Dheere Dheere Se – Part 36

He would draw her into his arms, holding her as though she were something precious and fragile. His hands had learned her. They naturally they found her waist, how gently one palm cradled her head, how subtly he tilted her face to deepen their kiss.

Maan carried old-school values in his heart, and he would not cross that line before marriage. Yet sometimes love blurred boundaries. His kisses would grow deeper, more lingering, leaving her breathless and trembling in his embrace. And Geet never pulled away.

For her, he was already everything – beyond rituals, beyond society’s approval. In her heart, she belonged to him completely.

Somewhere in those stolen mornings and quiet embraces, she forgot she had ever been upset with him.

While Maan stood ready to pamper her endlessly, to accept every punishment she would ever give him.

######

The resort, La Aurelia, was adorned in hues of yellow and pink flowers, intertwined with soft, delicate fabrics. The décor remained deeply traditional, yet carried an air of style, elegance, and quiet affluence.

Other than the event decorators preparing the venue for the occasion, and those involved in its construction and planning, no one had yet seen the interiors of this grand resort.

This much-discussed grand retreat was to be inaugurated today, as Geet and Maan’s wedding celebrations commenced.

This was Maan’s very first resort—his own, marking a new chapter in the expansion of his hospitality business. While he had collaborated with several renowned names over the years, there had always been a lingering sense of something missing. It was that very void that led him to envision a chain of his own resorts.

And as the beginning of that dream, he chose to build the first one in his hometown, Pune.

And when it had been fully ready a month ago, Maan had come up with the brilliant idea of inaugurating it with Geet’s entry into his life.

Today, the Mehndi would take place in the daytime, and by evening, the resort would come alive with the Sangeet function.

The girl’s side would make their entry first, while Maan’s family would join once the Mehndi had begun. On Geet’s side were her Chacha-Chachi, Masi and Mausa ji, her cousin sisters, her dear brother Titu, her best friend Sheetal, and all the girls from Maan’s gang, who had boldly declared themselves to be on the bride’s side.

Maan had feigned disappointment.
“Fine, all of you are disowning me and changing sides.”

“She is coming to your side—focus on that,” Sameera had teased.

Maan had given a strict instruction—Geet would be the first one to step in. He wanted his first resort to be inaugurated either by her footsteps or his mother’s.

With the occasion being their wedding, and Geet stepping into his life, his mother had gently suggested that the inauguration should happen with Geet’s entry.

Her Masi’s daughters eagerly tried to step ahead.
“We will welcome our sister inside.”

Sameera glanced at Rajeev, and he understood immediately.

“Geet will step in first. Maan has surprises planned for her. Hold your excitement, sisters,” he said lightly, ensuring it didn’t come across as rude.

Geet would soon be Maan Khurana’s wife. A man, not only his super boss but the one who is on his way to becoming a formidable figure, and the way he is progressing, he would soon be almost untouchable in his world. And today, Rajeev would be counted among those closest to Maan Singh Khurana. That, in itself, was no small matter. He wouldn’t risk letting his wife or her sisters disturb that equation. He had seen the way Maan looked at Geet—her place was unquestionable, and it was time the others accepted it too.

The doors finally opened.

Geet was welcomed with the beats of dhol, a shower of flowers, and the vibrance of folk songs and dance.

As she stepped in, she paused—completely in awe. The grandeur of the resort… and then the décor.

It was everything she had once dreamed of and spoken to him about…

No—she corrected herself.

He had made her speak her dreams… for this.

The Mehndi ceremony began with folk songs and dance flowing softly in the background.

Simmi and Rimmi found it hard to digest how all of this was unfolding for Geet. But the truth remained that Geet was soon to be the wife of a businessman who was steadily making his place in business magazines. They had no choice but to stay cordial.

The rest, however, were simply lost in the joy of the moment. Titu was an overjoyed little brother, hovering around her with excitement. Sheetal, the ever-present best friend and secretly Maan’s spy, hardly left Geet’s side.

She did do him a favor, though not without practically making her jiju plead multiple times just to get one picture of Geet with her mehndi.

And finally, he got one.

Just one—and it was enough.

It was mesmerizing. The entire background, the elaborate décor he had planned, seemed to blur into insignificance before her beauty.

Maan was ready to leave now—restless, eager to see her in person.

What is taking everyone so long? he thought, his patience beginning to wear thin.

He walked downstairs, hoping his presence would indirectly remind everyone that they need to leave before the Mehndi ceremony ended.

In the hallway—

“Naina, your experiment will delay us.”

