DEVIL'S INNOCENT BRIDE ~ BOOK 1

 

All this is the punishment for my sins.

I insulted our marriage, the vows I took...

I lied to her and cursed this marriage but now she is getting the punishment of my lies.’ He was in pure rage. 'If something happen to her, I will burn this whole world. I would destroy the whole world.'

‘Don't ever leave me alone...’ he held her hand pressing it firmly.

‘Never...’ she whispered in small voice with warm smile adoring her face.  Seeing him still unsure, she added, Promise on you.’ And he sealed her mouth with his for a soul searing kiss.

 

 

Chapter 1

 

‘Maan… Maan…’ 

She shouted with enormous fury, as she continued to bang on the door of his room. ‘Will you open the door now or have you died?’ 

Within seconds, the door was opened to an angry woman who stared at him so hard as to feel as if she had killed him with her glares.

‘I went to sleep by mistake…’ he confessed before she could blast him.

But that didn’t save him from the rude words she lashed upon him. Have you really been sleeping or cheating on me?

‘What are you talking about...I can’t even think about that…’ he was badly hurt. His eyes burned with tears.

I see... men like you only do that, you guys think us a shit... let me show you what I do to you... next moment she hit him with her belt, pushing him down to the ground by her feet.

‘No…!’ he screamed in horror and got up sweating like anything… it took him a moment to realize that he was dreaming, no… Not dreaming but having the same nightmare again.

“It was the same dream again…’ he wiped the sweat from his face and left a breath. Just then he saw his Grandma and dad had walked in, probably hearing him shout.

‘Maan, what happened son? Did you have a bad dream again?' Dad asked worriedly.

He shook his head, 'now in my dream she was beating me with a belt.'

'What!?' exclaimed his father.

'I don't know why I'm the only one having those dirty dreams…' he cried angrily.

'Leave it son… now relax, go back to sleep.' His grandmother patted his head and wiped his sweaty forehead. He nodded taking a glass of cold water.

'You go to your room mother, I will accompany him tonight.'

'What! No dad, you go to your room and don't worry about me.' Maan was never comfortable sharing his room with anyone... he preferred their privacy.

Raj sighed agreeing to him silently and walked out of the room with his mother.

Don’t know what will he do after his marriage, the thought crossed Grandma’s mind, she had been behind him for marriage from last year but he was not ready for it yet giving lots of reasons but she wished to see him settle soon, maybe his nightmares will also disappear. She decided to pull the topic again before the father son duo. With these thoughts on mind she went to sleep.

…..

‘I can never forget her face.’ Maan said furiously while walking back and forth before the portrait of the beautiful girl hanging before him.

As he remembers what the doctor said about his nightmares.

“He must have seen her somewhere for sure…”

 

His friends got the clear look of the portrait, their friend had sketched and tried to remember had they seen her somewhere…?

‘Dude, I don’t remember seeing her anywhere…’

‘Even I don’t…’ others also joined; everyone nodded their head in yes.

Maan sighed in frustration combing back his hair…

‘Seriously dude, she must have been your wife in the past lives as your grandma said,’ He chuckled making Maan more irritated.

‘You are talking nonsense… I don’t believe those shit…’ he lashed out on his friend.

‘Even we don’t Maan, but seeing your nightmares and the face you see clearly in your dreams made us think so...’

‘On that you even don’t remember where you have seen her...’

‘That is the main problem. I don't remember where I met her or why I have been watching those nightmares every other night with having her abusing me like I am some damsel in distress.’

To his last words everyone muffled their laugh; after he gave his famous glare did they stop.

‘Seriously dude, why were you even getting beaten by your wife?’

‘KARAN!!’  Maan has had enough… ‘I don't have any hobby and no one has the courage to even look at Maan Khurana.’ He was having furious red eyes ready to burn the girl of his nightmares to ashes. He just needed to find her.

‘Yeah that’s right!’ Maan pressed his shoulder, ‘but how can you be so sure about her existence. I mean, it is also possible that this girl may not exist in reality. Dreams don't come true. It’s only our hallucinations...our thoughts. That would just be your illusion.’

‘You guys say whatever you want but I am sure she exists. She is not just mere nightmare of mine. Just once, let me find her, I vow to show her the real hell, she would dare not to mess with Maan Khurana again.’

There was determination in his voice and some kind of Obsession was there in his eyes which made his all friends to just nod at his words.

Geet watched with a frown as her mother paced around the room restlessly. She noticed the tension in her shoulders, the strain on his face.

She’s been suffering from chest pains for some time and the doctors diagnosed a heart condition at the moment it’s not too serious, but she’s been told she has to take things more easily not to worry so much.

Then why the hell her she is stressing herself this much, thought Geet rushing to her.

What happened mother?’ She stopped her holding her shoulder.

Geet, nothing is right...’ Misha breathed out anxiously as she faced her daughter.

To Geet’s confuse look, she said further, ‘your grandfather has called us for some work.’

Geet frowned innocently, “we have to go urgently, and he had sent the driver and car for us.

Geet just nods sadly for she knew he had sent the car because they both can’t afford the expenses right now, nor have any penny with them.

It’s been a year now, her father left them alone with him everything was gone. Geet who had brought up with the golden spoon in her mouth had faced the real terror of life. Her mother was also just as innocent as Geet, she couldn’t do much to save the mansion they once lived in, which was on lease by Sanjay Malhotra.

He was working up to a heart attack. She had seen it eating into him the last four years.

At first, she thought it was an exaggeration. Now she knew that his insecurity had strong reasons for being.

Her father was slowly being destroyed, without mercy, overwhelming them. It wasn’t ever a clean, sharp kill.

It was her father’s life, the business he had spent over thirty years building, and his very reason for existing.

Loose everything we have, everything!’

 

Those words of her father, she could still remembered hearing, once he was discussing this matter with her mother alone.

The Malhotra Corporation had been climbing like a star, shining and new, secure at last after ten yean of hard work and scheming.

“Now the house would go with everything else.”

 

Geet sighed and shook her head, the feeling of helpless despair flooding over her again. There had been nothing she could do to shield them against the ruthless people. Today what she had witness in her one of interviews made her shudder through the spine.

She had been really innocent and indoor girl all those years of her life, her father had shielded her in his protective arms all those years and when today when he was not here how much she craved for those secure arms of her father, warm chest of him, so that she could shed her tears on his chest, even hit him complaining him for leaving them alone behind to faced the cruel world.

Geet dear, why theses tears, her mother wiped her cheeks that’s when Geet noticed she has been crying remembering her father.

‘Don’t cry dear, he is in our hearts, isn’t he?’ Misha tried to console her daughter and her as well.

But it made Geet cry further. She hugged her mother tightly shedding tears on her shoulder.

“What happened in today's interview?’

Geet stiffened hearing her, she remembered, how that disgusting man tried to misbehave with her.

Misha closed her eyes in pain, she could guess from her body language what must have happened, after a while she opened her eyes determined with something and pulled her apart.

‘Now you are giving no more interviews…’ said her mother determined.

‘Why?’ Geet frowned for that was no solution to their problems.

‘Yes, because you are getting married soon.’

‘What? But mother I don’t want to leave you, that’s why I am not marrying anyone,’ said Geet with finality however she was secretly dreaming about her prince charming but in this year she had faced the reality which was totally contrast to the dreams she had lived in her whole life.  

‘There’ll be no miracle, Geet.’ Dreams don’t comes true dear, we have to accept the reality and move on.  She said seeing her daughters lost look.

‘It's all just words to say, there’s nothing you can do.’

‘I know. But this is also true that miracle happens, you just wait and see mother.’ She said with strange glint in her brown eyes.

‘Crazy...’ Misha slapps her head with a chuckle, knowing her filmy dramatic nature.

She knew that it would take a miracle to save them but miracles didn’t happen for innocent people like them. Devils made them happen. They made everything happen and anyone who stood in their way gets hurt. Who should know that better than she did? She still feels the pain remembering her husband...he still could remember his losing image, his straight back was bent, and the wide shoulders drooping; his hair was almost completely white.

Sanjay Malhotra was finished in that struggle; she doesn’t want her daughter now faced the same struggle. If she gets her to marry to some nice guy, her life will be settling then and then she can peacefully leave this world to be in heaven with her hubby.

But every wish comes with the cost and today she was in hurry to do that because she don’t know how many days she had left with her because of the heart problem she has.

She wanted to see Geet settle before something happens to her.

Her heart cries for her daughter but she masked the small smile on her face. Both mother daughter duos rushes out to go to their native place where Sanjay’s father has called them.

.....

 

Maan rearranged his clothing after his girlfriend had practically twisted his shirt about his neck in her insistent attempt to detain him.

He then walked into the Khurana Mansion only to get halted on his steps seeing his grandma already waiting for him.

Maan took deep breath as he hastily ran his hand across his raven hair, settling it back into place as best he could.

Savita caught sight of him as she surveyed her grandson and then frowned disappointingly at Maan’s somewhat ruffled appearance.

Judging by his appearance, Savita concluded what must have happen again.

Heaving a disapproving sigh, Savita once again scrutinized her handsome, but dishevelled grandson. If Rajveer Khurana had looked after his upbringing nicely then he would not have such a spoil lifestyle, Savita muse sourly.

Rajveer was so engrossed in establishing his business and ruining the businesses of his enemies that he had permitted Maan to run wild. There was nothing this carefree boy hadn’t attempted since he had returned from New York, finishing his school four years earlier.

The child came and went as he pleased.

Indeed, Maan Khurana was adventuress, a free spirit who insisted upon living life to its fullest, no matter what the consequences.

She breezed through the city like a devastating whirlwind, leaving no stone upturned, having numerous affairs… those bitchy girlfriends running around him.

Each time Rajveer grumbled that his son had become rebellious and unmanageable; Savita scolded him for not taking a hand in the child’s upbringing.

Savita realized that he needed a strong-willed woman to curb his wild behaviour and to calm his temper. 

Maan Khurana, the hottest bachelor in Delhi, had a bit of the devil in him.

An endless string of young women came to her doorstep, for marriage, if not then just to be his girlfriend.

The child was virtually impossible to please.

This way I would remain happy. He had declared.  He simply refused to take the responsibility yet of marriage.

‘How many times have I told you, Grandma, don’t wait for me?’ He approached her.

‘I have also told you many times; don’t waste your life like this.’ Savita argued yet again knowing although he won’t listen.

‘It is not that what I am doing… let me enjoy my life Grandma.’

I haven’t denied you that just change your ways son.’

‘It’s my life Grandma, let me live it with my own ways,’ he raised his voice trying to prove his point to his grandma.

An argument ensued between grandmother and grandson again waking up whole household; Rajveer also walked down to witness the daily drama. He sighed heavily and listened his mother again putting condition before his son, ‘I want to see you properly wed before I departed from this world.’

‘There was no great rush since you are going nowhere.’ Maan insisted. After that silence spreads in the hall for a while.

Then, with finality in his tone, Maan announced, ‘I would not marry until I will be ready and I am not ready yet!’

After that heated exchange, both father son duos moved away leaving upset Savita behind, she looked at their retreating figure, and knew it’s her last chance to convince Maan into marrying and change him for good… his father also won’t help her in this matter, she realized seeing his silence today.

So to not to miss this golden opportunity she pretended to yelp in pain holding her chest. She looked from the corner of her eyes, both father and son rushing towards her in fear.

‘Grandma...’ ‘Mom...’ both held her from either side as she collapsed in their arms.

‘Grandma... are you alright?’ Maan pats her cheek.

‘Mom, open your eyes please,’ Rajveer rubs her wrinkle hands.

Both were equally frightened. ‘I will call the doctor now...’ saying so Maan was about to get up but just then Savita opened her eyes partially, ‘no Maan...I have no time left, I guess.’

‘No Grandma, don’t say like that.’ Maan was pleading.

‘I am sorry, because of me it happened.’ He was really guilty and feels miserable.

‘I promise Grandma, I won’t bother you henceforth...’ his eyes moistened for he loved his grandma so much.

‘I promise Grandma, I will do anything you say…’ He said in flow of a moment.

‘Really son?’ asked Savita.

Yes Grandma…’ He nods.

‘Yippee!’ she got up, “now you are trapped, my son.” She had wide smirk on her face while both raj and Maan looked flabbergasted at her.

‘So you were acting all these?’ Asked Maan shocked.

‘Of course and you have given me the promise to do whatever I wish.’ She clarified with a childlike enthusiasm.

‘But it was false act…’ he argued.

‘But your promise wasn’t son...’

Maan sighed, ‘fine.’

‘Now, you are going to marry.’ She declares happily.

‘Not soon Grandma.’ He gave her a look.

You promised me, she pouted.

He rolled his eyes, “okay but I also have one condition.”

“What’s that…?” she frowned so did Rajveer, curious to listen since Maan got ready for the marriage now.

“The girl will be of my choice.” He said.

“But…” grandma pouted trying to protest since she knew his choices, those skinny modern girls.

“You have lost that right grandma, now when I am ready to wed.” Maan reminded her own words.

Savita just sighed nodding him to continued, “I will choose the girl who I want to marry.”

….

It’s been a week from that day, and Grandma had not left a single day even, asking him the same question, “Have you found a woman who appeals to you? Please say yes and bring this old lady some peace."

Today wasn’t different; Maan drew deep breath, trying to keep patience in front his melodramatic grandma.

“You should realise that I'm not growing any younger. My old body is decaying so swiftly that I might not be living the next day. My final wish is to see you married."

Maan’s gaze soared toward the ceiling. Heaving a frustrated sigh, he said calmly, “Grandma, I hardly think of you as old,” Inside the frail body you describe is a vibrant young woman who will undoubtedly outlive us all."

“No, my son, my heart is in fragile condition that aches to see you happily married,” Savita contradicted.

“I do wish you would greet me with something other than asking about my marriage.” 

Maan grumbled, his tone harsher than he’d intended. He was already frustrated on not able to find the girl of his nightmares to teach her lesson of lifetime, on that those nightmares only getting worse day b day. Now he would find peace only when he will be able to find the girl.

“You are twenty seven years old, for God’s sake! You need a woman to care for you, one who will look after you. You need to be responsible; Your father is too busy counting his money to see to your future, so I am left with no choice but to intervene.”

Maan tried to hold his anger after hearing her.

However his Grandmother was right, he couldn’t digest ill words against his father. He loved both of them equally. He found nothing wrong in his father’s doings. Why would his grandmother have so much grudges against her own son.  

After his wife’s death, he had completely devoted himself to his work, having no regard for anyone but himself. His obsession for making money preoccupied him, and Savita considered it disgraceful, that he ignored his son after his wife’s death.

He had never taken time for anything else, not even for his wife. Nonetheless, Savita constantly belittled his father for neglecting his son, who was sorely in need of guidance.

Maan had no issues against his father, since his father had given him much needed freedom to live his own life the way he wanted.

“Father is a very busy man,” He said defensively. “And I am quite capable of taking care for myself.  And I have no complaints about my life,” he added with a careless shrug.

“Of course you don’t!” Savita railed.

“You have been left to run wild and your father has conveniently forgotten that he needs to install some morals in his son… He was married to his business long before he wed your mother. But I will not be satisfied until you find a wife and make your own family.” her strength failed her and she thumped down on the bed.

“Grandma, please don’t stress yourself this much.” Maan rushed to her, giving her glass of water.

“I won’t when you promise to listen to me.”

“That I had done, you just need to give me some time.” he pleaded.

Savita nodded realizing she was going overboard; she really needs to give him some time.

“Answer my only prayer, Maan. Find a woman who can fill the emptiness in your life.”

Seeing his confused look, she added, the world is thick with gold diggers Maan, I do wish you would be more careful of the company you keep.”

Maan kMaan down before her and clasped his grandmother’s hand in his own, becoming more concerned hearing her voice getting low.

He would never forgive himself if something happens to her because of him.

Maan dearly loved the old woman, despite her tendency to pull on the same annoying subject.

“Does it mean so much to you to see me happily wed?” Maan reached up to caress her wrinkled hands with his long fingers.

“It means everything to me, son,” Grandma breathed hoarsely. Then she gave her grandson’s hand a weak but loving squeeze. “You are all I have left in this world. I want you to marry a woman you respect and admire, one who won't throw you aside for wealth, one who will love you.”

Maan noticed her eyes getting wet, and he could not bring himself to disappoint his grandma, not when she is feeling weak like this.

Maan had grown up like a wild wind. Only his grandmother had attempted to offer him direction.

He decided to give his grandma what she wanted, even if it was not in his power to do so.

….

Next day, 

“Maan we need to go to the town in west, are you coming with me?” Grandma told him. 

“For what?” Maan.

“For some land, just yesterday I got the call from Malhotras there; they are interested to sell their land. I have already shown my interest in the land from there.” She informed.

