Epilogue
Geet continued with her work and slowly even her work load was reduced by Maan, though Geet wanted to support more but her health wasn’t helping her to take much of work. Off late she would get tired very soon; intake of food in regular interval also took her time. There were times when she couldn’t even sit for a few minutes peacefully forget about standing and drawing the designs.
One incident which frightened Maan to no end and put a restraining order on Geet’s entry to office was on the day when Maan had to present the final presentation to the new investors. Geet had come out of Maan’s cabin after handing him few of the work related papers of the project however she suddenly felt the pace of her heart sprinting on a 100 meters track and very soon would break Usain Bolt’s record. But then the heart took pity on Usain Bolt & reduced its pace gradually, thereby consuming most of her energy which led her to stumble in her steps which made way to the most dreadful event i.e she was about to collapse but invariably before any slip an underneath support stabilised her. As in sheer luck Maan had turned to witnessed her through his glass partition.
Though the nasty fall was averted but there was a deep impact on Maan of this incident. Rather than Geet it was Maan who was more shaken up as that was all new to him. And at the same moment when all these were happening Adi came to inform Maan “Boss, investors are here; waiting for you in the conference room.”
Geet who was back to her normal state spoke before Maan “Great, I will get the reports circulated.”
To which Maan clearly objected “Geet, you are not attending this.”
“Why shouldn’t I? I need to know what investors have to say about it only then can I proceed with next design works.” Geet said quite confused about the sudden restriction.
“You aren’t working on it anymore.” Maan said and addressed the next person in charge “Call Sasha, let her attended it as she would take over from Geet going forward.” Saying so Maan left in a hurry to look after the investors.
Maan noticed Minal entering the elevator with some reports to the meeting so he said “Minal…give this papers to me and be with Geet.”
Maan whose attention was required at both ends let Minal take care of his wife for a while as he dealt with the investors. He also asked to keep his car ready as he would leave in a while.
***
Geet was yet to come in terms of the fact “How could you do this to me.” Geet complained as she felt a hand on her shoulder.
But to her dismay it wasn’t of Maan’s but Minal’s which led to the fall of that one drop of tear which was on the brisk of her eye.
“Geet calm down…” Minal said and before she could continue Geet had walked into her cubicle to pack her bag.
Minal who came running behind was shocked to see that in a blink of an eye Geet was ready to leave “Geet…” she said but before she could say a thing more Geet replied “I was anyways on the brisk of handing over my jobs, there are few more work left which I would complete it and send them over.”
“But…” Minal said but then Geet just gave a final look at her place before moving out of her workstation.
***
Maan introduced Sasha to the investors as the new lead to work on the project and said due to some family emergency he would want to postpone the meeting to the next day. Though investors were not happy with the abrupt change in the plan but then understood as every other details of the project were laid out in front of them.
In few minutes Maan took leave only to meet Geet in the elevator who was ready to slip away from him but then who was she kidding. And as the elevator door closed behind them Maan spoke first shedding away the brave face “Geet are you fine…are you experiencing any pain. And what are you doing alone? This Minal can’t do a thing properly; she was supposed to be with you. I was about to call you we are going home. You need to take rest. I have told you thousand times to take rest properly but why would you listen to me? Haah…”
Rather than answering his question Geet bombarded him with questions “First tell me what you are doing here? You are supposed to handle my project right?”
“First reply me then I would answer” Maan got annoyed.
“No… first answer me…” Geet showed who is more annoyed.
But then the fight would have continued if not the doors of the elevator opened leaving them out of their privacy. Quitely both climbed into the car and as Maan led the car out of the gates of KC the arguements started to flow like water. After few turns and signals both had let their frustration cool down and started answering the other clearing misunderstandings air between them.
Maan stopped the car infront of their home when he said “Geet…it is time you take proper rest and care. I am more worried about the baby. I can take care of the office tensions but not a scuff on you two.”
“But it is just few more days as we had planned earlier then anyways I would be off of your office.” Geet said quite disappointed.
“For me…”Maan said.
“Anything for you…” Geet said agreeing to him and continued “Nevertheless any help, you know where to look for…”
“Offcourse…come I will give you a ride to the bed…” Maan said while passing a loop side smile to her as he picked her up in his arms.
