Devil’s Den – Chapter 48

A Warm Embrace

The house buzzed with activity as Maan stood in the first-floor lobby, casually leaning against the railing with his hands resting loosely on it.

The Servants and house managers including head supervisor, Mrs D’Souza were on their toes, each ensuring the work done by their subordinates was perfect. It was not on Geet’s instruction but the boss himself. It was Maan’s invitation and now Maan has taken up on himself to see every arrangement was top notch. 

Basically, Maan was realizing that this was his chance. He naturally carried an air of authority  and attitude with everyone around him  unless he really gave them a place in life above himself. Once he considers a person or a thing is above him, all his attitude evaporates on its own.

Geet and Dadima are important to him. But now it is crystal clear to him that Geet’s family is very important to her and unless they accept him fully or forgive him fully, she will not be satisfied. It is her wish that he is included as part of the family. Now Maan is not the Maan to depend on others to get her wish fulfilled, though he has taken ownership of himself to become part of the family – Anything for his Butter, absolutely anything. All attitudes and ego are way behind her wish.

Not only was he observing the workers running around but his wife had been busy in her own world. Now, after she has compelled him to invite her family, he did and  they agreed to it as well. This has raised a new tension for her. She was busy setting up her husband’s all stuff and work zone so that he is not disturbed. Geet was scared of how Maan would actually react when everyone stayed there for a month. Will he be able to cope up with so much hustle bustle around, not for a day or two but a month. Geet was thus making a separate arrangement for him, where he can work at peace if needed.

His home office was situated in the solitude corner of the mansion. It was a separate section far away from any family affair thing like living area, dining, kitchen or even general garden outlets. Geet just had to ensure that arrangement be fool proof for him to have his focus time, if he so needed.

Though, on the other side she was excited for their visit and stay.  Geet was busy in the room when she felt the pair of hands wrapped around her waist “Maa-aan”.

“Can you stop being busy?” a teasing smile formed on her face

“I am busy, how does it matter to you” Maan swirled her in one swift move and made her face him and again gripping her in his embrace 

“You really don’t know, how does it matter to me? For last two hours I am roaming around in the huge place, and not once did you come to me”

Geet wrapped her hands around him “but how does my not coming matter to you?”

“Butter, do you really want me to show why it matters to me?” Geet asked, standing straight as she adjusted his collar and patted his shoulder with a smirk.

“Not show, just tell me what I want to hear—my ears are waiting,” she replied, shrugging her shoulders playfully.

He pulled her to him, sharply tugging her close to him “You are playing around. You know I can’t…”

“Yes, you can’t because it’s not coming from your heart” she made her face and looked upward, faking sadness

“Butter, don’t do this to me. It’s all in front of your eyes. Why are you after those three words? Do those words mean everything to you? 

”I am not after those words, you are running away from them and you can’t when I have decided you can’t”

Maan pressed her slim waist and looked at her intently “Are you not being little too over confident in front of me”

She lifted her eyes to confidently look into his eyes, smile forming a curve of her lips “Why should I not be”

Maan smiled and shook his head, enjoying the feel of losing to her. 

“I want you soon in the room” he said with a smile and left. 

The romantic, teasy interference of Maan did brighten her mood and lightened her work pressure.

Maan and Geet were waiting in the VIP members’ lounge area  to receive the family.  Her family will be shocked later, at present Geet herself was unable to understand as to why Maan accompanied her. She had wanted him to be cordial and try to mingle with them but this was so unexpected.

“Maan,  I would have come with Nakul to receive them, you do not need to take so much effort “

Maan gave her a look “ hmm, I know you don’t want me around your family . But trust me I won’t be the same pathetic one as before “

“Maan, please. You know what I mean. I don’t want you to be troubled. Don’t I know you are not comfortable with these things “

“Butter, you should chill . I am all good”

Everyone had been reluctant but Maan had booked the business class tickets for the family 

The whole family had brightness on their faces the moment they saw Geet there.  Maan stood aside for them to live their moment. 

Geet hugged her Mumma, Papaji, Veerji and then a tight one to Rajji. The happiness and confidence in her face could be seen. It didn’t look like a put up face, the happiness seemed so natural, sending immediate relief to their heart

But soon Mohinder approached Maan

“How are you Maan bete?” Mohinder asked with calm. Geet turned in surprise

“I am good. How are you all?”  “We are good as well”

“Come, let’s go. Dadima is eagerly waiting for everyone” Maan announced. Geet was looking surprised at Maan. The way he was so casually talking with them was so unexpected to her.

Brij came forward and shook hands with Maan “Welcome”

“Thank for invite and making us have some time with my sister”

“Hi Maan ji” said Rajji in low voice “He is your Jiju” Geet interrupted

“Hi Jiju, how are you?” Rajji said, still a bit  hesitant . Maan’s aura was so commanding that even in his calmest state, those around him couldn’t help but feel unsettled—unless he chose to fully embrace the relationship, allowing his demeanor to soften and melt down.

Savitri Devi welcomed everyone “Thanks for accepting Maan’s request”

Rajii and Brij bent to take her blessings

“Stay happy and prosperous. This is a family gathering, dhamaal macha do.”

Geet pulled Rajji “Dadima is right, we are going to rock. Show Mr. Grumpy how we rock” She gave a teasing look to Maan. Maan gave her a look and shook his head but deep down his heart he was happy seeing the bubbly Geet.

Her lively energy and playful nature had captivated him from the very first moment he saw her. How could he forget the day she accompanied her friend? She had shown no fear of him, nor had she hidden her excitement to meet him. That very moment, she struck a chord in his heart..  