“But what will you do, buying that land?” he asked confused.

“I will do lot more, don’t forget I am businesswoman first before your grandmother,” She smirked proudly making Maan chuckle. 

“Alright, I will accompany you but in my jeep.” He agreed.

“What is this, Maan?” Grandma knew his intentions just with those words he uttered.  

“No argument on this Grandma, have you seen the road from there, first of all I was no interested visiting such places, it’s you for whom I am going to that place.” He argued.

“Okay okay…don’t give me tantrum.” She agreed before both break into another fight.

“I am not, for god’s sake, try to understand me once,” he whined.

“I understood, you can come from whichever vehicle you want, and with whomever. I have no issues,” said Grandma tightly and next moment Maan called his friends. 

 

Chapter 2

 

After a long journey, they all decided to take a break. They had reached the boundary of the village. Maan received a call from Grandma, informing him that she had reached the Malhotra’s mansion safely.

Maan jumped out of his Jeep, followed by his friends, all scattered around admiring the place.

Although all had been in denial mode about visiting such a place, they now couldn’t deny the fact that it was most peaceful from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Everywhere they turned, there was only greenery.

Maan took out his water bottle and walked away to check out his surroundings.

He was just admiring the pleasant green view and turned around to take a sip of the water when something soft collided into his chest, followed by a soft muffle.

He was startled as he stumbled back a little and noticed the soft object was none other than a girl.

“Please…save me… Some men are behind me.” She was shivering badly out of fear, her head buried in his chest; her quivering lips touching his little open chest, making him shudder with desire. He has been near many girls before. But her touch seems so pure and divine.

He noticed her wearing village clothes, which were now torn in many places. Her bare skin was visible to his eyes.

Her hot tears wet his chest, pulling him away from his lusty island. The next moment, he wrapped his arms around her petite form and said, "Don’t worry, I am here."

Hearing a soothing voice from the stranger, she slowly pulled apart to look at his face. and the world stopped around both.

Savita Khurana entered the Malhotra Mansion with her royal grace, making everyone stand up in respect for her. She greeted everyone and caught the familiar face, “You are misha, aren't you?" She asked with a gentle smile, to which Misha just nodded with a misty smile.

After many years, Savita proceeds to talk with her. From her talks, she got to know about the misfortune that happened to her and her daughter.

She couldn’t help but feel guilty for having some reason for her loss. Although Misha didn’t tell her the name of the person who destroyed her family, she knew well who it was.

"How is Geet? Where is she?" Asked Savita, wanted to meet the girl.

“Geet…she…”

“All these talks can be done later too, Mrs. Khurana," Malhotra interrupted, "but we need to talk about business first."

Savita nodded and watched his lawyer handle some documents in Misha’s hands, who, without even reading them, signed those documents.

"You should have read it once before you signed something. And this land is in your name?

"Yes, Mother, on mine and Geet’s names..."

Now Malhotra was taken aback; he only knew about Misha, not Geet. "Where is Geet? Call her then."

Misha was scared hearing his stern voice suddenly say, "She has gone out with a few native girls from here.

"I called you two here for work, not for roaming here and there," he hissed, glaring at Misha.

Just then they saw one of the girls from the village running into the mansion and saying, "Aunty, Geet..." She gasped for breath while hearing everyone shoot up from the seats.

"What happened to Geet?" Misha asked, getting impatient.

"Geet...she... when we were coming back, some goons surrounded us. I somehow escaped, but she got trapped." The frightened girl told them

"What!! And you came, leaving her alone?" Misha scolds her, worried for her daughter.

By then, the girl was crying furiously.

….

Maan forgot to breathe, seeing such a beauty standing so close to him. He was shocked to see the face of his nightmares coming into reality. She had the same face that he had sketched on the canvas, but she looked more beautiful in reality.

Soon, anger started cursing through his veins, realising it was the same face that haunted his dreams and abused him in his nightmares, and she might be the same cunning witch in reality. Thinking of all those things, he pushed her away rudely, breaking her trance as well.

Geet, who had been lost in watching his face, couldn’t remove her gaze, although her mind warned her. She had been this close with the man for the first time and felt secure in his arms. And now watching him has made her fall in love with him at first sight. She was reminded of the dreams she had been seeing of her prince charming, whose face was blurry in her dreams, but today it seems he got the face.

She came back to reality in a harsh way with his push. She was startled and couldn’t comprehend his anger. And what for? Why is he angry? Why are those gorgeous eyes red in fury now when sometime before they were so soft as if melting her whole?

"Hey Maan…" his friends suddenly walked to the place while searching for him.

"What are you doing here? We searched for you everywhere."

Their words halted once they saw the girl; she was in such a messy state that they couldn’t recognise the face from the portrait.

But Aryan was the first one to gasp in shock, "OMG!!" He walked near her to confirm, and his eyes widen further. "She... it’s her…" He pointed frantically at her, making his friends rush towards her as well.

Geet was now so frightened; were they the same as those goons who were chasing her? She thought with fear and took a step back, trying to hide herself as well as crossing her arms over her chest.

Maan was pulled back to reality with her soft landing on his arms. His anger rose seeing his friend's behaviour. He then looked at Geet, who by now was crying. She clutched his shirt collar and said, "Please save me."

He instantly pulled out his shirt, wrapped it around her petite form, and pushed her behind him.

"Stay away, guys... "You scared her." Maan warned them.

His friends gaped at him, not able to believe he just told them off—that too for the mere girl.

"Hey Maan, relax buddy. But wait, where did I see her before?" he scratched his chin, trying to remember.

Amy, this is the same girl from his portrait. Aryan replied, making everyone shout out in unison, "What!" They turned their heads again in her direction, who was peeking from behind Maan. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips upon hearing them, but how did he find her picture and from where? She pouted in confusion.

Shut up!! Maan shouted in rage, making everyone shudder with his anger. Geet too was frightened; her hold instantly loosened from his shirt. He felt it and looked behind him to see her moving away from him. He didn’t like it a bit that he grabbed her small palms quickly, making her gasp. She looked up, and he gave her an assuring nod. His eyes again softened towards her, making her smile like an innocent child.

We need to drop her off securely at her home, he ordered, and they all just nodded in silence in agreement.

….

"Where has my daughter gone?" Misha cries, while Savitri was trying to console her. Sanjay called a few of his local men and also the police station to look for Geet. He asked for the area from where the girl came, leaving Geet alone.

Just then they heard the screeching of the vehicle, all rushing out only to see a few groups of guys climbing out of the jeep.

"Maan, dear, what took you so long?" Grandma approaches him, but she halts when she sees a petite figure of a girl appear from behind.

 “Geet…” Misha ran towards her.

“Mamma…” She rushed into her open arms and both cries hugging each other.

“Saw the mother daughter union...?” Aarmaan whispered in their group only to receive Savitri glare. 

They instantly shut their mouths and followed the elders inside.

“Maan, how is Geet with you?” asked Grandma after all settled in the huge hall of mansion.

Seeing his confuse stare, Grandma told him, the one who has come with you is the Geet. His... Granddaughter of Sanjay Malhotra.

Now that he looked at her, she stole her gaze away from him, feeling her cheeks burning.

Maan narrated to her all that happened and how he saved her.

Grandma was surprised as she had not seen his side, and right now she could also see his eyes now and then moving to Geet. She also caught Geet blushing. She drowned in deep thoughts.

Just then Sanjay called Geet, pulling her out of her thoughts. Geet dear, come here; you have to sign some papers.

"Yes, Grandpa..." Geet got up instantly, moving towards him. His lawyer handed her the land document, and she looked at her mother, who nodded in agreement. Sanjay also nodded for her to sign the papers.

And she signed those property papers without giving them a single glance.

Grandma just watched in surprise and said, "Geet, dear, you know what papers these are?"

"Yes…" Geet looked confused at this determined Grandma, who didn't know the girl herself was selling her own property.

Maan was now throwing daggers at her. He felt disgusted at the sight. How could she just sign those papers without reading them?

Sanjay let out a fake chuckle. "What is the need to read it?"

"What do you mean she is illiterate?" 

"No… I am educated." Said Geet promptly with a cute frown.

"Then don’t you know Geet?" Grandma began only to be interrupted by Misha. Yes, she knows everything, and my baby girl is just a little innocent. She is willingly selling this land." Misha lied, knowing her father-in-law and his temper. If he could, he would stop them in the village itself. Or worse, get Geet married to any old man. She was so helpless without her husband. If she had had the slightest idea, she would not have stepped into the village in the first place. But now she knew both she and her daughter were trapped, and the only escape was to listen to Sanjay Malhotra silently.

"Please, Mrs. Khurana, proceed further." The lawyer asked her, making her sign the papers unwillingly. Maan couldn’t take it anymore; he already found it all irritating. His friends followed him out.

….

It was nearing evening, and the Khuranas were ready to move out with Maan’s friends. Just when Grandma noticed the hustle and bustle in the surroundings, everyone was getting everything ready for some function.

"What is this preparation for?" Savita asked curiously.

Yes, there is this traditional function in the evening; all the preparations are done for that.

Grandma’s face lights up. "After many years, I heard about it. Everything was left behind in the village only." She waited for Misha to stop her, and seeing her eager eyes, Misha couldn’t help but say, "If you want to witness the auspicious moment that was part of this traditional function, you can stay for the night, mother."

"That's all I wanted to hear, Misha. Thank you very much. I really want to join this function.

"What are you thankful for, mother? It’s your wish if you want to stay."

"I really want to stay." Said Grandma over enthusiastically.

"What!! Grandma, no way, I can’t stay more in between these lunatics." Maan blasted her as soon as he heard her plan.

"Maan, mind your words; talk with some respect." Savita warned him.

"With what respect do these people know even the meaning of this?" he scoffed.

"Look who is speaking..." mocked Grandma.

"This is Maan Khurana, if you don’t know." He replied with attitude.

"Yes, I know. Because of me, you are in this world," she said.

"Hu... whatever!!" Maan rolled his eyes and said, "Do whatever you want. I am going." He turned to move, but his steps halted as he listened to her say, "It’s okay, this old woman will take care of herself alone. As you showed me, you don’t care for me.

"Now from where has this come?" Asked Maan, turning towards her.

"It is clearly visible from your behaviour." The way you're talking about leaving me here," she says, widening her eyes to show her point.

"Well, I am not leaving you; you are not coming with me." He gave her back.

"It means the same."

"Alright, fine, I lose; you win." Maan raised his hands in surrender.

"That’s better." She smirked at Grandma at her victory and moved out, but failed to notice that behind her Maan smirked, Grandma, Maan Khurana has never lost, not before or in the future.

….

 

Chapter 3

 

It was evening when everyone gathered in the Malhotra Mansion for the function.

Maan walked down wearing a pair of traditional clothes, much to his annoyance, but Grandma knows well how to make him do things of her choice.

She smirked, seeing his annoyed face. Her gaze went behind him, and all the boys following behind descended down as well, making the same faces as Maan's. As he couldn't leave his friends in peace when he was made to wear traditional clothes, he didn't leave them, so now all were standing in line before Grandma in traditional clothes, looking handsome as ever.

Girls from the town began drooling over them. Grandma whacked Rahul, who winked at one of the girls, making her blush. 

Stop this thing here... She scolded, making all the boys pout in annoyance: "Where did we get stuck, dude?" Armaan whispered.

Maan just rolled his eyes and excused himself. He was just walking aimlessly, watching around, when he bumped into something rather soft. And the fragrance was recognised by him. He pulled the girl apart, and he forgot to breathe, seeing the gorgeous face of the same girl from his nightmares.

She was looking just breathtaking in the white traditional clothes she was wearing, giving her an angelic look.

He kept gaping at her without a blink, his hands clutching her shoulder. Unconsciously, he pulled her closer.

Geet gasped, feeling his move. She blushed in pink shades, watching his admiring gaze without moving her face at all.

She herself was floored to see him in a white shirt and pyjamas. He was looking like a true prince; she had fantasies always.

A sudden push from the passing lady brought them back to reality, but by now she had landed herself in his arms. Her lips were touching his jaw line, making both shudder with an unknown feeling. 

Geet immediately parted ways and rushed away from there, feeling extremely shy and scared at the same time. 

Maan kept watching her from where she ran away. It was when his friends nudged him that he came out of his la-la land. 

"What is that on your cheek?" asked Aarmaan. While Aryan rubbed his cheek with his thumb, examining it, he said, "It is lipstick."

You have started here too, against Grandma’s warning, "Tell us, who is that girl?" Rahul smirked devilishly.

Maan's glare shut everyone down; he just stormed off from there, not caring to answer. 

"What happened to him?" 

"He didn't behave like this before."

Something has happened, dude."

"Yeah, ..."

"Let it go, guys; it might be that he is just frustrated with that girl," Aryan replied, indicating to Geet, and all agreed, knowing about his nightmares and their effect on his mind. 

Soon the rituals began, and all surrounded the holy fire, making a big circle.

All were moving in a circle, praying to the holy fire, while his gaze again caught her sight. She was just before him across the fire, her beauty glistening in the golden light of the holy fire.

 

....

At night, Maan couldn't sleep; he kept turning on the bed, and her images kept popping behind his closed eyes. Her milky waist, her body, her hazel eyes, those plump lips—everything started swimming before his eyes, making him thirsty for her. He wanted to see the hidden treasure behind those clothes. He jerked up with those wild thoughts of his.

What the hell am I thinking? Don't forget Maan; she is your enemy, not someone to l...

He stopped his thoughts immediately, and soon an evil smirk appeared on his lips. Sure, she has to pay for making me go through hell, but who said I couldn't lust over her?

 

....

 

Geet looked at her mother, sleeping peacefully after waiting for her. But she couldn't just go to bed, however tired she was. Her eyes were thirsty to have his one glimpse. In one meeting, he stole her heart. Yes, it was love at first sight for her. He had dreamt about her Prince Charming from the time she knew this thing, and now seeing Maan, after a few moments with him, she knew he was the one for her. She blushed with the thoughts; her whole body burned; she began feeling hot just with the reminder of their closeness downstairs. How his strong arms held her closer, pulling her to him. Maybe, just maybe, he also likes her.

She walked out, lost in her thoughts, and straightway followed the path that her heart showed her.

 

Maan walked out feeling hot all of a sudden with those wild thoughts. In his city, he would have been with one of the chicks making out with her, but here in the village, he couldn't do much either with Grandma hovering over all of them. He removed his shirt in frustration and moved out to get some fresh air.

When he heard some chiming sounds behind him, he turned to find the angel of his dreams, or, I should say, the bitch of his nightmares, walking towards him.

Geet has been thinking about her decision to meet him like this at midnight. But her restless heart couldn't stop her from seeing him. She just wants to take one glimpse.

Her steps halted, seeing him look only her way. She mistook him for someone else at first, but as he approached, a small smile enlightened her face.

She left a breath, finding it was him but no one else. His presence had given her a sense of security since the first meeting. Right now too, she felt no less.

"What are you doing here so late at night?" Asked Maan, already having misconceptions about her. No sane girl from a good family would do something like this. And he had not expected her to at least meet him at night.

Maan," she whispered in her seductive voice, caressing his cheek, making him shudder with passion.

Her hands encircled his neck and then moved upward in his thick hair, giving him a sensual feeling. Unconsciously, he leaned his head in so that his nose was nearly touching hers, and his heart stopped for a moment. 

She put her lips on his and he couldn’t resist. He didn’t want to. He just wanted her.

She moved her hands over the muscles on his back, then around to his chest. Suddenly she pulled apart, feeling a lack of breath. He never wanted to break the kiss; he wanted to explore her more; he wanted...

“Maan....”

"Hu..." he turned around briskly to her calling. Geet was watching him confused. She was scared seeing his eyes suddenly burning with fury; his breathing was ragged. And she knew he was upset about something. 

He took a step, realising he was dreaming about her. It made him furious; how could a little girl make him lose control? What happened to his taste? He thought frustrate, where were those high-class modern girls and where was this small-town girl? He made a disgusting face, eyeing Geet. 

Geet pouted. Seeing his gaze, she could feel something was not right. So she took a step back in fear; she actually had decided to have some moments with him, pretending to say thank you to him for saving her. 

What!? Speak up!! He was rude, but he couldn't help; she was the reason, and she had to hear it. He thought about giving reasons for his behaviour. 

"Um... I just wanted to thank you. In the morning, I didn't get a time."

"Yeah, it’s okay, and goodnight," he said, turning to walk away, making her frown.

Maan... Listen...

He stopped in his tracks hearing her sweet voice, and he chuckled and turned around, "Say..."

She smiled sweetly out of nervousness, "Um..I just want to say something..."

"And what's that?" He saw her fidgeting with her scarf. "Ugh, girls," he thought, fed up with the slow pace she was talking at.

