Enchanted – Chapter 60

“I don’t know who he is or why Malini ji thinks you can bring him to her,” Mr. Goswami said softly, “but Geet is repeatedly asking for her Maan to be by her side. She’s losing patience. Malini ji believes you can bring her Maan to her.”

Maan slowly looked up at the sky.
“Geet ke Babaji… thank you.”

Then, he said to Goswami Ji, “Tell her I am bringing her Maan to her—sooner than she expects. Ask her to take care of herself until I bring her Maan to her. Once her Maan is there, he will take care of everything.”

#######

Maan, after handing the store counter over to the other person, took the scooter keys and headed off to the hospital.

It was an hour ride, and each second of that hour seemed like an era to Maan. He parked the scooter on the side and rushed inside the city hospital.

His queen, in labor, giving birth to their first child in the general city hospital’s general ward. Did he care about that at this moment? Not actually. He just wanted to see her, soothe her.

He reached near the ward, Goswami ji and a couple of other men were the first that he encountered

“Maanveer, where is Maan that Geet is looking for?” asked Goswami ji with urgency.

“That is the name she is continuously shouting for in her pain. As if holding the delivery for his arrival. You said you will bring him.”

“I will make her meet him. Can I go and check on her?” he was restless

“Malini ji and Ragini are there.” By that time, Malini ji came out looking for Maan.

“Maanveer, you are still here? She is inside, crying and calling out for her Maan.”

“Where is she?” His voice trembled as he spoke. Malini ji gestured for him to follow her.

Goswami ji stood there, utterly confused.

Maan reached outside the labor ward and could hear Geet’s voice echoing through the corridor.

“Maan… aaah… I need you, Maan…”

Maan was intelligent enough to understand that his identity as Geet’s husband was no longer hidden — at least not from Malini ji.

“Please… allow me to let her meet her Maan,” he requested softly.

“It’s all in the hands of the nurses and doctors now. Go, state your identity and ask for permission,” she said, permitting him.

Geet’s cries of pain filled the air, and in every scream, only one name was repeated — “Maan.”

He rushed to the nurse. “Please, let me in. She’s calling for me.”

“You are?”

“Maan — her husband.”

Malini ji heard his words, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

“He is Maan? Geet’s husband?” Goswami ji’s shocked voice came from behind.

“I’ll explain,” Malini ji said, tears glistening in her eyes.

“Where were you? She’s crying in pain for you!” The nurse shook her head in sheer frustration.

“Can I go in, please?” he almost broke down while asking. But he couldn’t behave like a movie hero and storm inside, disregarding the system.

“Your ID,” she demanded.

He pulled out the ID he had kept safely with him all this time and handed it over.

“Maan Singh Khurana,” she read aloud, then looked at him in confusion.

“Go in.”

Maan pushed the door open. “Geeet…”

Geet, writhing in pain, turned toward the voice. A wide smile spread across her face. For her, no pain was greater than his presence.

“Maa… aa… Maan…” she whispered, her eyes locking onto him.

He rushed to her side, taking her hand in his while his other hand gently caressed her head. Bending down, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

“You’ll do it. I’m here with you,” he murmured, only for her to hear.

From the small glass panel in the door, Malini ji witnessed the serene reunion.

“Aaah… Maan!” Geet arched in pain as another contraction hit. The nurses continued calming her, but Geet’s eyes searched for no one but Maan.

“I’m sorry…” she whispered when the wave of pain subsided slightly.

“No, Jaan… don’t worry about anything right now.” He kept gently rubbing her palm, smoothing her forehead, and brushing her hair back. The bliss of his touch after so long calmed her racing heart. And hearing Jaan from his lips for her… tears streamed down her face.

“What did you say?” she asked, squinting as another wave of pain surfaced.

“Aah… aaah… say it again…”

“We’ll talk later. For now, forget everything, Jaan.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead again.

A soft smile curved her lips. “Call me that again…”

But another intense contraction hit her, stealing the moment.

