Enchanted – Chapter 61

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.

After a couple of days, Geet and Maan were welcomed into Humara Ghar as husband and wife. The entire family was brimming with joy, the air alive with celebration.

From the very beginning, Geet had become everyone’s darling, while Maan won hearts with his enchanting presence and quiet maturity.

Now, knowing that these two beautiful souls truly one, filled every heart with a sense of warmth.

And today, they returned from the hospital with their daughter. No one had ever imagined that Humara Ghar—a place once filled with people who had lost hope and were searching for meaning—would one day witness the arrival of new life within its walls.

Everyone waited eagerly to meet the little princess – to cradle her delicate form in their arms, feel her tiny fingers curl around theirs, and hear her soft cries turn into innocent giggles.

No one, except a few in the hospital, knew about Maan’s true identity. They didn’t want their little one to miss out on the natural, genuine love of Humara Ghar. And that unhesitant love would never be there if they knew his identity.

Maan and Geet decided to stay for the initial few days at Humara Ghar. It wasn’t easy to leave the place just like that. Plus, Maan couldn’t stay here for more than a few days because his identity had been exposed in the hospital, even though it was to only a few. He couldn’t risk his wife and daughter’s lives.

Also, it was a matter of Humara Ghar’s identity being compromised, and Maan couldn’t let that happen. He had found a second life here, a chance to breathe again. This was his family for life.

Despite all this, Maan had decided to embark on this new journey of life with his wife and daughter from this pious home.

Geet was completely absorbed in her daughter and her husband. Her world had finally returned to her, and she wanted to cherish every moment of it. She knew that when Maan was around, she didn’t need to worry about anything worldly—he would take care of it all. He had promised her that he would keep his own safety a priority, and once Maan promised something, she could leave the rest to him. She wanted to feel his care, his love, his way of taking charge.

But Maan had made a decision of his own—he would keep her informed about every step he took. Only if she agreed would he move forward.

“Jaan…” he called softly, trying to draw her attention. She had been lost in admiring their daughter.

“Hmm…” She looked at him.

“We’ll start our new life from Humara Ghar. I feel there’s no better place for us to begin again—with our daughter.”

“I agree. They deserve to see her, play with her, pamper her and…”

“But Jaan…” Maan exhaled deeply. “Staying here for too long won’t be safe—for us or for Humara Ghar. A few people know our identity. I had to reveal it to reach you that day.”

“I will be wherever you are. I know you’ll choose what’s best for us.”

He took her palms in his, gently caressing them with his thumb.

“Jaan, I will try my best. But if at any moment you feel otherwise, don’t hesitate to question my decision. You are my parallel, my strength. Your choices will guide me—they will never be a hindrance.”

“Fine. But I trust you endlessly,” she said, then added after a pause, “Right now, I just want to relax and enjoy this new beginning. I want to cherish these moments.”

He smiled. “I understand. And you can relax—I’ll take care of everything. But I won’t keep you unaware of my decisions. Going forward, I need you as my strong, parallel pillar.”

Geet smiled in acceptance. He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

########

They were welcomed with aarti and folk songs in different languages, each blessing the newborn with love and joy. Geet gently placed her daughter in Malini Ji’s lap.

“We would like you to name our daughter. That way, we will always remember that she carries your blessings,” Geet said softly.

“That is such a big honor,” Malini Ji replied, her eyes warm. “My blessings will always be with this child—whether you remember it or not.”

“There is no chance we could ever forget,” Maan added. “We cannot afford to be disconnected from here. This is our home and will always remain so, no matter where we live.”

“Maan is right. We will be leaving a piece of our soul here,” Geet said gently.

“Now, please bless her with a name,” she requested.

Malini Ji continued gazing at the baby in her lap, her expression full of affection and admiration.

“I cannot stop admiring her enchanting aura—something she clearly inherits from parents with such beautiful souls. She is already so beloved to all of us. The one who is admired, beloved, and carries an enchanting aura… Mayra.”