"Will you hurry up? I don't have the whole night to stand and listen to you." He barked, making her shudder.

Her eyes filled up instantly for no reason; no one had raised a voice against her before; she was the princess of her parents. 

Wait Maan... Don't make her cry now; it's a golden opportunity that has come to you on its own for the success of your plan. I just grab it. 

"Okay...okay...relax...no tears." He walked near her, her lips shivering, ready to cry. 

Hearing him, she wiped her face with the back of her hands like a child.

"Now... come...what you want to say," he grabbed her shoulder, but she removed his hands, "no..I can't now."

"But now you wanted to say something to me..." he frowned.

“Yes...I will tell tomorrow, she replied quickly, feeling conscious of his closeness.

“Geet...”  His breath fanned her face, giving her goosebumps. He marked it, and an evil smirk appeared in his face. Before she could move away, he grabbed her shoulder, jerking her closer, almost touching his nose with her. 

She gasped, watching him with her wide brown eyes, lips parted in shock. He so wanted to turn his sometime-before dream into reality but somehow stopped himself.

"What is it? Why are you hesitating now?" he whispered huskily, knowing every weakness of the opposite sex.

"Um... I..." she gulped hard, feeling his close proximity. Her hands rested upon his bare chest with the intention to push him, but he grabbed them instead, making her condition worsen. She was never in any man's proximity apart from her father, and now being in her lover's arms gives her all together different and sexual feelings. 

"Say it, Geet..." He was not leaving any chance to tease her as he grabbed her waist with his other hand. His long fingers pressed into her soft skin, making her moan. 

"Maan..."

"Yes, Geet, go ahead..." 

She came back to her senses and felt his fingers playing with her waist chain. 

"Please leave me..." 

"No! "Not until you speak," he demanded, rubbing his nose with hers. 

"Please leave me," she wriggled cutely, her attempts only provoking his desires as her body rubbed on to his in a perfect manner. His one hand moved lower on her back, holding her to him and bringing her breasts into contact with his hard-muscled chest. Her nipples tightened and ached. It was so unfamiliar and unexpected that she was flabbergasted. 

He chuckled low, seeing her flushed face, his hot breath fanning across her cheek, his grasp becoming stronger.

"I can't speak," she confessed, gripping his broad shoulders more fiercely in an instinctive effort to keep her knees from buckling beneath her. 

Her heart was pounding, and she was certain he must be able to feel it. Certain he would be able to see the fluttering pulse that she could feel moving at the base of her throat. 

"Why...?" he asked, his dark eyes compelling.

She pulled away from him, her breathing laboured, her body sluggish from unfamiliar desire. 

He looked amused. It was infuriating. Even worse, he knew exactly how he had affected her. 

"I can't with your close proximity," she confessed, then regretted seeing his smirk. She blushed furiously and was planning to go, but before that, he hooked his arm around her waist, pulling her to him.

She drew in a shaky breath, unaware of this new thing that was nudging her, but it was sure making her uneasy.

He chuckled, "You are too innocent or you pretend to..." He stroked a thumb across her hot cheek, admiring her pure beauty. She looks stunning. One of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen.

Her hair was styled into plates with jasmine flowers adorning them that fell down past her shoulders and ended right above the swell of her lush hips. And that necklace fit right in the dip of her cleavage, touching her where he wanted to touch her. 

Geet was confused, and somewhere she was hurt hearing him think like that about her. 

"I don't pretend anything," she said in a low voice. He looked upon her hurt face while his hand moved down the length of her arm and moved it to the small of her back; he saw her pulse jump at the base of her neck. He fought the smug smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

My feelings are also true, she said, looking down, her lashes covering her flushed cheeks. 

Maan stopped and looked at her, surprised; he had not expected something coming from her like this.

 “What's that?”  He asked to confirm... 

She stared at him, almost frightened by his denial. She nodded, but having no control over her emotions, she began wriggling again. "I want to go..." She was on the verge of tears. How to tell him that she loved him like crazy? But it happened to her now. She couldn't stop her heart; she couldn't think of living without him. What will happen when he goes away from her tomorrow? Worse, how would she marry anyone other than him if, in the future, her mother fixes her alliance with someone else?

"I can't..." She breathed out, seeing him.

What!? He was confused; she was teary now, so he left her, and taking the chance, she ran away from him. Not stopping to cal on her back.

Geet...Geet ... 

‘Shit!!’ He hits the stone with his feet in anger, “Crazy girl!" He was definitely angry at her for leaving him in confusion in the middle of the night.

 

Geet rushes to her room and walks into the washroom, crying her eyes out there with the fear of losing her new-found love.

After a while, she calmed down and washed her face. While changing into her night dress, she began thinking; I have to do something... I can't sit and see him walking away from him. If I want to live, I want my love close to me. If I can't, I will die. That I can't do. What will happen to my mom? She pouted with the thought.

I should get the courage and at least confess to him. Yes, that’s right, her mind and heart both gave her the green signal on that.

Then whatever happens will be seen; you can't lose without trying... She smiled big, and then, I think he might also like me, which is why he was holding me like that. She blushed with the memories; she was too young to understand his real motive, too unaware of the things that go on in society and high-class city life.

....

 

He watched her run away and soon heard her giggle. How dare she laugh at him? He rushed behind her immediately; before she could escape fully from his sight, he was before her, towering over her petite figure.

The next moment, he grabbed her by the waist and slammed his mouth on her soft, petal-like lips. He was devouring her hungrily but frowned soon with the taste of her mouth. Soon he felt a kick in his stomach, and he was lying on the floor with a thud.

Maan opened his eyes to hear the profanities of his friends and a few more laughs in the room.

He realised soon that it was his dream as he found himself on the floor with his friends surrounding him and glaring furiously as if ready to kill him.

He remembered that he was not able to sleep after that encounter with her at night, either. After a lot of cursing sessions, he managed to drift into restless sleep, only to be haunted by steamy dreams of hers. She was wearing that thin material of a sari, which was wet, showing everything clearly to his eyes. And there, his dream went in the wrong direction.

But what the hell happened here? "Why are you guys laughing like crazy...?" He barked at his gang while Amy marched to him with full fury.

"Dude... I came to wake you up, not to talk dirty with you," he said, raising him by holding his vest strips.

"But we have seen dirty things..." Karan broke into another fit of laughter, followed by others, and before Amy could kill him, he ran out from there.

Maan now widened his eyes in horror and said, "So that was you... I thought..." He stopped suddenly getting angry.

"Who told you to come here?"

"I came to wake you up, but your majesty was so lost in his dreams that you were not able to get up, and on top of that, yuck." Amy made a face. "You kissed me." He rubbed his cheek, where he had gotten a hard smooch from his friend. 

Maan chuckled then turned serious: "But it was horrible, yuck... my mouth...I need to wash it." 

"Maan..." Amy was about to attack him, but he rushed away from there straight into the washroom.

Maan, get ready fast and come downstairs. Aryan screamed from the room: "Everyone is waiting for you. 

"Why...?" Maan immediately opened the door and peeked out. 

"Everyone is going somewhere, and Grandma is expecting you as well. 

"Alright!" Maan made a face as he knew he had to agree with his darling grandma.

He rushed downstairs hurriedly, and as Rahul said before, everyone was already waiting for him. He went straight to Grandma and greeted her, then everyone. 

But as soon as he turned to her, he stood rooted and forgot to breathe. She was looking more than beautiful today—out of this world.

What was shocking was that she was wearing a sari today, just like in his dream. He gulped his saliva, remembering the moments after them in the dream. and then the kiss...He made a face but soon came to reality, feeling the nudging of his friends who called him as everyone started moving out.

Grandma told them that they were going to the temple for prayers as it was a colour festival today.

Maan was irritated but couldn't argue with her. From inside, he too wanted to go with Geet.

Everyone walked forward, leaving both behind. Maan turned around, hearing the chiming sound of her bangles. Geet was pouting her lips, feeling irritated with managing her sari.

"Need any help?" he asked like a gentleman. I don't know why, but seeing her struggling made him want to be with her. 

"Thank you, I can't handle this sari thing," she blabbered, clutching the front of her sari cloth so that she wouldn't hurt herself on the floor. 

"If you can't manage, then why did you wear it?" he scoffed.

"Because of Mom, she made me wear this." Said Geet with a pout.

"You can just refuse to meet her." Both started walking. Maan was just talking to her like she was a stranger today; he just met her, forgetting for a moment about his nightmares. 

"I can't, because I can't make her upset."

"What's the big deal? For your own comfort, you could have..."

‘Sometimes it feels good to see others happy.' She said it with a sweet smile. 

"What rubbish!!" He raised his voice, hearing her philosophical talks.

Geet glared at him cutely, stopping in her tracks to ask, "Have you ever done this?"

"Why would I?" He forgot about his grandma and just wanted to prove his point.

"What kind of person are you? You are selfish." She stopped herself; she couldn't judge him just by hearing his few words; that would be wrong from her side. 

"I..." she lowered her eyes, suddenly feeling guilty for what she was going to blabber out.

"What!! What you wanted to say..." he raises his brow.

Geet nodded and said, "Let's go. We are getting late."

"One minute, selfish...?"

He looked into her eyes and said further, "If I want to live the way I want, I am selfish. If I take care of myself, then I become selfish.”

"No, don't say that; I didn't mean it." Geet tried to convince him, but he started waking up further. "Listen, Maan. I am sorry. It came out of my mouth. I know, not all are the same." 

Now she bites her tongue and sees him stop in his tracks.

He turns and gives her a furious glare before taking a step towards her, but she runs away scared from his anger. 

"Geet !!" He called her; she was about to fall, but he rushed forward, holding her for a moment. 

She yelled in pain, feeling the throbbing pain in her toe.

"What happened?" He asked concernedly, seeing her eyes feeling up. 

"My feet, it's hurting..."

"Come here," he said, making her sit on the bench outside. When watchmen come running, informing them about their families departure. Grandma had asked him to bring Geet with him.

Maan shook his head, while Geet's eyes widen hearing him. How could her mother leave her behind, that too with Maan? Her cheeks coloured instantly, thinking of going with him alone. 

She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard his words "Have seen the result of making others happy?" 

Geet twisted her lips and bites it, feeling pain in her toe as Maan examined it; it was swollen and had turned blue.

"Will you be able to walk?" He asked gently.

Geet nodded, getting up with his help, but as she took a step, she yelped in pain and was about to fall, but he held her.

"Why did you lie?" He glared at her, gritting his teeth.

She stole her gaze away but soon felt herself flopping in the air. She gasped, finding herself in his arms. She grabbed his neck, and he walked to his jeep, carefully placing her on the seat. He walked around, taking his seat behind the wheel, before starting the Jeep.

Chapter 4

 

The whole drive, both were stealing glances at each other. At one moment, both caught eye lock; the song was playing on the radio.

 

Maan quickly turned his gaze away, feeling caught. He became restless after hearing the lyrics of the song.

 

He was sure he wouldn't fall in love. Never... He took speed in anger. Geet became frightened seeing it.

 

"Please reduce the speed. We will reach in time. We will not have to go far," she innocently said, unaware of his anger.

 

But he couldn't listen to her; her voice only added fuel to the fire.

"Please Maan," she said, holding his wrist. The next moment, he jerked her hand away in fury, stopping the Jeep in one jerk.

 

"Stay away from me." He barked at her, shocking her further. ‘Understood?’

"Maan..." She was not able to grasp his behaviour. Her eyes became wet.

Maan turned his face away, closing his eyes to calm his anger. He realised what he did, but his mind battled with him; it was all her fault. And she deserved his anger. Determined, he started the Jeep again at full speed.

Geet was in shock; she couldn't digest his words. How could he say that when she loved him so much? Silent tears fell on her cheeks. At one point, she was going to fall with his harsh turns to the jeep, but in the right moment, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her closer. He slowed down the speed, gazing at her in worry. "What if something had happened to her?"

Nothing would happen to her; she would have to bear the punishment that he had stored with him to give her. Before that, he would not let anything happen to her. He thought furiously, wiping her tears harshly.

 

Geet jerked his hand away. "You also don't touch me," she barked angrily, shocking him with her boldness.

 

"What did you say?" He grabbed her, stopping the jeep as they had already reached the destination. His jeep stood a little away from the crowd of people behind one huge tree; from there, no one could see them.

 

"You are repeating my words!" He gritted his teeth. Geet was shivering by now. She couldn't hold her anger in; it would flow out of her through tears or by lashing out at the person.

 

"That's what you want, isn't it?" she sobbed.

"What you wanted I will see about that; you don't need to be overly smart." He hissed angrily, still holding her wrist. Seeing her still struggling, he jerked her closer. 

Geet just doesn't know how to react further, seeing his change of demeanour. One moment he was so caring, and now he was looking nothing but a dangerous demon to her.

She was really scared. "Leave me. I want to go to my mother." She has started crying by now.

 

Maan watched her for a moment as she stood fragilely in his arms, completely at his mercy, crying for her mother.

 

A small smile formed on his lips when he saw her howling like a little girl, and he left her as his anger seemed to be disappearing in thin air.

 

Geet quickly rushed out of his jeep, limping on her feet. She just wanted to get away from the monster as soon as possible.

 

Maan sat back for a while, resting his head on the seat. He closed his eyes, then suddenly realised something, and quickly parked his Jeep.

 

Geet was limping badly because of pain, but that was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. Today, his words crushed her fragile heart badly. She was crying continuously; in a daze, she didn't know where she was moving.

 

Maan spotted her and rushed behind her; he took her in his arms before ascending the stairs.

 

"Leave me, you monster." She banged her fist on his chest, struggling in his arms.

 

"Geet," he gritted his teeth in anger, don't create a drama here."

 

"No, leave me."

 

If you utter one more word, then I will drop you here on the stairs. And he lost his hold; she grabbed his shirt and said, "No! You devil..." she slapped his chest, making him smile.

 

Both reached up to the temple like this, making their family gasp in shock.

 

He dropped her down, and she rushed to her mother, limping on her feet. "Mamma.”

 

Misha embraced her crying daughter in worry: "My baby, what happened?”

 

"Maan, what happened?" Asked Grandma.

 

Nothing much, Grandma; she has hurt her feet, just that, and she is crying buckets for that.

 

Geet glared at him with her wet eyes, hearing his words.

 

"Maan!!" Grandma warned him, "Don't make fun of someone's pain."

 

"It’s okay, Mrs. Khurana. Our daughter is crazy; she is overreacting."

 

Geet looked at her grandfather, totally hurt after hearing his words.

 

Misha caressed her head, trying to calm her down. She knew she couldn't argue with her father in law; they didn't have any power that he possessed.

 

"Whatever!!"  Maan rushed out of there angrily, followed by his friends. 

Amy looks after him; he takes any wrong step in anger, and he ends up hurting himself. "Anger is always on the nose of the gentleman." Grandma advised Amy, knowing only he could handle her. They bothered a social bond beyond friends.

Amy nodded and went after his friend.

 

....

 

After prayers were done, everyone dispersed to roam around the beautiful and serene place.

Savita was also moving away when Mr. Malhotra stopped her and said, "I need to talk to you about something important." 

"Yes, please."  

"First, let us sit somewhere." 

"Sure..." 

Both walked out and sat on the bench. Mr. Malhotra began after a little hesitance, I won't talk in riddles, Mrs. Khurana; I was just thinking about the alliance of my granddaughter with your grandson. 

Grandma looked surprised to hear his words; she was just thinking the same from the time she saw Geet, but always thinking about Maan and his words about marriage, she couldn't raise this topic. Already, she had given her promise to Maan.

Don't take me wrong, Mrs. Khurana. I just admired Maan from the time he stepped into our mansion. And I think both looked best together, and this thought came to mind.

Grandma just smiled. “I understand, Mr. Malhotra; even I liked Geet for my Maan. I just haven't asked him yet. Now, I think I can ask him once. But let me ask him first, please.”

"Never mind, Mrs. Khurana, the final decision is in your hands only. "But I am waiting eagerly from your side."

"Sure, I will see what he thinks; I will tell you tomorrow."

Geet was roaming, admiring the place, followed by her few native friends. Now her feet were giving less pain. Just then, she spotted Maan and his gang.

"How handsome these guys are!" Her friends sighed dreamily, admiring the boys.

"The one in the blue shirt... He is so hot."

"And the green one, I liked him." 

Geet fumed because a blue shirt was worn by Maan. "You guys go from here."

"Hey, why did you feel jealous? Is there any one of yours out of this?

Tell us, Geet." All the girls nudged her; we won't look at him. 

"Are you going or not?" I will tell my mother... and then she will not let you come with me anywhere." She tried to blackmail them, pouring her lips with a cute frown.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, we are going. Don't make us scare," and they rushed away from their cursing her behind.

