Dheere Dheere Se – Part 34

“What?” she thought in disbelief. He actually said it—the words she had longed to hear.
Damn, where had she been lost when he confessed

“Kya bola aapne?” Geet asked, wanting to hear those words once more, this time when she was fully in her senses.

“I know you don’t believe me. Itna kuch humare beech hone ke baad bhi, you still think that I am just confessing for the sake of it. But I won’t force you to accept. One day you will know how special you are.”

Geet smiled in her heart. Ohh, this is all so beautiful. She is never going to regret this day, but cherish it.

“Good night, I am going to sleep,” she said, keeping a straight face, not letting him know how badly she already has melted and how her heart is smiling.

**********

Maan was driving Geet back to her home. He stopped the car just before the thin allay.

Geet had been silent all the way back to Pune. She was still wrapped in the warmth of his care, reliving the closeness they had shared the previous night in that raw, unguarded setting. His feelings had surfaced so honestly, so genuinely, filling her heart. And he had finally confessed those words, though she had been lost enough to register it when he had said the three precious words. Geet had preferred to let her heart sink in those feelings, to register the fact that she would be loved by the man she loved so much.

This man beside her will make her love story more beautiful than her dreams. He is even more beautiful than she could have imagined. She had been quiet all the way, also a little intentionally, to trouble him.

Maan had been unsettled by her silence. Was she still hurt by his past? Nikita held no place in his heart or mind—she was not a part of his life in any way. She was simply a chapter he had shared with Geet, a truth he had laid bare so they could begin their story on a clean slate.

By the time Geet unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, Maan was already there, standing in front of her.

“Bye. Thanks for dropping me,” she said, keeping her face carefully neutral—though her heart was screaming to pull him into a tight embrace.

She stepped forward, but before she could pass him, Maan gently caught her arm and guided her back, her shoulder brushing against the car.

“Do you really not believe my words, Geet?” he asked quietly. “After everything that happened between us, after the closeness we shared, the feelings we felt—does none of it give you confidence in us?”

Geet lowered her gaze, struggling to hide the smile threatening to betray her. Now that she knew he loved her, she wanted to see how far he would go to convince her. A small, sweet revenge for making her wait so long.

“I won’t force you to trust me,” he said softly. “You’ll come to accept my truth… on your own.”

“Bye,” she managed, turning away before her expression could give her away.

She walked into the narrow alley leading to her home, her heart brimming with joy—and a quiet fear that if she stayed even a moment longer, he would read everything written there.

Geet entered the house. “Geet di, how did the meeting go?” asked Chintu, a little in a sibling-teasing tone. Geet smiled, giving him a slight smack on his head

“Well, the meeting was in the day hours, I guess. But yeah, you were with your fiancè,” came the side comment from Aunt.

There was no worry, no care, no curiosity – just a sourness. The warmth of family in this house was not only missing, but it felt cold.

“You know, right, all roads were closed in Manali due to heavy snow. And yes, I was with my soon-to-be husband, I had nothing to worry about.” Geet cut short her aunt’s indirect taunts. She was in no mood to spoil her joyfulness. She was now literally counting days to finally be his, go to her new home, and her loving family.

***

Maan entered his home, lost in his thoughts. Everyone has left for their respective work except Dadima

“Maan, “

“Ji Dadima,” Maan said, still lost

“What happened? You look lost. Did the meeting go well? Did you drop Geet off”

“Meeting went fine, Dadima. And yes, I dropped Geet,” Maan said, not wanting to talk much

“That means you again fought with Geet. Maan, why do you do this? Why don’t you understand that you need to shower love to your fianceé and make feel wanted and welcomed. Itni pyaree ladki dundhi hain humne aapke liye but you are interested in souring it”

“Dadima, I didn’t fight with Geet. Why would I? But, I guess I somehow upset her. I will fix it, you don’t worry.”

“Don’t worry? The way you are working hard to ruin everything, break her heart every time, how can we not worry?”

“You are acting like your son. Not trusting me.”

Dadima twisted his ear. “Excuse me? I’m his mother. He acts like me, not the other way around! And why do you keep hurting that girl?”

“I don’t! It just… happens.”

Dadima threw her hands up. “I can’t believe this boy. On one side, you’re about to get the ‘Most Aspiring Businessman of the Year’ award, and on the other, you can’t even impress your fiancée.” She laughed.

“can’t impress such a sweet and simple girl like Geet,” she teasingly added

“Sweet and simple? No way !. Full of attitude. But I owe her an apology, and it will be Maan Singh Khurana style.” Maan got up to leave.

“Maan Singh Khuara style,” she repeated,

“Sounds like a celebrity star speaking.”

“Soon, Dadima, soon you will hear my name being sung all around. Be prepared to handle the fame of being Maan Singh Khuaran’s granny.”

“Okay, go now, take a rest, and focus on how to fix things with Geet.”

