The dazzling afternoon sun warmed the large modern masculine bedroom that was more formal in its combined tints of cerulean, sable, pearl and pewter.   A seating area in the far corner of the room contained a cream bonded leather loveseat along with its matching recliner chair and footstool so that conversations could be held privately and entertainment may be enjoyed on the 32 inch flat screen.

A contemporary king sized bed with a black mirrored finish took up most of the space in the huge bedroom and was covered precisely with a quilt that had a concentric wave design of alternating grey and white.   The bed's authoritative presence was emphasized due to the dark grey that graced the wall behind this imposing structure.   The opposite wall framed a large mirrored walk-in closet that neighboured a luxurious bathroom in teal tile that enclosed a large shower and bathtub for relaxation and contemplation.

However, this room lacked any conversation, entertainment or relaxation since its owner was a workaholic that shied away from company.   This loner aspired to the belief of using the confines of this bedroom for formal video conferences in the seating area, the flat screen TV as an enlarged computer screen for work and the bathtub had not even had the chance to honour one guest for a calming soak.

On the other hand, contemplation mostly involved angry rants, slammed doors, exasperated huffs and the usual pacing that took place from the entrance of this refuge to the opposite wall that brought in some amiability through its large white pane windows.   Most of the time the windows remained curtained with porpoise linen fabric, but when given the chance some form of nature's wonders would try to provide a sense of needed friendliness.

Currently, the daylight was trying to do its job of soothing the upset owner that kept trekking back and forth but was failing slowly in its task.   The troubled man ran his hands through his glossy dark hair and released a large sigh but kept on walking as he tried to evade the thoughts that wanted to imprison him.   For the umpteenth time, as he neared the walled enclosure, his eyes caught sight of something in the grounds below.

Maan stood still and then leaned his shoulder towards the wall as he kept gazing at the blooming lilac tree.   His head also supported itself against the cool wall and just for a moment his encroaching thoughts took a much needed pause.

Nonetheless that moment was temporary as those thoughts shifted into memories that desired to be relived.   Maan had tried and been successful in keeping his past in its locked box where the key was in a remote location within the deep crevices of his reasoning and understanding.    However, after today's events, he felt helpless as his mind opened the locked box with its hidden key and the memories came tumbling out as the mirages that he rather not visit...

"Mahu, I am coming to Montreal!   Bhai wants me to look over the plans of our expansion so I get to hang out with you for the entire week.   Are you excited because I am?"   The seductive smirk could be heard through the phone line and was met with a flirty giggle in return.

(Note:   Bhai means brother in Hindi.)

"Of course handsome, it has been too long.   Oh but wait!   Jhanvi invited me to this party and I have to make an appearance.   I know!   You can join me!   It is an event that is going to be off the hook."

Maan's smirk broadened into a mischievous grin as he fervently replied:   "I am game, sweetheart!   As long as the person accompanying me is smoking hot!   I have a reputation to uphold as I am known for making a statement.   So tell me, who amongst your girl friends will be joining us?"

An indignant and surprised gasp was heard followed by a shrill voice that held affront at bay:    "Excuse me?   I am sorry, but I am the only eye candy that needs to be present on your arm.   You better know that!"

Maan could not help but laugh at his vexed listener and tried his charms to calm his feminine companion instead:   "Baby, I am kidding!   I just love to rile you up.   You should know that by now.   How long have we known each other?   So you should be well aware that teasing you is one of my favourite past times."

In a pouty but decisive voice that the feminine being believed showed her command while appearing cute, a response was given:   "Well sir, I recommend you choose some alternative forms of amusement because teasing me is NOT FUNNY!   And if someone wants to marry me, they better be on their best behaviour."

The hearty laughter on the other end refused to cease and a breathless husky voice relayed:    "Ooohhh!   I am quaking in my shoes, Mahu!   Wow!   I received a threat from the infamous Miss Mahima Choudhary!   I am so honoured!   Now be a good girl, give your handsome a smile and say goodbye.   I got to run babes.   But I will see you soon!"

A coquettish chuckle was included with the answer:   "Thank your lucky stars Maan that you are good looking and that I give a damn.   Regardless, I am excited to meet up.   Greatest news of today!   Tootles handsome!"

Maan ended the conversation with a satisfied smile:   "Bye Mahu!   Take care."

Maan picked up his keys off the desk and made his way towards the exit to meet up with his friends for a night of fun after a long time.   He whistled all the way to his car as eager thoughts of meeting up with his "Mahu" reverberated to keep the sweet smile of anticipation plastered on his face.

