Silent Whisper -Chapter 32

“What are you talking about, Dad?” Dev said, impatience creeping in.

“The discovery of his grandmother’s name,” Sujit said quietly, “says a lot.”

“And the tracing of their roots—hidden from everyone for decades—confirms it,” Sanjeev added.

“Uncle, Dad, please clarify the details. Curiosity is killing us,” Darshan asked.

Sujit ignored the boys and turned to Sanjeev.

“Dad said everything was planned—meticulously. It was ensured that those menials would never strike back. Uncle’s early demise was handled well; it buried their legacy so deeply that it was forgotten over time. There was no way for them to even remember who they were.

Maan didn’t exist back then. In fact, after a decade of silence and non-existence, we didn’t even care that Uncle had a son—let alone imagine that this son would give birth to something as lethal as Maan Khurana.

I still can’t wrap my head around it.”

*********************************************

The grand mansion was abuzz today. Tomorrow is Maan’s birthday celebration. Sandhya has always made sure to celebrate his birthday in the grandest way possible, within whatever means they had—it’s her ‘Mannat’ for his life. The ‘Hawan’ took place during the day hours, followed by a party with their social circle.

With Maan’s immense success, Sandhya ensured that this would be the grandest annual event for the family. Maan, however, wasn’t too keen on dedicating an entire day to the celebrations, but it was his mother’s belief and wish—something he could never refuse. So, he approved a lavish budget, letting her organize everything to her heart’s content.

But the biggest confusion was—how to invite Geet. She was already staying in the house, uninvited. Yet, with time, she had grown close to almost everyone… except Annie.

In the difficult days, his siblings hadn’t exactly stood by Maan with respect; instead, they had often met him with harsh words. Maan, on his part, had always taken responsibility, always wanted to pamper them—but they had constantly questioned his capability, his dreams, his hard work. They never truly gave him the right to pamper them, believing he wasn’t worthy of it. All they expected from him was that he fulfill their needs.

And so, that’s exactly what Maan had decided now—he would meet their needs, but without the indulgence.

Now, with all the luxury and a highly powerful brother, Annie found herself craving that lost pampering. Maan gave her everything, yet remained strictly to the point with her.

Annie feared that if Geet returned to his life—and if he still loved her as deeply as everyone claimed—her own place would slip even further. Geet had an effect on him. If it were any other girl, perhaps that old love would never resurface… and Annie could still hold onto her place—as his sister, his youngest, his priority.

So, except Annie, they all wanted Geet to be part of the celebration. But the situation was complex. If Maan doesn’t want to see her near him, will it be correct to invite her to his birthday? And as what? His wife? His estrange wife who stays with them? People will ask questions or will have questions in their eyes. She is not an unknown figure herself.

And not inviting her would feel outright rude. Geet had blended in with everyone, forming genuine bonds along the way.

“Call her and speak to her honestly,” Raj suggested.

“This situation is getting complicated—and it’s only going to get worse. After Maan’s birthday, I’ve already decided to clear this mess,” he added.

“What have you decided?” his mother asked.

“That’s not the focus right now. Let’s sort out the birthday invite first.”

#####

“Geet, tomorrow is Maan’s birthday,” Sandhya informed.

“I know. I remember it very well. It was such an important day—and I missed it. Maan will never admit it, but I know my absence hurt him. He had invited me, and I declined…” Geet slipped into her guilt.

Just then, Annie walked in.

“Geet, we know you’ve realized your mistake. But we also see how deeply you’ve come to understand this relationship now. You’re here with us, making the effort to know us… and to be there for us,” Raj added

“Geet,” Sandhya took her attention.

“As you can see, preparations are going on for the celebration. Morning will be the ‘Hawan’, and in the evening there will be a social gathering, a formal western style party, for Maan’s friends, our social groups, Annie and Vicky’s friends, and more.”

“Hmmm… I know. Last year, it was celebrated in Australia.”

