Thanks a ton buddies for all your sweet comments and for you wishes😳 Will reply to all the previous comments tomm... but would definitely say i m humbled and obliged... thank you sooo much😃
ok... this is the longest update till date😳 and a long awaited one too... thanks a bunch Ashu for the sneak peak😉😆...
here comes the next part 😳...
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Part 33
The concept of time and its pace can rather be subjective than objective as it can never be the same for the two people, no matter if they stayed in opposite parts of the globe or were present in the same room occupying opposite corners.
It had been an hour since the conference had begun and Geet was restlessly waiting for Gurvinder to walk out of the room and provide her with the facts she was desperately waiting for. Her mind was racing hard as her eyes involuntarily drifted to catch a glimpse of her watch every 2 minutes. It felt like the time was teasing her, moving slower than usual for the endless wait was torturous and agonizing. Although she was making sure of the smooth execution of the conference, she kept rolling the edge of her duppata on her index finger. Anticipation and expectation mixed with curiosity was driving her towards the edge.
Time was running out of his hands. It had been an hour already and he had made no progress with her for she just didn't let him find a passage to her. She was either around the staff, coordinating with the chefs, looking after the requisitions and arranging and re-arranging for anything and everything that would not only keep her company but would also keep her involved in the nitty-gritty of the mundane tasks.
The man who was a stranger to him had come to become the one he loathed with all his heart and might. For he believed him to be the one who had come to occupy the place in Geet's life that belonged to him. He lingered around intimidating everyone, though his presence was not sought after. He watched her every move, followed her through his eyes though the object of his attention turned her back on him as she refused to acknowledge his presence. Her constant gaze on the conference room door was enough for him to know that she was waiting for that man to walk out' The thought was no less than a punch in his gut' Pure rage was coursing through him ever since he set his eyes on that man and jealousy was flaunting its venomous fangs waiting to unleash his terror on the bearer of his possession. Even though he was convinced that the wedding had some concealed agenda behind it, he wasn't quite sure about the shape of her relationship now. As, even though Geet looked aggravated, stressed and worked-up around that man while he looked composed and comforting, there wasn't a sign of disharmony between them. However, that was not that mattered, not right now!
The staff scattered while just a couple of guys lingered around, leaving Geet by herself. Pinky had left for the day long time back. Though she had been conscious of his presence and his steady gaze on her initially, soon her mind was focused on the outcome of the meeting that lay ahead of her. Inspecting the dinner settings for the one final time, Geet sighed in contentment and turned around to come face to face with a smiling Sasha. "Sab theek hai Geet?" Sasha asked. "Haan, wohi double check kar rahi thi" Geet replied trying hard to ignore the hard stare that she garnered from the other end of the room. Sasha chuckled, "Double check? Madam relax. It's all going to be fine" she lightly pressed her hand to assure her. "I hope so too" Geet smiled though her eyes wore a faraway look. "Hello young ladies!" Vicky interrupted their conversation as he places his arms around their shoulders pulling them close. Sasha smacked his arm while Geet subtly pulled herself out. "Oh come on. I know I'm irresistible" he said haughtily as he kept his grip on Sasha firm. "Gracious! You are so pathetically full of yourself" Sasha complained. "Baby do you want me to prove it to you?" he whispered huskily to Sasha as he leaned in. Geet smiled uncomfortably feeling like an intruder while Sasha blushed but then shooting a stern look at him she stomped off. Vicky smiled and turning towards Maan he passed him a knowing look before he left behind Sasha.
In a flash he was behind her and holding her by her elbow, he spun her around to face him. Geet sighed in exasperation. "Stop being persistent!" she hissed. "Stop being difficult!" he snapped back. "That's an acquired talent consequent of prolong exposure" she scorned. "Geet!" he took a threatening step towards her. Unmoved, Geet turned her face away from him and it was then that she caught the sight of Adi turning round the corridor, heading towards the conference room. Busy on phone, Adi had yet not seen that his sister was engulfed in Maan's arm. Geet's eyes widened and the next moment, she pushed Maan back with all her might. The action enraged him and just as he was about to grab her again, she called out, "Veerji" Adi disconnected the call and smiled at her. Geet smiled back before she gave Maan a pleading look. He took a step back.
Sensing the tension in the air, Adi frowned a bit as he walked towards them. He greeted Maan and looked at Geet, "Is everything alright?" he asked. "Ji Veerji. Sab theek hai. Aap yahan?" she asked trying to distract him. "Just wanted to know how long will you take? Ma pooch rahi hai'" Geet smiled nervously, "Veerji, I might take a bit longer." Adi nodded, smiling at her dedication, "No problem. I'm in my cabin toh let me know when you are done. Ghar saath main jayenge". Geet quickly shook her head. This was her only chance. She knew with Adi around, it would not only be difficult for her to stay behind but what if he got an air about her intentions. She didn't want to risk that. So she hastily said, "Nahi Veerji. Aap jao. Don't worry. Main ghar khud aa jaungi." Adi frowned, "Bachchi, you know that's not going to happen. It's going to be late and there is no way I'm leaving you by yourself at this hour".