Geet chuckled and walked near the boys. She stood behind Rahul, who has his I-phone in his hands.

A few gathered around him to watch something, while Maan was not in the mood and sat away, checking his phone randomly.

"What are you watching?" Geet beamed from behind, suddenly frightening all of them. They fumbled getting up, seeing Geet. Rahul passed the phone to Amy; he passed it to Karan; Karan passed it to Rajeev; and Rajeev, in fear, passed it to the next person, who was none other than Maan.

Geet frowned, seeing them fumbling. Why are they behaving so?

Why are you guys scared? "What happened?" she asked innocently.

"And Maan, what was there in the phone?"

Maan cursed his friends for eyeing the klip running into his phone. Before he could delete it or stop it, the phone was snatched out of his hand by Geet. 

All their eyes widen in horror, while Geet looks at the screen with a wide eye. She gasped, and the phone dropped from her hand. The couple was kissing in a vulgar way in the scene.

Maan glared at the gang. Geet looked horrified at them, then at Maan.

Before anyone could react, they all rushed away from there, saving themselves from their friend’s wrath and Geet's innocent questions.

"You....you guys..." Geet shouted behind them, breathing in anger, "How could you guys watch such a thing in such an atmosphere of a temple?" You guys don't have any shame." She shouted.

"And you... Do you watch this too?" Geet turned to Maan, pointing his forefinger at him in cute anger.

No!" Maan just uttered a defence, although his message box was filled with p*** films and videos. He lied to her, saying, "How can you think like that about me, Geet?" He walked near her. Don't you trust me?

Geet wondered why he was asking such a question to her when he didn’t like her. She became sad.

"Why does it matter to you if I trust you or not? You don't like me, do you? You warned me to stay away," she said, becoming upset and turning away.

Maan didn't know how to react. He thought for a while. Sure,  he didn't know if he liked her really or not, but he sure didn't want to let her go that easily without his punishment. For that, he has already formulated the plan. 

"Who said I don't like you?" He played along, snaking his hand around her tummy below her sari.

Geet shivered and beamed hearing his next set of words, "I like you, Geet." He turned her around, cupping her face.

"Then why did you ask me to stay away?" She wanted to clear her doubts.

He was stuck now. He tried to think of a proper answer. "I was just angry, darling."

Geet was still not convinced, but hearing "darling" from his mouth for her just bowled her over. She blushed and looked down; her fingers were playing with the shirt buttons.

"You really like me?" She whispered, feeling shy and wanting to confirm it in her heart.

"Yes, why would I lie?" he said, but his own words bothered him. He wanted to hurt her; if that was only his motive, then why does it matter to him if he lied to her? He pressed his fingers into her soft waist, making her moan in sweet pain.

Maan was brought back to reality, and an evil smirk appeared on his face. He just wanted to play with her and enjoy his time with her until her real punishment started.

Thinking all this, he jerked her closer. "So you like me too."

Geet blushed and tried to move away from his arms, but he couldn't leave her. 

"I...I...love you..."

Maan was dumbstruck; she hadn't expected something like this to come from her. If he doesn’t believe in those things, then why does his heart skip a beat today?

Maan. She cupped his face, worriedly receiving his silence to her confessions, "I really love you."

He just smiled, making her blush, and she hid her face in his chest.

Maan groaned, feeling her hot breath fan on his chest. His hand began roaming on her back. She snuggles closer; feeling butterflies in her tummy, her nose nuzzling in the crook of his neck, making him go hard. He opened the knot of her blouse, and his hand went inside, cupping her bosom against her bra.

Geet gasped, her lips pressing on his throat, feeling his fingers pinching her nipple.

She doesn't know such a kind of pleasure exists ever; her knees began to buckle, and she held on to Maan tightly. Maan was lost himself; he pulled her apart harshly, fisting her hair, and buried his face in the crook of her neck.

 "Maan..." She moaned, clutching his nape. He was going down, giving her wild smooches on her soft skin. When suddenly Rahul barged out of nowhere, calling out to Maan.

Fortunately, her back was towards him, and her long hair covered it, but he couldn't stop guessing what must be happening.

Maan and Geet were both startled. Maan was the first to compose himself; he quickly pulled Geet behind him, hiding her from Rahul's eyes.

"What are you doing here?" Maan barked at him. He could feel her shivering behind him. She hides herself behind his back.

"Grandma is calling you; everyone is going back."

"Alright, we are coming; ask her to go further; I will bring Geet with me." 

Rahul just nodded and turned around to move. However, he couldn't forget the images of Geet's beautiful face; she looked just smoking hot with those sweat beads and scare look.

Geet was so frightened of being caught like that—something that had never happened before. And the way Rahul's eyes stayed on her for so long, it had alerted her senses. She had experienced the same leaching stares before, so now she recognised them. 

With Maan's touch, she looked at him and immediately blushed, feeling his hand touching her bare arms. He tried to wrap her blouse up, which was pulled down by his passion.

But now that he saw her blushing like this, his hands stopped moving and he just gazed at her with a smirk on his lips.

She immediately turned her back to him and helped herself with her clothes, with him helping her in the middle.

After that, both walked away to the family, and Grandma was again surprised to see him with Geet. Misha looked at her daughter's face as she walked to her mother, hiding her eyes.

Geet, what happened to you? And what were you doing with Maan...?" asked a bewildered Misha, tugging at her arm.

"Mom...I..." Geet couldn't stop blushing, so she fumbled with words. Misha was astonished to see her daughter struggling to speak, who loved to blabber anything and anytime. 

Geet, what's the matter, dear?" She held her hand, and Geet just hugged her mother out of happiness. "Mom...I...Maan..." 

But she was interrupted by Mr. Malhotra's rude voice: "You both can chat later on. First, let's get going, everyone; we have to prepare for the small colors festival party as well."

 

 

 

Chapter 5

 

The function was organised by the Malhotras, welcoming all the people of the town. It was quite a big affair, with everyone enjoying the festival of colors.

Maan and his gang were enjoying to the fullest; they were full-on high with cannabis (a mildly intoxicating paste of the ground leaves).

Only Aryan was in his senses. He noticed how Geet was dancing with her friends as well.

He knew his friend had started developing feelings for her. Why couldn't he? In fact, anyone won't resist falling from this angel ever. He himself couldn't stop admiring her. But he knew well not to go further in his feelings for her when his friend was concerned.

 

.... 

Geet could not stop laughing, screaming, and being drenched in colours. She hadn't enjoyed this much before after her father's demise. She was so lost in her own play that she failed to notice his hungry eyes staring at her every move. He was watching her with a lot of lust. He watched her move away from the crowd in the corridor, and grabbing the chance, he too followed behind to quench his thirst.

Geet was tired, so she decided to clean herself first. For that, she walked inside but soon stopped feeling someone following her. She looked behind her, and before she could comprehend anything, he fell over her, making her fumble on her steps, and the next moment, he slammed her to the wall. 

“You...!? Leave me.” She began struggling in his arms, but he only tightened his hold on her, trying to force himself on her.

She cried, feeling his mouth move near her face, when suddenly she felt his body swap away from her, landing him on the floor.

She wiped her eyes and saw his other friend hitting him. "How dare you, Rahul? How could you stoop this low? I am ashamed to even call you my friend."

Geet whimpers silently, still feeling horror thinking about the incident; it shook her whole. She was reminded again about those lusty men who offered her a job against her beautiful body.

Aryan turned around to see her rolling down on her knees; she was sobbing by now, hiding her face behind her palms.

Geet... He called her softly, but she didn't move, feeling ashamed. He doesn't know what to do to make her calm. He first looks at Rahul, who got up on his feet fumbling, and says, "You didn't do right, Aryan. I will get back to you!" He said in his sultry voice, eyeing Geet furiously and then him, "His hangover seems to be vanishing after the fight with Aryan.

LEAVE!! Aryan shouted, making Geet flinch as well, and she looked up only to shudder at the way Rahul looked at her before walking away from there.

He looked back at her to meet her teary eyes; those tears dropped again on her cheeks, making him guilty for being friends with the man who stooped this low.

Just a few moments before, she was so happily dancing away, but now she was crying... 

“Geet...careful...”  He rushed forward as she tried to get up and fumbled on her steps. He held her wrist, helping her, and then walked her to her room, unaware of the fuming pair of eyes watching them.

Maan tightened his fist in fury, watching her walk away with his friend with his arm wrapped around her tiny back.

She had her head tilted on his shoulder with her small hands holding his shirt. His insides burned after seeing the scene.

“How dare her!”

He was getting high with Bhang, and at that moment he stopped, knowing he couldn't lose it completely with Grandma around to take care of her.

After a while, he had walked inside to fetch her, finding her missing, but the scene before his eyes made his whole body burn with anger and jealousy, unknown to him.

Did you see it? Don’t you think there is something going on between her and Aryan?

Rahul came from behind.

Aryan!?? He was taken aback, for he had only seen her half-face from side profile but not the guy with whom she walked away, but now hearing Rahul, he couldn't believe it.

Yes, Aryan. Just now, both were hugging each other when I came here, and Geet was persisting with him to go to her room. That's how I found both. 

“You will pay for this, Geet, for playing with my feelings.” He slammed his fist on the wall, fuming to no extent. He became determined to give her the punishment she desired and smirked harshly.

.... 

Back in the room, Geet was feeling dizzy, and Aryan needed to support her. She had clutched his shirt when he put her carefully on the bed. 

"Geet, are you okay?"

She nodded with close eyes and then cried for her mother, "Mom..."

"Yes, I will just call her." Saying so, he got up to fetch her mother, but Geet realised something and stopped him. "No wait, don't call her."

"But Geet...."

"She would worry unnecessarily," she sobbed, feeling miserable because there was no one to share her feelings with. She couldn't tell anything to her mother, for her heart was already weak.

"If you want, then fine." He stood for a while; there was awkward silence between them before Aryan again spoke, "If you need anything, Geet...."

"No, I am fine... You can go now." She wiped her tears and gave him a small smile.

"I am sorry... I didn't think he would stoop this low."

Geet looked down, hearing him. What would she say on that? They are friends. Suddenly, she remembered Maan and shuddered thinking about his reaction. How would she tell him, or would he believe her?

"Don't worry, everything will be fine." Aryan put his palm on her shoulder, and she instantly flinched back at Rahul's incident. 

"I am sorry." He was guilty again. 

But she just kept mum, nodding her head. 

"Take care!" he said, so he walked out, unable to face her broken self.

....

Misha was in dual thought regarding Geet's marriage. She was told by Sanjay about his decision to marry Geet to Maan.  First, she was taken aback but then thought came to her mind, it was she who wanted to see her daughter settle before her departures from this world. Then why not Maan? He even seems nice and from well settled rich family. Even Savita Khurana seems nice and gentle lady to her. They will take surly good care of her daughter.

 

Although she wanted to see her daughter settle before anything happened to her, another part of her heart wanted her to be with her always. She knew how innocent she is—she is new to everything in the world. Her tales about interview experiences only shuddered her mother's heart.

 

She was deep in thought when Savita walked in with a knock on her door.

 

"Mother, please come inside; there is no need for you to knock on the door."

 

Savita just smiled and looked at her worried face. "What's the matter, dear?" You looked worried."

 

"Nothing at all, mother. Just like that." She was hesitating to express her worry.

 

"Don't hide anything from me, dear... I am like your mother; maybe I can help you."

 

"What should I say? I am just worried about my daughter." After a lot of persuasion, Misha finally revealed

 

"Why Dear...?" 

 

"Mother..." she hesitated, and Grandma pressed her shoulder.

 

"She is really innocent to all this, mother... I don't know how she will handle it all."

 

Savita just smiled and told you that we were getting them married.

 

Misha gasped, looking at her wide-eyed.

 

"I mean, did you get her approval for marriage? Did you ask her?"

 

"No!" Misha shook her head innocently, making Grandma chuckle.

 

"Then why are you worrying just now? First ask her if she wants to marry my grandson; if yes, then you also don't need to worry this much, dear."

 

"I am there to take care of Geet. If both get married, she will be my daughter, my grandchild." Grandma said, for she had already asked Maan, and getting his nod to the alliances left her in shock at first, but then remembering his approaches to Geet all the time they arrived at the town made her believe that he really liked her and wanted her only as his life partner.

Misha’s eye filled up with happiness hearing her, and her heart was soothed hearing her gentle words.

"And if she doesn't wish to marry, don't force her then." I swear to you, beware who forced our daughter for something," she lightly threatened her, to which Misha broke into hearty laughter along with Grandma.

That's how Geet found her mother. Her eyes moistened. It had been so long since she had seen her mother this happy. She looked at Maan's grandmother and mentally thanked her, for she guesses she had caused this happiness to her mother. 

"Geet dear, come inside; what are you doing?"

She was startled, but she stepped inside, looking down. 

"Your mother wants to ask you something."

To this, Geet looked at her mother with question-filled eyes. Misha smiled and cupped her cheek.

Geet, however she stopped, she didn't know how to ask her daughter, for her feelings matter to her and she doesn't want to hurt her in any way.

Savita sighed, nodding her head. She approached Geet, who herself looked confused with her mother's hesitation to ask her something.

"Leave it, Misha; I will ask her myself." 

"Geet dear, Do You like our Maan?"

Geet looked confused, making Savita rolls her eyes. "You don't understand my question, do you?

Geet nodded her head in agreement.

"Geet, Grandma wanted to ask you, are you ready to marry Maan?"

Now her eyes widened in surprise, realising the meaning behind their words. She looked at Grandma, and seeing the smirk on her face made her blush, and her lips curled into a beautiful smile. She couldn't utter a word. To save herself from Grandma's teasing gaze and her mother's questioning eyes, she ran away to the door.

"Geet, please answer my question." Hearing Grandma’s question, she stopped and, without turning back, said, "Yes, I am ready, Grandma." She turned to her so that she didn't look rude and stopped with her cheeks hearing up.

 

"I am very happy, dear!" Grandma approached her, cupping her face.

 

"Thanks for yes." She pecked her forehead before walking away to tell Sanjay Malhotra and make everything ready for marriage.

 

"Geet, are you really ready for this marriage?" Misha asked her daughter, grabbing her arms. She was worried and not sure yet.

 

Geet nodded with a shy smile that confirmed her mother's concern for her daughter's happiness. All she needed was her daughter's sweet smile, and she knew the answer already.

 

....

 

Maan stood before the mirror in his room, clad in the wedding attire, much to his annoyance. Everyone praised him for his royal look, but he was actually pissed off with everything going around. It's been only two days, and their marriage was only a few hours away.

 

He disliked the idea of getting married to someone and being tied to the same person for life.

 

Whatever!! Who said he was going to be tied forever! Once his revenge is over, he is going to get divorced, but he will make sure to make her life a living hell. He thought about the function day incident.

 

"Till then, let me have some fun." He mumbled with a crooked smile.

 

 

......

 

 

Maan pulled her harshly into his arms, seeing two pairs of eyes following her every move. His whole body burned in anger, and that reflected in his harsh hold on her waist.

"Maan..." Her eyes instantly filled up, and she cried seeing his furious eyes. 

"Why are you so angry at me...?" She asked in a choked voice. 

Maan smirked bitterly; however, composing himself, he whispered in a low voice, "Nothing, baby; I am just trying to save you from some bad eyes."

Geet frowned in confusion as she looked around. 

The whole hall was filled with only the people from town and some of their relatives. As pre-marital functions were going on, all the youngsters were on the floor for the couple dance. Maan and Geet are in the centre of the stage.

"You don't need to look anywhere but me," he whispered possessively, holding her cheek.

Geet blushed furiously, regardless of his harshness. She liked how possessive he was of her. 

She willingly put her head on his chest, hugging him with all the love in her heart for this man.

I love you, she whispered against his beating heart, which skipped a beat listening to her confession.

He gulped his emotions down, which were aroused by her sweet confession. But again, reminding him about her two-face act she did behind his back, He wouldn't forgive her easily. She will pay heavily, and he will make sure of that.

 

.....

 

After that, both were kept apart the whole day as per the rituals until the wedding. Both were desperate to see each other for different reasons.

Geet was surrounded by a few girls and women who got her ready beautifully as Maan's bride.

She blushed furiously seeing her new image in the mirror, and upon that, the girls were teasing her like hell.

She just remembered him and his loving stare at her. She knew he too harboured some feelings for her, if not love, but he confessed that he liked her too. That's enough for her to live her life with her love and soon-to-be husband. She again blushed at her own thoughts.

If not now, he will surely start loving her after marriage; she has this belief in her own love.

Maan was awestruck with her beauty as he filled her partition with Vermilion. It was love for her, although as she closed her eyes to treasure the feeling, her whole body shuddered when his fingers tingles her skin, making her wear a wedding chain.

