Part 2
The
next morning Geet woke up to the sound of doors slamming and things falling on
the floor. For a moment she had forgotten everything that had happened but no
thought could flee her mind for long. She managed to drag herself out of bed
and cursed the stars for the luck she had. One after another life had always
managed to send her tests to see what she could handle. This left like the
breaking point. Becoming a doctor and working was her top priority and it had
finally been achieved. Life was supposed to be all set. But now that it's over
only one question remained, what now? But before she could ponder on that
thought in her already strained brain Meera came in a little too cheery and
said let's go. Geet looked at her puzzled.
"Come
on Geet! I don't have all day, we are going to be late and we really don't want
to hit rush hour traffic." Said Meera.
"I
don't want to go anywhere," said Geet.
Meera
wasn't having any of it, "Nope, I'm not hearing any of it. I have already
planned it all we are going to the Hamptons for a few weeks for a nice needed
vacation."
Geet
was getting irritated now. She had just lost her job and Meera here wanted to
go on a vacation. "Are you crazy, Meera? I've lost everything and all you can
think of is a vacation. I don't even have an income now! I don't even know
where I'm going to get the money to pay the rest of my loans, this loft, or
anything else so a vacation is totally out of the question!"
"Geet, do you really think I don't understand what you are going through?
I know this is a difficult time for you but to sort this situation out you need
a clear mind which isn't possible in this environment. Remember that saying, everything
will be okay in the end, if it's not okay then it's not the end? I think it is
more than apt right now and seriously Geet with that malpractice suit on your
head what are you going to do here? I've already gotten everything ready for
our stay there, so don't worry about a thing. Just please, please put a smile
on that pretty face and get ready."
Geet didn't know what else to do
but listen to her best friend. Meera was right about one thing there was
absolutely nothing she could with the case lurking its nasty head over her now
gone at least live able life. So she packed her bags and both hit the road in
Meera's black Mercedes.
Meera was an interior designer that graduated from NY design school and
was a celebrity among the wealthy for her refined decorating taste. Thus having
worked for many wealthy people she managed to become friends with some of them.
So that's how she landed this Hamptons idea, one of her clients still owed her
money for some work she did but didn't have it yet. So when this happened Meera
decided to borrow her house in the Hamptons in turn for the payment. The
struggling celebrity was more than glad to do so since her latest films were a
mega disaster and not to mention it was recession. This was perfect Meera
thought, now she can help Geet get back on track with her life. A change of
scenery would be good for her.
The drive had been rather quiet since Geet's mood still wasn't normal
enough to talk. So the entire trip consisted of noise provided by Meera
verbally abusing other drivers and the radio. By late noon they had reached the
Hamptons. The palatial house that stood before Geet made her jaw drop. It was simply
gorgeous and the private walkway towards the ocean was the perfect addition. Geet
stood in the living room which provided an unobstructed view of the tranquil
blue waters due to the high glass walls. The simple sight of sunlight glistening
against the water gave her a feeling of warmth in the corner of her heart. One
might think that this ray of hope would emanate towards the rest but it was far
too early for that, there was still much to heal. For Geet this slight warmth only
increased the contrast of darkness in the rest of her heart and caused a clear
sheen of water to form in her eyes.
Meera stood behind watching her stare out into the water. She hoped this
will help Geet's mind get away from everything, it would be difficult no doubt
but certainly not impossible. She knew it'd better to remain ignorant of the
obvious issues and divert her mind. So Meera suggested Geet accompany her into
town since she has to go see a future client. Geet was in no mood for it and
said she would simply stay at home and relax. From hearing the tone in her
voice Meera didn't feel like forcing her so she let it be.
After Meera left for the meeting, Geet decided to relax and went out to
the pool to sun bathe. She hoped maybe just maybe the radiating sun rays would
soak up all the pain and sadness she felt right now. The heat caused drowsiness
and she dozed off until the sound of musical giggling brought her back to
reality. She slowly opened her eyes and lay there for a few more minutes trying
to let her pupils adjust to the onslaught of light. After turning her head
towards the source of sound she got a visual of little girl dressed in a pretty
white and purple dress hiding behind a flower pot.
"Excuse me sweetie are you lost?" said Geet.
"Shhh….be quiet or else I'll get caught." Whispered the cute little girl
"Oh I see, so are you up to some mischief and don't want to get into trouble?"
"It's time for my medicine but I hate the yucky taste so I'm hiding from
my Dadi."
"I'm quite familiar with the nasty taste of medicine but it's important
to become strong and healthy. I'm sure that's what you want when you grow up
right?"
The girl was lost in her pensive mood and had a finger on her chin and on
her waist and thought methodically before replying, "I guess you are right, I
do want to be strong and healthy."
"That's my girl, so let's go back to your Dadi and take that medicine."
Geet held out her hand for the girl to proceed walking towards the monstrosity
of the house that lay rather in close proximity for the Hamptons. The girl
latched onto her hand immediately and started walking.
"So what's your name?"
"My name is Priya but everyone calls me Piyu and you can too, Miss…"
"Well Piyu, that's an absolutely beautiful name and you, can call me
Geet. By the way you shouldn't run off like that I'm sure your family gets
worried about you."