Though he stood at a distance, Maan was completely in sync with the interaction. Vicky was right. Adi and Pinky were too protective of her. For an instant he was relieved that even though he wasn't around her, she had people who were taking care of her. But then this was his chance too. So he immediately plunged into the conversation. Trying to be as unaffected and as ignorant as possible, he asked, "Is there a problem Adi?" Geet gaped at his pretense as she heard Adi answering his query. He nodded thoughtfully and she knew what would follow will definitely not be upto her liking. Her doubts were confirmed when he said, "Its ok. You carry on. I'll drop her home." Adi tried to object, suggesting otherwise, but Maan reassured him and then passing her a fleeting glance of finality, he strode away. Patting her head, Adi left the venue as she wondered where this night was heading.
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"Anu aapko yakeen hai ki jo aap aur Vicky kar rahe hain, woh sahi hai?" Savitri devi asked Anu evaluating the facts that Anu had provided her about Geet. "Dadi Ma' I have always told you that I trust Geet. That she could not be wrong. Ab aap hi bataiye, in the light of these facts can you defy that something went wrong." Anu countered. "Hum aapki baat samajhte hain bete. But I don't want Maan to hurt himself yet again." Savitri Devi reasoned. "Dadi Ma' Veerji and Geet can only be happy with each other. Aur aap hi kehte the na ki Geet se better Veerji ke liye aur koi ho hi nahi sakta." Savitri Devi nodded in agreement and said, "Toh phir sach kya hai? Why did she stay away?"' "Who stayed away Dadi Ma? Kis ki baat ho rahi hai?" Arjun's voice interrupted the conversation. Savitri Devi smiled as Arjun bend down to take her blessings. "Jeete Rahiye. Waise Arjun aap is waqt yahan sab theek toh hai na?" she enquired. "Everything is alright Dadi Ma. Waise aap kiski baat kar rahe the?" he asked.
"Geet ki!" Anu filled in. A cloud passed over his eyes. "Geet Ki?" he asked cautiously. Anu nodded but than Savitri Devi who was lost in her thoughts suddenly asked, "Arjun, you remember, humne aapko Geet ke baare main pata karne ke liye kaha tha? Aapki koi baat hui thi tab Geet se?" The inquiry took him off guard. He didn't expect after so long, Dadi Ma would even remember it' besides why was he being questioned over it now. He smiled tentatively as the two ladies watched him. "Dadi Ma' woh.. haan' I had gone to her place but it was locked' uska phone' haan uska phone bhi out of reach tha. Kyun? Sab theek hai na? I mean' Geet'" Anu simply shook her head not indulging in any serious thoughts for now, "Kuch nahi Arjun. She's alright." Arjun nodded a little but what Anu and Dadi ma missed were the dark expressions that had contorted Arjun's features as outside the door, Naintara's gasped in fear. She didn't know why but it felt that her innate fears were presenting themselves in the broad daylight now. Anu and Dadi Ma were talking about Geet' she sensed trouble.
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The conference was over. The delegates had walked out and were now exchanging their business cards whilst expanding their network and contacts. Vicky and Sasha were mingling with the senior executives of the corporate world. To avoid his gaze, she had resorted to sink back in one of the isolated corners. Unknowingly Adi had only escalated her problem. There she feared to sneak from under Adi's nose but what was she supposed to do now. How was she supposed to dodge Maan? For a moment she brushed aside such thoughts as she watched Gurvinder standing with a couple of other associates. He had turned to her once and had gestured her to give him sometime. Nodding in understanding when she looked away she found him looking at her intensely. The look in his eyes was enough for her to know that something was really wrong. She knew his anger but what she didn't understand was the reason behind this fury now. Still, in an attempt to evacuate her minds from any deflecting thoughts Geet stepped back into the darkness as she waited for Gurvinder.
No sooner did she slip into the less illuminated corner, his hand slid past her stomach to entrap her in his hold and pulled her to a secluded service area, meant only for the cleaning staff. The sudden movement made her gasp and she tried to move ahead but he pulled her to him rudely causing her back to collide with his chest. She yelped. "You wanted to shield yourself from me" he whispered in her ears. The fact that his actions were authoritative while his tone was agonized didn't go unnoticed by her. His grip tightened furthermore and she winced when his fingers dug into her waist. "Aisa kya hua tha Geet ki sab kuch badal gaya?" he urged. Geet stiffened in his hold and shut her eyes. "Why did you marry him?" he asked excruciatingly. Geet snapped her eyes open, "What?" she asked distinctly. "Bolo Geet' Kya woh shaadi tumhari marzi se hui thi? Did they force you to marry him?" he urged her gesturing towards Gurvinder while comprehension drew over her. And suddenly she knew why he was angry but the knowledge hurt her more. "Bolo Geet' batao mujhe' Kyun tum kisi aur se shaadi karne ke liye maan gayi?"
