The Burnt – Chapter 22

Geet worked mechanically hard all day, trying to sort out all the projects. But her mind was also working in parallel to analyze what went wrong from her side.

Since childhood, she had imagined a happy, playful life with Maan, where he would pamper her. But things changed as Maan was in a completely different mindset in those days, and the situation of their marriage added to worsen things, and it all went completely opposite of how she had imagined or dreamed her life with him.

He craved love and happiness in his life, but she succumbed to her own sadness. Just when she began to feel assured that he had truly fallen for her, that he couldn’t bear being apart from her, and that she had noticed a spark in his eyes for her, the circumstances forced her to walk away. Instead of mourning her situation, she could have used that newfound confidence to help him recognize his feelings.

But she was so young. She had to come out of her dreamland and face his rudeness. By the time she could understand how to handle it, by the time she had gained the courage to fight back with him, she found out about her pregnancy. And that changed the whole course. Not daring to take a single chance, she left.

But whatever has occurred is now in the past. She understands that Maan loves her deeply, to the point where his sole focus is her happiness. Maan is already burdened by guilt, and even her actions, driven by her own guilt, will never bring back the joy to their lives.

It’s not about her; it’s about Maan. He has denied himself happiness and love since childhood. Initially, because of responsibility and anger towards the world, and later due to his guilt. Now, she won’t contribute her own guilt to that burden.

Geet knew, to make Maan realize how it feels to be loved, she had to first make things joyful around him. He needed to know how beautiful it feels to be loved. Only then would he know how much and why she needed his love.

She will play it all from the heart. From her childhood through all these years of longing, she will express everything to bring Maan back into her world of love.

Maan, on the other hand, got caught up in his busy day. He has determined his approach and assigned the first step as a task for Pari. By now, Pari would have already communicated his wishes to the Human Resource team, and they would have begun their project for the Employee Appreciation event.

After assigning it to her, he forgot everything and immersed himself in work. When Maan was at work, he remembered nothing. Being a workaholic was so deeply instilled in him that it had become another part of him – It was him! And this was another reason he thought he was not good for Geet. Geet needed compassion, love, care, pampering, and attention. Because he was such a workaholic, he was a misfit for being a partner to a sweetheart like Geet.

Geet deserved someone who stood by her no matter the circumstances, especially the person who had supported her during her times of need. He was not just her business partner but also a genuine friend. If he hadn’t been there, it would have been incredibly challenging for Geet to accomplish everything she did with such grace. While he never doubted Geet’s abilities, it’s essential to acknowledge the solid support she got from a selfless friend—a true partner in every sense.

Yes – Chetan. Maan himself awarded Chetan a significantly high score when it came to ranking who would be the ideal and deserving life partner for Geet. Chetan has always stood by Geet’s side through every situation. No evidence was necessary. In contrast, he has demonstrated just how monstrous a partner he can be.

Maybe Geet harbors some feeling for Chetan. How can she not, for a person who has so selflessly stood for you? But as she believes she loves him, she has not even let that feeling surface.

Yes, deep down, it will hurt him to see her with anyone. The pain will be very deep. But does even he think of his own pain anymore? One – he has layered all feelings of his with concern and care for Geet and Advay. Second – he thinks he deserves to see it for all the pain that he had bestowed upon her.

Keeping his heart locked in the drawer, he had decided to work it all from the brain.

****

Geet had been having a good time with Advay that evening. She realized that in all these years, she had always wished for but could not give enough time to Advay. Struggling alone in life and trying to give a well-deserved life to Advay, she had been working hard. Though she had set up the business, it was all driven by economic needs. To give Advay the life that she had taken away from him.

Now – Advay is with his dad -Maan Khurana. She does not have to worry of his economic need and life affluence. She will work for her passion, but not for need.

She has decided to do all that she has wished and craved for – for Maan, for Advay, for herself, and for family.

Geet was enjoying her leisure time with Advay. And while playing with him, she realized how numerous times Advay mentioned – Dad does this, Dad does that for me, Dad does it this way.

A workaholic Maan Khurana, was a super attentive father.

It was 8 p.m. and Maan had not yet come. Geet fed Advay and then forced Dadima also to have dinner.

“You should eat too, dear. Maan said he will be coming late. It’s usual for Maan.”

“No problem, I’ll wait, Dadima”

It was by 8:30 when Maan reached home. Dadima and Advay had almost finished their food. Maan observed, Geet was not seated for dinner. She looked at him but she didn’t seem happy. Ohh.. his heart sank. But he tried masking his emotion.

“Hey Advay…” he looked at his son, who left everything and ran to his dad. Geet’s heart filled with joy witnessing the son and father’s love. But she masked it with her serious expression.