“Hmmm…” he left.

Savitri Devi kept watching her grandson, her eyes shining with pride. Among all her brilliant grandchildren, Maan had always stood apart—unique, a step above the rest. He hadn’t followed the profession his family had taken pride in for generations; instead, he chose a different path. And yet, he proved himself there too, taking the family name far beyond its expectations.

His name appeared everywhere—business magazines, industry circles, conversations about success. He was fast becoming one of the top names in the business world. And still, it was his humility that had finally won over his father’s heart.

He could buy and build grand palatial mansions—not one, but several, in different locations. They knew he owned many, though he spoke of them only as investment properties. This house, built by his father with years of hard-earned money, was more than enough for him. It wasn’t just the fear of offending his father by suggesting a move to one of his own mansions—it was the memories. Every small and big moment of his life was rooted here, and he wasn’t ready to let that go.

Naina had once shown them the interiors of one such house, and it was clear—he had designed it with his family in mind, recreating the same warmth and familiarity, only wrapped in greater luxury.

Maybe someday in the future… just not yet.

*******

It didn’t take long for the news to spread among the Khurana ladies that Maan had upset Geet. According to the Khurana tradition, the men are expected to make amends tenfold. Dadima was a strong proponent of this tradition. As a result, a meeting was arranged, and Geet was invited to ‘The Khuranas.’

“Maan,” an authoritative call from Naina broke Maan’s attention from the project file

“Bhabhs!!!. ..ummm”, he lowered his shoulder

“Can you once be like a decent sis-in-law, who is loving to her bro-in-law?”

“Later. For now, you need to pick Geet. We invited her for dinner”

“Excuse me? You invited her for dinner, and you know how to drive. Own up to your invitation. Independent woman!!”

“Fine, I wanted to give you a chance to fix things up with her”

“What?? Words already spread among you all. Damnnn.. I should have known before speaking to Dadima”

“We are just calling her for a chit-chat. She is already family, don’t forget.”

“Yes, she is. But remember, I will fix my things with her; you guys don’t give her ideas”

“We have better things to do.”

“Hmmm, I know. Now, if you can push behind the doors, I will be able to focus on work”

*******

“Geet, you do need to take the cab. I will come to pick you up. You do not have to be formal with me, I told you, you are my younger sister” Naina was on call with Geet, trying to convince her

“Bhabhi, can I call you back. I think there’s someone at the door”

“Okay”

The moment Geet opened the door, and before the man could speak, she got a text from Maan

“He is the driver to pick you up. He must be there with a red Porsche”

“Porsche??”

“It’s a car brand” “Itna pata hai mujhe, paise kam hain per sapna bada hai mera” Geet snapped back. Maan found relief seeing her fighting spirit back.

“Hmmm… you need to work hard for bigger dreams. For now, get into it,” he smiled and disconnected. That was Maan’s way. keeping people he loved charged up, either with love or by irritating them.

Geet made a face at his comment. But a smile spread across her face when she saw the stylish red Porsche sedan waiting for her. It felt special. He dropped her off in his Audi, which was the only car she had ever seen him drive.

Did he specially rent this one for her? It felt so special. What would happen when she hears the real truth?

“Did sir rent this car to pick me up?”

“Ma’am, I guess he bought it because I am told that I am hired for you”

“Hmmm, Geet did not say anything further to the driver but felt a jingling feeling in her belly.

“What’s your name?”

“Sivaker Patil, ma’am” “Hmm…”

The dream of someone doing for her like a family felt so special. More special because it sent the message, loud and clear, how much they were now one family.

For a change, she felt a different kind of satisfaction. She realised she is his family. He is doing this for her because she belongs to him—only him.

Geet’s smile lingered on her face as she stepped into ‘The Khurana’s’. However, before Maan could catch a glimpse of her rosy cheeks, Naina whisked her away to Dadima’s room.

“What were you doing, smiling like a fool?” she hissed

“Come, dear, take a seat, ” Sandhya made Geet comfortable

“Geet, what did Maan do to upset you?”

“Kuch nahi, bas….”

“What? Why would he tell you about Nikita? She literally means nothing to him,” exclaimed Naina after hearing Geet’s story

“Geet, dear, if it were a matter of the slightest concern, we would have already told you. Maan will not even notice if Nikita passes by from his side”

“I know it now. That is why I am not upset with him”

“That’s nice, dear. But he thinks you are still upset with him,” said Dadima

Geet wore a smile on her face, recalling their moment of closeness. Though it did not escape the inquisitive gaze of Naina?

“What did he do that you’re no longer upset after such big news?” she asked, narrowing her eyes, a mischievous tease playing on her face.

“N-nahi woh…” Geet smiled shyly, lowering her gaze. A deep blush spread across her cheeks.

“Ohhh… we’re listening,” Naina prodded, clearly enjoying herself.

