With his habit of raising himself on the balls of his feet, Nikhil stood in front of Maan waiting to be noticed as the latter would not raise his head from his current task of reading his emails.   Nikhil cleared his throat loudly to gain attention.   Maan sighed but refused to halt his perusing as he asked:   "Yes, Nikhil?   How may I help you?"

Maan looked imposing dressed in a short sleeve white dress shirt and black dress pants with a skinny black silk tie that was nestled in a black waist coat.   His outfit was finished off with comfortable black formal slip on shoes and his beloved Tag Heuer Formula 1 watch with a black dial.   Nikhil had selected a more friendly but formal look with a baby pink dress shirt, light brown chinos and a striped tie in coffee and pink.   Nikhil had opted for dressier tan leather derby shoes to complete his outfit.

Having received acknowledgement, an ecstatic and scheming Nikhil could not hold in his glee, as he moved to stand beside Maan while resting his upper thighs on the back of the seats in the auditorium.   Nikhil folded his arms on his chest and took in the scene in front of him where he observed the Raichand group and the Khurana clan mixing and mingling.

With a wicked grin lighting his face, Nikhil proudly announced:   "Oh Maan.   It is not about what you can do for me, but what I can do for you!   If you would kindly turn your attention towards me, I have a juicy piece of information to share with you."

Again, Maan did not pay any heed to his friend and drawled in an uninterested voice:   "Don't care, Nikhil."   Emphasizing the vowels in Nikhil's name, he lengthened the pronunciation in a soft but firm voice.

It was hard to deter Nikhil once he was determined.   Nikhil's thoughts remained excited as he got lost in them:   "So far, this night is turning into something that is even better than my imagination.   Everyone finally meeting in one big place is the best thing that could ever happen.   And I did not lift a finger!   What can be better than this?   Oh yeah, needling Maan.   Get back to work, buddy!"

Nikhil shook his head gently to come back into the present and restored his playful expression as he relayed with a careless shrug:   "Okay, if you say so.   Don't tell me later, that I didn't warn you.   After all, Dadima is free to do as she pleases; she is an adult.   For example, right now, she is having a rather interesting discussion with Geet.   Hmm...   Wonder what they are talking about?"

Maan's reaction was instantaneous as he raised his head to look around and finally caught a glimpse of Shanti Devi and Geet in deep conversation.   From a distance, Maan could make out Shanti Devi's curiosity but Geet's expressions were unintelligible.   It appeared as if they had created a protective cocoon around themselves, where no one else was allowed to intrude.

Maan's first instinct was to approach the duo and he made a movement to do so in that direction.   However, Nikhil placed a calm and cool hand on his forearm and stopped the motion.   An annoyed Maan looked at his arm for the blockade and then regarded Nikhil in a questioning and slightly hostile manner.

Nikhil came out of his relaxed stance and took his position in front of Maan blocking his view and the others' gazes from their encounter.   He chose his words carefully and answered the silent queries with a serious intonation:   "Leave it, Maan.   Don't get involved.   It is not always about you.   Let them get to know each other.   I see no harm in it.   Especially since Sameer's well-being and happiness are at stake."

Maan frowned at Nikhil's words in perplexity and then looked over to his son, who was merrily playing and laughing with Maya and Rohan.   He seemed to be having a great time with the twins as they chased each other in the large room without bothering the grown-ups.   The mirth in Sameer's eyes, his innocent smile and his mannerisms were all the indications that Maan needed.

With a defeated exhale, Maan agreed with Nikhil's assessment internally.   Externally, he supported his body weight on the back of the seats as Nikhil had done previously and peered into his thoughts.   Keenly making a note of Sameer's carefree attitude, he pondered:   "Lately, Sameer has not sulked nor complained to me.   He always greets me nowadays when I see him for breakfast and/or dinner.   Maybe the twins are a good influence on him.   I just want my Sameer to be happy."

Nikhil was unaware of Maan's shift in behaviour since he was grateful to have stopped him from interrupting Shanti Devi and Geet.   Since his attempt was successful, Nikhil continued with his advice:   "However, I do believe that you should interact with others, Maan.   You are giving off the aura of being aloof and anti-social.   Come on, let's go hang out with Ahalya!   They seem to be having fun."

Nikhil went to grab Maan's arm again but Maan evaded the touch quickly.   He glanced at Nikhil and replied:   "Thanks for the offer, Nikhil.   But I have a better alternative.   I will catch up with you later."

