~~~Part 4~~~
She became afraid as to what was he going to do? Why did he stop? She decided to ignore it and walk further but as she neared the car, the back window slid down and she saw who it was.
FLASHBACK
Ashlesha was displeased with the way Prem scolded Heer for no reason and that too in front of so many people. She saw how she ran upstairs crying and it made her feel really bad. Then she felt very angry looking towards Prem that when was he going to learn to respect others, than himself.
After ten minutes she reached just in time outside before he left from the place. He was waiting for his car to arrive and talking on the phone. She marched towards him with a crossed face and when she stopped in front of him she folded her arms across her chest. "I need to talk to you sir."
Prem was clearly not pleased with the interruption so he put his call on hold for two seconds, glared at Ashlesha and then continued his conversation again. He noticed how she wasn't leaving so he ended his call and then stood with a strict face, waiting for an explanation. "What is so urgent that you can't tell me in office tomorrow?"
"Sir this isn't official enough for me to wait to tell you in office." She still had the crossed face. "I've come here to inform you about something important."
"Important?" he checked his watch, "you've got five minutes, so make it quick."
She so much wanted to strangle the incorrigible man in front of her. "It wasn't fair how you scolded Heer when it wasn't even her fault."
"What?" he was bemused, "what are you saying Ashlesha?"
"I'm talking about how you scolded her in front of so many people about insulting you when it was you who insulted her."
"Oh so you're here to give me a lecture?" his gaze became dangerous, "you do understand that would put you in a dangerous position."
She almost charged upon him, "I know exactly what position I would be in but sir you need to hear this. Heer wasn't the one who put so much chilli in your food; she was completely unaware of it." Her voice was slightly raised. "She wouldn't do anything to ruin her brother's wedding."
Prem twisted his lips, "I don't have time to stand here and listen to your defence against that lady." He turned around to see if his car arrived or not.
Without thinking twice she grabbed onto his forearm and turned him back towards her aggressively. "You bloody well will have to listen."
It came as surprise for him, "Ashlesha, you're on dangerous grounds now." He warned her.
"I know that I am but you need to hear this. It wasn't Heer because I know her too well. She has never done anything to harm anyone and has always respected others. She hardly knows you so why would she ever do anything so drastic?" she continued as he stood there listening, "you've always been so judgemental that you've never considered thinking before bombarding the person opposite. You can't always be right sir and this time you're certainly wrong." Her hands went on her hips with attitude. "Or kya ghalati thi Heer ki ke aapne ose itnee buri saza dee? She was just looking out for her guest and if there was something wrong with the food then it wasn't her fault but it was the caterers'. Or aap ne ose sab ke saamne aise itna suna diya or rula diya?" she shook her head. "I always use to think you were very strict and uptight but now I'm sure you're nothing more than a big old mean beast." He was outraged by her comment but it didn't bother her that much, "I know how this might lead me to lose my job but I won't just stand around and let injustice happen with my dear friend." She tossed her hair and walked off.
He was left baffled after hearing that. No one had ever talked to him like this and made him realise his mistake. He hated being wrong. But then again he did realise he took out his frustration for something else out on someone else.
The car arrived and stood beside him. He just sat in still ruminating over what Ashlesha told him about Heer. His gaze fell outside and he saw a shiny figure in the dark. He wondered what it was and then as they neared, he saw it was a woman. Not only any woman but the one who had disturbed and taken over his mind completely. "Driver, gaari roko." He ordered.
END OF FLASHBACK
Heer kept staring at Prem and wondered what he wanted. Was there anything left that he wanted to spit out towards her again? This was the last thing she wanted that night as already she felt nervous being alone in the dark night and he had to arrive to scare her further.
He stared at her with a questioning look as if he tried to figure her out. "What are you doing alone at this hour?" he looked outside and saw it was really quiet, "it isn't safe"
She didn't understand how to answer him because she herself felt stupid. He'd probably laugh at her if she said that because she cried so much she lost track of the hour and then everyone left her. She would appear nothing more than a small child. "Ummm...actually I was...." she sighed as she couldn't think of a really good excuse. His intimidating presence made it worse.
"If you're going home then I'm going there too." He paused, waiting for response but all he got was a stare. "You can sit in the car."
Now was that an invitation or an order? She couldn't figure it out and neither could she figure out whether to accept it or not. At that moment she knew it was going to be difficult to go back home alone especially when she was lost. But then again it was going to be more difficult to go with him in the same car. Then she thought at least she would reach home safely and what was the harm as he wasn't the type to kidnap her or anything. Without further delay she accepted his offer and opened the door with hesitation. She saw how he didn't look at her and just sat there waiting, so probably it didn't really affect him what her answer would have been. But if it was that then why did he stop the car?