Maan was lost for a while in her, but two people were always there to make him remember the motive of this marriage. His two friends. Maan, on the other hand, was enraged at Aryan but he couldn't just break his friendship with him for some other girl. In his eyes, Geet was the one to be blamed for all mishaps. That was his thought. 

At the time of marriage, Geet was blushing with a sweet smile seeing everyone's eyes on them, while Maan was having an evil smirk on his face with the thought of his revenge. 

As the priest announced them as husband and wife, both received the blessings of the elders. His friends came forward to congratulate the couple.

Geet winced inwardly and clutched Maan's hand, seeing Rahul's gaze on her.

"Congratulations, my dear sister-in-law!" He teased meaningfully, first eyeing her and then Aryan, intentionally infuriating Maan as well as Aryan. 

Aryan too was angry, but he kept cool before Maan & Geet. He couldn't tell Maan anything as of now before talking to Geet. He knew it was a question of her prestige. She first needed to talk to Maan. But she was doing nothing of the sort but only being silent.

At the time of parting, Geet cried like anything, clinging to her mother, who was also shedding silent tears.

"Mother, you also come with me," she demanded innocently, making everyone giggle around. 

"No, dear, it doesn't happen."

Why can't it be? Everything can be, isn't it, Maan?" She wiped her nose and looked at Maan expectantly, like he would listen to her. He was dumbstruck by her demand; he only looked at his grandmother and father, having nothing to say.

Grandma was going to say yes, but seeing everyone whispering Sanjay Khurana in between.

Grandma was going to say yes, but seeing everyone whispering, sanjay Khurana intervals in between.

"It's getting late, Mrs. Khurana. I think we must hurry." 

And like that, both mother and daughter parted. 

Geet was all the way crying, furiously missing her mother already. She was scared for her ill health as well, but she could share nothing with her new family. 

"Geet dear. Calm down. Tell me what's the matter." Grandma guesses the reason behind her crying was not just her parting from her mother.

Geet couldn't speak; she just shook her head in denial. Her throat chocked, and it made Grandma worried.

"Will you just shut up now?" Maan shouted, getting irritated as well, seeing Grandma so worried about the girl who doesn't deserve a bit. 

"Maan, you shut up, son. This is not the way to behave with your bride." 

"Then ask her to keep silence now; it's been an hour and she is crying."

Grandma shook her head. Seeing his anger, she knew behind this mask he cared for Geet so much.

After that, Grandma and his father changed cars and left ahead in a different one to make the arrangements and give the couple some privacy.

Geet dozed off on his shoulder. He looked at her, grabbed her softly to his side. His hands wrapped around her small waist. He rubbed his fingers there more than necessary, making her wriggle in the sleep, and she snuggled in his neck, her fingers clutching his shirt at his back, making him groan in pleasure.

"Geet, why are you pretending this much? Firstly, you have stolen my night’s sleep; I don't know since when." He remembers those nights he squirmed in sleep with those nightmares, and then your betrayal of my own friend. I know Aryan very well. He wouldn't look at any woman. Then what did you do? That made him betray me. His anger was only increasing on both. 

With those thoughts swimming in his mind, he pressed his fingers harshly into her soft skin, making her wince in sleep. She got up, rubbing her eyes, again reminding herself of her mother. A few tears spilled out of her eyes. He groaned in frustration, not able to believe her tears. They too might be false, like her pretence of love.

 

....

Chapter 6

 

 

"Now take your bride in your arms and walk inside."

"What!" he reacted instantly, which made Grandma doubtful, but she shrugged it off.

Geet looked at him with a deep frown. He couldn't carry her. Why? Her prince charming, whom she had dreamed of, wouldn't have said or reacted like this, so why is he...

She didn't get time to ponder much, as the next moment Maan picked her up in his arms, making her yelp in surprise.

"Now don't shout in my ear," he hissed angrily.

Geet pouted and turned her face away, making everyone chuckle with her antics.

A few more rituals followed, including all the couple games. Geet won most of it, making her grin like a child, and Maan groaned in frustration as a whole bunch of people teased him, saying Geet would rule the marriage. 

Laugh as much as you want, my dear wifey; now the days of your crying have begun. And this bunch of full people doesn't know who will be ruling this marriage and you, he thought with an evil smirk that appeared to be a sweet smile to Geet, who blushed furiously under his hot gaze. 

Geet sat like a typical bride on the decorated bed of their bedroom. She blushed at the thought. Yes, now everything of his is hers, and hers will be his. Her whole body shivered with the deep meaning of it.

Just then the door opened, and there entered her prince charming. Yes, he was not looking any less today.

He locked the door at his back, and her toes curled automatically. Her breathing increased just as she felt him sitting next to her. 

He slowly lifted her veil, and she closed her eyes.

"Today you are looking more beautiful than the moon." His husky voice made her tremble. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as he took hold of her henna-filled hands, admiring her design. 

He dipped his face in her open palms, inhaling the aroma of her palms. She shuddered when he looked up into her brown eyes before capturing trembling petals in his mouth.

 “Maan...”  she gasped, finding no one in the room apart from her. That's when reality dawned on her. She was dreaming all this time. It's been a half hour, and she went to sleep waiting for him. 

But where is he? She frowned and heard some voices coming from the adjusted room. She walked slowly there and pushed open the door. The sight before her made her horror stick. He sat on the stool at the bar and enjoyed his drink with the music on without caring about his new bride, who was waiting for him, and right now stood behind him in utter shock, watching the scene.

Maan was really frustrated after fighting with his mind and heart. This marriage only added fuel to his hatred for Geet. He had been having those nightmares with Geet's face, for God knows why. But after meeting her, these images began to fade without his knowledge. Then again, she proved him right by showing her true colours. He had deliberately walked into his bar from the other door. For now, her punishment has begun, and it's only just starting. 

All girls are the same...damn it! 

He threw his glass on the floor, breaking it into pieces. 

Geet gasped as the sight and the loud voice disturbed her senses. She was horrified when he turned around furiously.

She took a few steps back, automatically seeing his red eyes and jaw tighten.

Her dream was long forgotten; there stood before her the nightmare waiting to consume her whole.

His anger boiled upon seeing her terrified face. He marched to her, clutching her arm, and grabbed her closer. 

“Ahhh...” She moaned in pain. “Leave me...” Geet cried out. Never had she imagined seeing his side gain after their marriage. Everything was sorted out between them, then why again is he angry at her? What did she do now?

He kept looking at her, struggling in his arms like a fish without water. His eyes filled in her beautiful image. Then her writhing in pain gave his heart satisfaction. 

“What are you doing?” She stammers, as by now tears are flowing down her cheeks.

"Show these tears to someone else; don't show it to me. I am not to be made fool of." He harshly wiped her tears, making her wince.

"What are you talking about?" She mustered her courage to ask him. His behaviour only confused her.

"You won't understand, and I don't want to talk to you about anything right now, so better get out of here." and he pushed her away. She stumbled back, and her feet got stuck in the bridal dress, resulting in her falling on the floor.

"Ahhh...’ she cried out and looked at him accusingly. He just turned his face away.

Geet doesn't know what happened to him suddenly, but she was so scared by his change of demeanour today. So, she kept mum and got up to leave when she felt the pain in her palm. She looked at her hand in horror, finding her hand filled with blood.

She stepped out, entering their bedroom, when he rushed behind her with furious steps. "Get out of my room, 

He blasted her, making her shudder in fear again. 

"But this... is... our room, and why are you doing this?" she hiccups. 

No, it's not. This is my room, and I tolerate no one in it. And make the habit of sleeping out in the hall now. He smirked ruefully.

Geet wiped her tears and frowned. "I alone...there? I won't be able to...you too, come with me, Maan, we will sleep together." She innocently demanded that he grab his arm, which he furiously pushed away only to hear her yelp in pain.

"Mamma..." she cried in pain again, holding her hand. That's when he looked down at the blood stains on his bare arm.

His confused gaze followed her palm, and his eyes widen in horror. He looks at her, crying in pain, holding her palm; the glass pieces have pierced her skin, splitting it. Blood was dripping out slowly. 

He immediately rushed to fetch the first aid kit and grabbed her hand. He pushed her to the bed, sitting beside her. He began cleaning her wound first with water, then with Sablon.

“Don't...don't ...” she winced closing her eyes right. 

Maan, without a flinch, bandaged her hand, his jaw tightening as he watched her henna-filled hand fill with blood because of him. However, he wanted to see her hurt; her tears were only hurting him; he didn't know the reason.

He was mad at her, himself, and his nightmare. He just wanted some time to himself now. So he got up to leave when she grabbed his wrist.

Why? She asked with shivering lips as soon as he turned to look at her.

"You only give me pain, and you only put ointment on my wound."

Her few words shook his insides. His hangover seems to have left him. He looked at her, and then turned around.

"Just stay away from me." Saying so, he rushed out, leaving her alone to ponder over his words. 

Geet sat down on the bed and clasped her head. She had a headache and couldn’t see away from her dilemma. Couldn’t he just explain it to her without yelling at her?

I just don’t understand him! She thought. Then sudden thought crossed her mind, does he love someone else?

 

No…how could that be, it was me only whom he confessed that he liked! His words rang in her mind, “stay away from me!” what does that mean… first he came closer to me… confessed then again yelled at her… she frowned with tears clotting her eyes, the way he treated her sometime back.

 

She looked at her palm which has bandage then remembers the way he cared… he cared though.

Geet got up, having had enough of her troubling thoughts. She stood before the huge mirror in their room and took out all the jewellery, leaving a few bangles and anklets that she couldn’t take off. 

She turned to fetch her clothes, but her suitcase was missing.

Oh God, now what shall I do? She was so irritated with her wedding dress, which had been pricking her for so long.

On impulse, she removed her dress and threw it on a chair, feeling really uncomfortable and tight in the dress. Then opened her hair, which was badly entangled, but if she started to brush them, it would take a lot of time because it was so long, and then, feeling that too could wait until tomorrow, she turned towards the bed.

She looked around the room, feeling a kind of ecstatic joy she had never known before because everything was so elegant, like her own mansion, which they lost. Pushing aside the thought quickly so that it did not make her sad, she cherished this new feeling of being in his home, which was now hers too. It’s his blanket, which felt like his strong arms wrapped around her petite, nude form. The thought made her mushy; she didn’t switch on the lights. Now only one candle was still burning, illuminating the whole room.

Somewhere, his bitter words were still hurting, but the thought of being his wife now gave her heart a beautiful feeling. 

She was starting a new life, and everything was so beautiful that she felt beautiful too. She gave a little sigh of contentment and closed her eyes to sleep in deep slumber, innocently thinking Maan must have occupied another room to sleep since he was angry at her.

 

……

 

Maan ambled aimlessly along the street, letting his thoughts wander where they would. It was so unlike him. Whenever he gets frustrated or this angry, he will just call his friends to hang out, or they will all be with any girl making out in the disco or somewhere.

But of course, leaving Aryan... He is one of the saintly friends they had in their friend group. 

There was a tint of smile forming on his lips, which disappeared as it came with further realisation of what his same friend had done.

Fury overtook his senses again as he found himself standing out at the close door of his room. 

He pushed the door open, wondering about the silence in the room. He slowly stepped inside, only witnessing the petite figure of his wife lying on the bed. Anger blazed in his veins seeing the reason for all his troubles sleeping soundly on his bed in his room while he was tormenting her with her troubled thoughts. 

He rushed to pull the blanket away from her, but soon she turned to sleep, revealing her bare arms to his vision. His eyes narrowed on her as he switched on the lamp beside the bed. 

He groaned inwardly when she’d drawn away the white satin sheet, revealing ivory skin and the body of a goddess.

His gaze was drunk with her gorgeous curves and her shapely legs, which peeked out from the blanket, and he worshipped the sight of her.

His pleasure in looking upon her perfect body was so intense that it made him ache. He couldn’t have turned and walked away, not if his life depended on it.

Maan was not meant to come back. However, his anger took him here. Now his eyes drank in a captivating goddess... She turned again, wrapping the sheet against her body until her neck felt suddenly cold.

His hands and lips craved to touch the silhouetted body.

"I should not have come back," he murmured, but he came around to the edge of her four-poster bed. Geet opened her eyes slowly, and suddenly her sleep broke. Her eyes widen in horror upon finding her husband standing before her. 

She sat up suddenly, forgetting that she had gone to bed naked, and for a moment he had a glimpse of her forbidden parts of body before, with a little cry, she snatched up the sheet with both hands and pulled it close to her chest. 

Maan sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at his wife. With her golden hair falling over her naked shoulders and onto the pillows, she was very lovely in the candlelight and onto the pillows; she was very lovely in the candlelight. Her amber eyes seemed enormous, but they were darkening with fear, and her lips trembled a little as she moaned out his name, Maan. 

His brown eyes flamed with a hunger only Geet could appease as he reached out to tunnel his fingers through the silky tendrils that cascaded over her shoulder. "I tried to leave you, you know," he whispered huskily. "But I could not now..." He stared down into her eyes, and she thought there was a fire mouldering in his.

As he bent over her, his fingers curled beneath her chin, lifting her face to his soft kiss.

 

When Geet submitted to his kiss, it was as if a swarm of butterflies had been unleashed in her stomach. She couldn't take a breath without her heart pounding in her chest.

 

His lips left hers to travel across her exposed shoulder and probe the creamy skin along her collarbone.

 

The primordial masculine desires that ran through every nerve and muscle in his body might be satisfied, but not just any woman. His body did not heed his warning.

 

Geet had been on his mind all day, and the perilous game he was currently engaged in tormented him. It wasn't enough to just kiss her gorgeous face.

 

It wasn’t enough to kiss her sweet lips. Maan yearned to feel this curly-haired enchantress.

 

He wished to shape his body around her lusciously soft contours. He wanted to lose himself in the fantasy that had haunted him since deciding to be her husband in order to exact revenge on her.

Geet felt herself being pressed into the velvet cushions, and Maan’s hard, muscular thigh insinuated itself between her legs. 

 

Maan forewarned himself that something was seriously wrong. When his wandering hand went beneath the sheet to measure the ample shape of her hips, why couldn't he stop? Why wasn't he trying to break away from her?

 

That was her intention, wasn't it? He received no responses.

 

When her smooth fingertips ran over his stiff chest, passion broke forth like a troubled lion. If he commanded that he pull her hands from his, he would be depriving himself of a blissful thrill unlike any he had ever had.

His hot kisses left a path of fire across her breasts, and when his tongue stroked one taut peak, Geet felt a tantalising tremble.

Then desire bloomed, like a rose opening its petals to the sun's warmth. He submitted helplessly to the euphoria that overwhelmed reasonable reasoning.
His probing hands moved lightly over her calves, tracing an exciting route to her inner thighs, while his lips skimmed her flesh to give the same titillating attention to the other pink bud. Then his moist mouth returned to hers, devouring her with passionate impatience while his knowing fingers intruded into her womanly softness, teasing and caressing her.

Geet was on fire, and her inhibitions were fleeing the raging inferno that threatened to swallow her.

Maan had never desired a woman as much as he desired Geet, and he couldn't figure out why. Was it his daring attitude that led him down this perilous path? Why could this one woman unleash his tightly contained impulses and cause his passion to erupt? When this has never happened with other women before? 

He had surely made out with any random girl but had never encountered this scorching passion.

 

Her arms unintentionally wrapped around his strong neck. Her lashes flew up, and her gaze was drawn to the bright hue of his eyes.

 

They danced with golden sunlight like brown meadows rippling in the breeze, and her heart leapt with delight as he muttered her name with such anguished honesty.

 

Then she felt his fingers pushing viciously into her little waist, causing her to hiss in pain.

 

His luscious lips traced the slender column of her throat as he muttered venomously.

 

“I never thought you would stoop this low in seducing me….”

 

Her eyes filled up... How could he think such low about her, but she could not seem to voice the thought. 

 

She was humiliated that she had behaved so shamelessly. Maan pulled her up angrily arranging the sheet against her body.

 

“Maan. . . I—” Geet began, only to be interrupted by his furious red eyes.

 

Before she could continue, Maan had got up angrily blasting upon her; “you are really shameless woman I had ever met. You didn’t even lock the door and sleeping naked in my bed.”

Geet was so hurt by his words that she began to cry silently.

"Now stop your drama, will you? You know I will walk in anytime; that’s why you kept the door open, didn’t you?" 

She shook her head silently, unable to say anything.

"Do you have any idea...?  Anyone could have entered the room. "If it’s not me..."  Her eyes widen hearing him; he was right; how could she... but his next set of words bled her heart further. "Oh, now I guess, did you by mistake keep it open for any other man of your interest?" 

Seeing his brutal smirking only agitated her heart: "How could you speak... like... that I am your wife?" She shouted in between her cries.

He marched furiously towards her, cupping her chin harshly and saying, "Don’t shout... "No one raises their voice on me."

