Dheere Dheere Se – Part 28

To that, she had given him a secretive smile “That one secret, I will not tell”

And unable to hold further, he had slipped his hand to the small of her back, pulled her closer and pressed his lips hard on hers. Ohh this time, even the tiny miny bit of hesitation was gone from his side and she gave in to his heated passion like melting wax.

Maan was lost in her thoughts when his cell buzzed with ‘Sheetal – Geet’s bestie’ popping up on his screen.

“Sheetal – Geet’s friend, right?”

“You have my number?”

“Yes, your friend forwarded me a few hours back. I have it saved now. How is Geet? Is is fine?”

“That’s not fair, Jiju! I get that she’ll be your wife, but that doesn’t mean you can just ignore me and jump straight to asking about her. What, am I not even good enough for a little flirting from my Bro-in-Law?” she teased mischievously.

Maan laughed heartily “Of course and I would love to be involved in flirting with such an upfront girl. I like girls who are upfront and fast, we can spice things up” he flirted further

“Well, I hope this flirting doesn’t go beyond your saali. My Geet is very precious to me”

“She is your bestie? I seriously doubt it. How can one friend be so upfront and the other one only finds her voice when she’s under the influence of alcohol”

“Wait, WHAT?! She actually spoke her heart out while drunk? And now she doesn’t even remember? And now she’s so confused!”

“Sheetal can you do me a favor? Please do not tell this to her. I will tell it all to her after our engagement”

“Okayyy, I can do this much for Jiju who has just now accepted my offer of flirt” They both laughed

Maan then got his sincere tone “She is holding things within herself. Doesn’t she trust me enough?”

“Jiju – No girl gives her heart without trust. Especially Geet, her life is not as simple as mine. No one from her family has ever given her the feeling of being loved. Maybe she is waiting for something from your side. Maybe my friend is waiting to get love from someone who does not expect it in return. She never has unconditional love. Maybe she is waiting to see that.”

“Geet is lucky to have you as her friend” Maan said thoughtfully

“I am lucky to have Geet as my best friend. Anyone who has Geet is lucky to have her. But people decline to accept it”

“Are you hinting at me?” Maan asked curiously

“Don’t you feel lucky that Geet is going to be part of you” Maan could feel the pride and protectiveness in Sheetal for Geet.

“For sure, I feel lucky. I meant regarding the second part”

“Decline to accept? You mean that part? hmmm , well it was directed for her relatives but now that you pointed it out, are you sure you don’t fall in that category.” Maan could understand Sheetal’s concern. A boy her friend is engaged to, has not yet clearly told his feelings to her.

“I may not be as good as you expect for your friend but please do not compare me to her relatives. I care of her above anything”

“I may not have a say between you two, but I sincerely wish for my friend who has only experienced sourness all her life to get an open arms love, without any inhibition and restriction” Sheetal was getting emotional. Maan was really feeling good that Geet has at least someone. Hope he is able to become one too.

“Okay- I got your hints very well. I will work to better myself”

********

The next morning, both Maan and Geet were not in office but busy on their respective sides for the engagement event the next day.

Sasha was restless unlike other few close ones who got the invite and were excited with the news and invite. 

For Shasha, after the sleepless night of seeing Maan and Geet in the parking lot of the disc, the invitation of Maan’s engagement was the most irritating news.  

Her mind was still stuck on the moment they had lost themselves in that kiss. How had she even ended up in such a place, dressed like that, tangled in a reckless liplock with him? Was this really how she had been trying to become his favorite—securing two projects from MK under the guise of a client, by throwing herself at him? MK must have been drunk, and she had clearly taken advantage of his state. And his friends? Of course, they wouldn’t interrupt his birthday fun while he was enjoying himself in a drunken state. But one thing was certain now—she would expose Geet and make her face the truth.

A girl, on Saturday night, not with her fiancé but her boss. Her fiancé must know her character. She had been waiting for Monday to arrive but today the girl went on leave and now – suddenly this invitation. 

If he was into the marriage and all, how had he not picked any of her numerous hints and ignored her advances. 

No, It must be his family. His family had always been trying to force things on him. He did not take  the profession of their  choice so they are forcing him into marriage without his wish. What a controlling family.

But she had to attend the event—MK had personally invited her. Besides, curiosity gnawed at her; she wanted to see the so-called elite girl of their profession that they were pushing onto him. MK would need his friends around, and she wasn’t about to back down. After all, it was just an engagement, not a marriage. She would stand by MK against this forced relationship. This was her last chance—one final opportunity to be close to him.

