Chapter 47
Finally D day. Everyone went to Stourbridge.
Earlier, at Heer's place, Fari told Prem to arrive separately. "I don't want any hanky panky on the ride to Birmingham!" Prem opened his mouth to protest, but Fari started pushing him out of Heer's front door. He gave Heer a pleading look while Heer struggled not to smile.
"You know I trust Heeriye, but you on the other hand, you think I was born yesterday? Leave her alone na!"
So Heer's huge support group piled out of the SUV outside Daljeet's place. Fari led the way to the front door. Meher opened the door. A lot of introductions and noise as Daljeet made her way to greet her extra guests. "Putterji, welcome shelcome! These are Heer's friends or your friends?"
Fari fell on Daljeet's shoulder, "CHACHIIIJI !!! I told them you throw the best parties."
"Acha?" Daljeet looked flattered, "Come come all of you. You can wish Ashlesha!"
Heer was nervous and forced herself to look calm. Ashlesha came over and Heer wished her with a slightly distracted look. Ash was used to Heer zoning out occasionally but something wasn't right today. "Heer di, thanks for coming all the way. Are you alright?"
"Of course she's alright!" Fari boomed and dragged Heer to a corner. "What's wrong? Prem will be here soon. No need look so Madhubalaish!"
The doorbell rang and Fari could see Heer tense up. Fari put her hand on her friend's shoulder. Sona and Mercedes who were nearer the door turned to Fari and Heer and gave the thumbs up signal. Fari gave them a stare and motioned for them to put their thumbs away and stop grinning.
Daljeet fussed over Prem and the senior Junejas and fixed a beady eye on Vandy. Prem introduced her as his stand-in didi.
"Shtand-in? par kyun? " Daljeet was confused. Fari's hand flew to her mouth, eyes wide, as she looked at Heer.
"Heer, I'm sorry but your Prem is a Ek Number ka Duffer!"
Fari rushed forward, "Woh kya hai na chachiji, I told him that all guys should come with a female companion since this is Ash's birthday party."
Daljeet was still working out Fari's explanation while Ash and Meher invited them all in and took their coats and served drinks. Biru also walked in behind Prem and looked for Fari, who was busy keeping her eye on Vandy and trying to avoid her.
Fari whispered to Heer, "I think you should go say hi to Prem's folks"
Heer was rooted to the spot. "Heer! Are you listening?"
Fari half pushed half dragged Heer to the larger living area where the Junejas were seated. Gayatri was apologising to Daljeet for not inviting her to their place in Leicester yet and Daljeet was protesting that she never expects such formal courtesies.
Lalit Juneja sprang to his feet when he saw Heer, "Fari and Heer! How nice to see you again! Both are doing well? Everything alright in London?"
Heer relaxed and smiled, "Uncleji, yes thank you." Lalit smiled and patted her arm, Heer's eyes started to well up with tears.
Edited by locman - 15 years ago