Silent Whisper – Chapter 26

“Geet, stop dreaming and stop your obsession. He harbors no feeling for you anymore. The more you dream the more painful it will be”

“Mom-dad, if you want to discuss on that then no use talking.”

It was a Wednesday morning in Khurana Mansion. Maan was touring Australia for a month, traveling between the two countries. Vicky and Annie had already gone to their offices.

Vicky was responsible for managing the company’s finances in collaboration with Aditya, the Chief Financial Officer of their investment sector, who operated from Australia. Meanwhile, Vicky oversaw operations in India and was required to undergo comprehensive training under Aditya’s guidance. Although Aditya maintained oversight of Vicky’s work, Vicky has demonstrated significant growth in both maturity and responsibility.

Annie was leading the media center for the organization under the guidance of Mr. Lakshya Shankaran, a highly experienced professional. Mr. Shankaran served as the head responsible for overseeing this initiative, while Annie was designated to collaborate closely with him. SDK Enterprise is on the cusp of launching a social networking application focused on entrepreneurship, investment, and finance, in addition to taking control of a national news channel.

It’s been three months since they moved back to India, and Sandhya’s been thinking about how much things have changed for them. For Rajendra, Maan got the funds for his treatment, and now he can actually walk on his own. Maan even set up office space for his dad—one in the head office and another at home. He has access to everything, so he can keep an eye on things and chip in whenever he wants, or just use it for his personal stuff.

That day, Sandhya and Savitri Devi were hanging out at home, just chatting about some home decor ideas and a social event they got invited to, when suddenly the landline in the hall rang. The ladies kept chatting while the attendant answered the call and got the details.

“Hold on, let me ask.” The attendant spoke on the phone.

“Ma’am, a female at the main entrance is there to meet you”

“Meet us?? Who could it be?” asked Sandhya to Savitri Devi

“I do not remember that we had invited anyone to meet us today. What’s her name?”

“Who is she? No one is scheduled to come here today.” she passed on the information to the security

Attendant noted the information from the other side, “Fine, hold on.”

“Ma’am – she identifies herself as Geet Khurana. She states that she is a family member and is here to surprise her family.”

“Geet!!!!” Sandhya looked surprised at Savitri Devi

“From when did she become Khurana?” came out sarcastically from Savitri Devi

“Tell her we are not home.”

“Maa, we can’t lie or escape from her. We should at least hear her out.”

“Don’t you see, Sandhya, that Maan doesn’t even want anyone to bring her up, and yet here you are, trying to act all ethical in front of a girl who hasn’t even bothered to meet us face to face when Maan actually stayed with her?”

“I know Maaji, and while I do not wish to warmly welcome her, I see the some potential in this situation. We don’t know if she has come for a formal divorce, which can actually benefit Maan by providing a clean break without any fuss. He can offer her whatever alimony he thinks is fair . He can then have a chance for a fresh start for himself. It can be his opportunity for liberation from this lingering relationship.”

“And what if she wants to claim her rights as his wife. I have high chances of that, now that Maan is so established and his status in society is way above hers.”

“If that is the case, it is important that we have a discussion. Should she go for legal action or make the matter public, Maan will encounter an additional issue that will need his involvement. I want to avoid that scenario. So, let us have a conversation with her and make things clear”

“Hmm…” sighed Savitri Devi

“That is the reason I always wanted the divorce to happen. But Maan was too busy.” Complained Sandhya

“Okay, let her in,” said Savitri Devi

Geet was really hoping they’d let her in. She’s never met these folks before, and now she’s supposed to call them family—like, the ones she totally ignored when she had the chance. That’s on her.

She knew Maan was away for a month, and this was her time to connect with them before he returned.

And when she was asked in, Geet gave a quick prayer

Geet felt a twinge of skepticism as she stood at the entrance. Both ladies were merely staring at her, and it was hard to ignore the sharp, strong features that seemed to run through the Khurana lineage—her husband’s family.

“Can I come in?” she asked, attempting to stir up a conversation, her voice low and controlled, though tinged with a hint of nervousness.

“You are already in,” Came the sharp words of Granny.

“and without an invitation,” she added further

Not welcoming words gave Geet a clear hint of the challenging path ahead. “Anything for Maan,” she resolutely affirmed in her heart.

