IBADAT- Love Reincarnated, PART 9

IBADAT

Love Reincarnated

PART 9

You were saying something. He asked when she just continued blushing n didn’t even raised her hazels.

Yes. I wanted to warn you Maan Sir. Geet said remembering what she wanted to say.

Warn me?

There is someone in KC whom you pay but they are not working for you. She didn’t state the facts clearly but he had an idea what she meant.

N that is?

That I will leave for you to figure out. Though she told him but decided against telling the name straight forward that would be bitching behind Shasha’s back n she knew better than that.

Hmm... He didn’t probe much n honestly he was not bothered. KC was already on verge of closure, no one could bring it back up similarly no one could destroy it any further.

Geet looked at him astonished; she just told him that there was a person who was against KC while working there at the same time n he was all cool about it like it meant nothing.

You won’t do anything? Her face conveyed her surprise.

What do expect me to do? Fire all?

No but you should do something to find that person n may be punish...

Look Geet I don’t care who is doing what... I don’t give a shit. He snapped exasperated now. So just leave things as they are.

He stood up to leave when Geet words made him turn on his heels. You don’t care about others but you do care about your dad.

For your kind information Ms. Handa, he is dead. He died almost a year ago.

But he made KC with sheer hard work not for you to run away from your responsibility. She didn’t want to hurt him but what other option did she had? He surely would want you to take care of KC like he took care of you.

I am running away.... You don’t know anything; you think it’s easy... taking care of it all when I don’t know why I am doing this, for whom I am living.... Why in the hell god is having me here when no one else’s there beside me, for what.... why...

For me, for us... though Geet said in mind Maan swear he heard something but both stayed quite after his outburst it was much needed apparently.

He ran his hands over his face, seldom he lost control especially like this n Geet seemed really taken aback. I... will be waiting in the car if you want to come with me.

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They reached office n the day went almost uneventful until she saw Sneha, who was a new intern, crying n few of the employees crowded around her.

Why is Sneha crying? Geet enquired from Pari who was returning to her cabin.

Pari snorted. What do you think? Shasha fired her; she spilled water over the fairy. She was already mad because no one told her about the exchange of presentation n now the bull is out of control.

Geet frowned at the knowledge, surely Shasha didn’t realise but a job is precious especially for an intern, not only their present but whole future relies on it. How could she terminate someone for such a lame reason? Then again expecting consideration from a person like her was silly.

Where are you going? Pari asked when Geet started off to somewhere with a look of determination.

To talk to Shasha Ma’am of course.

N you think that will do some good. Pari scoffed. She won’t listen to you.

We should all talk to her then.

That’s also useless; she is not going to change her mind. Pari stated as a matter of fact. By the way she knows we all are against her n wouldn’t tell her about that presentation.

And that was what happened. When they talked to Shasha about Sneha, she laid her cards.

Either tell me who was behind that presentation or say Sneha goodbye. Shasha said without an ounce of conscience.

We won’t tell you Ma’am because we don’t know. Pari said through gritted teeth trying her best to be polite. N we request you to please not fire Sneha.

I won’t go back on my action if you all are going to keep your mouth shut. Shasha declared.

Then we will report to Maan Sir. Geet said, her temper flaring.

Sure. Shasha said looking into Geet’s eyes daringly... too sure of her power n Maan’s careless attitude.

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Sir they are making fuss over a small thing. Shasha said indicating towards the opponents feigning innocence perfectly.

They were currently in Maan’s cabin. Geet, Adi, Pari, Sneha n two more interns were standing on the right side while Shasha stood on the left ready to weigh down everyone all alone. Maan sat at his chair behind the desk, frustrated... first his outburst in morning n now this.

Shasha won’t fire anyone like that. Maan commented n Shasha gave a triumph smile. If she has decided on it then there would be a valid reason.

Maan Sir she is firing her because she spilled water over her dress. Pari retorted. I don’t think it counts as valid.

Excuse me Pari. Let me remind you to be in your limits. I didn’t fire her because she spilled water. Don’t make assumptions. I am firing her because she is incompetent for the job. I can ignore insufficiency up to a certain limit but not always.

Sir, Shasha was the one who had sat throughout the interview n had shortlisted the final candidates, how can she now say that Sneha is incompetent. It was Adi who spoke; he was there with Shasha while the appointment of new interns.

Shasha got tight-lipped there. Yes she was the one who had selected Sneha. M..istakes ha..ppen. Her words came out stammered.

