Enchanted – Chapter 56

Maan was asked to be at the big ground for the general weekly meeting at 7 a.m. As per his habit, he was up by 4 a.m. But unlike the city, where waking that early would make him an exception, he realized life here had already begun by 5 a.m.

Maan was taking a round of the building, greeting people along the way. The place and its people held deep respect for him. After all, his Geet had been staying here.

He may have left behind wealth and power, but his charm and confidence had a pull of their own. People were naturally drawn to him. He felt everyone here was genuinely kind—and they truly were. Each one was trying to support the other, building a new life together. Yet, no matter how grounded or focused they were, resisting Maan’s disarming smile and not getting captivated by it was simply impossible.

Maan’s eyes had been searching for Geet. His heart raced at the very thought of seeing her, though his face wore a mask of calmness.

By 6:30 a.m., Maan arrived at the meeting ground, accompanied by those he had met earlier that morning.

Many had already gathered, while others were still coming in. His eyes scanned the crowd; nearly two hundred people already there, but there was no sign of Geet. With each passing moment and no glimpse of her, his heart sank a little deeper.

“Kahan ho Geet? Ab aa bhi jao na…” he whispered inwardly, closing his eyes in a silent plea.

Geet was tired from walking. In this last month of her pregnancy, fatigue set in quickly]but still, she never gave up her one-hour walk. It was good for the baby – their baby; and that’s all that mattered to her.

“You should take it easy, Geet,” Soumya said gently.

Soumya, in her mid-thirties, had her own story—like everyone else here. Each story carried a heart-wrenching past, yet they were all still standing, still breathing, and slowly shaping a new meaning to life in this place.

“I’m fine. We’ll reach the assembly on time,” Geet assured.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Soumya replied. “In fact, you should go and rest. Malini ji has specifically asked you to focus only on your health now.”

“No, Soumya. A new member has arrived, it would feel disrespectful not to be there. Besides, I want to be part of everything that’s happening here.”

As Geet walked alongside Soumya toward the meeting ground, the sun had already risen. Its golden rays filtered softly through the trees, casting a serene glow across the field, as if nature itself was holding its breath.

Like every other morning, Geet wanted to soak in the beauty of the rising sun. But today, a unique anxiety stirred within her.

Maybe it’s just the last month of pregnancy, she told herself. Or maybe… I’ve just been missing Maan more than ever.

Last night, sleep had refused to come. For hours, her mind kept drifting back to him. The guilt of leaving him alone has taken over her. She kept turning from side to side, convincing her heart – It was for his safety. That should matter the most. But even that thought couldn’t silence the ache inside.

Dadima would surely convince him to settle down with someone who matches him in every way. Hopefully, he would agree… and find happiness, a lasting one.

Yes, her heart would ache, but he would never know. And that was okay.

She would find her own happiness when their baby comes into her life. That happiness would be enough… it had to be.

She thought, after the meeting she will take some rest and that will help her.

Geet and Soumya reached the meeting ground right at 7. The space was already filled; everyone had arrived by now.

Geet was about to quietly slip into a seat at the back, but the others wouldn’t let her. There were comfortable seats arranged at the front, they guided her there, making sure she sat down and relaxed.

Maan’s nervousness had reached its peak as he sat in the front row. He had turned his head around several times, but not catching even a glimpse of her only made his restlessness worse.

Just when he was about to give up all hope – there she was. Geet appeared. And in that very instant, their eyes met.

Maan almost shot up from his seat, his heart thudding so hard it felt like it might leap out of his chest. Geet froze in place, her breath catching.

“Maan…”

“Geet…”
They took each other’s names—silently, in their hearts.

Snapping out of the trance of finally seeing her, Maan’s eyes shifted to her form and his breath stopped momentarily. Geet was pregnant. His Geet was pregnant.

His mind reeled, his heart raced, trying to catch up with the flood of emotions crashing into him.

On the other side, Geet was equally nervous.

“Sit down, Maanveer,” the person beside him whispered. Maan gave a faint smile, forcing himself to pull it together as he slowly sat back down.

“Come, Geet, sit comfortably,” Malini ji said warmly as she stepped forward, gently holding Geet’s shoulder and guiding her to a seat.

Both of them were now seated, but their eyes refused to move away from the one person who was still their whole world.

As Geet slightly stumbled while sitting, Maan instinctively stood up, his concern for her so instilled. But Maan, catching himself, soon stopped himself, sat down again, never taking his eyes off her. Malini ji was quick, she supported Geet protectively.

