The Burnt – Chapter 27

And now, it was time.

Time to stop holding back.
Time to stop calculating.
Time to stop protecting himself.

If she wanted him to fight, she would see what it meant when Maan truly fought.

A slow, determined smile touched his lips.

“You asked for it, Geet,” he murmured to himself. “Now I will be myself. And I’ll win you back… my way.”

########

Maan was exhaustively working out, and like always, he was imagining her, thinking about her. But now his thoughts had moved from guilt to admiration and hope for a life with her.

He was consumed by guilt because he had caused her pain, and now his guilt was only making things worse. He had deeply hurt her and insulted her unwavering love for him. How could he continue to carry something that was only hurting her? He knew it could cause her even more pain. And the last thing he wanted to do to her was to hurt her, to make her cry.

He wanted to fill her life with happiness. She deserved it. She deserved his love, not his guilt.

So, he had to get away from his guilt, not superficially but truly. She was looking for him to shower her with love, not his guilt and his guilt-ridden decisions that pained her.

She will not be happy with the love or accept the love from him, which comes from his guilt. And that will be so unfair to her.

Since childhood, she has dreamt of a happy life with him. He has shattered it. Still, she is keeping hope from him, looking for genuine love. And that can only happen if he brings out his desires for her and gets away from his guilt.  He has to think of himself – his desires, his love, his wants for her, even if it makes him a sinner. Her happiness is above everything for him.

And these exhaustive workouts were his way to train himself to move away from guilt to the path of love and hope.

It was the time when he made himself feel his desires for her, how much he needed her and wanted her.

It has unfolded in stages. Initially, he engaged in intense workouts as a form of self-punishment for his guilt. He punished himself for choosing to live a happy life, even though he didn’t deserve it but needed it—not for himself, but for her.

It took him a week of relentless, heavy workouts to push aside his old thoughts and convince himself that he truly deserved to be happy. He believed that she deserved to see the genuine emotions he had for her.

And now, he appeared ready.

######

Geet had been contemplating her own actions. She wasn’t happy with the way she had declined his first proposal. Was she being too choosy and attention-seeking? Maan was genuinely trying, and it would take him time. She didn’t have to reject him; instead, she could accept his proposal. She didn’t have to leave him to come out of this guilt alone and present a new Maan, all ready-made for her. She had to be a part of it and help him come out of it.

A smile graced her face as she recalled how he had been struggling to ask her out. Who could have ever imagined Maan Khurana, the epitome of perfection, struggling for such a trivial matter?

And then, what did she do? She declined his proposal. But at that moment, it felt right to her. If he wasn’t ready for it, if he wouldn’t enjoy it and just do it as a process. Whatever it was, she was not feeling right about rejecting him.

These are the rare opportunities she had to seize, to be with him, to help him feel loved, to learn to be loved, and to experience their shared connection.

Maan hasn’t approached her since then. She knows he’s not upset; he’s eliminated that old Maan who showed his anger over every trivial matter. She doesn’t want to see that old, fierce, and ruthless Maan. But she does want to get back a Maan who knows he can sometimes be upset with her, sometimes show his anger, that sometimes, when she can’t make time for him.

Even the mere thought of such moments sent a tingling sensation down her spine.

Bringing her thoughts back to the present, she realized he had vanished for an extended period, embarking on a long project to discover natural ways to win her back.  He will take forever, to prepare himself, to get out of his guilt.

Such a fool she is. She needs to be with him to reignite his desires and feeling and she pushed him away.

It had been a week, and Geet desperately needed to see him. She had spent half an hour searching his room, study, and even the ground, hoping to find him on his running track. But he was nowhere to be found. Just then, she saw Dadima coming from the other end.

“Good morning, Dadima”

“Good morning, dear.”

“Dadima, Maan is nowhere to be found. Do you have any idea where he should be?”

Dadima smiled. “You don’t know? You’re his wife. You should know. If he’s nowhere to be found at this hour, either he’s left for work or he’s in his workout.”

Geet knew Maan hadn’t left yet. Breakfast—he mostly had someone check on her if she wasn’t there, and his driver was waiting at the front patio.

Geet felt a little ashamed. She didn’t know much about her husband, whom she claimed to love. Well, she knew he was very particular about his workouts, but by the time they had their coffee, he was almost done with his morning routine. In those years, she knew more about him, knew everything about him.

“Only if you two spend time together will you know each other better,” Dadima informed. “Anyway, today he woke up much later than his usual. He must be in his gym.”

“Gym?” Geet asked, feeling even worse. She had been staying here for eight months, but she didn’t know half of the section of this huge mansion.

She is expecting Maan to put in the effort, but what is she doing? This is his house, and she hasn’t even explored the entire place. As his wife and partner, she shouldn’t just be exploring; she should also take responsibility for the house. She’s still staying here as a guest.

