Silent Whisper – Chapter 19

Rano disconnected. She was angry at the foolishness of her daughter. She felt Geet was giving an open invitation for Maan to fall for any girl who shows compassion. She was scared for her daughter. If by Geet’s doing Maan loses his patience and leaves Geet, Geet will suffer most. She has fallen badly for Maan but is taking him too much for granted.

*********

Geet has come to a realization about her missed chance. She refers to it as her love, while her mom labels it an obsession – but regardless of the name, one thing is clear: she will not let Maan slip away from her.

Next day – Maan was having tea with his family, in his typical middle class family environment. 

“Bhai – hats off to you! If someone wants a crash course on being a Biwi ka gulam, I’m sending them your way.” Vicky chuckled at Maan. It was just some good ol’ family teasing. Maan totally expected this. Vicky and Dadima wouldn’t miss a chance to poke fun at him, especially since Geet wasn’t with him.

But Maan was totally enjoying the family banter. They’ve always called him out on who he really is, but this teasing feels like a breath of fresh air because it shows the realness of their relationship—no pretenses, just the way things are.

“Vicky!! Your bhai is back after such a long gap, this is how you talk” Maan signaled his Mom to let it be. 

“Vicky – you can keep laughing at me but first set up some goal in life”

“And what did you get by setting up big goals in life? You can not not even convince your queen wife to visit your small home. Actually you know, it’s not your fault. If your business has started running well, then why don’t you get at least a 3 bedroom apartment. I know it is not possible for her to stay with us but at least she can visit for a day or two. She is nowhere wrong in not coming here. If you can’t buy a bigger house for her, why should she lower her standard to come here?” Poured Dadima in frustration

“Dadima, you know why I can not be extravagant.”

“No, I do not know and don’t want to know about your fake goals.”

“Dadima – just one chance is all I need. Phir woo sab….” “NAHI CHAHIYE!!!” scolded Dadima

“Bas ker Maan. Stop ruining your life. Waise bhi biwi ka gulam hai, then what’s the problem in joining her company. Hum sab ki jindagi to behtar hogi”

Maan went to Dadima and hugged her “I know you love your Maan so much. Aapki baat ka bura nahi lagta. I know you are scared I will not be successful. Meri haar se darti hain. You are scared that your last hope will also be shattered. I won’t let it, Dadima”

Dadima turned her face away, a strong woman who masked her profound pain and love behind her stern words. She was striving to make the most of the scarce joys life had left for her. Yet, Maan understood her deeper. He gently reached out, noticing a tear forming in the corner of her eye, a silent testament to her unspoken sorrow.

“I will replace these tears with pride.”

“I am happy the way it is, Maan. Maybe you should stop chasing after an impossible mission and consider actually leading your life. Look at the wonderful life you’ve been handed—a beautiful wife and a decent position in her business. It would be wise to use your passion to grow there, rather than clinging stubbornly to this grand vision of what you think it should be.”

“Dadima, you want me to do this, join Handa Group?No, I know what you want and I will give you what you deserve”

They were having regular family discussions and tussles of views on life when Maan received Geet’s call. The change in the color of his face and there comes whistle from Vicky

“Hmm Geet” and Maan stood and left from there

“Brooo.. Sahi hai. Geet Handa’s husband – what must that feel like? Getting calls from Geet Handa.. Nasib ho toh aisa”

Sandhya hit him on his forehead “She is your bhabhi”

Maan moved to the balcony “You called, at this hour?”

“Gooooo Morninggggg….Tumhe nahi aa rahi hogi meri yaad but I have been missing you as hell”

“Hmm… Good Morning!!.. I gave you a choice”

“Okay Mr.Sarcastic.. What’s going on there. Enjoying”

“Family time… sibling banter and teasing. Missing you” he plainly accepted. But the sibling thing hit her

“I am so jealous. Being a single child I have missed such fun”

“What do I say about that? But I offered you”

“Maan, are you mad at me for not coming with you?”

Maan laughed a little, “Don’t laugh and scare me.” she complained

“Why will I be mad for not accepting my out of the box invitation. Even my Dadima says that my idea of inviting you in this two bedroom house with so many people residing in it, was illogical. But I felt like inviting you, so I listened to my heart. Can’t expect everyone to operate like me. But of course, I would have been very happy if you had accompanied me but I am not mad at all. Take that out of your mind”

“Thank you for understanding my situation so well, Maan. How can I not fall in for this man?” She thanks and flirted

“Ohh.. I am blushing.” he teased back “But you don’t have to thank me. Being your husband, it’s my duty to understand and consider what you are comfortable with and what you are not. Not a big deal”

“I want to confess,” she said in a cute tone. It was Geet’s words not at all Geet Handa at this moment.