Maan Sir KC is going through a phrase where there is no scope for mistakes. This time Geet spoke. And the incompetency is only a mask that Shasha Ma’am is using as an excuse for terminating Sneha.

Suppose you are right Geet. Maan said looking at her. Why would Shasha fire someone of her choice just because of an insignificant incident?

Geet pursed her lips on seeing Shasha smirking. Telling Maan that Shasha was pissed off because they changed the presentation n now Shasha was blackmailing them on the name of Sneha, of course it was out of the line. With nothing to answer, she closed her eyes n kept quiet.

Because we changed her presentation. Adi spoke breaking the ice. The presentation clients selected was not the one Shasha prepared, it was Geet’s.

Now Shasha didn’t expect that... Adi revealing the truth in front of Maan, when the chicken learned to fly? May be it was the influence of that nosy bitch. She should have guessed it earlier, it happened only after her arrival otherwise no one else had the galls to defy her.

Geet also wasn’t expecting Adi to brust their secret before Maan n Shasha. It was her idea since the very starting least she wanted others to fall into trouble because of her.

Is this the truth Ms. Handa? Maan asked without any expression but his voice was stern.

Yes Sir... Her eyes were downcast though she was not regretful, still felt bad for hiding it from Maan. It was my presentation n my idea.

But we all were with her. Adi added while Pari n other interns nodded their head in affirmation.

Shasha swam out of her initial shock. Look Sir they are admitting that they changed the presentation. Knowing she was alone n had to defend herself on her own, she quickly came into attacking mode.

Why did you do it? Maan asked Adi, ignoring Shasha’s statement. If only Geet for once he would have considered her guilty but she was not alone other’s knew about it n also helped her including Adi whose loyalty to KC could never be questioned. Adi was his father’s most trusted employee n Maan trusted him no less.

Because Shasha Ma’am was purposely flawing the presentations so that KC loose the deal. Pari answered instead of Adi.

At this, Geet’s words from morning came into Maan’s mind, 'there is someone in KC whom you pay but they are not working for you'.

I am sorry Sir but we can’t work with Shasha anymore. Adi stated earnestly. If you want, we can all hand over our resignation to you. It was not a threat but more of a serious request.

Shasha n Adi, stay back... I have to talk to you both. Others can leave. That was all Maan’s said before Geet left the cabin.

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Geet had chewed all her nails in anticipation as she waited outside Maan’s cabin. Looking around herself she found others condition just the similar.

After what felt like years CEO’s cabin door opened n the first one to step out was Shasha. She certainly didn’t look happy, throwing a deathly glare at Geet she marched past with jet speed. Before anyone could contemplate what just happened Maan n Adi came out together, Adi flaunting a pleasant smile n Maan’s face? Well.... not very understandable as always.

Shasha has been suspended. Maan announced making the atmosphere cheerful. Adi told him all about Shasha, he had the presentation that Shasha created n claimed it was faulty by deliberation.

Apparently what the staff said about Shasha was right so Maan decided to suspend her temporarily once he himself looked into the matter profoundly n found her guilty then she would be permanently terminated. Moreover no action against Shasha could have originated ruckus in the management as all were thoroughly against Shasha so at least temporary suspension was call of the moment.

If proved guilty after I personally look into the matter, Shasha would be terminated. He looked at Geet n she understood there was more to come. Since the position of head architect is vacant now, Ms. Geet Handa will fill the post from now onwards until Shasha comes back, if she is innocent.

Adi had suggested Geet’s name to Maan inside the cabin but there Maan had not reacted n it surprised him when he actually gave her the position.

Maan Sir you have done the biggest mistake of your life, she won’t let you live in peace anymore. Adi chuckled at his personal joke.

Maan moved back to his cabin while Geet stood thunderstruck like a statue. Did she hear it right? No, it must be dream.

It was only when everyone started congratulating her that she realise it was happening for real. Outside the shock world, she engulfed Pari in a tight hug still not believing her luck.

Interns n other employees were equally delighted, Shasha was gone n they had a new head, who possessed all the qualities for the post. She was smart, loyal, friendly, optimistic n far more human than their previous supervisor.

Thank you... Thank you soooo much Adi Sir. Geet thanked him a million times, actually fearful that she would burst with glee any moment.

