Lovely Diner

This story is inspired by Korean drama ‘Lovely Diner’. this story also will be available on India Forum.

  SHOT 1

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Maan Singh Khuarana, is a well known personality in the hotel industry, not so arrogant but a personality with high patience. His dream was being a best cook and to open a small restaurant for people… though he was rich he never showed it off… a very down to earth person who actually thinks for the others… He completed his degree in world’s best renowned culinary university “Le Cordon Bleu”.

 

Maan was also famous in the University for his Skills… He never disappointed his professors whether it was cooking or studying…  He even won various awards in his university… No! don’t think that he was rich so he was bound to get such popularity… Maan chose this university as his hotels were established in India, US, UK and Australia mostly… Then you might wonder if he is this famous even the institute is so much famous as professors must have known the recent activity about hotels and everything rest… so the answer is Yess! They knew but Maan who always respected hard work told to the authority that if he comes to know he is being treated like celebrity then he will transfer himself somewhere else… And why won’t they will agree once if Maan gets famous there college will also get some more limelight…

 

As we all know, there is a saying “Person’s exact opposite copy exist in the world…” Like this Geet Handa exactly opposite personality than Maan’s. Geet believed to enjoy to the fullest though she is not so rich. She will enjoy till every penny is used… Orphaned at young age, lived in orphanage but due to her smartness and interest in studies took her on higher level… Today, she has job as in MNC which gives her seven digit annual income. Also because of her passion she is also a modern artist. But one thing she hates the most… COOKING!!!!!! Oh yess! She hates cooking. Interesting part is she don’t even know the difference between salt and sugar, hence she daily go out and looks for something to eat… but till date nothing satisfied her taste buds…

 

As Geet was looking through internet, she came to know about a new but already famous restaurant… She was reading reviews of it… “Wow! Who wants to eat when you get to see such hot masculine man cooking haaye… Going to visit again SOON!” “Awesome food, Bless the chef and the owner for the generosity” “Awesome food… nobody makes it delicious as he makes…” “well they need to change the location… it has a capacity to become five star restaurant…” Geet sighed and noted down the address… As cue her stomach started rumbling… “Let’s go tummy, hungry too your mummy… ”

 

Geet looked at the board… She thought about the restaurant being so simple and not her types but the reviews about food chuck that about hotty here made her go inside…  As she entered bell which was hanged above the door chimed. Maan who was in the kitchen came out to attend the customer stopped in his track… He was looking at the Apsara (ethereal beauty) came down from sky…

 

Maan belonged to those groups where his mind is full of old thinking… Geet who entered looked at the Greek god, she was thinking about how can be the man be so beautiful at the same time sexy… Geet blushed… Maan who was in dreamy mode came out of it and asked her to take sit…

 

Geet sighed and took place and said to him “can I get the menu card????” Maan scratched his head and said “well miss you are here at midnight 12’o clock and this is happy hour here… so whatever you want to eat order and I will make it for you…” Geet liked this one… She prayed for the taste of food here so she can come here and order whatever she wants… After thinking she ordered “can you make butter paneer with butter naan and may be butter chicken too if you can”

 

Maan was shocked he was thinking how a skinny girl like her will eat this but nodded and went into the kitchen to prepare as per the order… Maan murmured “this girl is may be obsessed with butter… Huh…” While thinking deep he forgot to add salt in his dishes… He gave her as per ordered and waited for her to start eating… As she took one bite, frown appeared on her forehead… Geet called Maan near her table and asked “there is no taste in this dishes didn’t you add sugar in it????” Maan got confused but he told her he will check… And he used the same spoon oh her and tasted it… Geet was about to stop him but she controlled…

 

Maan looked at her and said “sorry, I will make it another one for you…” Geet suddenly stopped him by grasping his wrist “its ohk I will eat this… you must have worked alott…” Then and there Maan skipped a heart beat… he smiled and took the salt from other table added into the dishes and asked to try… when Geet ate naan dipped into the curry her mouth opened to say it was awesome but she started digging her dishes… in no time she finished everything…

 

