you for some money. I wanted to invest in-

Maan cut him off. You don’t have to ask for it, Dev. Whatever is mine is yours too. Wait, I’ll be back. Standing up he walked towards his study.

Begging for money your favorite time pass?

I shouldn’t be taunted for it by a whore.

Geet shrugged. At least I worked for it. What about you? All I see is a loser, begging for pieces of his brother’s fortune every now and then because he knows he won’t get it anywhere else, must be tough. How you do it really? Being so ungrateful and shameless, not to mention the backstabbing part- attempting to murder the same brother who trusts you so blindly.

You bitch. He hissed. You don’t know anything. It’s as much mine as his. I am also Khurana heir. Only if my father knew my worth- He shook his head regaining the composure and fixing Geet with a pure evil glare. It had the hairs rising at the back of her neck. I had asked you to tell me his whereabouts. But you left the country with him without telling me and when I tried to contact, you were unreachable, perhaps intentionally. Are you forgetting your place, Muskan darling?

I have forgotten nothing. But I am not going to be your pawn, motherfucker. You want to play dirty, I will show you what dirty is. You speak one wrong word in front of Maan or expose me to media and I will tell your brother and also police about your little secrets including the most recent one of trying to kill Maan. Maybe the police won’t believe me but Maan would, trust me on that. Geet wasn’t sure herself that if it came onto trusting between his brother and her, who would Maan chose but she prayed that Dev wouldn’t call her bluff. In no way she could do it anymore. She couldn’t betray Maan by helping this bastard. And if you tried as much as hurting a hair on Maan’s body, I swear to god I will ruin you. Till now you have not seen how low I can go to get what I want. I don’t give a damn about myself but I’ll protect Maan till my last breath. You have lost a forced minion and earned an enemy who has actually nothing to lose.

By expression on his face, Geet could tell he was furious and shaken up. However somehow he replaced those expressions with a smile.

So sure of him huh? Only because he has given you some attention you think you have him all in your control. Don’t tell me you have fallen for my big brother without knowing him at all. He is no less shrewd. Once he is done with you he will dump you. That’s what he did with his last subject of interest. You should ask her. Oh wait, perhaps you should ask her son or shall I say his son.

For a moment his words didn’t register and when they did, she could only frown.

Here. Maan came back with a sighed check and gave it to Dev. What are you guys talking about?

Geet diverted her gaze, struck by Dev’s words.

Nothing, I was just asking Geet whether she enjoyed the trip. Thanks bro. He waved the cheque. I owe you this one.

No you don’t. Maan smiled. It’s all in the family.

Dev grinned. Will catch you later. Bye Geet.

He left and Geet remained still. Maan caught her sight.

Hey, you alright?

Yeah I am fine. I am exhausted. Jet lag, I guess or whatever.

My love’s exhausted. Maan pulled her into a hug. Do you want me to prepare a bath for you or I could give you one too. He winked, smiling down at her. In that smile she saw love, unadulterated and unconditional. She couldn’t believe a word of Dev, he was as evil as they came and was probably just messing with her brain. After whatever Maan had done for her, her trust and respect for him couldn’t be swayed even by god. She won’t do the same mistake twice by not trusting him.

The following day, Maan called her from office. There is a hell lot of work and am missing you damn much. You should have come with me.

Geet had a big smile on her face. I am busy. She could practically imagine him pouting on the other side.

How can you be busy when I am not there?

You think too high of yourself, baby. I have other and better things to do. Now don’t waste my time, I have to do some serious work. Ba-byee. She hung up before he could utter another word.

In his office Maan stared at his mobile. She didn’t know how much he burned for her sight and touch every second. Yeah, he was obsessed but just how much you love someone before they consume your every thought and effect your every single action? He didn’t know where to stop? And how did you stop anyway? Gosh, after spending each second with her on their honeymoon he couldn’t take even this small separation of few hours. But the work had piled up and he couldn’t go back fast enough to his busy wife. He will deal with that when he reached home.

Home. The word held a new meaning. He would never be alone there now. Never. Geet would be there either going back with him or waiting for him. Maan smiled. The walls of lonesome house won’t bite him again and he wouldn’t have to go out in search of company when he felt depressed or sad. She would be there. Forever. Always. A twinkling star in his dark life.

When at night he reached back, Geet was the one to open the door and not Neena. The sight that welcomed him had him taking in a sharp breath. Holy-fucking-hell, dressed in a magenta saari she was angelic. Maan forgot his complaints and anger. Damn, he even forgot how to speak.

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PRECAP- Maan's son??

A/N:

Sorry got late with the update. Will try to update next sooner.

Thanks to those who left comments. It really means a lot

XOXO