 “On phone” he laughed 

“Eagerly waiting for you to be back. “

“Bye” “Bye” and they disconnected. She wished a day will come when he will end the call with an ‘I Love You’ instead of ‘Bye’

Geet felt so relieved talking to Maan. She called her Mom so that her Mom can chill. She knows her Maan, he does not make fuss on childish matters. There is a reason that Geet Handa has fallen so hard on this man. He let her be herself. But her Mom again asked her if she talked about what the occasion was.

“Mom, that is not needed. I didn’t go with him and I wanted to make ensure was not hurt. I feel  asking about the occasion when I did not go there, makes no sense”

“Do you want me to tell you what the occasion is?”

“Mom, no. I am not going there so no use knowing about it”

“You are scared that knowing the occasion would compel you to go there, right?”

“Mom, what diffence will it make if I know. I will not go and stay in that house and staying in the hotel will hurt Maan further”

Rano was very angry at Geet but she still thought to explain to her to avoid making the big mistake.

“Staying with your family should not be that big a deal  but if not that you can land directly on the occasion venue” But Geet was not ready for it and also she had a very major meeting for new collaboration in the coming days. She can not risk avoiding that meeting for some family function. The new collaboration will give her a new breakthrough which she can not risk.

“Mom, I really have major business work”

“Okay fine. Your dad and myself will be there at the function as we have been invited as well.”

Her mom disconnected but then Geet had been thinking. Why are her parents invited? But then, she can not keep lingering on something that she was not ready for at this time.

There was a new major collaboration in line and that is something she needed to bring her focus into. Life will not give her this chance again and again. This is one chance to shut up everyone. This mega venture is knocking at her door and she will not let it go in any case

******

New Delhi – Defence Colony at ‘The Chadha’s Bunglow’

Sanjeev Chadha patted and fixed the suit of his son, Dev Chadha, the most eligible bachelor of the country.

“Dev, we delayed in taking action but it’s never late if you bounce back into action the moment you get the chance”

“I am ready Dad. The only hinch is, she got married before we could execute our plan”

“But see your luck, Mohinder Handa found a middle class husband for her and it is not only rumor but fact that they have not entered into a relationship” 

“I am wondering what must be the idea behind selecting that middle class struggler  for her”

‘The reason is simple, Mohinder Handa wants his daughter to be in power of his empire. The middle class husband can be given some good position in the company but power will always be in the hands of his daughter. While the other men from top business families will eventually merge Handa Group with their business and his daughter will never retain the position that she is in. The reason he never approached us for the alliance” Explained Sanjeev

“Anyways, We know what collaboration we are going for. This collaboration with Handa Group, we need to make Geet Handa cherish this collaboration. She is excited for this collaboration and we have to make her feel indebted for this great collaboration”

“Go son, win it”

********

Geet was eagerly preparing for the important meeting ahead. This was her chance for a grand collaboration that could be the biggest achievement yet for Handa Group. She couldn’t wait to surprise her parents with the amazing news once the deal is sealed. Until then, she was excitedly keeping this thrill to herself.

The exclusive arrangements were made in the five-star hotel meeting room by Handa Group to warmly welcome Devendra Chadha. Geet thoughtfully ensured that everything remained discreet from the office, as she wanted the exciting news of their collaboration to be shared by her personally. This partnership would not only bring great opportunities but also silence any doubts from her rivals.

Devendra Chadha – strikingly handsome, tall, and impeccably dressed, he stands as one of the most sought-after bachelors in the country. His appearance radiates affluence, and every detail speaks to his meticulous grooming.

Geet confidently stepped out of her car, her striking red pencil heels perfectly matching her chic red formal mini skirt. She paired it with a luxurious gray silk top and a bold red blazer that accentuated her style. With her ponytail neatly tied back, she wore dazzling diamond studs in her ears and a bold swipe of red lipstick, completing her powerful look.

Devendra Chadha observed her from a distance, exuding an undeniable allure. She was dressed to impress, embodying both beauty and intelligence. Clearly, she was meant for someone of his caliber, not for the ‘Nobody’ that was Maan Khurana, the middle-class man.

Geet entered the main hall of the hotel where Devendra Chadha was waiting for her with his bodyguards

Geet forwarded her hand towards him as she approached 

“Welcome Mr. Chadha and apologies for making my guest wait”

“It’s worth waiting for a beautiful intelligent woman. No apologies for that. But being called as ‘Mr. Chadha’ from such a striking, beautiful and intelligent lady makes me feel old. Come on Miss Handa, I am still a bachelor, you can call me Devendra or even better – Dev”

“Well, not just a bachelor but one of the most eligible I must say. And I can see why people say that. “ she played along

“In that case, please do not make me feel old. Call me Dev”

“Okaayyy hhh.. Then you can call me Geet as well. But remember, I am a married woman” She smartly reminded him.

