Rule Breakers – Part 4

Family members were done with breakfast except Maan, who did not make his presence known

“Is there respect for even elders for him or not? Once in a while, he graces this house with his availability and then does not even care to come and wish people at breakfast.”

“Taya ji, he came really late at night. Must have overslept.”

“Raj, let it be. You know he will come to meet everyone once he settles down. Once in a while, he is home, and your anger will only scare him from coming home,” reminded Dadaji, Harshvardhan Khurana.

“Papaji, there’s no point in wasting time with Raj. The instant Maan appears before him, he’ll change sides in a second,” declared Sandhya, his wife, prompting heartful laughter from everyone except Geet, who remained oblivious to the family’s dynamics.

“Well,Maan Bhai knows how to handle Taya ji,” Vicky chuckled. Geet noticed that the entire family seemed to be well aware of Maan’s style.

Geet did not wish to, but couldn’t resist getting curious about the dynamics. His looks, his strides, his confidence, his awareness of his effect on others, his bad-boy image, and the way his family seemed okay with him, intrigued her.

“But, seriously, I am not okay with all his ways. Papaji, Maa, Sandhya, are you all? He very well knows I wanted to introduce him to Geet.” Said Raj

“Taya ji, they have already met, and I have briefly introduced them. Early morning hours, we all were in the kitchen for our choices of caffeine.” Dev informed

“Geet, so you have met my son?” Raj had a smile the moment he looked at Geet. Everyone knew that Maan, who was fond of doing the opposite of what was asked, was going to have a hard time if he did not take up his responsibility towards Raj’s darling, Geet, seriously. 

“Yes, Uncle”

“Dear, I need to speak with you both privately. Would you mind calling Maan so we can meet in my study?”

Geet’s heart raced at the thought of going to his room. Was it excitement or irritation due to his image

“His room….?” She asked, a little hesitation in her words

“It’s up in the left wing,” instructed Sandhya

Everyone went their separate ways. Geet noticed Vicky and Dev departing from the house. Damn, the cool guys are out of here. Why is Uncle sending her to that arrogant guy always surrounded by rumors?

On the other hand, Sandhya went to Raj to have words with him before he spoke to the kids.

“Raj, are you certain you can trust Maan with Geet’s responsibilities? He barely has time for his own family, and you believe he will always be there for Geet and protect her?”

“Do you think I have not thought of all possibilities before taking this decision?”

“There are various reasons for this. First, do you believe there’s anyone I could trust to take charge of Geet’s security? My dear friend has placed his trust in me to protect his daughter. If I’ve accepted this responsibility, isn’t it my duty to make it my highest priority? And you know how dangerous that minister is, along with her cousin Brij, who is hell bent to force Geet into marrying the minister’s son to smooth his own political career. She is truly at risk, Sandhya.”

“I understand your worry for Geet, but what about Maan? He attracts rumors like a magnet, no matter where he is. Are you really sure that won’t affect Geet’s reputation?”

“These are exactly the reasons I’ve placed Geet in Maan’s protection. The very first condition is clear—if Geet’s reputation takes even the slightest blow because of him, he forfeits a significant share of my monetary legacy. And Maan… he craves money and power.”

“And you believe Maan relies solely on your legacy? He is the sole heir to his Nanu’s vast empire as well, and to top it off, he’s also expanding his own business.” She chuckled.

“I know your Dad is always there to spoil my son, but do you really think Maan doesn’t understand the value of being the biggest shareholder of Khurana Enterprises? This condition will weigh heavily on him, which frees me from worrying about ensuring Geet’s protection and reputation. And Sandhya, though I dislike this side of him—and no matter the rumours that follow him—it doesn’t change the fact that he is the boy in this family strong enough to handle those goons on his own. Besides, Geet is my responsibility here, and I will not risk Sukinder’s child’s life for the sake of my promises.”

