Enchanted – Calls for Sacrifice

“I wanted to take care of my family.. Vicky and Annie’s life needs to be settled. I have to talk to them”

“Hmmm Badi ho gayee hai humaree Geet” Brij said, teasing but pride could be seen.

Mohinder was simply admiring his family,

“But Raja Saheb wants us to go for a long world tour. He wants us to discover us away from this world” There was excitement in her eyes.. “And then he wants to train me for this Empire”  she made a face.

***************

Geet was running around the Mansion, checking all the preparations. Meanwhile, Maan lounged on the expansive first-floor corridor, leisurely sipping his coffee as he leaned against the railing. From where he stood, he observed his beloved wife bustling about with the attendants, ensuring everything was flawless. Ohhh…today she adorned herself in a stunning chiffon saree in shades of peach and pink, causing his heart to flutter uncontrollably. Her slim sexy waist, adorned with the waist chain, which dangled on her smooth skin, taking each ounce of his patience to not go down and pick her in his arms. And uff…, that diamond dangler, playing with her skin along with the jingling of her bangles. The saree draped elegantly around her form, enhanced her beauty in a manner that felt almost unfair to him.

But his hands were tied. Everyone will land here tomorrow and she wanted to make the best preparation under her own supervision. This was her home, she was the real queen of this house and she has taken on her own self to make the best arrangement to welcome everyone. How can he be a hurdle to her wish? So with a heavy heart, he was just soothing his eyes, absorbing her.

Geet was busy instructing when she felt the heat of her hubby’s gaze on her. Even though busy, her eyes could not help but give a glance up. Ohh what a beautiful Sunday and he looked so handsome in a casual round neck, full sleeves tee and loose pajamas. She knows very well know, if she goes to him now, she will be picked up in his arms and it would be so beautiful. But no, she can’t. Once in his arms, she will not be out before evening, he won’t. She can’t take risks.

She had come to the room late in the night. He could see how tired she was. He forcefully made her sit and gave her the massage. It felt like heaven to Geet and and quickly drifted to sleep

*****

Next day around 6 am, Maan and Geet themself went to receive Dadima, who was coming along with Vicky. She was coming to Delhi for the first time after a long time. 

Vicky came out , followed by Dadima. Before she could step on the stairs, Maan swiftly made his way towards her. Of course, she held a special place in his heart. He bent to seek her blessing. She blessed him and noticed Geetanjali following her way up, behind him. The moment Geet saw Dadima, the hesitation propped up on her visage, but she composed herself, offering a gentle smile as she respectfully bent to receive Dadima’s blessings.

“Stay blessed”

Dadima and Vicky were welcomed elegantly. Vicky tried to immediately get to work but Raja Saheb’s stern eyes prevented him from doing any work and let his Bhabhi welcome him along with Dadima.

Savitri Devi was impressed by the way Geetanjali welcomed them in a grand way. Not only this, she was impressed by the way she has managed the whole house. It was once the grand mansion of her grandson Raja Saheb but now it was filled with Geet’s feel. It was her house, it was filled with her flavor and it was managed elegantly. 

Around 4 pm, they went to receive Annie. Vicky had offered that he would go bring Annie but he was strictly ordered by his Bhai to take some rest.

Annie was surprised to see Raja Saheb himself there to greet her along with Bhabhi. He had loved, he had cared but she would never expect Raja Saheb here to welcome her at the airport.The busy person that he was.

But Maan very well knew this was needed. He was not aloof from the fact of what his sister had gone through. And his bond and feelings for his siblings was beyond the title of Raja Saheb.

Geet ran and hugged Annie “ how are you?”

“Good” 

Annie then looked at Maan, his hand spread, she ran to him and hugged him tight. After a short while Maan felt wetness on his shoulder . After so many years, she just wanted to be his little, baby sister and not the princess of Kalsia. Geet stood aside. It was between siblings and she will let them have their time

Maan held Annie’s shoulders and brought her to face him and cupped her face “You trust your Bahi, right?”

“More than anything, Bhai”

“This tears in your eyes, shows me my incompetency. How could I let my little sister go through this condition? I ensure you, I will fill your life with happiness. I am sorry Annie, I am sorry”

“I am fine Bhai” 

“Hmm.. I can see” she smiled and then looked around “Vicky Bhai”

“Hmmm… He is at home. I wanted to welcome my sister this time.”

Annie again hugged him and he patted her head. 

“I am feeling left out” they turned to see Geet standing with her hands on her waist and pout on her lips

“Who could ignore you?” Annie ran to her. 

In the evening, the folk program was arranged on the decorated terrace garden. Family enjoyed the program along with the nice dinner that Geet had arranged.