"Then... how could you..." she sobbed, pushing away his hand.

"That's what you should have thought before sleeping naked in my bed."

"That’s my fault... I didn’t lock the door," she admitted sincerely, bending her head and wiping her face. She looked up at him, ‘but that’s because I know you will be there; I will be safe with you around.’ 

Her words again left him mum for a while before he stormed out of the room, not believing his senses of what he would see when he saw her half-bare chest peeking out of the sheet that was wrapped around her petite form.

He had flung open the door and shut the door sharply behind him before rushing out to his car. 

 

Maan leaned back in his seat, raking his fingers through his hair. In a frustrated rush, he exhaled. Then he reminded himself that everything had worked out for the best. After all, he had not intended to show her, her real place.

 

Maan stuck his head out the window to calm down his anger. Trying to divert his thoughts, he fixed his focus on the wall in front of him.

 

The jasmine scent lingered and a vision of the exquisite creature that had been so close returned to haunt him. This is preferable.

 

Maan reminded himself again, but his body remained unconcerned.

He had wanted Geet as a man hungers for a woman who has kindled the fires of desire in him.

 

 

 

Chapter 7

 

Geet stared after him as if she could hardly believe what just happened. Her heart was beating, and her lips felt dry. Still, she couldn’t stop wailing her eyes out, mamma... She called for her mother again, crying bitterly for hearing those rude words from her husband on the first night itself. She has not bothered him this time then why he needs to lash out his anger on her always. 

After a long time, her cries subsided, but she did not sleep. She only stared wide-eyed into the darkness until it was almost dawn.

….

 

Maan squeezed his eyes tight, battling the internal emotional tug of war. Geet's naively lovely face appeared in his mind's eye. He could almost feel her soft palms caressing his strong chest.

She had sparked a flame as old as time itself, leaving him with a gnawing desire that would not go away. 

He wasn't sure when sleep invaded his space because he was thinking about her. 

He looked up at the blazing sun. When he realises where he was resting, he spreads his arms. He got out of the car right away.

Enough already! Maan told himself this. In his eagerness to escape the phantom, he dashed down the hall and sprang up the stairs two at a time.

“Maan, is that you?” Rajveer called from his study, though he didn’t come to the door.

 

“Yeah Dad,” Maan replied and then continued on His way.

 

“From where you coming from?” came his father’s inquiry.

“Umm, I…” he was about to lie but seeing his father’s eyes he realised his father knew.

 

“I was frustrated you know, so slept in car.” He muttered bitterly.

 

“You got something troubling you at night, Boy?” His father pried, his piercing gaze probing into Maan’s as if he meant to read her mind and pluck out the disturbing thought.

 

“You can share with me if you want, anytime…” Rajveer patted his shoulder giving him space he walked inside.

 

Heaving an exasperated sigh, Maan trudged up the remainder of the steps.

 

….

 

Geet was awakened by sunlight streaming in through the window.

 

She yawns and stretches her arms as she opens her eyes.

 

She could see the sun through the windows. It was a spherical golden ball suspended in a sky speckled with blue fluffy clouds, hidden behind the dark brown tracery of leafless branches.

 

Her eyes closed again, and she rolled over, burying her head into a soft down cushion. She was still sleepy...Her body ached from the effects of the previous night's excursion. That reminded her of his harsh comments.

 

Enough already! He can't treat me like that...

 

But his eyes…there was something unusual about them. He was definitely in some kind of trouble…

 

But he has no right to behave rudely like that with me. If not on you then on whom he will show his rights, Geet...? She blushed with the thought, and then memories of his sensuous touches and kisses brought more colour to her cheeks.

 

“Now I should get up fast, already it’s too much late…” she pouted watching the clock ticking @ 9.am.

 

Maan was too weary and frustrated because of lack of sleep as well.

 

Maan groaned sorrowfully while he stood in the shower, thinking about her. He was fortunate she wasn't in the room when he walked, or he wouldn't have known what to do with her. He knew his heart was clearly as wild as his spirit.

 

Why else would he have kissed Geet so passionately and then touched her in such a way? He'd always been impetuous, following rainbows and whims without thinking twice.

 

But why did his willpower fail him only when he was in the company of that innocent devil?

 

Maan cursed when he couldn't think of an answer. He couldn't understand why he was so pulled to that well-carved, beautiful goddess, even though he knew she was the source of all his problems, beginning with him.

Geet greeted Grandma downstairs, whereas Rajveer was already out of the office.

"You are looking very beautiful, God; keep my daughter safe from any bad eyes." Grandma put kohl behind her ear, making Geet blush.

She had worn a pink blouse and skirt (traditional Indian wear) in a hurry to reach downstairs for her clothes, which she had not yet arranged in the cupboard. 

Geet was damn hungry, as she was habitually having breakfast at this time. But Grandma’s demand to make sweets as per ritual left her fumbling because she doesn’t know how to cook.

"Grandma… I don't know how to cook..." She confessed innocently and lowered her eyes in fear of the outcome.

Grandma kept gaping at the young girl for a while; she couldn’t believe what she heard. Having assumed about her upbringing in the conservative family, she had thought Geet must have known at least the basics of cooking. 

But then she realised she was no different from Maan... having been born with a golden spoon in mouth.

"No problem, baby." She caressed her cheek, making Geet look up.

"Who says you need to do it?" We have servants to handle all work, including cooking. And then what am I for?"

Geet smiled brightly, making Grandma smile as well.

"I will teach you; will you learn?"

"Yes, Grandma, of course...I asked my mother as well, but she was scared that after two or three incidents when I burned my hand,”  Geet innocently shows her hand, to which Grandma giggles, making Geet bite her tongue in embarrassment.

Just then, we both heard Maan shouting for his coffee from upstairs.

Geet jumped with his voice, and glass slipped from her hand, spilling the water on the floor and some on her clothes.

"I am sorry, Grandma," she apologises.

"No problem, dear. This is our grandson's habit of shouting... He won’t listen. You must go and change your clothes first, as the weather is not good outside and you will catch a cold." 

Yes, Grandma, I will just come," she said, so she rushed upstairs.

Geet entered, looking down, and collided straight into his hard chest, which was wet due to the shower.

"Sorry …" She murmured and stepped back. 

Maan fumed, but seeing her in traditional wear, he couldn’t stop admiring her.

His direct, openly admiring gaze was having the most devastating effect on her. All her bones seemed to be melting, and she had the most absurd desire to lean towards him, to reach out a hand to him and feel his hand close around it. She wanted to kiss him and have him kiss her. 

Her breath rasped in her throat, and she walked away with a soft whisper, “I need to change..."

He arched his brows, having not heard her properly, and turned to look at her shuffling through her suitcase. Her hair fell on her shoulder when Maan noticed her whole bare back. He gulped hard before realising she had not tied the knot. 

His insides fumed, thinking everyone must have feasted upon his wife’s beauty, which belonged to him only.

He marched towards her, grabbing her arm, and turned her around. She collided with his chest and looked at him bewildered. 

"What is this?" His palms spread on her back, making her shudder with the contact of his cold hand against her warm skin.

"Maan...." she moaned and wriggled in his arms softly, half blushing and half scared by his red eyes.

"I am asking you something!" he hissed on her face, locking her scared kitten eyes with his angry ones.

"What are you talking about...?" She was clueless.

"This..." he grabbed her blouse at one end while at the other end he pulled the knot of her blouse apart, making it tear apart. She gasped, looking down, then her eyes widen in realisation. She looked at him horrified. ‘I forgot to tie the knot," she mumbled with horrified eyes.

"That’s what I am asking? You forgot or you deliberately do it seeking the attention of people?"

Geet made a disgusting face at his comment. "I said...I forgot... I made a mistake. Why do you always use such rude words while talking to me?" She asked further, tears clotting her eyes. 

"Because you deserve it..." He jerked her away angrily, her tears again affecting him.

He turned around when Geet walked before him and said, "What have I done? That you are behaving so rudely... You did not want to marry me?" She mustered the courage to ask him; his behaviour was suffocating her, which she tried to ignore.

Maan was frozen hearing her, his eyes widening, but he composed himself soon and turned his face away. I don’t want to answer your questions; just don’t bother me. He turned to fetch his shirt from the cupboard and walked out hastily. Geet stood on the support of the wall for a while, just absorbing what happened. 

"It’s my entire fault; how could I forget to tie the knot?" So important thing... it was good, there was no one below except grandmother." He is right, and he must be getting possessive about me. She blushed at the thought.

Can it happen? He liked me, which is why he cared about me and would not bear to see me with bad eyes. She remembers the night incident as well.

"I am an idiot! She hits her forehead. He was getting angry at me for my sake. Maybe he has the wrong way of talking." Geet convinced herself with her innocent heart, which only knew to ignore bad things. She quickly changed into a fresh pair of clothes and ran downstairs.

Geet looked at the food longingly; her stomach was grumbling with hunger, but there was no one to ask her like her mother. She stared at the dishes while her mouth watered with the delicious smell. 

Just as Maan found her, he let out a small chuckle before walking towards his grandma, who was making everything ready.

"What's happening? What's this sweet smell?" He peeked over Grandma’s shoulder, and Geet looked amusedly at the grandmother-grandson interaction. Last she had only witnessed his anger—that too on her. 

She pouted yet again, and she moved out behind Grandmother to help her. 

"Grandma, I am so hungry!" said Geet finally, seeing her ordering around to the servants as they got the table ready.

Both Maan and Grandma looked on astonished, making Geet to stand her spot. Did she say something wrong? Probably she did. That's why we both gave her that weird look. 

"Grandma, I am really very hungry; even yesterday I did not eat properly and then Maan..." She was going on blabbering about his misbehaviour last night but soon stopped seeing his angry glare upon her. Grandma let out a small chuckle. Her granddaughter-in-law is sure one of a kind, she thought, walking to her, and she grabbed her arm, pulling her to the chair. 

"Take a seat. Today I will feed you with my own hands," said Grandma, adoring her daughter-in-law already.

Maan couldn't bear the scene, his insides burning. He got up just as Grandma walked inside the kitchen again. 

Geet was lost in his new-found happiness, sitting like a small kid who just got his mother back.

But her smile vanished the moment she felt herself jerking up from the chair all of a sudden, breaking her dream castle.

‘Maan," she raised her voice in shock, only to be shut by his glaring eyes.

"Shhh..." he put his finger on his lips, gesturing for her to keep quiet.

He jerked her closer, meeting her terrified, confused gaze. "Don’t you feel any shame?" 

She became more confused. It's Grandma’s affection for her; why couldn't she cherish it? What is there to be ashamed of?

"At this age, you are getting work done by your grandmother," he hissed angrily, making her guilty. Her hunger died.

"Just behave yourself, he jerked her back. Just at that moment, Grandma walked out, "Geet baby, why are you standing still? Come dear, have a breakfast."

Geet turned her back, trying hard to control her tears. She somehow managed to utter, "Um, Grandma, I just remember that I need to call my mom; you have your breakfast, please," saying so she rushed upstairs to her room.

Geet rushed upstairs to her room.

"But Geet..." Grandma tried to call her, but she was quick to move to their room.

 "Grandma, let her go; she doesn't have any senses to behave." Maan said carelessly.

"What are you saying?" Grandma raised her brow as she sat at the table.

"I'm hungry, grandma; can we talk later?"

Savita shook her head, still unsure of how to start without her granddaughter-in-law.

"Grandma, don't worry about her; now she must be busy talking with her mom." He tried to assure her.

Grandma nodded before adding, "But you make sure that she must have her breakfast." 

"Yes..." he gritted his teeth, looking down at his plate. His devil wife was taking place in the heart of his kind grandmother.

 

 

Chapter 8

 

Geet wept silently, thinking about whether to call her mother or not. She couldn't make her mom worry with her ill health now. Surely her mother will be scared to hear her cries.

After a few minutes, she composed herself and washed her face, and then she called her mom. The ring kept going on until she thought about what and how to talk to her mother. 

Geet dear, how are you? Everything fine there!? Her mother's longing, gentle voice pierced through her. Her heart felt heavy, and she called out softly, "Mamma..." 

"Geet baby..."

Her eyes filled up hearing her call so lovingly; she gulped hard before speaking out, "I am fine; everything is so good here." She lied instead, referring to Grandma’s love and care for her: "You know, Grandma is so lovely; she loved me so much just like you. But I am missing you. When will you come?" "You told me that you would come to pick me up for some ritual..." she pouted, wiping her nose.

Maan stood at the door with his arms crossed over his chest, listening to her sweet complaints to her mother. She didn't tell anything to her mother. He squeezed his brows, thinking something.

"But you said, you will come..." "How can it be like this? So what do I and you have?" She asked like a lost child.

"Yes, dear, come along with Maan; he will drop you here." Her mother said

"So far...? "And that too, just for a day...!" She widens her eyes. 

Maan chuckled behind her, admiring her each gesture.

"Yes, dear, or you don't want to come to me now after going to your own home." Her mother teased. 

"This is not my house; that is my house, isn't it?"

Maan frowned, getting angry after hearing her nonsense. 

"Don't talk like this, dear; now Maan's home is your home; this is what happens after marriage."

"I don't know anything of that sort," she said, getting up angrily. "This is not my home." She was furious and hurt, remembering Maan's rude behaviour and words last night. 

"Geet, what’s the matter? Why are you speaking like this, dear?"

"I don’t know anything; I just want to come to you, just for a day, at least." 

"Fine, dear, you don't come; I will come to meet you for one day."

"Yippee, yes!!" She jumped on the bed in excitement.

His eyes widen as he walks towards her angrily, seeing her childish behaviour.

"You sure came; don't back out on words now!" She threatened her mother, pointing a finger at the phone in her hand as if her mother were standing before her.

She cut the call, jumping in joy, and threw her cell on the bed. The next moment, she lost her balance and was going to fall, but just in time, Maan reached her and caught her in his arms. She buried her face in the crook of his neck out of fear.

He grabbed her close, taking a seat on the bed, and she landed on his lap and pulled apart to look into his intense eyes. 

Both became lost in each other's eyes; she cupped his nape with longing, and love shone in her hazel eyes. Her lips shivered, inviting him to seduce her. Maan looked at her flushed, beautiful face and lost his senses.

His fingers rolled down on her forehead, then behind her ear. He tucked her few tendrils behind her soft ear, making her shudder. She closed her eyes in sensation and arched more to him.

His hand moved down pulling down her shirt...her other day’s nude form flashed before his eyes making him insane to devour her.

Geet pushed herself more into him; her whole body was on fire with new sensations, her core throbbing with sweet pain as she rubbed herself on him.

He groaned, cupping her breast harshly, making her moan. He dipped his face in her cleavage, nibbling her soft skin.

‘Ohh...’ she gasped, clutching his hair, thereby making him bite her there.

‘Ahhh...’ she tilted her neck, giving him more access. At the end, she was lying on the bed with him hovering over her.

A few thoughts were roaming behind their blurred minds, but both ignored them and concentrated on the beautiful sensation their closeness was creating.

He just wants to devour her; his revenge will be taken care of later on. Right now, the beautiful devil is his wife. He has a whole right to her now. To devour her or to make her suffer for her deeds...those were his thoughts. 

On the other side, Geet was little aware of what was happening, but at the end she knew she loved this man crazily, and upon that, he had a whole right on her; he was her husband, only hers.

With that thought, she pulled his face near, their lips touching each other like petals.

He breathed into her mouth before capturing her soft petals in his mouth.

She moaned and squirmed under him, feeling his hand go inside her shirt. He opened the chain, pulling it out. Geet helped get up a little. He pushed her again, claiming her mouth.

Both kissed each other madly, or it was Maan while Geet just followed his steps. 

Leaving her breathless, he came down on her jaw, his cheeks biting them, making her pout.

He smirked, coming down to her neck and inhaling her sweet aroma. Her heaving up and down breast took his attention, and his eyes darkened as he proceeded to reveal the treasure hidden behind it.

 Geet instantly crossed her arms over her chest, feeling shy. He clutched her wrist, trying to pull apart....but she was stubborn not to given... Suddenly, one thought crossed her mind.

Geet, he gritted his teeth; already he was high, and she is denying him now.

No... She pouted, "First tell me you love me.

He stopped hearing her and glared at her. She turned her face away, taking the chance. He pulled down the cups, and her womanly assets popped out.

She gasped, glaring at him cutely. He smirked, and before she moved, he was latching on her nipples like a baby, giving her a new sensation altogether.

'Oh....Maan....' she exclaimed as she closed her eyes. 

He left her hands while his one hand cupped her other breast, his mouth devouring the breast.

She clutched his nape, feeling his teeth nibble her nipple, giving her sweet pain. She began dripping, as it was too much for her.