“Aur Maan? Our only child”

“I have trust in Maan and the fact that no other security can handle this situation as Maan will.”

“Sandhya left, placing her trust in Raj, though a slight worry lingered in her heart for both Geet and Maan. Yet, Raj had always made tough, unconventional decisions—and somehow, they had always turned out in favor and to everyone’s advantage.”

The moment Geet stepped into Maan’s wing, the entire vibe shifted. It carried a lethal mix of rawness and grandeur. Damn, these were the very adventures she had always dreamt of, now flaunted across the walls and surroundings. And she hated herself for being drawn to everything this pampered brat owned.

“No, Geet, he is a real-real danger to get involved with.” she warned herself.6

“Damn, why am I even thinking of getting involved with this spoiled brat. Anyone can flaunt these easily if they have the amount of money that this guy has. Nothing special. You should possess better taste,” she reminded herself.

But no matter how much she tried to reason with herself, her heartbeat only grew wilder as she walked through his wing, peeking into every room. A grand video gaming room, an exclusive gym—she couldn’t help picturing him there, lifting those heavy weights, drenched in sweat, pushing himself hard.

“Geet, shhh… Did you not notice how arrogant he was? He brushed past you on purpose while walking away. What does he even think—that you’re just available for him? No way. Stay away, Geet. You can’t betray Mom, Dad, and the whole family by even entertaining a thought about this arrogant, spoiled brat. And do not forget those endless rumours swirling around him”

Though she tried to convince herself otherwise, she knew it was strange that, for the first time, everything about a man was causing her heart to race uncontrollably, and all of that over just one meeting.

Geet finally entered his expansive bedroom – Ohhh wow, the walls were adorned with large posters of thrilling car and bike races, a striking portrait of him reveling on the football field with his team, and a collection of images showcasing luxurious sports cars and bikes that she could only fantasize about.

“What’s the point of all that hard work in university, Geet? No degree will bring you this level of wealth. Still, it’s good that you haven’t been pampered by too much affluence. When you achieve success through your passions and dedication, that will bring you greater fulfillment.” She tried to reassure herself. It wasn’t about the money, but everything represented here was what she truly lived for.

He was not in the bedroom section, so she peeped in another section, which looked like a study cum office area. Again, as expected, exclusive.

Without realizing it, while searching for him, Geet had wandered into his massive walk-in closet, with the bathroom situated away at the far end. She found herself lost among his clothes hanging neatly all around. Formals lined one side, while the rest overflowed with casuals—rugged jeans, sleek leather jackets, rows of sports shoes and boots, denim after denim, funky printed jackets, and an endless array of t-shirts.

Geet was lost in the stuff there when the click of the washroom door dawned the reality on her of where she was standing.

Their gazes locked, and he appeared in his most alluring state – his long hair cascading over his shoulder, not excessively, but adorned with a few more fiery tattoos on his chest and waistline, along with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“Wow, what a sight,” was Maan’s first thought the moment his eyes landed on the hottie standing in his most private zone. Damn, it wasn’t like tank tops and mini shorts were anything new to him—girls in his gang dressed even wilder. But this one in front of him… she was definitely something else.

A combo of innocence and sexiness – his thoughts were running wild. Well, he won’t break the rule, but a little trouble won’t harm. The idea itself made him smirk wickedly.

Maan advanced toward her in a slow, deliberate stride, relishing the way her eyes clung to him, wide and unblinking, while she stood rooted to the spot, as if held captive by his presence.

Maan positioned himself directly in front of her, his hands braced on either side, caging her in. Slowly, he leaned closer, narrowing the space between them. Geet’s eyes fluttered shut as she breathed in the rush of his intoxicating masculine scent.

“So, checking me out with leisure in the morning was not enough?”

Geet snapped open her eyes to his allegation.

“Why would I check you out? “

“I don’t know, but you were.”

“Come out of your delusion and self-obsessiveness, I will not look at the likes of you, checking you out … huh..”

