The Burnt – Chapter 23

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.

*****

Geet and Maan sat together for a long time. Geet had her head resting on his chest, and her fingers were intertwined with his. Maan’s other hand itched to wrap around her petite frame and pull her closer, but he held back, tightening his fist to control his overwhelming desire.

“Geet, we should talk.”

“Not today. This is my dream moment; I want to absorb it. Let the silence and our hearts talk.” Geet, once she took the initial step, felt no shyness, but rather the bliss of this moment, which enveloped her.

***

A week passed while Maan focused on his business strategy, budgets, and upcoming projects.

There will also be a significant event for employee appreciation. Maan was a true professional. Although he initiated this project to show Geet that he was content with his life, he remained committed to the event.

The purpose of this initiative was to recognize the hard work of the workforce in the Europe region. Significant awards would be presented at every level. Maan wanted to ensure that the appropriate individuals received recognition, so he established a confidential team to gather insights and formed their own internal group to assess contributions. The feedback from managers would be crucial in determining the recipients of the awards. Maan was aware of the top executives who had made significant contributions, and that the final decision for higher-ranking executives would be made solely by him.

This was one aspect of the situation. Similarly, company policies, budgets, strategies, projects, initiatives, and the stock market all required thorough attention and a strategic approach. From morning until evening, he was overwhelmed with a heavy workload, while his assistant, Pari, was constantly busy. Despite this, she never stopped her playful flirting with him, which sometimes led to lighthearted arguments. His skills in teasing emerged while mocking Pari.

But seeing a grand portrait on the wall of his office never made Pari cross her line.

“Who is this heartless love of his? How can anyone leave this irresistible hottie all alone in the wild world of loneliness?”

Geet, on the other side, also got busy with her work on various ad projects. But her heart was fluttering. The evening that day with Maan was still sinking into her heart. Though she had those moments somewhat by force, still, they were both seated together, close. She had her head on his chest, and she could clearly hear the rhythm of his heart while their hands intertwined.

It was the first time she had come close to Maan in a romantic way. She couldn’t stop imagining how beautiful it would be when, one day, Maan would finally let go of his guilt and shower her with his love. She envisioned how wonderful those moments with Maan would be when they happened.

Maan had promised her that he would arrive on time in the evening. He needed to, or else she would end up waiting for him. However, due to a heavy workload, he had asked her for at least a week and requested that she not wait for him. Understanding his dedication to his work and being a successful businesswoman herself, she smiled and agreed, but not without giving him a gentle warning.

“Don’t make such requests a habit?”

“Hmmm” Maan said like an obedient husband.

“Advay??” he asked

“I will explain him” she assured him.

It was Friday, and Maan was ready to enter a city stadium where a grand employee appreciation event was already underway. Popular and legendary artists were performing, and the atmosphere was lively with great food, drinks, awards, and wonderful gifts for everyone. Typically, Maan would arrive during the last hour of such parties, but today he decided to make an early entrance.

Pari, who was enjoying the party and talking with people all around, still had her eyes on the boss’s entry.

“So, you are the boss’s PA?”

“So, what’s it like working right next to the Maan Singh Khurana? I mean seriously, he’s the kind of man even top celebrities brag about meeting in their stories!” asked, a young girl, Jenny

“Yes, I’ve heard that only a handful of journalists ever manage to land an interview with him,” Robert added.

“It feels like fish and chips are in front of you, but you cannot touch them,” Pari laughed.

“On a serious note, I am appointed to make his day-to-day work smoother, and he is super professional. But as we all know, he is an awesome boss,” she said.

“With no fun element,” she laughed off

Maan arrived, and Pari smoothly slipped off and reached Maan. He was surrounded by his bodyguards, but Pari was allowed in.

“All set?” Maan asked, his face straight as he continued his long strides

“Yes, boss. The media is prepared to cover this event and your participation as you wish. However, boss…”

“I am not here for any ‘but’ here,” Maan said sternly

“For them to catch you having a blast at the event, the key thing is – you gotta actually enjoy it!” Pari laughed.