“Mayra… what a beautiful name. And how perfectly you’ve defined her—the one who is admired, beloved to us, and carries that enchanting feel. So true,” Maan said, his voice full of pride.

Maan and Geet stayed in Humara Ghar for a week. Mayra was too small to be taken away from her mother or from the special room prepared for the newborn. But beyond that, there was a long line of people eager to do things for baby Mayra. Geet only needed to feed her when required.

Even at night, when Mayra woke up, no one allowed Geet to lose sleep. The women happily took turns caring for her—far more experienced than either Geet or Maan could ever be.

Though they were given a cottage of their own, Maan stayed separately. This way, everyone who wished to pamper Mayra could do so freely, without hesitation.

Once they left this place, the three of them would be together. For now, in these few days, Maan wanted to spend time with his family here—fully, wholeheartedly.

##########

Maan, on the other hand, had wasted no time in signaling to Vicky that security in the South needed to be strengthened. The exact location was never shared, nor did Maan send the message himself. It went out as an express mail from another state, coded in a way that looked completely ordinary to anyone else.

Vicky maintained his usual poker face, not allowing even the slightest hint of happiness to show. He slipped into action quietly, so subtly that no one could sense even a shadow of Maan behind the move.

“You’re getting extremely busy these days. Hardly getting time for your one‑year‑old son,” Meera said gently.

“With bhai away, I have to handle this empire and make sure everything runs at least the way he would have managed it,” Vicky replied.

“I’m not complaining,” she said softly. “I know you’re a true family man, and I’m proud of you. And I also know that being busy doesn’t lessen your love or attention for us. I’m just worried. These last couple of days, you haven’t even thought of taking a nap.”

“It happens sometimes,” he said, brushing it off. “I’ll be leaving for a few days, Meera. I’ll be back soon. Tell Sayu that Dad loves him.”

He said it as if it were something routine, something ordinary.

Then he leaned down, kissed their son Sanyam on the forehead, and left.

#######

Around a week and a half passed as Maan and Geet stayed in Humara Ghar, where Mayra received nothing but genuine love and blessings from everyone.

Maan and Geet had so much to talk about, so much to share, but they chose to honor the sanctity of Humara Ghar and did not sleep together in a closed room. Not that they were deprived of private moments—it was impossible for them to stay completely apart now. They would slip away for long walks, settle by the ponds or near the lake at the far end.

Maan would pull her into his side embrace, Geet resting her head on his shoulder, their fingers intertwined, letting silence speak the words their hearts were still learning to accept. They were still sinking into the reality of their togetherness.

Today, they were about to leave. Maan had planned everything over the past few days. He trusted Vicky’s security arrangements completely, but even Vicky didn’t know the inner location of Humara Ghar. He had only been instructed to secure the South and the area where he would eventually meet Maan.

But until they reached that meeting point, they were unguarded. Planning was essential.

Goswami ji, Malini ji, Ragini, Maan, Geet, and baby Mayra would travel to a small town near Bangalore in an intercity bus. Maan dressed like a local; Goswami ji like a villager from the northern states; Malini ji as an elderly local woman; Ragini and Geet as northern village women with a ghoonghat covering their faces.

With their disguises and the anonymity of a crowded bus, they reached Srirangapatna, about a hundred kilometers from Bangalore. Many passengers got off there, and they blended into the crowd. In two separate sets, they took autos—pre‑booked, though they appeared completely ordinary. The autos took different routes and eventually reached a small guest house.

Still in separate sets, they booked two different rooms. After an hour, Maan and Geet changed into their regular clothes in their respective rooms.

Ragini brought Geet to Maan’s room. Malini ji hugged Geet tightly—no words were needed.

“We will definitely visit again,” Geet promised. She bent to take Malini ji’s blessings, followed by Maan.

Geet then hugged Ragini. The two women left the room, and soon after, they departed the guest house with Goswami ji. Maan and Geet were finally alone.

Geet felt nervous—Maan could see it clearly. It was as if her family had just let her go… as if her safe place had been left behind.

“Geet,” Maan called out gently.

