The phone rang in the busy office setting and the lone woman in the quiet reception area answered the disturbing sound with infused professionalism:   "Surrey Memorial Hospital.   Kathy speaking, how may I help you?"

"Finally, I got a hold of you.   How are you?   Anything new that I should know?"   The relief from the caller could be felt across the phone line in the inquiries.

Kathy sighed heavily, placed her glasses on top of her head, leaned back in her desk chair slightly slumped and rubbed her tired and strained eyes due to the continuous computer work.   She answered the caller discouragingly:   "Besides, what I told you two days ago about Geet being upset, and Sarah handling the situation, things seem to be alright.   Why are you worrying so much?   You can share with me."

The caller seemed anxious and concerned as they relayed their thoughts:   "I know that Kathy!   But now is not the time as you are at work.   How about joining me this weekend for book club?   We can talk after, maybe at coffee?"

Kathy gave it a moment's thought and then looked at her desk calendar briefly.   She made up her mind and said:   "Alright Nausheen, I can do that.   I understand that this is for a good cause and you are a mother just like me.   However, I feel awful broadcasting Geet and Sarah's information.   They trust me as a colleague."

Nausheen sounded slightly abashed but there was determination in her voice as she convinced her newly made friend:   "Kathy, I am sorry to have put you in this position.   Nevertheless, you are helping me.   I have been noticing Geet very lost in her thoughts and somewhat subdued lately.   You never reveal anything job related to me and are not doing anything that would be considered unethical."

When Kathy tried to interrupt with her own reasoning, Nausheen continued in her efforts to explain her actions further in a soft voice:   "I am troubled for Geet.   She has not even told me that Jai is in town.   I had to learn that tidbit from Sarah, when she stayed over a few weekends back.   Geet never keeps secrets from me.   Why won't she share with me?   Kathy, what I am I doing wrong?   I can't watch her break again.   She has been through so much!"

Kathy took the break in the conversation as a queue to dispense her own form of advice to this loving and distressed care giver:   "Nausheen, first of all, calm down, please.   You are not doing anything wrong, okay?   From the little that I know of Geet and what I have observed, she is the type of person who does not like stressing other people and takes everything upon herself.   You are both thinking about each other's well-being.   That's all."

She took a breath and let her words sink in to Nausheen's mind about the subject matter being discussed.   She had to bring up the other matter that was weighing slightly on her conscience.   While fixing the kinks in the phone cord and looking at the wall clock, Kathy resumed her speech:   "Right now, Geet seems fine and I am sure when she is ready, she will reveal her issues.   Give her some time.   Also, have you given any thought to how you are going to handle things, when she finds out that I am your source?"

Nausheen's voice appeared more modulated and even gentle laughter could be heard:   "Oh Kathy, you are so sensible!   No need for fear, my dear.   She will never know.   Also, I am enlisting another ally in my battle because she shares a similar outlook as mine."

Kathy stopped playing with the phone cord and a small frown graced her face as she questioned:   "Nausheen, what is going on in that head of yours?   Who are you talking about?"

Nausheen was back to being her normal self with conspiratorial giggles that proceeded her answer over the phone:   "You already met her and you are going to see her again on Saturday.   Remember, Shanti Khurana?   Well, I think she would make a great third to our Musketeer gang!   What do you say?"

The listener shook her head in defeat.   Even though these wonderful women were kind, intelligent and caring, they just could not restrict themselves from being mothers.   If the kids ever got an inkling, about just what was ensuing behind their backs, the mother and grandmother would have hell to pay!   Kathy was the needed voice of reason to possibly reign the lovely Gaia and beautiful Rhea in their happiness quest for their respective offspring.

"Nausheen, you are too much!   Now your turn to remember, that SRK Conglomerates are one of Surrey Memorial Hospital's biggest donors and they are a client for the mental health program that your daughter is running.   I wouldn't even have told you that, if you didn't already know.   If Mrs. Khurana gets on board with you, I have a feeling that I am going to be in so much trouble!"   A perturbed Kathy stated as she looked at the clock once more and got up from her desk.

"Alright, then, I will see you on Saturday.   I have to go.   Geet and Laura should be finishing up their group sessions.   Talk later.   And please no more schemes, eh?   Take care."   Kathy heard the accompanying smile with a forced agreement and goodbye.   She placed the phone on its cradle in time, as the two ladies that she had mentioned previously entered the office.

Geet walked up to Kathy's desk as usual and asked for her messages and any relevant updates.   The latter was able to get back in to her work mode and perform her duties in her always efficient manner.   She was so proud of herself, as nothing was remiss from her side of things or so she thought!