Maan gave her a look. “Focus on your work, and make sure to be around.”

“I will be on my job, boss”

Maan, as planned, was completely into the party. And when Maan takes the center, his aura overtakes the surrounding

He began by addressing everyone. His speech was highly interactive and motivating. Following that, Maan presented awards to deserving employees at all levels. Additionally, the HR head mentioned several names for special recognition. Other department heads also took the opportunity to speak.

They made the speech segment concise and impactful. While other speeches faded into the background, everyone was captivated by the powerful talk delivered by Maan Singh Khurana.

Maan did not stop there; he went to the food and drink corner, unlike his usual self. It was both a surprise and a pleasure for everyone to see the boss enjoying food and drinks with them. He wasn’t just interacting with the executives; he genuinely engaged with people from all departments. Maan took this opportunity to understand the company’s resources at the fundamental level. For the first time, he gained insight into how the thoughts and problems of everyday employees differed from his own. He was truly intrigued by their concerns and lifestyles.

When the DJ started the music, they invited Maan to join them. He had never participated in a fun activity like this before. Apart from work, his favorite hobbies were going to the gym, playing sports, hiking, and camping. Although he knew how to dance, he wasn’t the type to take center stage at parties. He usually engaged in business conversations or would grab a drink and stand in a corner, leaving shortly after his brief stay..

But, seeing the young girls and boys daring to request him to the dance floor, Maan didn’t want to let down his people.

Pari exclaimed, “Boss, I’m not going to miss my chance today!” Maan widened his eyes at her but then made his way to the stage. He started dancing with Pari, and soon, all the other boys, girls, men, and women joined him on stage to dance along with the boss.

After chatting and mingling with people for a few minutes, Maan said goodbye and took off.

The next morning was Saturday. Geet smiled as she prepared coffee and breakfast for Maan. With Maan’s hectic week finally over, she planned to spend quality time with him that weekend. She didn’t want to rush things. Maan was here, and so was she, so there was no need to hurry. She wanted to savor the entire process of falling for each other again and to experience the blissful moment when Maan would draw her close, not allowing her to go anywhere away from him.

For this weekend, she was planning to give a cozy family time. He had a hectic week and also an office party for which he was very concerned and engrossed.

It’s not just in the last week; he has been working tirelessly for a long time without a family to support him. While Dadima and his siblings are around, his siblings have their own families and don’t have a smooth relationship with him. Additionally, Dadima is elderly and requires more care herself than being always available for him.

It’s all her fault that she ran away because of her cowardice. She has left him alone to sulk in loneliness. But no more.

It was 6 am when Maan was back from his long workout session. He went and took a quick shower, changed, and settled down with a remote to catch up on share market news. He was in his casual pajamas and a black casual t-shirt.

As soon as Geet entered the room, her eyes settled on her handsome husband. Her emotions were blossoming in a new way as her longing for their bond was deepening. Just a glance at him was enough to make her heartbeat race.

Maan turned to see her standing on the door, a smile adorning her face.

“How beautiful.” Does she have any idea how hard he has to be on himself to push her away? But she is hell-bent on making it difficult for him?

Maan, as an expert, masked his expression.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile as she entered the room, confident. It was her husband’s room, and now, very sure of her heart, she did not hesitate at all.

“Good morning,” he responded as he looked at her while she set the coffee on the table.

“These things are not necessary,” he added, as if Geet had not anticipated his response.

“Having a cup of coffee with your wife on a Saturday morning may not be important to you, but it is to me. I cannot lose such a wonderful moment with my husband. Come, let’s have coffee.”

Maan had no answer for her. He quietly settled onto the couch near the coffee table. Geet sat beside him and poured coffee for both of them.

“How did the employee appreciation event go?” she inquired

“Oh, it was great. Check this out!” Maan switched on the TV and showed her the news reporting on the grand event.

Geet was filled with excitement. For the first time, Maan was not just sending her off; he was also interested in showing her something related to his work.

