Partner of Life – Chapter 19

Geet, Maan and Nyra were heading to PTM. Geet was asking Nyra questions while Maan was busy on his phone, checking important messages. He knew this was not his cup of tea, so he let Geet take the lead. Even Nyra was enjoying talking to Geet about school. Dadda was so boring in school talks, she knew. 

But Geet knew her boundary as well. She will only interfere if Maan or Nyra’s class teacher asks her opinion or else she will just be a listener, a silent support for Maan.

In PTM, Maan introduced Geet as his and Nyra’s friend. Nyra was all excited to talk about Geet. Class teacher sweetly sent Nyra to the play room.

“Mr. Khurana, Nyra is a great child. She is too small to talk about grades and all. She is good at her work and tries to complete her assignments perfectly. But there is something else that I want to share with you”

“Yes please”

“First of all, thanks for coming here as I had been wanting to meet you.” 

She paused “Mr. Khurana, how often does Nyra stay with you?”

“Couple of days in a month, or sometimes a week as well. Like this time. Earlier it was strictly two days in a month but these days her mother herself offers her to stay for few more days”

“That is what I wanted to talk Mr. Khurana, the changes that has happened recently”

“I didn’t get you” Maan narrowed his brows

“Mr. Khurana, she has never ever shown any behavior which shows her parents are separated. But we feel these days she has started showing a behavior of low confidence. As if feeling that she is not the most important. Mr. Khurana all children need to feel most important by her parents. These things do not immediately show an effect on personality but will go inside like slow poison.”

“My daughter is my priority and she is the most important part of my life, how do you say she feels not wanted”

“Yes, Mr. Khurana. We can tell that as when she comes to school after visiting you, she is on cloud nine with super confidence and sorted. I cannot say much, but can you have talk with her mother and of course, Nyra’s mom’s husband about how they plan to prioritize Nyra in their life”

“Hmmmm…”

“But nothing serious Mr. Khurana. Just that she is your daughter and I wanted to give you a heads up for your daughter’s growth. Still Nyra, outshines in class.”

“Don’t worry Mrs. Chawala, I will not get into a war with her mother. We will sort it out.” he laughed, relieving her

They got up to leave “Well miss Geet. You have a special positive effect on Nyra. She talks a lot about you”

“We are best buddies,” Geet laughed.

Maan dropped Geet and Nyra in Geet bungalow to have fun and left for some work. 

“Sam, we need to talk”

“Maan, you know I am busy today”

“It’s about Nyra. Her teacher has worry about her”

“Sam, who are you talking to at this hour? We are leaving for party in 30 minutes” Maan heard Ashish’s voice

“It’s Maan, Ashish. He is talking about Nyra” Sam reported, like a dutiful wife. Had she only been a ten percent of this dutiful or say softer in terms with him. That time she was flying high, inconsiderate of his any request and Ashish had only worked to fuel his absence.

Ashish took phone from Sam “So Khurana, don’t tell us that you could not even handle one PTM for your daughter” he laughed

“I do not discuss with strangers about my daughter. Give phone to her mother”

“She is busy. PTM of six year old keeps happening, you cannot shout at my wife for not helping you to handle one PTM”

“Give phone to Sam, it’s about her daughter”

“Don’t tell me, you want to send Nyra because you want to have some time with that new entertainment of yours”

“Give phone to Sam” 

Maan’s no reaction to him and continuously asking to talk to his wife with authority, irked Ashish

“She is my wife and I don’t wish my wife to talk to the likes of you” and he disconnected the phone.

Maan could feel Sam was getting spineless in front of Ashish. And that made it clear that Nyra’s upbringing will get affected. He could sense that Shetty was intentionally taking Sam far from Nyra. He was punishing his daughter to avenge him. 

He took out some time to visit his lawyer, Arman Sehgal. Arman was also his friend since childhood.

“Hmmm… now you are here. Didn’t have courtesy to let me know you are here”

“Ohh were you not supposed to visit the family behind me. Mom was missing you frequent visit” then they had some casual talks and later discussed the custody case.

Maan returned to see Geet and Nyra running in the huge central lawn of the bungalow. Geet had her eyes blindfolded and she was trying to catch Nyra. All irritation simply vanished and a smile formed on his face.

“Here here…” Nyra gave the sound and ran behind Maan. Geet came and held Maan “Got you” but soon, the fragrance,the hold, she realized it was Maan. Geet smiled and opened her eyes. Their eyes met, feeling shy of her childish game, she looked down, her face turning red. Maan was lost in her blushing shy face “Geet lost, Nyru won” excited jumping Nyra’s voice broke their trance. Maan picked Nyra in his arms

“So had a great time with your bestie… hmmm”

“Daddaaa…” Nyra hugged him.

Nyra was having fun and Maan-Geet also wanted to spend some time together. Maan offered the trio, go for dinner outside.

They were seated in an exquisite restaurant “Thanks Geet for today”

“Maan, I am not talking to you ever, if you ever thank me for doing anything for Nyra, Anyways, I was not needed in the PTM today.”

“I thought it was needed,” Maan smiled. Geet did not argue. Maan for some reason, wanted to introduce Geet to every sphere of his and Nyra’s life. 

