Chapter 18

if you're irritated or powerless about something in your life, anger might be a way to express that. It's like a shield that hides other emotions like fear, hurt, or dissatisfaction. So, while anger might be the loud, obvious reaction, it's usually covering up more complex feelings underneath.

"Do you really want end? Honestly, tell me." I shouted.

She thought for a moment and then replied, "Yes"

I felt angry. "Then end this."

Moon came and asked, "Geet, are you okay?"

I shouted, "So it's her idea to get a divorce?"

Moon replied, "Wait, I suggested proposing to you."

"No, Moon! You like her. This is your game." I yelled.

"No, I was against you. I like Geet, but I changed. Trust me, you changed me. Last night, I thought about you. Payal, I'm trying to be friends with you. I need a really good friend. Love can be in the form of friendship. I really want to be friends with you," Moon replied.

Moon's expression looked like she was about to cry, and she cared when I misunderstood her. I don't trust anyone easily, so how can I trust her? She changed, and how can I believe her when Geet keeps changing her mind?

I yelled, "Stop acting, Moon! Your emotions are a lie."

Geet replied, "She's right. She didn't ask to give you a divorce. She even told me to ruin your date."

I told to Geet, "What do you want? Can you clarify? Sometimes, I think I know you, and in a second, you change your personality. I need a real, honest Geet, who is clumsy but honest. These mind games and your fake personality, I'm sick of you. If you want to end this, then end this."

I stormed out of there in anger.

I don't understand why no one can speak directly. This world is full of people who twist their words; everyone wants to appear perfect. Why can't anyone show honesty? Is it that difficult? I hate mind games and such people. Even my dad used to do the same, emotionally blackmailing my mom many times. I agree that Geet is successful today; she's like a mafia woman. People are ready to die for her. But I want someone honest. I'm not the type who needs a powerful woman. I don't want to fight for the country and choose a powerful partner. Nor do I want to do business with someone where I have to lie to make things look good. If it's the truth, just say it. If Geet wants to end this relationship, then let her. I won't think about her anymore. why do I care?

She calls it 'accidentally amore,' but this isn't love at all, it's hatred that will always be there. I do not care. I should be happy right?

Moon came into my room. I was watching TV to ignore my anger.

Moon knocked on the door and I said, "Do not come in."

Moon replied, "I am really thankful for what you did. Trust me, it's her decision. I know she hurt you. She never asks for your opinion; she always makes decisions by herself in her personal life."

I said angrily, "Moon! I do not trust you."

Moon smiled. "Yes, you can't. I never asked you to trust me. It's been a long time since things became so hateful. I'm still obsessed with Geet. I can play games, but I'm not doing that. I want to do things differently this time. I learned that you and Geet are a perfect couple. I will find someone who likes me back. I don't want to ruin your life. I'm sorry I'm late. I've created a lot of mess, and I'm trying to collect my shit and improve. Many people do not like me, and I know that. From the beginning, I never thought you could help me. It's hard to trust again, but I'm already broken."

"That's a long lecture. I don't want to listen." (I muted the TV and changed the channel.)

Moon got a call, and she exclaimed happily, "Yes!"

Moon asked, "Can you please, please come with me? My husband is ready to give me a divorce, and for the first time, it's happening."

"Why is he making this decision?"

"Maybe he's tired. We kidnapped and tortured him, so now he's scared."

"Do not trust him again. Be prepared for betrayal. Never forget he is your bastard husband."

She laughed so hard. "That's why I like you. You are not afraid, and sometimes I feel like you are the most honest person."

"And you are emotional." My tone was still angry, but she was speaking so charmingly and kindly that I wanted to forgive her.

"Yes," she laughed again.

"I'm coming with you."

"Thank you. I'll call for extra security."

"Why?"

"You know, right? We still do not know why that guy wants to kill Geet."

"Yeah! I forgot about that issue. I feel like my life is a thrilling movie, and I thought a marriage drama would happen. Ekta Kapoor should make a serial on my life. But look at this, no marriage drama here."

Moon chuckled. "Do not worry! Be positive! Nothing is in control. Rich people have enemies."

"I am rich too. Why don't I have any?" How can I forget to Ranjeet?

She replied after thinking for sec. "Maybe you do, and you just don't know."

I said in randomly. "Maybe that guy wants to shoot me."

"Exactly!" she agrees. she said loudly.

