Hey everyone! thank you for the comments. I hope you enjoy the this next update. Let me know how you guys like it.
Lots of love!
Nikki ❤️
CHAPTER 4: FILMY
Heer found Gayatri in the kitchen, she helped her bring out the trays of prasad and the decorated Aarti Thaal. Out In the kitchen hall, Heer met Lalit, who gave her a side hug and a big smile.
"You have to come one day so you can try my new recipes Heer beta, I'm sure you'll love them, Lalit exclaimed.
"I'm sure I will uncle, Heer laughed.
"Recipes ki baatien baad mein bhi ho jayengi, abhi chalte hai, Pundit ji will be starting soon.
They all entered the spacious living room. The sofa and chairs were moved to the far side of the room and now the floors were covered in a large white cloth. In the middle of the cloth was placed the Havan. One side was the pundit who was busy setting all he needed for the puja. Opposite to him was a small bench on which Beeji sat with the youngest Juneja, Preet.
Preet and Heer had met in the office, and became fairly good friends. Preet wore a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. His hair was cut short and was styled up off his forehead. Beeji sat next to him laughing at a joke Preet told her. Beeji noticed the new girl walking towards her with Gayatri.
"This young lady must be Miss. Mann right? Beeji stated.
"Namaste, Heer greeted bending to touch her feet.
"Khush raho beta. I've heard many things about you since I've got here.
"Hey Heer! Preet said getting up and hugging her.
"Good to see you again Preet. How's the art coming along? Heer asked.
"I've got some new pieces I'd love to show you later. That cool?
Heer nodded. Preet excused himself to attend a phone call he just received.
Beeji patted the empty seat next to her indicating Heer to sit. Heer sat down as Beeji gave a big smile. "So Heer, Prem told me you work with him at the office. How do you like it there?
"It's a great place. Sir has been very supportive. He's helped me start extra courses and online classes to finish my certificates, Heer explained.
"I see. So what attracted you to Prem? Beeji asked innocently.
"Ji? Heer asked surprised at the blatant question.
"What was the first thing you noticed? Beeji pressed.
Heer looked at Prem who was talking on the phone quietly. "Um... about sir? I guess...his...eyes? she answered unsure if this was even appropriate to talk about.
Beeji giggled, "Prem's eyes attracted you to work for the company?
Heer flushed, "oh gosh...I totally miss understood you Beeji. I thought...
"Koi baat nahi. I guess my question was a little misleading wasn't it? she laughed.
Heer smiled hiding her embarrassment. "Beeji aap bhi na...
Prem then walked over to the duo on the bench, "Pundit ji puja start karne wale hain, we should all take our seats.
Heer nodded, "Beeji, puja ke baad baat karenge.
Heer walked to the opposite side of Prem's spot and sat down. As the pundit began the mantras, she folded her hands and closed her eyes focussing on the prayer. As the Havan began, she couldn't help it, as her eyes wandered over to Prem.
He sat with his back straight. He wore a navy blue kurta and a pair of white pajamas. His stubble had grown further and became a beard. His hair was just as long as before. With eyes closed he looked so peaceful, not a single stress of the world upon his face. Heer found a smiled tugging at her lips at the sight of his simplicity. She shook her head hoping no one noticed the stupid smile.
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Once the Puja was complete and the prasad was distributed to everyone, the conversations continued. Beeji told stories about Preet and Prem when they were younger making Heer laugh. Prem stood a little ways away from the trio, conversing with the other guests. His glance flickering over to Heer once and while.
"Heer beta, can you bring that Aarti Thaal to the kitchen? And Prem can you bring the yellow cloth from the closet in the living area?
Heer excused herself and picked up the Thaal, there was a bowl of sindoor, some flower petals, and other puja samagri. She was walking towards the kitchen not paying attention to where she was going and she bumped into something. The Thaal flew up into the air and she twirled around falling in the process.
Prem caught her just in time before she hit the floor. The yellow cloth he was holding twisted itself around the two of them as they held on to each other. As if on cue, the sindoor and flower petals from the Thaal fell on to them covering parts of their face and clothes.
For Prem, time stood still as he held the one person who had stirred such unknown emotions in him. Heer's eyes were closed shut, evidently waiting for the painful impact. His eyes traced the contours of her face. The natural pout of her lips, the faint tint of pink on her cheeks, the way her forehead creased, and the softness of her body in his arms. There were specks of red powder that kissed the smooth surface of her skin, and the petals showered getting caught in her hair.
Instead of feeling a pain, all she felt was a warm embrace around her. She slowly opened her eyes and found herself staring into a pair of dark chocolate coloured eyes. There were flower petals stuck in his black hair and a faint red powder that clung to his kurta. There was something in Prem's eyes that pulled her heart strings. Her heart beat a little faster, was that because of the fall or was that something else?
As they straightened up, the yellow cloth refused to let them separate. At this point, the rest of the family members had scurried over to them, due to the noise. Heer tried to pull away but was stuck in her spot. Beeji stood grinning next to Gayatri nudging her to the scene in front of them.
Prem pulled one of the ends of the yellow cloth, but instead of releasing them, it only pushed them closer. If anyone saw them from far away, it would have looked like they were in an intimate embrace.
"Wait, Prem said, "let me turn around.
Heer stood still, feeling so awkward in such a compromising position in front of his family.
Just then, every one's eyes snapped up to the front door as they heard a furious voice.
"Prem? What's going on here!?
Prem groaned out loud, "shit.
Standing at the door was Prem's girlfriend, Sanjana Rampal.
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let me know how it was guys!!
Arjun
Jhanak
Tum Se Tum Tak
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