Intezaar – Scene 8 (Last Chapter)

He wanted to shower her all the happiness in one go. 

“No Maan, patience. Take it slow and keep giving without expectation. She may never love you back, she may not be available to take your love, you have to wait, wait for her to give you time so that you can shower your love and care to her. Intezaar hi tumhari sazza hai’

Geet had been delaying, taking time, talking with everyone but how long could she do. They will start doubting she was avoiding going to him. And then all questioning eyes will go on him because they all knew with what a ‘diwangi’ she had been waiting for him each day. 

So at last when it was quarter to 11, she bid good night to all and forwarded towards their room.

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

Geet opened the door to find Maan with a file, but he immediately kept the file aside and turned his attention to her. Very clearly she knew, he had been waiting for her and was just going through the file in her wait.

He got up to get closer to her “I will go change” she said crossing him

“Change to something lighter” he said behind her as she moved past him. Geet did not say anything and moved to take her clothes for the night while Maan moved forward to close the door. Geet got her nightgown and moved inside the washroom, avoiding to turn back and look at him, knowing he had his eyes fixed on her. Geet closed the washroom door behind her and slumped herself on the ground, letting her tears loose to take its path down her cheeks.

How torn she felt between her own heart, which one side was dying to be enclosed in his strong arms for which it had waited for a whole year and the other part of it felt pained seeing him in her vicinity. He had broken her fragile beautiful dream of being in his arms by the story of his trying to form a relationship with the other woman. How could she ever love him now knowing this marriage was the burden on him to such an extent that he was ready to explore other equations, not even giving one chance to this one. But her faith, her heart on the other side did not want to ponder on his deeds. It wanted to enjoy his proximity, and was asking her to be positive that he was back and not only ready for the relationship but openly confessed that he loves her. 

It strongly argued that he just tried but didn’t make any relationship. So why is she denying her long awaiting wish, ready to be fulfilled for something that did not happen.

And his being around her, doing things for her only made her weak. Just one day and she was getting weak. Not knowing what to do, she stood inside the shower, letting the water wash her confusion, which eventually did not happen. Still torn between her desire, long wait and pained broken heart, she changed into a pink satin gown, with  lacy thin straps to hold her shoulders. He is expecting something and one side of her heart is badly wanting to do what he is wanting. Also, does she have the guts to deny him and disrespect him?  She made her hair, glossed her lips and sprayed  fragrance, she placed the robe to cover herself and got out.

Maan on the other hand changed to his inner vest and  loose track. He was in a dilemma. He had a bad urge to take her in his arms. He knew that was one way he would be able to convince her how much she meant to him and how much he was in guilt.  But will she think of him as a selfish man who is trying to be close to his beautiful wife after hurting her. Showing her his husbandly rights. No, he doesn’t deserve her nor do he have any rights to her. But how will he heal her if he keeps the distance? She has longed for him and he wanted to let her know how desireful she is.  Keeping distance will  make her even more lonely and not help her heal.

Beshak – he will not forgive himself nor will encourage her to forgive him but then how can he not make her experience the love and life that she has dreamt with him. She deserves to live her beautiful dream and it was his duty to make her experience it.

The washroom door opened and Maan’s eyes went on his beautiful wife. She looked like a dream. Maan took a deep breath as he got up – Maan, it’s for her not for you. He warned his fluttering heart.

Geet stood  there, her feet as if glued to the floor. Maan moved to her, Geet kept looking at him, her heart beating fast. How stupid and shameless she was, she thought. Instead of asking him to stop on his way, it was eager to be in his arms. So many days, she had dreamt of this day, how can she break her own dream like this. 

Maan stood exactly opposite her, his own heart not with him but he held a calm look. He lifted his hand and placed his palm on her cheek, his eyes glued to her face. Geet lowered her eyes, what else could she do. There was a pool of love in his eyes and it could drown her. But along with it his story of betrayal surfaced. Maan placed his index finger on her chin and lifted her face up to meet his. He wanted to show her how much she meant to him, how desirable she was. He did not deserve her but that does not mean he will not let her know how special she is. Maan curled his finger on her curls

“Beautiful,”  He said, completely mesmerized by her. Geet could say nothing as if her voice were stuck in her throat. Neither could she say how handsome and charming he looked nor could she ask him to keep distance.

