Dheere Dheere Se – Part 25

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

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

It was Friday night, a night before Maan’s birthday. He will have a long day plans for tomorrow and a little excitement too, which he was trying to ignore. It will be his first Saturday, a day without office when they will be spending a whole day together. But why is this excitement, they don’t have any special feelings for each other, they are fiancée by family arrangement. However hard he tried to make it just a normal day out on his birthday with his fiancée but his heart could stop being a little jingle within. 

He went to bed, futilely trying to push thoughts of her out of his mind. Knowing his family would wake him at midnight, he figured he should get some rest. Maan settled his head on a stack of two pillows, draped another two over himself, and struggled to fall asleep. Though his eyes were closed, his mind was consumed by thoughts of Geet—her face, expressions, moments of anger, and complaints. It was all her, everywhere in his thoughts, until sleep finally claimed him.

“HAPPPYYYY BIRTHDAYYYYY!!!” The loud, unified cheer jolted him awake. Maan sat up in bed, groggy and startled, clutching all four pillows in his lap.

“Thank you Thank you…. What yaar… you guys ruined my sweet sleep” He said, placing all the pillows back on the bed and burying his head beneath them.

“Maan Bhai, there is a real birthday surprise for you.” 

“No, I don’t want to dip my face in the cake. I already said thank you, now please go,” he mumbled, his voice muffled under the pillows.

“This is how you react to surprises? Maan, come on, get up and come downstairs,” Naintara scolded, grabbing his arm and tugging him out of bed.

Maan pulled a face as he reluctantly got out of bed. “This is my family—literally dragging me out on my birthday. Fine, let’s go,” he muttered, trailing behind.

Maan knew there was no escaping them, no matter how lazy he tried to be. This was his family—they wouldn’t leave him alone even if he wanted them to.

Maan was coming downstairs when he stopped on his track

“Gee-eeet” 

“Surprised???” Naintara teased, giving his shoulder a playful tap. It had been so sudden, such a genuine surprise, that Maan couldn’t help but show his true emotions. He turned slightly, and a small smile spread across his face. Slowly but surely, feelings were seeping in – deeper.

“You are actually blushing Bhai??” Vicky teased

“Shut up. I am simply surprised, why is she here at this hour?”

“Dikh raha hai Maan. It’s okay, -The best debutant businessman of the Year, can blush” Dev teased further. But suddenly something struck Maan them and took quick steps to reach Geet

“Geet”

“Happy Birthday Sir” She said with a smile

“You came on your own? At this hour of night?” 

“Sir, it’s your birthday. I wanted to wish you… see…”

Maan held her arm tight  

“Dimag kharab hai tumhara. Kuch ho jata toh? For this silly surprise, do you realize you’ve put yourself in such danger? Are the roads really this safe?” Maan’s voice was filled with panic as the realization hit him—she must have come this late in a taxi.

Geet had tears in her eyes. 

“Maa-aan”  The loud voice of Raj, who was coming to wish Maan,  heard Maan’s anger on Geet. 

And when he came near and seeing glittery eyes of Geet, his anger rose further

“Are you out of your mind? She has come to make your birthday special and this is how you answer her. “

“Dad, sorry. But I cannot be happy for the birthday wish which comes with risking her life. “

“It was all my fault to bring such an angel into your life. You do not deserve her. And Geet”

He turned to Geet “You were a fool to plan all this for him. I told you these things does not matter to him”

“No Uncle” “Dad” he corrected

“Dad. No Dad, please. Maan sir is worried for me”

“And we have no worries for you?” He turned to Maan

“I am a father and these two are my daughters. You think I will let my daughter travel alone in a taxi at this hour?”

Ohh that information released Maan’s panic “Well it didn’t come to my dream that it was all part of plan. I thought she just appeared.“

“Okay okay Dad. Today is Maan’s birthday. And Maan was worried for Geet. Dad, we are all here to wish Maan. Geet is here for him. Please” Dev tried to settle it down.