“Yes, it’s on the underground floor in the east wing,” Dadima informed. Old lady never complains, and she never will to Geet. She didn’t bring Geet here to burden her with responsibility; she did it for Geet’s health and well-being.

“Thanks, Dadima,” Geet said and left to find Maan.

######

Geet descended to the lower ground floor of the east wing. To her surprise, the layout and first glimpse of the interior were beyond her expectations. The room was bathed in light, with windows all around. Unique paintings and exclusive artworks adorned the long, winding alley, which was separated from the inner section by a long, thin sheer curtain that fell from the ceiling, between the strong pillars.

The essence of the place was so cozy, refreshing, and filled with warmth. Geet kept walking down an alley, peering between the curtains to see if Maan was there. The first section was well-arranged with a cozy sitting area. She moved forward and heard some movement. She peeped inside and found a large office area. It was aesthetically done. She instantly knew it was his personal space because the divider had hers and Advay’s beautiful poster.

She moved forward, to look for Maan along with the curiosity about part of the mansion. She could hear some sounds more clearly now

She peeped into the new partition – it was his personal gym – nothing less than the top-notch professional gym. Equipment and setup there showcased his passion for workouts.  As she stepped inside the gym area, there he was, standing right in front of her. Geet froze in her tracks, her heart pounding in her chest.

He was shirtless, wearing only small workout shorts. His strong, muscular body, drenched in sweat from his intense workout, took on a controlled shape as he pulled the heavy rope forward and backward for his triceps.

He then began working with the heavy rope, moving it so swiftly that it seemed like a toy. Geet was completely captivated by the raw intensity of her husband. And she knew – as much has he has physical rawness; his desires were equally raw. And she wanted to experience that with this new man, who is now filled with empathy. This added layer of compassion only made him even more desirable to her.

######

Geet was so engrossed in Maan’s raw emotions that she became oblivious to her surroundings and accidentally hit a flower vase. The shattering sound startled Maan, causing him to turn towards the source of the noise. To his astonishment, he found the very person who had been captivating his thoughts standing right there. Her beauty surpassed his wildest imagination.

He realized she is lost in him. A smile spread across his face as he made his way towards her. She had come here today—to find him?

Maan has decided that he will let his guards off, shed away his hesitation, and bring out his inner self. Because that is what she deserves.

“Mujhe dhoondti dhoondti yahan aa gayi tum, Geet.” his words brought her back.

His teasing tone surprised her. It sounded so fresh from him. The question carried a little tease, a sense of belonging. It came as a surprise.

Geet still did not say anything. She was so absorbed in him.

Maan, after a long time, was looking at her with a different glass – not as a responsibility whose life he has to fix because he had ruined it, but as someone with whom he will be spending the rest of his life. That thought itself gave a different meaning to his feelings.

She looked so fresh in pink salwar Kurti, her hair cascading down her shoulders. His hands itched to push them behind her ears and get full view of her radiant beauty.

Due to his longtime habit, he held his fists tight for a while, his hesitation dominating but soon, he released his fists, a smile on his face, and he softly tucked her curls behind her ears. Geet closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of his touch.

He looked so perfect, so desirable – as if a Greek God standing right in front of her.

“Hmmm… what brought you here, Geet?” he asked, his fingers stayed on her face, not ready to leave the soft skin. She is his, they are each other’s. If she is not ready for it, she will have to say it. He was ready to take her ‘No’, but he won’t stop himself anymore.

“Why can’t I be here?” Geet asked, her voice barely coming.

“You are the queen of this mansion. Who can dare to dictate to you?” he said, finally pulling his hand down.

Geet looked up at him – his tone, his smile, his touch, and then, him not at all hesitating or trying to run away to put on something to cover his formidable body.

“I missed you,” she said, a shy smile spreading across her face. “In just a week?” he questioned, raising an eyebrow. Geet closed her eyes tightly, a bubbling sensation filling her chest. Oh, this confidence, this sexy tone. This was Maan—he was never shy. He was hesitant, restraining himself due to guilt, not wanting to hurt her. She shouldn’t mistake that for shyness.

She slowly lifted her hand and placed it on his sweaty chest. “No, from ages. Since I stopped dreaming,” she replied.

For a moment, the guilt resurfaced—he had crushed all her dreams. But he quickly recalled—it was time to fulfill her dreams, not pamper his sins. He moved a bit to grab his towel and wipe his body.

“So, when you should be studying, you were busy dreaming,” he teased her.

“I was waiting for my love to come and get me out of there,” she replied.

“All you needed was to find your own strength. You never needed any love to save you,” he said.