“Well, I can say, I missed a wonderful opportunity”

“Come, let’s go in”

The following five-day schedule has been blocked for both Geet Handa and Devendra Chadha. Devendra proposed a comprehensive review of each matter in collaboration with their business management team, alongside legal and financial advisors. If things worked out positively, they were aiming to finalize the agreement on the fifth day and seal the deal.

Geet approved this approach. Devendra Chadha is a prominent figure who has prioritized this collaboration by setting aside all his other professional commitments. Given his entire week to this partnership, Geet recognized and showed due respect for his commitment by agreeing to his approach of finalizing the deal on fifth day, if things works out as expected.

First day, it was a completely formal meeting with all business discussion but from the next day onwards, along with business meetings some informality in the form of business friendship was introduced.

By the end of the final day, Dev and Geet became very good friends. The collaboration was sealed and a new deal of friendship was also made. Dev took her for the friendly dinner, where they talked about family.

Dev talked about his parents, siblings, grandmother etc. Geet had her parents and her husband to talk about.

“Don’t get mad but I had no idea that your husband is actually part of your life. I mean, I am very happy that you have such a thought of a relationship and you actually do not care of him being from the middle class. And by saying so, I am not showing your husband down” he lifted his hands on guard

“Shut up Dev. in five days, I have known you enough, to know you think differently than the general crowd”

“But who can imagine, Geet Handa being okay with such an alliance. That’s great but still curious, were your prepared for it”

“No, actually I was not.”

“Hmmm.. I see, was not… means now you are.. “ he acted teasing but the blush that covered Geet’s face at the mention of her ‘nobody’ type husband, burned Dev

“If you don’t think I am getting more into your personal space, let me clarify, I am just curious. What changed your views”

Geet blushed at the mention of Maan. She had actually started missing him so much by now that this tease about him was bringing butterflies in her belly.

“He is unique, simply unique” and Dev Chadha did not not like that compliment at all. No way is he going to compete with the middle class, Maan Khurana

“Unique, I see. If someone can make Geet Handa blush, he definitely has to be unique. I would love to meet him one day”

“Not as a business alliance but as my friend you can”

Dev smiled but from within was irritated to the core. Dev Chadha, the appointment of whom is not easily achievable has to meet that ‘Nobody’ on condition.

“You bring him at our collaboration launch party, will meet him then”

“Sure”

The new deal was sealed and with that deal, Geet took a couple of days break to surprise Maan.

Dev’s work was done. He had to get Geet Handa in this deal before her husband or parents return from that function. Now, even if Geet Handa tries to get out of this deal, she can not. Though Dev had another plan. He was not here for a legal battle with Geet Handa, he was here to win this game in a way that even if she loses badly, she will never know she lost. 

***********

In the meanwhile in Mumbai – The whole week was a family week. Though Maan can not stop his work, still working and being around family was relaxing. 

Then on Maan’s birthday, his mother has made the tradition to do Hawan on his birthday. Maan was 10 years old, when he had fallen very sick and had been in bed for a month. Though medical treatment was going on, when Maan had shown no improvement in two weeks, she had done rigorous prayer for fifteen days, with minimal and plain meals. She had promised that once he recovered , she would do Hawan on his birthday every year going forward and distribute foods among the poor as much as their economic capability allowed. Later she would throw a small party for him. Compared to Geet’s grand stature, it will be counted as a very small party but within the family’s economic capacity, she tried to do as much as possible. It was his mother’s belief and wish and Maan can never deny her this.

Now that Maan was a married man, she wished him to sit for puja with his wife. She was not liking that Maan sit on Hawan without his wife but as Geet has not come, Maan had to sit alone. It was not for society but for their married life that she had wanted Geet to be there.

Rano and Mohinder had made it to the temple. Rano, being a mother and finding out the reason for the tradition, can feel what Sandhya was going through. 

Geet had not simply missed Maan’s birthday. She had missed her right of sitting beside Maan as his wife. And above all, Maan was sitting alone there. He was not affected but Sadhya felt the empty place and Rano could feel her feelings. 

People around were making talks and Rano and Mohinder witnessed how silently and elegantly the family ignored the society talks on this topic. They felt the difference, Maan was always by Geet’s side whenever she needed him for his presence in her society.