Nothing was in Maan’s control anymore. His tears were on the verge of spilling, and despite his desperate efforts to hold them back, a single drop welled up at the corner of his eye.

He quickly, pulled out his handkerchief and wiped it away, discreet enough to escape everyone’s notice… except Geet’s.

Her heart was thudding uncontrollably. She didn’t know whether to run away to protect him… or run into his arms to protect herself.

He could barely believe it – she was right there, in front of his eyes. And she was pregnant.
The thought kept looping in his mind, over and over.

The assembly began with a few soothing prayers. Some of the good singers gathered in the center and sang softly, while the rest of the members joined in, their voices blending in quiet harmony.

After the prayers, Dr. Abhinendra stepped forward to the center.

“Good morning, everyone. Before we begin discussing work-related matters, let’s first welcome a new member to Humara Ghar.”

“Maanveer, please come forward.”

Maan rose and walked to stand beside Mr. Goswami.

Geet instinctively placed her hand over her heart.

What…? Maan is planning to stay here?
Why? How did they accept him? How did he even find her?

So many questions flooded her mind but her eyes refused to move away from him. She just wanted to take him in, one more time—memorize every detail all over again.

“Let’s welcome Maanveer,” Dr. Abhinendra announced.

Everyone greeted him with a warm wave—everyone except one.
Geet was too lost in him to notice the formalities.

“Maanveer, we hope you’re able to find new meaning in your life here. Humara Ghar is built on shared purpose; each of us has a role to play, because this home is run entirely by its members.

As we believe in helping every member rediscover their self-worth. That’s why there are no strict roles or job designations – only a simple framework. Everyone is expected to contribute between a minimum of two and a maximum of eight hours a day.

We don’t want anyone sinking into depression or feeling aimless and that’s why purposeful engagement is essential. At the same time, we don’t encourage overworking either. No one should bury their pain by drowning in endless tasks.

Our goal is to help each person find balance – a life where you care for your inner self, connect with others, and still contribute meaningfully to this community.”

Mr. Goswami took a pause and looked at Maan. Maan nodded – showing his attention.

Mr. Goswami proceeded further with his explanations.

“There is no wage difference here – regardless of what work someone does or how many hours they put in. In fact, there are no wages at all. Everyone here works for the community, and all earnings go directly into Humara Ghar’s account. That fund supports the day-to-day needs of every member and helps maintain this home.

Each member receives a fixed monthly amount of one thousand rupees. They’re expected to carry this with them at all times. It’s not meant for savings but rather for emergency use, especially in situations where immediate help may not be available.

No one is allowed to accumulate more than five thousand rupees. If there’s no emergency, members are encouraged to spend the money on themselves or use it for something meaningful for community.

Humara Ghar takes full care of everyone’s essential needs be it for health needs, pursuing hobbies, or paying any fees. And the money for that? It doesn’t come from outside—it’s earned by the very hands of the people living here.”

Mr. Goswami paused for a moment, letting the words settle.

“Any questions about the work system so far?” he asked, turning to Maan.

“Not work-related,” Maan said quietly, “but something else. I have some personal… conflicting questions.”

His eyes shifted toward Geet and then dropped to her full-grown belly.

Maan’s heart was aching to run to her, to cradle her face in his hands, to press a kiss to her forehead and tell her that his life had no meaning without her. But he stayed still. He wouldn’t cross the line. He wouldn’t disrespect the choice she had made.

How deeply she must’ve been hurt… so much that she chose to live away from him, among people who had already lost everything—because even that felt safer than being by his side.

What a failure he had been. Even with him right there, by her side all along… she had chosen to live an unknown life, alone, with their child.

“Sure, we’ll come to that once we wrap this up,” Mr. Goswami replied, then continued.

“You’ll have a week to observe Humara Ghar—how life unfolds here, how earnings are generated, and what the specific needs of the community are. At the next assembly, you can submit a request based on your interest and what you feel aligned with the need here. The committee members for that week will review it and assign you a job accordingly.”

“Committee of that time?” Maan asked, genuinely curious.

Mr. Goswami smiled. “Yes, we rotate the committee every two months. Every member is expected to take on this responsibility in turn but only after completing at least six months of residence here. Just like… Geet.”

He gestured toward her, but Maan didn’t need direction.

“Geet joined us seven months ago. She was already a month pregnant when we found her. This is her first time serving as a committee member.”

He then introduced the rest of the current members, but Maan barely registered any of it.

Each mention of Geet stirred a storm of emotions within him.

On the other side, Geet could no longer bear the depth of love in his eyes. She knew she had to speak to him, make him leave.