**********

Geet was busy with Sheetal to get the fruit and sweets baskets ready and then she will have to go meet Maasi and her cousins. 

“Geetu, just ignore any of their indirect showdown of yours. Don’t take anything to heart. Focus on your engagement with your Prince charming, tomorrow.”

“Prince Charming?” Geet laughed. 

“See, his mention in conversation is enough to bring a smile to your face. You will soon have him and your new family in life. So simply ignore the high talk here”

“Sheetal stop it!!! I don’t even know if he…” 

“Shut up. He is treating you like a princess. And you need to respect that by getting wonderfully ready for tomorrow’s event. Your appointment has been booked for pedicure and manicure at 7, rest will get done tomorrow. I will come to pick you at 6. Tll than do the formalities with your relatives. They should be the one…”

“Sheetal let it go…”

“Okay…”

*******

Geet rang the bell of the hotel suite and her Maasi opened the door.

“Gee-eet”

“Namaste Maasi”

“Come in. The bride-to-be finally decided to meet us. We were expecting someone at the airport but it’s okay” 

Geet smiled faintly and entered “I was busy  getting packets ready for tomorrow “

“Geet, see the whole family is here to attend your marriage” Came a male voice from the other room. Geet turned toward the voice to see her Mausa coming out

“Namaste Mausa ji. Really thank-you, that all of you have come to give your blessings”

“Yes, we had to come. I won’t let your Chachi nag that she is the only one doing everything for you. I very well know, she must have just found a random boy for you to get off her responsibility. And then she will claim that she is the one who has taken responsibility for your living. I am your Maasi, I cannot miss my duty”

Geet smiled 

“At least our presence and styling will make some decent presence in your lower middle grade engagement. But we do not think of such things. Your would-be husband will also be happy that he has such a class of relatives. “ Geet answered with a smile. 

“Congratulations,Geet Di” 

“Hi Simmi, how are you?” 

“I am fine. Just going to miss a couple of days of my ballet classes. But Mumma said that we should come or else your Chachi… you know, she will get a chance.”

“Congratulations Geet”

“Hi Nimmi Di, how are you”

“I am good. We are just here to add up some standard quotients in your engagement. What does your would-be do by the way”

“Chachi did not give details?”

“She just said he does some business. Didn’t say if he has a business of a toy shop or owns a cloth shop or owns a pav bhaji stall. It doesn’t matter anyhow. We are not expecting your Chachi to find an entrepreneur or any department lead abroad just like your Jiju” Said Nimmi

“Owning a toy shop or a cloth shop is also a business Di. All I need is a family that loves me. But I will tell you about my fiancé, he is a…”

“It’s okay Geet. Doesn’t matter. It is okay if he gives you a decent life and you get your family. Poor or rich should not matter”

Geet gave a tight formal smile “How is Jiju? Is he in New York?” Geet changed the topic

“He has his work, Geet. I came for my friend’s marriage in Delhi and your engagement came in between. Thought to attend it. But see our chance, he is coming here for the engagement of his boss. Suddenly he got an invite yesterday”

“Ohh, he will be in Pune. So will he be joining you all in the function”

“He is specifically here for his boss’s engagement. He has just joined a big position in a very fast rising company. He is not just any employee, he is a project head for the company’s New York projects and his boss has invited him for an engagement. It’s not a small thing. But you will not understand all this”

After dealing with their high talks and bearing her show down coated with their polished talks Geet finally left from there. 

“Sheetu, do I deserve him?” Geet asked with a doubt

“Shut up. This is the effect of your low minded Mausi, who thinks she is high class.”

*********

Maan had been racing in his room while his friends, his Bhabs and his brothers were looking at him

“Maan, Geet is not Nikita. And you are insulting Geet by comparing those thoughts with this event” Scolded Naina

“Exactly” said others

“Guys I am not doubting Geet. I am doubting my own luck and myself. And I am not liking the fact that we are not letting Geet know anything about my past and I fear I…”

“Maan” entered his mother from the other end

“Mom?”

“What’s going on with everyone ganging up here? Engagement is tomorrow, we need to ensure all preparations are in place and so much to do”

“Mom, Maan’s nervousness about relationship has surfaced and he is back to square one” Informed Naina, slightly looking at Maan with anger

“Naina – do not worry. I’ll talk to him” She turned to others

“Please, all of you, just make sure everything is set for tomorrow. And Vicky—you did book Maan’s grooming session, right?”

