Dheere Dheere Se – Part 24

Couple of days passed and work pressure increased under Maan’s wing with a couple of new big projects. He didn’t get time to talk to her.

It was Thursday and some relief for them. At least Geet was somewhat free today. Her boss had kept today as a meeting free day, which gave Geet some time to catch up on leftover work. And while going through, she luckily found some information

“Geet, tu Jhalli hai, Jhalli hai.. Puri Jhalli hai”

She looked up at her Babaji “Thank-you Babaji for letting me know his birthday is coming. How did it never come to my mind”

“Idiot, you say that you love him and you were about to miss his birthday”

Geet was pacing in the room

“But what can I do for his Birthday. And will I be able to do well enough? His status is so high, what can I do with little”

“No no Geet, you are insulting sir. Sir may like you or not, but he does not think of this status and money thing. This you should know by now. He respects you with whatever you are.”

She was still pacing “Yeh sab toh theek hai but what do I do. Why does my brain not work when it’s about him? He has so many ideas to surprise me but me.. Kya karoon, Babaji”

“Just two days… kya karoon”

“Knock knock” Geet turned suddenly hearing his voice

“Ji… ji sir”

“Geet .. Geet” he showed her his palm to stop her on track. Still in her momentum she was about to hit him but Maan held her by her arms

“What’s the matter? Now which train did you miss?”

Geet looked at him“Miss nahi kiya maine. I remember. I mean, I just found out now “ her brain was not working. She had no plan and he was in front of her already. But she wanted to book his time

“Sir woo Saturday..”

“Geet, yes that’s what I came for. Did Pari or Pinky or Sam already tell you?”

“What?”

“Geet Saturday my friends are throwing a party for me. I want you to come to that party with me.”

The plan was already made? She got delayed? 

“Your birthday party” she looked at him and he could see her eyes glistening with tears

“Haan.. Geet, now it’s my birthday party. You are sad” Geet nodded her head in No

“No no sir. She wiped her tears. I am sorry sir”

Maan went and closed the door and made her sit on the chair and took the guest chair for himself.

“Geet tell me clearly what happened? Your uncle Aunt said anything”

She nodded her head for No. 

“Sir, I am the worst fiance you could have got”

“Will you leave it to me to decide what is good and what is worst for me. What is making you sad”

“I am not sad. Your birthday is coming sir and”

“Leave my birthday. Will you tell the reason for these tears?”

Geet nodded for No.

 “Noo?… Gee-eet!!!” 

“I will come to your party” Geet was so frustrated with herself. He does so much for her and she could do nothing

“Fine, don’t tell me. I will decline the party and sit here till you state your reason” She knew this akkdu would not leave

“Sirrr…Why are you so stubborn”

“Wow.. who is talking? Anyways, let us both be seated here”

“I am not sad …. Just…”

“Just angry at myself. I just found out today that Saturday is your birthday. When I should have planned everything for your birthday, I am getting invited by you on your birthday. Kya sochte honge aap mere bare me” Maan took a breath of relief 

“Geet, it has just been couple of weeks, we have been engaged, it can happen, how would you know all about me” 

She fears if it is the same with him. But he doesn’t love her, so it cannot be a big deal for him.

“And these are very minor things, doesn’t matter to me “

“No no.. I am the worst.. I should have planned a surprise for you but I am so late…”

“Geet you thinking of surprising me is enough for me. I really feel special. Itna socha tumne “

Geet was sad, he doesn’t have much expectations from her.

“Listen, if you really want to do things for me on my birthday, you can. Something that will give me more happiness than the surprise “

“ So you know beforehand that my surprise will not be special. Dekha, koi umeed he nahi aapko mujhse”

“Geet -why do you take my each word in negative? I mean to say, you can surprise me even now plus you can fulfill my wish. The fact that you want to really do something for me, makes me feel, kuch to khas hoon main tumhare liye”

“Sir, why are you saying that? We are engaged, why won’t you be special”

“Okay, tell me, will you fulfill my wish on my birthday. You don’t say No to anyone on their birthday”

“Sir, not only on your birthday, I will try to fulfill all your wishes anyday.”

“Good, be prepared.”

“Sir, your party is in evening, right”

He neared her and looked into her  eyes “Night party. Do you trust me with it?”

“Sir, I will be there. But you and the night party?” 

“Thanks. You will get to see the other side of me. Will you start disliking me more then?”

“Sir, why are you saying that? How can I ever dislike you? Sir please…”

“Okay.. okay.. So ready for Saturday night?”

“Yes sir.. But sir, can I get your Saturday day time? I am not sure what I will do but  I will…”

Maan smiled “I will be there to pick you up. Be ready by 9am”

She nodded okay with an innocent smile adorning her face. Well these were the things she did to take his heart away. What magic does this girl have?  Maan left. A different kind of happiness hovering over him.