Maan was astonished looking at her… Geet demanded if he can give her dessert… Maan went inside and brought something forwarding towards Geet he said “would you eat jalebis????” as Geet took the first bite her head went back eyes closed and moaned with satisfaction… Maan who wanted to ask her to stop making those noises but he can’t as she was his customer… Geet was licking her fingers after completing when she was about to pay… she held his hands and dropped a kiss on them… Maan dragged back his hands as current passed through his body… he looked uncomfortable but Geet ignored “if it is in my hands I would have hired you as my personal chef… you have magic in your hands… Well expect me most the time… Bye remember this customer’s name GEET HANDA… ”

 

 

Geet went but Maan was numbed never ever someone did this to him… but is it normal feeling this electrified???? Maan was confused he noted in mind to check later…

 

 

Next night when Geet came to the restaurant Maan was keeping two steps away from her… Geet frowned looking unusual behavior of Maan… but shrugged it off… and ordered Pasta with Chana Masala… by listening this Maan’s eyes popped out and groaned loudly “Who eats this… this combination… Is…” Geet gave him whatever look “are you making it or not???? Otherwise I will go…” Maan just went into the kitchen to make this weird dish…

 

 

Maan was looking at Geet intently as she devouring the dish, soon Geet asked him “tomorrow I want chicken hope you will keep them…” Maan nodded unbelievingly and went smilingly inside to get her dessert as he knew she won’t go otherwise… But soon bells chimed marking the entry for another customer…

 

 

Maan looked at him and came to know that he was drunk… he looked at Geet felt protectiveness sip up in his heart… As customer was taking steps towards Geet, Maan called Geet, who was busy relishing last bite of her pasta… “hmmm…” Maan looked here and there again… “can you come inside to have your dessert…”

 

 

Geet looked at him questioningly… Maan gave her answer with his eyes… Geet looked at the drunk man and hurriedly went inside… when Maan was preparing food, Geet asked “how come you allow such kind of people here????” Maan not looking at her replied “here every type of person can come… from beggar to high class people… From drunkards to smokers… This place is meant of everybody I really can’t stop them coming here… My work is to feed people…” Geet looked at him admiringly “wow! You have a very unusual interest… Why there is no salt in this???”

 

 

Maan looked at the dish she was eating he rolled his eyes and said “you mean sugar????” Geet bite her tongue as Maan added more sugar in her dessert… Maan served the dish to customers and came inside to talk to her… “Normally every girls should know how to cook then why not you????” Geet was annoyed by this question she kept the money for the things she ate and started moving out…

 

Is this the end of Maan-Geet????

SHOT 2  

Maan felt guilty and held her hand “I am sorry Geet for what I just said… I am sorry if you felt bad…”

 

Geet turned towards him “you also going to judge me because I don’t know how to cook… all men are same… and you know what nobody wants to marry me scratch that I never had male friend because when they came to know I don’t know how to cook they just leave me… So what are you going to do now??? Stop attending me whenever I come here… don’t worry about it I won’t come here… anymore… Thanks for the delicious meals though…” tears were coming out from her eyes…

 

Maan felt very bad for her… and somehow he liked her… he felt different around her… as he wanted to live… “you can come here GEET whenever you want…” Geet liked the way her name rolled onto His tongue… Geet knew she was harsh on him… hurting her was not his intention and she just concluded… Sighing she went inside and ordered another dessert for herself… Maan too sighed in relief and went inside to get her dish…

 

Maan was busy in attending customers and serving them while Geet was busy admiring him thinking “I think he is so poor… working overtime… In such place which is not so popular…” Soon her mind diverted looking how he tossed the food in pan, how he add something stylishly… She was staring at him… a drooling session…

 

From the day when Geet revealed her half past both were comfortable around each other… Geet used to stay late night until Maan closes the restaurant… Geet used to force him for the lifts but Maan used to refuse it politely… as still Geet doesn’t know he is THE MAAN SINGH KHURANA…

 

FLASHBACK

 

Geet was eating her fried chicken with iced Noodles… Maan was awestruck when he started to eat the same combinations which she used to order, and it come out to be very tasty and something best… So whenever Geet used to ask him some weird dish to make he used to make mental notes…

 