“Yes, Mom.”

“Oh, come on! I don’t need all this. My mind is already a mess, and now a grooming session on top of it…”

“Maan we know you are handsome the way you are, and not just for yourself, but you need to do it for Geet. It’s her day, and this will be a gesture to make her feel special. That you are really excited about it.” Scolded Sam 

After everyone left, Sandhya slightly closed the door and settled on the bed 

“Come”

“Mumma no. I am not a kid anymore”

“Nobody is here. I know this is what you exactly need now. However big a person you become Maan, you will always be a kid to me. Come”

Maan actually needed it. He went on bed, lay down and placed his head on her lap

“Mom, I know Geet is a very nice girl and she needs this family but I fear….”

“You fear you will never be able to love her. Your concern for her clearly shows your care for her. This is love, Maan. Earlier you were running from a relationship because you were scared for yourself. You were scared that you will not be able to take one more heartbreak if a girl rejects you after you move on with her. But now you are worried for Geet. And dear, for love, you do not need to put any effort – it is there, I can see but you are scared to accept it. Geet’s own goodness will one day make it so easy for you to accept your love. You do not need to rush”

“I don’t want to be unfair to her. Not knowing how she felt about me was tearing me apart. What if she’s going through the same turmoil? The least I can do is be honest with her—tell her the reason behind my hesitation.”

“No, no, Maan! No talk about Nikita’s story until the engagement function goes smoothly. We don’t need any unnecessary drama right now. Once the engagement is done, you can find the right moment to tell her. But tell me one thing—does Nikita even matter to you anymore?”

“No Mom, nothing. Geet is enough in herself with her drama, leaving no room for me to think about anyone” he indirectly confessed. 

Sandhya smiled, fully aware that the love was already there and would eventually surface on its own.

“Well, you said – when you didn’t know her feelings. So now you know? How? Did she confess?”

Maan was already feeling better talking to his Mom. He smiled and got up 

“Not directly. I twisted things to know her heart” he winked with a naughty boyish smile

“What did you do?” She demanded

“Mom, No. I won’t tell  you that” She shook her head, gave him a fake warning look but left from there. Sandhya knew that kids have grown up and need their privacy in their personal relationship. 

She got up “Now go with Vicky and gear up for engagement tomorrow” she said, lightly hitting his temple.

“Mom” “Maan, now I am busy”But she turned

“Mom, what must she be going through when she needs her mother at a time like this? I mean, I can’t even imagine my life without you… Girls share so much with their mothers as they grow—so many things about life. And she has no one.”

“Life has taught her to deal with things alone. But still that does not lessen one’s pain and longing for parents. We can do nothing of past but I will give her full mother’s love when she comes here as your bride”

“But will she be as free with you?”

She lovingly slapped his cheek “Itni fikar hai and silly is scared he will never fall in love” she smiled and left from there.

********

Pinky and Sheetal were in the car with Geet as they headed for the venue

“Yesterday that nerd was nervous and now she is. “ said Pinky

“Geet you are looking out of the world and all eyes are going to stop on you. Stop getting nervous” Said Sheetal

“And Maan, he is completely going to lose his heart” added Pinky

“He, anyway, has already lost that to her. Today he will not be able to get his eyes off her” Pinky teased further trying to calm her down.

On the other side, the resort was exquisitely decorated. The same Maan whom Geet playfully called a miser had completely let go when it came to these arrangements. Deep down, he had done it all for her. He wanted to make everything special for Geet—to give her moments of joy that made up for all the hardships and pain she had endured until now.

Geet’s paternal Uncle and Aunt had arrived with fruit and sweet baskets that Geet had arranged. They were ecstatic with the arrangement. They kept their jealousy aside for this moment as it was time to be felt important. Not her Masi-Mausa but they are the main guardians. 

Geet’s Maasi and her family were shocked to find out about the venue.  Nimmi’s husband – Rajiv also had the same venue. How was it possible? Maybe it was some other small venue nearby and they gave this venue as a landmark. They were not ready to accept the reality in front of their eyes.

“Di, what if we and Jiju are going to same venue”

“Shut up Sim? Do you understand the meaning of your words? That is not possible?”

Nim was burning with jealousy. But when they got off the taxi and saw the grand board written 

“Maan & Geet Are Saying ‘Yes’ to Forever – Welcome to Their Engagement” They got the shock of their life. Such grandeur for Geet’s engagement was shocking for them. 