“Maan Sir, please” she pleaded in low voice

“Hmmm… who did you come with?” he asked in low murmur. He could not rest without inquiring everything

“Vicky. I could have come on my own as well but dad said No to it” They were busy in talks when Raj took Maan’s attention

“And to let you know Maan, Geet did all these arrangements for you. “ 

“Thanks” Maan said looking at Geet

“Yes, but you ruined it all for her” scolded his Dad

“Aap bhi na bas. It’s his birthday today” 

“Mom, let it go. I was simply worried for Geet. I am disappointment in Dad’s life. He just said I do not deserve Geet. I do not expect open arms best wishes for me. ”

“Yes, that is what you think of your Dad” 

“Maan and Raj, please” Sandhya pleaded

“Maan Sir, please. “ Geet pleaded him with eyes “hmmm” Maan nodded

“Okay Chalo chalo. Maan cut the cake. First birthday celebration with Geet” Naintara changed the mood

Maan took the knife and was standing. Geet wondered why he was waiting, when Naintara held her shoulder and placed her near Maan. Geet blushed, feeling shy to be pushed beside him in front of all

“Geet Bhabhi” called out Vicky. The word Babhi, connecting her to Maan brought waves in her heart.

“Bhabhi, in our family, when one gets hitched, they are supposed to celebrate Birthday with their better half, so you both are cutting the cake together” Geet was confused. Sandhya came and placed Geet’s hand on knife with Maan ‘Come one, cut the cake”

Maan and Geet cut the cake together. “Happy Birthday to you….” they sang the song

The feeling of being so much included in family and Maan’s life was so overwhelming for Geet

“Happy Birthday Maan Sir” Geet took the cake but was too shy to feed him. Maan held her hand and made her feed him. Well, he cannot let his siblings and bhabhs, later tease him of being shy with his would-be. 

“Thank you” he mouthed to Geet. Dev and Vicky whistled. 

Maan fed Geet and then everyone came to feed him and he fed them all. He first took blessings from Dadima, his mother and then went to his Dad and bent to touch his feet. Raj held his shoulders and lifted him up

“Be successful in the path that you have chosen for yourself. Happy Birthday. Wish you every happiness in life” he patted Maan’s shoulders

“I will be successful the day you are proud of me.” 

“You are doing great and successful. You are achieving what you aimed to be. I am proud of you”

Maan gave a faint smile to his Dad. He knew his dada was still bit hurt my Maan declining the high rank position after being a top 10 ranker

But Raj was actually sinking in the change.

“Now drop Geet” “It’s okay, I will…”  Geet offered witnessing the tension but then she looked at Maan and remembered his anger an hour back “Chalen”

Maan was driving Geet back to her home. Both were lost in their thoughts

“I am sorry for messing up your surprise. I was concerned about you traveling at night.”

“Thanks for the care, Maan Sir” Maan looked at her

“Kya bola. Thanks for the care… hmm.. Ohhh yes, I was caring for a formal neighbor friend of mine, right?… Thanks to banta hai” he taunted

“Nahi woh… ” He shook his head and kept driving

“Well Dad shouted at you. Sorry. I was the reason.“ 

“Do one thing.. Tonight go and make a long list of sorry and thank you and gift me that on my birthday”

Maan was irritated that all they do every time is sorry and thank you “Good Night” he said in anger as he stopped the car outside the thin alley to her home. 

“How will it be a Good Night for me, if you are so upset, that too on your birthday? I messed it up. Anyways, Good Night to you” she said but had tears in her eyes as she turned to leave.

Maan held her wrist and twisting it, pulled  her back in a jerk, placing her against the wall of his car

“It’s my birthday, Geet. This is how you will send me?” he asked in a low voice, softly wiping the tears in the corner of eyes

“I just wanted to make it special for you but messed up in that as well”

“Geet, I am not upset with you. I am upset with myself. I spoiled your surprise. Dad is right, I do not deserve you” 

Before he could say more, Geet placed a finger on his lips, silencing him with a tender gesture.

“Sir, don’t ever say that,” she whispered, her voice quivering with emotion. “I just get scared sometimes—scared of this unbelievable life, this family, and the care I’m receiving. It’s hard to believe that it’s all real.

You got angry with me, not because I ruined your birthday surprise, but because you were worried about my safety. And Dad—he stood up for me, like a father who couldn’t bear to see tears in my eyes.

It’s all so much more than I ever dreamed of, more beautiful than I could have imagined. Kabhi itna fikar nahi dekha… I didn’t even know this kind of care existed.”

“Geet, bas…” he said, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “I know I’m not your dream boyfriend type—not the lovey-dovey kind—but I promise you, I’ll make sure there’s no shortage of happiness in your life.

Your safety is my priority, even more than it is for you. And don’t be scared—I’ll ensure that everything you have now will always remain yours. Hamesha. Live your life with confidence, with haq. It’s all yours to keep.”

