Dheere Dheere Se – Chapter 21

“I have never received bouquet before from anyone, this really feel special”

He narrowed his eyes “So you wanted it from anyone else. Sorry but now its me only”

“No no sir.. I meant” 

“Chill Geet, I am joking. We are not talking on that line any more. Rushing on things is just spoiling it and more for you. We’ll take it slow – Dheere Dheere Se”

“Dheere Dheere se” she repeated after him. It felt so light to both of them

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

Geet and Maan entered the office together. Everyone else was busy in their job but Shasha had been curious about Geet going with MK and was thus eagerly waiting for their return.

Shasha was in vain trying to focus on the design, mostly thinking what was taking them this long. She was busy cursing Geet when she received the call from MK. Shasha immediately picked it. She will not miss any chance now. Before things go out of her hand, she has to act fast.

“Yes MK. How was the meeting”

“Meeting was great, Shasha. I need a favor from you”

“Yes MK, what can I do?”

“We have a meeting at 1:30 with Mr. Abhimanyu. I fear I won’t be able to attend it, will you accompany Adi to that meeting”

Shasha was happy. How silly she has been in her thoughts. Geet just went as his secretary and here, she was to attend in MK’s place. Why is she lowering her own status by comparing herself to a secretary. 

“Sure Mk”

“Thanks Shahsa”

Maan was about to call Adi “But you were not scheduled to attend that meeting?”

Maan looked at her, she definitely was becoming the best secretary ever. She was making him lazy in his office matters just like his Mom and Bhabhs had made him at home. She definitely did take care of all background tasks so efficiently that now he had to just focus on his work, planning, strategies and meetings. 

But he did not call Shasha by mistake “I know” he turned to her

“Then why did you call her?” 

“Biwi ke jaise sawla jawab suru kar diya. Bro only have Bhabhs at home, will I have to answering at both places” Maan murmured to himself

“Sir…”

“Hmm…” “Why did you ask Shasha ma’am to attend the meeting”

“Tumhen sab batana padega abb” Came out from him

“Just asked out of curiosity, let it be. Why should you be answerable to your secretary” and Geet started walking fast out of irritation to keep some distance

“Geet-Geet” Maan ran behind and got hold of her and stopped her holding her elbow

“I was just kidding. You have rights to ask as many question from me”

‘Maan are you crazy? Who offers their wife or fiance to question unlimitedly?” talked one of his alter ego

“So what would he do? Do you see her attitude? Is it right that he upset his would-be wife” supported his other alter ego

“But Geet has no attitude with anyone, like see, she never answers to Shasha’s stupid allegations” Argued the first one

“Because she has reserved her attitude for Maan” countered the other one.

After deciding to stick to be a good partner role Maan shooed his thoughts 

“Geet, do you want her to see us coming and bombard you with questions. Just wanted to avoid her presence when we will be entering the office.”

“Yes, I understand, secretary that I am yours”

“It’s not a fair allegation Geet. It’s you who have emphasized to be my perfect secretary in office. And I have no worry nor do I care, for what anyone says or thinks, it’s you who has to listen to her and you cannot answer her back. I was protecting you but if you think otherwise of me”

He dialed Shasha “Yes MK”

“Shasha, I checked with Adi, today would not be the day he would be needing us. So I think you can can continue with your work”

“Happy now. Shasha will be there to welcome you” Geet pouted, cursing herself for making him do so. 

“Khadoos”  “I can hear”

“I don’t care” “Haan, mujhse kab darti ho tum” 

As they reached office, Geet got down leaving the bouquet in the car

Maan looked at her then the bouquet “Kyun dar lag raha hai” he whispered in her ears

“Why would I be?” Geet countered and picked the bouquet

Maan was smiling within, seeing Geet’s face after seeing Shasha eyeing them.

“Bye, enjoy” he said and left, smiling.

“Let’s see how much of an attitude she has with Shasha. Sara zoor mujhper he chalta hai” And left Geet on her own to handle Shasha.Around him, she was so used to him protecting her in such situations. But now he left her on own to deal with Shasha.

Geet changed the path to her cabin to avoid Shasha. Shasha saw how casual MK was with his secretary. That’s not how the boss should be with his secretary. He was smiling and talked in her ears, as if she was his friend.

“What is this behenji up to? No, I cannot let her trap MK” and with this Shasha stormed to Geet’s cabin. 

Geet was placing the flowers in pot when Shasha entered her cabin without considering to knock the door

“Geet, what are you up to” Geet turned ‘ji…”

“I very well know girls of your type, trying to act smart behind your simple dressings”

“What did I do ma’am?” 

