Enduring Fragments – Part 7

“Would you want to return to your casino life?” he again asked, as if talking about normal business. It was so straight, no feelings attached. It gave pangs into her heart.

“No Maan, never”

“Are you sure? I witnessed you enjoyed that life” 

“I just want to be where you want me to be. You took me out of that hell, I owe my life to you for that”

“Fine. You may leave now” and he closed his eyes to completely ignore her presence. Geet left at last, absorbing him for one last time.

**********

Geet had no idea where she was being taken. It was an extremely exclusively designed jet, looking like a dreamland. Ranjan had his private jet as well. She had accompanied him a couple of times on it. But it looked much mediocre compared to this one which showcased  affluence and class in all the ways- It was highly custom designed and  exudes luxury, wealth, status, and sophistication. The jet had a lavish lounge, a plush bedroom, a dining area, an office room, and several other exclusively designed spaces. Every piece of furniture was embossed with the golden monogram of KE, reminding her that everything here belonged to Maan Singh Khurana. The intricate lighting system, the exquisite decor, handpicked paintings, and the effortless finger-snap controls of even the tiniest lights — everything around spoke of how outrageously rich Maan was, and beyond the league of her thought. 

In these ten years, which height has he taken himself and where has she dragged herself down. The distance between them was not just of years — but of worlds. She, in no case deserves the place beside him and he was very clear to show her that. She was just like a baggage here, to be transported somewhere and nothing more. He simply ensured , through his people, that she was there, other than that, even in the same jet, the vast difference in status could be seen.

He was seated in the lounge, sipping his drink, eyes fixed on his work . Maan was in his casual. He lounged comfortably on the long-running plush seater, the style and power effortlessly radiating even in his relaxed state.

Divya sat on the opposite similar seater. She kept talking and he responded with a slight nod once in a while. 

In between was a fancy uniquely designed glowing white table, elegantly holding drinks, books, snacks, and handpicked decor. Luxury and class just oozed out. At the far end stood a sleek bar counter with a reception desk like setup.

Geet was seated in the four seater arrangement in another section at the far end. The two sections could be separated with a sliding door but it was open as of now. The seats and table arrangement here was not less posh but it was for formal talks and work. Geet had no one to talk to but various business magazines. Business never interested her. And now specifically when he was in front of her eyes with another girl. She preferred to check out Maan and his body language as he had his focus on his laptop while also nodding once in a while to Divya. None even once looked at her side, as if she was just there, no existence. Of course, seeing where Maan has reached, her insignificance was natural. She saw an attendant serving drinks to them and Maan saying something to her. Next the sliding door closed and all her entertainment was gone. Looking at Maan, drinking everything about him is what Geet wanted to do but  for him, she was just a girl found after ten years. Her continuous ogling did not go well and thus this slider was pulled to cover her view.

Her Maan, who could do anything for her, did not leave her side even for a moment. He was crazy -she laughed remembering. How he walked with steps backward by her sides

“Maan, what is this way of walking? It’s irritating me and you can hit a stone or something. “

“Ohh… this way, your pretty face in front of me all the while as we walk. What can be better than this? Aur tum ho na… you will never let me get hurt”

She had hit a book on his head – you are crazy”

“Yes, I am I am I am – for you.” “Bohut masti kerte ho Maan. walk straight”

“Masti lagti hai tumhe… yeh diwangi hai meri” Geet had tears in her eyes. It’s her Maan there, behind the slider, with another girl. So much distance from her own Maan. Her heart ached. She wanted to tell him – “Maan I am yours, all yours” but now the time has reversed. He was nowhere hers. 

The lady asked her “Do you want something?”

“I am getting bored sitting here. Can I take a look around this jet?”

“Okay – let me find out” The lady was back after five minutes. 

“Come, I will give you the tour” Okay – he gave the permission. Geet looked at all the rooms behind the slider door, the dining area was so elegant – with a damn eight seater beautiful dining set and exclusive crockeries . There was another room, with a comfy single bed and small dining arrangement there. Such cute setup

“You have been assigned this room for the trip. Whenever you want to rest or take a nap”

“Hmm” Geet nodded, realizing she was kept at maximum distance.

She was then taken to the elegant golden stairs which led to the upper level with private rooms – for families or closer ones. No- the distant one like her.

Geet didn’t miss that the landing beside the stairs was the grand lounge where Maan was seated with Divya. The area was covered with heavy long curtains. Hmmm.. so before allowing her the tour, his privacy was ensured.

Her Maan ensured privacy from her. Well that’s what she has earned. She deserved every bit of it.