"Oh Geet…" Before Piyu could continue a clearly angry Dadi could be heard
coming from inside the house.
They stood in Piyu's backyard and there Geet saw an elderly lady draped
in a beautiful cream sari and ornate jewels walking closer towards them. If
appearance wasn't enough this woman's style of walking and her aura spewed
elegance.
"Piyu, this is absolutely ridiculous! You cannot go running of like that
you almost gave me a heart attack!"
"Oh Dadi! Calm down, look I'm all safe and back with a new friend, her
name is Geet."
"Namaste Dadi," replied Geet.
"Namaste beta, I'm sorry if my great-granddaughter has been bothering
you. She's a wild one."
"No, no she's no problem at all. I just thought I'd drop her off and make
sure she takes her medicine."
"Oh so you know about her little trick? It's a nightmare trying to make
Piyu take her medicine without her father being around. But now she can't
escape, can you now Piyu?"
"I guess not," sulked Piyu. Then something popped in her mind, "okay Dadi
I'll take the medicine but under one condition."
This girl is something thought Geet while she smiled and said. "I thought
you wanted to grow up to be strong and healthy but a condition? You are one
demanding girl aren't you?"
"Well, of course. Don't you know whose daughter I am? It's my way or the
highway. So the condition is that you will have to play a game of hide and go
seek with me."
"That's it? Of course, I'll play hide and seek with you sweetheart but
first medicine then playtime. Sound good?" Said Geet.
"Yay! You will play with me." Piyu immediately gave Geet a big hug.
After giving Piyu her medicine it ended up being time for her nap so
their game of hide and seek had to be put on hold. So Dadi invited Geet to the
patio for some lemonade and chitchat.
"This is delicious Dadi. It's perfect for the weather isn't it?"
"Yes, this is the best time of year to visit the Hamptons. But I've never
seen you around before. Are you new?"
"Yes, I'm actually staying over in Ms. Brooks mansion. My friend Meera
and I are on a little vacation as she would call it." Her voice had a tinge of
sourness and sadness at the end.
"And so what would you call it?" asked a curious Dadi.
"A useless way to spend my time by sulking on all the misfortunes life
has thrown at me.
She blurted out before thinking then
started to retract but stammered, "Uhh…I..I mean…"
"It's okay dear, you can tell me anything. From the moment I saw you I
noticed something was bothering you."
Geet just looked at the woman awestruck. Geet knew she was an expert at
hiding her feelings from coming to her face yet how did she recognize her inner
turmoil so easily? But whatever it was she could careless at the moment. By
looking at her she remembered her mother which then caused other memories to
flow into her mind. The suddenly her eyes were now moistening with water.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to make you cry. I just wanted to
let you know I'm here for you."
"No Dadi, don't worry it's just that you reminded me of something." She
said while managing a little smile.
"Well the truth of the matter is that I'm here because I lost my job, my
dream." Geet told the whole story to Dadi who in turn listened attentively. "It
wouldn't have been bad if it was just my job but now I have malpractice suit
over my head causing me to just wait out until everything is settled, which
could be months. I just wonder sometimes what God wants from me; he's managed
to take everything away from me one by one."
Savitri Devi sat there wondering what was in God's plan for this
beautiful girl. Although she didn't know much about Geet's past she gathered
from their conversation that she had suffered a lot. And though her mouth
didn't speak those deep brown eyes told of not only innocence but also pain.
"I'm so sorry to hear that beta. I can't believe that people can actually
weigh one life more than other, it's despicable. But you know what God works in
mysterious ways maybe everything that has happened was for a reason. You may
not realize it now but one day you might. But no more crying now, here drink
some water. And from what you have told me I think…"
Before she could finish Piyu came running from inside the house
screaming. She had drawn a picture of a sandcastle. Noticing the sadness on
Geet's face, Piyu inquired but the former brushed it off saying she just missed
her. Piyu then gave the drawing to Geet to cheer her up.
"It's beautiful, thank you so much. I'll be sure to hang it up as soon as
I go home. Which speaking of I should get going before Meera comes home and
gets worried." Geet immediately stood up since she totally lost track of time while
chatting with Dadi.
"No Geet! You can't go just yet we haven't even played hide and go seek
yet."
"Now Piyu stop hassling Geet. She's right next door and will visit us
very soon. Infact she'll be joining us for dinner tonight."
"Oh no Dadi, I really can't that would be intruding."
"Nonsense Geet, besides I'm sure you and Meera are exhausted from your
trip down here. And I'm sure my grandson will also enjoy having some company
his own age, he's not very social if you know what I mean."
"Are you sure Dadi?"
"Yes, yes I'm positive. So I will see you at 7 p.m."
"Alright Dadi, I'll see you all later." Geet then walked off back towards
her house feeling slightly better.
Meanwhile, Dadi had a plan brewing in her wise old brain. After talking
to Geet and watching her interaction with Piyu, Savitri Devi had new found hope.
Despite only knowing her for a short time, she knew Geet was special and possibly
the missing piece in their puzzle of life.
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Thanks for reading! 😃
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