Part 10
Heer walked into Meher and Preet's room, looking for her sister. Preet had already gone downstairs, mumbling that Meher was still getting ready. Noticing her brother-in-law's unusually quiet nature, Heer decided to go up and see for herself.
Meher had her back to her sister, pinning her duppata up so it wouldn't be a hassle tonight. As much as she had been looking forward to their one year anniversary and a party, frankly, she was not in the mood to go downstairs and put on an act.
Gently, knowing her sister's anger, Heer placed an hand on Meher's shoulder. Meher flung it off and turned to face Heer, and Heer was shocked to see the intensity of the anger brewing in her eyes. At the sight of her sister, Meher apologized under her breath and resumed getting ready.
Heer's heart softened. Walking around so she was in front of her, Heer cupped Meher's chin with her hand and smiled at her sister. The sight of a loving face was too much for Meher to handle who flung her arms around her sister's frame.
Still hugging her sister, Meher impatiently wiped at her cheek. All she had asked for was a little love.
~~~
Preet turned to see Meher coming down the stairs, her gaze to the ground, Heer Bhabhi leading her. He couldn't help it. A smile worked its way on his face. She was still his. Sure they would fight, heck they had been fighting since they were born, this was just another. As Meher came and stood next to him, he slipped his hand into her.
She stiffined, but did not withdraw her hand which Preet took as a good sign. Unlike Ashlesha whose eyes narrowed at the sight. Too busy glaring at Meher, Ashlesha didn't notice Gayatri walk up to her.
"Beta, Rajveer kahan hai?"
At the mention of his name, her insides clenched. "Bas Aunty, aatha hoga, shayed kaam mein...." Her voice trailed off.
Nodding, Gayatri smiled and left to yell at someone for not completing their task properly leaving Ashlesha to breath a sigh and whipping her cell phone out, she ducked into the shadows, dialing.
<beep>
"Hi, you've reached Rajveer, either I'm at work, with the love of my life or I just don't want to talk to you. Leave a message after the beep and I'll call back if I feel like it. Oh, and if this is Ash, love you!"
<beep>
Taking a deep breath, Ashlesha spoke.
"Rajveer? Th-this is Ashlesha. Please hear me out. I know you are mad, but can you please come to the party? Gayatri Aunty has been asking about you for hours now...I know it's pathetic of me to ask, but please? And I'm s-sorry."
<beep>
Creeping back into the party, Ashlesha noticed that people were dividing up into couples for the first dance of the night. Inwardly she pouted. There was no way she could stop Preet and Meher dancing to this one. She shook her head at Prem, insisting he dance with Heer even though her feet were throbbing and she leaned against a pole.
~~~
Preet held out his hand, a silent invitation to Meher who still stood with no expression on her face. Looking into his eyes, Meher noted the silent pleading he was attempting to convey and could slowly feel her resistance breaking down. She placed her hand into his and could feel it slowly relaxing, molding into his hand.
Silently he led her out to the floor where the music had begun.
Westlife - Hard To Say I'm Sorry
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say
From each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away
From each other
Shocked at the song selection, Meher looked up to see her sister by the controls, smiling encouragingly at her. She dropped her gaze, ashamed that she couldn't manage to make up with her own husband, but still appreciating her sister's efforts. She kept her gaze to the ground, her one hand on Preet's shoulder, the other nestled in his large hand and they swayed on the spot.
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to stay
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just the part of me I can't let go
Preet gazed at her and he couldn't pull himself away from her. Even though he didn't know what was peeving her off, even though he had an idea, he was ashamed that he had given his wife, the one who had been there for him always, the chance to suspect him. He couldn't believe that he had broken that trust between them.
Couldn't stand to be kept away
Just for a day
From your body
Wouldn't want to be swept away
Far away from the one that I love
Hold me now
It's hard for me to say I'm sorry
I just want you to know
Knowing she had to at least make an effort, Meher dragged her gaze up to Preet's who was looking over her shoulder. Her breath caught in her throat as she simply looked at him and she could feel tears of regret and frustration run down her cheeks. Perhaps Preet sensed these as he chose that moment to look at Meher and immediately felt a prickly blanket of shame cover him as he watched a tear trace and make its mark on Meher's cheek.
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I'm sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
Leaning towards her, hesitating, Preet gently wiped at her cheeks, not sure if she would accept it or yell at him. He was surprised happily by the wavering smile that Meher bestowed on him. A sense of relief swept through him, knowing there was still hope for them. Moving her hand from his shoulder, he slowly kissed it, never taking his gaze of hers as she admired him, her cheeks tear-soaked. Preet whispered.
"I'm sorry."
In response, Meher leaned in, so their foreheads touched slighly.
"I love you."
After all that we've been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that's been said and done
You're just a part of me I can't let go
You're gonna be the lucky one
Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say
The hall broke out in applause, everyone shamelessly having watched Preet and Meher. Not everyone was happy though, which is what Prem noticed as Ashlesha stalked past him, out to the balcony. Not sure if he should follow her, Prem let it go but the thought nagged him throughout the night.
After dinner, everyone had started to notice Preet and Meher loosen up and act more like themselves. As the couple talked to and recieved wishes from one of Lalit's older friends, Prem came up and tapped Preet's shoulder.
"Have you wished Ash yet?"
Preet looked helplessly at his brother. "I will...soon..."
Prem shook his head at him. "No - she seems really down. Let's surprise her."
Reluctantly Preet nodded. Poiletly, Prem broke Meher's conversation with one of her friends.
"Meher, we are going to go surprsie the birthday girl ok? I'll have your husband back to you in a sec."
A twinge of annoyance went through Meher's mind but she forced it aside. It was a new start. She smiled at Preet who still looked unconvinced and turned back to her conversation.
Receiving Meher's yes, Prem started leading Preet away but got called by Heer who was ready to scream, her need for ice cream so bad. Prem walked away, yelling behind him;
"You go..I'm coming!
Preet yelled feebly after his brother in vain, but it was useless. Prem had vanished in the crowds of people and muttering to himself, Preet pushed past people to make his way to the lone figure that was out admiring the stars.
Reaching Ashlesha, Preet bent down to her shoulder level, her still being unaware of his presence. He started to whisper.
"Happ-"
His wish was cut short, as Ashlesha, scared out of her mind, whipped around. Her lips brushed his due to his proximity and both stared at each other, not being able to figure out whose fault it was and what was to happen next. From the corner of her eye, Ashlesha thought she saw a familiar shadow and smiled, at the irony.
~~~
Meher slunk in and between people trying to find Preet. Smiling at all the people who were bombarding wishes on her, Meher heard Prem tell Heer that Preet was out in the balcony. Remembering to thank him later, Meher pushed past Prem only to see Ashlesha and Preet inches away from each other. She opened her mouth to call out Preet's name but her voice seemed to die as Ashlesha turned swiftly and her lips laid their mark on his.
***
That's part 10! Thanks to BD and Radzie di for editing, thanks to Meera for sending out PM reminders and Z and Nita, I shall reply back to your comments soon. In a rush. đ
Now there is one more part left, but a couple of days ago my parents took it in their head to basically remodel our house so our floors are in the process of being ripped out and our cupboards and stuff are being replaced. đ So no promises about the next update. What timing no? đ Sorry and thanks again to everyone!
Comments/Criticize/Hit the "like" button?
--shabz
Edited by shabo24 - 16 years ago