Little did she know that it did affect him to some extent. He did expect her to accept his offer. He admitted to himself that he wasn't really keen on allowing her to share the car with him but he was gentleman enough to not let her wander around the lonely streets at that hour. He had guessed that much from her expressions that she was disturbed. She was afraid and it wouldn't really hurt to help her since he wasn't really going out of his way. After she was settled he signalled his driver to move on.
An awkward silence between them made the atmosphere more difficult than Heer had thought. She couldn't even muster the courage to turn her face to glance at him once, afraid of catching his eyes and then feeling dumb enough to have done that. But her body felt stiff just sitting motionless. Her silent prayer remained that they reached their house quick so at least she could free herself from the torture.
However the silence was surprisingly broken by him and she heard what she had least expected. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier." He said softly without looking towards her.
It did make her turn towards him with a grin. "It's okay." She wanted him to look towards her. "I suppose it wasn't your fault either."
"No I shouldn't have yelled at you like that, it was improper." He shook his head. "I should have been more subtle." Then there was silence again for a few minutes until he began again to her surprise. "I'm sorry I made you cry so much."
A small grin appeared on her face as she felt good that he showed at least some concern towards her. The way he appeared before wasn't how he really was. She stared at him and finally their gaze met and it locked for a few minutes to the most. She noticed how his chocolate brown eyes gave this sensitive look towards her suggesting how sincere he looked. What were those eyes telling her that she couldn't understand?
He also noticed how beautiful her almond shaped eyes were and they simply complimented her complexion. Her innocence was written all over her face and now that he had the time to notice he actually enjoyed the view. "I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself. I'm Prem."
"Of course I know who you are" she blurted out quickly and then immediately bit her lower lip for sounding so dumb. "I mean who doesn't know you...uhhh well you're like...you're like this big entity who is hard to miss around here." She thought that it was best that she stopped before she completely ruined her image in front of him.
In reply he didn't say anything but just smiled. It was very rare that he smiled and this time he didn't know why but Heer's presence actually gave him some sort of peace. His gaze was glued on her, constantly studying her face. He noticed how she kept biting her lower lip whenever she was nervous and it just urged him more to reach out and feel the touch of those velvety lips on his fingers. She was so innocent yet so pure and divine that he almost felt ashamed of his own existence.
None of them knew when it happened or how but gradually Prem had come closer to her and their bodies almost touched. The heat from his body made her sweat down her spine and the hairs at the back of her neck stood erect. The proximity did wonders and she just hoped that he would move away soon so then she could probably get her heart beats normal again. "Kya kabhi kisee ne tumse yeh kaha hain ke tum kitnee khoobsurat lagrahee ho aaj raat?" his silky voice flowed to her ears making her heart ponder louder than before. What was he saying? He moved closer and his hands reached to cup her face in his hands. It was like he couldn't help himself and there was no self control.
Her eyes were closed now as she tried her best to control herself but it was impossible. He created this unexplainable sensation inside her that she simply didn't want to control.
Both of their breaths were uneven as they got closer and closer. Just when they were just an inch away from brushing their lips against each other the breaks of the car screeched to a halt.
With a jerk Heer shifted in her seat and then shook her head as she saw where she was and what happened. They had reached home and then when she looked at her side she saw how Prem still sat looking away from her. That meant it was only her imagination but how could she think that way? Her cheeks flushed as she ruminated over what her wild thoughts led her towards.
Without any communication he opened his door and stepped out leaving her to understand herself that they had arrived home. Following his cue she quickly stepped out of the car and thought best to not say anything too. It would just turn into something foolish which was something she couldn't handle.
Slowly she turned, to move towards her side of the house when her heart skipped a beat as she heard her name from his mouth.
"Heer?" his powerful voice filled the silent air.
She didn't turn around as she knew she won't be able to face him and not feel shy.
He strode towards her and stopped a few feet ahead. "I'm sorry that you felt bad about what I said tonight but make sure that the flower pot incident doesn't happen again." With that he just left towards the door of the house and he disappeared.
Before she left she stood there and watched him leave. How was it possible for someone to apologise and threaten at the same time? At one place she felt glad that he felt sorry but on the other side she felt upset that he still didn't approve of her that much. Then again why did it matter so much to her what he thought? Was it possible that she had already fallen for him? But she hardly even knew him. She just shook her head and quickly left for her house before her sister became too worried about her.