Ashish was drinking in the Party while Sam was in talks with another group of females. His eyes were stuck on Sam.

All weaknesses of Sam have been so instrumental in shaking the life of that Khurana. It had been such a win to steal his wife in front of his eyes. 

Since a young age, Khurana has always won from him in everything. And even after his marriage, his wife could not distract his goal of reaching high and Maan had left him way behind in gaining big projects. 

Jealousy had blinded Ashish and he had worked his ways to get his hand at Sam. He had found that Sam was not very happy about becoming a mother. When she had gotten pregnant, Sam was adamant on dropping the baby but Maan insisted on bringing it to the world. Maan had been busy traveling and Ashish had taken that chance to sweet talk with Sam and instigated her against Maan. Sam was weak and Ashish used it. Now Sam was his wife, Khurana was all alone as he had also played a shrewd game via Sam and taken control of Khuarna’s child.

But since he had seen Geet with Maan, he had started reanalyzing the whole situation. Today he had a wife who had the baggage of Khurana’s child. They are always stuck with the responsibilities of Maan’s child. However hard he tried, Sam would always be distracted by her daughter. He now wanted his life with his wife, totally to him and his child, but they were stuck with the burden of Khuarna’s child. While Maan Khurana was free of all responsibilities. His daughter was being brought up in Ashish’s place and he was romancing with a beautiful girl, free of all responsibilities. Why should he keep the burden of his enemy’s child with him?

He took a sip when a man came to him “What information do you have?”

“Could not get much but it is informed that she stays in a bungalow gifted by him. She accompanied him to his daughter’s event in school and I left to come here after finding that he entered the fine dine ‘The Lake View Cafe’ with his daughter and that lady.

“Hmmm…”

Ashish then saw Sameera skip the group. He followed to see her dialing a number

“Hi Maan”

“Sam, I am not available to take calls at your wish. I am at a family dinner.”

“How was the PTM”

“Well, I called you for the same but your husband thought it was not an important topic for you to discuss. Now I am busy”

He disconnected.

“Darling, I see you are not enjoying the party. You are with me but sneaking out to call your ex husband”

“Ashish, please. I am calling father of my daughter”

“That is the problem Sam. I can’t bear your string attached to that man. I want you all as mine and not have any connection with that man. Nyra is with her Dad, enjoying it. Why can’t you focus here”

“What do I do Ashish? Nyra is with me all the time, but I know I am not giving her complete mother’s love. Maan had her for two-three days, and he is never at guilt of not doing for her”

“Sam, this is not good for my child. For your daughter, I can see you are not giving complete focus to my child which is yet to come”

“How can you say that Ashish?” “No-no no, we have to do something”

“Why can’t you treat Nyra as your child as well Ashish. Then we will be able to focus on both our kids”

“Sam, please. That can never happen. Nyra is your child thus she is staying with us with all facilities but do not expect me to give father’s loves to Khurana’s child”

“Then it is not healthy for Nyra to stay with us, Ashish.You were the one who forced me to take Nyra’s custody from Maan. When you could never give her father’s love, why did you do that?”

Ashish was now done with Nyra. he wanted to get rid of her. Why should he take the burden of Maan;s child while Maan roams free to romance. He had to click weakest link of Sam

“Okay, go. It’s all my fault. You can leave me and go to your ex husband, In case he accepts you. But then you lose all rights on my child”

“Ashish!! What are you talking about? I am not leaving you. We are family. My life is with you”

Sam thought, even if she wishes, she has no life with Maan now. He will never accept her. Ashish was her only life now. Also she had his baby now. She cannot run from one father to another. She feels trapped but she has to stick with Ashish. And till Nyra stays with her, Ashish is going to discriminate between two kids and she will always be guilt ridden. She also felt that due to Nyra, she was not able to fully enjoy her life with Ashish.

“Sam, I love you” Ashish changed the mood after slow poisoning her brain

“I love you darling but for sure I cannot accept Nyra as my daughter. I want you all for me and my child,  Sam”

“Where will Nyra go, Ashish?”

“Give her custody to Maan. You anyways were not happy being pregnant with her. He had insisted on her birth, so let him take her responsibility. I want you to enjoy these months of pregnancy with our baby inside you.”

“But because of our earlier argument to get Nyra, now the court will not allow him the custody before he marries”

“That is his problem. You let him know that you are ready to give Nyra’s custody to him. Rest he has to figure out how.”

Sam was lost in thought. Idea was not bad. Maan would never stop her from seeing Nyra and she will have her own free life. Nyra will have the best life with her Dad, that Sam knew. But if Maan marries, she knows who it will be. She was planning her other actions as well.

Rest whole week Nyra enjoyed spending time with her Paternal family. Being pampered to no end. Maan was relaxed as well and Nyra was busy with whole family and he could visit his office and easily check the Mumbai branch.

Geet on the other side was working on her designs, video discussions with Angelina and the workshop design.

Nyra had to leave with Sam after a week.

“Geet, we need to get this workshop set up completed by next month so we start setting up the main departments. We also need to then work on formally introducing our venture. We need a buzz around”

“I am working on workshop design Angel. But it’s not my forte. Though Maan had his men working to help us.”