“You went for a meeting with MK, what took you so long? What games are you playing with MK”

“Ma’am, I went with my boss for work and I can only come when my boss wants to come and when his work finishes”

“And this bouquet , is this also the outcome of the meeting? You are just a secretary and you are coming with this as if you are coming after the date lunch” 

“Uhnnn Unhh” Geet coughed hearing ‘lunch date’

“Yes, answer Geet. In the name of a work meeting you are making MK give you this bouquet. Mk is decent and he just does things for his employees and girls like you take advantage of his goodness. If you were a decent person you would have only accepted such a gift from your fiance and not your boss. But No, you do not have time for your fiance but all ways to trap your boss”

“Shasha ma’am please. This bouquet was presented to me by my fiance. He met me during our lunch meeting and sir wanted me to have my lunch date with my fiance”

Shasha’s was confused but relieved “MK met your fiance?”

“Yes ma’am” Geet was feeling very proud of herself for handling Shasha.

“Okay okay now focus on work. Mk is very liberal, don’t you take benefit of his goodness” she gave her lecture but happily left her cabin

Maan saw Shasha approaching his cabin. He wondered if Geet did handle her or not? He dipped himself in the file when Shasha knocked his door

“Yes, come in’

“Hi MK” “Yes, anything you need” he asked busy in his file

“How did the meeting go, MK”

“Great. Gear up, there is lots of work coming up for you”

“Ohh sure” 

“Well Mk, I heard you met Geet’s fiance” Maan’s shocked eyes popped up. 

“I know her fiance is not a big thing for you, after all she is just your PS. But yeah,Geet told me you met her fiance when you were at official lunch and you offered them a lunch date” Unable to contain her happiness, she blurted all in a go

“Wow.. smart” Maan thought in his brain and slightly turned his head to Geet’s cabin, who turned her back to him.

“Yeah yeah. Now what to do, he just popped up so as a formality I had to offer”

Satisfied and completely happy, she was about to turn when her eyes went on his ring

“This ring Mk?”

“Why, you have a problem with me wearing the ring?”

“No Mk, generally we wear engagement ring on that finger”

“Shasha, it’s my ring and my finger. I can wear it where ever I feel like”

“Okay okay… carry on” and she left

Uff this Shasha. He never knew she would be so curious about his life. What was the matter with her? He wondered

Further Maan wondered how she would react when in a couple of weeks there will be a formal announcement of their engagement. Till then Maan did not want the office to talk about them because he knew it would all come out as if Geet trapped him. When in reality, he knows how hard he is trying to ensure he becomes a deserving partner to her.

In the evening, Maan and Geet had to leave early for the shopping. Maan was feeling a different type of excitement. But why was he feeling excited? This marriage was Dad’s,  Bhabh’s and the family’s idea. He just said yes, then why was this excitement of taking her for their marriage shopping, buying gifts for her, seeing her as part of his family. Why is his heart eager to fill her life with happiness, why does he want to do things for her that she may feel comfort, that he was her life partner.

Geet was arranging boss’s calendar when there was knock on the door

“Wrap up, time to go” Geet immediately got up and came running to him

“Sir, why are you here like this?”

“Why, what’s the problem? Wrap up soon and come with me. Bhabh said they are reaching there in half an hour and she is expecting us there. “

“Sir aise app aiyenge.. Log baten banayenge”

“Aur mujhe fark nahi parta. Wrap up soon” and with that he started placing her things in her bag to speed up

“Sir you don’t understand anything”

“And I don’t want to. It’s done. Let’s go” he held her wrist and dragged her. Geet softly freed her hand and walked behind him.

“Well I must say, you handled Shasha well”

“Itna samajh hai mujhme” “Sachhi.. Wow”

“I know, I am not as intelligent as you but I can handle people” 

Bantering, they were about to leave the entrance when Shasha who was talking to Tasha saw them. Her relieved heart again got restless. Something was off. She felt jealous of Geet walking and talking with MK like a friend. No-no, it should be her, walking and talking like that with him, leaving with him after office, not that behenji secretary. But this behenji secretary was getting everything. 

“No Shasha, you are overthinking. Mk himself confirmed, he met her fiance and he was so okay about it. There is no matter of concern.” But why did she feel there actually was the matter of concern

“Tasha, what do you think about Mk and his secretary.. What is her name, yeah Geet” Shasha asked, acting as if she did not care of Geet

“Ohh Mk at last has accepted the secretary who is continuing to work with him. Moreover his works are much arranged now. His office was such a mess before, now it actually looks like a managing director’s office” Tasha gave a generic answer

Maan was driving to the location Naintara has sent. Maan was wishing and hoping only his brother’s and Bhabhs to be present. 

