Breakfast had been a fun affair since the twins had a new person for company and Nausheen had an additional person to pamper.   Sarah had enjoyed all the extra attention even into lunch time.   For the Raichand clan, while Sarah might not be a permanent fixture, she was a regular visitor and an honorary family member with whom outings were planned and organized.   As much as those scheduled incidences were a boon and an absolute pleasure, unexpected and surprising drop-ins from Sarah were considered an indulgence to say the least!

After a delectable lunch filled with funny stories, teasing anecdotes and lots of laughter; Rohan and Maya were in their energetic modes and were itching to do something fun with their two favourite people.   Sarah's decision to go to the park had made the twins giddy in excitement.    Geet was glad to follow suit seeing such jubilation on her babies' faces and silently prayed that their cheerfulness and safety always remained paramount.

Nausheen had her already fixed and standing second Saturday appointment with the ladies of her book club and bridge party that would take her well into the night.   She observed all the fun that her family was going to partake in and wanted to participate as well.   She even resorted to making excuses, bad-mouthing the gossiping ladies and whined similarly to the twins.

For the most part, Geet had bore Nausheen's tantrum with amusement.   In the current moment, Nausheen had appeared miffed and turned her body away from Geet while crossing her arms on her chest and stomping her foot showing her displeasure at not being allowed to break her arrangement and have fun with her nearest and dearest.   Geet had shaken her head and approached Nausheen from the back.

Geet placed her hands on both of Nausheen's shoulders and turned her around.   She lowered her head slightly to look into her deputy's upset eyes and began:   "Amma, I love you, you know that right?   You are always taking care of us.   You look after our needs, our wants, our health and our well being.   You deserve a break.   Just to do something for you and with your peers.   Don't you think?"

Finally, Nausheen had raised her eyes to meet those of Geet's and her rant continued but in a subdued fashion as she relayed:   "Great!   So you think that all of you are a burden on me?    You believe that this is an obligation of sorts for me?   And that is why I need a 'break' from you?   Well, glad I know my worth!   Thanks Geet!"

Exasperated, Geet threw her hands up in frustration and then ran her fingers through her curls as she eyed Amma critically.   Knowing that the adopted mother-daughter duo was going to embark on an argument, Sarah deftly stepped in and took Nausheen aside to confer discreetly.    Geet stood on her tip toes and craned her neck and ear towards the pair to listen in on their conversation but was quite unsuccessful.

After a few minutes, Nausheen and Sarah appeared in front of Geet and the former had a slight smile on her face.   Nausheen contritely looked at Geet and then caressed her cheek saying:   "Okay honey!   You are right.   I am sorry for over reacting.   You are just thinking about what is best for me.   I am glad Sarah is here."

Geet frowned and followed Nausheen's movements as she went in the direction of her room to get ready for her outing.   Once Nausheen had disappeared, Geet faced Sarah and fixed her with an inquiring gaze and asked:   "What was that?   And what did you say to Amma?"

Sarah looked nonchalantly at her nails observing some of the chips in her coral nail polish and uninterestedly replied with a shrug of her shoulders:   "What?   I did not say anything to her.    Some of us just have the gift of understanding others.   Just because you are lacking, don't blame me!   I helped you and instead of being grateful, you question me?"

The teasing smirk on Sarah's countenance had Geet lament in an imploring manner with her eyes heavenward and her hands joined in entreaty as she begged while shaking her head:   "Why, God, why?   Why am I surrounded by such demented drama queens?   I thought you loved your child.   But no, you just want me to suffer."

Sarah's jaw hit the floor and she rushed towards Geet and playfully swatted her arm:   "You little minx!   As if you are any better than us! Amma, did you hear what Geet said?"   Saying so, Sarah rushed to tell Amma all about Geet's re-enactment with the aim of sabotage in mind.

Geet wore a sad but triumphant smile as she saw the retreating form of Sarah and cogitated:   "If I keep Sarah pre-occupied throughout the afternoon and evening, I can avoid the dreaded discussion.   Sorry my dear friend, but I just don't want to talk about things.   It hurts too much."

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Packing her adorable twins, beloved Amma and delightful friend in her Escalade, Geet drove off to the home of Nausheen's bridge partner.   As they stood in the driveway, Geet had ensured that Nausheen was aware of their plans after the park and had promised to pick her up when Amma's evening had come to an end.   All of this was followed by strict instructions to Nausheen to have fun.   An appreciative Nausheen had gathered Geet in a sweet hug and bade her farewells lovingly to the trio as well.   Geet left the location so that her troop could get started on their entertainment in the form of an outdoor excursion.