Standing beside the window, Preet saw Prem's car coming up in the drive way and then when he saw Heer coming out too he wasn't pleased at all. All sorts of questions ran in his head that what was she doing with him? "Heer, Prem ke saath kya karahee thi?" he scrounged his face and decided he would ask her next morning but still his mind was not put at ease. It was bad seeing your sister coming back home that late and with a guy. He had to find out soon.
A pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind as a soft head leaned against his back. "Maine to suna tha ke suhaag raat pe hamesha larkiya aise sharmaake khirki ke paas khari hojaati hain or yaha pe to tum..." Meher teased him and giggled.
He smiled and brought her in front of him, "wo me actually," he bit his lips together trying to find the right words, "it's not like that I was just...you know fresh air..."
She burst out laughing, "come on Preet I was just joking, isme itna ghabraane ki kyaa baat hain." She loved to see his cute tomato red face.
In return he just smiled and they both shared a cute sweet moment. Then Preet smoothly took her towards the bed and sat her down like it should have been. Even though he felt hesitant due to his coyness he tried his best to take the lead. However it didn't quite work out that way and Meher ended up making all the moves and in the end it didn't really matter who did do it as they simply shared the great amount of love there was between them.
Next morning
Kulraj had woken up and she straight away went to enquire on Heer and asked her what happened last night. She bombarded her with questions out of concern and some were slightly scolded because Heer had made them all worried. "Ab aise kya dekhrahee hain, koi jawaab hain ke nahi?"
"I'll only be able to speak if you let me di." Heer made a face and then explained about how she lost track of the time and by the time she returned downstairs everyone had left. "wo to acha tha ke mujhe Premji milgaye warna pata nahi di, mera kya hota. I was so scared especially in a new place like Mumbai."
It came as a surprise for Kulraj too that Heer was with Prem last night. But on the other side she did feel grateful towards him that at least he was gentleman enough to drop her home. However she was also aware that he must have done it by the way since it is his house too but whatever it was, Heer did come back home safely.
"Heer? Heer?" an exasperated Preet searched for her as he walked towards her room. Kulraj and Heer both looked towards each other wondering what must have happened and then waited for him to enter and tell them. "Heer where were you last night?"
Both the women shook their heads that he also asked the same question. "Bhaiya please calm down, I was alright and I came back home safely too."
He folded his arms across his chest with a crossed face. "And that too with Prem Juneja."
Again Heer exchanged glances with Kulraj that how did he find out?
"I saw you getting out of his car last night Heer, so what were you doing with him?" Preet didn't look too impressed.
"Bhaiya he just offered me a lift," Heer looked upset, "you should be glad that he did otherwise I would have wandered around the streets of Mumbai all night." Kulraj also defended Heer and made Preet understand how Prem did do a favour by dropping Heer like that and it was nice of him.
Preet did agree but he still didn't like his sister getting close to him. "That was nice of him but Heer I don't want you to meet him that much and if possible avoid him the most."
Before Heer could answer him back, Kulraj dismissed it and then reminded Heer what it was today. She grinned and got excited with her sister. Then both of them reminded Preet too by putting a pooja thaali in front of him. He understood that it was Raksha Bandhan and both the sisters tied their raakhis on his hand. Meher had also joined them and loved to see the love between the siblings.
In return Preet gave them the gifts he had bought and they were delighted that he did remember. He told them that he would never forget that day as they meant the world to him. They shared a cute hug and Preet promised that he would take care of them both even after they got married and left his house.
Juneja's residence
Prem as usual had got ready to go to office and he made sure he didn't get late by any second. As he descended down the stairs he strode towards the table to have his breakfast. "Are kaka aaj itnee saari cheeze kyu banayee hain, me to itna saara nahi khaata?" he asked when he noticed so many dishes laid out.
The older servant Ramu Kaka grinned, "wo sahab aaj ka naashta darasal..."
"maine banaya hain." A sweet voice came from the back and when Prem turned around he got a good surprise to find his sister Veera there. "I wanted to surprise my brother." She very cheerfully came and stood beside him.
Quite surprised to find her there, half a grin appeared on his calculated face. "Veera you didn't tell me you were coming or aise achanak hee..."
"I wanted to give you a surprise bhaiya," she gave him half a hug.
"I see." His face remained expressionless. "Or yeh sab kya hain?" he referred to the food laid out.
She smiled, "I thought of making you a special breakfast as today is..."
He cut her in between, "Veera you know I have a balanced diet breakfast to maintain my posture all day and still you made this?" he looked disappointed and she became upset. He checked his watch again and quickly sipped on his tea. "I'm running out of time Veera so I'll have to catch up with you in the evening."