It was not the prestigious designation that fascinated her nor was it the increased green bills she would be able to earn.... It was the extra time she would get with Maan that she looked forward to. Now that she was the head architect they would be working on all the projects together n if Maan thought that KC was going to sustain the present scenario, he was wrong. Everything was going to change.

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IBADAT- Love Reincarnated, PART 8

IBADAT

Love Reincarnated

PART 8

The gates were huge n it would be a lie if she said that her palace like future house wasn’t impressing, it was totally mind blowing. Although she had came here with the idea of living with Maan from now on until things got better, she felt little disappointed because it was not the way she wanted to come here. She wanted to live here after all the rituals, after getting married to her love, after getting sure that her dream man loved her as much as she loved him.

Anyways showing her KC employee ID to the guard she entered KM. She was contradicting her dreams but was not regretful, until she was going to be with him n make sure he was all safe n sound she was happy.

A man looked at her bags suspiciously while she stood in middle of the lavish hall.

Er... I want to meet Maan Sir.

N may I know who are you?

Sure.. I am Geet Handa. I work in KC. She chirruped friendly.

Maan Sir doesn’t live here. Nakul informed in a bored tone.

What? Geet asked shocked, Pari had clearly told her that Maan lived here.

He lives in the outhouse.

Huh? Aaa...Oh Okay I’ll go n meet him there then.

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She reached the outhouse though Nakul didn’t accompanied her, he gave the directions. As she climbed the stairs her pulse quickened. Something was wrong or maybe it was the dark surrounding of the outhouse completely opposing that of the brightly lit Mansion. The rooms on ground floor were closed so decided to check upstairs.

Following the light she reached the end of the corridor. Her eyes became wide as she looked at the figure sitting on the floor, his head bent down n breathing rugged as if just ran a marathon. She actually felt scared as she moved closer to the man.

She sat in front of him not able to utter a single word it felt like her throat was choked. His face came into vision n though from the starting she knew who he was, she didn’t recognise him. He looked torn, tired n totally defeated. And at that moment Geet wondered what he did to deserve so much of pain. Why was he like this? Her vision was unclear due to the tears but it did nothing to blur the red marks all over his body n the bleeding knuckles.

Her throat was blocked n no words came out despite of the many things she had to say, to ask.

Maan Sir. It was her voice shaky n broken which made Maan lift his head n realise he had company.

Good! Now I have started imagining her as well. He thought to himself.

She placed her hand on his arm n he flinched because of the pain caused. Geet instantly pulled her hand back afraid she had hurt him when he was already hurt from head to toe, from brain to heart.

I... I am sorry. She whimpered while tears hung at the corner of her eyes.

Maan squinted his eyes, confusion etched all over him. Was she actually going to cry when he was the one injured?

Kaise karu baya tere har dard ka ehsaas hai mujhe,
Gam hai tujhe, tanhaa hai tu
Lekin khud ko mat de saza kyuki chot hai tujhe
par dard ka ehsaas hai mujhe

What are you doin-

Where is the first aid box? Geet asked collecting herself n wasting no more time.

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He stayed mum while she dressed his wound. Although his whole body was injured but the knuckles were worst there were small pointed spikes from broken wooden planks in his skin. It was necessary to remove them n clean the skin to avoid infection n no matter how much she tried to stay in control her hands didn't stop shivering while at it because she knew it must be hurting as hell.

Apart from all that there was a bunch of questions she had in mind still she didn't asked or said anything the last thing she wanted right now was inflicted more pain upon him so she simply decided to dress his wounds. She wanted him to answer her questions himself when he trusted her enough.

Maan on other hand just looked at her confused n amazed. Her hands were shaking; god knows why but she was giving him shivers with her touch. Despite that he felt calm n relaxed now which was strange perhaps it was just the after results of the vigorous exercise he had had.

Busy in dodging her touch n questioning eyes he didn’t utter a single word but at last he had to.

So what’s brings you here?

Your safety. She said in her mind. God forbid how much more damage he would have done to himself if she wouldn’t have reached on time. But now she would have to give a valid reason for her visit plus future stay n it was going to be difficult.

Ahem... I was thinking if I could live with you I mean here. I mean if I could live here with you. Without giving a break she continued. Wo my land lady kicked me out n I don’t know anyone else here who could help me. She tried to form the most miserable expression on her face.

Maan raised his brow n she couldn't help but wonder if he was thinking of her as some gold digger who had glued to him like fevicol. Hell! She didn’t care. He was danger to himself n she was disaster management. Right?

