BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 36

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 36

With other people I don’t bother because I already know they would hate me but Manan is a child. Children are clean slates, they are non judgmental so there is hope for me. She cocked her head as if for him to confirm.

Maan’s heart squeezed painfully. She may show like she didn’t give a damn but the girl inside her longed for affection. He gathered her hands in his. No person in their right mind could hate you. Manan will like you very much. He is very shy so maybe would take time warming up to you but in end you two would make a good pair I can tell. He said with a wink making her smile prettily with dimples on her cheeks while their car advanced towards their destination.

Three cars zoomed inside the tall gates of boarding school. The lawn was large and clean with trees lining the borders. Grass was neatly cut, lush and prim, without a single yellowed leaf lying around. As the cars halted before a large building with many windows, Geet felt uneasy. Surely the place was a bit too meticulous for kids.

One guard opened Geet’s door and Maan was at her side as she climbed off. The security was tight after Maan’s accident and Geet wouldn’t have it any other way. All she wanted was his safety. He had many enemies and the list started with his own brother.

He held her hand. Ready? Geet smiled, feeling excited and giddy. The feeling was good, something she rarely felt. It made her feel alive.

Inside Maan introduced her to Sister Agnes who was the principal of the boarding school. Sister Agnes was polite yet reserved. Geet was immensely thankful that she had chosen to wear pants and a vintage short blazer over white simple top. Maan had said the attire was mature not overly formal, perfect for a school visit. Oh, how much she loved her husband.

I hope you haven’t told Manan about our visit? Maan asked the principal.

No I haven’t as you asked earlier when you informed of your visit.

Maan was pleased. Yes, we wanted to surprise him.

Sister Agnes nodded with a smile. I suggest you take seat in the waiting room; Aaya will be bringing him shortly.

Soon as they entered the waiting room, Aaya brought a small child with her. Through the doorway Geet saw him with wide eyes. Damn, Manan was small… really small and infinitely cute from what she could make out from far. He was staring down with hands at his back while Sister Agnes talked to him. Abruptly, he looked up eyes locking on Maan. Manan’s face almost spilt in two halves as he grinned like no tomorrow. Dad. He ran towards Maan on his little legs and for a moment Geet was afraid he would fall.

My boy. Maan said taking Manan in arms and swinging him around.

Geet was reminded of their honeymoon when Maan had done the same with her. So, he got the habit from here. She thought giggling inwardly. The joy on father-son duo’s face was priceless.

I missed you. Manan said. His voice was soft and slurpy.

And I missed my son too. Maan said, eventually letting the kid stand on his feet. Manan was so small in front of Maan. How are you?

Fine. Manan said stretching his sweater sleeve in an unruly manner, coming into his element. His demeanor changed and he retreated back into his shell when noticed Geet.

I want to introduce you to somebody. Maan said but Manan was stubborn to not look at her, wrapped against Maan’s leg burying his face there. He indeed was very shy, Geet didn’t know what to do/

Manan… Maan probed trying to dislodge his leg. It was funny scene and totally adorable. No male had ever cowered from her; she didn’t take herself for someone scary, before today that is. Applying extreme efforts Maan pulled free his leg and turned Manan towards Geet. This is Geet, my-

Friend. Geet supplied looking pointedly at Maan knowing what he would have said if she hadn’t interrupted. Even Sister Agnes must be lurking somewhere, they couldn’t risk her knowing about them. Their marriage wasn’t public. Hey… Geet waved her hand and blushed when no reply came. Manan was finding her sandals more attention-worthy.

Manu, look up baby.

Its okay, Maan. She said.

The Aaya came with refreshment and Sister Agnes too entered.

We will take leave. Maan announced declining the refreshment graciously.

You are leaviiiing?? Manan’s voice was heart-broken.

Yes and you are coming with us. Maan answered, unable to restrain a big grin.

Manan’s returning grin was million-dollar. We are going out????

Geet blinked. Oh god, he was beautiful. Dressed in little jeans, shirt and sweater, his thick hairs parted on left side and neatly combed back, he was cuteness personified.