“I’m fine,” she replied quickly.

Maan pulled her into his embrace. “It’s okay to be nervous. You’re leaving the safest place you’ve known… heading toward a world that once scared you.”

“Any place with you is the safest,” she whispered.

“Trust me,” he said softly. “I won’t let a single negative energy come near you.”

“I’m scared to face many,” she admitted.

“I understand. But you’ve wronged them… hurt them. That part, you will have to face.”
He paused, then smiled slightly. “But I think someone will save you.”

Geet looked at him, confused.

He glanced at Mayra. “She’s going to take all their attention.”

Geet followed his gaze, and a smile bloomed on her face.

“Chalen?” she asked.

“We’ll wait. Vicky will be here soon. From this point on, we’re fully covered.”

Half an hour passed with Mayra keeping Geet busy – feeding, changing, soothing.

Then came a knock.

Vicky stood outside the door. He knew – if Bhai was returning, it meant he had found Bhabhi. His heart was pounding, but his face remained steady. Maan opened the door, and the two brothers looked at each other before Maan pulled him into a tight hug.

Over Maan’s shoulder, Vicky’s eyes fell on Geet standing with a tiny baby wrapped in a soft pink towel, a gentle smile lighting her face.

“Bhabhi…” his voice cracked. He moved towards Geet.

“I knew… I knew if Bhai sent that message, he had found you. But seeing you like this, in front of my eyes, safe and fine, you have no idea how relieved I am.”

“I’m so happy to see you, Vicky,” Geet replied warmly.

“Baby…” he breathed, looking at the little bundle.

“Your niece, Mayra,” Geet said, stepping forward and placing Mayra carefully into his arms.

Vicky held the baby girl – awed. “I can’t believe this is real. Bhai is back… with you… and this little princess in my arms.”

“Let’s move,” Maan reminded them gently. “We can’t keep a tiny baby wandering like this for long.”

They stepped downstairs, where security was already in position. From there, they drove straight to the port where Maan’s private jet waited.

They got out of the car and walked toward the jet, surrounded by highly trained commandos.

And just like that, they stepped back into the luxurious world of Maan Khurana.

Maan looked at Geet. “I promise you… the love, the warmth, the respect—will always stand above any luxury.”

He drew her gently into his side embrace.

Just then, Mayra began crying in the enclosed space.

“You go rest with her in the bedroom cabin,” he said softly.

They walked past the bar, the dining area, and the master cabin, heading toward the inner bedroom of the jet.

Maan settled Geet and Mayra onto the bed. “She might get more irritated as we go up. Snuggled close to you, she’ll feel safe.”

“Raja Saheb’s daughter… is there even a chance of discomfort?” Geet teased lightly.

Maan smiled and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.

“It wasn’t an easy journey. Rest, both of you,” he said, pulling the heavy curtain and dimming the lights before stepping out.

#######

For some reason—maybe the comfort of the bed, the perfectly set temperature, the soothing ambience after the exhausting journey through local commutes, and above all, the warmth of her mother’s arms—Mayra drifted into sleep.

As Mayra slept, Geet finally got a moment to absorb the comfort around her. This was Maan’s world.

It wasn’t the luxury she was taking in. It was the realization that this -this quiet elegance, this effortless refinement, this sense of command was what defined her royal husband.

It was him. And that was what she was absorbing.

#####

Maan and Vicky settled into the long leather seating. A server approached with their preferred drinks and placed them on the table.

“Anything else, sir?” she asked.

“All good. You may leave. We’ll call if we need anything,” Vicky said, and she stepped away, giving them privacy.

“Bhai… thankfully, you found Bhabhi. She left while she was pregnant?” Vicky asked, still surprised.

“She didn’t know,” Maan replied, exhaling deeply. “Only when she was admitted to the city hospital after the accident did they discover she was carrying a life inside her.”

He paused, the memory tightening his chest. “Some miracle saved both of them that day. I still shiver at the thought of that accident, Vicky.”

“How was Bhabhi when you found her?”