After some time, the counselor cocked her head to the side and regarded the office manager critically.   As normally as she could without raising any suspicion, Geet gently prodded:   "Kathy, is everything okay?   You seem a little flustered.   With an office full of psychologists and psychiatrists within walking distance, you have a choice in who you would like to visit.   Is there anything that I can do?"

Kathy was taken aback by the young woman's perception and was touched by the attentiveness that she showered on her staff.   It showed her immense mindfulness and a sense of responsibility that she took seriously when it came to her co-workers.   This was one of the many reasons, why working with Geet and her division, was a joy for the seasoned administrator.

Trying her best to control her thoughts, features and reactions, Kathy hesitatingly but in a definitive tone said:   "I am fine, Geet.   Just a little distracted, as I still have to update the schedules.   Plus, I want to make sure that none of you are stretched with the addition of new patients and clients.   That's all."

"Okay, Kathy, if you say so.   But my door is always open, if you want to talk.   With you at the helm, I don't have to fret.   You are doing a great job.   So glad, Dr. Trevor was able to recruit you, especially for my little department!   Geet smiled in a friendly manner and finished her short speech with a wink as she walked back to her office.

The older woman scooted closer to her computer screen and started on her remaining tasks.   However, her contemplations on the inside plagued her with their repeated notions:   "I hope I am doing the right thing.   I love working here and value the camaraderie of my colleagues greatly.   But I do appreciate the anxieties of a mother too.   As long as I am helping both parties, it should be fine.   I shouldn't feel guilty.   Nonetheless, if something happens, I hope both of them can forgive me."

With that last hopeful deliberation, Kathy became immersed in the rest of the day.   In an age where various inventions, discoveries and technologies were present at the fingertips of humans, no one yet was able to predict the unknown future and its potential surprises.   So only fortunate time could foretell what was in store for all of them.

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

Geet was enjoying her Saturday to the brim with her kids.   For the next few months, this would be the only full day that she would get with them except for the holidays.   She wanted to set a routine with them where they had many activities to look forward to along with some selected chores.   What better way to start the weekend, then to get detailed ideas for Rohan and Maya's Halloween costumes!

This was the first year, that the twins had opinions about their costumes and what they would like to be.   Maya had been bugging her lately to get a kitten and even answered certain yes or no questions with her cute "meows" to convince the head of the household.   Geet had to admit that the child was absolutely adorable but the Raichand family was nowhere near ready for a pet.   And she was well aware, that if her daughter sensed even a slight dent in her armour, then the mom would not receive a reprieve of any kind.

So Geet had proposed a compromise of sorts that Maya can pretend to be a cat from time to time and be one for Halloween as well.   It did not take too much effort to make that little girl happy!   Maya's excitement had no limits as she put forth her list of requirements for the costume and how it should look.

On the other hand, Rohan had developed a new found interest in the environment, where he had many questions about the planet.   He had been hearing many stories about the forest fires in British Columbia since Andrew's father was a firefighter.   On his own, he had decided to go as a firefighter unlike his friend who was dressing up as some super hero.   Even though Rohan displayed his playful side regularly, Geet was proud to see her son developing some thoughtful and serious personality traits as well.

Geet's various ideas for the firefighter's outfit were rejected left and right.   According to her son, he wanted to either dress in black or yellow with the proper "stripes", so that he can look like a true firefighter.   Apparently, red was not very realistic.

She smiled to herself, reminiscing about the various conversations that she had with her children in the morning.   Currently, they were driving to the nearest costume shop to obtain some design suggestions and accessories, before Geet and Nausheen would set up their tailoring workshop to make the special outfits.   Geet had also promised the little ones a trip to the park, since Nausheen was going to be out all day with her book club engagement and dinner plans.

The three of them were in the kids section of the store, where Geet was foraging for the needed material and trinkets that the kids had approved.   From time to time, Rohan and Maya would bring different things for potential purchase as necessities.   Per her instructions, they stayed close by and within eyesight and earshot.

"Alright, you guys.   I think I have everything that I need.   Let's finish here and then we will go to the fabric store next.   After that it is lunch and then to our final fun destination - The Park!"   Geet's response was enthused, as she waited for her kid's answers back.

Rohan piped up eagerly to Geet's announcement:   "Yeahhh!   But mama, this is fun too!   I can't wait to see my firefighter costume."

Maya was not to be left out by her brother and added in excitement:   "I love my cat ears.   Meow!   Mama, will you paint my cat hair on my face?"