The reports were being shown on most business channels, and even mainstream channels were featuring reports on how Khurana Enterprise brought about a revolution by hosting one of the most talked-about employee appreciation events. And also, how Maan Khurana, the man himself, was on the floor with just anyone.

A perfect example of great leadership, with employees giving interviews praising him and cherishing moments spent together.

This event served two purposes for Maan. First, it established the Khurana Enterprise’s strong presence and signature in the European market. The KE shares also shoot up. Maan Khurana understood the business game.

Aside from its business purpose, the event had another motive that only he understood. However, as Geet watched clips of the party with insider footage showing Maan enjoying himself—casually chatting with guests and dancing on stage—she began to correlate why he was so eager to share the report about the party with her.

He was not only present but also took the girls’ hands to dance with them. Among them was one girl who stood out—young, beautiful, lively, trendy, and stylish. She knew how to move elegantly in high heels with a glass in her hand.

They were watching the clips as they sipped their coffee.

It’s a brilliant and unique idea to hold an employee appreciation event on such a grand scale. I’m even happier to see you finally enjoying public gatherings. You truly deserve this!

Geet said with a smile.

“Yes, life continues. We meet different people on life’s journey and enjoy ourselves. I do the same: I work, connect with people, attend events, and spend time with family.”Maan casually mentioned

Geet loved Maan deeply, so she could sense that he was trying to convey something to her with this report and his entirely new outlook on life. But what exactly was he trying to express? She was trying to understand.

Has he really given up on his guilt and is ready to embrace love? Just when Geet might have started exploring the more positive aspects of this, Maan interjected.

“Geet, you are doing well in your life and career. I am content with my life, so I believe it is the right time for us to make a decision that is fair to both of us.”

Geet smiled, her heart beating fast – was he ready? Her heart pounded at the thought.

“The one problem I face in life is my uncertain fever, for which I am currently undergoing treatment. According to my doctor, I should completely recover within one and a half to two years. During these tough times, there’s not much anyone can do to help me except for the medical equipment and procedures. However, I do have moral support—Dadima is always there for me. Mira and Arjun come running at my call, and while my siblings are understandably upset with me, they still care deeply. With such a large family, I don’t feel lonely at all. As for Advay, I know that if he calls me, I’ll be there for him.”

Geet sat quietly, absorbing Maan’s words as he spoke. With every passing moment, her heart, which had been racing, felt as though it was slowly shattering. She found a bittersweet comfort in knowing he was happy, surrounded by people who cared for him. Yet, amidst all those voices, not once did he mention her and that cut deeper than she expected.

But then, she knew Maan loved her above everything. Not that she wanted to compete with anyone, but she had seen in these days, and she knew he loved her above all, to an extent that he could do anything for her happiness. Then why was he hurting her?

Any talks and deeds that Maan did led to her benefit. Was all this hurting somewhere leading to his thought of doing some good for her? Then his thoughts would be very unpleasant to hear. She feared.

Geet could not hold her emotions and asked in a cracked voice, “Aur main?”

“Geet, that’s what I have been trying to explain to you. My life is going fine and you do not need to sacrifice your life for me. You deserve a better life, a better life partner. Someone who has not judged you for what you were and accepted you for the person you are. Not someone like me, who misbehaved and disrespected you. Why should you give a chance to someone who has only brought pain into your life? You deserve better. Someone who stood by your side in your tough days, held your hand, and helped you in your journey to your success. That is the example of a true friend, a true partner. That is the kind of person who deserves to be your life partner.”

Geet’s fear was now morphing into anger. First, because all this show of moving on in life was to push her far from him and second, how can he hint her best friend, her business partner in such context.

“Maan, don’t say anything ahead of it,” said Geet, trying to maintain her calm.

“Geet, you do not need to run away from the fact. Even the great love stories will tell you, a true life partner supports you in your lows and in your life; Chetan is that man. How can you not fall for a man who has been with you in your ups and downs, instead keep loving the person who has tortured and insulted you? And, trust me, he will go to any lengths to keep you happy.”