“Beautiful… with a full-grown belly,” Maan said, a soft smile touching his face.

“How and where did you find her?” Vicky had endless questions.

“I can’t tell you anything about that place,” Maan said gently, “but it was the most beautiful and safest world I’ve ever seen. No monetary luxury… but the love and warmth she received there is incomparable. She was a pampered princess; something even our immense luxury could never give her.”

“No, Bhai,” Vicky said firmly. “You’ve pampered Bhabhi like a queen… like a child. Don’t think less of yourself because of someone else’s deeds.”

“I couldn’t save her from their hateful wrath though,” Maan said, his voice turning steely. “But not anymore.”

“I’m still curious about that place. Why would they treat an unknown girl like a princess? How was she safe there?”

“As I said… it was a very different world from ours. But I can’t thank God enough for taking her there. She received everything I couldn’t give her, despite all my luxuries.”

“Very interesting. I can’t wait to talk to Bhabhi,” Vicky said, smiling. “And congratulations, Bhai. We have a princess in our house now. I can’t wait to spoil her.”

“Congratulations to you too,” Maan replied.

With so much swirling inside him, he took a deep breath and looked at Vicky.

 “Thank you, Vicky… for handling everything so well. You were strong and solid here. That’s the only reason I could leave everything behind to look for Geet.”

“I just tried to keep things going,” Vicky said. “I’m ready to hand everything back to you.”

They talked more, catching up on people and events—avoiding the heavier topics for now. This moment was meant to cherish the reunion.

“Looks like we’re about to land,” Maan said, rising. “I’ll check on Geet.”

Vicky nodded.

###############

Maan stepped into the bedroom cabin. Both mother and daughter were sleeping peacefully. A soft smile formed on his face — his queen and his little princess. He wasn’t going to let even a shadow of negativity come near them.

He sat beside Geet, leaned down, and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Jaan… Jaan,” he whispered, brushing his fingers through her hair.

Geet slowly opened her eyes.

“Jaan, we’re about to land.”

She sat up immediately, still half in her dream, and the moment she saw him, she wrapped her arms around him.

“What happened? Did you see something bad?”

Geet pulled back and looked at him. “See… this is exactly what the dream was about. You being caring and protective — that’s what you’ll always be for me.”

A teasing smile tugged at his lips. “So, you don’t like me protecting you?”

“So now you won’t…” Geet stopped, unable to finish. Maan tried to keep a straight face, but amusement flickered in his eyes.

“In Humara Ghar too, they gave us a separate cottage as husband and wife… but you preferred otherwise,” she said, a hint of complaint in her voice.

“Hmm… and who decided to leave me and go? To build a life away from me? To give up everything without thinking about how I would survive? Who decided to become a saint?” he countered softly.

“I’m ready for any punishment… but distance, when you’re right here… it’s…” She couldn’t finish.

Maan’s smile deepened. He slid an arm around her waist and drew her closer.

“You will have to pay for each moment that I needed you, but when you were unreachable. Trust me, it will be harder”

Geet snuggled her head in his chest “looking forward to be in your arms, anyway you wish”

Her face was still against him when his eyes drifted to Mayra — who was now wide awake, staring at them without blinking.

“Your daughter is watching us,” he said, giving Geet a meaningful tap on her waist.

Geet turned, and Mayra immediately broke into a tiny smile, waving her little limbs in excitement.

Maan leaned closer and made a soft whistle. Mayra looked at him, scrunched her face, and was seconds away from crying.

“No, no… baby,” Geet said quickly, lifting her into her arms.

“She’s hungry. You go ahead, I need to feed her.”

“So feed her. I’m not going anywhere,” Maan said simply.

Geet smiled and adjusted herself to feed Mayra. Maan had his eyes fixed on her

“Maa-aan,” she called out, getting shy. He shrugged his shoulders and lay down even more comfortably on the bed

“Feed her, she is hungry.”

His expression softened as he watched mother and daughter settle into their rhythm.

There was no limit to happiness. They were ready to fill each other’s lives with all love and passion.