"Fuck! Let me put on noise-canceling headphones; your intention is tearing my eardrums. Is this your real side?"

She laughed. "Yup, I'm clumsy and easily laugh and get excited."

"Much like Geet." I remember the old Geet. When I met her, all my clumsy sides were showing, and my mind was like a TV playing in my eyes.

"Yup, that's why I can connect with her."  Fuck! Fuck! Her voice carries a mix of happiness and pain. Why do I notice such small details about everyone? As a writer, I can also see how she realizes that Geet never liked her back, which makes her unhappy and lonely.

"Why do you think we are made for each other? We are totally opposite." Again stupid! question. I don't know why I keep trusting her. Maybe at some point, Moon is never wrong. Earth was right.

"I don't know that. Maybe in your case, opposites attract."

"That's confusing." I looked away.

"ohh...Let's go, we will be late."

I sat in the car, enjoying the outside view. I was getting bored and wanted to see Delhi. I've spent most of my time in my village. My dad used to visit the village, but my parents spent very little time together. It was often toxic. Delhi is a beautiful city. It has been a witness to political turmoil for over five centuries. It was successively ruled by the Mughals after the Khiljis and Tughlaqs. In 1192, the forces of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, establishing the Delhi Sultanate in 1206.

I've heard that Delhi is famous for India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas, Bahai (Lotus) Temple, Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Paranthe Wali Gali, Sarojini Nagar Market, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Connaught Place, Kingdom of Dreams, Raj Ghat, and many more places, I cannot count on my figure.

The wealthiest area in Delhi is known to be Lutyens' Delhi, which includes posh localities like Golf Links, Jor Bagh, and Chanakyapuri. These areas are renowned for their luxury residences and high-profile residents. Moon also stays there.

We reached in half an hour, and I met her lawyer, Piyush Chopra. We shook hands.

Piyush looked really handsome. Then suddenly a guy came into the office. Piyush called him Omkara. Omkara's energy was a bit childish. Omkara sat on Piyush's lap and asked, "Bro, my car will arrive in 5 months. I need a Bugatti. Please give me the key one more time." He looked like a 24-year-old guy, but his behavior seemed like that of a 12-year-old. His brother felt a little awkward, smiled, and then handed him the key. He kissed Piyush on the cheek and excitedly said, "You are the best younger brother."

"Younger brother?" I asked.

"Yeah, he is older than me. He is 30 and writes books."

"What kind of books does he write?" Moon asked

Piyush took a sip of water and smiled. "He writes children's books."

I laughed. "Now I understand why he behaves so... mature."

Moon laughed, and Piyush gave us a serious look but smiled. "Just kidding. I know him. He is a best-selling author in New York."

"Ohhh."

Piyush started discussing how he would proceed, but then he got a call and said, "Yes, Omkara?" Piyush was still looking at the file, so he put his phone on speaker.

"Wow, bro, you got two beautiful clients. Damn! Why don't you marry one of them? One is getting a divorce, and you've never lost any case in your entire life."

"Stop, Omkara. The phone is on Spea---."

"I really find a cute girl who is wearing light blue," Omkara interrupted. I was wearing light blue.

"Om, listen, the phone is on speaker."

"OMG! So I can directly ask her. Listen, Light Blue, I am a really good guy. I am offering my honest friendship. Can you please share your number? I am also a photographer. I need you as a model. Please help."

Piyush looked at me, and Moon replied, "Omkara, she will."

Om replied, "Great! What's your name?"

Moon replied, "Payal," and I felt angry.

"Wow, musique! Listen, Payal, please come! I was working on a project for the last year. I always needed a model just like you. You are perfect. You have everything I need."

Moon replied, "She will come. Do not worry! She will charge for that."

"I will give her a good amount. Do not worry! Hurray!" His voice sounded like a cartoon from an animation movie. He was so excited. I hate excited people.

Moon asked, "Piyush, I will share her number!"

Finally, I broke the silence. "Moon, we are not even friends, but still you replied for me. I am fine, even grateful. I really hate photos. I do not even take selfies."

Moon replied, "You are really beautiful. Show your beauty, darling. I think you need to connect with new people so you can find out if you like your wife or not."

Piyush replied, "She has a wife? How? In India?"

Moon replied, "Long story."

