Geet observed Nikhil walking up the rows accompanied by a beautiful woman dressed breathtakingly in a short light pink chiffon dress with contrast black lace detailing for short sleeves that was paired with strappy single sole blush pink heels and a black leather clutch.   As their approach neared, Geet's face remained welcoming with a smile.   Her equanimity was necessary as she could feel the glances of Nikhil's group along with her family's fixed on her countenance as if measuring her reaction.

Nikhil placed his hand on the small back of his companion and introduced her to the group:  "Ahalya, this is Dr. Geet Raichand.   She is the psychologist that is currently heading the workplace mental health initiative for Surrey Memorial Hospital in which SRK is participating.   And Geet, this is my lovely wife, Ahalya Sawant.   I am so glad that both of you are finally meeting."

With her smile intact, Geet extended her hand for a brief shake that was returned, with an added beaming smile from the attractive woman.   Geet began with introductions of her group to both Nikhil and Ahalya.   In the middle of the process, she felt a tug on her dress and examined Maya with inquisitiveness.   Maya beckoned Geet to her level with her hand.   Geet obediently lowered herself on the balls of her feet.

Maya gently moved some of the hair away from Geet's ear and whispered while cupping her hand to hide her lips:   "Mama, I want to meet the pretty lady too!   When is it my turn?"   Geet could not bottle her amused laughter as she tenderly pulled Maya's cheeks in affection and announced:   "Darling, I think it is your turn now."

Geet stood up gracefully and faced Ahalya while she placed her hand on Maya's shoulder for a side hug and with a chuckle stated:   "Mrs. Sawant, I would like you to meet my angel, Maya.   She is enthusiastic to make your acquaintance!   And this is my son, Rohan.   Kids, say hello to Ahalya Auntie."

Rohan shyly waved his hand in greeting while Maya moved away from Geet to stand in front of Ahalya.   She looked up at the adult while twirling her red cape and replied:   "Hi auntie!   I like the costume you made for Sam.   It is very scary.   And uh- I like your hair.   It is so nice."

Ahalya could not help the grin that graced her face at the adorable child's compliment.   She tapped Maya's cheek playfully and responded happily:   "Thank you cutie!   You are such a good little Red Riding Hood."

Maya bashfully accepted the praise.   Geet was proud of her kids for their manners and openness.   She noticed Sam standing beside Nikhil but remaining quiet and looking down.   She made her way towards the young child and extended her hand in a friendly gesture:   "Hi Sameer!   I am Rohan and Maya's mom, Geet.   You did so well as a wolf.   And I have a secret to tell you.   You want to hear it?"

Sameer looked at the person who was standing before him for a few moments and then timidly shook his head in accordance.   Geet kneeled beside the child and then whispered in the same manner as Maya had done previously with her.   Sameer's emotionless face gradually transformed into a full set of giggles.

Geet finished her task and then leaned backwards to contentedly watch Sameer who then also involved her in his joy by continuing with his chortles.   With a twinkle in her eye, Geet softly relayed:   "So this is our secret, right Sameer?"   Sam readily agreed with repeated nods of his head.

"I am sorry that we were not formally introduced.   I am Shanti Devi Khurana, this munchkin's great grandmother.   And you are?"   The older arresting figure was swathed in a painted long silk scarf top in sky blue with bursts of dark pink, white and black that was complemented with white linen slacks and white braided flat sandals.

Geet joined her hands in greeting and politely said:   "Namaste, Mrs. Khurana.   I am Geet Raichand, Maya and Rohan's mom.   Sameer and I are getting to know each other so we can become friends.   Right, Sameer?"

(Note:   Namaste is a greeting used to say hello and is a sign of respect.   It is not only for Yoga!   Namaste is another word for Namaskar and means 'bowing to you'.)

Sameer looked up at his BD with a smile that reached the depth of his eyes.   Shanti Devi was quite taken aback by the change in her great grandson's demeanor.   She knew from experience that Sameer took a while to warm up to strangers especially adults, but this young woman seemed to possess a magic of sorts that transformed and affected Sameer for the best.

(Note:   BD is the nickname that Sameer has given to Shanti Devi instead of referring to her as Badi Dadi, which means Great Grandmother.)

Nikhil had been silently witnessing the interaction between Geet and Sameer.   He turned around as he felt the hair at the back of his neck stand up and noted his good friend paying close attention to this exchange as well.   However, Maan's features were marred by a frown and his eyes displayed consternation.   Nikhil raised his left eyebrow in question but Maan shook his head and became busy with his mobile as if he did not have a care in the world.

