BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED, PART 45

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED

PART 45

Silence hung in the car as it ran speedily across the deserted road. Maan had ordered the guards and driver to leave them alone and he was driving himself. His knuckles shone white as he maintained an angry grip on the steering wheel. Geet didn’t dare speak. She stared out of the window, wondering where he was going or if he even had a destination in mind. What was he going to do? How would he blast at her? She didn’t like Maan mad. Something told her that she wouldn’t be able to seduce her way out this time.

There car traversed over bumpy ground and Maan stopped it in the middle of nowhere. There were trees all around the little clearing. He got out and Geet followed. She didn’t know why she was so afraid of speaking when she had done nothing wrong. For hell’s sake, she and Shaan were just speaking.

Why? Maan said and his fist landed on the trunk of a tree. She stood frozen in her spot. Why? Why? Why? He kept punching the tree.

Coming back to her sense, she rushed and grabbed his hand. It was bleeding n the sight of his blood made her head buzz. We were only talking. He pushed her away. You call hugging and laughing like lovers talking?

What in the world are you saying? We are friends- just friends!!

A friend that you kissed.

Geet held her head. I told you I did that only to show you.

But you know that he sees you more than a friend, don’t you?

He- She couldn’t answer. She didn’t know. Maybe he did. Maybe he didn’t anymore. Or maybe he never did truly. What matters is I don’t think of him as anything more than a friend.

Stop lying to me, dammit. Just a friend? Is that why you were maintaining distance from me? Why do I see you lost and unhappy with me? How do I know that you really forgot your phone and went to parlor that day?

She kept a hand on her mouth to hold back the sobs, tears streamed down her face. So you are accusing me of adultery? You think I am having an affair? She couldn’t believe the words as they left her mouth. She had done many wrong things but she wasn’t guilty of this. She loved him with all heart.

You never said you loved me? You never let me in, perhaps because there is no space left for me.

She couldn’t help let out a small cry of hopelessness. For the first time he didn’t came to console her, to stop her from shedding tears. If that’s what you think, let that be it. Leave me.

If he was angry before, he burned with rage now. He stared at the woman he loved so much and hated so much right now that his entire existence was conflicted. I know that is what you want. But you can’t. You are stuck with me n you will suffer with me.

Upon reaching home Maan locked her inside the bedroom as if to prove a point. From now on you won’t leave the house on your own. You will only go out when I am there with you. He said n she heard him telling the same to Nina. Geet didn’t protest; she was pathetic enough to feel happy that Maan hadn’t taken her words seriously and left her. She would have died all over again.

She called Nina from inside the room.

I can’t open the door.

It’s not that. Maan’s hand is wounded just make sure it’s bandaged.

As the maid walked away, Geet slid into the bed. She felt sick n tired. She shut off all the thoughts from her mind n closed her eyes.

Next morning, she was just as miserable. She pretended to be okay when Manan walked into the kitchen where she was sipping from a hot cup of milk. Good morning, Manu. You are up early?

Manan rubbed his sleepy eyes. His hairs were all disheveled. She hoisted him over the counter and combed his hairs with her fingers. He laid his head over her shoulder like he would sleep again anytime. Geet welcomed the warmth that came from this rare moment. She rubbed her son’s back and kissed the top of his head. If you want, you can sleep for a little while longer.

No. He said promptly and she looked at him funny. Manan stared down at his hands. Who are you? He asked.

I am Geet. Did you forget my name again?

I remember. Who are you to me? Niks Aunty said you are mom my.

Trust Niks to say things she wasn’t supposed to, Geet thought but she was actually happy that Nikita had told Manan. Manan was familiar with her now and Geet yearned for him to call her mom. Geet held her breath. Would you like that? Me being your… mom?

Manan gave shy nod with a big smile. You are nice. He even liked her weird smiles now.

Then I am, baby. I am your mother. She hugged him again and kissed his forehead.

Can I call you mum? Geet nodded enthusiastically. And mumma? And mommy?

She was overwhelmed to say the least. Hugging him again, she said. You can call me anything n I’ll love you the same.

They spent the day playing, watching TV and eating. Manan could stomach loads of food in his small tummy and Geet herself was a foodie, so they were a good match. By evening, Geet felt a little better if not much. It was only then that she remembered her promise. Shit, she had promised Manan they would take him out. She had planned to force Maan to skip office but- God, was that why Manan had woken early???

Manan, why didn’t you remind me? We were supposed to go out today.

The kid tore his eyes away from the television. I knew we not going were.

Geet felt awful. It was like Manan didn’t expect them to fulfill their promise. He didn’t complain n he didn’t demand. And that wouldn’t change until they showed him what a true family was. A true family kept expectations, made demands, shouted complaints, fought but in the end they always stuck together. Through this hard road they would stick together. Manu, tomorrow is Sunday. I will talk to Maan and we’ll go tomorrow, okay?

Manan grinned. Okay.

Maan came late that night and he was just as angry and frustrated. He was surprised to find Geet and Manan waiting for him. Manan hugged him. Maan tightly embraced Manan back; he’d needed the hug desperately for the hurt that Geet had brought upon him was unbearable. He couldn’t even look at her without feeling his heart break more n more.

For Manan’s sake he joined for dinner when he didn’t feel like eating anything. Nina served food and everyone was silent except for the little boy who was oblivious to the tension that laced the very air. Ignorance is indeed bliss. Maan thought as Manan talked excitedly about many things.

It’s Sunday tomorrow. It was Geet who had spoken this time.

Really? I wouldn’t have known if not for you.

Maan’s rudeness made a lump form in her throat. She drank water n started again. I was wondering if we could go out, I had promised Manan that we will.

Maan looked at his son who was staring at him with unmasked hope. He smiled, softening a little. Yeah, okay.

Manan jumped from his seat, did some bizarre happy actions that were beyond Maan but still made him smile. Maa said we’ll go to Adventure Island. We saw the pictures internet on. It has car kids… n… n… that ride round which goes zooooo… zoooo…. 

Maan had no clue what he was talking about. He was astonished to see how Manan addressed Geet. Maa!! So she told him. Maan saw how her face shone with love for the small one and it made his insides swell with something nice. To see that even though one relation wasn’t going fine the other one was developing perfectly was a relief.

Geet seemed to understand Manan’s banter. I don’t think you would be allowed on that ride.

I be. If you go with me.

No, no, no. I am not going on any dangerous ride with you. Go with Maan.

Okay. Manan grinned.

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