 It had been a long day with everyone catching up like a family. Geet had been hesitant to talk freely with Dadima, but not wanting to bring a slightest of bridge between Grandmother and grandson, she shed her inhibition and sat with Dadima. Savitri Devi also did best to talk to Geet, while she was happy seeing siblings catching up with each other.

“Geet, this is what Raja Saheb calls you, right?”

Geet smiled and nodded, feeling a little shy “Ji..”

“Will you mind if I call you Geet as well? Yaa phir Raja Saheb ka he haq hai” 

“Ji, No, nothing like that” She placed her palm on Geet’s cheek, suddenly making Geet shiver by the contact. She was not expecting this warm touch from Dadima. But, why was Geet still not comfortable? Had Dadima’s hard  behavior gone that deep inside her. Geet forced the smile on her face

“Bete, won’t you forget what happened in those days. I know I have been very harsh with you but you can understand in which situation I was, right?”

“Yes Dadima,” Geet nodded. But still her heart ached with the thought that why that outburst came only on her. Vicky was incharge of Raja Saheb’s security, not once did Dadima disallowed Vicky from seeing Raja Saheb, then why her. Not that she in any way was competing with Vicky. Vicky deserved love and care from everyone for whatever he was. Especially Geet. Though she was angry with him, she knew how Raja Saheb would have blackmailed him. 

“Humne toh socha tha, that just you are crazy about him but I see how Raja Saheb can forget this world in your beauty.”

Geet smiled but did not know was this her praise or was Dadima taunting her?

“Wiase hain aap bahut pyaree. So different from my grandson. You had caught my eyes for him at the first look. You know many royal beauties were ready for alliance with him. Had I not seen you and liked you instantly, he would have been married with any one of those royals. We have a royal relationship with many royal families and many have known Maan from childhood. Especially Sameera Kundra from Kundra Rajgharana. She and Maan had been good friends and have shared similar thoughts and talks whenever they met. I had an idea that she liked him but I asked Raja Saheb to marry you and you know Raja Saheb right, he would marry the one I asked to. And I wanted you in his life and there you are. And Raja Saheb, fell in love with you as you are his wife. I knew he would love you because he loves his family and you are his family, his wife.”

Geet did not understand what Dadima was trying to convey. Yes, she will always be thankful to Dadima for choosing her for Maan and being the source of bringing Maan in her life. But did she not choose her because she thought she was best for her grandson? Was she trying to explain to her that Raja Saheb loved her only because she held the title of his wife which was gifted by Dadima. It was nothing special about her that Raja Saheb loved her for? Geet was not able to correlate with Dadima these days. But still, she was Raja Saheb’s Dadima, most important in his life thus she became most important to her too. She is old and Geet has to take care of her, shower respect and love to her and not expect otherwise.

“Thanks for bringing Raja Saheb in my life Dadima and giving me this wonderful family along with it”

“This family” she looked at the siblings lost in talking. Geet’s gaze followed her. As if her hubby instantly knew, he slightly swung his head to them, their eyes meeting. But Dadima immediately got back her attention

“Raja Saheb and Myself, we have worked hard to keep the love intact between all the chaos of life and conspiracy running around”

“Yes, Dadima. I will do my all to fill Raja Saheb’s life with happiness and love and this family too”

“I know you will. You are devoted to him and family. I can say, but”

Geet waited. “But loving a family and keeping it intact between all, may need sacrifices sometimes. I believe your love is unconditional enough that you may sacrifice any luxury for he family”

Geet’s innocent heart was getting scared of Dadima’s talk. Why was she talking about sacrifices from her? She will never want any of her grandkids to make any sacrifice in life. Then why was she being treated separately? 

Geet wanted an excuse to move from there. At this moment she was feeling uncomfortable. Not only this, she wanted to spend time with Raja Saheb and siblings. She was way too young and her young heart wanted to be part of their laughter

“Dadima, let’s go there” she showed her finger at their direction

“Siblings have met after a long time, let them catch up. Let’s us two ladies of the house catch on with the family matters” Geet wondered, why? Is she not meeting them after a long time? Why was she being treated differently?

“Yes, should we all not catch up as a family?” Geet tried. 

“This is a very small example, but one example of sacrifice. Like you can keep away sometimes, so Raja Saheb can bond with his siblings. Aap jayengi, the direction of talk may change.”

