BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 56

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 56

You’re lucky; your injuries aren’t that bad. You’ll be discharged in the evening.

Neither the doctor’s injection stung Geet’s sour skin nor did his words reached her ears. She lay on bed staring at the ceiling, thinking entirely nothing. Her mind was a blank void, having no thoughts just a dull ache that refused to leave n promised to forever be a part of her wretched existence. She wanted it to be a part of her existence.

Do you want to- umm, don’t you have any relatives that would want to see you?

No. Geet didn’t know who was taking care of her hospital bills or why she hadn’t yet been thrown on the road. My baby is completely fine, right?

Yes, you can come to me anyti-

I’ll leave by the evening. She cut him off. Taking the hint the doctor walked out of the room. Just as he left someone else came in.

Dadimaa held the same extreme hatred in her eyes, but the mad glint Geet had earlier witnessed was gone. She looked calmer n so much more cold somehow. So, what are you planning to do now? Geet met the tears n scorn in Dadimaa’s old eyes but said nothing. I want you gone. I don’t want your shadow to even flicker on what have remained of my family. Just tell me how much money you want n get lost. Don’t even dare associate your name with Maan’s or-

I’ll go. I don’t want money, I just have a few things at our place in Delhi, I will take those n leave.

You mean Maan’s place?

For Geet it would always be her n Maan’s home but she didn’t have the wish or energy to deal with Dadimaa who thought she would put claim on Maan’s property. Yes… Maan’s place. A sudden ripple of pain struck her as she said his name n realized he wouldn’t ever be there to hear it. Closing her eyes she tried to breathe n not scream in agony.

I will have someone take you there. Pick up your things n never show me your face again. If I saw you again, I will kill you… Dadimaa sniffed, wiping tears with a handkerchief then regaining her composure. Like you killed my grandchildren.

The verbal reminder was all it took for Geet’s fake n barely-held exterior to slip n tears come flooding out. She turned away from Dadimaa n laid on her side, wishing to turn the time back n dying instead of Maan n Nikita.

Once you are gone for good, I’ll have that curse-of-kid taken back to the orphanage.

Manan? No, you can’t send him to the orphanage.

Why don’t you keep him then?

Keep him? Geet didn’t want to keep herself. How will she take care of the Manan? She didn’t deserve that little angel. But she was going to have a baby. She was going raise him, would it be fair to Manan if she decided to be a mother to one child and leave another- only because he had already taken birth in the world? Manan had just gotten a true family, only to lose it completely? He had called her maa n she had promised him her love. Geet didn’t know what to do. Maan had left her bereft, lost and stunned.

What happened now? I know the real face of bitches like you. Don’t try to act over-smart with me.

I will keep him. Geet said; her words surprisingly strong.

After a momentary pause, Dadimaa narrowed her eyes. Okay. She waited, as if expecting Geet to back out. That didn’t happen. He is in the city; I will have Divya bring him to the hospital before you are discharged. The adoption will be complicated but consider that done too. You would be able to leave for Delhi the following day.

With that Dadimaa walked out. An hour later Manan came with Divya who was silently sobbing. Maa… Manan came to her looking confused and crying. Accident…

Geet didn’t know if he was asking or telling. She rose, helped him climb the bed and hugged him tight. Manan fisted her hospital gown, his grip hurting her back but his embrace was the first touch of light she felt on her after the loss that ripped apart her-their-world. Don’t cry- As she said it she cried herself. Her tears were scaring Manan because he pulled back, looking into her eyes for answers. Where dad is?

He is… he is somewhere very safe, baby. She said breaking down. Please take him out. She told Divya who thankfully did as requested without a word.

I want stay. He said panicking; catching the vibe that something was wrong, although his young brain couldn’t figure it was death that was wrong.

We will, Manan. But please go out with Dadi for now.

It was difficult time, Manan got that. His new mother wasn’t chatty anymore n she didn’t smile her weird smile anymore too. She looked white like sick people did; maybe that was the reason she was in hospital but somebody said something about accident. Manan didn’t know. Nobody told him anything. Dad was gone. Surely to one of his offices, near or far. He had many offices at many places.