Maan to sat down eating his food with her… Geet broke the ice asking “so you know about me tell me about yourself… Are you so poor that’s why you work here overtime???” Maan started coughing… He drank the water from the Glass which Geet forwarded and continued “I am Maan and yes I am poor… Hope you won’t stop coming here… otherwise my small business will go down…” In though “she not knowing me as hot-shot will ease the line between us…” Geet looked sad “No… why will I stop… I love the food here… But if you need help just let me know… I will help you…” Maan smiled as Geet was looking adorable with her big wide smile on…

 

FLASHBACK END

 

As both were eating, Maan cleared his throat and said “tomorrow the restaurant will be closed…” Geet’s eyes widened “why??? Where will I eat then???? Tomorrow even I was having off…” Maan smiled and said “I have to go shopping… need to buy things… So I go to a village nearby where I can get fresh things…” Geet exhaled the breath which was she holding “can I also come…???? Well may be I can learn something…” Maan just nodded at her suggestion discussing the timings and everything lastly they came up on going in Geet’s car…

 

In the morning… Geet was in the driver’s seat waiting for Maan to come… when Maan come in casuals looking hot… Geet started drooling… when maan knocked on the windows she came out of her drooling session… “Geet come out… I will drive the car…” Geet just came out and hand over the wheel to Maan…

 

Soon they reached to the village… and Maan started buying stuffs…  Geet was confused and murmured “hain??? What are these names???? Kawli-flower???? What kind of flower is this…????” well she just know Chicken, Pasta and Indian curry or masala… she blend them and eats them… never ever she tried to know the names of the things she used to eat other than the mentioned above…

 

Geet was having hard time to keep up with Maan as in Maan was buying things like a perfectionist… Geet was looking at something, thinking she squealed in happiness “wow! See Kawli-flower in dark green shade…” Maan looked at her confusingly… Geet pointed to the cauliflower and said “This is cauliflower in white…” And pointing something else she said “and this is green one… wow!!!”

 

Maan laughed out loudly forgetting where he was and said “that is Broccoli… well ermmm they are the same though… Ermm came from same family…” Geet was busy grasping everything… “Ohh… So these are in three colors… Red, Yellow and Green belongs to same family???” Geet voiced out her question while Maan started teaching her “there are called as PAPARIKA or Capsicum Or bell paper… well when its unripened its Green and when it fully ripens it turns red… and increases the sweetness…” it was too much for Geet so Maan said “well today you might prepare something in the kitchen…” Geet looked at him with widened eyes “what??? Me??? Never??? I don’t know!!!” Maan said “RELAX! I will be there Geet…  will tell you ohk… today we have a whole day free so let’s do something which you have never done… Ohk…” Geet nodded cursing him in mind…

 

After transferring all the things in restaurant Maan gave Geet a cooking book and showed her the simpler recipe… And the compartment where all the ingredients were… Geet tied her dupatta on her waist and got down with her cooking… Maan smiled and started arranging stuffs…

 

In between Geet used to ask  “Mann what is tablespoon??? I can’t see any spoon on the table… they might having the table which were having in built spoons!!!” Maan face palmed himself and passed the spoon… After an hour… making whole mess in the kitchen she came out with the plate to give Maan…

 

Maan sat down to taste and as soon as he took one bite his eyes turned red… “Geet what did you add???? It is so spicy…show me what things you added…” Maan looked at the handbook and went through the list once and looked at where Geet was pointing… Maan sighed and said “Geet which you added is Cayenne paper powder which is very spicy and that too three tablespoons… Where it is mentioned red chili powder… And next thing u supposed to add Black pepper powder and you added Black salt… Which made food more salty…” Geet looked at him innocently and said “they were looking same I thought they all come from same family…” Maan said “go out… I will prepare something…” Maan closed his eyes when he saw fear in Geet’s eyes as he will blast because she made mess and nothing made fruitful…

 

Maan made some omelettes and chicken soup with fried noodles and rice… Geet was licking her lips when she smelt the awesome food… when she got the food in front of her she started hogging it down as she was so hungry… Maan smirked and also started eating…

 