For the first time ever, someone was touching her so sensuously and so close. She was naked before some man, and it made her whole body red as if he were devouring her breast. This passion, this love making, she was so unaware...Her thoughts halted when they both heard the knock on the door.

“Argh!!” He groaned in frustration, still sucking on her breast, like he wouldn't get enough of her. She tastes and smells sweet. He wonders how a devil could taste so pure.

‘Maan," she called him, holding his shoulder; she was whole red seeing their position. "Please get up. Someone on the door." she called out in a small voice.

He left her unwillingly, and she instantly wrapped a sheet around her, hiding herself completely in the blanket.

He buttoned up his shirt, combed back his hair, and opened the door to face George (the head servant), who stood with a trolley of breakfast items.

"Grandma has asked Geet Ma'am to have breakfast." Maan darted an angry glare at him before pulling the trolley inside. "You go..."

George nodded and walked away. 

When he walked back, closing the door, she pouted and turned her face, still upset at what he had done downstairs.

"Have it," he said, pushing the trolley beside her.

"I don't want to," she denied.

"I did not ask you, but I said, Grandma has sent this; eat quietly."

Geet became angry hearing his tone and the way he was ordering her, "I don't want to... have not you heard?" She shouted at him, making him lose his cool.

He marched to her, pushing her back on the bed as he hovered over her. "I told you never raise your voice on me," he gritted his teeth. 

Her strength was leaving her out of fear; however, she retorted, "Then you also speak gently with me... Is it always necessary to shout at me?"

"Because you deserve it," he spitted.

She closed her eyes in pain, hearing the same rant from him. 

"What did I do to deserve your hatred?" she asked meekly, her soft eyes filled with pain at his rudeness. 

"Why don't you ask yourself this question?"

She became confused. "I don't know anything. Why are you so upset with me?" "You have a problem with anything I do. Why?"

He turned his face away in anger, not ready to open his mouth about what he told her. She should know how devious she was in his dreams or nightmares.  Lost in those thoughts, he pressed her wrists harshly, making her weep.

He left her instantly and got up, saying, "Don’t make an issue; have your breakfast. I don’t want my grandma to become sad for anything you do."

She looked at him with teary eyes and retorted, “You are just so jealous that she shares her love with me. She complained like a small kid. Indeed, her heart was still innocent in that line.

He just gaped at her. Just shut up! He barked and rushed into the bathroom to cool down his anger and burning desires, which rose with the sight of her.

She was mad making him crazy as well. Just stay away from her Maan. He thought standing below cold shower.

 

….

 

Geet just cried for some time and then attacked the food like a starving kid as the delicious smell engulfed her senses. Her hand injury was dried, although it hurts a little.

Maan walked out to witness his devil wife having breakfast with her bandaged hand.

He rushed to her immediately, seeing her wincing as worry overtook him, but suddenly he stopped. No, ma'am, what are you doing? Look at her. He watched her with his rage-filled eyes. 

How shamelessly she is having her meal without caring to even drape her clothes on... 

She was munching on the food with eyes closed, relishing its taste, when he barked upon her.

"What type of behaviour is this? Don’t you have any manners to first put on some clothes?"

Geet glared in her baby anger. "You are the one who removed my clothes." "And then you bite me also here." She raised her voice and said she was going to remove the sheet, then realised what she was doing. Her cheeks burned with shyness. 

Maan was totally shocked by her behaviour; he felt like pulling out his hair. He marched to her and slammed her mouth with his palm. 

"Do you have any brains or not?" "Anyone shout things like this...?" 

"So...?" she pouted with a deep frown, being already frustrated for bearing his anger all the time. 

Maan left with a sigh. Seeing her face, he got up and just rushed out of the room, leaving her alone. 

Her childish behavior was going through his head; he was battling with himself about what to believe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9

 

 

It was evening....

Maan returned home on grandma’s call, or else he would have been out with his friends till late at night.

"Has Maan gone to the office?" Geet had asked innocently, and Grandma had no answer to her question. That made her worried and tense. How she wished she would have said yes to her question, but she couldn’t now.

"No, dear, he had some work with his friends, that’s why..." Grandma said, didn’t know what else to say.  

"Grandma, he is always with his friends; I have seen him in town as well. They have a very close friendship. I really admired their friendship." Geet said with a wide smile.

Maan halted after hearing her words. The same friendship that was his was now on broken lines all because of hers.

How did he forget, from the time she had walked into his life? Everything was messed up. He was really frustrated; he had tried asking Aryan about the truth but ended up having a fight with him. 

How can you think so lowly about your own wife? Aryan had burst upon him. 

"I've seen her with you before she became my wife, Aryan." Maan. 

"What the hell are you talking about, Maan?" Aryan.  

"Don’t hide things from me; I watched you both with my own eyes." Maan. 

"What are you talking about?" Aryan asked.

"Holi party (colours festival)... in Geet’s town!" he spitted, only to see Aryans eyes widening with realisation that only confirmed Maans' doubts further.

Aryan became silent. He was in a dilemma: should he tell him or not? Will he believe him? He knew how deep his friendship was with every friend. He wouldn’t listen to a word against anyone, let alone tell the truth about Rahul.

"Nothing is like what you think, Maan." "Believe me." He grabbed his shoulder, trying to make him believe.

"Then what is the truth?" Maan had pushed off his hands angrily. "Tell me!! "What were you doing with her when I saw you both with my own eyes?"

"I think you have misunderstood; I was just helping her; she was feeling dizzy, and I helped her to her room, that’s all." He explained. 

"That’s all?”  “Also tell me that you helped her to her room, and then you both...” Before he could complete it, he received a tight slap from his friend. 

Maan was shocked, hurt, furious, and whatnot. He held his cheek and looked at his friend.

"I didn’t expect something like this coming from you," Aryan said, making a disgusting face. 

"Don’t you have any shame talking about your wife, your love," he blasted.

‘Love!?" "You both just killed it... "She is also actually acting innocent, but I know what a bitch woman she is." 

"Enough Maan! Don’t say anything that you will regret later." He pointed his finger at him. 

"You don’t deserve an angel like Geet; you are just drowning in these nightmares of yours, but you are running away from reality. "Open your eyes and see the truth, or you will regret it badly later." Aryan tries to make him understand.

"Don't hurt that innocent soul!" He pleaded and walked away from him.

His every word only provoked Maan’s anger, and his doubts were confirmed. It shows his interest in Geet.

He badly wanted to get drunk and forget his sorrow and rage, but grandma’s call halted his moment. She had summoned him at home urgently, and he rushed to the mansion in worry for his grandma.

But now, hearing her reasons, his anger only multiplied. 

He madly rushed to their room, banging the door open and saying, "Geet...Geet." He called out madly, startling her as she peeked from the dressing room.

His anger rose upon seeing her change clothes without even caring to lock the door.

He shut the door with a bang, making a loud noise. Geet jumped in terror, "what happened to him?’ She wondered, and just then he marched to her, pulling her out before him. 

"You don't have the slightest understanding to change clothes after locking the door, or do you deliberately do such things?" he hissed harshly, pinning her wrist. 

Already, his encounter with Aryan has left him frustrated, and now her behaviour makes him suspicious. 

"Ahhh…Maan…" She cried in pain; her bangles cracked because of his manhandling. 

"Now don’t show me your antics; I am just so right about you; you are just pretending to be innocent." He blasted.

Geet couldn’t comprehend his words, as her hand was hurting badly. She was just silently whimpering. 

He left her abruptly and turned his back away in frustration. She couldn’t stop crying. "You are so bad." She sobbed, wiping her face with her blouse.

Maan sighed angrily and turned to see her. Now he noticed her, who was just clad in a blouse and skirt. Her cleavage was half-bare, bulging out from her tight blouse, seducing him to no end. His whole system changed. He forgot that he was angry at her; his steps took him towards her again.

"What are you wearing?" He asked huskily, unable to breathe properly with her gorgeous sight. 

"I have to wear this sari that Grandma gave me, but I don’t know how to wear it!" "I tried too; I can't wear like a mother." She sighed defeated, throwing off the material angrily. "And on top of that, you also don't leave a single chance to shout at me."

"Then you act like this." Now, after my warning also, you left the door open and are changing here," he pointed a finger at her. 

I kept it open for Jenny, the maid who helped Grandma with everything. She was going to help me with the sari. She pouted sadly, her eyes again filling up in frustration. "No one understands me here. That's why I want to go to my mother," she thumps her foot.

Maan's gaze got fixed on her chest, which was moving with her movements. Hearing her anklet sound, he came back to his senses.

"Then go to your mother; why are you even standing here and torturing me?" he snapped. 

Her mouth was wide open, and she gasped, "Look who is saying, I trouble you?” “You are the one troubling me always." She twisted her lips.

"Saw this?" she winced, holding her own wrist in pain. You have given me this wound, and you have been mean since the day I came here." She enacted filmy dialogue.

Maan looked at her milky white wrist, which was turning bluish now. He turned his face away, not knowing what he was feeling. If he would have trusted her, he surely would have felt guilty, but now he doubts her intentions, so there was frustration and restlessness in him for the mess he was in. He was not able to decide whether to believe her or not. 

Just then, a knock on the door disturbed their privacy, followed by the voice of the maid. 

Maan opened the door to see the maid standing on the door. "Sir, Geet madam had called me."

Maan understood the reason and shoved her off, saying, "It is not needed now. Go from here." And he slammed the door on her face, internally still fighting with herself about why the hell he did that when she could roam with his friend on his back. He clinched his teeth in anger.

Not anymore; I will teach her a lesson of a lifetime," he thought, marching to her as she again called him.

 

“Who’s it…?” Geet.

 

“No one...” Maan.

 

“Jenny hasn't come yet...?” Geet asked.

“No…” he snapped.

 

‘Now how will I wear it…’ she asked looking at the sari in her hand.

 

‘I will help...’ he offered.

 

“You…?” her eyes widened.

"Why? "Do you have a problem with coming close to me?" He asked hoarsely, coming really close to her.

"No..." she moaned, looking at him with her wide eyes. His hands grabbed her close by her waist, and she slammed against his chest.

Her nipples hardened with his contact, and he groaned inwardly, feeling her body reaction.

 

"Tell me, Geet." He pinned her chin, making eye contact with her. "You don’t have problems with other men, hunn? Am I saying it right?"

Geet's brows squeezed in confusion. "What are you saying? Who are the other men? I've never been so close to anyone except you." Her voice became a soft whisper at the end as she confessed innocently, unaware of his intentions.

Her soft palms clutched his nape, and she began coming at his hair passionately. His closeness did this wonders for her as she inched closer than him... until their noses touched each other. 

"No one, Geet?" 

She nodded in agreement. 

"Are you telling the truth?" He prompts further, still not able to believe her; how could she lie on his face?

"No one else, Maan.  I swear on you!" She cupped his cheek, looking at him with love flowing out of her hazel eyes.

For a moment, he said nothing. He looked down at Geet. She seemed diminutive in his strong arms, very small and fragile. He looked at her for a long time, at her beautiful round brown eyes, so clear and trusting. Why did they look like this?

His gaze moved down at her white velvet neck and her breasts curving out of the low neckline. She coloured under his scrutiny, lowering her eyes. He saw that her lashes were dark, not auburn, and extremely thick; they shadowed her cheeks with two crescents.

Everything else faded away as he crushed her to his chest. She went freely, eagerly, and quietly pleading for his kisses and caresses. When his big palms squeezed against her tummy, all she wanted was to be held against this guy she adored. All she wanted was for him to love her passionately, gently, and recklessly.

Geet scarcely breathed as he lightly caressed her and rested his hands on her shoulders, and she began to glow deep within, the glow extending completely through her until she was enveloped in warmth.

She curved against him with a moan, her arms reaching around his neck and bringing him down to her. "Maan," she murmured, and then said nothing more because he was kissing her on the lips, tender yet firm, bearing...down on her, harder and harder, till she couldn't take it anymore. "Love me, love me," she said quietly, and he kissed her brow and cheeks, her neck and breasts, keeping her waiting until her thoughts called out for the most intimate closeness.

He just kissed her feather-light kisses after kisses, pausing occasionally to glance down at her and smile, noticing her reactions. Oh, he did care for her—she knew it!

 

How could he be so gentle, so considerate, he was rousing her to a height she had not known existed, a peak that was mesmerising, and glorious ecstasy.

"Oh Maan," she moaned, still unaware of the real union of two souls, and what was she craving for more?

He suddenly stopped as her small nail pieces pulled him back to reality. 

"What the hell is he doing? With whom?" He looked at her and then bit her lip a little in anger. 

"Ouch, mamma," she cried, opening her eyes with a snap.

He let out a small laugh. "You still are Mama’s tail.  

Geet pouted in anger and suddenly cupped his nape, pulling his face closed. She bit his nose.

‘Tit for tat!" Her chin was raised high in attitude. 

‘You!!! How dare you! He jerked her close with the intention of taking his revenge, but she began wriggling in his arms. 

"No, leave me!" she struggled. 

Maan buried his face in her neck and bit her there. 

‘Ahhh….leave me… you devil…’ She banged on his back and tried hard to pull apart, saying, "You dinosaur."

"What the…!?" He held his cheek the next moment as Geet Khurana had just hit him right in the face to save herself from her monstrous husband.

"I... didn't... mean to...Maan," she stammers, seeing his red eyes.

"You are gone now!" He warned her, and the next moment she was running for her life.

‘Grandma!!’ She screamed at the top of her voice, making his eyes widen as he saw his devil wife running to open the door.

‘Are you mad or what?" 'No....leave me...' he grabbed her from behind. "You biting monster, go from my husband's body." She turned around, briskly slamming her wrists against his chest.

‘GEETT!!  Stop it!’ He blasted on her.

"You crazy woman, are you watching? What are you doing? You were about to open the door with this half-cloth on." He showed her a finger.

Geet calmed down and gasped, realising the truthfulness of his words.

She gasped in horror, instantly hiding herself against his broad chest as if she were really standing out in between people.

 

Maan watched her with amusement and asked, "What happened? You were being a lioness just now? "But now you've turned into a scared cat," he taunted.

 

Geet glared at him and just stormed inside to wear her clothes, ignoring him completely thereby, for she was too tired to indulge in a fight with her devil husband.

"Geet...Geet baby... 

Suddenly there was knocking, followed by Grandma’s worried voice.

Maan opened the door only to surprise Grandma further, "You here?" Has Geet Baby gotten ready?" 

‘Yes, Grandma! She is getting ready!’ He tried to cover up. 

"I just heard her scream while I was coming up."

"Um…" Maan was now tongue-tied; he cursed Geet in his mind. 

"Grandma, I am absolutely fine!" Geet peeked from the dressing room. 

Grandma smiled and said, "What happened, dear?  You aren’t ready yet!"

"Grandma it’s…" She was going to confess that she doesn’t know how to wear a sari, but Maan instantly stopped her. 

"She will be ready, Grandma, just in a few minutes; why do you trouble yourself walking around unnecessarily when there are servants to follow your order?"

"You are right, son. It’s me who wants everything perfect, just like my son’s choice!" She caressed his cheek, winking at him.

Geet at first didn’t get the meaning of her words, but when she realised that Grandma was gone, she closed the door, giving privacy to the couple.

Geet was blushing like anything; he likes me... I know it. He just doesn’t realise how much he cares for and loves me. 

She jolted out of her lost state, feeling his cold hands on her bare waist.

"Maan..." she moaned, looking at him with wide eyes.

"Shhh, not a word now." He put his forefinger on her soft lips. She winced, for her lips hurt from the bite he gave her.

He slowly decreased the distance between them and locked her swollen lips before beginning the soft kiss. He sucked her soft lips gently, making her shudder. She held him, responding to him equally. 

He slowly pulled apart after a while. "There is balm in the left drawer beside you; apply that. The pain will subside," he whispered softly, kMaaning before her to hook the plates of sari in her petticoat at the waistline.

Geet just nodded, a sweet blush covering her whole face.

She admired him as he very diligently wrapped the sari around her, and lastly, standing up beside her, he pinned the corner of the sari on her shoulder, blowing on her neck, she arched herself, giving him more access. 

No matter how much he tried to stay away, she always managed to pull him close to her. Maybe that’s the black magic she must have cast on Aryan. With this thought, he harshly pulled her apart, leaving her dazzled. He walked out of the room angrily.

Geet opens her eyes to the loud banging of the door. Why does he have to be so loud always? She thought with a pout.

 

Chapter 9

 

Maan was walking downstairs, ready to walk to the gym to cool down his anger, when Grandma stopped him and asked, "Where are you going again, son?" 

"Grandma!" He sighed. 

She realised he was disturbed. "What happened?"

"Nothing, you say. Why did you stop me?" He shrugged his thoughts off, concentrating on Grandma. 

"You must get ready now; guests will be arriving soon." She informed.