“You need to step out now. She’s about to deliver,” one of the doctors instructed.

“No… he will stay,” Geet declared, even as her body trembled with pain.

Maan leaned closer, trying to soothe her. “Jaan, I’m just outside. One call from you and I’ll be right back.” He turned slightly to move, but Geet gripped his wrist tightly.

He turned back. She shook her head faintly, her eyes pleading with him to stay.

Maan nodded silently. The doctors had no choice but to allow it.

He smiled reassuringly, taking her hand between both his palms.

“Relax… I’m here.”

#######

Outside, Malini ji stood with tears shimmering in her eyes, silently witnessing the depth of love unfolding before her.

“You knew about them?” Goswami ji asked softly.

“I had a hint,” she admitted. “From the very beginning, I noticed the natural bond between them — the way she could never truly deny him, the comfort she felt around him… and the way he instinctively cared for her.”

“But Maanveer has always been good to everyone. He stands up to help anyone,” Goswami ji reminded her.

“Yes,” Malini ji nodded, “but there was a subtle tenderness reserved only for her. The way his face tightened the moment he sensed she wasn’t well… It wasn’t obvious at first. Slowly, the signs began to fall into place. Until today, it was only a strong intuition.”

“Then how could you allow a husband and wife to stay here like that?”

“They never confirmed anything,” she replied calmly. “And they respected every boundary of Humara Ghar. He never stepped into her room, even though she is his wife. They chose honesty. They chose to walk their individual journeys first.”

She paused, emotion thickening her voice.

“And when I learned the reason Geet left him… it touched my heart deeply. I wanted Humara Ghar to witness their reunion. Here, they searched for their souls, rediscovered their relationship, and reunited as a family. Isn’t that the true meaning of Humara Ghar, Goswami ji?”

Goswami ji smiled gently. “That is absolutely true. We are here to heal broken lives — how could we refuse to help mend a broken relationship?”

Malini ji shook her head softly. “Their story isn’t about a broken relationship. It’s about ultimate sacrifice for each other. The love and respect they carry for one another… it compelled me to step off the usual path and support them.”

“You did exactly right,” Goswami ji said with conviction.

######

Geet finally delivered a beautiful princess, and Maan witnessed every ounce of pain she endured to bring their daughter into this world. As he stood beside her, watching her fragile strength, he made a silent promise to himself — no more pain for her. He would go to any length to fill her life with love, warmth, and nothing but flowers.

The nurse gently brought the baby to them. “Congratulations! This is your love, now in this world.”

Both of them looked at their daughter, emotions overflowing beyond words.

“Congratulations, Maan and Geet,” the doctor said warmly, softly caressing Geet’s forehead. “You were incredibly brave.”

The nurse took the baby to clean her and wrapped her in a soft pink towel. After settling Geet comfortably, she brought the little one back and carefully placed her in Geet’s arms.

“We’ll hold her together,” Geet whispered, looking at Maan.

Maan slid his hand beneath Geet’s for support, and the nurse gently placed their daughter into her mother’s embrace.

“The center of my world… right here in my hands,” Maan breathed.

Geet pressed a tender kiss to their baby’s forehead. Maan followed, kissing his daughter softly, and then completed the circle by placing a deep, lingering kiss on Geet’s forehead.

Tears rolled down Geet’s cheeks. “I’m sorry… I’ve been so cruel to you.”

“No more tears,” Maan said softly, wiping them away. “Our daughter deserves a welcome filled with smiles, not tears.”

“Okay, Maan and Geet,” the nurse said gently, drawing their attention. “We’ll take the mother and baby to the special care ward for observation. Once the doctor completes the check-up, we’ll allow the family to meet them.”

Geet was wheeled away with their daughter.

Maan stepped outside, his heart full and overwhelmed.

The very first thought that crossed his mind was to thank Malini ji.

She truly was God-sent for them.

#######

As Maan stepped out, he sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Every pair of eyes was on him — not with judgment, but with a different kind of awareness.

He looked at Malini ji. Tears shimmered in her eyes.