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

https://youtu.be/y_SI2EDM6Lo

Taio Cruz's 'Break Your Heart' featuring Ludacris had people congregating on the large dance floor of the stylish and modern double storey white house.   The vibrant strobing effect matched the beats of the song and the high energy in the room.   Among the crowd, a striking couple was gyrating to the song as the good looking man dressed in a tan v-neck sweater with a blue striped semi-collar dress shirt and dark wash jeans complete with brown lace-up wingtip boots was trying to appease his petulant dance partner.

The man's lovely companion was sheathed in a tight and short sapphire blue strapless dress accentuated with silver rhinestone high heel shoes that highlighted the woman's slim figure which was on display for all to admire.   As she flipped her shoulder length styled tawny hair, she stared at her fiancé in defiance while wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pulling him towards her with mere inches separating their faces.

"Maan, I can't believe you are leaving me to go to London.   I thought we would get married this year!   I so wanted to move with you to Toronto.   Why are you doing this?"

Maan placed his hands on the attractive woman's waist and tried to get a better visual of her features in the interplay of colour and darkness amongst the flashing lights.   He gave a patronizing smile and replied:   "Mahu, this is very important for our business and it is a great opportunity.   Two years are going to fly by in a blink of an eye!   See how I rhymed there!   Plus, we are so young and have only been engaged for a year.   We have plenty of time, sweetie!"

Mahima's expression and eyes remained determined but hurt:   "So is this why you came to visit me?   To inform me of your MBA program and moving to London?   You probably never gave even one thought about what I wanted?   You are no different from my family!   They don't care about me and neither do you!"

Saying so, Mahima untangled herself from Maan's hold and tried to move away but Maan was quick and held on to her while engulfing her in a huge solacing hug.   He got a whiff of Mahima's Burberry Brit Rhythm whose flowery scent always reminded him of dewy lilacs.   Maan tightened his arms around the struggling body and attempted to pacify her ravaged heart.

Maan bent his head lower to get closer to her left ear and said in a whisper with all the emotions he could drum up:   "Baby, please don't be like this.   I can't leave you if you are upset with me.   I want what's best for both of us.   If you want to move to Toronto, then you can always live with my parents.   They love you like I do and just as much."

After hearing Maan's words, Mahima had stopped wrestling and slumped against Maan's chest and extended her arms to his back.   They remained in their warm embrace but in their own individual thoughts as the music had now shifted to Monica's 'Everything To Me'.   The song had its emotional effect and Mahima raised her head from Maan's torso to look at him with tear filled eyes.

Maan stared dumbfounded at Mahima and cupped her face gently.   He shook his head negatively as if to say "Please don't cry".   He grabbed her wrist and moved through the throngs of people trying to seek out a private spot where they could talk freely.   He took notice of the gazebo that was standing in the back yard near the pool.

However, before he could reach his destination, they were stopped by Jhanvi who was clothed in a form fitting siren red white crystal backless dress with her red high heel pumps in her hands.   In her happy daze, Jhanvi failed to notice the distress etched on Mahima's face.   She tilted her head sideways and placed her wrists on her hips as she curiously inquired:   "May I ask where the two love birds are going?   How can you leave my brother's happening party?   Come on, I have to introduce you guys."

Maan was about to respond when Mahima usurped the opportunity by placing her free hand in the crook of Jhanvi's bent arms and moved over to the opposite side.   She forced a smile back at Jhanvi that did not quite reach her eyes and responded stiffly while glaring at Maan:   "We aren't going anywhere, Jhanvi.   Someone has upset me tonight and I don't want to think about it anymore.   I came to this party to have fun!   Lead the way, hon, so I can meet this gorgeous brother of yours that I keep hearing about!

Jhanvi frowned at Mahima and then with the same expression considered Maan but with a quick upward nod and a raised brow to question him.   But Maan provided a reassuring glance and played along for Mahima's peace of mind:   "How about I join you ladies?   It would be very rude not to greet our host.   By the way, what is your brother's name, Jhanvi?"

Jhanvi looked around in her surroundings trying to find someone and distractingly answered:    "Oh, his name is Jai.   Jai Raheja.   And there he is talking to Tarun!"   An impatient Jhanvi could not wait further and shrieked over the already loud music to get her brother's attention.