“Hawan is the part I organize, while the evening party is handled by Maan’s friends—or rather, Maan sponsors it as a gesture of thanks. That isn’t really our space, but we do attend it as a social formality,” Sandhya said, taking a deep breath.

“Mom, you don’t need to hesitate while speaking to me. This is my family—and in a family, there’s no need for formality.”

“Geet, I wanted to invite you to attend the Hawan. You’re living with us, and it’s being held in the mansion garden… so it’s only right that you be a part of it.”

“Wow… right. Come and ruin Bhai’s day on his birthday,” Annie snapped, her anger evident.

“Annie!” Sandhya warned, stopping her from going further.

“Annie is right,” Geet cut in softly. “Maan has clearly asked me to stay out of his sight. I don’t want to be there and spoil his day.”

“No, Geet. Such a big occasion is being held at home—you should be there. Everyone deserves God’s blessings.”

“And she will be there as…?” Annie questioned.

That hit Geet hard. A cruel reality. But as always, she held her heart tight.

“Mom, Annie may sound rude, but she isn’t wrong. I don’t want to spoil Maan’s mood on his birthday… and what would I even have there as? But I will be there—unknown, from a distance. I promise I’ll witness it and take the blessings.”

Sandhya and Savitri Devi exchanged a glance with Raj. He wasn’t pleased. It was clear he was leaning towards taking some drastic step. Yet, they couldn’t force Geet to be there.

The evening social gathering was planned at the 200-acre farmhouse Maan had recently purchased. Word had already spread—it was exquisitely designed, almost exclusive in its appeal. A beautiful house stood at the far end, complete with every facility, a horse stable, and vast stretches of farmland surrounding it.

It was said that Maan had developed a taste for horse riding a couple of years ago in Australia. One of his partners had taken him out for a day and introduced him to it, and Maan had instantly fallen in love with the feeling. It didn’t take him long to pick it up at a professional level, either; as a child in Hoshiarpur, they had their own stable. All of that had been left behind when they moved to Mumbai, when he was just twelve.

As of now, he owned three horses. One was ‘King,’ which was a gift to him from his Australian partner. The other was ‘Rani’—just a few months old when Maan had brought her home, and now a little over two years old. She was a large breed like King and had taken on his height but would still need another year and a half to fully mature. The stable hand had been strictly instructed to keep the two separate for now. Having watched Rani grow before his eyes, Maan had recently brought in a third, a month-old male. He named him “Daurak.”

Maan was too occupied to spare much thought for his birthday celebrations. His friends were coordinating with the event manager for the evening party, handling invites for the outsiders, and family, of course, needed none.

Meanwhile, Maan was focused on finalizing his plan to strike at the Chadhas. By now, they knew exactly who he was, the information he had deliberately let slip. And the best part? There was nothing they could do about it. He had cornered them from every side, leaving them completely paralyzed.

What they didn’t know yet… was that his final move would hit the hardest—straight at their very identity.

#######

It was birthday morning, and the sprawling two-acre lawn of the Khurana Mansion looked even more stunning and festive than usual. Yellow, red, and white flowers adorned the space, lending it a serene, holy atmosphere.

The Mandap had been set up for the Hawan, with elegant seating arranged for everyone else. Pathways were lined with decorations so guests could offer their own Hawan after Maan, his family, and close friends had completed theirs.

Sandhya had been busy with all the arrangements, though most of it was already settled. Raj watched his simple yet graceful wife, taking in her beauty. She wore a light yellow Kanjivaram sari, its border woven with gold threads and intricate gold-and-silver work accenting delicate red designs. The ensemble was paired with a heavy set of real ruby and emerald jewelry in gold; all gifts from her son. Maan had thoughtfully arranged presents for his parents and Dadima, while his siblings had received large checks to select whatever they wished.

When Maan arrived, everyone was already seated in their finest festive attire. He took his seat and gently asked his mother to calm down.

“You will be fully present here today and not let any work cross your mind,” she asked, seeking a promise.