Maan inched even closer, his warm breath fanned across her face. Geet’s chest rose and fell, the pounding of her heartbeat too loud to conceal.

“Keep distance” 

“Why? Is it hard to be in control around me?” he said as he teased her with his lips slightly bruising against her cheeks as he spoke

“You are delusional and arrogantly overconfident in yourself. Do you know what you are?”

“I would love to hear your thoughts about me,” he said, catching her off guard as one hand curled around her petite waist, the other pressing against the small of her back, pulling her toward him in a jerk.

“Spoiled brat, who is hollow from within and showcases a fake attitude on parental assets. And I bet all the rumors around you are true. Leave me!!” she ordered

“Ooo ooo… You inquired about me? So interested just in your first checkout? Not bad” he raised his eyebrows, poking her

“Not as you are deluding. I like to confirm as why the person gave you the negative vibe”

“Negative vibe? And yet, here you are, in the most private space of the person who gave you that vibe? Interesting,” he teased, gesturing to the intimate surroundings with a sly grin. “Okay, leave the crap. Let’s come straight to the point – what brings you here?” He winked at her, teasing her further

Before she could even respond, he decided to speak for her. “Curious to find out how good a kisser I am? I can show you… If you are willing to admit it.” Geet pressed her hand against his abs, shoving him away, but he didn’t budge—instead, he drew her closer.

“You know, I really hate girls like you—who have all kinds of thoughts swirling inside but don’t have the guts to challenge that goody-goody image,” he said, letting her go. She thought the distance would give her relief, but instead, it left a faint ache.

Geet despised the idea of being labeled a goody-goody girl. She took pride in being anything but one. Sameera fitted in that description perfectly. But then, the promise she made to her parents —to change her ways and become a good girl. After all, being a good girl is a good thing, right? But then, how will this bad boy ever understand the concept of goodness?

“Do you really think I care about what kinds of girls you like or dislike? Keep that to yourself. I came here because Raj uncle asked me to fetch you. And unlike you, I do not disrespect my elders.”

“Chhhh chhh chhhhh… good girl hiding behind the shield of the elder’s order. The girl like you can never have the guts to accept your heart and mind. You will always keep worrying about how the world is judging you.” He poked her further

“I don’t care, and I definitely do not care about how people like you judge me. The way you are so interested in judging me, it’s clear you are just hiding your own desires behind a façade of belittling me,” she challenged him.

“You judged me based on the rumors you read about me, but I do not mind because I don’t care, and I am not hiding behind any excuse. I am currently thinking exactly like the man you have judged me, based on the rumors. Do you have the guts to hear what I am thinking? I can demo,” he said shamelessly.

“Stay away. I came to call you—my job here is done,” she said, stepping back to create space. But Maan held her wrist and pulled her to him

“You know why Dad called us together?” Geet looked at him, frowning

“No-no, not what you are thinking,” he teased with a naughty grin on his face. “He is not setting us up, but I am made as protector to a weak girl – You.”  

“Mind your words; I am not a weak girl, and I do not need any protection, especially from you. You do not know the real me, so do not speak just anything.”

“I know this is not the real you, but I will soon figure that out. You leave now; I will be there.”

Geet left from there fuming at his arrogance – the arrogance that irritated her to the core, but on the other side, something about him was only increasing her adrenaline, which surged at the thought of all the closeness that they had.

Maan looked at himself in the mirror as he got dressed up. A naughty smile on his face

“Bad boy, Maan. Very, very bad. That hottie’s gonna hate you. What was all that silly stuff you blurted—judging her, labeling her, categorizing her type… damn, everything. Was that really you?” He laughed at himself, shaking his head in disbelief.

“But not my fault totally. With the boring job that Dad’s forcing me with, I need to find some fun in it, right?”

He ran his fingers through his hair, and once satisfied with his look, turned to face his dad—and the fuming expression of the hottie.