Shanti Devi caressed Geet's face lightly and retorted gratefully:   "Jeeti Raho, beta.   It is so nice to meet you.   Nikhil has been telling me about the work that you are doing at SRK.   We are very lucky to have you and your team in charge of ensuring the well-being of our employees.   They are like a family to us and now you complete that circle."

(Note: '  Jeeti Raho' in Hindi translates to a blessing for a long life.   Beta means daughter, son or child.)

Geet was overwhelmed and speechless by the sentiments expressed by Shanti Devi Khurana.   Her thoughts raised the question in her mind that she dare not voice:   "How can this sweet and kind woman be related to the ogre?   He must be adopted.   I am sure of it."   She became choked with emotion but tried her best to control it.   She decided that the appropriate manner to deal with this situation was to instill a distraction.

However, before she could put her plan in action, Nikhil had come to the rescue by enclosing Shanti Devi around the shoulders and teasingly countered:   "Dadima, you are embarrassing Geet and making her uncomfortable.   Geet, please don't feel that way.   Dadima is an emotional being and is quite impressed by all that you are doing.   On that note, I received all the update reports and am glad that a number of employees have participated in the group seminars.   Do you have a couple of minutes to discuss a few things?"

(Note:   Dadima means grandmother in Hindi.)

Shanti Devi considered Nikhil with a stern expression as she swatted Nikhil on the hand that was resting on her shoulder in reprimand.   Nikhil quickly removed his hand with a painful hiss.   With a scowl marking her gentle features, Shanti Devi conveyed her decision strictly:   "Nikhil!   You are no better than Maan.   Geet is here to enjoy her precious time with her family.   And you want to discuss work with her, right now?   Do so on Monday!   For now, I want to speak to Geet about a very important matter.   So if you could please excuse us."

Shanti Devi's tone of voice indicated that no discussions, arguments or disagreements would be tolerated.   Nikhil knew this side of his 'dadima' very well and raised his hand in defeat and surrender as he backed away slowly.   Even though, Geet was a stranger to the proceedings, she knew that concurring with this authority figure was in her best interest as well.

Nikhil took Sam along with him as he left the duo alone as per the firm request.   He was weighing in on which group's discussion to join when Sameer let go of his hand and took off to where Maya and Rohan were playing.   He viewed the lively conversation occurring between Ahalya, Sarah and Rob while Nausheen and Kathy seem to be discussing something serious.   However, his attention was drawn to the lone figure who remained aloof.   Nikhil smirked and made up his mind to aid Maan in bringing him out of his shell.   Nikhil's mind snickered evilly:  "Plus, bugging and teasing Maan is so much fun!"

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

Shanti Devi escorted Geet a slight distance away to a row of empty seats and signaled Geet to have a seat.   Nervously, Geet took her place and started to wring her fingers as she looked in every other direction except Shanti Devi's.   Shanti Devi cleared her throat causing Geet to meet the matriarch's eyes directly.

Shanti Devi sent a reassuring smile to Geet and addressed her gently:   "Don't be afraid, child.   I wanted to take this opportunity to get to know you as I have heard such delightful things.   Moreover, I wanted to apologize to you."

Geet's anxiety shifted to confusion as she asked with her widened eyes:   "Apologize?   For what, Mrs. Khurana?   If I am not mistaken, we are meeting for the first time.   I fail to see why you would need to apologize to me."

Shanti Devi heavily sighed and took the young woman's hand in her own as she answered:   "May I call you Geet?"   After a receiving a confirming nod, Shanti Devi continued:   "Geet, I need to apologize for my grandson and great grandson's behaviours.   Maan is prickly to say the least and is very protective of his work and time.   By no fault of your own, you have been subjected to some very rude remarks and hurtful things towards your family.   For that, I would like to apologize to you."

For the second time this evening, Geet had been left tongue-tied by this warm and dynamic woman.   She was touched by the view point but decided to correct the respected elder's misconception:   "Mrs. Khurana, the incident between Sameer, Rohan and Maya has long been forgotten and resolved.   As you can see the kids are becoming great friends.   Don't you agree?"

Shanti Devi turned her head and spotted the children chattering and playing merrily with each other.   She turned back to Geet and returned with an agreement and a request:   "Hmm, beta.   You are correct.   And I would really love it if you could call me Dadima too.   Is that okay?"