“Maa ji,” said her mother-in-law, gently comforting the granny. “It’s alright, someone a little soft and sweet is here,” Geet noted in her mind

With a bright smile on her face, Geet stepped in, her heart soaring with excitement as she entered his house. Her house – she reminded herself.

“Come sit,” offered her mother-in-law. But before Geet could absorb the welcoming gesture,

“We never expected to see you. What made you come here?” Sandhya added.

Geet understood that the journey wouldn’t be easy, but she was determined to see it through.

“I am Maan’s wife. Why would you be surprised to find his wife in his own house?” Geet questioned, attempting to sound confident, though her insides churned with anxiety. No one was on her side in this—neither her parents, nor his family—and she knew he’d be the toughest obstacle to overcome.

“Maan’s wife,” Maan’s granny said, rolling her eyes and grinning, taunting her about claiming to be Maan’s wife.

“Yes, we are still legally husband and wife.” claimed Geet

“So, just file for the divorce; Maan will sign it without a second thought. He’s utterly done with that relationship,” Grandma declared.

“Dadi ji, I’m asking for just one chance. I understand that I’ve made mistakes, but please believe me, Maan knows how deeply I love him.”

“Maan knows he was an utter fool to believe otherwise. And ‘Dadi ji’! You never bothered to meet us back then, did you? You ignored our function that was specially organized for Maan, all because we were beneath your precious status. Now, suddenly, you want to shower your ‘love’ on him and us – only after Maan has built this facade of wealth and luxury.”

Geet could sense – granny was on fire. She simply hated the thought of her. It would be impossible to get chance from her.

Geet went near Sandhya and sat in front of her, on her knees, taking her hands in her

“Aunty – I mean mom – One chance I need. Your son loved me, and I am here to fill Maan’s life with love. I promise to learn all I can to be a good daughter-in-law. You will one day love me, I promise you that, because I love Maan more than my life. Bachchi samajhker ek mauka de dijiye, please”

Soft-hearted Sandhya found herself at a loss for words. Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Maan would absolutely despise this situation. After all, he had worked hard to detach himself from this girl. She really didn’t want to risk bringing storm into the balanced life of her son’s life, especially after all the effort he had put into achieving his success.

“Please take your seat properly,” Sandhya said, feeling uncomfortable

“Listen girl,” Granny took her attention. She knew how soft Sandhya was, and this girl was too stubborn

“Your case is laughably simple; even a fool could see it. When he was struggling, you treated him like he was nothing. You didn’t care to wishes or needs. Now that he’s riding high with success and status, you suddenly want to be back in his life. You have no qualms about dropping by uninvited. Yet during those times when he actually reached out to you, invited you to his functions, you couldn’t be bothered to show your face or directly decline his invitations… You think we’re idiots. There’s no bond between us. So stop trying to be innocent.”

“Dadiji, I understand how it might appear, bit I genuinely acknowledge my past mistakes. My only purpose for being here is Maan. I love Maan deeply. Please give me one chance.”

“Maan doesn’t love you, Geet. Let it go, move on, because he has. He is in content a space.”

“He is in a content space, I will give him a happy space. Please mom”

“She is not your mom.”

Geet was determined not to back down. Savitri Devi finally called Vicky, Annie, and Rajendra, confident that this girl would finally understand that the entire family is united in telling her – she has no place here, nor in Maan’s life.

When Geet met each member of his family, she quickly realized the challenge ahead. None seemed to appreciate her presence or wanted her there. Although their dislike varied, one thing was clear – none cared for her. Living among them and gaining their approval felt nearly impossible. Still, Geet knew she had to try. She wanted to truly be part of his life, fully embracing it, which required acceptance from his family.

In all cases, now she knew these people were her family and an integral part of her life with Maan, and she had to win their hearts. And to do that, she has to start living here.

After, they all tried to shoo her away, discouraging her – she could not give up as that was not an option.

“I am Maan’s wife, and if Maan wishes to end our marriage, he will need to file for divorce, which I will never agree to. I will keep requesting you all, urging you all until I am granted the right to stay here.”

And she left, declaring that she would be coming with her request every day.

After she left, they were all left thinking about what to do next. Seeing her for the first time after their marriage and claiming to be the lawful wife of Maan and planning to stay here had moved them all.