“Only a ride…”Geet said as her fingers started to loosen the tie around his neck and slowly tipping off the buttons to unravel the afternoon delight all for her self. Needless to say what followed rest…
***
Minal was left to wonder what was really happening and only conclusion she deduced was Maan loved Geet but she rejected his offer (both love & promotion) and also left the job to have peace in her marital life. And even after that he has some soft corner towards Geet as he asked Minal to take care of her. Personally Minal didn’t like Maan because he was the reason for which Geet had to leave this office. In all these things she lost a wonderful colleague, senior and also a friend.
She wanted to speak to Geet and keep in touch with her but alas the work load with which her boss gave made it difficult to be in constant touch. Better late than never she finally got a chance on a day after about 2-3 months and was delighted to know that she gave birth to a baby boy a week ego. And now she wanted to meet the mother and the baby but how was they to ask for off or even to leave office early. As boss was nowadays very very rare to appear from past 2 weeks but wanted the work to be perfect. It was only through mails did he correspond even he was not reachable through phone. The previlege to speak was there only with the Arjun, Sasha & Adi and leave was approved by Maan himself at crucial times. He missing in office only left her wishes in abeyance.
But then she was not going to stop trying. Finding a way Minal went to Sasha and news spread like a fire about Geet and her boy. Many who were close to Geet wanted to visit but again the question was who would tie the bell around the cat’s neck. Luckily on the same day afternoon Maan came to office and Sasha took the lead for asking the permission.
Sasha was about to knock the door when Minal stopped her “Ma’m…”
“Yes…Minal” Sasha asked.
“Please don’t mention Geet’s name…boss would get angry and might not let us leave early.” Minal said.
“Hmm…” Sasha responded but then anyways she knew how to tackle the issue too.
Once inside the cabin…
“Boss…” Sasha said “Some of us wanted to leave office today 2 hours early. Actually we all are planning to go to visit Geet and baby.”
Maan was serious till now got a smile on his face remembering the cute buddle of joy.
Minal who was also present thought “Looks like boss still has interest in Geet.”
Hearing no response from Maan, Sasha offered “Boss… why don’t you accompany us?”
And next second the smile vanished as he remembered how Geet had threatened him to leave them and to visit office as Maan was not ready to leave his son. But then Sasha’s offer was so alluring, he can be with his son again… And about Geet…. he can always explain his side to her easily.
Minal thought “may be Boss is scared to face her now.”
“Okay… I will come along?” Maan said and then continued to question about the projects going on.
Minal who was watching Maan’s reaction intently was shocked at the acceptance of Sasha’s proposal.
Geet had messaged the address to Minal of her parent’s guest house which was a bit far from the office. After travelling around for 2 hrs they reached the place, Maan was driving alone in his car while others were coming in Arjun’s car. Everyone thought that Maan would follow Arjun’s car but to be on the safer side Minal messaged Maan the address which Maan didn’t bothered to even check as it was a message from an unknown number.
Both left the car outside the guest house. Everyone gathered at the entrance and waited for Maan to join them so that everyone can enter at once. And also they had to give some importance to boss right.
The door was opened and they were asked to wait in the hall as the servants would call up the Mehra’s. But at the same time Maan’s mobile rang and he excused himself to attend the call and went out towards the lawn to finish it whereas others settled themselves in the hall waiting for someone to show up.
In a few minutes Mr. Mehra, Geet’s father came to greet everyone as bit later Geet to joined all with the little one. Minal was the first one to approach Geet to take the baby from her. Each one of them had one or the other thing to say when they saw the baby. Some enquired about the health of the mother & baby while some were advising them about the precautions to be taken.
For few moments everything seemed to be fine until Sasha who was cuddling the baby asked “Where is your Papa baby???”
In a jiffy Geet replied “Don’t take his name. I had to literally push him out of this home today”
Everyone was dumbfolded ‘Did she just push her prem, her hubby out?’
Adi gave his signature laugh and brought everyone else to reality. Sasha asked “Geet, you are a mother now, how can you do such a thing with your husband.”
For which Geet clarified “He wasn’t even ready to leave him for a second, he hadn’t touched any of his office work.”