Manan’s new mother was crying a lot, he didn’t like when people cried, specially his mother. It was sad, n very scary, it frightened him- like something bad was happening or was about to happen n he had to cry too.

But his new mother hadn’t cried before sitting on the aeroplane or on it. She was just quiet. So Manan stayed quiet too. She said they were going to Delhi, where his father lived. He didn’t know why they were going there because he had already gone there once. And only once he went there during vacations.

Dad wouldn’t be there, his mother told when he asked if they were going to meet him because he couldn’t come to them. And then she was quiet again. He liked her better before. Maybe she was really very sick. She even had a bandage on her head. They got off the aeroplane n went to his father’s house. Nina was there but she wasn’t happy, her eyes also had tears. They were not going to stay there at his father’s house, his mother told before going upstairs.

Nina had made yummy burger for him but she was sad. After eating he went upstairs to see where his new mother was but he stopped at the door. Seeing his new mother on the floor crying loudly holding something to her chest, he started to cry too. She looked at him n Manan thought she was angry because her eyes were apple red. But she didn’t scream. She wiped her cheeks n walked to him on knees with a tiny curve of lips. Will you help me pack? He nodded and they packed. While packing Maan saw that it was his father’s photo that his mother was holding before n crying.

Where we are going?

Somewhere very far.

Dad, coming us with?

No, he… isn’t. His mother’s voice was so thin he almost missed the words.

Before leaving Nina hugged him, telling she would really-really miss him n she was very sad. He left every time but she was never this sad. She also hugged his mother n then they took a taxi which stopped in front of very tall building. In one of those moving carts that made your head spin they went up in the building.

We are there, somewhere far?

No. This is my friend’s place. We’re here for help, to reach our somewhere far. His mother rang the bell n door opened. Manan hid shyly behind his mother’s leg, because he had never seen the man before.

Geet, what are you- Who is that behind you?

Shaan, this is my son, Manan. Can we come in?

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A/N:

My banked parts end here. Few more parts are left of BF, but I wont promise when I will update next.

Thoe awesome people who comment, I can't even began to tell you guys how much it matters. Thank you n I love you :*

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BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 55

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 55

Air in the room shifted, when Geet raised her head from Nikita’s shoulder she found Maan standing in the doorway. Nikita stepped back, leaving Geet on her own. A fresh wave of emotion hit her as she looked into the eyes she had thought she wouldn’t see again.

It was nothing short of a miracle.

Maan didn’t move; he stayed rooted at the door taking her in. Then like a tornado he came at her, pulling her against him so fast n tight that all breath whooshed out of Geet’s lungs. Her arms wrapped around his neck as Maan swept her off the floor.

When he put her down, his voice was quivery at her ear. And it’s proved again, wherever you go, however far you run… I am going to get you. We are meant to be together. Tears streamed down both their faces, uninhibited. But this is the last time Geet. I don’t think I’ll live through another of your failed run off. Maan flattened his hand over her face removing the hairs that obstructed her eyes from him while Geet stood overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events. She tried to form some words… an apology? A thanks? The news of her pregnancy? Something… anything.

Maan, I-

Don’t... First of all, we get out of this shithole. Nikita take Geet to our hotel in your car. I will get her bag and follow you in mine. Before Nikita took her out, Geet hugged Maan fiercely; in return he wiped her tears n kissed her lips. We have a lot to talk about, love.

Nikita walked Geet to her car that rested on the other side of the road, across the Inn. They slid inside. I have to tell my friend that his lead was right n I have found you, but my phone hasn’t got signal. I’ll go see if Maan’s cell has any.

Maan came out of the Inn with Geet’s duffle bag n threw it in the back seat of his car that stood beside the Inn’s disfigured entrance. Nikita crossed the road n jogged to Maan while Geet saw them from inside the car. They argued for few seconds over something before Maan gave her his phone n sat inside the vehicle. Geet smiled through tears at the always disagreeing pair of siblings. A man with a suitcase walked past Maan n Nikita. Although, as he moved ahead he left the suitcase inches away from where Nikita was standing beside Maan’s car and talking on the phone.