Leaving Nikhil wondering and muddled, Maan made his way over in the direction of the kids.   Seeing this, Nikhil's eyes widened in understanding and thoughtfulness.   Nevertheless, he left his best friend's at the mercy of his own reasoning and means, as he quietly walked towards his wife and her group that included Sarah and Rob.

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

Maan stood a safe distance away as he watched the kids playing tag in a limited space that was decided by the kids, as they kept reminding each other that certain spots were out of bounds.   Maan waited until Rohan's turn was over and then walked into the small huddle.

All three kids looked up at the larger being and waited for their scolding.   When it never came, they all took further notice of the intrusion.   Sameer smiled shyly up in a greeting and rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.   On the other hand, Maya had moved closer to Rohan and held on to his hand.   While the protective brother had moved ahead, as if to shield his sister.   He looked up at the intruder with curiosity and a hint of defiance.

Maan did not miss the change in environment brought upon by his arrival.   He tried to put the kids at ease with a smile but it did not have the needed effect.   So he resorted to Plan B and came down to their level in a squat where he placed his body's burden completely on the balls of his feet.   Maan reflected wryly to himself:   "Thank God for flexibility and reliable shoes."

Sameer kept inspecting his father's face and that of the twins' back and forth but remained quiet.   Rohan's aggressiveness had taken a back burner but his inquisitiveness was mirrored in his brown hazel eyes.   Maya was quite immersed in the action of scuffing her shoes on the floor but she kept a tight hold on Rohan's hand.   Maan softly inquired:   "Sam, won't you tell me who your friends are?   I only want to say hi to the best actors in the play.   Won't you say hello?"

Sam was thrilled to take control of the situation since he had been given permission.   In a congenial gesture as taught by Shanti Devi, an overjoyed Sameer made the introductions:   "Guys, meet my dad, Maan Khurana.   And Dad, these are my bestest friends from day care, Rohan and Maya, uh...uhh Ra-r-o-ra --"

"Raichand.   That's how you say it!"   Rohan had piped up to save his friend from evoking their last name with the improper pronunciation.   Maan found the situation humourous, but did not dwell on that as he had a role to fulfill.   If the twins were going to be present in Sameer's life, he had to get to know this adorable twosome.

Maan extended his hand near Maya's and quizzed:   "So you must be Rohan, right?"   The young one readily shook her head negatively but refused to look up.   Instead, Rohan grasped Maan's hand and moved it towards him while stating laughingly:   "No silly!   I am Rohan.   This is Maya, my sister."

"Don't call my dad, silly!   That is so rude, Rohan!"   Sam assertively declared with some ire.   Maan was flustered for a second by the indignation that his little one expressed.   He quickly sorted through the misunderstanding before it could get out of hand and retorted gently:   "Sam, calm down.   Rohan didn't mean it that way.   If your dad can't tell the difference between a girl's name and boy's name, then he should be called silly.   Don't you think, champ?"

The three pre-school children scanned the adult for seriousness and jest.   After fulfilling their assessment, they all settled on their conclusions silently through their eyes, then they collectively erupted in giggles.   Maan was relieved by the reaction and joined in on the cheerfulness with a large smile.

A shy wave came from the lone girl who finally raised her head to show her hazel green eyes:   "Hi uncle!   I am Maya.   Sam told me that you give the best piggy back rides.   Is that true?"

Before Maan had a chance to answer, a feminine voice interrupted indulgently:   "Maya?   I thought Mama gives good piggy back rides.   Don't you like them?"

Maya ran to Geet and hugged her legs while peeping up from her position to inform her mother cutely:   "Mama, I am just asking.   I love when you carry me!"

Geet ruffled Maya's hair lovingly and then peeked at the hunched Maan who had turned back to catch the conversation between mother and daughter.   She quickly averted her eyes and stood fixing Maya's hair as she uttered:   "Mr. Khurana, I hope my kids aren't troubling you too much.   Thank you for keeping an eye on them.   Kids, I think it is time for us to go.   It is getting late.   Tomorrow, you guys have karate and singing classes."

Geet extended her hand for Rohan to take but the little one seemed rather hesitant to do so.   Maan did not take well to the cold snub that Geet had dished out.   He knew that he deserved it but that did not mean he had to like it or tolerate it.   Maan stood up to his full height and placed a hand on Sameer's shoulder moving his son in front of him.

He inspected Geet closely who like her daughter before refused to meet his gaze.   Not finding any other alternative, Maan ploughed forward:   "Dr. Raichand, what a pleasure.   How about you take your leave from Dadima, Nikhil and Ahalya while I get to know your kids better?   You don't have any objections to that, right?   I assure you I will take care of them."