Adi said “Its okay Geet, you don’t have to get mad. He is the Boss and he has made sure his subordinates are adept enough to handle situations like this.”
“Adi Sir, You will say like this but I know how everyone needs his attention, I can’t let anyone point their finger at him.” Geet said.
The conversation would have continued if the baby had not interrupted everyone and gained their attention.
“Geet, looks like he is hungry.” Minal said.
“No, he might need a change” said someone else.
“Or, he must be sleepy” said another.
“Let me have a look” said Geet as she took the baby inside.
That’s when Minal asked “Where did Boss go, he didn’t come in to see the baby?”
“He must be busy with the call, better I will check it once” Arjun said as he walked out.
“I think we should leave now, it is getting late too” Sasha said.
“But Boss” Minal said as she didn’t want to leave Boss alone here as she couldn’t deduce what all can happen here.
“Neither is he outside nor his car and even his cell his busy so must be on call too.” Arjun said.
Taking the cue all decided to leave but as Geet was busy with the kid, they informed her parents and took leave.
Minal had a relief as their boss had left without meeting them.
***
Geet put her baby to sleep and came back after a while only to know that all her friends have left. She thought to take a walk around in the mean time as she had to wait for her prem to show up. She wanted to tell him about the visitors who came today. As she strolled in the garden she heard a little murmuring voice. Since it was dark she hesitated to go further but then suddenly she saw some light and a tapping sound on laptop, that’s when she realised her husband was busy on the swing with his laptop.
“I thought you went to office” Geet said breaking his concentration.
“Well I was but came back soon and what are you doing here? It is time for your dinner right then why are you still strolling around?” Maan replied.
“Oh… I got late as Arjun sir, Sasha maam, Adi Sir, Minal and others had come to see us.” Geet said.
“Come to see us means, they left already.” Maan asked.
“Yes, even I didn’t get to say bye to them, it was getting late so left without informing me.” Geet replied. “Wait a second you knew they were here.”
“Yes, I came with them itself, but as I got a call from the client got busy with the work.” Maan responded.
“Uff prem, they were our guests you should be the one to receive them.” Geet cribbed. “this is how you take care of guests?” she continued to question.
“Geet, I didn’t even want to leave you. I would have anyways left it on them to handle this project. It was you, who pushed me into the work and now that I have got involved I can’t get back out in the middle of the discussion with the client.” Maan said.
“That doesn’t mean you ignore your guests.” Geet said.
“Okay, next time I would keep in mind. And for your kind information our staff does understand my position and wouldn’t have minded anything.” Maan replied.
“Yes, Adi sir did mentioned that they will co-operate.” Geet said.
“See, I told you.” Maan said for which Geet could only agree while he continued “Geet, can I ask you something today.”
“You don’t have to think once.” Geet replied.
“Well, I wouldn’t say until you promise on our baby that you will do as I say.” Maan said it as he laid his trap.
“Now, where did that come from? You know I wouldn’t say no to you.” Geet said while she was sceptical about where was he leading this to.
“Okay then you are ready to hear me.” Maan enquired.
“Now, will you stop scaring me, prem” Geet said.
“There you go, you will call me by my name only.” Maan said and before she could answer he continued “You just promised on our baby.”
“You are not supposed to trap me like this.” Geet cribbed but knew there was no escape now but to agree to her husband demand.
****
Days rolled on and the baby was getting all the love and attention from everyone. But as the time passed the work pressure also increased for Maan. New projects pressure and absence of his better half in office was clearly visible to him but he couldn’t have asked Geet to work when their baby needed her all attention and rest is what more required to Geet than the stress of work.
One day it so happened that a project of two residential complex came up for intial presentation and both designs draft sketch were to be prepared overnight as the client was taking holiday for a month long & was in a hurry to kick start their work beforehand itself thereby amplifying the toil on Maan’s shoulder. Though the competent staffs were present in his company last minute evaluation had to be done and also he being the one presenting it should know its content to its minute level. Continous strain to his eyes led him to a deep slumber in a jiffy.
Maan had no idea till what time he slept until he heard Geet saying “Shhh… don’t make too much of sound. Your dad would wake up, he rarely gets rest nowadays. So don’t make too much of noise.”