He called Adi in the meanwhile to check on his meeting “Hey Adi, how was the meeting with Dr. Abhimanyu. I had proposed, we will take the whole project for their hospital chain”

“It went well Maan. I was able to convince him of our pricing”

Maan hummed on that and they talked a bit more on the project side. After a while

“Well Adi, ek question that yaar” Maan asked

“Haan bol” “Yaar, what is the problem with Sasha. She is behaving weird these days. Especially, she doesn’t like Geet for some reason and is after Geet’s life whenever we go on meetings or anywhere for that matter’

“You have no idea?” asked Adi surprised “No”

“You really don’t know. Maan, she likes you”

“What? Why will she like me?”

“Maan, you really underestimate yourself in matters of girls’ admiration of you. Ask Geet.”

Maan looked at Geet with the bluetooth in his ears

“Haan phir toh, I will have confirmation that I am no worth”

Adi laughed “Idiot, you really have no idea that even Geet likes you”

“Shut up yaar. Don’t make fun of my pain point.”

“Maan, she really really likes you”

“Yes, why not. Nice person that I am”

“Matlab, you want her to like you” “Adi bas ker yaar”

“Okay, leave it. You will know by time. Anyways, I will talk to Pinki and Sam, they will manage Shasha. Teri Geet ko koi pareshan nahi karega.. Hnn hnn hnn” he laughed and disconnected

“Idiot” Maan cribbed

Maan stopped his Audi in the parking lot of the high end market space. Geet had once or twice come here with Sheela. They had just come here to run away from the reality of their life and experience the high society people.

“Sir, why are we here?”

“Geet, did Bhabh not talk to you? For our shopping”

“These are way high priced shops, for me we could have…”

“Geet, you will be the bride and we will get the best we could for you. Come” he tried placing full stop to her hesitancy.

They stepped into the three story building of the country ‘s top jewelry brand shop. From glass door itself Geet could say, the shop was beyond her capacity to even touch anything 

“Geet, you don’t consider us your family. Mujhe nahi, meri family ko bhi nahi”

But by then Naintara came to welcome them “Come Geet, we have been waiting for you both”

“Bhabhs, who all are there?” Maan asked in low voice

“Mom-Dad, Dev and Myself. Vicky, you know has interview prep to do”

“Dad? What’s he doing here?” Came promptly from Maan and then his eyes went on Geet who looked at him confused

“I mean, why does Dad need to come here? We could have handled it, right?” he softened his tone

Maan now knows, Dad is going to overtake all attention on Geet . And just as he had expected, as they entered 

“Geet dear!!” Came aloud from his Dad who had his focus all on Geet. In front of Geet, Maan was,  as expected, ignored by his Dad. Nor was Maan wanting his attention. His Dad’s attention on him means a list of expectations, questions and what not. 

“Great, you had to call him.” Maan gave a complaining look to his Bhabhs

“Maan, Dad was so excited to hear Geet is coming, he wants to give her things of his choice.” filled in Dev. 

“Wow.. what exactly did she do to become his favorite.. not that I am interested in becoming one”

“Well, she does something you don’t, she has called them, talked to Dad,asked about how they are, thanked them for accepting her. Dad felt her loneliness and her being thankful for the family, has melted Dad;s heart. He is ready to shower her with all fatherly love “ added Naintara

 Maan raised his eyes to look at Geet , how his Dad and Mom were showering love on Geet, how they had included her and how she was having a genuine smile on her face with the parently love they were showering on her. All his complaints went away witnessing the scene. Ohh how he wished he was able to bring such a stress free smile on her face.

Geet who had been hesitant to even enter this grand jewelry showroom, had been smiling, talking to them.

“But uncle “

“Hmmm” he showed his warning eyes. So much like Maan Sir he was, she felt

“Sorry, Dad. But Dad-Mom, why do we need to get so expensive…”

“So you won’t let me enjoy being a father to a daughter “ Raj complained and Geet could say nothing.

“Come let’s go to other floor, I think there is something you would like for her” Naina suggested Maan

“Can I leave?” Dev was about to run away from jewelry section 

Naintara grabbed him “No way hubby. Devar ki shadi hai, I want something for me”

“Just to clarify, I am just a civil servant and not the most upcoming businessman of the year, like your bro-in-law. So don’t expect me to buy as expensive”

“Urda lo Bhai, aap bhi..” Maan shook his head and went to see some nice delicate pieces for his bride-to-be. While Naina pulled Dev. 