Maan chuckled. “I promise. I’ll be completely present.”

He settled into his seat, scanning the gathering. His family looked radiant and elegant, his friends were in attendance, and everyone expected had arrived.

Yet, despite it all, something felt missing. He didn’t want to admit it, but his eyes searched for someone. Where is she? a deeper part of him whispered—but he pushed the thought aside when his mother’s voice called out.

“Maan, be present.”

“I am,” he replied, and the puja began. True to his word, Maan immersed himself in the rituals, keeping all other thoughts at bay. The ceremonies continued for an hour.

When the final round of the Hawan arrived, Pandit ji asked him to offer his deepest prayers and wishes. Maan closed his eyes, silently praying for his family, their health and happiness—it had always been his default.

But as his eyes remained shut, he felt his mother’s voice gently in his ear…

“Maan, no one else is listening. Speak your heart freely to God,” his mother whispered.

Maan kept his eyes closed, continuing his prayers.

“God, help me. Free me from this conflict. I want her to be happy, I wish her success. I have been hurt—but why does the wait in her eyes weigh so heavily on me? She had crushed my self-respect… and now, seeing her hurt herself, day and night, right before my eyes, it stings, it pierces. I can’t bring her closer, yet I can’t let go. Help me find the right path, help me make the right decision.”

With that, he completed the final round of the Hawan.

Then everyone took turns and came for their offerings. Maan’s eyes were busy, silently searching through the crowd – She was nowhere. He had assumed that Mom should have invited her.

He texted the Mansion’s security head and got up to take the round while the others continued.

Maan walked to the pathway in the side where he was met with the security in charge

“Hmmm…” was his question

“Sir, she has been invited by Ma’am. From the cameras, she had been watching the ritual from far end balcony of the house”

“Hmmm… you may go on your duty”

“Sir!!” he said, and left.

Maan decided to slip away from the crowd until everyone had completed their offerings, taking a quiet stroll along the side.

If she was invited, why didn’t she come? he wondered. She always says I’m so important to her, that she loves me madly. She forced her way into the house for me—so why isn’t she here?

After a long walk, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, Maan felt the crowd must have finally dispersed. He headed back toward the Mandap to make a final check, planning to either retire to his room or spend some peaceful time with his family.

But what he saw made him stop dead in his tracks.

The crowd had indeed thinned out—but Pandit ji remained, and Geet… she was performing the Hawan.

She wore an off-white churidar with a delicate golden lace border, paired with light, understated jewelry. She looked serene, almost ethereal. Her jumkas swayed gently with the movement of her bangles as she made her offerings, and soft curls framed her face, falling perfectly around her features. Maan couldn’t look away.

He kept looking at her for a while and then turned his path. It didn’t take him much to understand the situation. It was getting complex and it will more, with each passing day. It pained more than he had ever expected.

######

The evening party was at its full energy.  The snacks and drinks were floating all around. Maan was sipping his drink in the corner and watching the hustle bustle in the party. Maan was used to party, but only business party. These birthdays and ceremonial types of parties made him feel, not so comfortable.

His friends would not leave him alone eventually, he knew that. But as long as they are busy entertaining the crowd, he can have his peace.

His friends, young business partner, elder business partners with their young daughters, obviously to mingle them with him, some with their son, who would make terms with him for future partnership, investors and then the most elegant sight, his parents and Dadima. Vicky was all over the place, busy looking after the arrangements. Maan was very proud of the maturity that Vicky has come up with while working with him. Annie, was busy showing off and enjoying and that was perfectly fine with him. Everyone does not need to be like him. At least someone is enjoying the life to full. He was happy he is able to provide her enough to fulfill her dreams. But only if she keeps it all limited to her life. He does not appreciate his younger siblings to interfere in his personal space and that seemed to be Annie’s favorite hobby these days, especially since Geet has made her entry in the house.