“You have Maan there. He is the best at such things. Ask him to give some time to our project”

“I will request. He is our investor Angel. He must be expecting returns from us not invest his time for our project”

“Ohh Rick and Maan, you don’t give them any leeway. They are partners not sleeping partners. I am making Rick do the needful here. Make Maan do work” 

She then paused to change the mood

“ And I am sure, Maan will love to help you.”she wink with a smile

“Angel” Geet blushed “Stop, it’s nothing like that”

“You guys are too slow. I can feel the vibes, what’s stopping you guys?”

“Stop it Angel. You are making stories, it’s nothing like that”

“Ohh don’t give me that. Your blush  at his mention, says it all. You guys are mature enough to not take it that slow. You both should know and be clear with each other on your wishes and expectations. Don’t hold on Geet for any reason. Reasons can wait. ”

“Okay bye.. You are diverted. We will talk later”  Geet laughed and they disconnected.

Geet had been lingering on Angel’s words when Maan entered her office

“Busy?” he broke her trail of thoughts. Uff he looked breathtaking and so young in his white shirt, folded three quarters on his arms, his top few buttons opened to give the forbidden view and the tight fitted jeans. He always has the capability to raise her heartbeat. It was beyond her control.

Maan admired the beautiful and most serene hazels of her as she was lost in some thought. How can a woman look so pure and desirable at the same time? 

As she got up to hug him he saw, today she has adorned, a dark pink silk collared top, and black striped pants and high heels belly shoe, To his luck, she had let her beautiful hair down and a big round earring gave a different elegant look to her.

“It will be an insult to this beautiful lady, if I do not admit that you have made me forget what I was here for”

Geet gave a small laugh “are you flirting with me?”

“Can I not?” He made a fake serious face. Geet laughed “My pleasure to be flirted by most handsome man of my life” Maan gave her a side hug, placing soft kiss on her forehead

“Hmmm so tell me, how is it going?”

Geet looked at him and pouted, making Maan’s heart skip a beat

“To tell you the truth, I want to focus on my design and art of clothes but doing this workshop design as it has to be done.”

“You want to focus on your designs?”

“Yes, i am getting ideas but cannot work on them, this needs to be done first”

Maan held her hand “By when do you want the office ready”

“By end of next month” She sighed

“I am in a lean period. If you allow, I can get this done and you can focus on your designs”

“Maan”

“Geet, I have an army of people working for me. I don’t actually need to be that busy but I like handling things on my own, so keep myself busy. I can really help you here” “if you allow” he added

“Are you sure?” she asked hesitatingly. It was so tempting offer

“Completely. You tell me what is your vision about this setup, i will add my ideas and knowledge to get something ready for you, which I am sure you will love”

Geet kept looking at him, lost. He raised his eyes with a smile on his face, asking, what. She nodded for nothing.

They went to the working room, Geet spread the sheet on the high drawing table. Maan stood behind her to look into her vision.

Geet went on explaining, Maan went on asking questions, time passed but along with it their realization of their closeness also started taking over.

“Okay, out of these four options which one do you want” he asked, Geet turned to look at him. Their eyes met, both got lost in the depth of each other’s eyes, which started talking volume among themselves.

Maan raised his hand to cup her face in his one palm, rubbed her cheek from his thumb, raising his and her heartbeat. Geet held his shirt in her palm to get hold of her overflowing heart and inhaled deeply, getting his masculine fragrance hitting her nostril, filling her whole body with his feelings.

“What do you wish for, Geet?” he asked in a low, yet hoarse voice.

“You” slipped from her lips. Maan placed his other hand around her waist and pulled her closer

“I mean, whatever you feel correct” She tried to manage

“It will happen whatever way you wish it to go Geet” he said, directing the words to both directions. Geet placed her head on his chest while he rubbed his hand on her arms. 

Maan then cupped her face in his palms, lifted them and placed his lips on hers. Geet parted her shaking pink petals for him and Maan started with placing small pecks on her lips, pulling her closer to him. Geet rolled her hand to hold his well toned back. He pushed his tongue inside, Geet let him take the lead. Maan rolled his tongue inside further and jerked her, asking for participation. Geet slowly pushed her tongue inside his mouth. The kiss deepened. They separated to get their breath and Maan again pushed his tongue inside, swaying Geet in his world. Geet was mesmerized, with her petite body, held securely against his strong body and his passion filled kiss.

After a long, he looked at her passion filled almond shaped hazels “Why Maan, why is it happening to me? It’s all wrong. You have your world and I am..” he placed his index finger on her lips

“Shhhh… who said it’s wrong. We are single, we are adults, we understand each other, we care for each other above our own self, what is wrong if we feel pulled to each other this way”

“But you have Nyra as your only responsibilities. I am just intervening”

“Geet you can never intervene. You can only add to it. But my life, it will be a burden to you.”

“You and burden, don’t ever say that Maan.. but I understand…” Geet let the words hang. He pulled her to him “Don’t be bothered. Neither you are going anywhere nor I. Let’s go with the flow of our heart and our friendship and see where it takes us.”