On a busy and important day, Geet was running late herself and was running behind her kids to get them ready and out the door. Neither time nor luck was in her favor this morning. Geet was going to be spending her entire day at SRK as she had two presentations arranged for the morning and the afternoon. She needed to leave early since she had a slightly longer drive ahead than her usual commute to the hospital. Moreover, she was going to meet with Nikhil beforehand to discuss the process of progress reporting, her ideas for the executive session and any other applicable details. While being excited at the prospect of presenting, she was anxious too since this was not how she thought her morning would kick off!

The previous night for Geet had been restless. It was filled with images and voices that she kept under lock and key during her waking hours. So they had made house in her subconscious mind and came out to play whenever she sought for a tranquil sleep. She had woken up before her alarm but not as refreshed as she would have preferred. As she got up from the warm cocoon of her bed, she could feel the after effects associated with both lack of sleep and the ensuing nightmares in the form of a splitting hurtful migraine. From prior experience, she knew that this headache would probably stay with her throughout the day. She abhorred taking the prescribed migraine pills but for today she had no other choice.

As the morning continued, her hair dryer decided to go on the fritz, so her hair was not styled and remained wet. After that slight mishap, the dress suit that she had picked out to wear was nowhere in her closet as she belatedly recalled that it was still at the dry cleaners. So that was it for her plan to have at least an idea on her clothes and shoes before she gave attention to the needs of Maya, Rohan and Nausheen.

Slightly irritated, she went to wake up the kids but both were not willing to cooperate even when Geet tried to coax, cuddle and sweet talk them. She even resorted to plain manipulation and bribery! Despite these efforts, nothing seemed to work with Rohan or Maya, until she lost it a little and ended up raising her voice to scold her kids. Their reactions and sad puppy faces were enough to solidify her belief that the day had one of the worst starts already and it had not even begun yet.

Nausheen was troubled by the occurrence, as she gently squeezed Geet's shoulder and then turned her around to ask: "Is everything okay, honey? It sounds and looks like someone got up on the wrong side of their bed. All will work itself out; just take some deep breaths, hmmm?"

Geet heavily sighed and gave a resigned smile: "You are right Amma. I just woke up with a migraine and did not sleep well last night. Plus, I am running late and the kids are not helping."

Nausheen reassuringly smiled back and gave Geet a quick side hug: "Don't worry, beta! What am I here for, eh? You go and get ready. I will take care of the kids. Come on!"

(Note: Beta means daughter or son in an endearing manner, and in this context, daughter)

Geet did not seem happy with this turn of events. She liked doing things for the twins herself. Plus, they were upset with her; she had to make it up to them. Geet hesitated but with resolve shook her head: "No Amma, I really want to make breakfast for the twins. I promised them yesterday. It will only take a few minutes. I should be good after that."

Lovingly Nausheen started walking Geet towards her room as she still had Geet wrapped up in her side hug: "Geet, it is alright. I will take care of breakfast and you can spend time with your babies when you drop them off at day care. Sometimes you won't be able to do everything as you hoped, and it is okay. I am here to support and help you. Plus, I want time with my grand kids. So go!"

Geet knew she had lost the argument when Nausheen added her pouty lips and sad eyes when she spoke about spending time with the kids. Giving in, Geet nodded her head sagely and thought: "Amma is using the same tactics that the kids use on me. I am sure they taught her this! I am not safe in my own home."

Presuming that she got her own way, Nausheen stopped any further responses by releasing Geet from the encapsulating side hug. She quickly turned around in the opposite direction and then swatted Geet playfully on the backside. Having been caught by surprise and feeling slightly fooled, Geet looked back with a slack jaw in shock and hands on her hips in indignation. Geet's expressions only fueled the prankster in Nausheen who sent a smirk and a wink in response and then quickly disappeared into the twins' room. As Geet stood there alone, she finally had a twinkle in her eye and thought maybe this meant her day would gradually improve.

However, that was not to be! Geet's wet hair had decided not to do her bidding so she had to let it be and wear it in its natural state, which she hated doing as to her it did not look as professional and made her look younger. She decided to achieve some semblance by arranging it half up and half down giving it an appearance of control and organization among the unruly curls.