Maan wanted to get something special for Geet. He didn’t know why, but he wanted to make her feel special. Yes, because she will be his wife, he argued.

Maan took his time and looked at items. He was then done buying, simply selecting the best. 

“Sir Bill” and before Maan could take it, Naintara picked the bill and her eyes popped out

“Sixty lakh.. Wow!!!”

“Bhabhs, not only for her but got something for  Mom and you as well”

Naintara lovingly pushed his forehead “Focus on her. Give her the best”

After the trio were done they went upstairs. and seeing the emotional bonding between Geet and his parents, Maan stood still where he was.

Sandhya and Raj selected a few sets of gold, jaraw and one diamond set. Sandhya also gave her old heavy bangle set to be cleaned for Geet.

Geet never imagined she would receive such overwhelming love. It wasn’t about the costly gifts, but rather the deep affection and sense of belonging from this family. It was all so overwhelming. How did they manage to find her? This family was now hers, and Maan sir, along with his family, were hers.

“Dear, did you like them? If you want to make any changes you can tell us” asked Sandhya with so much motherly love that Geet could not stop her tears 

Sandhya immediately caressed her head “What happened dear, you are crying” Maan heart felt heavy seeing tears in her eyes and Naintara and Dev saw Maan’s disturbed face.

Geet nodded for a ‘No’ – “Have never experienced this type of love. How parents love. I can’t believe I am getting all this”

“This is your family, we are all yours, you are ours. Aur yeh hai na piche” Geet turned to see Maan there

“You both, it is both your duty now to think about each other first. He is yours and you are his.. Jitna haq jatana hai jataoo ispe.” teased Sandhya

Raj again got busy talking to Geet. “I want you to come and be part of our family from today itself. Now start spending most of the time with us and…” he was going on and on when Naintara signaled Sandhya that the couple be left alone. 

“Raj come, you forgot, you have to get me a saree” 

“Today?” Raj was reluctant 

“Yes, of course. Come now or else it will get dark” Everyone left leaving Maan with Geet

Geet looked at Maan, not knowing what to say. With him alone again the feeling of being his secretary surfaced and Maan could read it. No, he had to make her comfortable around him as well. She may like him or not but he will make her feel most special.

“Sir chalen”

Maan held her wrist and pulled it towards him

“Sir…” Geet whispered surprised. But Maan ignored her shock and played his fingers on her old fake bracelet 

“You like bracelet a lot, right” he said unhooking the piece

Geet was having several sensations with him holding her hand in his with that right. Maan looked at her face as he played his fingers to get the bracelet out. Their eyes met and Geet immediately lowered her gaze. His eyes had different intensity. She had never seen it. What did that mean?

He got her fake bracelet out and placed in his pocket “Don’t worry, I will not throw it” 

“Ji…” is all she could utter.

Maan then took out the box from his packet and opened it. There was a very beautiful and delicate bracelet. So beautiful and rich with diamonds all over it

“Do you like it”

“It’s so beautiful. Who will not like it? ”

“If you like it then…” he took her hand again in his and started making her wear the bracelet

“Sir… yeh kya.. Sir itna mehga… itna kharcha.. Sir it’s okay, Mom Dad already bought so much” She kept blabbering while Maan finished making her wear it

“I know you think I am a miser but that’s for the office budget. But this is from my own money. I spend good on me and now will also do the same for you. Khud se kuch jyada karoonga tumhare liye per kam nahi karoonga, Geet. Itna bharosa rakho mujhper. Okay, leave all that and don’t talk about money. Bolo kaisa laga”

“Sir, it’s beautiful and it’s most special. But why did you need to spend so much on me”

“Kyun main gair hoon? Mom-Dad is your family, they can gift you, I am no one”

“No sir. Aap hi toh…” she paused, 

“Main hi toh…” 

“Ji woh. Sir, this is very pretty. Thank-you” she try diverting

“Main hi toh kya, Geet” 

“Ji woo aap… main.. Woo” Maan soon realized, he is again forcing her and will ruin things

“Okay let it be. Come, let’s go”

Geet eyes went on the bag with boxes in his hand “Sir, so many boxes. This is a jewelry shop, not a clothing shop” She laughed, sending relief to his heart.

She then forwarded him the bag with all the jewelry they bought for her “Sir, can you keep these too. I am not sure where I can keep them safely” Maan understood her confusion, with her uncle and aunt, he himself did not want them to eye her things.

“Okay, I will keep it with me. Tomorrow we go and get a locker for you. There are other stuff as well that you need to keep there”

“Means?”

“You will know tomorrow. Now let’s go. They are all waiting for us in the restaurant”

Geet nodded and they left together.