Geet was smiling for hours, not being able to understand why she was not able to stop her silly smile.

“Geet, he simply talked to you, like he does daily. What are you blushing on for?” she scolded herself

Pinky gave responsibility to their receptionist to make reservations at Jazz Bar for Saturday night.

“ These are the details, make the reservations and let me know when finalized”

“Sure ma’am “

Aarti, the receptionist was making reservations when Sasha passed by and words went into her ears. Well, others passed too but they did not stop hearing the mention of ‘Maan Khurana’. 

She stopped there at the pretext of reading the magazine

“Yes, it’s a birthday gathering. We need the seats to be reserved”

“Yes, I understand the bar will be open for all but your reserve the stage for pre booking and seats as well”

“Yes, you send the details, we will do the payment”

“correct, on cake we just want – Happy Birthday Maan”

“Hnn hnn, book the premium package for dinner menu”

“Okay, let me write down the details – Name –  Jazz Bar, start time 10 pm, … “

Aarti kept the phone and saw Shasha ma’am standing there 

“Ma’am, do you need something? Did I make you wait?”

“Yes.. wooh. Yes, that Manali meeting. Did you make Mk’s and mine reservation for that project meeting”

“Ma’am, Geet is taking care of it. It is Maan sir’s project. Geet takes care of it”

“Hnnn hnnnn” she said irritated, hearing Geet everywhere in Maan’s project. Well she will ensure that she is there , a head architect who accompanies MK and not that non deserving Geet. 

These behenji type girls make innocent faces and come close to these high class men.  She has invested years to come close to MK, has not been able to be counted in his core friend group yet and this girl is moving way fast.

“Ma’am, do you need anything more”

Sasha came back from her journey of thoughts.

“Unnn.. you were booking some party, what was it for ?”

“Anyways, leave it. Why do I need to know “ Sasha acted as if not interested but was definitely planning to bump to MK there in the party. She cannot miss being part of such a party for MK and increasing the informal bonding with him.

Geet was still lost in their conversation and smile hovering her face

“Well what are you blushing over? This is office, what happened to make you blush in office .I guess it’s your fiancé and not your boss”

Geet immediately stood hearing Shasta’s mood spoiling words.

“Ma’am, it’s my fiancé. Just had a talk with him”

Sasha was relieved 

“ Fine, fine. But this is an office so control your emotions. I am happy you are invested and so much into your fiancé.

“

“Maam, do you need anything?”

“Yes, Manali Hotel project, did you make the reservations “

“Yes Ma’am, we are all set for that”

“Then why did I not get the ticket reservation confirmation?” Geet was confused, why would Shahsa Ma’am get the confirmation

“Ma’am ticket will go to sir, right”

“Geeet, I get it. But if I have to travel, should you not send me the copy” Geet was still confused

“Ma’am, sir asked me to book only his and mine tickets. I have idea that only we both are going”

“You are going with MK? Really Geet.” Shasha’s voice raised

“I don’t get you ma’am” 

“You don’t get me. How low are you getting day  by day? You are going to Manali with MK. You convinced him of that. What is the use of secretary in the project meeting”

“Ma’am what are you saying, I don’t understand”

“What I am saying, you don’t understand. Tum jaisi ladki ko main achche se janti hoon” she held Geet’s arm and shook her in her anger.

“Shahsaaaaa!!!” Maan roared for them to notice Shasha’s loud voice has gathered people around

“Everyone leave,” he said to the employees. Karan was there too. He stays there as Maan looked very angry

“MK!!!”

Karan pushed the door to slightly closed the door

“What do you mean by tum Jaise ladki. How dare you say that to Geet?”

“Mk you don’t understand this type of girl”

“This type of girl?? Shasha, last warning from me.You are not allowed to talk in this tone with Geet” 

“Why MK. Aisa kya jaadoo ker diya isne”

“There can be many reasons but first and foremost, she is my employee and I won’t let anyone insult her. I have immense respect for Geet and I won’t let anyone insult Geet.”

“Sir, let it be” Gee interrupted and Maan gave her an angry look

“Geet come sit” Karan made Geet sit as Maan was dealing with Shasha

“This is actually the last warning Shasha. One word from you to Geet and I will not only terminate you but file a case against you”

“Mk, for this girl? I have been working with you for years. You are not seeing how this girl sweet talked you into taking her to Manali with you?”

Maan looked at her confused “Manali? But why will Geet sweet talk me into taking her to Manali? And why are you shouting at her for that reason?”

“Mk, you don’t understand why she should want to go with you? When it should be me who should accompany you”

“Why would you want to accompany me in Manali?” Maan was confused. Karan shook his head at his dumbo friend who had not yet understood Shasha’s intent.

“But to let you know, Geet was not ready to come to Manali. It’s not her but I had to plead with her to come with me. It was not easy to convince her but at last she agreed”

“Why would you want to take her?”