Finally, Moon's husband came and looked at me as if he would kill me. "Do not waste my time. I got a new lover, and I do not need moon. She is also beautiful, and Moon, never show your face again. You are unlucky."

Piyush said, "Just sign here. Your divorce process will start."

He signed and got up in a second. He had so much attitude. He was a failure, but he did not accept it and put the blame on her. Such a toxic guy.

Piyush got another call from Omkara. Piyush put it on speaker. He was really enjoying things and wanted to keep things light.

"Bro, bro! Listen, talk to her. Can she come now? I am totally into her."

"She has a wife," Piyush said, chuckled.

"What? I mean, that's good. Too bad people who are straight never get to touch and feel the rainbow. you are rainbow?" Omkara said.

I replied, "I think I'm not. I'm still figuring it out."

"Then why did you marry a girl?"

"Don't ask me why. Just send me the address, buddy. We are meeting only for professional reasons. Do not hope for anything else. And don't forget I am married." Shit, I sounded like an asshole, so angry.

We came out of his office, and Moon hugged me excitedly.

"You know, I think you are my luck," she said happily.

"Oh, thank you." I was still trying to understand why people were starting to like me. Is it that easy to make friends? Earth and Moon are both so talkative. They are like me. I am still figuring out my life's genre.

Moon and I went to the place where Omkara had messaged her. Moon was supporting me like a big sister. She was motivating me, and I always had Chipsy. He is younger and he is mad. Moon is the same.

He gave me normal, comfortable clothes like the ones Koreans usually wear. I was nervous. Moon gave me a thumbs up and a big smile so I could feel motivated. I didn't know how to pose. I wore fake glasses, and he started taking photos. Then he stopped and said, "Smile, please."

Omkara asked, "Why are you not smiling?"

"I don't think I can fake it."

"Remember your crush? Your happy memories. Close your eyes."

Happy memories. I closed my eyes and saw Geet licking my ear. This is not a happy memory.

He asked, "Why are you giving a shocked expression? Wait, are you blushing? OMG, your cheeks are turning red."

"No, NO, never!" I said loudly.

He took 2-3 seconds. "I think you are happy. Maybe I cannot see you smile. Go on, think again about your reason for blushing."

He kept taking my photos and asked me to imagine the licking scene again and again.

After half an hour, Omkara said, "You are so cute. I never thought a person like you existed. I will write a book now about a shy girl."

"I am not shy."

"Oh, really? What bold move have you made in your life?"

"Hmmmm, hMM (sound). No, I haven't done anything yet."

Moon replied, "She proved me wrong. She bit Geet's lips in front of everyone. She took a cigarette from me."

"Do you smoke?"

I replied, "Not much! I tried once and found it so cool. I smoked just to blow smoke from my nose and mouth. That was cool. Then I quit because I got bored after some time."

They both laughed at my story.

Omkara complimented, "You are really funny. Maybe you are underestimating yourself. Your body is like that of a shy girl."

"Can you teach me how to write good stories?"

"Do you write too? OMG!" (Why does he always overdramatize everything?)

I replied, "Yeah, I like writing."

Moon said, "Omkara, give her lessons at my house. She needs security for some reason."

Omkara got close to my face. "I'm actually interested in you. I'm researching shy girls. You are really different. You are bolder than I thought, but you look like a clumsy and shy introvert."

I put my hand on his face and said angrily, "Stay away from me. Unless you want my wife to make a vegetable dish out of you."

"By the way, who is your wife?"

Moon replied, "Geet Malhotra."

"What? Geet? I know Geet! We met once in a meeting. She is so hot. Damn! Why do you have such a hot lady? I don't know if I should feel jealous of you or fall in love with your personality."

"Stay away, jerk."

Moon said, "Payal, his behavior is flirty, but his intentions are always pure. Do not get angry at such a cute guy."

Omkara replied, "Aww, Moon, I love you. You are the kindest woman." His behavior was a little feminine, and that's the only quality I liked about him. He is funny, but not for me. He's kind of cool, maybe.

He handed me a cheque for 10 lakh rupees. I was over the moon. I wanted to call my dad and scream, "Look, I can do this too!" This was huge for me.

He asked, "Tomorrow at 4 o'clock?"

"Afternoon?" I asked hopefully.

"Nope, morning. I have a packed schedule. You helped me understand your personality, and I'll help you with the basics of novel writing. What genre do you like?"