“So Geet , why you keep yourself away from the kitchen????” Geet who was eating stopped and started “Well I am an orphan… I am raised in Orphanage… And I was pampered child because of my naughtiness and playful personality… When they found out I am good in academics… They told me to concentrate on studies… So they never allow me to go to the kitchen… because of their blessings today I am here…” Maan liked the way she gave credit to the people…

 

“Tell me about you.. where are your parents???” Maan was in deep thinking “shall I tell her??? Is this the moment of truth????” “Well my parents died when I was 17 years old… My dad wanted me to complete MBA. For him I did but my parents were not there to see… So I started cooking to keep my mind off from this and then it became my passion…” tears gathered in Maan’s eyes soon he saw spoon in front of him… Geet eyed him to eat and he took the spoonful of food… Geet said “well for me eating keeps my mind steady, might work for you…”

 

Unknown to both of them, Then and there both felt for each other…  Both were opening up in front of each other… “Maan, next time when you take day off… Let me take you to the club…” Maan said no to this idea… Geet whined “Maan please… See… I never cooked but at least I tried… So you too should try something which u never tried… please.. please pretty please…” Soon after lot of listening please’s Maan gave into her demand…

SHOT 3 

Soon the day arrived where these both “friends” will go to the club… Maan was wearing same usual cloths looking like old fashioned grandfather… as Geet knew that somehow she bought him new pair of dresses which were suitable for club… Maan’s eyes popped out when he saw What was Geet wearing… Mini skirt, tight blouse… {Geet’s Attire}

 

Maan asked angrily… “Geet what are you wearing…???” Geet replied cutley “skirt and blouse…” Maan murmured something and went inside to change {Maan’s Attire}

 

He was looking handsome and very smart… like the real MAAN SINGH KHURANA…

 

Both went near the club… at the entrance… Guards were checking ID cards.. Guards recognized Maan and they were about to allow him when he said “check mine too…” Guards just nodded took the card and without looking at it allowed them to go… Maan used to visit this club when some businessman wants to enjoy their time… as in partner Maan could not say no to them…

 

Geet was rocking lightly on the tune… Maan took her to the corner seat and sat down… and ordered himself juice and were going to ask Geet… Geet said “my usual” Maan gulped visibly looking at her… As he gulped Geet was staring his Adam’s Apple the way it was moving… She kicked herself in mind and said “Geet Idiot… even in this light you saw that… and sometimes i cant even look my steps… humph…”

 

Soon their order arrived… frown appeared on Maan’s forehead and said “as we are just two why the hell there were 7 shots???” He looked at Geet. Who was smiling looking at the small glasses… “Well Maan you should try these… ermm juices…”

 

Maan rolled his eyes and said “Geet are you forgetting I am cook here????” Geet shrugged her shoulders and started gulping down the shots… After last shot she made some weird faces… Maan looked at her angrily Geet smiled sheepishly “Maan come to the dance floor…” Maan looked at the crazy crowd and told Geet that he will join her after some time finishing juices… Geet twisted her lips “you are such a spoil sport Maan…” And went to dance alone for now…

 

Maan was keeping an eye on her… But meanwhile some business-man recognized him and came near him, soon started talking about business. Maan got so engrossed in talk after 15 minutes when he looked at Geet she was dancing with some random guy very closely…

 

Maan closed his eyes and thought “Why I am feeling angry… why cant I see her with someone… Did that guy forced her… Damn…” he excused himself and went near Geet…

 

Geet was very close to him but she felt the sudden push backward… Geet felt the warmth surrounding her body… She was drunk… Maan was holding her tight… Geet also held him from his torso… Closing her eyes… Maan gave an angry look to the guy and scared him off…

 

Maan took Geet out with him… and made her sit inside his car… He asked his driver to get Geet’s car. Maan’s eyes were continuously moving from the road to Geet who was pouting innocently… Soon he reached to Khurana Mansion…

 

Geet who was sleeping in the car got picked up by Maan in bridal style. Unknowingly Geet encircled her arms around Maan’s neck… Maan took her to his bedroom… He was about to move but suddenly he felt a tug like someone is holding him… stopping from moving him…and he knew who is she???? he looked at Geet… she was looking cute in drowsy state…