To Geet’s eyes it felt odd. Maan n Nikita, however, didn’t seem to notice the suitcase sitting idly on the road. Geet’s eyes looked for the owner of the suitcase. He looked back to see the suitcase n hurried down the road. He hadn’t left it back by mistake, which was so weird. Something was wrong, Geet’s thought as she got out of the car n started to cross the road. Maan looked at her with raised brows through the windshield. She pointed towards the suitcase. Before Maan could turn his head to see what she was indicating, there was a blast... a massive pulse of energy and heat that hurled Geet back at the car. She smacked against metal n glass sliding down to the ground.

The deafening noise made her ears ring followed by fire n gravel flying everywhere. Geet sat sprawled feeling no pain, nothing. Something wet was running down the back of her head and her ears still rang. There was black smoke all around n no movements. She searched for Maan, mouth trying to form his name but could only cough in the smoke, inhaling too much of it. Her eyes started to drop n body went slack, dropping sideways giving in to the oblivion as Nikita’s words flowed through her brain.

"Until you have that phone, you are traceable."

Geet woke up to hospital sounds- machines beeping, general hustle-bustle of people moving outside her door. The subtle noises were oddly low, humming at a distance. With great effort she opened her heavy eyes and sat up, practically feeling the blood rush in her veins at her movement. Her back instantly throbbed with pain as all the IVs attached to her body tried to pull her back. A nurse rushed inside saying something. With narrowed eyes, Geet looked at the nurse to discern her words but even her voice seemed distant. Geet patted her left ear with palm figuring out that it wasn’t quite working.

Maan… Nikita, where are they? She yanked the tubes off her arms n neck, wincing at the sting, n shambled towards the door. The nurse protested but couldn’t stop her. Outside the door, Geet struggled at the sudden burst of light. She made her way to the enquiry desk where the woman was shocked at her sight.

Can you tell me… where Maan Singh Khurana n Nikita Khurana is? Her voice was uncharacteristically rough like she had swallowed a fistful of course rocks.

Room no. 36 n 37, fourth floor. Ma’am, are you sure you should be here?

Without answering, Geet took the elevator n got off on fourth floor. She looked left n right, asked a stranger where Room 36 n 37 were, then proceeded towards them with the support of wall. There were people huddled outside the two rooms, faces somber. Opening the door Geet looked inside the first room. A couple of doctors were standing; nurses were switching off the machines n in middle of activity lay a body covered in white sheet till the head, immobile. The stench of death hung thick in the air. Geet just somehow knew; she was too familiar with it. No. She sobbed, running to the other room.

Geet felt Maan before she even opened the door. Nobody was there in this room. Maan was lying on the bed, absolutely pale, so pale, he looked… dead. Geet was harshly turned around as few doctors went inside Maan’s room. You killed them. It was Dadimaa spitting the words at Geet. She was hysteric. You killed my children. I told him to leave you. I told him- Somebody pulled Dadimaa away n Geet’s legs shook. She collapsed, in shock, disbelief. Several people came to her aid, but not a second later she rose n ran. Her wobbly legs supporting her gingerly; her heart throbbed, struggling to pump enough blood.

People stared frighteningly as an injured girl ran through the corridors in hospital gown, nobody quite feeling her loss.

She took the flight of stairs, going down n down as her mind did, spiraling down in abyss so crippled with pain. Through the hallway she came out in the open, n still didn’t stop running-now huffing n stumbling in middle of the road. Several beings gasped, few thought she was deranged. Vehicles had to change course at last moment so they wouldn’t run into her. Geet jumped aside at the road- clueless, weeping. A lost soul in crowd. 

You said… you would never leave me. You promised to always be there to love me n protect me. Yet here I live n you’re gone. I don’t want to live. I… refuse to live. She whispered n sobbed, like Maan could hear any of it. A heavy truck was making its way on the busy road; she eyed its approach hungrily, smiling at sweet sensation that coursed at the idea of eluding all pain n going to her Maan.