“Adv, it’s already too late” She gave a look to Maan on the word late. Complete wifey vibe. Maan’s heart somersaulted.

But he was quick to get a grip on his heart.

Nakul ran to take off Maan’s bag “Nakul, you go call Minu. She will take Adv for change and get him ready for bed” Geet stopped Nakul midway.

Nakul hesitated for a moment but then knew who was the boss at home now.

“Okay, ma’am” Geet went to Maan and took the bag from his hands.

“I’ll manage” Maan tried to speak. But his heart and mind did not coordinate as per his plan with her around, especially when she was in mood to take charge.

“It’s already late. You should get freshened up soon.” She said as she took his suit off him, not leaving a chance for his heart to get a hold of itself.

And she walked with him to his room.

Minu, in the meanwhile, came to take Advay

“Mumma, I wanna play with Daddy. Only a tiny miny bit,” Adv pleaded.

“Darling, it’s already very late”

“Geet, it’s okay. I will spend some time with Advay and then change. Anyways, I am not that hungry.”

Geet did not oppose Maan in front of Advay. “Okay, Adv, only fifteen minutes,” she warned.

Maan lifted his son into his arms and made his way to his room, with Geet trailing closely behind.

While Advay got Maan busy in his cute antics and demands, making him do this and that, Geet got his change of clothes out, hung his suit in the wardrobe, and then left, warning Advay

“Only ten more minutes, Adv, and then you go to your room with Minu”. A typical, dreamy wifey and family vibe. Maan shrugged off and brought his focus to Advay.

He needs to talk and explain to her. But even before he could finish his thought, Geet appeared again

“Maan, I need to talk about something with you” Maan was shocked-surprised – Has she started reading his mind? He wondered.

After sending off Advay for his nighttime, Maan quickly freshened up and came down.

Geet sent off the servers and served them both herself.

“You should not have waited for so late. What if I had my dinner?”

“I know you are too workaholic to even give attention to your belly’s needs.”

“But Pari just pushes food in front of me.” Maan intentionally brought that up.

“Pari? Who?” Geet pretended not to remember Pari.

“The girl who called….”

“Anyways, we do not want to discuss our office-related people at home. I need to talk to you about something important.” Geet was not giving up this time. He could see her possessive side and must know that she was not letting him go anywhere and to anyone. He was hers and he was very much needed in her life.

“Geet, I have something important to discuss with you as well. Things aren’t going as planned, and I think we should talk about it.”

“Exactly, things aren’t going as planned. We need to talk. How about we have dinner first, and then we can go for a walk in the garden and discuss things further?”

“Walk in the garden? We can talk in my study,” Maan clearly did not wish to go anywhere with Geet where his heart would take over. However, Geet had a completely different plan.

“It’s nothing official. Is it so difficult for you to take a walk with me in the garden?” Geet played her card.

“No. Nothing like that.”

Geet gave him a smile “Let’s finish our dinner and then we will go for a nice walk”

They were having dinner, and Maan’s plate was filled with dishes prepared by Geet. She had once again put in an effort to make meals that suited his taste. Maan had planned everything meticulously, but if Geet continues to put her heart into it, everything will slip out of his control.

Amidst the intense debate raging in his mind, his eyes could not hold out against traveling towards her captivating face. His heart pounded, and his hands yearned to touch her delicate skin, gently pushing her curls behind her ear, softly tucking it and then rubbing his thumb on her cheeks.

Geet turned and flashed him a bright smile. “Do you want some curd to end with?” she broke his trance. Maan curled his fingers and turned away, trying to regain his composure.

Geet noticed his gaze on her because that was all she could focus on – whether she still had that effect on him. Her heart fluttered.

Her Maan, her dream man, the father of their child, holds a special place in her heart.

“Maan, curd? Kahan kho gaye”

“Nahi, kahin nahi. Curd? Hmmm yes, will have some” Geet served him, smile adorning her face.

Maan waited in the garden as Geet hurriedly went to check on Advay.

Maan observed the night in the garden. It was all so beautiful. He had meticulously designed the garden, ensuring that the dim ground lights were beautifully executed and that other garden lights illuminated the beautifully landscaped trees and shrubs. He had done it all for Dadima and the family. He simply didn’t have the time or interest in enjoying the peace.

Today, Geet made him wait here, forcing him to appreciate nature’s silent beauty. Maan stood motionless, gazing at the stars, when he felt a gentle hand slip into his. Suddenly, his thoughts were interrupted as he saw Geet standing beside him, her hand intertwined with his.

Maan’s heart raced. What could be more beautiful than this? Yet, in years, he had not even dared to dream of such a moment. He had simply refused to dream of it for himself. And Geet was showing him something he had refused to even imagine.