 

“Maan you are so cute… I like you Maan… no no… I started loving you… But I know nothing is possible in between us… So just lie besides me for one night… I really love you please…” Maan who was shocked at the revelation stopped in his tracks… He knew he also started loving her… Knowingly unknowingly he himself don’t know… but the question is will she accept him as he lied to her…

 

Maan soon lied down besides her hugging her tight… in thoughts “she is a free bird I can’t force my thinking on her… well I doubt she will follow them anyways… But I lost… I lost my heart to this lady who is sleeping in my arms… Totally north pole like me got a south pole like her… But there is a chance… we will work it out somehow… I cant even imagine Geet away from me… Tomorrow let’s decide final…” and Maan drifted to Sleep…

 

Next day, Geet opened her eyes slowly and looked at the awesome god’s creation… MAAN… She was looking at him… his eyelashes… She soon started touching his eyelashes… Then mover to nose… Then lips…

 

Maan who was awake felt the movement on his lips and kissed her finger… Geet’s eye widened and pulled her finger back… Soon red color appeared on her cheeks… “you were awake??? Sorry…” Maan smiled and again hugged her tight… Geet pushed him away… Looking reluctant face of Geet Maan allowed her to move away… “sorry Maan sorry for yesterday,…and wait… where are we???? This is not my home… Wait…”

 

Maan looked at her curiously what will she say now “hawww… You spend my salary for this hotel room… Ohh noo…” Maan mentally face palmed himself and got up too… “Geet get fresh I have to talk to you something…” Geet nervously asked “regarding????” “Regarding yesterday… the confession…and other things…” Geet gulped nervously “Maan yesterday ??? I don’t remember everything…” Maan smirked and said “you will… I will help you…” Geet looked at mischievous smile and ran to the washroom to get fresh…

 

Geet was walking towards the study room where she was following to servant… She was awed with the beauty of the house… She was so confused as why were they are even here??? But soon her mind got distracted with the yesterday’s events… she remembered her confession… But she is too scared to face Maan so she lied about not remembering she thought he will get angry… and she does not wanted to loose him…

 

Geet was hesitant to ask “ermmm… whose cloths are you wearing…” Maan got up from his place and went near her “first answer me yesterday whatever you said you mean it???” Geet blushed but she though Maan will scold so she changed “I was drunk I don’t know what I said… May be it was just shots…”

 

Maan sighed and went down on his knees… “Miss Geet, I would like to spend my life with you… I never knew I will fall for any girl but you happened… you entered in my life and in some days you made special place in my heart, mind in my life… ” tears gathered in Geet’s eyes and she whispered “but I don’t know how to cook…” Maan smiled gently and held her hand “I do… I will cook for both of us…”

 

Geet was hesitant her heart was doing flip flop as Maan were making circles on her hand “you don’t know how to drink…” Maan looked at her disbelievingly and said “you do… you can get drunk,,,I will carry u to home…”

 

Maan was annoyed now, first time he did something which he never believed and here Geet was giving him tough time “yes or no Geet” Geet looked at him and said “yes…” Maan stood up and hugged her tight… “Move here with me Geet… though I don’t believe in all these… I want you near me…” Geet just rubbed her face on his chest in yes… “but Maan whose house we are in??? this is not a hotel…”

 

Maan looked at her in eyes and says “Geet… I did not tell you the full truth… I am Maan… MAAN SINGH KHURANA… ” Geet’s jaw dropped “hawww…The businessman of the year???… from past four years???  well known chef???…” Maan nodded after each thing she undiscovered… “then why you opened small diner????”

 

Maan answered her question… “Geet I have so much of wealth… and I liked feeding those people who are hungry… who don’t get food to eat because of lack of money…” Geet made herself away from Maan and started walking towards the door… Maan saddened as Geet was leaving… His eyes became teary

 

“Geet” Geet stopped at her steps… She did not turned around… “will you also leave me???? Alone???? In this world like my family did???” Maan’s voice choked… Geet turned and said sternly “Aree I am going to bring my things… you only said naa to move in with you…” Geet pouted cutely… Maan smiled with tears rolling down on his cheeks…