With haste she stopped him, "at least eat some of it." She felt really bad that he didn't appreciate her hard work.
When he saw her distraught face he felt bad, "Ok, I'll take one spoon of this upma that you've made." He literally did that. "ab mujhe jaana hain, sham ko baat karenge." He swiftly moved to leave but she quickly tried to stop him.
"Bhaiya ek minute, aaj to ra..."
"I'm really getting late Veera so whatever it is, tell me in the evening." And then he was gone.
"You don't even have the time to hear that it is Raksha bandhan today." Silent tears flowed out her eyes as she turned away back to take hold of the thaali and took it back inside. She felt really sad that like every year her brother again didn't pay any importance to the special festival and ignored it. She instructed Ramu Kaka to pack away the food and distribute it amongst the servants as she didn't feel like eating either.
A while later she wandered outside by the pool still really upset. She couldn't remember the last time she had a lovable moment with her brother. When was the last time he actually sat down and talked with her like a true caring brother? She had missed him and really wanted him to come back.
"Hey Veera when did you come?" Preet came from behind with glee. He had noticed her from his terrace and urged to meet her.
After hearing his voice she quickly wiped her tears and turned around towards him with a fake smile. She had never forgotten Preet even after the separation as he had also been like a brother to her since childhood. Sometimes when Prem hadn't given her the attention she wanted, it was Preet who used to step in. After the separation she still had been in contact with him. "Hi Preet bhaiya, I just came this morning." She tried her best to hide her tears.
Preet did notice them, "you came this morning and didn't even inform me that you're coming?" he pretended to be upset. "Itnee jaldi paraya kardiya mujhe."
She shook her head quickly thinking he was truly upset. "I'm sorry but I wanted to keep it as a surprise." Tears brimmed in her eyes again so she turned around in order for him not to see them. "You know how I love to surprise Prem bhaiya and he," she choked, "he always loves it."
"Tum apne aasoo sab se chupa sakti ho Veera per mujhse nahi." He came beside her and turned her towards her. Then she broke down into his arms and he consoled her knowing exactly how she felt. He knew how Prem hardly gave her the love she deserved but he was there to fill in. He would always be there for Veera as she was same as Kulraj and Heer.
After some time Veera reminded him how every year she only sent him a raakhi but this year she thought she would put it on personally since he was here in Mumbai. They shared a sweet brother sister moment. Then Preet introduced her to Meher who was really glad to meet her and wise versa. Veera was really happy that finally he got married and that too with a really lovely girl. Kulraj was really happy to meet her too and Heer and Veera developed an instant friendship. Perhaps it was because of the common link between them ā PREM.
Juneja Corp.
Prem was busily working on his laptop when his cell rang. Without looking at who it was he just picked it up with his attention towards the screen. "Hello?"
"Itne din hogaye per ek baar bhi apni maa ko phone nahi kiya." Gayatri complained on the other side.
He did feel bad that he didn't but he had got so involved that he didn't have any time. "I'm sorry maa, I was really busy." He said curtly as he continued to scan the screen.
"Yes you're always busy." She shook her head. "But it wouldn't really hurt to take out some precious moments to dedicate to your loved ones." She said it almost as a taunt to make him realise his mistake.
"Maa I said I'm sorry, ab kya pura time daanti hee rahogi aap?" he flinched with agitation.
Gayatri knew that he wasn't really going to understand and just would make all sorts of faces so thought to leave it for now. "Acha baba nahi kehti tujhse kuch bhi. Ab yeh bata ke Veera theek se pohoch gayee na?"
He sat up straight; "Yes she did, but how could she be so irresponsible and just come over without any notice?" he was disappointed as usual. "I mean maa when will she grow up?"
"She wanted to surprise you Prem and I'm sure you must have scolded her instead."
"I didn't scold her, I just wasn't pleased." He turned away from the laptop, "what was such a big occasion that she flew over her like that?"
Like every year her son had again forgot. "Aaj raksha bandhan hain isliye ek behen apne bhai ko raakhi baandne aayi thi." She said as a matter of factly hoping he would realise this time.
He simply brushed his hand through his hair moving it off his forehead. "She should have told me but maa I'd always told her to not bother with these lousy customs." His attention went back to his laptop. "Mere saath saath ose bhi sirf dukh hee hota hain, or kuch nahi."
"Prem, how long are you going to hold this belief?" Gayatri felt tears appearing in her eyes. There was silence on the other side for a while so she understood that she wasn't going to get an answer for that at all. "Theek hain, oska jawaab mat de mujhe." She wiped away her tears. "At least make her feel welcome, itna to kar hee sakta hain na?"