“Do I need to tell you that? Shahsa you are crossing all limits now. But just because you are falsely raising a question on her,listen. I need Geet there because she has spoiled my habit. She takes care of all my meetings and all official work so smoothly and second client has specially asked for Geet’s presence and not yours”

“Client pressure, neither she was understanding nor you understand. “

“But MK”

“Shasha, enough now. And this is in reality a last warning, any blame on Geet going further, I am not tolerating. You are a brilliant architect and a good friend so I am leaving you with a warning this time. Going further please do not expect linency”

“Sir app..” Geet got up but Karan made her sit down “Shhh.. Geet not now. He is very angry, it can come on you and then you will be sad again” Karan said in low voice

Shasha left. She cannot leave this job. She cannot leave Maan and the high profile position that she has here, she will not get this in another company. Also, Maan is growing this company at jet speed, she cannot leave at this juncture. Anyways, she will not give up soon. She has to win back Maan.

“Shasha, why do you overreact? That girl gets all brownie points in front of MK. In fact she had to do nothing, MK was doing all the talking for her. And that Karan, he was with that girl all the time. That day even Sameera was with her. What smartness does this girl have? All MDs behave with her as if she is their close ones, their friend. No Shasha, you have to play smart now. Keep your temper in control or else whole office will start thinking low of you when that girl is playing all smart”

In anger Maan turned to Geet “And you…”

“Sirr…”

“Geet” Karan signaled her to stay quiet. Maan in anger will say something unintentionally and hurt her again

“Maan chal.. Hogaya” and he pulled Maan out, signaling concerned Geet that Maan will be alright 

In Maan’s cabin, all friends were gathered to calm Maan down

“Damn this Shasha yaar. Anyday, I have a good conversation with Geet and I am able to uplift her mood, Shasha has to spoil and rinse all my effort.”

“And what were you about to do, again shout on Geet” scolded Karan

“What do I do? This girl listens to her Uncle and Aunt at home and Shasha here. Why does she have to take everyone’s word? And mine, a single word from me she has to question and fight”

His friends were smiling

“Wow you all are smiling. Did I say a joke?”

Pari laughed and came to him “Maan, Geet is smart and decent. She knows how to handle people and she has been handling Shasha very well and at home her relatives”

“Yes, by listening to them, right?”

“Fark nahi parta usse, she ignores them” explained Sam

Maan turned to Sam “Aur meri baat? She has to question each word of mine”

“Kyonki idiot, fark parta hai usse” she hit his forehead

Adi in his calm way came to Maan “Maan, tu khas hai uske liye. You are special, don’t you understand”

“You know what, we can ask Geet to not shower all frustration on Maan because he feels hurt. She should be patient with him like she does with others and keep all her pain within her. “ Pinky suggested

“No, not needed.” Maan jumped in immediately 

“It’s between us, we can handle things among us” They all widened their eyes and lifted their brows 

“Among Us!!!” Pari and Pinky said in unison

There was knock on the door and they saw Geet with two cups in her hands

Pari signaled her in. Geet came in and seeing the whole lot there

“Sorry, I thought Sir may need coffee. I had no idea…”

“Calm down Geet. We are just leaving” said Sam

“And we know you both have relation beyond this boss and secretary and you both need time together” teased Pinky

They laughed and left the two dumbos alone.

Geet forwarded him the coffee and took her own cup of tea

“Geet”

“Sir” they said in unison. Maan took a deep breath

“Nahi tumhi bol lo pehle”

“Sir, the way you talked to Shasha ma’am, you were little more rude”

“Really, that’s what you have to say? Geet I am surprised and confused with what you are and how your brain works”

Geet twisted her lips “Now he will shout at me for giving suggestions. Haq kya hai mera” she murmured but Maan heart

“I can hear you. Budbudane ki jaroorat nahi hai. And why will I shout on you” he fought back when due to her words he was actually about to put some sense into her head

“Shasha ma’am doesn’t like me, she just says anything. I don’t mind her because I don’t care”

“You don’t care about her is fine but you should care when someone is talking about your character. She was very wrong and I did right by stopping her, no arguments on that Geet”

“Per gussa toh kam ker sakte hain. I feel restless seeing your anger”

Maan looked at her. What did she mean? Does his anger affect her? Means, does he as well affect her?

“Geet why don’t you tell me what you feel for me. Am I assuming things or do you really…” Maan thought in his mind

“Okay, I will try not to get angry. The only thing is, I cannot help when I see people insulting you like this”

“Why sir? Do I affect you? Itna maine rakhti hoon main aapke liye? Or is it just a concern for your fiance? Why do I feel there is more to it than just your concern? Am I assuming things or do you really…”

“Sir I should leave” Geet said in low voice

“Hmm..” Maan nodded