So... Can I stay here? She asked hopefully.

Yeah... You can stay in mansion. He said with a shrug. No one lived there n he was least bothered about who was going to.

Shit! What was the use of living there when she can’t keep an eye on him? NOO. She almost screamed. It would be so weird, the owner living in outhouse n guest in Mansion. She laughed awkwardly.

Maan took in a deep breath. So you want me to shift there so you could live here. No way he wanted to go in that mansion it reminded him all bad things.

Shit! Again. No... She once more said. I will freak out alone in here. Which was in a way correct, she didn’t wanted to live in this scary outhouse all be herself.

I have an idea. You live where you are. Upstairs, right? N I will take some room downstairs. She suggested as it was the most intelligent thought ever.

He sighed. As you wish, if its matter of few days. Tired by everything he started leaving for his room.

Yay....!!! She did a virtual dance in mind at her success. Ask me if you need anything. She said from behind.

God! The peculiar girl, asking him to tell her if he needed anything in his own house.

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Next morning he came down to have breakfast n to his utter surprise found Geet serving.

Why are you doing all this? Where is Nakul? Maan asked.

Araam kar rahe hai wo.. She said n started laughing at his funny incredulous reaction. Somehow controlling herself she informed. Nai actually maine unhe kaha k mai khud kar lungi.

He sat down n Geet served him aalo k parathe loaded with oil.

Where is my toast? Maan asked for his standard breakfast.

Wo bhi kuch khane ki cheez hai. Breakfast is most important meal of the day so you should eat something healthy.

N you think this is healthy? He asked eyeing the parathe dipped in exceptional quantity of oil.

Haan.. OK itne healthy nai hai but desi hai so it’s good at least it’s better than your toast.

But Nakul never made parathe before.

Yeh maine banaye hai. Geet said proudly, munching her food.

You? Why? He asked again shocked.

Because I wanted you to eat the food cooked by me. She answered honestly looking directly into his eyes.

Her answers always gave rise to new questions so he diverted his gaze n dropped the subject.

How is it?? She asked expectantly.

Hmm tasty... He said genuinely. It didn’t taste out of the world but it carried the essence of home n he was eating something of this sort after ages. His mom used to cook these dishes, after her death no one was left to take care of him. Now was the question was ‘Why was Geet doing all this?’ ‘What was her ulterior motive behind all this?’ He didn’t have anything left with him even this mansion was mortgaged. ‘So why was she here?’

I knew you would like it. Her words brought him back to the real world. By the way how are your wounds now?

Fine, anyways these types of wounds don't hurt me. He had so many internal injuries that no physical wound could give him pain anymore.

And last night the inner pain was so empowering that he wanted to defeat it. He wanted to feel something bigger, something more painful. He wanted to forget the miseries of his life through physical fatigue n ache while the outlandish feelings he was having towards the girl in front of him didn’t help either. All this led him to do what he did n truthfully he had no regrets either. It was Geet who came n treated him otherwise who knew he would have gone for more or would have slept without treating himself.

Geet on finding the conversation moving towards the sad mode, tried to change the topic.

Who is she? She asked pointing towards a photo of an elegant old lady.

My Dadimaa, she is no more. She left me a month ago. The loss on his face for unbareable for her but Geet wondered about his choice of words. Why he always regarded happening of every event against himself only?

She died Maan sir but she never left you. She stated keeping an assuring hand over his. She will always be with you. Her love n memories will always be by your side.

Maan listened to her with amazement. Despite the childishness, she sometimes talked so deep, it surprised him that this mature Geet was the same girl who said she loved him without thinking on their first meeting itself.

Maan Sir... Geet called him when he seemed lost in thoughts, after being sure she had his attention, started. You won’t mind if I told you something?

Like you will listen if I said no.

Of course. Geet said with frown. Your word means everything. I will never do something you don’t want. It hurt that he thought like that about her, why would he think she wouldn’t listen to him?

Maan actually held her hand when she started leaving. He didn’t mean to offend her.

I was just kidding. He looked at her with an amused expression when she blushed for no reason whatsoever n sat down quietly.

It was the first time Maan held her hand n it gave her shudders she couldn’t help the blush while her stomach fluttered, it felt so so good. His single touch had that much control over her; it was enough to make her forget that she felt hurt just moments ago.

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PRECAP- Blast from past n TWIST