The truck was coming nearer n she took a step out of the darkness. Its roar was musical to her ears- her way to Maan. I’m coming. She told just as the truck reached the desired spot, she stepped in front of it, caught in its blinding headlights. But, there was some life inside her left. It wasn’t hers. Her hand as if controlled by some outwardly power moved to her belly. She heard the thump, time stopping as she felt what she had failed to notice till now. Maan’s part in her. At last second, she stepped back. The driver of the truck flew profanities at her as Geet again fell unconscious on the road.

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BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 54

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 54

It was Maan’s third sleepless, hellish night. Geet had done a good job running, he still hadn’t found her.

His initial anger had worn off turning into fear n pure, black agony. Fear over the possibility of never being able to find her. The questions in his mind were umpteen. What would he do? How will he live? What if she was in danger- injured or worse, dead? What if she had killed herself? Absurd likelihoods and scenarios that he wished to remain untrue. The fear and all questions gave rise of to pain. It was breaking him and swallowing him bit by bit. If he didn’t find her soon, he was going to crumble completely.

Maan knew everything written in that damn letter was bullshit. He had known Dev for what he was, knew how he hated him and conspired against him left, right and centre. He had thought with time and love Dev would return to be the innocent brother that he was when they were small. Never had he imagined that Dev would stoop so low as to use Geet against him, blackmail her? Don’t know how else he would have tormented her during all this time.

And she never told him?

Now he knew why she had been so stressed and aggrieved. She had gone to meet Dev that day and he had done something to her, because after that only she had cut herself off until Manan came to them. Damn, all the pieces were falling together. He had felt all along she was hiding something from him, n knew it was killing her from inside. He had just assumed it was her past. How could he not know? She had kept it all inside, never saying a word.

Strangely, his wife thought a few words would douse his love for her n he wouldn’t try to find her. But hell, she was utterly and stupidly wrong there. Maan knew Geet could never betray him like she had so nonchalantly tried to convey in the letter. Geet loved him! He hadn’t just heard it… he had seen it, felt it- in all her actions, her smiles, her love making, her eyes. He didn’t need any proof for that. And when she had finally confessed her undying love, she had also confessed her past- baring herself to him. What they had, was serene, sacred. You never saw that type of love every day. It flowed in his body like blood, like it did in Geet’s.

After reading the letter n calling Nikita, he had commanded his men to pick Dev from his house. Although, he hadn’t dirtied his hands-too busy in search for Geet-his men were constantly interrogating Dev at one of Maan’s private places, using not-so-pleasant methods. Dev, as expected, had relinquished quite easily, telling that he had indeed been blackmailing Geet for long but he had never paid her anything for the same. Hence, confirming Maan’s belief that her letter was nothing but a big lie.

He wanted to go to Dev and avenge Geet’s every tear but a part of him knew that if he saw Dev now he would kill him. And Maan didn’t need that kind of distractions at this crucial moment. Once his Geet was safe n secure at home, he was going to meet Dev personally.

The quest for Geet had brought them to Jaisalmer. Her phone was last switched on at the Delhi railway station. They had gotten the list of trains that had left the station at one hour span after she had switched off her cell. They had called in their resources in all the states to where the trains had left in that one hour. If Geet wanted to run she wouldn’t stay somewhere near, it was obvious she would aim for another state.

There was word of Geet at one of the bus stops in Rajasthan. One bus conductor had identified her from the photograph and told that she had taken the bus to Jaisalmer. As soon as Maan was informed about that he had arrived at the city. Nikita had asked to accompany him because she knew the SP personally. The SP had ensured that their exploration was absolutely undercover, so the press or anybody else couldn’t have the slightest hint of it.

As the evening set Nikita had left for somewhere asking Maan to take some rest or he would faint from stress n fatigue. Maan had hardly listened to her advice n instead got in touch with the private agency that he had hired for the search. Till now they had no solid info on where Geet might be in the city. Maybe she had already left from here. Where was she going? Maan cursed under his breath n sat on the bed. His cell beeped and with a jump he picked it up, opening the message, it was a message from Nikita.

“I’ve found her. Come to this address-” Below was the address of some inn. With a sudden jolt of life, Maan banged shut the door of his hotel room n rushed out.

Geet was lying in the foul-smelling bed, the small room submerged in darkness. She was in middle of a fitful and dreamless sleep, when somebody opened her door and came inside. She had wanted to lock the door but the clasp was broken. Filled with terror she pulled out the knife from under her pillow and bounded off the bed, hitting on the lights.