She had to settle for her charcoal skirt suit which was fine and properly tapered her in all the right places and she even liked it as it was modest. However, the issue was the accompanying black silk and lace camisole that she had to choose because nothing else in her closet matched the suit or looked right. By no means, was the camisole inappropriate but due to her ample bosom, the camisole left her feeling a little self conscious. Today, of all days, she did not want to feel that way and was glad that her hair could at least cover up some of those insecurities.

She chose her princess peep toe heels in dark grey to finish her outfit and took a critical look in the mirror. Well, this will have to do and I look fine to present. It is not like anyone is going to be that discerning and as if I could garner that sort of attention. She scoffed at herself and left the room.

Geet was catching the last of breakfast with the kids. It seemed with a quick kiss to Maya's cheek and a loving ruffle to Rohan's head brought a beam to the former and a grin from the latter, and in turn had restored the balance towards good feelings again. She was relieved as the thought entered her mind: "Kids are so easy to please and don't hold grudges. Adults can learn so much. I should take this as a sign that my day is definitely looking up."

Grabbing a go-to mug for her green tea and a breakfast bar, and then proceeding towards the living room to gather her stuff for work; she started loading the car as the kids prepared to leave. Giving their bags a final check along with instructions, Geet finally made it out of the door and packed Rohan and Maya into her SUV but she still had not caught up to time yet.

Of course, there had to be traffic that plagued her woes additionally but Geet had decided on a refined attitude and not to let anything get her down. She consoled herself that at least she made it to the kids' day care without getting them late. She helped them out of their car seats and was walking them towards the day care when she became aware that her kids were communicating with each other wordlessly while holding onto Geet's hands. Geet decided to let them be for the moment and addressed them instead: "Okay guys, have a great day and lots of fun. Amma is going to pick you up today but I will see you later tonight. Bye my cuties!"

As Geet left to advance towards her car, Rohan piped up: "Mama, today at day care we are going to try out for our fairy tale plays. Everyone has to take part. What if I don't like it?"

Maya decided to join the debate and added: "Mama, Miss Lacey said we could be princesses or other cute animals. What if I don't get to be cute?"

Geet's advancement suddenly stopped and she turned around to look down at Rohan and Maya while doing some quick thinking: "How do I placate and encourage my kids at the same time in the smallest amount of time with the fewest words? Think Geet, think! You can do this!"

Geet bent down and held both of the twins' hand in hers comfortingly and then haltingly relayed: "My dear Rohan, without trying how will you know if you like something. So let's at least give this a chance okay? You might find that it is fun, you never know. As for you Miss Maya, whatever role is given to you; you will always be my cute princess. Don't worry, okay? So, are we good? I promise, tonight, you can tell me all about it and we will figure everything out. How does that sound?"

Geet looked on hopefully at both while moving her head side to side after finishing her small speech. The kids shouted: "Yeaahhh!" Geet was able to take a quick cleansing breath and added a joint goodbye hug encompassing them both before Maya and Rohan ran off merrily towards the day care. Geet got up from her position to trot quickly towards her car as she thought: "Good job, Geet! Another crisis averted from the Raichand household! You deserve a badge and a pat on the back. Where is the applause when you want it?"

Slowed down further by traffic and her continued but weakened headache, Geet made it to SRK Conglomerates with about 10 minutes to spare. In her rush and anxiety, the green tea was consumed but the breakfast bar was forgotten. She finally felt relieved and a little relaxed. After ensuring that she had all her belongings, she entered SRK and went towards the large reception desk.

Geet introduced herself and offered her business card to the pleasant girl manning the desk: "Good morning! I am Dr. Geet Raichand from Surrey Memorial Hospital. I am the presenter for the mental health group seminars. I was told to meet with Mr. Nikhil Sawant first though. I am sure he is expecting me; so if you could guide me towards his offices, it would be most appreciated." Without asking for any other details, the receptionist gave Geet the needed instructions and informed her that she would notify Mr. Sawant of Geet's arrival as he was in the office waiting for her.

