BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 43

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 43

How was your day with your son? Maan asked coming out of the bathroom.

Geet smiled; the second genuine smile that he was seeing after days. First was when Manan had arrived. We had fun. He is a little less wary of me now.

Yeah I saw that during dinner.

He said eyes glued to Geet. She was at the dressing table applying moisturizer on her hands. Maan couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was a beauty in the mint colored satin nighty, her wild hair hanging down and one delicate hand sensuously massaging the other arms, gliding slowly… up, down, up, down. She didn’t do it purposely, it was just him. He could barely control his senses when he was around her.

Maan walked ahead and kept his hands on her almost bare shoulders. Geet stilled. His hands were cold n they sent a shiver down her spine. He took the bottle of moisturizer from her hand and poured it on his palm. He didn’t go for her arms, he went for the cleavage. A lot of it was exposed much to his delight. He gently rubbed his hand all over her cleavage n her neck. She didn’t have a bra on. God, she didn’t. He had almost dipped his hand under her nighty when he noticed she was frozen again on the stool. He pulled back, ashamed of himself and at the same time angry at her.

Geet grabbed his hand just as he turned around. Geet, don’t-

Shh… She breathed bringing her face close to his. Raising his hand she kissed each finger; then pulled him to the bed. She sat back, lowered the thin straps of her nighty, took his hands and placed them flat on her naked breasts. Maan gritted his teeth but his hands were on the most tempting surface, how could he not do anything? He pinched her nipples and she arched into his touch with a moan. Is this a new game of yours, pushing me away then bringing me back?

A woman has to innovate to keep her man hooked. She joked, eyes hooded.

Your innovation is beyond my endurance.

God knows that you can endure... a lot. She switched off the lights and crept back on the bed. Come, get me.

He hopped on accepting the challenge. A knock on the door interrupted their… wrestling. Maan climbed off a squirming Geet, taking some long breathes to control his breathing. Who’s that? Manu?

Can come I?

Geet pulled up her nighty while Maan switched on the light. Yeah, come in.

What you doing? Manan asked stretching his shirt, moving his hands like jelly sticks.

Interesting question. Maan smirked making Geet blush, she pulled the cover over her head in mortification. It was funny how she could do all daring stuff inside the bedroom but a kid made her blush like that. What people do at night, Manu? We’re going to sleep.

Can I sleep with you? Manan asked. Like Preet. My room is scary in dark.

Her name is Geet.

Yes, that.

Manu, there is nothing to be scared of boy. I know you are very brave. You can sleep with the lamp on, and then the room won’t look that scary.

They went to Manan’s room. Maan made him lie down n switched on the lamp at dim. He kissed him on the forehead and came out.

Manan didn’t understand why Geet slept in father’s room? Maybe they didn’t have that many beds in the house. But if she could sleep with Dad why couldn’t he? He was used to sleeping in hostel room, two other boys slept with him there. So it wasn’t scary. If an alien came they could fight it together. He couldn’t fight alone but. The thought made him shiver. However, father was right, he had to be brave, otherwise he wouldn’t grow up n everyone else will.

Maan, this doesn’t feel right. Geet said once they were back in their bedroom.

What doesn’t?

We should let Manan sleep with us. He is just a kid.

Geet, he has to go back to the hostel. He would get into habit of sleeping with us then it would be difficult for him there.

You’ve never slept with him?

No. When we were in hospital during his surgeries, I used to be there in his room. But that was long ago.

Geet couldn’t believe it. And you never slept with your dad?

Maan was speechless. He searched his memory n couldn’t remember a night when he had slept with his father. No.

Geet caressed his face. Your Manu is small, Maan. You can’t stop caring for him ‘cause of the fear that it would make him weak. You just give him so much love that he doesn’t fear anything. At this age I think he should be able to tell all his problems that he has parents that would fight for him n he need not worry. Don’t you think?

Yes. I guess he should.

Then what are you waiting for, bring him here.

Are you sure? Maan asked with trepidation. It would be right for him?

Yes.

Manan’s joy was palpable when he was brought into his father’s bedroom. He quickly crawled under the covers giggling. Geet grinned, she loved the sound of Manan’s free-spirited laugh. Maan got into the bed between them shaking his head with a smile of his own.

What are you most scared of?

Aliens.

Aliens? But there are no aliens. Have you ever seen one?

Have you seen China?

Geet groaned. Ahh… the infamous China argument.

Shut up, you two. Maan admonished lightly, although he was enjoying their little banter. Swtich off the lights, Geet. Geet did as told. Good night.

Good night. Manan n Geet said in chorus as they both snuggled into Maan.

It’s so perfect. Geet thought. Like their… wrestling, was fated to be interrupted by the little kid and all three of them were meant to be here, lying there in the bed like a family. A family. Geet craved a family as much as Manan did, as much as Maan did. They were three people who needed each other. They were perfect for each other.

You were right, love. Maan said. This does feels right.

Next morning Geet made sure Maan left a little late so they could all have breakfast together. You are the boss; nobody’s going to fire you.

Maan rolled his eyes, having no option but adhere to his wife’s orders. Manan was so happy to see Maan there and seeing him happy Geet’s whole face was lit up. She was totally and completely smitten by her son, so much so that it made Maan a little jealous. Yet, Maan thought Manan’s presence in the house was much needed. He was making Geet happy and Geet was making Manan happy. Their mutual glee was making Maan happy. It was a fair trade.

After Maan left for office. Geet asked Manan if he wanted to play. Manan said he would like to play basketball. They had a goal. The gardener helped them nail it on the outside wall of the house. Their court was the backyard. Manan asked the gardener if he would play, he looked at Geet with apprehensive and she shrugged.

Teams are not even. Manan concluded after some calculation. Then he ran inside the house. When he came out Geet was in shock because he was pulling Nina to play with them. She was protesting but Manan was Maan’s son, when he wanted something there was no stopping him. The teams were divided: Men on one side-Gardener and Manan, and women on one side-Geet and Nina.

After the initial awkwardness the game was pretty enjoyable. Manan was enjoying the most because they were all helping him win. Geet had never imagined she would someday be playing with the maid who had never once talked to her nicely and they would be working as a team.

I think it’s enough. Nina said taking tired breathes.

But why? Manan whined. One more game. Please pleaseeeeee.

No I don’t think I can play more. I will fall.

Once they were inside, Nina explained geet that Manan shouldn’t play for long because of his surgeries. The doctor had said that with age his heart would become strong and work normal but they had to be careful while he was still growing up.

Geet already knew that Manan needed extra care. He looked smaller than his age due to his earlier heart condition. Oh, thanks for informing. Geet said. This was the first civil conversation they had had ever.

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P.S.

Geet is twenty three. Maan is five years older than her, i.e. twenty eight. Manan is almost six.

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