"Maa, I'm her brother not her enemy." He rolled his eyes.
A smile appeared on her face, "I know. Now listen that wasn't the only thing I'd called you for. Kal hee meri Harman see baat huwee thi or wo shaadi karaha hain. Itnee bari baat hogayi or osne hame ab jaake bataya per wo chahta hain ke ham sab oski shaadi me aaye kyu ke..."
"Maa, I don't have any time to attend any such occasions." His jaw became tight all of a sudden. "I'm lined with meetings and appointments."
Gayatri knew the reason, "I know Prem how you feel but it's important that we attend this wedding. After all we are family and he is your brother."
Sudden rage filled him and he raised his voice, "He isn't my brother and never will be. Wo sirf bauji ka beta hain, mera bhai nahi." Then he calmed down and closed his eyes. "Maa please don't force me for this."
"I'm not forcing you Prem. I'm just telling you to do this for your mother if not anyone else." She sighed, "just consider it as you doing a favour for your poor mother."
It made him close his eyes, "don't say that maa." He hated it when his mother emotionally blackmailed him like that. He would do anything for her no matter what and in the end he had to agree. Gayatri was pleased and then just gave him all the details of the venue and date.
Lunchtime
Heer, Nihaal, Meher and Ashlesha had decided to meet up at a cafe to catch up with old times. It had been five years since the friends had met and there was so much to share. Nihaal and Heer were on a constant rampage of teasing Meher about Preet and how long it actually took for them to actually get together. The three of them had a great laugh.
Soon an annoyed Ashlesha joined them, throwing her purse on the table. "I just don't believe that horrible man." She sat down with a pout.
"What happened?" Heer asked curiously.
"What could have happened? My boss is the worst man ever on earth." She folded her arms across her chest. "Not only does he spend the whole time scolding like a maniac but also works the person through and through until they are dead." The other three still looked confused so she explained how Prem told her that she had to accompany him to this excursion for four days in the next week. At first she had thought that he had called her that morning to probably fire her for last night but to her surprise he actually apologised. Something he never did and she pinched herself several times to make sure it was reality. Then he was back to his rude self.
"To isme itna ghussa hone ki kya baat hain? You should be glad he is actually taking you on a break." Nihaal laughed as he found it funny.
"Very funny Nihaal but you guys know that next week is Maya's wedding." She whined. "And Mister I'm the obnoxious Boss expects me to go with him to the same wedding but not to attend it, but to simply take care of all his work." She was utterly displeased. "How could he be so mean?"
The other three laughed, "Oh come on Ash, don't worry. We all would be there and we would have fun." Heer assured her thinking that it would be another chance to meet Prem again. She didn't know why but she really wanted to meet him again and got excited like a little girl. The friends continued to have their lunch and discussed about the wedding further and how fun it was going to be. It was going to be held on a cruise to Singapore so it was going to be a fun filled four days. They all were excited as all five friends would meet again.
Next week
Going on the cruise had been really exciting for Heer since a long time. Preet and Meher had gone away on their honeymoon and Kulraj had returned back to Shimla. So Heer took off with her friends to the wedding. Maya was also part of their circle and her wedding had been anticipated by them all. They all had boarded and stood in lobby just looking around and sorting out their rooms.
Prem was going to meet up Gayatri and Veera inside but he was clearly not interested in anything at all. He just strode in like a robot as he always did and Ashlesha followed him with his belongings and documents. She really cursed him continuously and thought of plans to escape him as she really wanted to enjoy her friend's wedding and not be stuck with lousy work. He didn't even wait for her to catch up with him and rudely instructed her to take care of everything and make sure his bag reached his room on time in one shape. Then there was another non ending list of arons which she listened with agitation.
After he left Heer came over to Ashlesha and asked her which room they were going to stay in. Still mad about Prem she shoved a key inside her hand and just stomped off to take care of his needs.
Before going to the room she wanted to explore the place so spent some time doing that and then gradually moved towards the deck with the rooms. It had been a tiring day so she felt lethargic and simply just wanted to sleep the rest of the day off. As she neared her room and then unlocked it. She bent down to pick up her bag but from behind, housekeeping came with a trolley and didn't notice her. When she stood up she literally collided with the trolley which made her fall back inside the door with a bad fall. Soon she recovered and quickly stood up but then stood in her tracks with her mouth wide open with horror. She wasn't alone in the room and that someone else was also in the same state of mind as her ā completely horrified.
It was none other than Prem who stood there in front of her only wrapped in a towel.
