But
something still bothered him. He was slowly starting to feel again but what
now? Where did he go from here? Will life become what it was like before? He
looked over at Geet who was silently watching the cars go by. "Just one
question Geet. Do you think it's possible to become the people we once
were?" She shifted her eyes away from the window and looked over at him.
Saying she was startled by the question would be an understatement. Geet didn't
really know what he once was or why he was even asking this but she was glad he
asked. In the process she also gained some realization about her situation.
"Such a thing isn't possible Maan. We can never truly be what we ever were
in the past. Nothing is constant in life except change."
Part 12
The rest
of the car ride was filled with silence. Their own thoughts and feelings were
enough to occupy their individual minds. On one hand Geet couldn't understand
why she didn't have these bouts of wisdom more often. That way she'd stop being
such an emotional wreck. Maan is the only one that can challenge my mind. Why
else would I randomly spit out a Herac***us saying? Geet couldn't fathom from
what recess of her mind she managed to vaguely remember it. It was during
her early undergraduate college years that she had taken the philosophy class.
Having been given a whiff that philosophy majors were more likely to get
accepted to medical school Geet decided to take one class before committing all
the way to it. Needless to say it didn't interest her much. The only good thing
Geet could think of then that came out of that class was it fulfilling her
philosophy requirement for med school. And now, maybe the fact that once in a
while she seemed smart by spurting out random sayings of long dead
philosophers. Looks like I did learn something from that arrogant professor
Geet thought silently.
While Geet
took a break from her usual life crisis thinking and reflected on her college
days, Maan was more on the opposite track lost in much deeper thoughts. He was
confused. The past was something that still haunted him. The person he was
before life changed drastically was the one he enjoyed being and a part of him
had always wanted to be the same man. But the simple fact was that Maan
Singh Khurana was afraid to let people in again. Yes, the man
who intimidated businessmen twice his age, the man who is invincible in
the eyes of his five year old daughter, the man that many fear because of
his demeanor is also human. He feared the feeling of having to endure
hurt again. He feared the anguish he saw in the eyes of those he loved dearly
and he didn't want to hurt them again in the magnitude that he already had all
these years. It was the sole reason Maan cut himself off from life and plunged
into files. But now things were inevitably changing. His present
state was getting to heavy to hold on too. The pinnacle was slowly beginning to
tip. And with a person like Geet around to easily peel away the layer of
pretentious, it was hard not to be sucked back into the game of life. He
realized he was changing and accepted the fact thinking it was about time
he starts living again, but if only it was that simple and easy.
"Sir
we are here." James stopped the car and with a glance outside one could
recognize the location. There were doormen dressed in crisp suits, young
business entrepreneurs scurrying back to the office and women towering in
louboutins and designer clothes. This was the Upper East Side of Manhattan, a
landmark in its own right and a playground for the wealthy. The ordinary man
could only as much take a stroll here, peer into the windows and get a small
glimpse of what it's like here. They hadn't even stepped outside but could feel
the aura money around them. Maan after gathering his things together came out of
the car only to find Geet marveling at the change of surroundings as if she was
seeing all this for the first time.
"Geet
don't tell me that despite living here you are still amazed by all these
mundane things." He decided to make light about it least expecting what
was coming.
Geet stood
there staring at the surroundings, remembering her days there and how different
the situation was then and is now. "Maan, it wasn't mundane when I lived
here. This was the city where I had planned so many dreams and aspirations. It
was the place where people told me anything is possible. Now it's a different
story and I was just taking it all in. The picture painted of this place is often
far from the truth. It's shown as a place where everything is pristine and
idealistic and those naive enough like me believe it. I thought by settling
here I too would forget the woes of reality and blend in with the mirage. But
now I'm looking at it in a different light, the mundane light as you'd say.
This place, like any other, is absolutely ruthless and realistic. It's only
when all the luster has worn off can a person see what life here actually is
like."
Maan took
a deep breath. He realized now why Meera was so hesitant about bringing Geet
back to the city. After listening to her whole monologue Maan didn't even know
where to begin talking to her. He agreed the city especially this part of
Manhattan aptly fit her description. But that was beside the point. Why did she
think of herself as being naive? Surviving alone as she had and still becoming
who she was far from it. He also could tell Geet was unknowingly hinting at
something deeper than simply how phony the city and its people were. There was
something else that was bothering her which he intended figure out but now was
not the time.
"Geet
almost everything you said was true." She
turned her head to give him an incredulous look.
"Don't
look at me like that. You know what I'm talking about. If there is one word that
doesn't belong in the same sentence with your name its nave. Dreaming of a life you so want and trying to
make it happen doesn't mean you are naive it only means you're driven. So I don't
want to hear that come out of your mouth again." His tone had gradually changed;
it started out annoyed then became harsh. He quickly realized this and calmed down. "All
I'm saying is please stop worrying Geet. I know this is all the stress that's
making you think this way. But we're here and this lawyer will take care of
everything, okay?"
Geet was
familiar with his concern for her but this was a different facet she just
witnessed. She didn't ever expect Maan to get so upset about her referring to
herself in that way. What was more amazing was that he quickly tried to salvage
his anger for her sake. She only nodded, "Alright Maan I'll try my best to stop
stressing."
After
acknowledging her statement he proceeded towards the entrance with Geet in tow.