“No, Mom—bet me. Maan won’t let that happen. Give it five minutes, and he’ll be here.”

“Naina,” Dev cut in, “in your experiment with Maan, you’re also making Geet wait.”

“Okay, fine. Just five minutes. If he doesn’t come down, we’ll call him and leave.”

And just then—Maan appeared in the hall, fully ready, his eyes already searching for everyone.

“See!” Naina’s eyes sparkled with triumph.

“Never thought bhai would turn into such a lover boy,” Vicky teased.

They all walked up to him together. Maan looked at them, slightly puzzled.

“Ha ha… haha…” they broke into laughter.

“Let’s go now,” Raj said, another one growing impatient— eager to see his daughter-in-law, to bring her home, and make her his own daughter.

#####

Geet’s mehndi was done by one of the most famous mehndi artists, along with her team of talented girls. They had come all the way from Rajasthan.

Beautiful designs were taking shape all around, on the hands of the girls and ladies gathered in the garden—Geet’s being the most exclusive. But as the mehndi deepened in color and time kept passing, Geet’s heart grew restless—when would Maan arrive? She was eager to see the spark in his eyes when they met hers, the smile that would form on his face… and the olive-green sherwani he would be in—how effortlessly it would complement his striking physique.

In between, her friends teased her endlessly about Maan; how he would be lost in her, how she was only physically present here. These teases would pull her back, momentarily, to the world around her, but nothing could take away the feeling of anticipation of his arrival.

And then, the gates opened.

A group of dhol players and folk dancers moved forward, announcing the arrival. Maan, along with his family and friends, stepped in.

Geet’s searching eyes finally found him.

Uff… how handsome he looked. That innocent, pampered boy of his mother blended seamlessly with the business tycoon that he was becoming.

Maan’s searching gaze fell on Geet—and he was stilled, mesmerized. Her palms were adorned with mehndi, as if waiting just for him to see. The picture he had received earlier had already made him restless—but it did no justice to how breathtaking she looked in person.

Dressed in a simple green, lightly embroidered kurti, with minimal jewelry, her natural beauty stood out, leaving him spellbound.

How beautiful she was.

And she was his… only his.

Maan greeted the elders with a slight bow, while his steps almost instinctively moved toward the beautifully adorned mehndi tent where Geet was seated. Everyone else got busy greeting one another, intentionally giving the couple their moment.

He sat beside Geet, and her eyes instinctively lowered, escaping his intense gaze. But before they could be left alone, his close family members came forward, blessing her and offering their wishes.

Once they moved away to enjoy the occasion—

“Itna der karwata hai koi?” her simple, sweet complaint said everything her heart had been holding.

“You look far more beautiful than the picture Sheetal sent me,” he replied, in his own way of complimenting her.

“Haww…” she widened her eyes, “That’s cheating!”

“Everything is fair in love and war,” he shrugged.

“Love?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

“I already confessed it… way back.”

“That doesn’t count. I didn’t register it.”

“Ahh… you didn’t register it because you were lost in me,” he teased.

“And this doesn’t count either. It’s coming in so indirectly,” she dismissed both his tease and confession in one go.

“Hmm… and when did I get it?” he leaned slightly closer, raising his brows. “Directly…” he paused, “…or even indirectly?”

“Liar,” she murmured.

She knew very well—she had confessed her feelings on his birthday. She had been drunk and didn’t remember it. But he did. Every bit of it.

“I’ll accept it when you explain how and when,” he challenged.

“Cheater…”

“I must be the only groom getting such wonderful names from his bride on their wedding functions.”

She smiled, her gaze lingering on him.

And suddenly, a strange, unfamiliar desire crossed her mind—to be kissed by him right there.

It didn’t escape him.

Her lips trembled ever so slightly.

He leaned closer, his voice dropping—“In the evening… during the Sangeet. I promise.”

“What?” she feigned innocence, though both knew it was futile.

“Show me your designs,” he said, pulling her back to the moment.

“Since when did you get interested in mehndi designs? I know—you’re only into architectural designs,” she teased.

“I’m used to reviewing your work.”

“Reviewing my work… hmm. Now you’ll have to do it from a distance,” she said, showing him her hands.

But Maan’s gaze had already drifted lower.

She lifted her hands with mehndi, but he slowly bent down on his knees—making her go completely still—as he gently lifted the edge of her sharara to glance at the designs on her feet, covering them again just as quickly.

So intimate. So overwhelming. That quiet feeling of belonging… of being his.

“Beautiful…” he murmured.

Geet gathered herself, straightening slightly.