Geet hurriedly followed all the directions and strode towards Nikhil's office with determined and quick steps. She did not want to get lost nor waste any more time. She finally spotted Nikhil's office. Before approaching Nikhil's door, Geet decided that she deserved a moment to take a deep breath to slow her slightly racing heart and to adjust her dress and hair to look presentable. As the moment came to an end, she walked towards the door and raised her hand to knock.

Before she could even complete this action and receive permission to proceed into the office, the door was flung open with a flourish and a strong barrier knocked Geet off her feet enough that she teetered on her heels backwards. Her only fearful thought was: "Oh God, please don't let me fall on my behind with my skirt hiked up! Last thing I need..." And then suddenly, she felt a strong grip to her elbow stabilizing her but at the same time causing a jolt of electricity through her arm.

Startled and finding herself not on the floor but standing, Geet looked up at the barrier and was taken aback by the dark alluring brandy eyes staring at her with something akin to surprise followed by exasperation. Feeling that she was stable enough, Geet tried to extricate her arm from the strong grip and the energy flow but it was not released as the barrier wanted to ensure and assess that she had truly straightened. So the barrier questioned: "Are you alright?"

Geet automatically answered as she believed that it would help her get dominance back over her own elbow: "Yes, I am fine. I am so sorry about that. I did not know..."

She was rudely interrupted by a husky voice: "Be glad that someone strong was able to save you from harm. Next time, you might not be so lucky." And just as abruptly as her elbow had been grasped, it was just as swiftly liberated. The barrier then brushed past her and moved away without even a backward glance. The entire event left Geet with a dropped jaw, flustered eyes and heavy breathing. She was absolutely incensed but was speechless as though her ever active mind had gone completely blank.

At that precise moment, she felt a presence by her side that tapped her lightly on her shoulders as if to gain her attentiveness. As Geet looked towards her distraction, she identified him as Nikhil and tried to gather herself. Unaffected, Nikhil softly inquired: "Are you okay, Dr. Raichand? Please let me apologize on behalf of..."

Embarrassed and flushed while trying to attain her wits about her, Geet interjected with a small smile: "Please, Mr. Sawant, no apology necessary. You did not do anything. I am fine. I was just a little surprised. That's all."

Wanting to make Geet comfortable, Nikhil changed the subject: "Did you find the offices okay? If you have some time, let's take a moment to catch up. Then I will take you to the conference room. Would you like some coffee or tea?"

Having been given a way out not to dwell on the upsetting incident, Geet made up her mind to participate in the friendly conversation. As the pleasantries continued, Geet's mind reeled with various considerations and emotions: "I am so mad! My day has not gotten better even after all my efforts and a change in attitude. Plus, how arrogant! Oooohhh! He looked familiar though, didn't he? Ugh... what do I care, it is not like I am going to run into that ogre again!"

After this final thought, nothing else registered further, as the time finally arrived for Nikhil to walk Geet over to the conference room for her presentation and she had to really focus on the task at hand.

*******************

Author's Note:

As promised, I am back with a special treat! Here is the first part of your double update. The next chapter will be up on its regularly scheduled day! Tomorrow!

Thanks to all the readers that commented, voted, messaged, added the book to their reading list and/or silently viewed this story. Your patronage means the world and helps me as a writer! This week, attaining the goal was the push I needed to get through writing a difficult scene...

So have you ever had a bad start to a day where nothing worked out as you planned? What nightmares do you think afflict Geet? Did Geet deal with the morning's hurdles in a manner that you expected? Who was the barrier? What did you think about Geet's attitude and thoughts throughout the chapter?

I am still running my contest. Since this book deals with mental health, every chapter so far has a theme that depicts a certain emotion, feeling or incidence. The reader who is first to figure out that emotion for any of the ten chapters, will get a read and comment on the first chapter of their book of choice. So start guessing!  

June 11, 2017: crescendo_s guessed the right emotion and theme of this chapter!   Congratulations!   It was both patience and perseverance!   Great job!   I look forward to reading and commenting on "Destined Choice."

Please share your views and comments because they mean the most. And if you enjoyed or liked the chapter, feel free to show your affection by clicking on the little star! Until next time...