Settling the kids in the play area near the swings and slides, Geet sipped her hot green tea while Sarah was enjoying her chilled mocha coffee that they had bought on their way to Blumsen Park.   Geet kept an eye on the kids and took notice of her surroundings that were filled with other nuclear families, couples and pets.

After some time, a restless Geet proposed a walk around the park to which Sarah had readily acquiesced.   Sarah strode in silence alongside Geet for a while and then broke the tranquility by softly stating:   "So are we going to talk now?   Or do you think that I would forget?   Or maybe you want to keep me diverted?   That is the plan, isn't it?"

Having been caught in the charade, Geet appeared mortified and astonished.   Sarah scrutinized the reaction and continued gently:   "Come on, Geet!   I know you, just like you know me.   I am very familiar with what you do to avoid any form of discussions."

Geet sighed heavily and offered:   "Okay, so you found me out.   However, this place is not appropriate for this conversation.   Sarah, I promise that we will talk about this today.   For now, I want to relish the joy and happiness on my kids' faces.   Can we just indulge in this small moment?   Please?"   Seeing Geet's beseeching expression and hearing her heartfelt request, Sarah had agreed.   She understood that instances like these ones were too few for her workmate and letting her treasure them was the only considerate thing to do.

Since the important discussion was tabled, the two women had moved on to socialize with other nearby friendly parents and watch the lovable Rohan and Maya interact with other kids their age.   Sarah from time to time would observe Geet, especially her behaviours and expressions that emanated warmth and bliss because of her darling children.   It was hard not to be influenced by this carefree Geet who was able to generate a smile even on the visage of a pensive Sarah as she made up her mind:   "My dearest Geet, I want to see this very personality flourish in every aspect of your life.   And I will make sure it does, by any means necessary."

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Sarah continued on her mission as she stated:   "But sweetie, talking will help."

So for Sarah the time had finally arrived.   Cooking dinner with Geet and the twins was a riot!    Since the twins were tuckered out from the day's activities, an early dinner was deemed to be the best option.   Afterwards, the kids had opted to watch one of their many classic Winnie the Pooh collection movies that allowed the adults to have their dinner with minimal interruptions.

It had been close to 20 years since "The Tigger Movie" was released but Rohan and Maya found the adventures of Pooh and his friends to be fun and imaginative.   This was a great thing since the entire Raichand household including Sarah had an affinity for the 'Hunny' loving bear and his comrades.

Once they were seated at the table enjoying their vegetable stir fry and brown rice with a Merlot to wash down their meal, Sarah took the bull by the horns and broached the sensitive topic since she felt that her time was limited in the rodeo ring to make Geet open up to her.

With her mouth full, Geet refrained from giving deterrent answers to all of Sarah's prodding that had not stopped for even a minute when they were finally alone.   She knew from Sarah's 'dog with a bone' tendency that she was not going to let up.   But in Geet's mind, she had agreed to the conversation, not to necessarily participate in it.

Reflecting on Sarah's current statement, Geet remained unconvinced and stared at Sarah with her face and eyes shuttered and free of emotion as she took a long time to chew her food.   She couldn't help but utter defiantly after she was done with her task:   "Sarah, I am not your patient.   Don't try those tactics on me."

A visible red flush diffused over Sarah's features as she stared at Geet in anger and retaliated in a somewhat raised voice as she clunked her fork against the Corning ware plate:   "Okay Geet!    Then let's be honest.   You have not been in a relationship or displayed interest in a man in the last five years.   If someone even shows a hint of attentiveness, you shut them down quick!   And don't you dare deny it!   I know the reason!   It is all because of that dirt bag!"

Geet was affronted and tried to respond but Sarah in her anger would not stop her raging tirade as she continued with frustration embedded in her voice:   "That idiot was at fault.   He cheated on YOU!   You did nothing wrong.   I understand, you were wounded because he slept with your room mate, Mahima.   I never trusted that girl!   They are BOTH losers.   Why have you been punishing yourself and stopping yourself from finding happiness?"

Sarah was far from done and failed to notice the angry tears that stayed in the confines of Geet's glittering eyes.   They did not pursue their journey towards gravity only due to the sheer will power on Geet's part as she refused to break down.   Sarah added her last blow as the tint of anger spread to her neck:   "That bastard couldn't even be bothered when your mom was in the hospital and you needed someone beside you.   Why do you even give him any importance?   You should not be affected by him.   I don't understand you!"