Maan bent and picked her in his arms and carried her to the bed. This was so beautiful, she wanted to enjoy it but she couldn’t, instead felt stupid to be in his arms without a single resistance. Damn!! Why was she a slave of her wishes for him?

Maan carefully placed her on the bed and sat opposite her. Things were getting out of Geet’s control

“You are handsome, beyond imagination handsome but….”

“But that doesn’t make me eligible to deserve the precious like you. I don’t want to claim you Geet but please allow me to show you how special you are”

 Geet looked down and Maan placed his hands on either side of her robes , Geet closed her eyes, Maan slid her robe from her shoulders through her arms

Geet turned her face, various sensations filling her but she held her fists tight. No she cannot hold him and hug him, that would be giving her trust to him and she could not. But she also cannot stop him, it was simply not in her.  A year of her love and waiting for him was weighing above his deeds. 

Maan completely slid her robes from her and placed a soft kiss on the softness above her bulge. No, he cannot let her burn in pain of his betrayal. She deserves love and he will give her. She can think low of him for doing so.

He placed another kiss on the other side – ohh she was so so beautiful. Maan laid her on the bed and placed himself beside her hovering over her. He caressed her face, looking intently into her eyes .. ohh how alluring everything about him was, her heart was captivated – her husband was so near her, almost on top of her, his hands across her body, uff how she had dreamt of  losing herself in him, submitting herself to him. So she will not be able to stop him, but again,it was not coming as her submission. She was not able to submit to him. Maan moved forward and bent to place his lips on her eyelids one by one. Geet’s heart was dying to hold him tight and be consumed by him but painful as it was, she was unable to do it. Her painful heart did not allow her to find comfort in him.

Maan kept placing soft kisses on each spot of her face, attempting to drink her pain and replace it with the feeling of love and belonging, only if he could. Maan went down, placing soft kisses on her chin and down her throat. The desire took over Geet, even though she was hurt and hesitant, but being showered with kisses from the man one had been waiting for.  Though she kept her hands tight by her side but could also stop him. 

Kissing her down, he placed his hand on the bare skin of her shoulders to get off her straps. Geet burned with the feel of his hands on her skin. Damn, why was she so hopeless in love. He momentarily stopped there, ensuring he was not forcing himself

“Geet, I have never experienced something this beautiful. I can’t believe I am so fortunate to have you in my life and equally unfortunate to lose your love.” He placed the kiss above her cleavage, making her jump with sensation

No – her mind scolded her. With this pained heart how can she give herself to him

“I want to sleep” came from her lips and Maan who was completely lost in her immediately moved away

Geet turned the other side, Maan went close to her back facing him, wrapped his hand around her waist tight, pulled her close to him and closed his eyes. Geet slept with tears slipping silently through her eyes. This was love and it was complex. One cannot deny it nor could accept it right away.

A week passed by this way, Maan just kept finding reasons to be around Geet, do things for her. Even though she tried to avoid him, showing her indifference to his acts, he had to keep going. What else could he do? He has broken her beautiful love filled heart. She was happy away from him, in his intezaar. He has come and destroyed her dream. Being around her would only slowly ensure her that he was hers, completely hers, his life was for her. She needed to know, irrespective of her being able to love him back, he will be around her, whole his life, without any expectations.

At first she tried to stop him from doing so but he ignored and made sure to be around her. He ensured to pick and drop her to university, and would take her for small outing places on their way back home. Geet talked minimally or say, she just answered in Yes and No , while Maan simply did one sided talk. Actually completely opposite to themselves with the rest of the world where Maan mostly talked minimally and was known for his ‘hmmm’ and ‘unnn’ while Geet talked in detail. 

