Geet was surprised and pleased at the same time that the seminar was so well received by SRK Conglomerates' board of directors.   The outcome was better than her expectations, since many of the participants were interested in attending the additional group or individual mental health sessions for further help.   Geet was excited to return to the hospital, so she could share the good news with her colleagues.

She still had one more obligation left to fulfill - a meeting with Nikhil to go over the updates and some other concerns.   She was looking forward to the lunch and entertainment that would be accompanying their discussions.   Plus, it would be the needed break she longed for after the uncomfortable morning.   Overall, 'the ogre' had been controlled, but he still shifted and tried to escape the confines of his golden cage, where Geet had him locked in.   Geet could not help but smile slightly at her imagination taking flight.

"Dr. Raichand?"   The unexpected voice perturbed Geet out of her fanciful thoughts with a jolt.   She looked up at the intrusion with a frown that marked her features, which she quickly erased with a polite smile.   Her acknowledgement held the same deferential tone, as she inquired:   "Yes, Mr. Khurana?   How may I help you?"

Geet refused to lose out on a moment of her time as she kept gathering and organizing her belongings to leave the conference room.   Even though, she was completely capable of multi-tasking, she strongly advocated against the particular practice.   The crux of the issue that Geet did not want to admit to herself was, that 'the ogre' sometimes flustered her.   The further she stayed away from him, the safer it was for her sanity.

"I would like to speak with you alone to discuss certain logistical issues of the well-being initiative.   If you can spare the time, I would be appreciative.   Also, I find it quite rude when speaking to someone that they blatantly ignore me.   What is your opinion, Dr. Raichand?"   Saying so, Maan propped his hands on his hips in a widened stance with his feet tapping an impatient rhythm.

Geet stopped her actions abruptly to glance up at the imposing figure.   She observed that by the looks of things, it was going to be rather difficult to keep this man in his gilded cage any longer.   She had to stop avoiding situations that were disagreeable and instead face them head on as a consummate professional.   Geet mused to herself:   "Isn't that what I teach my patients?   Time to practice what I preach."

"You are correct, Mr. Khurana.   My apologies.   You have my undivided attention.   However, I do have to meet with Nikhil to discuss the progress that my team is making with certain SRK employees.   Would it be alright to meet, in say, a half an hour?"   Internally, Geet felt the quaking emotions of agitation at being called out, but tried to remain composed as she examined her watch pointedly and found the courage to meet Maan's stare.

Maan shook his head negatively while relaxing his posture and relayed:   "Actually, it will be better for me, if we talked now and then you can discuss things with Nikhil later.   He will understand, won't you, Nikhil?"

Nikhil appeared busy on his laptop as if working, but it was all for show.   In reality, his ears were standing in attention and he scrutinized the pair from a distance under his lashes.   The curiosity was killing him and his desire to see more fireworks between the duo was not coming to fruition.   Frustratingly, Nikhil ruminated:   "This is so annoying!   I see all indications that they are going to erupt and I want a front row seat!"

As he was too involved in his deliberations, Nikhil quickly replied:   "Sorry, I just heard my name.   Did you say something?   I had to send this email and wasn't paying attention.   Geet, let's go to my office to tackle the progress reports and then we can have lunch."

Maan let out a deep breath in exasperation and shook his head in disappointment. In irritation, he somewhat raised his voice:   "What is with everyone today?   Are you both trying to tune me out?   I NEED a moment with Dr. Raichand.   So YOU are going to postpone your appointment with her for half an hour.   Are WE up to speed now?"

Nikhil appeared shame faced as he surveyed his audience critically.   He knew that it was in his best interest to agree to Maan's proposal but his scheming mind would not let things be.   He needed to know what his business partner was up to and felt a rather protective streak towards Geet as well.   He readily questioned with enthusiasm:   "How about I join you too, Maan?   This way, Geet will be able to kill two birds with one stone and it will save us all time."

With his angry glare, Maan made it clear that changes to his plan were not up for discussion.   However, he emphatically clarified things verbally:   "Nikhil, I would like to speak with Dr. Raichand ALONE.   So YOU can have your lunch with HER after 30 minutes.   And if YOU keep asking ridiculous questions, you are just going to delay things further for all concerned."