What are you doing here? She shouted, not believing her eyes. How could she find her? She had left no trace. God, you shouldn’t be here. Her panic only increased as she dropped the knife from her trembling hands and stepped forward.

I should be the one saying that. Nikita said.

You don’t get it. If they, hell… everything I have done- in vain. Shit. Geet fell on her knees, throwing her head in hands. She asked hopelessly, already on the verge of crying. Have you told Maan I am here?

Yes, I have.

Geet closed her eyes, just crying for a while. How… how did you find me?

Until you have that phone, you are traceable.

But I switched it off, even changed the sim.

That doesn’t matter, Geet.

Geet gulped, tried to harness her tears and stood up. Although her legs were wobbly, her determination was rock hard. You have to leave. Right now! If you want to hand me over the police, call them, I won’t run. But you have to go.

Nikita looked at the beautiful woman in front of her, who never showed her fear to anyone. But at this instant, she looked like a ghost. Her eyes were wide and round, mouth parted n body trembling like a dead leaf about to fall from the tree. She was more than a little jumpy, like the next moment a monster was going to jump from the window n eat her alive.

I am not calling police. Who are you running from? Because we have Dev, Geet. He is no more a threat to you, Maan has seen to that.

The news surprised Geet, but didn’t relieve her. She walked to Nikita n held her by shoulders.

It’s not him. It’s somebody else, n he is… very dangerous. My ex-boss. He said he was going to kill me n my helper. If I stay away, Maan will be safe n maybe I will live too. I am a traitor anyway. I helped Dev. Maan doesn’t need me, nobody needs me.

A traitor? Is that why you are staying in this dingy hotel, eating shit. Nikita pointed towards the half eaten food lying on the table. Looking so pathetic. All of this just to save Maan. Is that what you call betrayal? Do you have any fucking clue of what you are doing to yourself, to your baby?

Geet laughed hysterically. There is no baby, Niki. No-

The reports came positive. Nikita interjected. You are pregnant.

That can’t be…

I don’t know why you couldn’t believe that. I have not told Maan yet, because I thought you might want to tell him yourself. He must be coming here anytime. Geet, whoever it is behind you, he can’t ever reach you or Maan. We will keep tight security, all the time. Whatever it is, we are going to deal with it together. Nikita embraced Geet in a comforting hug. Geet sagged against her.

Air in the room shifted, when Geet raised her head from Nikita’s shoulder she found Maan standing in the doorway.

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BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 53

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 53

The wheel of Maan’s car screeched, halting at his house. He stepped out, looking at the security that travelled with him. You don’t need report tomorrow morning; I am taking a day off. He told them. He felt like it was necessary to spend some time with his wife. Just last night she was complaining he worked too much and honestly, her peculiar behavior in the garden that morning had scared him. She had behaved normal after that yet he couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was very wrong with her.

He called her name as he came in, n waited. Nina approached with a glass of water. Where is Geet?

She had lunch then went to bedroom to sleep; I didn’t see her after that.

Okay. Maan ascended the stairs. So she was catching up on sleep since she woke up early in the morning.

Strangely, she wasn’t in the bedroom. The window was open a slight breeze coming in. He looked below to see if she was in the backyard n found nothing. He called her name again, half expecting her to question him why he was shouting like crazy coming out of the bathroom or the closet. That didn’t happen. He checked all the rooms, searched the gardens n finally asked the guard if she had gone out again without security or car. He said she hadn’t left the house. Then where was she?

He called her cell but it came switched off. Now that couldn’t be a coincidence. He decided to scan the rooms again, although it was impossible to miss a full grown human in one round. His search ended at his bedroom. Raking a hand through his hairs, Maan called Nikita. I can’t find her, Niki. The guard said she hadn’t left the house but she is not home. What if she is somewhere hurt? God, why didn’t she take the security?

Maan, calm down, will you? This has happened before, she'd gone out for shopping. Do you want me to come over?