In such a daze they both were in, neither realized when they had arrived inside
the office and been seated in front of a plush leather chair. Only after
hearing the door click and a masculine voice did it register.
"It's
a pleasure to see you again Mr. Khurana. I was expecting you at the gala this last
weekend but was very disappointed with your absence." Maan got up and
shook his outstretched hand.
"I'm
sorry about that Mr. Klein. It's simply that work comes first."
"I
understand completely so let's get to business shall we?" He made his way
around to the other side of the desk. Geet looked at him thinking he must be in
his late forties. She expected someone with a sharp demeanor and steel exterior
but was pleasantly surprised seeing how warm his was. Not only that, with one glance
around his office she could tell he was accomplished in his field. Newspaper
clippings from high profile cases, photographs taken with celebrities and
dignitaries lined the wall. She would have continued to gaze there if he had
not called out to her. "And I presume you must Dr. Handa?"
"Unfortunately
I am." Geet gave a light chuckle hiding the pain. She immediately regretted
her words feeling Maan's icy glare on her. She realized by now he didn't want
any negativity coming from her but Geet couldn't help it.
"My
dear don't think like that. From what I've heard about you from a professional
and personal standpoint you are a wonderful person. And mark my words once this
is over a clipping of your case will also be there." He said while
pointing to the wall she was staring at moments earlier.
"I
don't mean to offend you but how can you be so sure? The Walters family isn't
exactly the type to give in so easily." She sulked.
"And
neither are we. I've reviewed the case and I won't deny that we do have a lot
of work to do. But it's not impossible to win this case. I have already analyzed
the evidence and read the reports with that I can say I'm confident about this
case."
"So you
expect you will be capable of winning Mr. Klein? I will settle for nothing less
than that." Maan asked.
"Of course
Mr. Khurana, don't worry I will not disappoint you." Mr. Klein replied. They
continued the conversation for another hour talking about what he expected from
the Walters and their argument. Then proceeded to finish basic paperwork and covered
what they needed to in order to be ready for the first hearing. "Okay Mr.
Khurana and Dr. Handa I will contact you as soon as I get a notification for
the hearing date. In the meantime I will put together a team to get all the
evidence, witnesses and whatever need be ready. While we will analyze and
prepare everything for the hearing I will keep you posted about it regularly.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call me."
"Thank you
Mr. Klein. I feel better about all of this now." Geet smiled softly.
"Please
dear don't thank me until we have won and we will. In the meantime don't doubt
yourself because you have done nothing wrong. And even more so don't worry. Leave
all of that to me." Geet nodded and smiled.
"Alright
Mr. Klein we should get going, please keep me posted." He agreed he would and with
that Maan and Geet left his office.
Maan could
see Geet was in a better mood and almost ready to burst with joy. A smile also
made its way to his face seeing her that way. If she was like this after simply
talking to the lawyer he wondered how she would react by winning the case. He didn't
know now but was gladly looking forward to the day.
Since it
was lunch time they decided to eat something before heading home. Luckily it
wasn't too difficult finding a restaurant both could agree and made their way
to a well known Italian restaurant located only a few blocks away. With the
weather being nice Geet insisted they walk rather than drive. Maan would have
normally objected but he knew even a few blocks due to the traffic would take
longer by car than walking. So he agreed and called James to meet them there.
As they
walked silently Geet was reeling inside with happiness. Although she knew it
was just the beginning of a long and bumpy road she felt content in the moment.
She looked over at Maan and didn't know how to thank him. Without him there was
no way she would have been able to get such a good lawyer and more important
such great support. Geet thought of what she could do for him and concocted the
perfect plan. She moved closer and intertwined her arm with his, "Maan I want
to do something for you."
He looked
over at her with a confused expression. Her body language and statement threw
him off completely not knowing what to expect. "Geet what are you talking
about?"
"There is
so much you have done for me and I don't know how to thank you so I thought..."
He tried to interrupt saying she didn't need to but she quickly placed her other
hand on his mouth. "No Maan, I don't want to hear anything. You will have to
accept this. So since we already know what a bore you are and don't do anything
fun it's going to be my treat to you."
They had
reached the restaurant by now and entered still with arms connected. "Geet! Are
you thanking me or insulting me by calling me a bore?" Maan truly wasn't upset
but decided to play along with her.
"Oh Maan,
you know it's the truth." Geet then started laughing. "Okay but seriously I've
decided everything and all you have to do is take a full day off from work."
"Geet as
nice and as enjoyable it would be I simply can't do that. It's impossible for
me to take a day off of work."
"Maan I'm
not hearing it. You are going to take a day off and it's settled." Before Maan
could argue with her further the people in front of them made their way to the
table and the host greeted them. Soon enough they were seated and once again
started their jovial bickering. It had been a while since they had last freely
talked and laughed. With the case situation turning in a better direction today
Geet felt optimistic and Maan was simply happy to see that change in her. While
they waited for their food Geet was animatedly talking about something and Maan
as usual was simply listening intently neither noticing the woman who had been
staring at them from the moment they walked in.
Okay my
lovely readers please forgive me for going MIA for so long. College has started
and it's a particularly stressful semester so updates will be rather sporadic. I
will try my best to update as often as I can but truthfully that'll be hard. Also
I want to thank everyone who have been so patiently been waiting for an update!
It means a lot that you enjoy reading what I write. Thanks again and don't
forget to hit the like button and comment! 😃
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