Moon jumped in, "Don't ask her any questions. She never knows anything."

"So excited! OMG. It's like a thriller movie!" he squealed, still overly excited. That boy loved his OMGs and drama. I found myself thinking how rare it is to meet a guy like him—a guy with a feminine personality. Chipsy thinks from a feminine perspective but never acts that way. Omkara's face looks soft, and I kind of like that type of personality. This is my chance to know myself better.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yeah."

He hugged me and said, "Bye."

"Don't touch me."

"Don't worry, it's a friendly touch!"

"Still," I snapped.

"Red's my favorite color. Your cheeks always turn red, and your face is always in angry mode."

"I will punch you."

"You also fight? OMG!" Seriously, why does he always overdramatize everything.

Moon took my hand and dragged me away. I was thinking about how Geet wanted a divorce. Our marriage isn't even legal; why do we need a divorce? We got back, and I checked my phone. The battery was low. I put it on the charger and remembered Chipsy, so I called him. His phone was switched off again. Why does this stuff always happen to me? I need a better life. My life is a mess from every angle.

Moon asked, "Thinking about Geet again?"

I hesitated, "I called my brother. His phone's off. I call him every day. Hope he's fine."

"Does he have enemies too?"

"No! He can win anyone's heart."

"Oh! Seems like if you're worrying, you should go to the village."

"Can I?"

"I'll go with you."

"Thanks, Moon."

"No, thank you! Remember, I promised to help you."

"Seriously, I can't believe you're such a nice person."

"I think I'm not. I'm trying my best."

"That's good."

"Ask me anything whenever you need me. Consider me a big sister," she winked.

"So, big sis, where's Geet?"

"Geet's busy in a meeting. She's dealing with a lot. She wanted to go to the office. Your father was so rude to her when she refused to make a big investment."

"Why?"

"Your dad's idea isn't suitable in India, and he isn't ready to change. Geet refused to invest in his company."

"When did this happen? My dad would call me. Maybe my marriage can be canceled too."

"It just happened today."

"Shit, my phone's dead. Such an old phone."

"Why don't you buy a new one? You have your own money."

"I want to, but I like this phone. Chipsy gave it to me in college."

"You have a lovely brother. You're lucky."

"Believing in luck is a bit like believing in magic! Sometimes things just happen, like finding your favorite toy right when you're looking for it or getting a surprise visit from a friend. It's like having a super fun secret helper! But remember, it's also important to work hard and do your best, because luck can't do everything for you. So, believe in luck like you believe in fairy tales—it adds a sprinkle of excitement to life, but it's not the whole story!"

"Too much gyaan! (wisdom) I even forgot the spelling of 'luck'," Moon replied, holding her head.

"Sorry! I have a habit of becoming gyaani-baba every second. I was never this type of girl, but after Geet came into my life, I got some power. Now I always speak this way."

"OOhh, I have no issue. Earth always talks like she is Mirza Ghalib. She talks so deeply that you feel like you are swimming," she laughed.

"You like that type of talk?"

"Never! I hated it like I hated math, but my life never left math, so I started adjusting. I learned that sometimes you have to adjust things even if you like fighting for what you want. Some things need to be adjusted—it's a form of love."

"Even if the person is wrong sometimes, do you forgive and adjust?"

"I do not know the answer. I can suggest that talking is everything if the person never has bad intentions."

"Why is Geet so complicated? You know, she gave me a poem, some 'Kaga re Kaga.'"

"Oh, that poem! One person is waiting for love, and even as she is about to die, the crow is trying to eat her eyes, and she says she is waiting for her lover and wants to see him. So, 'do not eat my eyes."

"Such a painful story."

"Yeah! Even in death, she is hoping that he will come. Her love is so strong and hopeful."

"She suffered so much loneliness and the pain of being without him."

"Yeah! Geet always talks in such a deep manner, so I write it down, google it, and research to match her energy. Whatever she talks about, I study it very deeply." She took a long second, imagining something, and became emotional. Her eyes were not wet, but she looked like she had lost something.

She smiled as if she was facing those lines and continued talking to me, "You deserve her. You did something great, unlike me," she said with regret on her face.

"You are taking her side?"

"I am sorry! Listen, Om will come, so make him feel better."

"I do not want to make him feel better. He is always in such high energy. No offense."