At home, no one noticed  this very soon, as Maan would be jovial and talk about their day, talk about Geet, Geet would smile and then get busy talking to everyone. In Fact they were all happy that Maan fully accepted the relationship and he seemed very much in love with Geet. They felt relieved. Siblings and elders also started teasing them now. 

While at night, Maan would take Geet in his arms and shower all his love on her ,pouring his heart to her. Geet could never stop him and the barrier kept breaking in the night with Maan showing Geet the dreamy world of his love. In all this, while Geet never stopped him, she did not put any effort from her side. 

At night, as Geet would come to their room, mostly pretty late, Maan simply pulled her in his embrace. Very well knowing that she intentionally did come late. But her never pushing him away, gave him the hint, at least she was not repulsive  of his touches. He daily started their intimacy with baby steps, first holding her in his arms for a long time, after feeling her softening and slowly melting he would start with placing soft kisses over her satin or silk material, whichever she had on. After placing innumerable kisses, filled with soft love, he would start making his lips make contact with her skin, her nape her cheeks, cupping her face, he would take her lips and pour his love. His hands would start working and soon her clothes would be down on the ground, Maan would himself undress himself and be available for her while he filled her with desire as his hands and lips showered her whole body and soul with his love. Maan never got the love back from her, he never got to see how passionate she is with his closeness or how much she wants to touch and feel him. But he took it as his punishment for hurting her, breaking her dream. Deep down did his heart yearn for her reciprocation?  Of course, how can it  not? He had fallen for her, his  wife, beautiful inside out, how could his heart not yearn?  But he learned to keep his own wishes away and it slowly went deep within his habit to keep his yearning inside him. 

A month passed by this way. Geet now learned driving, of course this was Maan’s initiative. One, because he thought it was needed for all in this era and second this was one way where he could spend more time with her. 

Maan’s break was over and he rejoined his new project. Geet strictly asked him to stop dropping and picking her. She could either drive herself or the driver could drop her.

But as more days passed by, family started  observing  the difference.  Maan would keep doing things for Geet but they could see Geet’s indifference or reluctance. They were clueless of what the matter was?

Days just passed by, their physical relationship went to the next level. It would be filled with passion, though it was just from Maan’s side. Geet didn’t stop him , she couldn’t deny his closeness or was it that his continuous shower of love and care was seeping within her but also never participated in showing her love to him. But Maan had realized she needed his love. He ensured to be by her side in all ways. 

Maan introduced Geet to his friend’s group, showering full love and respect to her in front of them. He confessed to being so lucky to have her in his life and that he had done nothing so great to deserve her. Geet would just smile. He ensured her respect was restored in his friend’s group and ensured that if they talked to her or about her, it was with all respect.

Six months passed this way, with Maan’s one sided love and care showering on his wife.

Maan’s birthday was approaching and all siblings and family wanted to celebrate his birthday in a grand way. But due to Geet’s health not being well for the last few days, Maan declined to celebrate it.

“Uff, Maan, we will take care of Geet but let the siblings do it for you”

“No Mom, you see how down she is feeling and she won’t be able to enjoy it. Let it be, we will do it next year”

Sanhdya and others had wished that Geet would come out and force him to celebrate  or she herself would take initiative for his birthday. But they knew for whatever reason, Geet never took any initiative for Maan. They wondered if their relationship was going in the correct direction. But Maan was so happy and Geet never complained, what could they ask?

“Ek baar Geet se toh puch le”

“No Mom, she is not feeling well. I don’t want anyone disturb her.In Fact, I am taking her to doctor” 

“Hmmm, we have been caring for her all the while when you were not available”  Sandhya, just said it casually as that was the past days but it hit Maan hard and guilt again surfaced. 

“I will take care of her” she assured him further

“Yeah, but I will get an overall checkup done.”  

Thus Maan’s birthday arrived after a couple of days. The day was silent and he had been in the office the whole day, checking on Geet’s health. 

In the evening, when Maane entered he saw the hall was decorated  and Geet was there as well. He did not like his family troubling her for him, especially when she was not well.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!” they all shouted as they saw him enter. Geet stood there looking at him, a slight smile on her face.