His sister talked as if he was a kid, worrying over something silly. But this buzz in Maan’s blood told him this wasn’t like the other times. Geet wasn’t coming back with shopping bags, no; he knew she was somewhere… unwell, hurt. I am going to look out for her and ask the security to do the sa- His eyes fell on a paper stuck at the headboard. A letter?

What let- He hung up n snatched the piece of paper off the headboard. His first thought as he unfolded it was Geet’s kidnapping. Somebody had taken her n now wanted money or something of value from Maan. However, Geet’s scrawl on the sheet invalidated that notion. His eyes went through the letters, mind registering the words.

Maan crumpled the paper, eyes burning with tears n anger. All the life sucked out of him, he walked to his phone lying on the bed and dialed Nikita again. She is trying to run. Maan told everything- the cutting words and the truth, written on the frail paper. I will find her. And when I do this time, she will never be able to step out into the outside world again.

2 days later.

Her hat was dark brown in color; it was a round, stupid thing but served the purpose well. Besides it was cheap, just like her dark sunglasses… both of the items brought at the railway station. Keeping the packet with food on table, Geet removed the hat. Her hair wet from sweat fell down… if she ever thought Delhi was hot; Jaisalmer was a bowl of boiling water. Next she removed the cheap sunglasses and sat down on the floor to devour the food she had just brought from a street vendor. A cheap investment again.

After eating high-class delicacies for months, this food was tasteless on her tongue. Hunger was funny though for when it struck you hardly cared for trivial things like taste. Geet was just thankful she had enough money to buy something to fill her stomach, too bad there was nothing in world she could purchase to fill the gaping hole in her heart. She had limited sum of money with her. With Maan hadn’t need to keep too much cash, she had the golden credit card and when Maan was with her he paid for everything. Now she had left both Maan n his credit card back home.

That’s not your home anymore, Geet. She told herself.

It had only been two days since she had left Maan but it felt like centuries had passed. Leaving was really tough-a walk over thorn that she would never recover from- but the toughest of all was writing the letter. She had first written all sorts apologies regarding her taking off n her involvement with Dev. She had said she couldn’t be with him because her past would always follow her n because she would never be good enough for him. Then, she had ripped that letter apart, shredding it to pieces. What she had written wasn’t enough. Geet wanted Maan to hate her with fury that would burn eternally. She wanted him to hate her far more than the mountain of love that he harbored in his heart for her. With the thought she had written another letter, the words of which were engraved in her mind, rolling back, tormenting her from the inside. She welcomed the pain, knowing she deserved each inch of it as she went through the letter again in her mind.

I know writing a letter is a cowardly way to go but I have no other choice. If I told you all of this in person, you wouldn’t let me leave n rather give me to the police. If I didn’t know you for the gentleman that you are, you would probably kill me. I have betrayed you, Maan, on so many levels. Starting with my involvement with Dev, your step-brother, who wants you ruined and take everything that you have. Your belief in him is foolish, just as much as your belief in me. You love too hard, which is not so good in this dark world. Dev paid me to spy on you at the very start. I was to supply info on your whereabouts, important intel on your meetings and clients. It was none other than me who had traded that land file to Dev because of which KC had gotten into trouble.

The fatal attack on you- that was also done by Dev and I had told him the route you were taking that day. I hadn’t known what his intensions were but once I did I severed all ties with him for I wasn’t going to lose a bigger fish because of smaller one. You wanted to know where I went that day without security after coming back from parlor; I had gone to meet Dev. Even though I wanted to do nothing with him, he has been behind me to work for him. He has been blackmailing me constantly, threatening to reveal my real identity to the world. I don’t want the whole world looking at me with contempt again, knowing me for the slut I am. Lately, Dev’s blackmailing has gone beyond my control, the rope is tightening around my neck n I don’t want to die in the crossfire between you and him.

A part of me really loves you, Maan. But for me self preservation comes first, it is a virtue I have learned the hard way. I have enough money to survive on my own now. It is better for both us if I leave now. 

Perhaps you are going to hate me for this; you have the right to, by all means. I can never rise up to standards of your Geet, because I am not her. By the time you read this letter I will be gone for good.

Muskan.