This was not his place. He had too many responsibilities already waiting for him.
She couldn’t let him waste his life here… just for her.

“Alright, now coming to your question – what is it?” Mr. Goswami asked.

Maan glanced at Geet, then back at him.

“As you know, I’ve hurt my wife deeply. She’s in pain… because of my shortcomings,” he said, his voice low, his eyes once again finding Geet.

Geet quickly turned her face away. Tears welled up despite her efforts to hold them back. Why is he blaming himself? she thought. He can never be wrong. He has always been… perfect.

“In case… one day, in her pain, my wife finds her way to Humara Ghar… what should I do?” Maan asked softly.

Mr. Goswami looked at him with quiet understanding. “You seem like a mature man, Maanveer. I believe you’ll make the right choice. But we would expect you to respect her decision, her privacy—and also the environment of Humara Ghar.

And if that day comes… and she forgives you, and you both decide to be together again, you can then have your life with her. But it will have to be outside this place. Humara Ghar is a space for individuals, not families.”

“Hmmm,” Maan nodded, his eyes drifting back to Geet. Every time he looked at her, Geet could feel the deep love in them.

“I have one more question,” Maan said, turning back to Mr. Goswami.

“Go ahead.”

“Am I allowed to talk to people here… get to know them?”

Mr. Goswami smiled. “Everyone is family here, Maanveer. Feel free to talk to your family.”

“Thank you,” Maan replied sincerely. “Just one more small request… before I begin my life here.”

“Go ahead.”

Maan turned to face Geet not making it very obvious to gain people’s attention, slowly knelt down on his knees, his head bowed down.

Geet turned her face away again, wiping the tears that had now escaped.

Maan, don’t do this… please just go away, she pleaded silently, trembling inside.

“Geet, are you alright, dear?” asked an elderly woman sitting beside her.

Geet managed a faint smile and turned slightly but her eyes couldn’t resist. They found Maan, still on his knees, waiting for her attention.

“Yes, Maanveer,” Mr. Goswami said gently. “Say what’s in your heart.”

With his head bowed, Maan began, his voice low and trembling:

“I want to make a plea to my wife, wherever she is.

Please forgive me.

I have failed in my duty as your husband. I couldn’t shield you from the cruelty and cunningness of the world. And for that… I deserve every punishment you choose for me. I won’t say a word—I’ll accept it all.

But you should know this: I love you more than anything in this world. And this life… it has no meaning without you in it.

Now that I have lost that meaning, I will stay here—in Humara Ghar—and live with honesty. I will try to find a new meaning to this life… while I wait for the day you come and find me here.”

People had tears hearing Maan’s plea and between everyone else’s tears Geet got the chance to let the stream of tears roll down her eyes.

“Maanveer, I am sure your wife, wherever she is, very well knows how worthy you are. Everyone here is due to their pain but you are here because your wife is in pain. Serve your life here with honestly and without any expectations. I deeply know, wish and pray, one day she will break all the walls and come to you. Get up now and start your life here with positivity”

Said Mr. Goswami, holding Maan’s shoulders and lifting him up.

“I am not feeling well” Geet finally excused herself and left. Maan kept looking at her retreating figure.

The meeting gradually shifted to regular discussions—work updates, community needs, upcoming responsibilities. It all wrapped up with warm tea and snacks shared among the members.

Malini ji, after spending some time meeting a few residents, sat quietly in her office, lost in thought. Later, she joined the rest of the committee as they gathered to discuss various community issues and propose solutions. Only Geet was absent from the committee that day.

“I feel maybe it wasn’t the right time to involve Geet,” one lady remarked gently. “She’s in her eighth month, after all.”

“I think this is exactly the right time,” Malini ji replied, her tone calm but thoughtful.

“We need to keep her mind engaged while making sure she gets physical rest. What better way than being part of the committee?” she explained

“Yes,” Jatin agreed. “I think pregnancy is breaking her down emotionally too. For the first time, we saw her tears flow so freely. She usually keeps everything bottled up.”

Malini ji let out a long, thoughtful “Hmmmm.”

“Maanveer’s plea moved all of us, and it touched Geet as well,” added another member. “She couldn’t hold back.”

“Hmmmm,” Malini ji echoed again, clearly thinking deeply.

One of them smiled and said, “Malini ji, it always seems like you are thinking miles ahead of the rest of us. We will get back to our daily work now. Let us know if anything needs attention, we will pass on any instructions to the related people.”

