Rule Breakers – Part 6

“Chhh—rubbish. It’s all will. All about how fiercely you want something.” He shrugged lightly. “But let’s not go down that road. By normal society standards, you’re right. But I’m perfectly content as I am. And people in my world, they’re not exactly the ‘good sort’ for Uncle’s Pari, who apparently needs protecting.”

She desperately wanted to tell him who she truly was, what she actually loved, how her world looked.

But she couldn’t. Not now, not ever.

So lost in her thoughts, she didn’t realise he had already parked—effortlessly—right in the VIP parking of the Youth Bank.

*********

As they entered the bank’s head office, the atmosphere around the premises changed.

Why? – She couldn’t understand. All that was needed was to get her Bank account opened here. First of all, why should they come to the Bank’s head office for that? It could have been done in just any branch.

“We just need to get a new account opened,” she reminded him

“Show off,” he smiled and took in her taunt. But after a while, he added

“I have some personal work, so I thought to get this boring job done along with it as well.”

“Oh really? The bank must be your favorite hangout spot, huh? I mean, how else are you going to let Uncle’s earnings stream out like a flood for all those scandalous rumors you carry with you?”

“You seem to be a little jealous of my rumours,” he winked at her. Geet showed him her almond eyes, making his heart skip a beat.

“You are the least of my interests here,” she snapped back

“Well, that will be the best accommodation for me. But curious, who catches your attention?”

“Dev is the eldest of all, so his being responsible is expected. But I really appreciate Vicky. He is younger than you, but he carries himself with such calmness, along with his youthfulness. One feels comfortable around him.”

“And obviously, Daddy’s princess like you will settle for a comfort zone rather than someone who challenges you, right?”

Yes, he was a risk—she knew that much. Keeping her distance from him was necessary. Otherwise, rules would shatter, elders would be hurt, and everything would spiral in the wrong direction.

“Ouch!! Richie Rich’s ego is hurt – Younger brother preferred over him.”

Maan looked at her and smiled as they took a wonderful modern architecture glass elevator.

“Ohh, so true. What will I do now? Missed my chance with a hottie.”

They reached the cabin of the finance head of the bank, “Mr Aditya Kapoor”. A young man, almost the age of Maan,

“Welcome, Si… Welcome, Mr Khurana.”

“New bank account, I talked to you about.”

When did he talk? Geet thought.

“Do you want to take a seat in the conference room? A bank officer will be there with you. She has all the details”

They settled in a well-equipped conference room. A professionally well-dressed female bank officer entered the room

“Miss Geet Handa, let’s get your account opened. “

Maan was seated in the other corner of the room, while Geet was working with the officer.

Maan appeared to be busy with his phone, but in reality, he was attentively observing what was happening at the other end. He often took the opportunity to check her out. The officer was nervous, fearing that Maan might be watching her interactions with the person who had accompanied him. However, Maan’s attention was focused on Geet, who was dressed quite casually in a loose, oversized sweatshirt, shorts, and slip-on sneakers. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, with only a little effort given to styling it, allowing loose strands of her curly hair to frame her face.

Maan was full of himself and his own life. It was not easy for anyone to capture his attention. But this girl was raising his curiosity. What was she, a daddy’s princess, an obedient good girl, or a – I do not care, a free will rebel?

Was it her gorgeous face or her almond-shaped brown eyes? In the morning, when he had come close to her under the pretext of teasing, he had felt, for a moment, that he would drown in those deep eyes.

“We have completed all the necessary documentation. Mr. Khurana is your guarantor, so your new account should be activated as soon as possible. Additionally, your credit card will be a premium card with an unlimited limit, thanks to the ‘FAMILY’ code under ‘The Khuranas.’ This will also be processed quickly.”

The officer provided all the closing information to Geet.

As they settled in the vehicle, “What was this FAMILY code. And why such privileged accounts and cards for me?”

“Dad declared you his family, and family to Khurana’s comes with a perk.”

“So, uncle sent all the details to the bank ahead of time.”

“Why would Dad do it when he already gave me these responsibilities?”

“Wow!! Are you not just using the bank for cashing out on your Dad’s money? How can the bank take such a big risk to make you a guarantor?” Geet countered, trying to show him down in an effort to save her own heart from falling for this man.

In a surprising act, Maan left the steering wheel, turned to her, and placed one hand on the back of her seat and the other on the front, coming dangerously close to her. He looked deep into her eyes.

Geet felt a mix of excitement and fear as she sat so close to him, almost afraid to breathe in his intoxicating masculinity.

“Wh-what… what are you doing?” she murmured, pushing herself back slightly, her heart racing with every moment of their closeness. Maan leaned in further, closing the distance she had created. They were nearly brushing lips; her pink petals trembled. As he parted his lips, Geet instinctively followed, opening hers in response.

“Do you know who owns this bank?” The question hit Geet out of nowhere when she was expecting something totally different. She should have been relieved, but instead, she felt this unexpected irritation bubbling up. She shot her eyes open and pushed him away.

“What a ridiculous question! Why would I care who owns the bank? I just came to get my account sorted out, and you’re the one who brought me here.” She took a deep breath.

“What an idiotic way to ask a question! Who gets this close and asks such a question?”

Her irritation was super obvious. Maan chuckled, “What else were you expecting, being this close? Something else!!”

“Why would I? And don’t even think about pulling any of that silly stuff with me. Save that for your goofy rumor-mongering girls.”

“Jealous?” he said with a cheesy wink. Geet glanced away and let out a big sigh.

“Control yourself, Geet. Seriously, don’t even go there. You can’t be just another girl who falls for this spoiled rich brat,” she tried to reason with her heart—one that was itching to make just one tiny mistake… with this man.

“We’re heading to another destination now,” he announced.