Nikhil knew any more arguments were futile, so he agreed with a nod of his head and smiled encouragingly at Geet.   Geet hesitatingly returned the gesture.   With a calculated flourish, Maan extended his hand ahead signaling Geet to start their trip towards his office.   Nikhil viewed the scene in front of him with worry and wished:   "Poor Geet!   She is off to face the lion in his den.   My humble prayers for her safety."

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

As Geet took in the monochromatic and marbled environment for the second time, she was hit by the contrasts in decor between the warm conference room and the intimidating modern office.   Her mind reeled in contemplation at the differences:   "How can the same person design something so creative and in the next moment even consider inhabiting such a cold domain?   His preferences are baffling just like his personality."

The walk to Maan's office was conducted in complete silence leaving Geet with many questions that danced around in her head.   Her nervousness was trying to make itself known but she rebuffed the growing feelings and would not let the fluttering butterflies make room in her belly.   There was a possibility that this situation may leave a few dents on her psyche but she was certain in her ability to combat anything that was thrown her way.   If it even came to that.

Maan was standing behind his desk as he offered Geet a seat that she readily seized to quell her anxiousness and curiosity.   As Maan took his place, he grabbed a beautiful Grayson Tighe fountain pen in copper and German silver laying on his desk, and spun it meticulously between and around all of his fingers, as he closely regarded her.   This did nothing to ease Geet's apprehension.

Maan broke the silence that had been established between them by making the following statement in a blasé manner:   "Dr. Raichand, I am going to take you up on your offer."   Moments in time passed without him missing a beat or elaborating further.

The impact of the said statement on Geet was visible.   She kept gawking at the owner of SRK with her dropped jaw and in complete shock, as her brain had ceased all of its operation.   She gave her head a quick shake and questioned the confusing man in a distressing manner:   "Mr. Khurana, I a-apologize but I do not recall ma-making any offers, of any kind to anyone, at any time.   Es-especially not to you.   So what are y-you referring to?   B-bec-ause I-I am very lost."

Maan chuckled in a disparaging manner as he retorted:   "Oh, how quickly we forget!   You challenged me in front of all my executives to attend your self-proclaimed helpful mental health sessions.   So I am letting you know that I accept your proposal.   I cannot be held responsible for you not remembering your own words or if your mind is in the gutter."

Geet clenched her hands tightly at her side and felt her nails sinking into the soft skin of her palms.   She was in the process of deciding whether to explode or handle this particular situation with diplomacy.   Never in her life had she encountered such an obnoxious and offensive human being that took pleasure in goading and discomfiting her at every turn.   Especially, without provocation!

As she weighed the pros and cons quickly in her mind, she came to the conclusion that enough was enough.   She was going to have her say and maybe that would make her feel better.   Her angry thoughts took over as she reasoned to herself:   "Consequences be damned!   Mr. Maan Khurana is going to get everything but the kitchen sink in one fell swoop.   Not only that, but he is going to see an avatar of Geet Raichand that many are not privy to!"

Geet got up from her seat with such force that the chair moved away and tilted precariously on its steel legs but immediately gathered its balance to stay upright.   Her balled up fists remained at her sides as she stomped her foot loudly on the marble floor and looked down haughtily in indignation at the seated figure.

Geet's voice was an octave higher as she spat in displeasure:   "HOW DARE YOU?   I have done absolutely nothing to you.   But every time you deem it fit to say the most outrageous things to me or treat me with utter disdain.   Now you have resorted to something so distasteful!   As if, I would ever think, even for a moment, making you a proposition of any kind!   And no, I am not finished..."

Geet held up her hand halting any interruption that was going to interrupt her raging tirade.   Her eyes glittered dangerously and she continued in the same tone of voice:   "Every time, I have been gracious and forgiving by giving you the benefit of the doubt or letting the issue slide.   However, I have my limits and you just surpassed them.   If you have called me into the privacy of your office to humiliate me; I am sorry to say that I have no time for this.   You are a vile man who needs help.   And I am not sorry I said that.   I am so done and I AM LEAVING."

Having spoken her mind and with ire coursing through her veins, Geet secured her purse strap on her shoulder and picked up her laptop bag off the floor.   She walked away from the desk and had reached midway to the door when a large arm extended straight in her path barricading her movement to a standstill.