“Hmm… you were reviewing my work. Now be ready for a test—you’ll have to find your name in it.”

“When…?” he asked, feigning innocence.

She shot him an annoyed look.

“You’ll know when the time comes.”

Maan laughed softly. “You want to play this child’s game?”

“Child’s game? Then what’s an adult game?” she blurted—

—and immediately realized her mistake.

Maan just looked at her, a slow smile forming.

Geet turned her face away, already flushed deep with shyness.

They were lost in enjoying each other’s closeness and in the realization that they would have each other for a lifetime of bickering.

People around, even though busy chatting and enjoying the event, could not miss witnessing the love between them. Most are happy to see the love budding between them every day – a little more every day – Dheere Dheere se.

They had come a long way—so lost in each other now that they didn’t even realize the distance they had covered. Starting from their unstoppable bickering due to insecurities for each other, wanting to know if they were wanted by others or not, to now, when they still have unstoppable bickering, but now with the knowingness that they have full right on each other, that they are badly wanted by their partner, and playing around to see who gives up first.

There were still a few who were only filled with jealousy. But that few didn’t matter to anyone. They were just here because the invitation to them could not be avoided, and they could not afford to miss being part of this marriage.

Geet would be free of these nonexistent blood relatives soon, but her massi, for whom Geet never mattered, could not now miss the chance to be part of it. Maan Singh Khurana was a buzzing name, only that he didn’t show that at all in front of Geet.

He should, according to her. Geet should be grateful that an orphan like her is getting Maan Khurana as her husband.

But Maan, in contrast, had been all lost in her as if she were some unique piece. Why? Of course, she couldn’t digest.

######

Everyone left for their rooms in the resort after the Mehndi. The bride and groom were given rooms at the far ends of this huge, sparse resort. Clearly, until the wedding, they weren’t to meet anywhere except during the designated events.

The Sangeet would commence soon. Everyone else was already ready, while the beautician was still giving the final touches to Geet, ensuring she looked nothing short of out of this world. Though she admitted it, Geet hardly needed any effort. If anything, it was an artistic opportunity to enhance someone who didn’t really need it.

Sheetal was already in the room with her.

“Mmm… jiju is going to lose it tonight. Not that you need to do anything for him to… but this little change will definitely surprise him—in a good way.”

But Geet had something else on her mind—Maan’s promise for tonight. How will he manage it, with everyone around? The thought itself sent butterflies dancing in her stomach. Will Maan really lose himself?

Geet looked at the beautician.

“Great job—not loading me with layers of cream and still bringing out this look.”

“Thanks. I enjoyed working on you.”

Well, Maan on the other side was getting ready for the Sangeet. He gave a final look at himself. More than the song and dance, his interest had shifted to execute the challenge he has taken upon himself.

Geet was the last one to enter the resort’s grand auditorium. And as she stepped in, the lights seemed to follow her, tracing her path as she walked toward the seat beside him.

A soft blush crept onto her cheeks—not because all eyes were on her, but because she knew… how intently his would be.

She settled beside him, her hand resting softly at her side. Within moments, Maan’s hand found hers, his fingers intertwining with hers—calming her instantly.

This man… treated her like a wax doll. He had the power to raise her heartbeat—
and only he had the power to calm it.

The beautifully choreographed performances unfolded one after another, while the star couple sat together, quietly enjoying each act performed by friends and family—each one narrating a piece of their story. It was light-hearted and full of fun, as every performance playfully teased them about how long they had been confused about their feelings, and how deeply, almost madly, they were in love. The acts also highlighted how Geet often seemed to boss Maan around, even though, on paper, Maan was the one in charge. Every performance was infused with warmth, love, and laughter meant just for them.

Sheetal also seized her moment to tease her best friend and Jiju with a comic performance. Naina and Dev followed with a romantic act, gently teasing Maan while praising Geet, subtly showing how fortunate he was to have her. Maan, in response, lowered his head with quiet acceptance.

Rimmi and Simmi, too, couldn’t resist taking the stage. Through their performance, they attempted to highlight how special their Jiju was and how lucky Geet was to have him. However, their act didn’t quite land well with the audience—especially with Maan and his family.

“Why are you upset. It’s true, I am actually so lucky to have you. I really feel so.”

“No, they showed you down.” “Naina Bhabhi also showed you down. Why is that okay then?”

“Intentions matter. And here, everyone could feel the intention.”

“Maan, just let it go… everyone is teasing us, having fun. You are making it serious.”

“Geet, you know it was not in fun. You know it very well.” He asserted.

“I will have to make sure it is not repeated in the future,” he had made his decision already.