Maan ran to his mother “Mom, I said we can escape my birthday, phir yeh sab kyun”

“Now everyone wants to wish you. I asked Geet and she is okay with it. Well, she has a special gift for you”  she said, teasing him. 

Why is everyone so super excited ? They are just forcing his birthday on Geet. He immediately went to Geet

“I am sorry, I don’t  know why they dragged you in all this. It was not needed, how are you feeling” he asked in one breath, concern all over his face

“I am fine. Happy Birthday” she said and handed him an envelope. He could see a very slight blush on her face. It was a very faint blush but for Maan it felt like everything. 

“What’s this?”  He asked, curious

“Dekh lijiye khud hi”

“Gift.. it’s gift for you from Geet” said everyone from behind. What was this excitement for?

Maan opened to see the medical report of Geet. What was there? He read carefully..

“What??” he looked at Geet

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!” the whole family shouted

Elders pulled Maan toward Geet “It’s all my fault, how could I not guess”  said Sandhya. But witnessing Geet’s less involvement in Maan’s related stuff, they had no idea that the couple had moved ahead in their relationship. News was a happy thing but more relieving for them was knowing that the relationship between them is fine and has taken the next level.

Maan looked at Geet, all worried. He wanted to jump with happiness but if Geet is disturbed by this then he will do as she wished. It would kill him but he will not move ahead with this against her will. 

“Congratulations!!’ she said in her soft voice

“Congratulations to you too” he said but his heart was beating fast. Was she happy or not?

After the birthday celebration, Maan was in his room, pacing for Geet.  As she entered, he rushed to her “Geet, come sit”

After they settled on bed  “Forget about all, you tell me are you okay with this pregnancy”

“Why won’t I?  I will be a mother, this being my first child, why do you think I will not be happy”

She confirmed and he was relieved. 

After that whole nine month, Maan was there at Geet’ service 24*7. He did not let anyone take care of her. He had to take her to the doctor, to yoga classes and all  big and small. things.

Geet, simply let him do all for her. She would be looking at him many times. When he asked what was the matter, she would just nod her head. Maan didn’t know what was going inside her head.

Months passed by,

Maan was  pacing outside the ward and could here Geet’s loud cry of labor pain in Khurana Hospital

“Mom- Tayiji, please go and check on her”  Maan requested them, very sure she must not need to see him at this hour

“Yes, Maan. Keep calm, we will go. Let the nurse be out”

Nurse came out “Nurse, can we go and check on her. She need us” asked Sandhya

“Ma’am, she is shouting for her husband. Mr. Khurana, she needs you only. Just chanting your name”   

“Me?” Maan asked, thinking he did not hear  correctly – she needed him.?

“Yes sir, only you. She is just shouting for you

Maan rushed inside “Geet” and ran to her, holding her hand tight. Geet tightened her hold on his palm “Maan, don’t go anywhere. Stay with me”

“I am Geet, I am always there with you” 

“Aaaa… Maan” again the pain wave went up. Maan held her tight, hugged her, she held him tight. Maan was surprised how Geet held onto him so tight, not even letting him move.

Then, the doctor and nurse asked him to move aside as.

“Mr. Khurana, you can go out now. We will take care”

“No, I want my husband here. Maan please don’t go”

Maan could not believe his ears. Did he mean so much to her? He had lost the idea of even imagining that she would even need him or openly ask for him.

“Doctor, please allow. I won’t interfere. I can’t leave this place if my wife need me here”

They discussed among them and it was Khurana hospital, who could stop him

“No interference Mr. Khurana, you can stay”

Maan stood at the corner as Geet cried, shouted, only his name. His heart was dying to run to her but the doctor and nurse had taken over.

The baby came out with the wonderful cry that filled the room with happiness.  

“Baby girl, Mrs. Khurana”  Doctor moved to handle the baby to Geet. Maan was dying to rush to Geet, see how she was doing and then see their baby. But he stopped himself. Let her enjoy the baby.

“Hold your baby Mrs. Khurana”

“Hand my baby to my husband first,”  Geet said, looking at Maan.