Geet did not have the heart to refuse the small appeal.   She persisted with her explanation:   "As you wish, Dadima.   As for Mr. Khurana, his remarks were for the program that I am conducting and were not personal in nature.   I understand and respect his feelings.   Please do not worry or apologize on his behalf.   These are professional occurrences, that as adults we will sort out."

Geet ended her speech with a reassuring smile as she thought to herself:   "This is further evidence that it is quite impossible for the ogre to be connected to this amazing person.   Alright, Geet, maybe you need to lay off a bit.   Good job in soothing Dadima's concerns and not letting on how you actually feel."

Geet felt that she was home free and started to leave in order to meet up with the others with Shanti Devi in tow.   Although, Shanti Devi seemed to have other ideas as she put forth a question that left Geet flummoxed and searching for words:   "So Geet, where is Rohan and Maya's father?   Is he unable to join you tonight?   It would have been nice to meet him."

Geet gritted her teeth in annoyance at the question.   The society that she kept did not really care about her personal life and would not dare ask that question as it was understood that it was none of their business.   Nevertheless, with the East Indian community, things were different and she hated these types of inquiries.   Also, she didn't want to be rude to this authority figure who had been genial so far but she needed to handle this diplomatically and lead it to its swift end.

She spoke with a slight grimace, in a voice that was a little chilled:   "Dadima, I am not married but Rohan and Maya are my kids.   I don't think a life partner is necessary for me to have a family.   I am sure you can see that."

Silence settled over the two women as one of the women appeared defiant and the other looked chagrined.   Shanti Devi collected her thoughts and in a soft manner uttered:   "Geet, please forgive this foolish old woman for her impertinence.   With the level of comfort that I feel with you, I should not have taken liberties in asking you such an insolent question.   You have done a terrific job with your children and should be extremely proud of them as well as your achievements!"

Geet remained guarded but relaxed somewhat as she pronounced in a determined tone:   "I am not alone Dadima.   Amma has been with me every step of the way and Sarah is an immense support.   In actuality, it has been my kids that are my saving grace for which I am extremely thankful."

Shanti Devi took her time in assessing Geet carefully and knew that there was a treasure to be found in the hidden depths of those select sentences.   However, now was not the time to dwell on such important details.   Instead, it was imperative, to win Geet back into her corner because her heart and mind were yearning for the fulfillment of certain dreams and possibilities.

Shanti Devi chose to share her own experience to pacify and smooth the ruffled feathers of this young person that she had created.   She held on to Geet's hand in entreaty and remarked with a somber note:   "Please understand that I mean no offense.   You have impressed me with your capabilities, protectiveness and independence.   You are blessed to have assistance in the form of such champions like Nausheen and Sarah.   Maan is a single parent too and has Nikhil, Ahalya and me to help him raise Sameer."

Geet examined Shanti Devi closely and sensed the sincerity and remorse in the senior member of the Khurana family.   Her soft nature could not begrudge this woman anymore and readily announced her verdict:   "Thank you for understanding and empathizing with me, Dadima.   I am not upset and there is nothing to forgive.   I am glad that we had a chance to talk.   Although, I better check on the kids.   It is getting late."

Together Shanti Devi and Geet moved towards their respective families.   During that short walk, Shanti Devi could not help but fantasize and plan:   "With some finesse; skillful expertise; a spirited will power and hopefully with fate on my side, Dr. Geet Raichand may provide the chance to secure the happiness of my small family.   Please God, hear my prayers and assist me in attaining my soulful wish."

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Author's Note:

Welcome to the weekly update!   This week, my readers surprised me with all their love, comments, votes and reads that they showered on Unknown Bond.   A simple thank you seems inadequate.   Nevertheless, please accept my HEARTFELT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT!

This week all the main characters and important side players met each other.   So how was it?

What is Geet and Sameer's secret?   I am dying to know your thoughts.   Don't worry, all will be revealed soon.

What do you think Maan's reaction was to Geet and Sameer's conversation?

What do you think is brewing in Nikhil's mind as he goes to bug Maan?

And of course, the most important question, what is the intelligent and sweet Shanti Devi Khurana planning?   Any thoughts?   I would love to hear from you!   Please enlighten me.

So the book contest continues and 17 chapters require thoughts on the emotions, feelings or incidences as they relate to mental health.   All types of guesses are welcomed!   If correct, I will happily read the first chapter of a book of your choice and provide comments along with a shout out to the victor 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...