Of course, they had just discovered he was Geet’s husband. Their shock was natural. He was prepared to apologize for keeping the truth hidden.

But why were there tears in Malini ji’s eyes?

He stepped closer.

“Congratulations,” she said, smiling warmly despite the tears.

“Thank you… and I’m sorry,” he replied, glancing at everyone gathered there.

“For what?” she asked gently. “What you have done is impossible for someone in your position.”

“My position?” he repeated, slightly puzzled.

Goswami ji stepped forward. “Mr. Maan Khurana… you handed your ID to the nurse for verification.”

Understanding dawned.

Maan smiled, completely unfazed. “Goswami ji, in Humara Ghar, we don’t value people by their roles in the outside world. What I received here is beyond words. This place gave me a second life. Everyone here knows how cruel the world outside has been to us — that’s what brought us here. This house gave us space to breathe again. That is far above rich or poor, status or power. Please… don’t look at me differently because of what you now know.”

His voice carried the sincerity they couldn’t deny.

A respectful silence followed.

Ragini broke it softly. “How are Geet and the baby?”

“They’re both doing well,” Maan replied, a proud, emotional smile spreading across his face.

########

Later, everyone was allowed to visit the mother and baby.

When Maan saw the room Geet had been moved into, he was taken aback. It was the finest suite available in the city hospital, equipped with the best facilities and comfort.

“This wasn’t necessary…” he murmured to himself.

He chose to remain outside while Malini ji and the others went in one by one to meet Geet and the baby. As much as his heart longed to rush inside — to be with his wife, his Jaan, and his little princess — he respected that everyone there had the right to see her first.

He was a father.

The truth of it was still settling deep within him.

While the others were inside, Maan walked toward the doctor and the hospital administration.

“I have a request,” he said calmly. “Please don’t elevate the facilities because of me.”

“It’s only for a day, Mr. Khurana,” the doctor replied politely. “It’s not every day that we deliver the child of a leading entrepreneur. It’s our pleasure. Consider it a small gesture of appreciation for your humility.”

Maan sighed softly. “Alright. I’m fine with it — as long as it doesn’t hinder any other patient’s care.”

“It won’t,” the hospital director assured him firmly. “I personally guarantee that.”

Maan nodded, then added, “One more genuine request. Please ensure that this news does not leave the hospital premises. It’s a security concern… and more importantly, the identity of Humara Ghar must remain protected.”

“We’ve already taken precautions, Mr. Khurana,” the director responded. “Only a limited number of staff members are aware, and they’ve been formally instructed. Written notices have been issued stating that this information is strictly confidential and falls under personal data protection regulations. It cannot be shared — not externally, nor even casually within staff.”

Maan’s expression softened with gratitude.

“Thank you for taking care of this,” he said sincerely.

#####

On the other side…

Malini ji and Ragini quietly entered the room. Geet was sitting propped up against the pillows, her baby nestled in her arms. She was completely lost in admiring her little princess — tracing her tiny fingers, memorizing every delicate feature.

“Congratulations, dear,” Malini ji’s gentle voice brought her back.

Geet looked up, her eyes glowing. Both women leaned in and wrapped her in a warm embrace. They took turns holding the baby, admiring her softness, blessing her with heartfelt wishes and whispered prayers.

“Feeling on top of the world?” Ragini teased playfully.

Geet blushed, lowering her eyes. “I’m sorry… for keeping everything hidden.”

Malini ji cupped her face lovingly. “This is not the time for apologies. It’s time for you to live this moment. You have endured enough pain and sacrifice.”

She paused, her voice turning softer yet firm with affection.

“Geet, you are very fortunate. Cherish the beautiful blessings life places in your hands. Value the people who truly love you — the ones who consider you their own. Trust your love, and trust their love for you. Don’t walk away from those who stand beside you, just because a few people fail to see your worth.”

Her words carried depth now.

“There will always be people who try to pull you down. But tell me, what is wiser? Holding the hands of those who are trying to lift you… or giving your hand to those you know will push you into a well?”