Geet glanced at the arm and then into the face of its possessor.   In those dark brandy eyes, she saw irritation mixed with regret but it did nothing to assuage Geet's temper.   She rotated her neck forward and kept her head high as she retaliated:   "Mr. Khurana, please stop these childish games.   I am not interested.   Please let me go."

Maan shook his head negatively and sighed deeply in resignation.   He kept staring at the stubborn woman who had finally stood up to him.   At the speed of light, without him realizing the opinion flitted through his numerous reflections:   "So much for being a Chhuee Muee.   This one is a metal sparkler who gives a colourful show.   And when the sparks end, the metal handle is still too hot to handle.   Be careful, Maan."

Without removing his hand from Geet's path and searching her side profile for any emotions, Maan quietly remarked:   "Dr. Raichand, please give me five minutes.   I will clear up this misunderstanding and perhaps, uh, um y-you will appreciate the fact that I-I am remorseful of my words."

"Do you have such a hard time apologizing?   Even when you are wrong?   God, do you ever say 'you're sorry' to anyone?"   Geet inquisitively inquired with swift contempt and a hidden reprimand.   Her patience was hanging on a very thin thread that was ready to break at any moment.

Maan sighed heavily for the second time and slowly lowered his arm to stand in front of Geet.   He looked deep into the stormy hazel caramel eyes, from which he could not divert his gaze.   He was unaware of the contrite words that faintly tumbled out of him:   "Dr. Raichand, please excuse my poor choice of words just now and my behaviour on other occasions where I may have offended you.   If possible, may we start over, please?"

Geet's defences started to crumble since she could feel and hear the sincerity in his words.   Nevertheless, it was hard for her to completely believe the apology without proof that there would be follow through and a change in demeanour.   She silently nodded but did not trust herself to respond without bitterness tingeing her words.

Maan accepted her silent accordance and continued in the same muted voice:   "In all honesty, I do need to find ways to relieve my stress and be more tolerant.   If not for my sake, then for my family and friends, specifically for Sameer.   And I think you can help me, so will you?   Please."

Geet assessed Maan gravely and found nothing but the truth in his words and expressions.   She was caught up in the reverie of the young lad that she had met a few days before.   She remembered the words that she had told Sameer as a secret:   "You were a very scary wolf.   Even scarier than your father."   Those words had caused the cute boy to burst out in giggles.

Hedging her bets, Geet extended her arm forward in a conciliatory gesture and answered strictly:   "Fine Mr. Khurana.   For Sameer, I will help you and we will consider the slate clean between us.   But you will have to prove yourself because I am not in the mood to completely forgive you yet."

Maan looked at the small hand in front of him and then at Geet to decode the seriousness of the suggestion.   For the first time in a long time, feeling reassured and light, Maan genuinely beamed at Geet while encasing his large hand around the smaller version.   He shook it decisively and gently, as he promised:   "I give you my word that I will try my best to exonerate myself.   And my efforts start right now."

The new beginning between Geet and Maan that was solidified with this bond displayed the probability and hope of many unknown things to come.

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

Author's Note:

Here is the LONG weekend update!   This week I was overwhelmed by the continual support, beautiful comments, great suggestions, lovely private messages and the abundance of votes!   Thank you kindly!

The mini-contest celebrating the over 2,000 views is still in play!   Prizes include a shout out, a follow from me and a review of the first two chapter of your book of choice!   To win, name three bonds that tie Geet and Maan together for which they are unaware.   Only one guess is allowed per reader.   Please PM me your answers.   Hint:   Re-read Chapters 14 to 20 for the clues.   Contest ends:   September 30, 2017.

So a jam packed Maan and Geet chapter.   How was it?

Did you enjoy Geet's imagination about locking Maan in a golden cage?

Did you feel sorry for Nikhil that he could not watch the volcano eruption between the two main characters?

What did you think about Geet's outburst and was it valid?

What did you think about Maan's response and behaviour before and after the rant?

And yes, the all important question, do you think there is a chance that Geet will forgive and Maan will change?   Please share your notions.   I love hearing them.

So the book contest is going strong with 20 chapters that need predictions on the associated mental health emotions, feelings or incidences.   If accurate, I will read the first chapter of your book of choice and fill it with numerous comments.   Moreover, the winner will get 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...