His denial of it, combined with her stubbornness, had complicated things in ways no one would have wished for. Yet, her hold over him had always been undeniable, shaping his most intense words and actions. Now, however, he feels no hesitation in admitting that she is the girl he fell for, and she is returning—rising above all her doubts and hesitations.

Geet then guided them to their rooms. The room had been properly set up and their choice was taken care of. 

First she took Mohinder and Rano to the room for them.

“Geet Puttar, this lavishness was not needed dear. We are just here for you, this much was not needed”

“Papaji, this is my first time seeing these rooms set up for all of you as well,” she said with a smile. “Everything has been done under Maan’s guidance—just for you all. He was very clear about keeping me away from the preparations.”

“Everything is too lavish here, the beddings, sofa, decor – it’s like a whole house of ours” added her Mom

“What to do Mom, your son-in-law cannot do anything less than lavish. It is your daughter’s house. So no formality, just enjoy the stay. Mujhe paraya mat kijiye”

Rano caressed her head “He really loves you. But doing so much for us, it was just matter of one month”

“Mom, Maan is like that – He will not even give a look to people till he does not consider them as his own but the day he considers anyone his own, his family, he will go to any length to make their each moment special. He has invited you all and if he has taken upon himself, it has to be up to his standard and your comfort. And this arrangement is not only for a month – now this room is yours forever. Whenever you come here, this is your room”

Before they could say further, she left them to settle and took Brij. and Rajji to their room. 

They first landed to Brij’s room “Veerji, Your room. Do you like it?”

“Beautiful and beyond my imagination. I can never imagine I will get to stay in such a lavish arrangement. But this was not needed Geet. Really, this much was not needed” Said Brij

Geet shrugged her shoulders “I don’t know, Maan did it. You can talk to him, “Brij shook his head. She very well knew he would not discuss this with Maan.

Geet, then took Rajji to her room

“Awwww…” Rajji placed her hands on her mouth in surprise

“You like it?”

“Di, shut up. You know I can never imagine this grand and beautiful room in real life. Ohh my God Di, it looks like a dream. Definitely, you did this or you guided Jiju”

Geet laughed “Rajji, he strictly kept me away from all this. I had no idea he was doing all this. He just casually told me that I need to worry as the attendants will take care of room preparation. But that’s what Maan is – if he does take any task in his hand, it has to be nothing less than perfection”

“And that perfectionist choose my Di as a life partner”

Geet smiled and shrugged her shoulders, letting Rajji know how proud she was of the way her Devil loved her. Of course Geet wanted them to know how much he loved her and how much she cherishes his love.

“Di, I have so much to talk about Jiju and you. I mean, I can’t believe I am getting a chance once again to stay in the same home.No-No, in the palace of The Maan Khurana. Can’t believe.. OMG” Geet could see how smitten Rajji was with Maan’s aura. Yes, she had been upset with Maan for hurting her sister. But her young heart can feel the immense love that they have for each other.

“Di, will I get a chance to talk to him, one on one? I have so many things that I am curious about him”

“He is your Bro-in-law, bug him as much as you want. For now you get rested and freshen up. We will meet at lunch. I will go see Maan in the meanwhile” Rajji nodded and she left Rajjo to settle down

Maan was in his study, looking at some stats when he felt her fragrance close to him and next she was leaning on his shoulders, hugging from behind

“I love you,” she whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. Maan reached behind, gently taking hold of her arms and guiding her to stand before him. Her face lit up with a radiant smile. He gazed at her for a moment before pulling her closer, settling her onto his lap.

“So, did I do a decent job” 

“Hmmm…” she circled her hands around his nape “Let me think” she looked up, acting to think before answering

“Butter, don’t act. Tell me did you like the arrangements and did they like it”

Geet looked at him “I am not acting. I am seriously thinking. You know what?”

“What?” Maan was curious

“I am thinking, am I even capable of judging a perfectionist like you. Maan? I could not imagine myself doing such a wonderful arrangement. You are brilliant and you went beyond. Can I even imagine doing it all even fifty percent closer to what you have done?”

“Butter, you talk too much” he had a slight blush listening to his praise from her like this. Does Maan have an idea how much he has changed? How much love has changed him>

She looked into his eyes and placed another kiss on his different cheek this time

“Thank you. Thank you for everything”

Some notification popped up on his screen to take his attention

“Did I disturb you at the wrong time?”

“Never. I have tons of people all around working for me. Just something is taking my attention, I will meet you at lunch” Geet smiled and left.

That day, Maan had a hectic schedule as KE was gearing up to launch a new mega water purification system. He was personally collaborating with the health ministry on the project. Meanwhile, Dadima and Geet spent quality time together, giving a detailed tour of the mansion.

“Ohh, this is not a house but a palace. Seems like a maze to me. Do how do you remember all the path”

Everyone laughed on Rajji’s comment

“Actually she is right.” Brij said and then turned to Dadima

“But, I am very impressed by the design and architecture. I really can’t believe , my sister actually stays in this grand mansion”

“You sister not only stays here, she rules this Mansion. She is the queen of this place and my grandson’s heart. And that’s the truth” Dadima smiled as she spoke to which Brij gave her a smile back. Did his sister really rule this place? Is she really so special to Maan?

They had stayed in the Mansion during Geet’s marriage but that time it was just for marriage purposes and they were very less confident of the relationship. As of now, things look more settled and solid. Geet’s smile and confidence seemed organic as well.

They then had some talk with Maan during lunch and dinner. Maan actually had his critical project taking over his brain but still he ensured that he was available during lunch and dinner and had some light conversation, leaving Geet to spend initial time with them. Of course she was meeting with them after a few months and he can never match her excitement. He wanted her to catch up with them initially.

Next – talks and Bond