"Yeah! I do know about him. I know only one thing: he is never interested in anyone. If he is teaching you, then you must be special."

"Umm, what can I say? I did nothing."

"Being honest is the most attractive thing in a fake world. Everyone is playing games and using people, unlike you. Just be yourself."

"So I did the most difficult task? Funny! I am so lazy for that."

She laughed, and Geet looked at us, then she left. We both were smiling. Geet had no expression. I couldn't see her much, but she didn't seem to be in a good mood.

"Moon, when are we going to my village?"

Moon replied, "I called for extra security. They will come in 4-5 days, plus we need a car and a good sniper. Anyone can be killed in any way."

"Woff, you have so much power," I said.

Moon laughed and replied, "I laughed so much! I'll sleep well tonight."

Moon left my room. I kept thinking about Chipsy and then fell asleep. It was 5 o'clock in the morning when I woke up to find Omkara in my room. He was reading, wearing a brown salwar and kurta with light yellow and lots of handbands. He had a rockstar vibe with his curly hair.

"Good morning, queen. I hate late people, so be quick," he said.

I got up to freshen up so quick and realized that nobody was in my room. Earth must have slept with that chef, and Geet hadn't come back. I came out of the bathroom, a towel in my hand, and my hair wet. I was trying to dry my hair when he asked, "Can I do it? I'm a good hair stylist too."

I hesitantly gave him the blow dryer, and he started drying my hair. Geet walked into the room.

Geet asked, "Is he your new lover? First Moon, and now him?"

Omkara replied, "OMG, you are Geet! I love you."

"Huh?" Geet replied, confused.

I chuckled. "He has a habit of saying that line. Don't take it seriously."

Omkara asked, "Geet, do you know how to style hair?"

Geet's voice sounded harsh as she replied, "Why do I need to? I have many important things to do."

Omkara handed her the blow dryer. "Do it. I'll teach you."

I felt a little nervous. It was the first time she was touching my hair. She looked at the blow dryer, thinking, and then took it like, "Fine, I'll do it." She said, "I know how to dry hair. It's so basic."

Omkara replied, "I'll teach you some good techniques. Listen carefully. She's your wife; you have to show love in every way."

Geet looked at him in shock, and then the word "wife" seemed to sink in. He was teaching the techniques, and I was calmly sitting on the chair, with a mirror in front of me. I watched Geet, who was so focused on her work. Omkara was also teaching really well. After styling my hair, I looked in the mirror and barely recognized myself. "Who is that girl? How can I be so pretty? Is that me? Damn, I could fall for myself," I thought.

Geet asked, "Payal, do you like it?" I nodded, not saying a word.

Omkara said, "Payal, this is the first rule of writing: observe. You can see that Geet is so focused. She doesn't want to ruin your hair; she cares for you. Caring is a strong emotion in love. So if you're writing a love novel, show love in every aspect of emotions."

I replied, "Oh, noted! Teach me more about emotions. I have no idea about love."

Geet's face muscles relaxed. Omkara asked, "Geet, do you know how to give a massage?"

I flushed. ...Maybe I'm overthinking.

Geet replied, "Yeah, I know how to give a head massage. I usually do it when I feel stressed."

Omkara replied excitedly,

"Do you know guys? Body massage is great because it helps you feel better in lots of ways. It loosens up tight muscles, which can ease pain and make you more comfortable, and it boosts blood flow and helps reduce swelling. Plus, getting a massage makes your body release feel-good chemicals that lower stress and lift your mood. It helps you relax by triggering your body's natural "chill out" system, making it easier to handle stress. Regular massages can even give your immune system a boost and help you sleep better. They also improve flexibility, fix bad posture, and ease discomfort. As for touch in general, it's awesome because it releases oxytocin, the "happy hormone," and lowers cortisol, the "stress hormone." It strengthens connections with others and makes you feel safe and comforted. So, both massages and touch are super important for feeling good and staying healthy.

Payal, get ready. I'll teach her body massage. "

Geet and I simultaneously replied in high volume, almost tearing our voice, "Huhhhhhhhhhh?"

Hugging her always makes me happy, but now I don't want to touch her single finger. I want to continue my enemy-ship, she deserves this. Yes, she does. Even though I have feelings for her... do I? No, I don't. Yes, I don't love her. She wants the same, and who cares, I still want control my emotions until my last breath. She and I were never born to be together, we were born to be enemies.