She got up “Come to my room, I will show you something. We two ladies of the family can talk about family and I will tell you more stories. I have some surprise for you”

Geet had to follow Dadima, but she turned and looked at the siblings talking on things. She wanted to be part of it. Especially her Raja Saheb was laughing heartily with his siblings. This was such a rare sight and she had to miss it all. Raja saheb again turned and their eyes met. Was he continuously keeping an eye on them or her? Was he taking care of her and Dadima from far away? But why did he not come to take her with him? Why did he let her go? Maybe Dadima is right – Let them catch up. Raja Saheb needed to exclusively catch up with his siblings, she should not disturb

Geet settled in the bed while Dadima got out a big jewelry box and settled beside Geet. She opened the box. It was very beautiful and heavy pearl set surrounder with diamonds

“How is it?” she asked with a smile

“Very beautiful, Dadima”

“This I got for you. Take it”

“No no Dadima. This heavy, I don’t wear such heavy stuff “

“Rani Sahiba of Kalsia. If you won’t wear this then who will” She placed it on Geet’s hand

Geet hesitated. “I brought you into this family so that you can bring love in Raja saheb’s  life and you have done that work so well. See, today he is smiling and living for himself. You deserve this. So keep it”

Geet did not, was she paying her for loving her husband? Was she devaluing her love? Why was she being inquisitive to all acts of Dadima, even getting gifts?  

“Dadima, I just love him. I love him more than my life.. Yehhh” she showed her the box

“I know, isliye toh yeh gift hai. Pyar se de rahen hain hum, rakh lijiye. Aapne jo kiya Raja Saheb ke liye, I owe you this much. But dear being Dadima, I need to explain a few things as to how ladies run the families. Love should be selfless. You know Raja Saheb has so many people to take care of, his siblings , his Dadima and his people. You should let him be available beyond you. Even if he insist, it is your duty to remind him that he needs to take care of all beyond you”

“But Dadima, he does, he loves everyone so much. Care for everyone”

“Yes, he does but these days his focus is getting concentrated and his love partial. You do not want to be the reason, right?”

“No Dadima but he…”

Good Night bete. We will talk tomorrow now. Your Dadima is feeling sleepy”

“Good Night Dadima”

Geet in their grand bedroom was looking blankly outside the window. The siblings had now moved to the ground and were sitting on the bench. She had been deprived to be part of such a homely get together that had happened after long. In fact she was seeing it for the first time for Raja Saheb, him enjoying with his siblings

Geet was lost in her thoughts pondering after an unusual time with Dadima. Dadima had been so sweet but why does it still feel far from love. A warning, a lecture, teaching or whatever it was, it felt far away from love.

She looked at the jewelry box. Gifts like such should be a symbol of so much love but to her , why did it feel like a burden. It asked so much from her. 

It was not like this earlier, Geet thought.

Earlier it never happened. Dadima had showered love to her, had supported her when she had her tantrums. No, even at that time, Dadima had been upset but Raja Saheb had let her do whatever she wanted. But still, she had been good to her whenever she was in Kalsia. Tried best to get Geet start her relationship with Raja Saheb. Even later, when Raja Saheb was angry with her, she supported her and teased her for being his Diwani. How good all those were.

But things started changing, since Raja Saheb had named some of his property in her name. That was just a start. After that , every time Raja Saheb did things for her, it did not go well with Dadima. 

Dadima is a royal and she knows the rules of royalty.  Maybe Raja sahib is doing things for her more than what royalties expect. Dadima must be right, women of royals have to sacrifice, not think of themselves. But does she want anything other than Raja Saheb and family’s happiness and be around Raja Saheb.

Geet did not know how long she was looking blankly outside the window. She was unaware of the fact that the siblings had long ago left the garden.

She was standing still but her heart was restless when she felt the two strong arms making their way within her hands and circling her waist. She was pulled closer to collide her back with his strong warm chest. Geet closed her eyes, finally feeling home. Tears were ready to fall with his presence, she immediately wanted to unload her restless in his arms. But soon the realization hit her. Is she a fool to do that? She has spent the whole evening with Dadima, Raja Saheb knew it and now if she cries, it will only strain his feelings for his grandmother. No, she cannot do that. Maybe these types of sacrifices is what Dadima must be talking about. 

Maan turned Geet to him , still in his embrace. Geet placed her forehead on his chest, to feel his warmth and to get hold of her tears that were threatening to pour out the moment she would look into his eyes

“What’s the matter baby, missed me so much”  So much love as he spoke, Geet got her hands across his to hug him even tighter. No, she will not speak as that will alert him. Why? Why does he know her so well

Geet stayed like that for a while, taking strength from him  “Did Dadima say something. I thought you two were catching up. I felt maybe I was being too hard on you two, just wanted to give you both space to talk with each other. Sab theek tha na” he separated her to look into her eyes but Geet immediately returned so as the escape the eyelock

“Look at this” she ran and brought the jewelry box “See, Dadima gifted this to me” she said with a smile and briefly looked at him and immediately got her eyes down to the box.