Many things about her caused them pain. It was difficult to bear that, during those days, she hadn’t taken the time to get to know them, not even as acquaintances, never paying them a visit or extending an invitation. This left them feeling low in the eyes of society.

And now, just when they thought they had finally settled with peace in their lives, here she comes again, to once more stir up controversy and chaos in Maan’s and their world. They were truly regretting the day they said yes to this alliance. Maan had always been skeptical about it, yet Sandhya had agreed.

Anyways, what to do next was the question

“What do we do now? I do not wish to trouble Maan with this news while he is on his important business trip,’ declared Rajendra.

“Yes, he is on a very important trip, and hearing this news, he will rush back home. I cannot let this girl take his attention in any way. We will handle her,” added Sandhya

“Just ignore her”

The next day, Geet showed up again. They just brushed her off at the gate. Her bodyguards and the mansion security couldn’t do a thing without a green light.

“Mom, it’s been four hours and she’s still just standing at the gate. What are we even supposed to do about it?” asked Vicky.

“Just ignore her.” Declared Savitri Devi

Maa, Maan has not yet divorced her. If it comes out that we have made our daughter-in-law wait on the gate in absence of Maan, Media can twist things. and it will not be good for Maan

“She is no daughter-in-law and Maan can handle those media very well” argued Savitri Devi

“Yes, but it will again be strenuous for him. He has worked hard to come out of it. We do not want complications once again” Raj stated his concern

“Sandhya, did you talk to her parents”

“Yes. I had to. They said, they explained her but she is not listening. She wants to prove her love for Maan, win him back”

Sandhya went to the gate to talked to Geet.

“Go away Geet. If you really love Maan, you will leave. He is at peace; your presence will take it away”

“Maan appears to be at peace; however, it is also possible that his life lacks vibrancy, leading him to merely exist to support his family. My only wish is to fill Maan’s life with love, and I am aware that his family plays a significant role in his life. All I ask is one opportunity.”

“Why now?”

“When did I leave him? Never. Yes, I was wrong, my ways were wrong. But I always loved Maan and will do my whole life. I want to complete our incomplete story”

“It’s getting late and dark. You should leave” Sandhya said and left.

Geet left as well. She will be back again in the morning. She knew she was looking like a stubborn and fool doing all this. But if she gives up now, she will never get entry into Maan’s life. Once she gets an entry in the house, she will do everything in her capacity to win Maan. They have to give her one chance to let Maan know, how much he means to her. Maan thinks he has been fool in this relationship. She has to tell him, he has been a winner and she the loser. He has won her heart and she has lost her heart as well as his trust.

For next two days again, Geet kept standing for an entry from dusk till dawn. Khuranas were falling apart. They didn’t like making her stand like that outside the house. Maan has not given her divorce and her asking her rights cannot be completely declined. Though she was wrong all the way but this was not right as well, the way they were doing.

The fourth day again Geet was back and it started raining heavily. Geet did not move from the main door. Her bodyguards gave her umbrella but she refused.

“Is this girl mad or what” Savitri Devi was angry witnessing the scene from the gate.

“Maa, she is mad or not, I am not sure. But what we are not doing is not correct as well. After all she is legally his wife.” called Sandhya

“Vicky” Sandhya called out

“Yes Mom” Vicky came out.

Sandhya, looked at Savitri Devi “Maa..”

“Let her in. Now Maan will deal with the matter.” finally Savitri Devi ordered.

Vicky rushed to get her in.

Geet was standing at the door of the main hall of Khurana Mansion, about to step in, her heart beating fast. Finally, she will share home with Maan.

“Wait” Ordered Savitri Devi. Geet halted

“Due to her stubbornness, she has made way inside the premises. But she will stay in the outhouse. This is Maan’s house and Maan has borne a lot due to her. This is the place where family stays and she is not our family.

So, only if Maan accept her as his wife and allows her in his room, she will be allowed to stay in this house. Till then she has to stay in the outhouse. If she has problem with this, she can leave.”

“Dadima, bhai will never accept her in his life.”

“I know. So, she can stay in the outhouse as long as she wants. The day she will get bored, she will herself leave and this drama will end”

“I will stay in the outhouse. I just need a chance to gain Maan’s trust and love again.”