Yes. After exchanging some words with Sister Agnes, Maan picked him in arms and made his way out. Manan wrapped his arms and legs around Maan’s neck and waist burying his face below his chin. Maan looked like mummy-monkey. Geet followed; never ever she could have imagined Maan like this. This new image of her husband was both refreshing and mind-boggling.

They sat having unhealthy breakfast in Dominos. Manan was still wary of Geet because he wasn’t speaking at all and eating pizza smudging cheese and crumbs all across his face. Geet exactly couldn’t tell how old he was, perhaps five. Why she didn’t ask Maan before? Manan’s quietness was making her anxious like she was intruding between father-son. She looked desperately at Maan and he detected her anxiety without a word. A minute later he excused himself to take a phone call and Geet wondered if he did it purposely. That’s how he helps me? See Babaji. She looked up and was jolted by what she had done. She didn’t complain or prayed to god anymore having gotten rid of the useless habit long back.

Manan was looking at where Maan had disappeared to. Geet cleared her throat and he glanced at her going all red and sinking down on his seat cutely. What class are you in? She asked meekly. She had no experience with kids, they were unknown entity. Manan looked like he had seen a ghost; he muttered something incoherent which Geet didn’t catch. Then he jumped off the seat probably to follow Maan. He did it in a jiffy and because his size was small and the seat was high, the landing was imbalanced. The back of his head hit the seat. In that moment Geet discovered how delicate kids were because Manan started to wail loudly. All eyes were on them in a nano second. Geet’s womanly instinct came into action and she grabbed Manan into her arms, hugging him to her. She rubbed his head. Shh.. shh.. its okay. You killed the ant.

Maan and the security rushed towards them. I didn’t do anything. Geet said. He tried to get off the seat and hit his head.

Maan sighed and his eyes softened, Geet realized why. Manan was clutching her blazer tightly, his tears wetting her top. A hot, fuzzy feeling grew inside her chest as she looked at the tiny guy curled into her holding her like his life depended on it. He didn’t have a mother, Geet thought overcome by sadness.

When she glanced at Maan he was smiling, Geet smiled too. Damn, she could have cried of joy. Without them speaking much with each other, Manan wasn’t appalled by her touch. He didn’t loath her. The boy raised his head and searched for Maan. Geet wiped his face with her hands and he looked at her shyly, sniffing. Maan took him from her. The sense of loss was deep but she was massively happy with the small interaction between them. The feeling to hugging his small form close and him accepting it…

Maan could tell Geet was smitten as Manan told what terrible accident happened with him and that his head might be seriously injured and they should see a doctor with tears in eyes. Maan laughed much to Geet and Manan’s distress. I am sorry. He sobered. I think your head is stronger. The more you hit it the steelier it gets.

Geet gasped. What are you telling him??? Maan grinned; she narrowed her eyes at him.

Next stop was the shopping mall where they purchased toys and clothes for Manan. He rarely got the luxury to buy things with his Dad. And as they spent more time together Manan got more relaxed with Geet around. He didn’t speak to her much and was talkative to Maan only but Geet was content with whatever she was getting. She loved how she was a part of something worthy, couldn’t tear her eyes away from the fascinating child-their child-it felt surreal. She couldn’t stop smiling. She didn’t even deserve it.

After visiting the gaming zone and loading all the shopping bags in car’s trunk, Maan and Geet were on their way to Maan’s place in Mumbai for the family dinner. Manan was going along so Geet was looking forward to it.

Dad, is she your girlfriend? Manan asked out of the blue.

Maan and Geet both were shocked by the question. What is a girlfriend? Maan asked and Geet blushed shaking her head at Maan’s tact.

Dad, a girlfriend!! Manan said like it was so obvious, shifting all around the seat and stretching his sweater left, right and centre. A girl who is a special friend, the one you kiss on lips.

Geet choked on her breath and Maan smirked. He whispered into Manan’s ear. Yes, she is. But it’s a secret between you and Daddy, okay?

Manan nodded ecstatic to be entrusted with the secret. What did he say? Geet asked Manan pouting to be left out.

Manan shook his head, giggling. It was such a sweet tingle that Geet couldn’t help smiling. You are so gone. She told a smug Maan.