Wiping the tears off, she continued pushing the food down her throat. She needed sustenance for her purpose. She was sure the letter would ensure extreme hatred in Maan, so much so that he wouldn’t want to see her face again while also letting him know the true colors of his brothers. Geet didn’t care anymore if Dev told everyone about who she was. She was no more with Maan. Maan would have to go through a few days of mild defamation for having been seen with a prostitute. But at least he would be alive.

As for Geet, she would go somewhere far away from where not even her shadow could reach the man she loved so much. She would change her name and appearance; find some lowly, unnoticeable job that would help her survive till the end of her remaining days. Her plan was full proof; she had formed it during her time in the train that had bought her to this unknown state.

Upon her arrival at the station after leaving Maan’s house, she had gotten into the first train departing. It took her to Jaipur, from there she had taken a bus to Jaisalmer. She was messing her trail for anyone who tried to find her. In all honestly, she was scared, bone-deep scared of Mr. C. His cold, dangerous voice still rang in her ears. Geet had never experienced first hand but she had heard ghastly stories of what he did to girls who displeased him. He was ruthless, powerful. If any harm had come to Maan because of her… she couldn’t even think about it. She had finally accepted that she and Maan didn’t belonged together n if she wanted to save him, she would have to leave him, once and for all.

One more day in this city and Geet would head further south, moving from city to city until she was satisfied and found some small place to hide. If need be she would keep changing habitats forever, live life like a nomad- forever savoring the sweet days she had spent with Maan. That was enough for her, more than she ever would have deserved or dreamed of.

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BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 52

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 52

Wanna go out n chill? We could go shopping if you want. Nikita said unexpectedly appearing at the house. It was hot a afternoon, n Geet wasn’t feeling very good.

No, Niks. I am kind of down today.

Why what’s wrong? Maan said you have been upset since Manu left but it looks like more than that. Are you sick?

Perhaps. My stomach hasn’t been a party lately. I get this weird feeling sometimes inside, mornings are the worst. Or it was just worry regarding everything that was going wrong in her life.

Nikita seemed to be calculating something in her mind. Nina bought the usual wine n refreshment for Nikita while for Geet came a glass of milk. Milk?

Yes. Geet chuckled at Nikita’s tone of amazement. I have developed a taste for it.

Oh, my fucking god. When was the last time you bled?

As in my monthly cycle? I don’t know. Mine are really irregular.

Geet, maybe… oh, I am so happy, maybe you are pregnant.

Geet looked at her friend and SIL with a passive look. I am on the pill.

So, it’s doesn’t work hundred percent. All these signs-

They are nothing.

Oh really. I think you might be wrong. We should go see a doctor.

I hate doctors, n hospitals, n clinics. But I’ll go with you so I can prove that I cannot be pregnant.

Nikita got an urgent appointment with a doctor. They went to her clinic. The idea of being pregnant was so absurd to Geet that she totally refused to consider that she might as well be.

I think all the symptoms indicate towards possible pregnancy. The Doctor said gleefully, after asking few questions from Geet and a brief check up. However before Nikita could jump like lunatic, she added. But we cannot be hundred percent sure until I have run tests. So the Doc took Geet’s urine sample and told she would tell the results in a day or two.

I don’t need damn results to know that there is a tiny something in your belly growing like hell with every passing day.

Geet rolled her eyes. Despite what doctor said, she knew she wasn’t pregnant. It was impossible. It wasn’t like she never had headaches or stomach cramps before.

Geet knew it was worry and weakness. When they went home and Nikita had left her alone, Geet tried to track down when was the last time she had her periods. At some probing in her mind, she discovered she’d had it almost 6-7 weeks ago. That wasn’t something new. Many times she had them once in two months and when they finally came she would feel queasy. That explained her sickness. She was sure her good friend would come this week or next.

At night, Geet lay in bed looking at Maan wondering if he wanted a kid. Would he still love her if she failed to give him one? Although, imagine if someday they did have a kid, would she be able to take care of an infant or would her past reflect down on the baby? She was hardly getting along in this marriage as a herd of demented problems rushed at her, how could manage a baby? So easily she had asked Maan if they could bring Manu to live with them permanently. Did she even have the aptitude to be a good mother, did she even deserve to be a mother?