“BASSS!!!!” Geet shouted loudly, filled with frustration and fury. She got up in anger, her cheeks flushed, fists clenched tightly by her sides. Maan, taken aback by the sudden outburst, quickly got up with her. “Geet, listen to me,” he urged gently, trying to calm her down.

Geet held his collar and pulled him. “Bass kahan na. Do not cross your limit!! Kya samajh Rakha hai aapne… hnnn” She pulled his collar to and forth to shake him up.

She was shaking with anger. “How can you? Who gave you the right? Who gave you the right to insult my love for you? Who gave you the right to give any name to my pure friendship with Chetan?” she pushed him out of anger.

Geet was growing restless as his words echoed in her mind. She placed her hand on her forehead.

“Ohh.. I left you, so this is how you are punishing me. Telling me that I left you and fell in love with another man, a man who I joined hands with only as a friend, joined hands as a business partner. And you know why? Because I had your baby within me, then your baby to raise. Advay was always more your child than mine. My responsibility was to give the deserved life to the child of Maan Khurana. I left you, so now how can I claim that I love you, right? Because I joined hands with another man to give a better life to our child, then how can I not fall for that man? Because I left you, my love for you was weak, and so I can fall for another man.” Geet was just blabbering. She didn’t know what to say.

Maan came closer and held Geet. “Geet, calm down, please” But Geet jerked his hand and pushed him away

“Dur rahiye mujhse” Tears simply streamed down her eyes

“You placed doubt on my love for you and you placed doubt on my friendship with Chetan. This hollow – you find me this hollow. I have been in love with you since my childhood – how many times and in how many ways will you insult my love for you”

Geet’s anger, her restless ness was making Maan worried.

“Geet, calm down. I cannot even imagine insulting you.”

“Really? I can see that” she spat

“You know what, for you it’s always about you. My love for you means nothing to you. First, it was your anger and ego. Back then, you pampered your anger and ego so much that you declined to accept even your love for me and kept negating my love to the extent that you finally pushed me away from you. And now – now it’s your guilt. Again, it’s you, your guilt. It is so big that my love for you can easily be sacrificed for it, your love for me can be crushed, my true friendship can be questioned, and our child’s happiness of living with his parents can be compromised. And for what – your GUILT!!! It was your anger, your ego, and now its your guilt.”

Maan could not see such helpless and restless Geet.

“Geet, calm down. You are taking it all in wrong direction”

“No, I won’t. How can you even think that I can garner feelings for anyone else? You thought I was lying?” Tears were unstoppable, and the more she wiped them away, the more they poured from her eyes.

“No, never. I just know that I do not deserve you” he pleaded, tried to explain. But he had already damaged her heart, once again.

“With what all you said today – you are right. You do not deserve me. But I am mad, and crazily love this man who does not deserve me. Does not deserve me because he always insults my love. So now, because I cannot stop loving you, if you really want tod od soething then become deserving and win me back.”

Maan stood looking at her. Why does she love him so much. But Geet, as if read his mind

“You do not read love stories, so please stop trying to drag examples from your nonexistent love stories. There are no specific reasons to fall in love; it can happen with someone who stood by you, or even for no reason at all. I simply love you, and I don’t even know why! Pagal hoon shayad.”

On the other side, Advay woke up and was looking for his Mumma. Savitri Devi, who sensed some argument between husband and wife, sweetly distracted Advay and took him with her

“Geet…” Maan was filled with guilt for once again hurting her, overwhelmed by the love she carries for him. He couldn’t even ask why; she had already answered it.

“And before such a great idea of setting me up with someone again comes to you, do one thing. Before coming to me with such ideas, first marry someone, bring her home. I will quietly hand over Advay to her and leave. Because if, in your guilt mission, you are thinking of separating from Advay, don’t dare to do it. Advay will always be with his dad. I am no longer separating him from his dad.”

“Geet!! How can you say that? No one can ever take your place in Advay’s life.”

“And in your life?” she asked even before he could take a pause

“Not in this life, not in any life”

“You got your answer,” and she left, in pain, hurt, angry. And he was to be blamed.