But the heart can never truly be in control. It was racing. Just her holding his hand like this, he felt as though he had stepped into another world. However, his rational mind rebelled against this feeling. He didn’t deserve this, and this was not the right thing for Geet.

“Chalen” she interrupted his thoughts again

“Hmmm..” he gave her a hesitant smile.

They walked hand in hand, silently. Maan was silent, because his mind and heart were having fierce battle with each other. Poor heart actually had no say because his mind was continuously giving it lectures on how to not lose control.

However, he could not pull away the hand that Geet held. He will explain her but cannot insult her by pulling it away.

Geet, on the other hand, was trying to act bold because she had to. Maan was incredibly stubborn, and this was the only way to deal with him. Despite maintaining her casual demeanor, she was filled with butterflies in her stomach and a pounding heart as if it would burst out of her chest.

Walking with Maan, side by side – These were her small, beautiful dreams that were left unfinished.

“Maan, I wanted to talk”

“Geet, I wanted to talk”

They said together.

Maan nodded for her to speak first.

“Let’s sit,” Geet pointed to the bench they had just reached.

Even on the bench, Geet didn’t let go of his hand. She felt shy, but now she’s determined not to give up because of it. She had held his hands, and she’s not going to let them go.

“You are taking it all in the wrong way” Maan tried to speak

“You said I could speak first”

“Hmm.. sorry”

“Maan, it’s okay to be late home once in a while, like today. But please don’t make it a habit to come this late regularly. Your family needs your time.” Geet could have used Advay’s name and everything would have been in her favor. But she didn’t want to use Advay to reach Maan. This was her fight for their relationship—to give Maan a love-filled world and to get love from him. It was her journey.

“I’m sorry. I delayed Advay’s routine today”

“It’s not about Adv that I am talking, you know that. I was waiting for you. Intezaar kitna mushkil hota hai, aapse behtar kaun janta hai.”

“That’s what I am trying to tell you – You do not need to wait for me. I am a workaholic; I get consumed by work. You will not get anything here other than disappointment. I am disappoint of your life, Geet.”

“I know, I have made the biggest mistake of my life. I should have never left you this way. Who leaves someone they claim to love? I am so sorry, Maan. I kept our child away from you. I am sorry for the guilt, pain, and continuous suffering you’ve endured. But no more.” Geet thought but didn’t say it aloud. Both of them had made mistakes, and remembering them would never bring a new beginning and happiness.

“I leave it to you to decide if your work is more important to you or your family. Just so you know, I will be waiting for you at dinner time.”

“Why are you entangling your life with me? I’m fine”

“You have a big workforce, everyone knows. And you have a full office setup here, even better. Other than your love to sit lonely in the office with no one around, if there is a better reason for coming late?”

“I will be on time. Won’t ever make you wait. But you should not…” Maan interrupted. Denying her was so hard for him, and making her wait – No way.

He couldn’t refuse her, and now he was not sure of how to present his viewpoint to her.

“Maan,… “ Geet had so much she wanted to tell him—how much she yearns for him, how deeply she wants them to start over, not just for him but for herself too. She wants to pour all her love on him, to feel the warmth when he showers his love on her, not only his responsibilities. She longs to tell him that he doesn’t need to worry about her life, because the moment he steps into it, everything will fall into place.

But on this beautiful night, sitting beside him on the bench, so close—she chose not to waste the moment in words or arguments.

“Geet..” Maan tried to put his thoughts into words but before he could speak further

“Sshhh…” she placed her index finger on his lips. Maan blinked twice with the sudden touch. Damn, it was such a mesmerizing feeling. But alas! Not for him. His mind gave a quick lecture to his faltering heart

Geet quickly realized what she had done and immediately pulled her finger back from his lips. Yet she couldn’t hide the blush that spread across her face, the shy smile gracing her lips, the bride-like tremor that lingered there.

Nothing was in Maan’s control anymore. His mind could no longer restrain his heart from drowning in her completely.

How beautiful, how innocent, how naïve, how pure she was—everything about her had stolen his heart away. He had been in denial all along, only to realize how deeply he had fallen for her after she had left.

Destiny had gifted him the most precious gem—one he knew he never truly deserved.
And with that came the reminder—he had no right to step back into her life. He gathered his heart once more and locked it away.

“Geet listen, ”

But Geet wasn’t in the mood to let his lectures spoil this beautiful moment—lectures that even his own heart resisted. Instead, she moved closer, set aside her shyness, slipped her hand into his, and rested her head against his chest, leaving Maan utterly speechless.

“I want to listen… but your heartbeat.”
Damn, it was racing far too fast—he feared she would discover what his heart truly longed for. Maan went utterly still, overwhelmed by everything she was making him feel.