Unknown to the tornado of question going in Geet’s mind, Maan sat against the headboard going through figures on his Mac book. He had just spent an hour in the study, now he was working in bed. Geet sat up n didn’t even dare ask what he was doing lest he would start explaining everything in minute detail which wasn’t good because her mind was already muddled.

Maan, I am sleepy. She said wrapping her hands around him.

Then go to sleep, love. I’ll take some time.

But I can only sleep when you are sleeping with me. She said tickling his ear with her tongue.

Maan chuckled. That’s not the case when I leave for office and you are still snoring in the morning. That earned him a bite on the lobe. Ouch. He winced.

Serves you right. Geet closed his Mac book. We sleep, that’s it. She kept the offending machine aside and pushed Maan back cuddling into him like a kitten. Her eyes closed on their own accord and she kissed his chest- once, twice. Geet, if you kept doing that we won’t be sleeping right now.

Her hazels met his dark orbs n her cheek tinted red. But we just did it in the study.

Is there book that says we can’t do it here again? He asked and she had to close his eyes with her hand so she could hide from their intensity.

Okay-okay. I am not doing anything. She again closed her eyes and also kept her lips firmly shut but not before telling him that she loved him. She said it often only to hear him say it back, to make sure that yes, this amazing man loved her with all his heart.

I love you too, my love.

Geet had no idea what time it was because it was still awfully dark when the shrill ringing of her phone woke her up. She took the call hastily, not wanting the noise to break Maan’s peaceful sleep.

Hello, my girl. The voice chilled Geet to the marrow of her bone. Although, she hadn’t heard it much, there was no mistaking who it belonged to. Thinking how I got to you? You really thought changing your hair color n wearing fancy clothes will make you imperceptible. You thought I won’t find you? I have to admit it was a little tough, a few months n money wasted, but finally I know where you are, with whom you are. I saved you, my girl, helped you when nobody else would n you betrayed your master.

What… do you want?

Nothing. You are no use to me anymore now that you have been in tabloids, n the world knows you. Time has come to teach you, your bloody savior n all of my other girls who think they can outrun me a lesson. Goodbye.

Please. Wait. But her caller had hung up; it was like he had cut her lifeline. Geet knew she was really doomed now for it wasn’t just Dev or Deepika behind her. Mr. C wanted her to suffer and he wasn’t some amateur after vengeance. This was a human trafficking mafia with great underworld ties. She knew his ways; he would stop at nothing until he had his sentence duly served.

Next morning Maan woke up early like usual. He was pleasantly surprised to see that Geet wasn’t in bed with him; he thought that she might again be trying to prepare special breakfast for her hubby. The thought brought the same nice-fuzzy feeling in stomach despite the fact that whatever his gorgeous wife cooked was mostly terrible. Still, he liked when she did things for him. Pulling on a T-shirt over his torso, he came downstairs but didn’t see her anywhere. He asked Nina if she had seen Geet but she simply said she hadn’t. He instantly got worried. He rushed out to ask the guard if he saw her leaving or something n found Geet on the grass. Relieved, he walked towards her. It was no mystery that she liked lying on the grass, drowned in deep thoughts but Maan had never found her here so early.

Maan stretched down beside her on the ground which was cold. Geet had her eyes open and was staring at nothing. He wrapped a hand around her only to find out she was nearly freezing. Shit, how long have you been here?

Maybe an hour, or longer.

Why?

Felt like it. She said n sat up. Her voice was distant n eyes vacant. She was so pale, it scared Maan a bit.

Are you… all right?

I have never been better, Maan. She looked at him, a soft smile touching her pink lips. She traced his cheek with her finger and he leaned into her touch. She asked out of the blues. You know when you don’t experience the fear of losing something?

What? Maan asked confused.

When you lose it. She told as a matter of fact. The thing is gone n the fear is gone.

What is that supposed to mean? Geet was already on her feet, brushing off the grass from her clothes. She offered him her hand. It’s warm inside, let’s go. He took her hand, laced his fingers through hers tightly. The fuzzy feeling was gone leaving at its wake a strange nagging n fear.

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