As if he would follow Geets words. His Dad name itself bought so much happiness to him that he started to giggle and call his dad in his own language.
There couldn’t have been any better way than waking up to the laugh of his kid. Maan looked at him and slowly made his son to rest on his chest. The small kid was more than happy to be on his dad. It was very less time that Maan spent with his son but still the very little time was a memorable one.
Geet tried to intervene as Maan was still sleepy but she didn’t have a say when the father and son duo were together.
Maan always lost track of time while he was with his baby’s but his both baby’s knew how to help him come back on track. Small one cried out as he had to be cleaned and the big one asked him to freshen up as the clock is not going to stop if you are playing with baby.
Maan sighed with his wife comment and his eyes fell on the laptop kept on the side table which bought him to reality that he was supposed to review two reports where as he fell asleep in mid itself. Time gone is gone, he started to hurry up with the things to obtain some time to analyse the reports.
He was in on his way to office when he opened the laptop to look at the reports only to get a sweet surprise. There was a file which had summarized the whole report to help him understand them very fast. Well he didn’t have to think twice to understand who was behind this. In no time his mind started working on present situation as well as future. What beholds for them was quite clear for him. May be time is right to take steps to higher levels.
That day the wait till evening felt like a far affair for him. He had so much in his mind that had to be shared with his wife that every second took hours to pass by. Finally his patience worned out as he made his way out towards his home. It was not just the success of these projects he had to share but also the long awaited dream of his would be true soon.
Geet was waiting for a call from Maan for a long time. She was trying to make her son sleep while she had lot to complain about. Heavens above was thanking their stars as Geet wasn’t complaining anymore to Babaji but the new ear was her own son. He must be thinking its better to sleep without a fuse than to here those complains.
“Don’t know what would have happened? Neither did he call me nor picking my call to explain him about the work I did for him. See Prajwal, your dad had to run away to office before I could tell him and now I am left wondering what happened? Did my efforts paid off. Let him come home we will not talk to him.” These were the last words Baby heard from his mother as he dozed off. But who was to stop Geet, her trail of thoughts was on & on until a hand covered that mouth.
“Enough Geet” Said Maan “Prajwal has slept long back. Whom are you talking to?”
“Really” whispered Geet against Maan’s hand as he gave a little space for her. But that little space was not given for her to speak but to let him cover hers with his lips.
Geet was taken by surprise but that’s not something she could ever resist and she responded with the equal valour. They wouldn’t have left that moment had they not required a little breathe to survive.
***
Three years had passed and she had not seen this building but today she was standing infront of the same premises where she had started her new life, her carrer, her work. She was an amateur at that time and now with the help of her husband, her Maan she will today take over charge officially as Co-MD of KC and MD of Keerti Designs.
She would have been lost in her thoughts when someone tapped on her shoulders. She without looking said “What took you so long?”
“I should ask you that, what took you so long??” said Minal. She was first surprised to see Geet in front of her then happy to have seen her old friend.
“Hey Minal, How are you? I could keep in touch with you. I was so occupied with my life that I could not get time to call up personally anyone.” Geet said feeling little bad.
“Well, I should say sorry to you. I always wanted to be in touch but life became too busy after you left. It is only from past few months that MB has made us relieved. You know how bad the situation was. He was loaded with so much of work and we all had to cope up with his extra anger which used to surface for ever small small things.” Minal said while she left a sigh of relief.
“Really, Then now there isn’t any overload of work?” enquired Geet as she was surprised to hear the repercussions of her Maan’s work.
“Work load and that too less is not a good sign for the business, Geet” exclaimed Minal and continued “New senior people are on board now to fill the gap between the top and lower level people.
“Meaning?” Geet didn’t get what exactly Minal was saying.
“Okay, let me tell you straight, after you resigned, MB couldn’t appoint anyone to fill the gap and the problem started to arise as we used to wait for his time. We used to send the digital versions of the designs and reports to him through mail, but MB had not got time to see them also. With his entire busy schedule we were finally left with no other option but last moment and late evening reviews, needless to say that they killed us mercilessly. But thank god, he showed some pity on us and appointed new Co-MD.” Minal said and continued without giving Geet a chance to speak. “You know few months back, we all started getting replies to our work. Some GK, who is a co-MD to KD. Actually we all are getting officially introduced to her.”