“Maa, let her in the house. We will later decide of her staying arrangement. In haste we do not want to do anything that our heart does not agree or at that we regret” Rajendra placed his point

“Maa, I think Raj is right. We cannot repeat the mistake and behave the same. We know, she has no rights here ethically. But she is here as Maan’s wife. We will let Maan decide but till then it’s not a good idea to send her off in the outhouse”

“And you think Maan will like to see her here?” questioned, Savitri Devi

“No, he will not. But I will leave it on him to end this properly this time and not leave this issue open ended”

Geet was quietly standing and listening their view on her. They did not hessite to show her, how much she was not needed. But still in all this, they did not behave with her the way she had behaved with Maan. Even in hatred they are taking her in the house and she, when she claimed that she loved Maan, she made him stay in the lower floor. Everyone’s anger on her was right and she will work hard till she fixes thing and make place in each of their hearts.

Geet was given a decent room in the other corner of the house. The room had nice view of the garden, with all facilities and exquisite furnishing and elegant bathroom attached to it.

Geet observed – not only the whole house was done with exquisite taste but it had warmth of family. Geet was wishing to be part of this warmth, but the cold corner that she earned, and the way none had any soft spot for her, mingling into that warmth was a far away thing. And she knew it.

Geet settled in the room. Now, she was doubting her decision of almost forcing her way here. She had to take each step to come closer to them. Even though physically she has come closer, she has only pushed them a step further from heart.

“It’s been three years; how slow can I possibly go? God – I know I did mistakes but I am ready to correct everything. I want to be part of Maan’s life in all the ways”

She gave a quick prayer. She was dying to be in Maan’s strong arm, feel his protective hold, his lips on hers…. ohhh how beautiful it had felt when he had taken her lips in his, his fingers on her body when they had come closer.. damn, everything about him. The thought of being with him and near him, filled her whole body with the sensation. But she knew – the path to that warmth will not be easy.

Two days passed – Geet was in her room, she was being called for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They were so uncomfortable with her presence that they paused any conversation among themselves as well during her presence. They were not rude as they didn’t talk among themselves and ignore specifically her but they were completely silent, even with each other and talked as much was needed to pass the bowl etc.

Geet felt wrong. Her coming has brought coldness in the house which she guesses was filled with warmth. She has to do something. This won’t work.

She remembers, how Maan had made place in her heart by just being himself. She cannot win heart by being herself but she needed to change. She has to be completely giving to win everyone’s heart here.   Basically – she has to get involved.

Next day, when Geet was out from the bathroom, the servant stood at the door

“What would you like for the breakfast?”

Geet smiled at her “Thank-you, I would like to make my own breakfast”

****

A month passed with things happening in Khurana Mansion. Geet had been trying but nothing much progressed in her favor. Family was just waiting tight-lipped for Maan to come and end this relationship finally.

Maan on the other side had not been informed of this happening. He will leave everything and be back with the news and family did not want him to be affected by anything like this. They have to let Maan know, and he will know but once he is back.

It was already Sunday and Maan would be back tomorrow. They were planning to tell Maan of Geet before he saw her. So, they decided to give him a surprise visit at the airport itself, kidnap him and take him for a fun outing. They will then tell him about Geet. 

Maan in the other side, had his work wrapped up a couple of days before and so he was reaching home today, earlier than planned date, wanting to give his family a surprise before he hit back on office again.

So, the family gathered in the meeting room to plan on how to take Maan from the airport tomorrow.

Geet, on the other side, was in the kitchen warming her coffee. She has a plan to do some cooking and make family try her cooking. She was trying ways to interact; they were finding ways to keep away from her. Well, it’s a long journey and she has to keep trying.

Maan’s car made entry to the main gate. He was smiling, a broad grin spreading across his face as he imagined the happy faces of his family, surprised with his return earlier than expected.

“Hey all, I think bhai’s car entered the main gate” Vicky said as an alarm

“Vicky, stop joking” scolded Annie

“No, I think I saw on the security app camera “

By the time their discussion took place and they sent Vicky to stop Maan from seeing Geet, Maan had already stepped inside the house. 

He handed his belongings to Nakul, his favorite attendant, and turned towards the kitchen to get some chilled water, hoping to see his mother there.