“I was very upset for a long time, but then he became so caring after I twisted my ankle…” Geet said softly.

“Hmmm… hmmm…” Naina hummed knowingly.

“Naina, bas karo. You’re troubling her,” Mumma intervened.

“Mummaaa…” Naina pouted dramatically.

“I’m sensing something interesting here,” Naina leaned closer to Geet and whispered conspiratorially,
“Matlab… Maan ko yeh romance-womance aata hai?”

Geet turned her face away, her shyness giving her away completely.

“Now stop teasing her,” Dadima said, though she herself was smiling. The women were clearly enjoying every bit of the gossip and playful banter.

Geet was cherishing the warmth of family, the cosiness that those teasings brought, the laughter and interest in her life. She was still sinking in; this was all a reality for her.

“But listen,” Naina said, drawing Geet’s attention.

“Khurana boys are known for their grand gestures when their girl is upset. And we absolutely don’t want you to miss out on that,” she added with a playful grin. “Honestly, I’m quite curious to see what this sahebzade will do. So, control that pretty red blush that appears every time his name is mentioned. Keep this little anger drama going for at least a week,” Naina advised mischievously.

“Yes,” Dadima chimed in, nodding in agreement. “Don’t give in so quickly. I know my grandsons are incredibly charming, but this is your chance to teach him how to pamper you—out of love, not out of duty.”

Just then, Nakul arrived with tea and snacks. The laughter and teasing continued as the women happily gossiped, the conversation drifting between Maan and Dev, filling the room with warmth and smiles.

Geet’s phone buzzed with a message from Maan.
“When you’re done with the gossiping, come to my study. There are a few documents I need to go through with you.”

“Unn-hnnn… so all his attention is down here,” Naina commented instantly.

“No, no. He wants to review some documents,” Geet replied, trying to sound casual.

“As if we haven’t used that excuse ourselves,” the ladies burst out laughing

Though Geet was trying to keep composed, her body language clearly told how eager she was to go upstairs “We can see your eagerness, but not before at least half an hour. He should know you are still upset”

Geet laughed, “Thank you all for making me part of this family, this warmth, a tear drop forming at the corner of her eyes

“Shhh..” Sandhya lovingly scolded her, wiping her tears

“Your addition is only adding more warmth to this family. You have no idea what you are bringing to this family. Maan has started believing in love; a father and son can at least sit and dine at the same table, and many more things are possible. “

“You are part of this family, and this is your family. And family, you do not need to thank,” added Dadima

After some time, Geet finally made her way to Maan’s room, where he had been waiting for her with growing impatience.

Not finding him there at first glance, she stepped inside. His room—soon, it would be theirs. The thought sent a flutter straight to her belly.

Geet lost herself in the space, every corner carrying a strong masculine presence—Maan’s presence. She was still taking it in when suddenly her arm was caught, and in one swift motion, she was pulled back and gently pinned against the wall, Maan standing right in front of her, his face just inches away from hers.

She lifted her gaze to meet his intense eyes. They searched hers deeply, speaking a language of his heart. With Maan so close, Geet’s thoughts scattered, her mind going completely blank.

Maan came closer, placing his hands on her shoulders, his forehead touching hers

“Bolona, jhuthi narazgi hai yeh. You couldn’t stay a day away from me”

“I came here because Naina Bhabhi called me”

“Was I not at all the reason?” he asked in a low voice, his lips almost touching her shivering one. The moment he pressed his eager lips on hers, she turned away, closing her eyes to control her temptation.

“You want to fix things by showering money on me?” she blamed him. He placed his palm on her cheek, turning her to face him

“That’s what you think? Why does one work day and night to earn better? I guess to shower luxury on their family. It is a way to convey your feelings to your family. You have so many dreams, I am trying to fulfil them my way, do you really think it’s a show off?”

“Did I ever say it before. But what do I say when you are trying to bargain my anger with the Porsche?”

He held her arms tightly and pushed her firmly against the wall. “Will you ever trust me, Geet? That order was placed a month ago. I wanted it to be your engagement gift, but due to the specific features I requested, it was delayed by a few days.”

And before she could move away, he pressed his lips on her. And it was not in Geet’s control at that moment; her lips automatically opened, and he pushed his tongue inside hers, pouring his hours of waiting into that one deep kiss.

After they broke from the kiss, Geet looked everywhere but at him. Maan held her chin and made her look at him “You still doubt my sincerity to you?”

Geet kept looking at him, lost in the deep kiss, and she had no answer. She trusted his sincerity more than a hundred per cent. But, just as Naina said, she wanted to enjoy his effort to convince, at least for a couple more days. It was such a beautiful feeling

“You called me for some documentation,” she reminded him of his text

“That car is in your name; you need to sign at a few places”

“Why did you get it in my name?” “Don’t I have that right on you?” his question left her speechless.