Looking at Geet raised eyebrows Minal continued presuming what may be her next set of questions “Yes it’s her, first we thought it was a guy but later when MB addressed in one of his mail as her, only then we all understood it was her. We are yet to know why she had chosen to stay up behind the screen position till now. Whatever may be the reason we are glad that she came and things sounded better for all of us.”
Geet understood that Minal doesn’t know and now she got a chance to know what they think about her when she is their Co-MD. Though she had known every official thing happening inside, yet there was that small curiosity to know what they thought about her. Did they think that she has gotten this position due to her ability or just because she was Mrs. MSK. So Geet probed Minal a little more. Anyways she just needed to poke a little and Minal was already to share, she forgot her world as she had found her lost friend.
“But Minal I heard that, GK is MB’s wife and that’s why she got this position.” Geet probed further.
“Whatever it may be I only know that she is good her work. I couldn’t get a chance to speak with her but all communications were through mail only. And what I learnt was she is way too professional, when it comes to work. Just like our MB. Sometimes I am reminded of your work style in hers. But more improvised version of yours and also MB’s. I am so excited to meet her too, actually we all are.” Replied Minal as they entered their office.
Geet remembered how her day used to go in a blink in this place, she would have gone more in flashback but she was greeted by many old and new faces in office.
Sasha, Arjun, Jenny, Adi & many others who knew her welcomed her and were catching up with how her life was.
That’s when Jenny asked “How is your son?”
The other one asked “how many years now?”
Yet other person asked “Where is he? Is he here too?”
Before she could answer someone said “Must be busy with Geet’s prem.”
Finally she spoke, “Yes, so true. They both hardly used get time together. Both of them one another and moreover I felt bad because of that too. But now that I am helping him in his office, things have been shaping well between them. I didn’t want him to regret that he wasn’t their when Prajwal grew up.”
“Prajwal, what a nice name…”said the other one. “You should have brought him too.”
“Offcourse he is here too, how can I leave him today? He is with his dad, should be here in a while.” Geet said.
That’s when they heard the laughter of Maan & his son, as they entered the office. Few minutes before Maan was having a great time laughing & playing with his son. But as he entered his office he became all serious and was in his professional mode. To his surprise his son started to imitate his facial expressions. That brought out the laughter from him and yet again his son too started to imitate him.
That’s how everyone saw the father and son duo enter into the office. While everyone was busy at the 7th wonder sight. Little boy Prajwal was busy getting down from his father’s hold as he saw his maa there.
Prajwal ran and tugged Geet to pick him up “Maa, where were you? We were searching you downstairs. We both missed you.”
Geet smiled at her kid as he came running to her “I met your Minal Aunty and didn’t know when we both came up.”
“Ok, next time you take me also with you.” Prajwal said.
“Why, you didn’t like being with your dad?” Geet said speculating what could be his reason.
“No, I enjoy with him too but you will go missing and I will remind you what we are supposed to do.” Prajwal said sweetly for which Geet could only nod her head.
As the mother and son duo were in their own world, Maan reached the podium to introduce his wife as the Co-MD of the organisation who will officially take charge from today. Many who knew Geet before were shocked to know that Maan and Geet were husband and wife. As none could forget how hard he used to be on Geet. She had been their saviour from Maan’s anger from the day she had joined. But what amazed them was how they were unknown of this fact, though they were professional but rumours had made its way till their ears about the undercurrent they shared.
Well the issue was for old known people itself as Geet had been under them before and now she would lead them. Though from past so many months that were done, it didn’t matter as they didn’t know it was Geet.
Sasha, Arjun, Minal, Jenny were all rooted to their places while the Geet took charge in her new cabin. Adi was getting all the official papers signed. All the process was finished and Geet excused from there to meet her old bosses & colleagues. She had to explain her part.
They all had sat in canteen but none were mentally present. Everyone out there was trying recollect how they could miss recognising Geet as Mrs. MSK. But none could actually remember their wedding as they had spent more time roaming around than to pay attention towards the bride or the wedding itself.
“So how was the surprise guys.” Adi said as he passed tea to everyone.