She was hurt and she was angry at him for assuming things to this extent. On what basis was he linking her up with Gurvinder she failed to understand? How could he question her about it when he himself didn't take much time to move ahead? If she could understand him so well, then why did he fail in doing so? And why should she answer him now when he didn't listen to her then? "Was it all a lie? Bolo Geet' Geet toh Maan ki thi na toh phir'" She snapped her head up to look at him as she furiously said, "Geet, Maan ki thi' aur Maan ki hi rehti' provided ek baar' sirf ek baar Maan ne mudh ke Geet ki taraf dekha hota toh' sirf ek baar Maan ne Geet ki poori baat suni hoti' sirf ek baar mujh pe bharosa kiya hota" He looked at her stunned at her allegation. She shook her head as she said rather dejectedly now, "It wasn't a lie Maan. It wasn't' but it was never meant to be' we were never meant to be" saying she pushed his hand away as she stepped back into the dining area of the conference room that was buzzing with the delegates.
O - maahi ve, maahi ve, maahi ve, maahi ve, maahi ve...(2)
The live performers called in to entertain the delegates took their place on the raised platform and the lights were further dimmed.
Maahi ve, mohabbata sachiya ne
Maahi ve, mohabbata sachiya ne
mang da naseeba kuch hor hai...(2)
Wiping the defiant tear that escaped her eye with the back of her hand, Geet made her way into the crowd to get away from the place as soon as possible. Sasha who was talking to someone, caught a glimpse of a visibly distressed Geet and excused herself and gestured Vicky.
Kismat de mare asi ki kariye...(2)
Geet turned around once to see Maan who by now had stepped out too and was looking at her with eyes that brimmed with love and longing.
Kismat de mare... oh asi ki kariye
Kismat te kis da zor hai
Holding the chain in her hand, she turned away from him once again as she tried to keep a check over her emotions.
Maahi ve, maahi ve...maahi ve... maahi ve
Sasha and Vicky were by Geet's side now asking if everything was alright. And then Vicky looked over her shoulders to see Maan gazing back at them and understood everything. He rushed to Maan's side.
Ik taraf ishq hai tanha tanha
Ik taraf husn hai rusva rusva
Geet shrugged off Sasha's concern by putting up a small assuring smile as she turned away from her too on the pretext of overlooking the arrangements and finally hiding herself behind the pillar where she hugged herself.
Ik taraf ishq hai tanha tanha
Ik taraf husn hai rusva rusva
Vicky tried to talk to Maan, but he glared at him before walking away to the bar where he occupied the stool on one of the corners turning his back on everyone.
Dono bebas huye hai kuch aise
Kare to kise kare hum shikva
Just then she steps away from the pillar and turned only to see him chugging down the golden contents of his glass. Simultaneously they both turn and this time, he faces her back' her rejection.
Maahi ve'
Maahi ve, shikayta sachiya ne...mang da naseeba kuch hor hai
Maahi ve mohabbata sachiya ne mang da naseeba kuch hor hai
Gurvinder comes towards her and taps her shoulder and ask her something. She smiles at him and shakes her head as she leaves the conference room following the other man's lead. Maan clutches his glass hard.
Maahi ve... maahi ve... ve!
Sasha and Vicky helplessly look at each other as Vicky makes his way towards her.
Dil na tootey kudha ka yeh ghar hai
Tere sajde ve mein mera yeh sar hai
Looking at the unbearable pain Geet and Maan are going through; Sasha firmly grips Vicky hands and looks into his eyes conveying her fears of losing him and her insecurities.
Dil na toothey kudha da yeh ghar hai
Tere sajde ve mein mera yeh sar hai
She brings his hand to her lips and kisses it as a single tear fall from her eyes.
Maut se daar nahin lagta mujhko
Sirf tumse judaai ka daar hai
Vicky entwined his fingers with hers as he gently shook his head asking her not to cry. He leans in and kisses her forehead assuring her that he was not going anywhere.
Maahi ve'
Maahi ve, ey neeta sachiya ne par mang da naseeba kuch aur hai
O - Maahi ve mohabbata sachiya ne mang da naseeba kuch aur hai
As Gurvinder leaves her side, Geet turns on her heels to find Maan standing in front of her yet again. She doesn't move, neither does he but when she couldn't take it anymore, she looks deep in his eyes and loses the will to tear her eyes away from his.
Kismat de mare asi ki kariye
Kismat de mare... oh asi ki kariye
She lowers her eyes as she contemplates what he was thinking about her and Gurvinder.
Kismat de mare asi ki kariye
Kismat te kis da zor hai
Maahi ve, maahi ve' maahi ve' maahi ve
Maaahi ve... maahi ve...
Unable to see him in pain and incapable of taking it away, she helplessly stepped aside to walk ahead but as she started to walk past him, he stepped in front of her blocking her way. He was about to say something when they heard, "Excuse me!"
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Part 34 in a while😃
Edited by euphoric - 12 years ago
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