Geet nodded while Maan once again wiped her tears 

“Hmm.. so I am not like your dream boyfriend” he teased, trying to make things lighter for her

“Bilkul nahi.” She laughed, “My dream boyfriend would have lifted me in the air for such a surprise… and in reality, I faced your anger.”

“Abb aisa hi hoon, unromantic saa… you signed up for it. I warned you but now you missed the chance”

“Happy birthday” she giggled. 

“Good Night. And be ready by 6. Will come to pick you. We friends go for a long bike ride on Saturday. Tomorrow it will be Karan-Sam and us. After that your birthday plan for me and then night party with my friends”

“Drive safe. Call me once you reach home” He nodded and sat inside the car. Waited for her to reach her home. After she texted and confirmed, he left from there.

It was Saturday, 6 a.m., and Maan was waiting on his bike outside Geet’s house. Inside, Geet was a bundle of nerves. Maan Sir waiting on a bike for her—it felt so much like a classic boyfriend-girlfriend moment. She shook her head, smacked her forehead lightly, and bit her lip. “Jhalli,” she muttered to herself. But no amount of self-chiding could stop the shy, fluttery feelings bubbling up inside her.

Geet carefully placed her jhumkas, lined her eyes with kohl, and added a hint of strawberry lip gloss. Her hair was left open, soft curls gently framing her face. She chose a white chiffon churidar with a delicate golden border, aiming to keep her look simple. Little did she know, this “simple touch-up” was about to create quite a stir in the heart of someone waiting outside.

Geet stepped outside and found him casually half-sitting on the bike. Her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his look—a sleek leather jacket, a white tee underneath, and rugged, torn-style jeans. For a moment, she couldn’t tear her gaze away. He looked nothing like the “Sir” she knew, nothing like her boss.Such a boyish look!!!.

Maan stood up from the bike, his eyes fixed on the vision before him. Geet stepped out, looking like an angel draped in white. She was always beautiful, her expressive almond hazels always pulling him into a trance, but today—today she looked ethereal. Her mesmerizing beauty, paired with the purity of her white attire, left him completely captivated.

“Good morning, Sir. And a very happy birthday once again,” she greeted, approaching him. But Maan was captivated, lost in the mesmerizing vision before him.

“Good morning, Sir. Siiirrr…” she called out, trying to get his attention back.

“Hmm… hhnn hnnn,” he murmured absentmindedly.

“Sir, you’re lost in something,” she remarked, snapping him out of his trance.

“Lost???” he repeated.

“Nooo.. I am not lost, I am shocked. Geet you are impossible”

She pouted “Abb kiya kiya maine? Main kuch bhi kerloon aapko acchee nahi lagti”

Maan “Geet, what did I tell you? We will go biking, right? Waise mujhe tumse itni hi samajh ki unmeed thi”

“Sir, today is your birthday, so I can’t fight with you. But that doesn’t mean you can…”

“Chhh chhh…” he interrupted with a laugh. “I’m going to make the most of it. It’s not every day I get to enjoy a fight-free version of you.”

“Sir.. you are so childish”

“Mumma bhi aise hi bolti hai” automatically came out from his lips

“Ji…” Geet giggled 

“Geet!!!” But Geet kept giggling and a smile automatically formed on his lips.

“You are not at all looking like a boss today, so stop acting like one.”

He handed her a packet with a playful smile. “Hmmm… go change into this,” he said, then passed her another box. “And wear these too,” he added, revealing a pair of stylish biking sneakers.

Geet changed and came and stood beside him – She looked so damn cute. It’s not that he has not seen her in jeans and a top, but this one in a biker dress, she looked so raw and beautiful.

“Now, do you plan to stand here the whole day? Sit” Geet tried sitting with her legs on one side

“Geet, is this how we go biking? Sit properly,” Maan said, glancing back at her. Geet, too shy to respond, silently got down and adjusted herself, sitting with both legs on either side of the bike.

It had always been one of her dreams—to ride on a bike with her boyfriend. But now, with Maan there in reality, his closeness, the feel of her body lightly pressing against his strong, rugged back, her heartbeat was completely out of rhythm. Flustered, she avoided holding onto him and instead gripped the back support tightly, trying to steady herself.

Maan took a deep breath “Geet, we are not going shopping. We are going on a long bike ride. I drive at speed. Hold me tight”

“Hold you…???.” “Ji”

“Why did you plan this bike ride?” she complained. Maan turned back, removed his helmet and looked at her, intently

“I want to explore us, you don’t?“ Geet had no words. What does he mean by that? Maan was so done with sorry, thank you and arguments between them, he wanted to use this opportunity to explore their relationship beyond boss secretary to would-be partners.