Well, that took him to Geet. She was not here. Of course, how will she be here? It’s his party and he has not invited her. Something tightened in his heart. But how was he supposed to invite her? Inviting her means, welcoming her in his life. It would be defying his own words where he has clearly told her to keep away.

And yet, today… it all felt wrong. It was his birthday, everyone was present… except her. The absence gnawed at him, uneasy and wrong. But why? He had asked her to keep away—so why did it feel so heavy, so unsettled?

Eight months ago, when she first entered his home, her absence would have brought relief. But things were changing, shifting in ways he didn’t understand. And he wasn’t even sure whether this change was for better… or for worse.

######

Geet sat alone in the sprawling five-story mansion. Even the attendants weren’t around—they had all been given time off.

It was Maan’s birthday, and she refused to be sad. Today marked the most beautiful day of all—the day her Maan had been born.

Yet, she hadn’t even been invited. His family, friends, and the entire social circle would be there… but not her. The thought stung, no matter how hard she tried to push the sadness away.

Still, Geet wanted to be happy today, to rise above the ache.

Fine—she wouldn’t be at the party. But she could celebrate in her own way, here in the quiet of the mansion. She would honor him today—for his success, his health, everything that made him remarkable, everything about him that had made her fall so completely, so madly in love.

Geet got ready in a stunning sky-blue, shimmery evening gown, making sure she looked breathtaking for his birthday. She had even ordered a beautiful cake and arranged a centerpiece in her room. Just as she was about to cut the cake, her phone rang—her mother calling. Geet felt a surge of emotion, almost on the verge of tears. She didn’t want to answer and let the phone ring.

But parents are parents—they always know their child better than the child knows themselves. Soon, she got a message from her father: “If you’re not picking up, I’ll be there tomorrow.”

Taking a deep breath, Geet looked at herself in the mirror, plastered a smile on her face, and made a video call to her mother. Both her parents appeared on the screen.

“Mom, how do I look?”

“Beautiful as always, my darling. All dressed up for a party…”

“Mom, today is Maan’s birthday.”

“So, are you going there or returning from it?” her father asked, glancing at his watch. “It’s already ten. No party starts this late, nor ends so early.”

“Dad, have you joined some investigation agency?” she said, trying to sound casual. “I’m celebrating Maan’s birthday—it’s a party dress for that.” But even as she spoke, her parents could see the tears she was trying so hard to hide.

“Geet, you’re not invited, right?” her mother asked, cutting straight to the point.

“Mom… it’s fine. He’ll accept me soon, and I’ll be the queen of his party,” Geet replied, trying to sound confident.

“No, it’s not fine,” her mother said firmly. “You made a mistake. You went there to apologize and try to fix a dying relationship—but Maan had already ended it from his side. He tried to explain it to you in countless ways. And how much clearer could anyone be? You’re not even invited to the birthday party of the man you claim as your husband!

You wanted a chance to make things right, and we gave it to you. Now it’s over. Perhaps your actions cut deeper into his heart than any attempt you made to mend things. But you have no right to hurt the self-respect of our daughter—the one we raised with so much pride.”

“Mom, I was invited in the Hawan that happened in the day hours”

“And you attended it? Geet, we want the truth. Who invited you?”

“Mom invited me”

“You attended?” Geet was quiet for a moment

“Of course, I went and offered the Hawan”

“What was Maan’s reaction? Was he okay with your presence there?”

“Mom… stop the interrogation… he was busy with people around. I went there for prayer and I did it”

“We got our answer…” said her Dad.

“What are you doing in this party dress”

“Nothing… was just trying it out” but so much question from her parents did move Geet’s self control and tears spilled down her eyes.

“Geet, we know how crazy you can go, show us around”

“No…” tears just streamed through her eyes

“Geet, you are far away from us among people who don’t want you there. We need to know. Show us around”

Geet showed around “I was just trying to celebrate his birthday”

“It’s over. Stop this victim game. I am coming tomorrow to take you back. Stay with us and keep loving him. That is final.” and he disconnected.

NEXT:- The Final decision