“I want to go back home,” she declared. She had had enough of his full-of-himself charm and temptation for one day—more precisely, for the very first day of their meeting.

“I’m a busy man, and I don’t have multiple days to get your work done. You have no idea who’s guiding you with your affairs. Just know this—you’re one lucky girl to be seated beside me, in my prized beauty.”

She sighed – “Well, so let me know what’s my next lucky destination, which I have no idea of.”

He drove on without answering her. An hour passed in silence between them. Maan was busy humming along to the music, enjoying the sunlit ride in his prized beauty, while Geet was half irritated by her ignorance of their destination, and half struggling to control the whirlwind of feelings stirring inside her.

His claim could not be dismissed as completely pompous. The ride definitely felt special. A quiet stretch of London suburbia, an exotic car gliding effortlessly along the road, music wrapping the air, the drive smooth and fast—and beside her, a man carved like a Greek god: masculine, handsome, undeniably sexy.

The car soon took a turn into an open area, and the beautiful landscaping revealed that she was entering an exclusive and artistic space. Thin pathways meandered through the landscape, with water streams flowing in elegant patterns. Vibrant yellow, red, and pink flowers bloomed between small trees. Fountains of various shapes adorned different areas as they crossed the path, accompanied by creative bird feeders and vintage-style statues. The garden decor blended classic elements with a rustic charm.

“What’s this place?” Geet could not hold herself back from asking

“How do you like this place for our first date?” he raised his eyebrows, teasing her. Geet shook her head while Maan parked the car in the spot. It didn’t look like a typical parking spot. The bunnies were running between the flowers and stones, and the birds were chirping

“Why are we here? Can I know now?”

“Come, follow me” was his answer ‘Urggghhh..” Geet felt like snatching his hair.

As they entered, they were amazed by the beautiful, dreamy, fancy, and elegant dresses available for both males and females.

“Will you please tell me?”

“Okay. Dad is throwing a grand party to introduce you to his society and to his and our friend circle. As a part of making you comfortable around me, Mom has assigned me this task – to help you get the best collection of the occasion.”

“Party? for me? Why?”

“I have no interest in knowing why. So better ask them the details. I am found less at home, so they find these weird ways to punish me whenever I get into their sight.”

So confused with this new information, Geet kept following him. An elderly woman came towards them, her arms wide open, a big smile adorning her face

“Ohh, my favourite boy. After so many days.” And she took him in a big, warm hug.

“Suzzie! How are you?” he returned her hug with equal warmth.

Geet couldn’t help but be captivated by the embrace—a petite woman with short, white-blond hair, slightly round, enveloped in the arms of tall, well-built Maan.

They broke from the hug, and she turned her gaze to Geet. “This must be Geet. Come, beautiful girl,” she said, opening her arms. Geet smiled and couldn’t stop herself from embracing the sweet woman.

Geet wondered when he had informed everyone about their visit. He had been busy with his lame flirting—so when had he managed all these arrangements? Everything seemed so well planned. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to imagine this absurd, full-of-himself man as someone capable of planning anything at all.

“Geet, she is Mrs. Suzan Martin, my darling Suzzie.”

“Flirty,” Suzan lovingly slapped him

“Suzan Martin!! You are a great designer, Suzan Martin?” Geet was in awe – a fan girl moment for her.

“You won’t believe this,” Geet continued eagerly. “I once won the Miss University contest. I wanted something inspired by your design, but I couldn’t afford it, so I had it replicated.”

Suzan laughed softly. “Well then, today you won’t look at any price tags. Leave that to this young ‘boyfriend’ of mine. Come.”

Geet stepped inside and was instantly mesmerized. Gowns and dresses were displayed outdoors, flowing seamlessly with the surroundings. Everything felt artistic—almost magical.

She sneakily glanced at the price tag of one dress she loved and nearly froze. The number was beyond her imagination.

Maan gently held her wrist. “Don’t do that,” he said quietly. “This party is Dad’s gift to you—out of love.”

There was sincerity in his eyes. Geet didn’t argue.

“These are just the starters,” Suzan said cheerfully, guiding Geet toward another room. “Go see if something special speaks to you.”

The next space was a grand hall—paintings adorning the walls, chandeliers glowing softly, lights dancing across every corner.

Geet could hardly believe it. She was standing inside Suzan Martin’s space, surrounded by her exclusive collection. And Suzan was friends with Maan.
But then again—he was a Khurana. Of course, he belonged to this world.

Lost in the beauty of the dresses, Geet barely noticed Maan stepping away with Suzan for coffee.

“So,” Suzan asked, stirring her cup, “what’s going on, young man?”

“Living my life,” he replied lightly. “Juggling my three worlds.”

“I know that. But what’s this?” she nodded subtly toward Geet.

“Oh, nothing,” he shrugged. “Just met her today. She’s staying with us, and I’ve been assigned her safety.”

“Yes, yes—I get all that,” Suzan smiled knowingly. “But bringing her here, to pick something special? That’s not you.”

“Come on, Suzzie. I just met her. Mom and Dad forced me into this.”

She laughed. “I know you better than that. Responsibility is one thing—but bringing a girl to me? Hmm… bells are ringing somewhere.”

“Bells ringing and Maan Khurana?” he scoffed. “You know me better than that.”
Then, after a pause, he added softly, “But I won’t deny—she’s… different. Still, this is an old family affair. Dad would kill me if I crossed lines. Too many complications already in my life, can not afford any further.”

Suzan chuckled. “Rules and Maan—now that I want to see. Anyway, don’t think so far ahead. Enjoy the moment. Come—I’ll show you my most exclusive pieces. Just in case you want something special for her.”

Maan smiled, shrugged, and winked.
“Why not? Let’s enjoy the moment.”