Malini ji nodded and offered a gentle smile. Her mind, seasoned by years of understanding people’s pain and designing Humara Ghar to be a true shelter, was actively processing everything.

An hour later, Mr. Goswami entered the office and found her staring blankly at the wall.

“You seem lost in thoughts, Malini ji.”

She stirred from her thoughts. “Hmm. Maanveer’s heartfelt words, Geet’s health, her silent struggle… and for the first time, she broke down in front of everyone. It’s disturbing. That girl’s well-being is our top priority. She must remain stress-free.”

She paused, then added firmly, “I think we need to assign someone to be with her at all times. She shouldn’t be alone now.”

Geet had left before the meeting came to end. She did not wait to talk to him – Maan was lost in thoughts

She is pregnant, carrying their baby. He will soon become father. His heart bled thinking how much emotional turmoil she has undergone to have decided to keep give birth here.

Has she left all hope and trust in him? She has chosen this life giving up the life with him. Yes, she has not done it for herself but him.

Does she not trust that he will keep himself safe, if not for himself but for her?

If his safety is her utmost priority; he will ensure of his safety. But the fact was , he has lacked in establishing that trust in her. He has lost, others have won.

Maan’s heart was now even more restless to meet her. He has found his Geet finally and that too with their baby growing inside her.

Their baby!

He closed his eyes to sink in the feel. Of course, he was dying to feel her and their baby but not until Geet allows. Hoped he is able to regain her trust and get her fears away.

Geet was crying uncontrollably in her small cottage, the door shut to the world.

Her Maan—a king in his own right—was now standing before strangers, seeking their approval, their help.
The man who possessed the power and wealth to create not just one, but countless communities like this one… the same man who had ensured every life in Kalsia lived in comfort and pride… was now here, vulnerable, requesting support.

What had she done?

Soon, he would submit a request for work, just like any other resident. And the committee, she sat among, would judge whether he his request was worthy enough.

She would be one of the people to decide. She would be the one to assign him a role.

And he – Maan Singh Khurana, The Raja Sahib, who had built an empire of over a lakh employee across the world, was now reduced to standing in a queue, waiting for a nod of approval from others.

What had she done?

No. Maan must leave from here. She would request him. She had to.
But in her heart, she knew – his determination, his unwavering love for her, it would be nearly impossible to convince him. He wouldn’t go easily. But still, she would try.

But before she sends him away, will she get a moment? Just one moment to touch him?
Just once… to feel him before she lets him go?

Geet’s tears were simply not stopping when there was a knock on the door.

Is it Maan? her heartbeat raced. She quickly wiped her tears and went to open the door.

“Malini ji? You?”

“Were you expecting someone else?” asked Malini ji.

Geet quickly composed herself. “No-no. You’re so busy. I wasn’t expecting you to personally come here.”

“I’m busy because I care about the people here. And right now, you are my main priority, so I will be visiting you frequently.”

She looked at Geet’s red, puffy eyes.

“Have you been crying since then?”

“No. Not at all.”

“You know I have an experienced eye and even more experience reading people’s pain. You can’t hide yours from me. What’s the matter?”

“Nothing specific at all. Maybe these last days of pregnancy are making me more emotional.”

“Am I not like a mother to you, Geet? I can see through your pain. I just can’t help until I know the reason behind it.”

“It’s just the last days of pregnancy, nothing more.”

“Hmm, if you say so. Regarding that – you have a doctor’s appointment today. I’ll have someone accompany you. I was thinking of Maanveer.”

Geet immediately looked up; her eyes wide open.

“Okay, I understand, he’s new and maybe you don’t feel safe around him. I just felt he seemed very genuine and responsible. But if you don’t think so…”

“Malini ji, I would never doubt him.”

Malini ji slightly knotted her brows.

“I mean, we all saw his pain today; how can I doubt him? He does seem like one of the most genuine and responsible people. But… he has just come, so I thought maybe he should spend some time getting familiar with this place first.” Malini ji could see the uneasiness in her.

“If you have objections, I’ll accompany you myself. I’ will just ask him to come along with us, so he can observe how things work in practice. That should be okay, right?”

“Sure,” Geet nodded. What option did she have?

Malini ji asked Geet to rest while she went to fetch Maanveer. But someone met her halfway and offered to call him instead.

Maan only knew that he was going to meet Malini ji. He had no idea why he was being called.

“Malini ji is here,” said Prakash.

“Thanks, I’ll meet her.” Prakash left.

Maan knocked on the door.
“Malini ji?” he called out.

Geet heard his voice—and her heartbeat started racing.