“You knew before itself?” Questioned Minal
“Well, he was the one who prepared all the official documents. So obviously he would know it” told Sasha.
“Actually much before that” Adi said while taking a sip from his cup and continued “You all remember that trip we all had went. That’s when I had got to know the truth.”
“Then why didn’t you share it with all of us Adi sir.” Enquired Jenny.
“To tell you the truth, I had thought it was only me who didn’t remember Geet as MB’s bride. But later realised that all of us were sailing in the same boat.” Adi replied.
“So if MB had not made this announcement, you would have never told us?” Questioned Arjun.
“You guys need to know who I am. My name is Sharma…Aditya Sharma. We don’t announce things unless we are asked for.” Adi said.
“Oh, the James bond great grandson is here. We had forgotten about it” mocked Arjun.
“For your kind information this James bond itself knew this before any one of you.” Replied Adi proudly. ” I know why you all are upset, because she will become your senior from today.”
“What rubbish Adi” said Sasha. ” I had seconded MB’s decision previously too. And this time too I know she will not let Our Company down”
“Then you all must be happy.” Said Adi. “Why keep this hung face”
“She isn’t right in hiding things with us” replied Sasha. “We are her friend’s not just colleagues”
“Well then, when did she hid it? According to her we all attended her wedding. So she didn’t ever had to be introduced as Mrs. MSK. And don’t you remember how kiddish she used to behave with her husband. Sasha, you yourself have advised her to grow up and start understanding in her relationship. Maybe she never clarified our ignorance but what’s wrong in it. She should be loved as a friend for what she is and not because of whose wife she is” Explained Adi.
Geet had come to the cafeteria almost the same time when Adi was serving tea to everyone. Hearing to there talks she realised that they didn’t even know about she being Maan’s wife. She would have been so lost in her world that never did she bothered about what all they would have understood about her. Well though it was a blessing in disguise. Imagine how people would have reacted if they knew she was complaining about her boss to their boss itself. That too about how cruel he is. But she owed an apology for being lost in her own world to both her colleagues cum friends and also to her boss cum husband.
“OK at least now let’s welcome our Geet our new Co-MD.” Said Arjun as he got up from his seat along with everyone else.
As the turned towards the entrance Geet stood holding her ears with apologetic face and said “Sorry guys I hurted your feelings with my ignorance”
“Well then we are also sorry Geet. You are not the only one ignorant” said Minal.
With all difference sorted out the celebration took a new zeal as now everyone were free from the burden of ignorance.
Prajwal was busy exploring his family office, while his grand parents held the duty of watching him.
Geet slowly slipped out of the celebration by her gang to see what her prem sorry her Maan was doing.
The moment she came into his cabin, she was hit back with all those memories with him in this cubical. Some were good some weren’t but now time was not to remember what had happened but to go on with present.
“If you are done with the getting lost in the interiors, you can spare a look at your poor husband.” Maan said bringing her out of her revive. “You will anyways get too busy my Co-MD.”
She smiled hearing to his rattle. Nowadays both father and son won’t stop their sweet complains. Both of them need my attention at the same time and none are ready to give up until they have my full attention both physically and mentally.
Maan got up from his seat as he said “Come here, you can share this chair now.”
Geet declined that saying “No, I will still take little more time for that chair”
She pulled him towards the window to view the reddish orange sky indicating the impending sunset.
He stood right behind her resting is chin on her shoulder as his hands caged her “Thank you Geet”
“Why are you thanking me” she asked.
“You are coming back to office when you still have to give your time to home and Prajwal. I am going to burden you more when your hands are already full just to fulfill my dream.” He replied.
“What to do when I am sandwiched between two perfectionists who are there to turn me also into perfectionist. I should not disappoint them.” She replied
“Two perfectionist” he asked as he couldn’t understand what his wife was saying
“Yes on my left I have my ever loving Pati and on my right I have my strict Boss. Both helps me to be what I am today and in future too.” She replied. “People must be seeing the sunset but I am actually seeing this as an end of one chapter with a promising bright new chapter of our life. Thank you Maan for everything.” She said as she locked herself into him.
THE END
Jeevana.
Jeevana's Fictions 