Mahima took this opportunity while Jhanvi was busy to softly advise Maan with an arrogant glower:   "This conversation is far from over and know that I am very miffed with you.   However, for now, I am going to let it go.   Beware Maan, maybe when you are absent someone will steal me away from you."

Maan returned her haughty scowl with an irresistible grin and pulled Mahima to his side as he gave her quick peck on the lips.   With all the confidence in the world, Maan said:   "No way, Mahu!   You are mine and will remain mine!   No one can snatch you away from me!"

The bedroom door opening brought Maan out of his recollections with a jolt.   He glimpsed in the direction of the intrusion to note Nikhil standing at the entrance of his lair.   He grunted in irritation and suggested:   "I am sure you have heard of knocking, right, Nikhil?   I did not give you permission to enter my bedroom.   Leave me alone!   And if you have specifically come here to talk to me, I have no interest in speaking with anyone.   Got it?"

Nikhil remained in the same position as before and put his hands up in surrender and to protect himself further from any forthcoming wrath.   But his tone and facial expressions remained unaffected and he reprimanded:   "Oh, I understand you very well, my friend.   Nevertheless, there are two women downstairs who are deathly worried about you.   So I wanted to check in to reassure them that you are fine.   I know you want to have a pity party, so go ahead because I am not going to stop you!"

Maan gave a self deprecating laugh as he vacantly gaped at Nikhil.   As his laughter subsided, Maan shook his head and countered:   "It is quite easy to judge me, Nikhil.   Walk a mile in my shoes, buddy.   You will know how it feels.   I loved her with all my heart and she betrayed me in the worse possible way."

Nikhil waited patiently for Maan to open up and add more of his feelings and thoughts to his possible soliloquy and therefore remained silent.   He was not disappointed as Maan continued in an emotionless voice:   "I haven't been able to care for another woman in a similar manner ever since.   I don't trust anyone including myself and I am not capable of loving anymore.   I mourn for the time that was and for what could have been."

"I am grateful to that certain someone who thought enough about me as a human being to tell me the truth about my fiancé.   It must have been so painful for that person to be that honest with a stranger.   But she never faltered.   I wish that wherever she is, that she is happy and pain free unlike me."   Maan ended the conversation by staring out the window toward the lilac trees and failed to notice Nikhil approach him and put his hand gingerly on his shoulder.

Maan turned his head to gaze at the hand and then looked at Nikhil who gave him an encouraging beam and sincerely retorted:   "Thanks for sharing Maan.   I know that was tough for you.   But guess what, I have a solution for you.   Want to hear it?"

Maan perceived the seriousness and genuineness present in Nikhil's demeanor and gave his assent to listen to the plausible resolution.   Without hesitation Nikhil explained further:   "I believe that attending Dr. Raichand's group session and maybe meeting with her individually will help a great deal.   Don't jump down my throat and go ballistic on me!   Just say that you will think about it.   Do it for yourself and us.   It is about time you moved on."

Maan tried to show his opposition and derision towards the idea but hearing Nikhil's words and taking in his entreating look, Maan's shoulder slumped in defeat and acceptance.   He nodded his head and responded:   "I am not promising anything but I will earnestly consider it.    Thanks Nikhil."

Nikhil patted Maan's back and changed the subject:   "That is all I ask.   And before this nice moment turns into you losing it on me, let's go downstairs because Sameer wants to show off his wolf costume.   He is so excited!"

Maan joined Nikhil in walking out of his sanctuary but the notions still plagued him:   "I know Nikhil wants what is best for me.   But how do I explain to him that I am unable open up to someone and it is all too agonizing.   I don't see any hope in sight."

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

Author's Note:

Welcome to the long awaited weekly update!   I have been so overwhelmed with the tremendous response these two weeks.   The increasing reads, amazing comments, beautiful messages, shared thoughts and incredible votes have been so inspiring!   From the bottom of my heart:   THANK YOU SO MUCH!

This week Maan made an appearance!   So how was it?

What did you think about Maan's surroundings and how he deals with his personal life?

What was your opinion about Maan's past?

What did you think about Mahima?   Have you changed or solidified your judgment of her?

And the question that concerns many of you, are you seeing some commonalities between Geet and Maan?   Do enlighten and inform me.   I would love to hear from you!

What did you think about Nikhil's proposal?   Do you think Maan will consider it seriously?

So the book contest is still in play!   There are many chapters that require suppositions on the emotion, feeling or incidence relating to mental health.   So all guesses 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...