Tears welled up in Geet’s eyes — not of sorrow, but of realization.

Ragini gently wiped them away. “Enough of serious talks. Today is about happiness.”

They continued speaking to her in turns, filling the room with warmth, laughter, and blessings, while the tiny princess slept peacefully in the circle of love that surrounded her.

#####

It was only after everyone left that Maan finally entered the room. Now that Maan Khurana — her husband, her strength — was there, no one else needed to worry.

He quietly pushed the door shut behind him.

Geet looked up at him. Their little princess was still in her arms.

Maan gently took the baby from her. “You need rest too,” he said softly, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, holding their daughter with utmost care.

Geet watched both of them with overflowing eyes. “I can’t get over her… and you. Where were you for so long?”

Maan carefully rose and placed the baby in the cradle beside the bed. He adjusted the blanket around her, watched her for a lingering second, and then returned to Geet.

They had so much to say. So many confessions, so many emotions waiting to be voiced. Yet in that moment, silence felt more powerful than words.

“Where was I…?” he murmured faintly. “And you could leave me for an eternity?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered again.

“Don’t ever say that,” he said firmly, caressing her face before placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Why shouldn’t I? You had to go through so much pain because of me. What kind of wife leaves her husband like that?”

“You met with an accident,” he replied, his voice tightening. “And you’re talking about my pain? Geet, the day I found you here… alive… I got my life back. My only suffering was not knowing where you were, what had happened to you. But you…”

His arm wrapped protectively around her.

“You were in such turmoil, even with me near you. I will never forgive myself for that. So please  don’t ask for forgiveness and make me feel more ashamed.”

“No,” she shook her head weakly. “You will not blame yourself. See? This is what I did – made you doubt yourself. Main darr gayi thi… isme aapki kya galti hai?”

“There is a fault,” he said quietly. “With all my power and money, I still couldn’t give you enough assurance that you were safe… that nothing in this world is above you for me. Not even my lif…”

She immediately placed her palm over his lips.

He gently held her hand and kissed her palm instead.

“We have endured more than our share of pain,” he said softly. “Now let’s look toward the future. I want to love you endlessly, Geet. Just don’t ever take that chance away from me again.”

Geet slowly shook her head. “I was scared… but not anymore. I know our love is strong enough.”

“Very strong,” he affirmed.

Maan cupped her face, his eyes locking deeply into hers. Geet found herself unable to look away from the intensity and devotion in his gaze.

“Thank you, Geet,” he whispered. “For giving me this chance. For giving me the right to be our daughter’s father.”

Geet rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“You have no idea,” she murmured softly, “being back with you… I’ve got my life back. Saansen bhi be-imaan thi aap se door.”

Maan gently calmed her, caressing her back in slow, reassuring strokes.

“Come… lie down and rest,” he said softly. “We had two months to question what happened and why. Now it’s time to look ahead — to celebrate our daughter and promise each other that we won’t let anyone else make decisions for us. We’ll protect our love… together.”

He began to rise, but Geet quickly held his wrist.

“Stay near me.”

Maan settled back instantly, his eyes softening as he looked at her.

This was the same girl who couldn’t stay away from him even for a moment, yet she had chosen to leave him for his safety. Her struggle must have been far greater. She had known where he was all along. To hold herself back every single day, to live with that distance knowingly that pain could not have been small.

And yet, he also knew something else now.

With him beside her, he could bring his Geet back. She only needed to be shielded from unwanted fears and influences. Even if he had to appear firm, even rude, he was ready. He could not risk losing her again. They had already buried her once — the chirpy, fearless Geet he had fallen in love with. He would bring her back too.

Geet slowly rested her head on his lap and closed her eyes, surrendering to the comfort of his presence.

Maan ran his fingers gently through her hair.

Neither of them spoke.

What they felt was far beyond language.

With eyes closed, they sank into the quiet warmth of their togetherness — not needing words, not needing promises — just the steady reassurance that they were finally where they belonged.