Geet laughed cajolingly at her children and fixed Maya's light brown curly hair as she corrected:   "Sweetie, they are called whiskers.   We will draw a cute little nose too!"   Geet affectionately tapped Maya's nose as she extended her hand to Rohan for him to take.

"Geet?   Is that you?   Can't believe I would run into you here!"   A deep voice was heard from the back and caused Geet to become stiff and unmoving.   She held on to her kids tightly and closed her eyes in annoyance and pain at the sound she had heard.

The voice continued unhampered even though she had not confirmed or addressed their presence.   The voice stated in curiosity and fascination:   "Geet, are these two cuties yours?   Wow, they are so grown up compared to--"

"Shut up, Jai!   DON'T YOU DARE COME NEAR MY KIDS!"   Geet turned around quickly like a cheetah on her prey and moved the kids behind her in a protective gesture.   She spoke through clenched teeth, so as not to draw attention to herself in public.   The glare came naturally to her and she stared at the unwelcomed being.

"Whoa, there!   Hold up and slow down!   I come in peace.   Stop being so dramatic like always."   Jai held up his hands defensively in surrender and smirked at his audience.   Geet's glare remained unwavering, until she felt the gentle squeeze on her hand and someone holding on to her waist tightly.

Rohan was the first one to ask in trepidation and seemed a little upset:   "Mommy, is everything okay?   Who is he?"

Geet smiled assuredly at both of her invaluable gems and spoke with warmth and false cheer:   "Yes, baby.   Everything is fine.   Nothing to worry about.   Uncle just surprised mama, that's all.   Can you and your sister play quietly, while Mama speaks to uncle?   I am right here, okay?"

Rohan nodded but remained unmoving and quite unsure, until Geet removed Maya's hands from around her waist and placed one of them in Rohan's hand.   Rohan kept his eyes on Jai and then glanced up at his mother for authentication, who returned the glance in a benevolent way.   Receiving the necessary approval, Rohan moved a little distance away from the adults with Maya, who kept gazing back at them.

To keep their conversation out of prying ears and undisclosed from her precious ones, Geet switched to French and demanded aggressively:   "Qu'est-ce que tu veux?   Comment oses-tu approcher mes enfants?

(English Translation:   "What do you want?   How dare you approach my kids?")

Jai laughed mirthlessly and retorted in humourless manner that sent a chill down Geet's spine:   "Eh bien, ne sommes-nous pas le grand méchant ours maman?   Qui aurait pensé que la souris douce et rougissante aurait une voix aussi forte?

(English Translation:   "Well, aren't we the big bad mama bear?   Who would have thought that the sweet and blushing mouse would have such a loud voice?")

Undeterred or unaffected by the exchange, Jai stepped into Geet's personal space catching her off guard and frozen in her spot.   He leaned forward and whispered in Geet's left ear:   "If you don't want your twins to know the truth about who I am and what I know, then invite me to lunch right now.   We need to talk and you are not going to run away again.   Do we understand each other?"

Saying his part, Jai moved away and inspected her ominously.   He folded his arms on his chest and regarded her pale disposition and the large bewildered eyes.   Geet helplessly nodded her head in agreement, to which Jai gave his ever present smirk.

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

Author's Note:

My apologies for the late chapter!   Here is the update for the long Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!   I wanted to give a shout out to the Coffee_BrewsBC , who were kind enough to make me the Civet Coffee Book for the week.   Thank you to all the book club members for their lovely comments, wonderful suggestions and encouraging remarks!   It is greatly appreciated!

Thank you also to my loyal readers for your on-going support, the increasing views, awesome comments, great edits and lovely suggestions.   Your votes and thoughts mean the world to me.

The mini-contest for 2,000 views remains on-going with amazing prizes!   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 your answers.   Contest ends:   Not until there is a winner!

So a Geet focused chapter with plans and an unwanted situation!   How was it?

Did you expect Nausheen and Kathy to become friends?

What is your opinion of Kathy sharing information about Geet with Nausheen?

Do you think Nausheen will be successful in recruiting Shanti Devi?

What did you think about Maya and Rohan's budding personalities?

And yes, the all important question, what is the secret that Jai is holding over Geet's head?   I am dying to know your predictions!

The book contest regarding the guesses of mental health conditions as they pertain to the feelings, emotions and incidences depicted in each chapter continues with 23 chapters lacking predictions.   If correct, I will read the first chapter of your book of choice and comment profusely!   Also, the winner will get a shout out on my news feed for their perceptive prediction!

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...