The dinner was unexciting and uneventful. The atmosphere was tense because neither Dadimaa nor Maan’s mother had expected Geet and Manan to accompany Maan. While Maan’s mother was joyous seeing Geet and specially Manan, Dadimaa maintained hostility towards both. If anything, Dadimaa was more revolted by Geet, silently fuming. Geet had predicted such hatred from her and it didn’t bother her much because she was so used to it, what she couldn’t make out was why Dadimaa was cold towards little Manan.

Manan obviously was fearful of Dadimaa because he stayed away from her but with Maan’s mother the story was totally different. Maan’s mother was as taken to him as Manan was to her. He was running behind her everywhere calling ‘Dadi this’ and ‘Dadi that’ and during dinner she fed him with her hands.

I am glad that you both came. Maan’s mother was saying. Are you going to stay for the night here?

No, Maa. We’ll drop Manan back at his school and then head back to Delhi. I have office tomorrow. Maan said.

Oh. Maa said; disappointment was evident on her face. Geet felt bad for her. After all she lived with the ‘she-devil’. Geet now knew well from where Dev had inherited his evil traits. Dadimaa didn’t just hate Geet but she wasn’t fond of Manan either and who in world could despise a tiny boy, so innocent and lovable? I don’t understand why you chose a hotel when you could have stayed here. This is your house too, beta.

Maan held his step-mother’s hand, ready to apply his irresistible charm. Maa, with Dadimaa it would have created problems, Geet is with me. You understand right?

Maa looked at Geet and smiled, completely understanding. Geet looked down shyly going red. Why am I blushing at everything? Geet thought to herself.

Just then they heard a smash from the dining room. All three of rushed towards the source of noise and saw a furious Dadimaa scolding Manan cruelly. A glass lay shattered on the wet floor, Dadimaa’s sari was also not spared from the water. Is this a place to play? She asked loudly holding Manan’s arms and shaking him while he shivered in her hands. Geet had never seen Dadimaa so angry. Her blood boiled seeing tears in Manan’s eyes but before her Maan spoke.

What is wrong with you Dadimaa? Leave him, he is just a kid.

And you have to speak every time. Because of you this boy has become such a nuisance or maybe it’s in his blood. You have always been fond of charity, bringing filth home from road. Dadimaa looked pointedly at Geet.

Geet couldn’t believe she was speaking such vile things about a kid much less in front of him. And she had thought Dadimaa was sophisticated.

Maan’s fists were clenched. For the first time, his mother spoke in mid. I will get it cleaned up. She said. Manu would be more careful in future. Manan nodded his face red and teary. Only then Dadimaa left his hand.

You will tell him and he would learn? He will never understand Madhu. This child has come from god knows where, he would never understand our ways. I can tell he will bring only shame to this family.

That’s enough Dadimaa. Maan snapped.

Don’t you dare talk to me like that, Maan. Dadimaa admonished in her loud, stern voice. Not after what massive blunder you have done apart from adopting this boy and giving him your name. Don’t think I don’t know anything-

Geet made her way to Manan who had stepped back into a corner and was seeing the adults bicker. Geet picked his shaking form in her arms and took him outside into the garden. In the heated conversation no one noticed them leaving. Maan’s place in Mumbai was a fucking mansion… Geet had never seen such a big house. Some other relatives of Maan lived in the mansion too but they were not home at the moment. Was that the reason Dadimaa had invited them for dinner? Because she had anticipated Geet coming and didn’t want anyone else to know about Maan’s quests?

Walking to the beautiful swing in the garden and she sat on it. Manan was clutching her like he had clutched Maan while they were coming out of the boarding school. Now she was mummy-monkey. The boy was shaken up. Never before Geet had felt such hatred towards a woman like she did for Dadimaa in that moment.

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PRECAP- Dev is back... again!! Damn this guy, grr.

Author's blabber:

So did you like Manan? I know the story is secretive and twisted but I would only say that don't hate Maan, he is good (best). I am biased. Hehe. But just remember everything is not what it seems.

Do let me know how u liked it and what you want to read. Any suggestions or complaints are always welcome.

XOXO