Geet had an engagement here? Such a stylish board? They were sure, Geet’s paternal Aunt won’t spend a single penny on Geet and a small shop business man cannot do this? Then ..

They had arrived, dressed to impress, ready to be the style icons at what they considered a lower-middle-class engagement—Geet’s engagement. Their goal was clear: to flaunt the kind of luxury and glamour she could never have. After all, she was an orphan, someone who, in their eyes, would always be beneath them in every way. But here, the whole story was opposite and unexpected—it was nothing like they had imagined.

“I told you all to get those best gowns on but you both said those will too fancy for small engagement party” Cribbed her Masi

“Di, what’s the name of Jiju’s Boss?” 

“Shut up Sim, you are thinking a little too far. And how would I know?”

“Now everyone, you will behave and just be good siblings of Geet here. We are super close relatives and people should know we are her Masi’s family” ordered their father. He could clearly guess that this setup was something way above their class.

Geet’s Chachi and Chacha were with Maan’s family. They were ensuring that they were the main guardians. Her Masi’s family cannot take this place.

Charu – Geet’s Masi approached Nanda with a big smile

“Nanda Ji, how are you?” Nanda understood the reason behind such warm greetings

“I am good. Hope you did not find difficulty finding the location? Be my guest, I will introduce you with Geet’s family” Nanda did not leave a chance

Then she was introduced to Maan’s family. They smiled and greeted them and further introduced them to the guest.

Nim in the meanwhile called her husband Rajiv “Rajiv, are you in Maan and Geet engagement party with that fancy board”

“Yes Nim. I just saw Geet’s name with my Boss’ name.”

“This is too much. How can your boss choose a mediocre one like Geet to be a life partner?”

 “Nim, this is related to my career. It takes hard work to get the boss’s attention to this level. Please behave sensibly. Where are you? ”

“With his family and Geet’s Aunt, who is getting ecstatic with the importance in such a place”

“Nim, no high talks as of now. I am coming there”

****

Shasha entered with other office staff.  They all admired the exclusivity and decor. 

“Wow!!! Wonderful decor and arrangements”

Shasha loved the arrangement as well. Of course it has to be elegant. MK carried style and ambition within himself. The only thing irritating her was – it will be some other girl there on stage and not her.

The party started with music and snacks were being served.

“Hello Everyone” Naintara’s sweet, clear and confident voice took everyone’s attention

“I am Naintara Khurana, today’s hero’s Bhabhi. By the time our couple of the day arrive, let’s shake our legs to the music.”

On the other side, both Maan and Geet’s cars arrived at the entrance simultaneously, coming from opposite directions.

As everyone stepped out of their cars, Maan and Geet’s eyes locked, and neither of them could look away. In that moment, Geet seemed so otherworldly that Maan couldn’t help but wish to freeze time. She was beyond beautiful and she would be his. Her large almond-shaped eyes, her curly hair elegantly styled in a bun with white flowers adorning it, the long danglers that framed her face, and the glow that radiated from her, all captivated him. Her lips, so perfect, stirred memories of the kiss they had shared just the other day—flashes of that moment kept replaying in his mind.

Geet couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. How handsome he was, and in just a few days, he would be her husband. She had already fallen in love with him, but today, she realized he was even more stunning than any of the prince charmings she had ever dreamed of. Standing in front of her, dressed in a sherwani for their engagement, she couldn’t help but notice every perfect detail about him—the chiseled square jawline, his sharp, defined features, and those deep, dark eyes locked onto hers.

“Unn hnnn” Pinky and Vicky coughed together bringing the couple back to the real world. Both Maan and Geet quickly smiled and turned away, the hue of blush covered their faces

“We leave both of you on your own. Maan handle your lady” Said Dev and soon all four disappeared from there. For unknown reasons, Maan and Geet didn’t mind being left alone. Maan folded his arms and silently signaled for Geet to join him. Geet nodded, took a step forward, and gently placed her hand in the crook of his arm, the simple gesture carrying a sense of comfort between them.

They walked ahead, Geet’s hand resting in Maan’s arm. With each step, both of their hearts raced, the closeness of their beautiful and handsome partner sending waves of excitement through them.

The moment Maan and Geet stepped inside the decorated entrance the music and band started with dholak and dance. 

Many were eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the couple—some curious to see Geet’s would-be, while most were excited to catch a glimpse of Maan’s bride-to-be.