Part 13
S As the truck kept moving along on the road, the two sat on opposite ends of the truck without saying a word to each other. Prem was busy with his phone, wondering when he'll get reception and how to contact someone about his car, while Heer was beginning to get bored. She looked over at Prem and saw he was busy and was beginning to get frustrated as it was too quiet for her to handle.
Getting bored out of her mind and not happy with the current situation, she attempted to kick the hay in the truck, which only made a few straws jump up before falling back into the pile. The small sound that was made caused Prem to look up from his phone and he saw Heer turn the other way and cross her arms, a hint of annoyance evident in her expression.
He sighed. "What's wrong now princess?"
Heer glared at him. "I'm bored. We've been driving for almost an hour and the silence is starting to bug me"
"So? What do you want me to do?"
"I dunno. Entertain me somehow?" she shrugged.
Prem stared at her before answering. "What do I look like? A circus monkey ?"
"Well now that you mention it…" he glared at her before Heer could finish the rest of the sentence.
They sat there in another moment of silence, each ignoring the other and hoping that the trip would end soon. A while later the truck had come to a halt and both Prem and Heer got excited. Their joy was short lived as the driver told them that they're stopping by at a dhaaba for some food. He asked them to eat as well since it was a long journey and then left to join a group of men who happened to be friends.
Prem and Heer stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do, until Prem gestured for Heer to sit. She was about to refuse, when she heard her stomach growling and realized she hadn't eaten anything since morning, as she didn't have time to after that.
While the boy who took their order went to tell the cook, Prem noticed other people there looking in their direction, particulatly at Heer's bridal wear. It then took Prem a few seconds to realize what they must all be thinking.
Oh well. Not like I'll see those people again. He was surprised that Heer hadn't noticed but was glad, as he was unsure of how'd she react and most likely it would lead to another argument. He was too drained to argue and just want leave. Of course that was short lasted as a couple made their way over to them and sat down.
Just great. So much for a peaceful dinner, Prem thought.
Heer noticed the girl sitting beside her and the boy on Prem's left. She smiled at them, though it was clear that she was confused by their sudden appearance.
"Hi. I'm Nikhil and that's my wife Shalini" the guy introduced themselves to Prem and Heer. "We noticed your red sari and that you were dressed as a bride"
"So did you guys elope?" asked Shalini excitedly as she interrupted her husband. Nikhil just shook his head, not at all surprised at his wife's behavior.
"Elope?" Heer tried to figure out why Shalini meant.
"Yes elope. You're wearing a bridal sari and he" she gestured to Prem "doesn't seem dressed for a wedding. And you also have a bag in your hand so you must've eloped" she concluded.
"Sorry about that. My wife's a bit nosy" Nikhil smiled sheepishly while Shalini smacked his arm. She stared at Heer, waiting for her to tell her how their story.
Heer wasn't sure what to do and felt a bit uncomfortable. She hadn't thought that they'd land in this situation and was now not sure what to do. She decided to tell them that her and Prem are not a couple.
"Actually we…"
"Actually her family didn't agree so she climbed down her window and then met me." Prem interrupted, ignoring Heer's surprised look and continued talking to Shalini. "She then met me and then we drove off but our car broke down and we got a ride from a truck driver"
"Aww you climbed down a window for him?" Shalini looked at Heer with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Nikhil would never do that for me."
"That's not true! You were going to marry your family friend but I came and stopped the wedding and married you at the altar instead of that other guy"
Shalini rolled her eyes and was about to continue when the boy returned with Prem and Heer's food. Nikhil and his wife excused themselves to let them eat and left.
"Why did you have to tell them we eloped?" Heer asked, clearly frustrated and confused by his behavior.
"I didn't tell them we eloped. I told them what happened and it's not like I lied" he smirked
"Well you could've re-worded it and said we didn't elope. Now they think we're married!"
"And why does that make a difference to you? It's not like you'll see them again. And besides, they're not the only ones who think we're a couple. Everyone else here has been staring at us and think the same and we can't tell them all the truth. They'd start to wonder why a girl like you ran away from home and is traveling with a stranger"
Heer hadn't thought about that. She was surprised at how calm Prem seemed and even more surprised that he cared about her reputation and what would happen to her. But that didn't mean she wanted to be known as his wife. She sighed before dipping a piece of roti into daal and eating it.
While they were eating, Prem thought about how Nikhil and Shalini thought they had eloped and the mention of Heer's bag. Prem realized that Heer only her bag with her and only enough money to last her for a while. He didn't know why, but he felt concerned for her.
"Um.." Heer looked at Prem as he opened his mouth to say something. "Where will you go after? I mean after the driver drops us off, where will you go?"
Heer looked at him and saw concern for her in his eyes. "I'm not sure actually. Kaki gave me some money and I'm sure it'll last me a while and I can afford a place to stay. After that I guess I'll try to get a job"
Prem stared at her in disbelief. She had run away with home and had no plan whatsoever. "You can't do that. It's not safe. You don't know anyone in the city. What if something happens to you?" he asked.
"Well what else can I do? There aren't many options are there? And plus there's no way I'm going back home"
"You can stay at my house"
Heer looked at him and saw how serious he was. She hadn't expected that offer from him and neither had he but he felt concerned for her. "Thank you Prem but I can't. I don't want any favors from you or anyone. I want to handle this on my own. I don't want to owe anyone anything." The tone in her voice made it clear to Prem that she didn't want to discuss this matter anymore. Prem decided not to press on the subject anymore and they silently ate and then later sat in the truck again, driving in silence.
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Bet you're all surprised I updated aren't you?😆 I was supposed to update this last week (I think) because I promised Meera but then I forgot😆 Anyway, this one is another long one. Hope you like it =)
Cricket
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