Geet was no longer in control of her emotions.   She abruptly got up from the dinner table and took her glass of wine to the kitchen island.   With shaky hands, she topped her glass and leaned her upper body supported by her arms against the surface.   By this time, Sarah had approached Geet and tried to give her a side hug but Geet readily moved away.   She took her glass of wine and swiped the tears that found their pathway down her cheeks to face Sarah with her own visible wrath.

Through gritted teeth, Geet infuriatingly retorted:   "ENOUGH Sarah!   You are one to talk.   You haven't been with anyone since Jeremy either!   So don't judge me.   And I don't care about Jai. He just reminds me of a time when things were so different for me.   I am over him.   So don't worry, I am fine!"

Sarah moved quickly towards Geet and stood in front of her with her arms folded around her in protection and responded back with distress in her voice:   "Oh Geet, you know better than that.   Jeremy died and I loved him!   It has been four years and I am quite aware of that.   I know my issue.   I can't let him go because I still feel his love around me.   Your situation is unlike mine, so don't compare."

Geet took some cleansing deep breaths and kept wiping her tears in futility.   Sarah had also started to become emotional but refused to tear her gaze away from Geet's.   Geet was the first one to reach out her hand to Sarah in comfort.   In her anger and vexation, Geet had lashed out at her friend and this gesture was meant to sooth and represented an apology.

In a hesitating and whimpering voice, Geet replied to Sarah with a lowered gaze into her wine glass:   "You are right, Sarah.   My situation is different than yours.   You experienced true love.   All I experienced was betrayal, pain, jealousy and rejection from the one I loved and from a so-called friend.   Jai broke my heart and Mahima broke my trust."

Somehow Geet found the courage to look up at Sarah when she felt Sarah's hand in hers and she continued in a choked voice:   "I never doubted Mahima because she was engaged to a family friend of hers that she had known for a long time.   And I believed Jai because he assured me of his feelings and commitment.   I felt such the fool when I caught them together!"

Sarah squeezed Geet's hand in comfort and quickly reacted:   "Sweetie, it happened a long time ago and you are not the same person anymore.   You are smart, stunning, settled and have so much to offer someone.   It is time to venture out and find your destiny!"

Geet had this faraway look as she was lost in her memories and resumed her thoughts as if Sarah had said nothing at all:   "You know the best thing I did?   I called up Mahima's fiancé who was studying in London at the time and I told him what Jai and Mahima were doing for months.   Mahima and I became friends as she stayed with my family for two years because of her family troubles.   And this is how she repaid me?   She was always so secretive and seemed unhappy about her engagement.   I am so glad I never met the guy because I would have been abashed."

Sarah softly but forcefully turned Geet's face in her direction and said emphatically with glassy eyes but a strong voice:   "This is what I am talking about Geet.   Why should you feel even an ounce of embarrassment?   You are the victim.   You are carrying the guilt of other people and it stops right this minute.   I have decided that we are both going to date.   You are going to help me find someone and I will do the same for you.   Do we have a deal?"

Detecting denial from Geet's facial expressions and eyes, Sarah quickly reinforced:   "Geet, I am not taking no for an answer.   Enough is enough.   So are we in a pact?"

Geet glimpsed up at Sarah with uncertainty but perceiving Sarah's resolve, Geet tentatively nodded her head in assent.   Sarah appeared extremely pleased with this new agreement and Geet's small smile that resembled more a grimace encouraged Sarah further.

Nonetheless Geet could not stop her depreciating thoughts:   "How do I make Sarah understand that no man will ever want to be with a woman who is so broken and has the added responsibilities of twins?   And I will not risk the future of my angels for any man.   They are everything to me and I will not let anyone hurt me or them."

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Author's Note:

Welcome to the weekly update!   I am so lucky to have loyal readers that look forward to the new chapters.   Your views, comments, messages, thoughts and votes are a great boost!   THANK YOU SO MUCH for the encouragement!

This week Geet was back!   So how was it?

If Nausheen was around, do you think Sarah would have been able to talk to Geet?

What is your opinion of Sarah now that you have had a glimpse into her personality?

Did you expect Geet's breakdown after her flashback and reactions to Jai in previous chapters?

And yes, the question on everyone's mind, what do you think about this Mahima?   Do enlighten me.   I would love to hear from you!

So the book contest remains on-going!   There are many chapters that require guesses on the emotion, feeling or incidence relating to mental health.   So any predictions are welcomed!   If correct, I will read the first chapter of your book and provide comments along with a shout out to the winner on my conversation board!

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...