It was clear from Geet's countenance that she did not appreciate being dismissed and had a few choice words to share, when Rohan quickly interjected in a whiny voice:   "I want to play with Sam.   I won't see him until Monday.   Please Mama.   Maya, say something!"

Geet knew when she had lost her battle and felt all alone since the three children and the ogre had conspired against her wishes.   An affronted mother found it necessary to show the youngsters and the in-charge adult who truly was the authority as she countered:   "Alright, Rohan!   You have about 10 minutes and then I won't hear another word out of either one of you.   We need to go home after that.   Mr. Khurana, are you sure you can manage?"

The kids had already screamed in exhilaration and left the two parents to continue with their boring exchange.   Maan gave Geet a quiet inspection from head to toe; then met her brown hazel eyes that resembled those of her son's, and voiced a swift comeback:   "If you can have a secret with my son and make him smile, then I believe I am capable of speaking with your children.   They are in good hands.   Don't worry so much."

Geet's jaw dropped dramatically as she kept staring into the dark brown depths of this insufferable man.   Having won the battle of wits, Maan smirked at her and then followed the kids to where they were playing.   She was left standing with humiliation burning in her depths.   Her angry thoughts turned inwards:   "Damn it!   How does he do that every time?   Why am I always speechless?   Why does my brain refuse to function around him?   Ugh!   That ogre is so infuriating."

Her internal dialogue soothed her frayed nerves to an extent, as Geet moved up the rows to say her goodbyes to the other Khurana and the Sawants.   Geet wanted to avoid the start of a headache and knew she had a task at hand to complete in the time limit that she gave her children.   She squared her shoulders and put all her efforts in attaining a smile on her face, so that everyone was ignorant to her inner turmoil.

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

Among the group with Rob, Ahalya, Sarah and Nikhil, the former two were entangled in talks about a particular murder mystery dinner theatre that both had participated and solved while the latter two carefully listened.   However, at some part during the chitchat, Nikhil and Sarah's attention was diverted to the slight altercation that had ensued between the parents from afar.   They were unable to make out any of the sentences but they surveyed the occurrence closely.

Sarah was introspective and kept appraising Geet as she stood speaking to Kathy.   She delved into her thoughts and finalized:   "Interesting...   Something is going on between my girl and that hottie!   I have to get to the bottom of this.   Geet is definitely hiding something for sure."

Nikhil's mind was hovering in the opposite spectrum as he scrutinized Maan cautiously.   His friend was smiling freely with the kids and had smirked at Geet.   His thoughts revolved around Maan who stood with his back towards everyone else but the kids.   Reflecting on the event, Nikhil inferred:   "How great is this?   Finally, Maan is stepping out of his shell.   Geet is definitely the right person to make Maan see reason.   She is the counsellor that SRK and my friend need.   Yes!"

Nikhil and Sarah turned their heads towards each other at the same time as if they had similar impulsive and innovative ideas.   However, they were unable to decipher the other person's notions and musings.   So in an awkward manner, they responded with polite smiles and focused back on their respective companions.   One thing was for sure, to be triumphant in their individual missions, investigation and secrecy were of the utmost importance!

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

Author's Note:

Welcome to the Friday update!   Unknown Bond has reached over 2,000 views!   So happy!   Thank you to all my readers for commenting, viewing and voting on this story!   You guys are the greatest!

To celebrate the 2,000 views, let's have a mini contest!   The prize is a surprise!   Name three of the bonds that tie Geet and Maan together for which they are unaware.   Only one guess allowed per person and please PM me your replies so that you don't spoil it for others.   Hint:   Re-read Chapters 14 to 20 for the clues.   Contest ends:   September 30, 2017.

Interesting conversations took place between many of the characters.   So how was it?

Were you glad that Nikhil visited with Maan and stopped him from barging in on Geet and Shanti Devi?

How did Maan rate in your books for his conversation with the kids?

Do you think Sarah or Nikhil will figure out what each is thinking and possibly work together in the future?   Share your predictions.

And yes, the most important question, did you like what transpired between Geet and Maan?   I would love to hear from you!   Please enlighten me.

So the book contest remains on-going with 18 chapters that require guesses on the emotions, feelings or incidences as they relate to mental health.   If correct, I will read the first chapter of a book of your choice and provide comments.   In addition, the winner will receive a shout out 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...