Maan was confused. For a moment his heart sank, was Geet not happy with the baby? Did she do it all for him?

“Maan please, aapka haq hai pehle isse dekhne kaa.” 

Unbelievable, Maan looked at Geet, who for the first time looked at him with pleading eyes. He spread his arms and the doctor handed the baby girl to him. 

Maan kept looking at the baby when his eyes landed on her. Smile on his face only broadened and Geet was just looking at him

“She is your mirror. I want her to be exactly like you”

He handed her the baby. Geet smiled as her eyes went on her baby. Motherhood automatically comes to women once the baby comes out of their womb. She placed the baby to her heart and closed her eyes to feel their part

“Ours, so pure”

 She looked at Maan “like our love. Like your love for me, so pure” Geet had tears in her eyes

Nurse took the newly born to the Nursery. 

Maan immediately sat down to wipe her tears “How can you say my love as pure, I have tarnished it” Geet placed her fingers on his lips

“Bas.. abb bas kijiye. Now our daughter has arrived in this world, she is a symbol of your love for me. I want you to be a proud father”

“How can i be a proud person in anyways Geet.. I have hurt her mother by cheating on…”

“Shhhhh… “ she placed her finger on his lips

“Kis baat ki itni sazza de rahen hain khud ko. The mistake that you just wanted to do but could never do. Jo galti ker bhi nahi  paye, uski sazza de rahen hai.  Yes, I was hurt, hurt of  you thinking and trying to cheat on me. But no one was there to stop you, still you could never do it.  You were not able to do it because you could never cheat your wife. That is the person that my husband is. “

“Geet, you take a rest. You have just delivered, you need rest” he started getting up. Why was she trying to forgive him? No, he does not deserve it.

But Geet held his wrist “Please, I have been trying to say it for so many days, no months. Today, this pain has given me strength to say it all. Bolne dijiye na, please”

“Geet”

“Shhh…” she placed finger on his lips. Maan kept blinking with this gesture of hers. He had never imagined that he would get this Geet, at least for this life. He could not deny her, so he settled her properly

“Maan, we are human, we can fall into the trap of momentary emotions and you 

were powered by such emotion of revolt.  But you are punishing yourself for the fault you just wanted to do and never could do… wohh bhi itni sazaa. Who does that in this world? The love that you have showered on me, it has filled my heart with so much love that I don’t even know where that hurt has gone. No, not gone, it has evaporated and disappeared in the air and blown away by wind. Now all I feel is your love. You have filled my life with so much love, it’s unimaginable love. It is much more than whatever I could even dream. All around, my world is filled with your love. Even if I try, I don’t feel that hurt. It’s non-existent in front of the immense love that you have showered on me. It is way beyond the love that I had dreamt of.  I am sooo lucky to have you in my life”

And her tears trailed down her cheeks. Maan immediately wiped her tears

“No, I am lucky to have you in my life. I am nothing special, just a normal human who made blunder and tried cheating on his wonderful wife”

“Yes, you are that normal human, who has the capability to be happy in showering love to his wife who never reciprocates your love. You didn’t care at all for yourself. Kaise ker liya yeh sab aapne?” I am sorry Maan, I took so long to convey this to you. Itna sataya maine aapko.”

“No, don’t you ever say sorry to me. You are making me even big sinner”

“Bas, stop it now. You have no rights to defy the love that I have felt from you, cherished from you. Haan, I could not tell it before, daar lagta tha, itna suder sapna tut na jaye. I so wanted to secure this love that I felt my saying a word will break this dream. But I am confident now, this love of yours is so strong, nothing can take it away from me”. 

She cupped his face between her palms, closed to him and pressed her lips on his, giving him a deep passionate kiss.  Filling his heart with her love, ending his Intezaar.

Nurse entered along with Sandhya and Maan;s aunt and new parents separated. Sandhya saw that blush on Geet for which she had been waiting for long.

Their baby girl whose arrival was the answer to everyone’s Intezaar was named -Tarana . Melody which symbolizes the end of log wait.