Maan took the box from her and waited for her to look at him. This was unusual, not her. He knew her so well. Meeting him after a whole day of distance, in front of eyes yet far. He knew what Geet must be wanting now,  to hold him tight, look into his eyes but in contrast she was just avoiding to look at him

“Look at me”

She briefly looked at him but diverted “See the gift”. For her , he opened the gift to look at the heavy pearl set. Of course it was beautiful and precious but not at all Geet’s choice

“You like it?” he asked

“Yes see, it’s so beautiful” Maan was way more mature than Geet, by age, by experience of life and he knew her way too well. Of course he knew his Dadima very well too.

“Okay, Go keep it. I like you this way, in light jewelries. But if you like,  you can wear them” he handed her the box calmly. Geet went to keep the box.

He had just wanted to give them one chance and see how it goes between them. He got his answer.

He could sense Geet behaving all aloof and lost.  Maan knew by now, the matter had been twisted and played by Dadima’s political brain. She has taught him the politics and nuisance of running the empire and thus he knew she had played some far sighted game with Geet. She had started not liking Geet and his openly showering love, care and protection has only fueled this dislike. He cannot fight with Dadima for Geet, she was his Dadima and he loved her. Just because she doesn’t like his wife, he cannot lessen his love for Dadima but he cannot also put Geet in danger by fueling Dadima’s dislike. He has to smartly handle this. Dadima or Geet, none must know he is slightest aware of it. One can make it dangerous and one will not know when … NO… his mind stopped him thinking further.

Thus when Geet returned after securely placing the box, Maan gave a charming smile to his wife. Geet gave him back the smile. He could feel the restlessness behind those smiles. Otherwise her smile has another level of charm with him around.

Maan moved closer to her and wrapped her in his arms. At this moment all he wanted to do was erase all her restlessness

“Maan” she moaned “Umm hmm… you have teased me the whole day. Who plays with someones fragile heart this way”

“I played with your heart?” she could not stop to ask. Ohh his magic on her  always worked and Maan was ready to use all his magic this night

“Aur nahi toh… who roams around the whole day looking so beautiful and not letting you come closer. Kitna tadpa hoon main aaj” he pulled her even closer and then lifted her chin. Geet could not stop but blush

“You need to pay me now” Dadima’s lectures were still playing in her mind but how could she not lose herself in him, if he was like this charming

“Pay?” she smiled

“Hmm” he nodded “You need to give me one passionate kiss. Cover up for all that you have made me missed whole day”

“You were having a good time….” 

“Shhhh…” he placed finger on her lips “I do not want to hear your excuse. I just want the compensation of my missed moments” he sensually slid his hands down and circled around her bottom rounds and then lifted her from there, swaying her heart away from her. He looked deep into her eyes in such a way that even if her mind screams her heart had overtaken

“Kaise moments” she teased. Her heart was craving for his beautiful words

“Seems like my charm doesn’t work on you anymo…” before he could complete, she placed her finger on his lips “Shhh bohut bolte hain aap” and encircled her hands tightly around his neck and pressed her lips hard on his, biting his lower lip in ask for access. Maan happily opened his mouth for her to rule. Geet like a hungry lioness  rolled her tongue inside his mouth, sucking every bit of his warmth inside her. Keeping the lips intact, Maan bent and picked her in his arms and led her to the bed. He was on top of her and this time he took over the charge of the kiss, which now moved away from any thoughts and just turned into passion. It was a passion for the whole day of  missing each other in front of their eyes. They were never enough for each other. The love, passion and bond was only increasing everyday.

After a long kiss, they separated to get some breath. Maan looked into her eyes, the restlessness had gone, replaced by only love and passion. He bent to place deep kisses all over her face, starting from her eyes, to her cheeks and then her chin. Geet was absorbing his love. It felt different, so deep as if to bring all the world’s love to her.

Maan’s one hand went on her bare smooth waist, other stroked her hair as he placed deep kiss on the crook of her neck

“Ma–an” she moaned taking deep breath

“Open your blouse or it will be soon torn” he warned in his hoarse voice, clearly indicating the desire that has peaked.

He came on top of her, his hardness rubbed on the right place between her thighs. Geet was breathing heavily with passion, her hands obeyed him and went to open her blouse as Maan completely spread her legs apart , his hands gripping the flesh of her thighs above her saree…

After that it was a night, filled with raw passion and moans.