“Okay, calm down. “But the next set of performances from his friends and Titu uplifted Maan’s mood again.

Finally, Maan and Geet were called to the dance floor. The song had been chosen by their friends—not a latest number, but a timeless retro classic. They felt it suited the couple perfectly—“Dheere Dheere Se Meri Zindagi Mein Aana.”

They moved gracefully with the rhythm, Maan’s hand resting securely around her petite waist while the other supported her shoulder. Geet, in turn, placed her hands gently on his shoulders, leaning into the moment as the music played.

Dheere dheere se meri zindagi mein aana
Dheere dheere se, dil ko churana
Tum se pyaar hume hai kitna jaan-e-jaana
Tumse milkar tumko hai batana…

They swayed in sync, lost in each other.

Maan turned Geet around with ease, twirling her around his finger before lifting her slightly into the air and lowering her back down with control. As the final segment approached, something unexpected unfolded—something they hadn’t rehearsed. Geet was taken by surprise as a group of dancers moved in front of them, partially covering them from the audience’s view. In that moment, Maan subtly pulled Geet closer.

Tumse milkar tumko hai batana
Dheere dheere se meri zindagi mein aana
Dheere dheere se dil ko churana…

The group dancers danced on the front, and Maan took the chance to pull Geet into a real deep kiss while others thought it was a part of the act.

“Ma—an”

“Later..” he paused her from talking, cupped her head in his palm, tilted her head, place his lips on hers. How could Geet let him down when he is taking such a big chance to keep his promise? She opened her lips and let him in. It was a quick but intense kiss. The moments they pulled away, the dancers moved away, making space for the couple in the center. The real act seemed like a part of an act to others.

But the way Geet was blushing after the dance, their naughty friends were left guessing, did they really kiss or was it just part of the act?

######

The next day marked the Haldi and wedding ceremonies.

The Haldi rituals for both of them were held at separate ends of the resort. Their tents were beautifully decorated in varying shades of yellow, each reflecting a distinct charm. Yet, despite the distance, both of them longed to catch a glimpse of the other.

Geet sat quietly in her tent as folk songs played in the background and dance filled the atmosphere with celebration. As per tradition, the Haldi prepared for Maan was to be applied to Geet first before her own ceremony officially began.

When Maan’s Haldi arrived, Sandhya gently applied it on Geet’s forehead, cheeks, arms, and legs. At that moment, Geet couldn’t contain the flutter in her stomach. If this simple touch of his Haldi could make her feel this way, what would happen when the man himself would touch her? The thought alone sent a warm rush across her face.

The ceremony continued, filled with music, laughter, and rituals.

On the other tent, Geet’s Haldi pictures finally reached Maan. The moment his eyes fell on her image, he stopped in his tracks. She looked—pure, serene, and undeniably captivating. The soft smile on her face was enough to hold his breath still.

#######

The wedding was a grand celebration with a much wider gathering. Everyone in the family was caught up in their own responsibilities, busy ensuring that everything was perfectly arranged. Even Geet’s chachi and chacha were occupied, as Maan had invited their entire neighborhood to the wedding.

Geet sat beside Maan on the mandap, her heart overflowing with emotions. She would finally become his. Each ritual deepened the feeling within her, making everything feel more real with every passing moment. At that point, the emotion of becoming his, of him becoming hers, and of finally having a true family of her own stood above everything else.

As Geet’s hands were placed in Maan’s during the kanyadaan, tears welled up in her eyes. She wasn’t crying because she was leaving her family behind—she was crying because she was stepping into one that truly felt like hers.

With each phera, vows were exchanged, and the depth of their promises was felt in every step they took together. Soon after, Maan placed the mangalsutra around her neck and applied vermillion to her forehead. The rituals concluded with both of them seeking the blessings of their elders. One ceremony followed another so quickly that they barely had time to absorb the significance of each moment.

Then came the bidaai.

Geet had thought that she would not cry, but she did when she saw Titu’s face, Sheetal, and her friend’s loving parents, who had never treated her anything less than Sheetal.

She didn’t look at her masi; the connection there had always been distant. But when her eyes met her chachi and chacha, tears rolled down her cheeks. Her chachi had never imagined that this girl, whom she had been cold to all her life, would make her emotional on the day of her departure. Yet, despite years of conflict and indifference, living under the same roof had quietly built emotions over time—whether they were acknowledged or not.

Geet stepped forward and hugged her chachi. The woman, who had always maintained a hardened exterior, could no longer hold back. Tears streamed down her face as well, surprising even herself.

Next – A new beginning