Geet tried to avoid imagining them in the privately enclosed area but Divya’s moan didn’t help her, only raising her heartbeats with anxiety .

“Damn Geet, it has been ten years and he has clearly moved on. You are nowhere to be seen in any scene with him. He must have his girlfriends, girls in his life , in his bed. That’s his life – with you nowhere so stop imagining any kinds of rights on him. You don’t have the right to even feel the pain of this” Geet scolded herself, tried hard to remind the reality to her heart but heart never listens to mind. Restlessness continued as she stepped to explore the upper level.

On the other hand, Geet’s presence there definitely was affecting Maan. He had thus ensured that she be kept as far as possible and given minimal importance. He wanted his heart to behave just as his mind wanted but however hard he tried, this man of control felt out of control in her presence. Maan was not liking this. He was hating getting affected by her. She does not deserve his attention by any means. She meant nothing to him and he has to prove it to himself. He was out of her life and she was out of his life. It’s his old feelings for her that is trying to hold the thread. No – he has to break it.

He then looked at Divya – well she was the girl crazy about him. Why is he holding himself for the girl for whom he meant nothing. Yes, if she didn’t trust him in such matters then he actually didn’t matter to her. And why is he even bringing her to the comparison. Divya is the one. He has learnt from life – it is good for your health and heart to bring into life the girl who is crazy about you and not the one you are crazy about.  

His parents are now done with his running away from the marriage. And Divya’s father is his business partner and a minister. He has trusted Maan and helped him get the tough projects. And Divya being crazy about him, this time it was not a random girl by his side. Her father has come with an alliance and this time his parents have warned him and given words for the alliance. 

So now, when Divya came to Maan, he decided to not push her away. This was his chance to show his loyalty to Divya as well as prove himself that he was not a fool to be waiting for a girl who had nothing to do with him. 

He had seen her, presenting herself to men on the table. It was very clear, she had no qualms in going to bed with them.

So many things going on in his mind, he pulled Divya in his lap, tore her shirt and madly kissed her all around her cleavage. Divya was in cloud nine and thus her moans that Geet’s ears witnessed.

Maan was madly kissing Divya, more as therapy to forget the girl he had been ignoring. But as Geet took steps to the upper level, Maan could not ignore her steps and lastly he was unable to proceed further, just like all previous times.

“MK” Divya moaned when he stopped. But Maan could not proceed and retreated back

“You are not just any girl, we will be tying knots. I think we should know each other in  more ways than just physical”

“MK, really? I am the one?” Divya’s Dad had ensured her but hearing it from MK she was on cloud nine

Divya was all blushy. “I remembered some work”

He tried to excuse himself, slightly irritated for not being able to proceed.

“Okkayyyy” She took his shirt and got on herself, giving him the naughty smile. Not in mood to engage further, he shook his head and let her go with his shirt on her.

Geet was admiring the luxurious bedrooms on the upper layer. She turned to see Divya standing there in Maan’s shirt –Only. 

Geet’s heart burned. Yes, she very well knows she has lost all rights to him but who will explain her selfish heart, which was still possessive. 

“What are you doing here?” Divya demanded instead. Geet did not answer. Seeing her in Maan’s shirt was burning her heart and she did not have in her to talk decent. Better say nothing.

“Hey you -I am asking something. What are you doing in this private area”

“Maam, she just wanted to see the jet. Sir allowed so I was giving her the tour”

By that time Maan appeared with bare torso and casual sleep pants on bottom. 

What’s happening here?” He demanded an answer when his eyes went on Geet who was looking at them both. 

Maan recalls her possessiveness back then

“Geet, you show too much attitude yaar. Mere pyar ki value hi nahi tumhe. If you don’t know, girls are after me. That Shruti of your class – her looks to me are so inviting. If you show more attitude, I will..” and before he could speak further, she started hitting him from her book and her fists

“Geet-Geet stop yaar”

“You will… what you will do.” and she kept on hitting him

“Geet sorry yaar, stop it” Geet stopped but held his collar tight and pulled him to her. Real anger in her eyes

“Don’t ever dare to even think in that direction”

“Baby, chill. Was kidding jaan, you known I can never imagine anyone other than you”

“No, you irked me and you should know what happens when you irk me like this. We are not spending this weekend together”

“Jaan no, please”

“MK – Why is this girl roaming in our private section?” Divya brought him back. His eyes went on Geet’s tight fists. He turned away and looked at the lady

“Can we get our privacy back? Wrap this up quickly” 

“Sure Sir” and she signaled Geet to follow her.

Maan watched Geet walking down in quick steps and closing the door or her single bed cabin.