Geet moved her hand around his waist, thousand butterflies in her belly. He is her would-be, why is she being so hesitant. 

Maan stopped the bike before entering the highway. And then there came Karan and Sam on the bike. Sam sitting behind Karan, holding tight on him

“Woww guys looking hot” Maan commented. Geet could sense it was his anger of her being so hesitant with him and he defo got the needed result when the bikes started side by side, Geet’s hold on Maan became tight. Elated by her support and her being like a partner in front of his friends, Maan speeded the bike, leaving behind Karan

“karan-Sam, catch us if you can” and the two bikes zoomed into the quiet highway of Saturday morning.

Karan and Maan kept shouting and whistling as they took turns crossing each other. Maan was so fast that Geet actually forgot all her shyness and held  him super tight, in return boasting  Maan’s mood.

It was a complete new experience for Geet. And sitting behind her Maan Sir, like this and on bike with him as his partner, it felt so beautifully different. He was seeing a completely different side of him. Always, a very practical boss had a young boy wrapped inside him. And he looked so fresh in his biking attire.

After an hour and half drive, they stopped at the dhabba. Geet was shocked that they stopped at the Dhabba. 

“Dhabba??” she asked with curiosity

“You don’t like Dhabba food” inquired Sam

“I love it but you all…”

“This is our biker adda, come” Maan informed her

“Yes Geet. Pratha and tea here is out of the world” added Sam

“And Maan and Sam has also taught them to prepare their perfect black coffee” Laughed karan

The four settled. Maan and Karan on opposite sides of Geet and Sam. It was such a different feeling of being included in his world. It was a completely different side of him and he was including her in that. Geet definitely felt so special. She could see how Maan was trying to open up and like a perfect partner, including her in each side of his life.

While waiting for the parathas and their hot drinks, Geet and Maan’s eyes met. There was an undeniable spark between them, a quiet connection that lingered. A smile tugged at both their lips, but the moment quickly passed as they both turned away, flustered and avoiding each other’s gaze. Of course, Karan and Sam noticed it instantly, exchanging knowing looks.

“Okay guys, we will leave now” declared Karan. Sam got up and Geet started to get up when Maan held her hand under the table and looked at her. Geet blushed hard and halted her getting up.

Karan gave a fist bump to Maan “Enjoy your day man. Will meet at the club”

Maan returned him the smile

“Bye Maan. Enjoy your day. Happy birthday” She hugged him and gave a side hug and kissed him in the air. Sam went to Geet and hugged her from behind

“All yours. Aisa mauka baar baar nahi milta. Get the most out of it” she whispered in Geet’s ears. And they left

After they left, they sat there quietly for a while. 

“Chalen Sir” Geet said at last, breaking the silence 

“Why, you don’t like sitting alone with me?”

“No Sri, please. Today was one of the most beautiful morning of my life”

“Really? So, you liked holding me tight on the bike?” he teased, giving her a wink. Maan was playfully trying to push the boundaries, inching a little further ahead of the zone they were both in.

“Huuuu” Geet made a big ‘O’ shaped face and obviously all her blood rushed on her face, making it red and warm

“Sirrrr!!!!!”

“Geet today is my birthday, I want two gifts of my choice from you. Will you be able to give me?” 

“Sir, it’s your birthday. How can I say No to you for anything today?”

“Pakka?? Soch lo?”

“Sir anything.”

“One I will ask now” “and for the other one, the offer is valid only for today Sir” she warned with a little laugh

“Yes today, before midnight”

“So, what’s your first wish?”

“Okay – so my first wish is – Anywhere outside office space or where we are not in a professional set up, you will not call me Sir. You will call me Maan”

“Sirrr” “Maan”

“Sir, what type of wish is this?”

“Fine, so you decline my gift” He got up to go. Geet held his wrist from behind, took a deep breath

“Maan, ruk jaiye” Smile formed on his face. How beautiful his name sounded from her lips. He turned and hovered over her

“Phir se bolo” “ruk jayiye” 

“Baten mat banao … .Woh pehle wala, say it again” Geet giggled “Maan”he snapped his fingers and  pointed to her “This is how you will call me….. Chalen??”

Next – Shasha witnesses Maan’s second wish being fulfilled 😜