Maan slipped his tee on and signaled her the way out. They walked together—simply walked. The normalcy of a couple’s life felt so new to them. They were simply cherishing this newfound normalcy—this walking side by side with a little banter.

The beautiful ray of hope, glowing their hearts.

Savitri Devi saw two dear people coming together. The relaxation in their posture, the slight smile on their faces. They were in some conversation and smiled kept forming on their lips intermittently.

She felt as if someone finally gave her pained heart some relief. Such a soothing visual. Is this true or is she dreaming.

#######

In the office, Maan had ‘Do not disturb’ board outside his cabin.

Well, it was the office of the chairperson of Khurana Global Enterprise. who had the power to question the man who owned it all.

Maan was thinking about their moments in the morning in repeat mode. She was happy and welcoming to the change. That blush on her face, that shyness and the happiness from within, felt like a trophy to him.

It felt wonderful to be happy with her and to smile with her. Nothing seemed amiss. Why would it? His desire for her only made her feel special. He could continue wanting her more and more, if that’s what she had been yearning for. She had been yearning for his love; he had been yearning for her, and she wanted to feel his desire for her.

Realization had hit Maan, and there was no turning back. It was a positive feeling.

#########

Geet, has a very relaxed and happy mind as she entered office. Employees got a pleasant good morning from her as she crossed them.

If only this much from him could do this to her, what will happen to her when he is in his full element. She does not want to reminisce their past at all.

She has already punished him and he has himself punished himself for all the harshness and disrespect that he had made her go through.

He is her love, he is extremely desirable to her and opposite to past version, he has evolved to respect everyone, especially woman in his life and around him – a little too much, she twisted her lips.

#########

Geet was in her room, listening to Advay’s chatter about his friends in school. He was bragging about how they were racing and how he had ranked first (of course, Maan Khurana’s son and his rigorous training). Geet couldn’t help but smile and think about it.

“mamma, Jessy fell and girls laughed on him. That is bad, right?”

“That’s very bad. You should never do that”

“I’m a good boy. Daddy tells that….” Here comes daddy’s boy, Geet thought. Advay’s any story cannot complete without crediting his dad.

Her little boy is cherishing his dad, every moment of life. And off course, Maan has his charm, that works on everyone.

That’s when there was knock on her door and even before she could turn

“Dadddyyyy….” Daddy’s boy was already in his dad’s arm

Maan’s eyes met Geet’s. Smile on his face changed a bit for her, from dad’s love for Advay to a little meaningful for her. Geet smiled and continued with her work, very well knowing, Advay is going to dominate his attention first.

Maan entered with Advay in his arms, playing with his dad’s thick hair. This time, he didn’t ask for permission to entered. He knew he didn’t need it to enter his wife’s space.

It was such a family feeling for Geet, she kept arranging things while her husband and son were busy in their silly games.

Geet then got a message

“Advay, your friend is there in the playground, you want to go? He is asking”

“Umm..” Advay thought for a moment

“Okay, I’ll go”

Geet dialed intercom and a helper – Julie, soon appeared.

“Mrs. Khurana, you called for me?”

“Yes, take Advay to the playground. He will be playing with his friends. Give his space but keep watch”

“Sure”

Maan messaged Advay’s security, informing them that they were trained to keep watch over Advay without him knowing their presence. Maan couldn’t risk his son’s safety, but he also couldn’t let his son’s childhood be stolen from him.

After Advay left:

Maan got up, looking at Geet. Obviously, their eyes met, a smile formed on her face, a little anticipation covering her face with crimson color.

Maan walked to her and stationed himself closely in front of her

“Tomorrow is Sunday. I have a plan for a morning long drive for us”

Okay, he didn’t ask, just declared his plan. Smart! She thought. If he is not asking, she has no option to reject.

But still she wanted to play a little because he looked so sexy, standing this tall in front of her, his confidence again wrapped around him.

“Tomorrow morning, rain is forecasted” she tried playing

“Rain is forecasted…hmmm…” he took a momentary pause

“How rare in London, right?” came his sarcasm. Damn, this man in just sprinkle of his element, can be so sexy. What will happen to her if he is back in his full element.

And seeing the speed, it didn’t seem too far away.

The smile that formed on her lips, didn’t let her hide the effect that he was having on her.

“You didn’t ask me before planning. I could have plan” she said, lifting her eyes to finally meet his

“Morning 7, I’ll wait to you in my car. If your plan is not that urgent, I’ll see you there” he spoke with a smile and left.

Surprised Geet kept looking at his retreating figure.

Wow… that’s Maan Khurana. Not at all easy to challenge his smartness. He didn’t give her an option to reject, nor did he force his will on her. He left the ball totally in her court.

Precap –

Long Drive date

The office scene

Unwanted Guests

Showdown with Maan