"For what?" he frowned. 

"To meet our granddaughter-in-law!" 

"What...now what is this?" Maan asked.

"Now if I begin telling you, it will take a lot of time. Just understand it; it's just a ritual. To introduce Geet to our ladies group, she will meet with everyone also." Grandma explained. 

"Whatever!! According to your talks, it appears to be a ladies' event... "Then what is needed for me?" He looks the least interested.

"Shame on you, son! You are her husband; you should be present at her side." 

Maan rolled his eyes at her overly dramatic words: "Alright, you don’t need to be overly dramatic."

"I am not being dramatic, son... "In fact, I think you are throwing tantrums after your marriage." 

It's not like that, Grandma," he replied.

"It's just that, Maan," she argued.

"What is it, mother?" Rajveer walked inside only to witness his mother and son again arguing. They are really pictures of "yesterday, today, and tomorrow," he thought, seeing them again arguing on some stupid topic. 

"Your son, Rajveer! He had changed after marriage." 

He raises his brow at hearing her, giving Maan a look as he makes himself comfortable on the couch.

"Dad…" Maan started, only to be interpreted by the sweet voice of Geet as she walked downstairs, calling for Grandma.

"Grandma… "See how I look."

All heads turned to the sound, and only a gasp could be heard from everyone.

Maan forgets to breathe, just gaping at the radiating beauty of his newlywed wife. The same was the case with Rajveer; he couldn’t blink his eyes while admiring his daughter-in-law, who seemed like an angel to him today.

Grandma smirked, seeing her son's reaction. Geet approached her and said, "Tell me, grandma." 

"Just like an angel!" 

"Really grandma…?"  Geet’s face brightened up. 

"Really dear…" Grandma put kohl behind her ear and said, "God, keep my daughter away from bad eyes." 

Both shared a lovely hug. 

"John, bring me a coffee!" Rajveer shouted.

Geet instantly rushed to the kitchen to bring him water first, while Maan rushed to his room to change his clothes.

Rajveer had just closed his eyes in relaxation when he heard the same sweet voice: "Take water, please!"

He opened his eyes to see her looking at him, then she instantly looked down. I asked for coffee. He said, however, that he was taking the glass from her. 

"You are tired now, so first drink water; John is making the coffee." 

He just nodded, taking a sip from his glass. 

He handed her the glass back, all the while looking at her intently as if judging her behaviour.

After a while, Geet walked out with the coffee cup and said, "There are servants in the house; why are you doing all this work?" He asked straight.

Geet was startled hearing his hard voice. She took a step back only to be halted by Grandma, who walked in and said, "It’s not necessary that servants only do the work of home. There is family who takes care of our loved ones, son."

He just nodded his head, still looking weirdly at Geet. Excusing herself, she walked into the kitchen, feeling low about her father-in-law’s behaviour.

 You made her upset! Grandma glared at him.

"What did I do?" He defended.

"This is home, and family lives here, not your business... "So keep your suspicious behaviour away from my home." Grandma taunted.

"Now what I did wrong... you know..." Rajveer tried to protest.

"You need to judge the people and their behaviour before you trust them." Grandma knows her son and his business mind too well. 

"Geet is the daughter of this house; don’t forget this! "You don’t need to judge her before trusting her." "Geet has filled the void of the daughter of this house. So I won’t allow your attitude with Geet anymore; keep that in mind, son." She pointed her forefinger at him.

"I don't know what spell she cast on you, but don’t expect the same thing from me. I know the world and won’t trust this new member of our family until I feel so." Saying so, he got up angrily to rush upstairs. 

"Dad…your coffee." Geet, who had just walked out of the kitchen, stopped him, which angered him further. 

He turned to give her his peace of mind but immediately stopped seeing Grandma’s glare on him. He sighed and left without saying anything, but not before he gave her his famous Khurana glare.

Geet was taken aback; she stood mortified when Grandma walked to her and said, "He must be tired, dear. If you give this coffee to John, he will give it to you. And then he doesn't like the daughter of his house working." Grandma tried to console her, patting her cheek. 

Geet was somehow convinced by hearing her, although she asked, "Should I say sorry to him?"

"Why? There is no fault of yours, then why will you ask for forgiveness?" Grandma clearly disliked this fact. 

Geet thought for a while, "This is also right, grandma, but if he will feel happy with my apology, I don’t have any issue."

Grandma couldn’t help but admire her innocent daughter-in-law, "You are really very nice and innocent, Geet. Always be like this." She blessed her, seeing her pure heart. 

"Oh Grandma…" Geet blushed and hugged her.

........

 

Geet sat in the middle of the gathering of ladies. She had her veil on her head, covering her face as per the ritual. Only her soft pink lips were visible, and they too were mesmerising the audience.

One by one, they all looked at her face, not before putting a gift on her lap. Geet excitedly looked at the gifts but frowned, getting irritated at the veil thing, which hindered her view.

"Grandma done? and for how long? I can't see properly..." Geet complained cutely, making all the ladies break into giggles. 

Grandma too chuckled and held her hand, which was itching to remove her veil. "Not soon, just a minute..." Saying so, she put her own gift on her lap and opened the veil, making Geet too take a sigh of relief.

"Hush… Grandma, finally... She pouted, wiping her face with a hanky, making everyone giggle again.

"She is one of a kind, aunt. "From where do you get this piece of moon?"

And on and on... the ladies kept singing praises for Geet, who blushed furiously and giggled, feeling overwhelmed with all the aunties comments. 

"Grandmother, tell them no more... Otherwise, we will die of shame." She hid her face behind both palms, making everyone break into fits of laughter at her antics.

"Dear, why are you talking to your grandmother-in-law? Even talk to us."

They couldn’t stop teasing her.

“No... no...I feel shy; you tease me a lot." Geet blushed. 

Grandma chuckled, "Geet baby, you talk with them all. They have come to talk to you, get to know you."

Geet peeked from behind her palms and shook her head, "sure, Grandma." And she was soon engrossed in the talks with all the ladies who enjoyed her company.

Grandma gave a smirk to her grandson before walking to him and saying, "Saw the magic of our daughter-in-law...? "She castes magic upon those vamp ladies as well." 

Maan snorted, "Call it black magic, not magic, Grandma," he muttered under his breath, watching every antics of his wife, standing a little far from the place. "Did you say something?" Grandma frowned. 

Me...? not at all..." He just shakes his head and says, "Now can I go?" I have some work, Grandma." 

"Leave it; I know what type of work you have. Stay at home for a day, not with your old grandmother but with your newlywed wife." 

“See, how happy she is today?! God must protect my shining moon from bad eyes." Grandma praises her, much to Maan’s annoyance. 

"You are praising her because you don’t know her true colours, Grandma... "And I either didn’t want to reveal you or I don’t want that because of that witch woman you suffer." Maan thought ruefully.

As the dinner was placed, Geet called her mother, who told her that she was on her way. Hearing this, Geet was really happy. Even Grandma talked with her. 

"Let’s have dinner now; come... "Have a seat," said Grandma once the conversation was over.

Geet was so happy that she forgot the morning incident and sat near Grandma, but when she looked at Maan, she did remember his anger, seeing his glare.

She instantly got up and said, "No, no, grandma, you eat. I will serve you." She gulped hard, seeing his clenched jaw and angry eyes.

"Why not!? You are going to sit with me; we will have dinner together." Grandma pulled her down and said, "You were feeling very hungry for so long." 

"Offcourse I am..." Geet murmured, eyeing the dishes spread on the table before her. Her mouth watered. It’s been ages since she's had this royal food. After her dad’s demise, her thoughts halted, and her eyes filled up.

"What happened, baby?" Grandma asked lovingly, holding her hand as she witnessed her loss.

"Nothing, grandma, I just remembered something."

"Shall we start the dinner now?" Rajveer finally spoke, seeing the drama on the table. 

"Why not!" Grandma called for John and his servants to serve the dinner.

"When it was Maan's turn, he stopped him and said, "Grandma, what is the need of servants when there is Geet?" He said it deviously, making Grandma look at her son in confusion. She surely disliked his words.

Geet frowned, and Grandma asked him, "What do you mean?  Geet is the daughter-in-law of this house; in fact, she is the daughter of this house more than anything."

 

Geet smiles cheekily, only to receive Maan's silent glare, which makes her pout.

  

"Grandma, I mean the same thing. Geet is the daughter-in-law of this family, so she must serve us. Now that you have been served..." he stopped. "I am the only one left, so Geet, serve me!" He ordered...then, seeing Grandma's gaze, he changed his tone and said, "Geet, dear, would you mind serving me? I would like to eat then only!" He smiled cheekily at her. Neither Geet nor Grandma understood his double meaning or sugar-coated voice.

 

"Maan, now she is eating, so you help yourself, son, or else John is there." Grandma flopped his plan.

 

Maan sighed dejectedly as he just wanted to trouble her and show her place but then Geet’s sweet voice stopped him, “Wait Maan, I will serve you, and I haven’t started yet.” 

 

“But Geet baby…” Grandma tried stopping her.

But till then, she had stood up, going near him, and served him whatever he wanted. All the while Maan kept glancing at her, her face looked beautiful, with a sweet smile and innocence adorning it. His gaze went down at her stomach, which was playing hide and seek under her sari.

 

He gulped hard, his hands itching to hold her, and he did exactly what his heart wished at the moment: he grabbed her waist, suddenly making her drop her spoon.

 

"What happened, dear?"

 

She nervously looked at Grandma, then at her father-in-law who was giving her a glare just like her devil husband. She couldn’t voice what Maan was doing under the table with her.

 

“Nothing…” she gave her silly smile, “It suddenly fell…sorry.”

“No problem dear…now you are done with serving, you also sit down quickly… the food is getting cold.” Grandma.

 

“Yes, Grandma!”  she turned to move, still his hand holding her. 

 

“Maan…”

 

He continued to chew on his food as if nothing happened, “hu ..?” 

 

“Can I go?” she pointed at his hand.

 

He pretended to be clueless about what she was talking about…

 

“Do you want anything else?” she asked.

 

He first nodded no then yes, “give me water glass.”

 

“That is on your left side, Maan, drink it....” Grandma teased with a smirk.

 

“Oh yeah….” Maan fumbled with words. Geet kept looking at him in worry, “what happened to you?” She checked his forehead really not understanding what happened to him. 

 

Grandma broke into hearty laughter, “Geet, he is just teasing you…you. Come and eat.” 

 

“John, bring her food after heating it.”

  

Grandma I wasn’t joking, she has to serve me, that what I want. Maan proclaimed angrily, giving Geet glares.

 

“What do you mean, I stood by your side till you had dinner, and I am hungry. What about that…?” Geet blabbered innocently.

 

Grandma couldn’t stop giggling while hearing her granddaughter in law. “My god Geet!! You are the one for my grandson!” She pinched her cheek lovingly before getting up, “I am done. You will rest after having dinner. I have asked John to get the guest room ready for your mother.”

  

"Thank you, grandma!" Geet jumped, delighted to hear her.

 

"My pleasure, dear!" She patted her cheek before departing for her room.

 

Rajveer, who was watching all the drama in amusement, also got up and said, "I am also done."

"But dad…" Geet stopped him; he only gave her a stern look and said, "You still have not had the sweet that I prepared today. Please have a taste at least." She hurriedly served him in the bowl and held it before him, saying, "Tell me how’s it... I prepared something for the first time."

 

"I am done! Good night!" He uttered it in his stern voice and left the table abruptly, making her heart break.

 

Maan looked at her sad face, and for a moment he felt bad, but then he ignored the feeling. She deserves it, he thought ruefully.

Geet immediately cleared her mind and offered him, "Maan, you have it, please... "I made it for the first time." She eagerly held it before him.

 

"I don’t want to …" He told her bluntly not to pay any heed to her.

 

"Please Maan, Look, I have made it for you for the first time with a lot of hard work."

 

Maan closed his eyes to control his emotions, and the next moment he pushed her hand away by making the bowl fall down on the table.

 

"I am not interested. Did you not hear? Do you not understand something at once?" He got up harshly, pushing back his chair and marching towards her.

 

John walked out of the kitchen, hearing the noises. He gasped in fear, seeing the scene. Other servants were already off from their duties.

  

Maan darted one furious glare his way, giving him a silent message to not interfere between husband and wife. He silently looked down and turned to move out when Maan warned him to stop.

 

"Remember to keep your mouth shut!" He warned him, and John nodded before running out of the mansion.

 

Maan turned his attention back to her, and Geet stepped back in fear, only to hear him hiss further, "And what drama were you doing before grandma?" He grabbed her arm, jerking her closer. She hissed in pain and couldn’t utter a word in fear.

  

"Don’t try to act smart before me. And if you do that act again, no one will be worse than me, you understand." He pinned her wrist harshly, making her yelp in pain.

 

She nodded hurriedly to be free from his clutch.

 

"You have to obey whatever I say or else..."

 

"Or else what... Geet mumbled fearfully, looking at his face, breaking into an evil smirk, "or else you don’t want to know what I would do to you..." He jerked her closer, fanning her face with his warm breath. Geet shuddered in his arms and said, "Don’t forget I am your husband, and what is your place in this mansion?" 

"You are not more than servants to me, no matter how Grandma treats you." "You can cast your black magic on her. Not me… I am not fool enough to believe b**** like you." He hissed in a low voice, so that only she could hear. 

"What are you saying?" She asked innocently. Again, he is changing his colours, scaring her.

“Don’t play innocent before me, I know your true colours.” Maan. 

“What true colours?” She asked, stammering in fear but wanting to know what’s going on in his mind.

“Wanting to hear from my mouth?”  He mocked , “what shameless girl you are!”

“Maan…” she cried hearing such hurtful words from her beloved. But he wasn’t in the right state of mind at the moment that he forgot to hold his tongue.

“Oh now this crocodile tears…” 

Geet was really confused, “What is that…?” 

Maan turned to walk away, jerking her back, not able to bear her act of innocence. 

“Why are you so angry with me, you don’t love me?”

He turned briskly, “When did I tell you that I love you?” He asked rudely. She looked down, having no answer to him. 

“I only hate you and despise your presence here.” He walked out. His words hit her hard, making way to new tears in her eyes. 

Suddenly thought crossed her mind, and she ran behind him, catching him in the garden.  

Rain was cascading down furiously, just like the emotions flowing in both of them, ready to burst out.

“So that means, you love someone else…and maybe I came in between.” She concluded, making him shocked.

He composed himself but had no answer. 

“Tell me, do you love someone else? That’s why you hate me so much.” She held his collar so eager to hear no from his mouth. 

But that thing he noticed, her face was as if an open book, he read that eagerness in her eyes and automatically nodded in yes. 

“What!”  Geet couldn’t believe it. 

“Yes…there is someone else in my life.” He thought about his bachelor life before her walking in his life. After marriage he hadn’t visited any of his flings. 

The hurt she felt was not described in words. She felt her heart torn apart with his confession.

How could he love someone else other than her. Her heart couldn’t take it. 

“You can’t love anyone but me!!” She cried, banging his chest. 

"Stop your drama!" He pushed her harshly. His male ego was satisfied to see her broken. That's what he wanted, and that’s the reason he lied to her, but somewhere his heart was breaking in pain. He was unaware of the reason.

"I love you, only you!" She held his collar again.

"Don’t you dare lie on my face." Maan snapped.

"I am not lying; how could you say so?" she pouted with teary eyes.

"That’s why you were roaming with my friend on my back when our marriage was fixed. And I don’t know how many men you had affairs with."

Geet doesn't know why he is accusing her: "I haven't done any such thing; why are you blaming me?" She shakes him vigorously, tearing his shirt apart.

"I have seen with my own eyes; that’s why I said it." He showed her his big eyes, which were filled with rage, thinking about Aryan and her again.

Geet was dazed by what he was saying; she wiped her face and closed her eyes to calm herself, for she wanted to know what he was speaking about.

"Please tell me what I did wrong! Now I can’t bear more of your torture when I didn’t do anything wrong," she pleaded.

"You didn’t do anything wrong!" You have cheated me. And Maan Khurana can never forgive those who stabbed him." He pointed a finger at her. 

Geet kept watching his angry face, still trying to remember what wrong she had done in her life or with him. From the time he had walked into her life, she had only known that loving him was everything else.

"First of all, you trouble me in my nightmares," he blurted, making her more confused.

"Hu…?" 

Seeing her look, he realized what he said to her: he shouldn’t have He widened his eyes and just glared at her furiously before dashing out of the mansion angrily, leaving her in a whirlpool of emotions. She was so happy sometime before, but again he broke her heart mercilessly, leaving her shattered.

She couldn’t bear his accusations, his anger, his words, "I hate you," or his confession of loving someone else. How could that be God? She cried, looking up, and fell to the ground in defeat.

 

TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT BOOK...