Hello everyone! Here's the next one. I have to admit I had a hard time deciding what their first encounter should be like and finally settled on what's below. Rose petals and rotten tomatoes are equally welcome 😊 also included MEET hoping to earn some brownie points along the way 😉
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Chapter 10- Discombobulation Prevails!
Prem drove to the apartment Heer was staying at and couldn't help but wonder the setup was fancy. Gayatri had told him the flat belonged to Maya's uncle…the name made him cringe! What idiot assumed things and started barking on the phone to a random stranger? Prem Juneja made it a point to steer clear of such girls.
After parking his car in the area designated for visitors Prem walked to the security desk and asked them to buzz apartment 1607 and say Prem Juneja had arrived for Heer Maan. The guy at the desk called using the intercom and asked Prem to take a seat saying Miss. Maan would be joining him in a minute.
Heer was a pack of nerves, the way this evening went would determine what the rest of her life would be like, she knocked Maya's door to let her know she was leaving and peeped in when she didn't get a response. Maya was sound sleep so Heer decided to leave her friend a note and checking herself in the mirror for one last time walked out of the apartment and took the elevator to the ground floor.
Prem kept staring at the three elevators to his left. She would be down any minute and he could feel bile rising in his stomach, he knew it was all thanks to nervousness and he was running a hand in his hair in a futile attempt to steady his nerves when he saw the one of the elevator doors open and she stepped out.
Prem Juneja was hit was by a truck! This was unbelievable, how could a girl be so beautiful? How could she bust up his mind? He'd seen many other girls but what did this woman have? He caught himself staring and quickly gathered himself but was amused when he discovered she'd been checking him out too.
Heer didn't want to get married and she most certainly knew that Prem Juneja was not the right guy for her. Then why did Mr. Wrong have to be so handsome? She stared at him shamelessly, ogled without giving a damn about the rest of the world and quit daydreaming when she heard him clear his throat. Heer was embarrassed and looked down immediately, colour rising in her cheeks.
That simple reaction did something to him, Prem wanted to hold her, tell her it was okay to stare, he'd been doing it too. He cleared his throat again and said- hi, umm…you can look up, I was doing what I caught you doing…
Heer only slightly raised her head at that comment, had he just said what she thought he'd said?
Prem- I guess you don't speak much…
Heer- I'm sorry, hi…I shouldn't have stared
Prem- it's okay, where do you want to go?
Heer- I thought you were taking me somewhere
Prem- I could, but I have no idea where you'd want to go
Heer was touched, the guy was a gentleman, he was allowing her to choose where they'd go for their first date, not many guys did that…wait, she thought, did I just say DATE? Uh oh…what are you thinking Heer Maan? This isn't a date, a date isn't like this…or is it?
Heer would've continued the monologue in her head if Prem hadn't interrupted- so? Did you think of someplace?
Heer- huh…uh…we could go to a cafe at the Mall of the Emirates if that's okay with you?
Prem- yeah, after you
They walked out to his car and drove to the mall. Both of them were silent, each wondering how to break the silence and wishing the other would initiate a conversation, but neither of them did and finally Prem spoke up
Prem- where do you live in London?
Heer- Fraser Place, Canary Wharf
Prem- do you work in the area?
Heer- yes, two stops away, I'm on the DLR, do you know where you'll be working?
Prem- yeah, someplace the station is called Canada Water, I guess it's nearby too. But I'll occasionally have to visit an assembly line outside London, I guess I'll be driving there
Heer- Canada Water's nearby
Prem- we're here…
Prem parked in the mall's parking lot and they made their way inside to Cafe Havana on the ground floor of the mall. Each wondered what the other was going to order. Heer prayed and prayed that Prem wouldn't order dosas or sushi and Prem made a mental note to give away food at the mandir back home if Heer didn't order chocolate coated grasshoppers or whatever it was that they ate in Thailand, both silently scanned the menu until a waiter came to take their order.
Heer- I'll have a cold coffee and Fettuccine Alfredo with garlic bread and prawns on the side
Prem was stunned, he kept staring at her and didn't realize what he was doing until Heer cleared her throat. Heer- what happened?
Prem- nothing, I was…umm, going to order the same
It was Heer's turn to be surprised when Prem turned to the waiter and said- we'll have two of the same please.
Prem clenched his teeth and swore under his breath as the idiot waiter hung around for a second longer and smiled a catty smile before walking away. Heer thought that was for her and couldn't stop herself from asking, a bit vexedly- what was that for?
Prem was embarrassed, he knew she'd seen him do that and misunderstood- err, the waiter…was grinning
Heer couldn't believe him! This man had had the audacity to clench his teeth, swear at her and then come up with the worst excuse ever to cover it up! What kind of a guy was he? All right, so he'd for once ordered something she loved and thank heavens for that because she didn't think she had it in her to puke if he'd eat raw fish or whatever sushi was made of, she was famished!
Prem knew he'd screwed up and needed to do some damage control and he thought small talk was the safest bet since he didn't really know her- umm, so you've come here to shop. I thought Meher & Veera were taking care of the outfits?
Heer replied tartly- yes, but they're designing the outfits for the major functions. What about the rest of it? Maya suggested we come here. Besides, I needed a real vacation!
Prem winced inwardly, girls and their shopping sprees! He should've known better. He decided to offer help instead, thinking ma's never wrong- err, yeah, of course! Let me know if you need help… you know, for shopping.
Heer wasn't sure how to respond, she was super mad at him for swearing and looking at her with an expression that said 'bite me' and now he was offering help with the shopping! She sighed inwardly, she couldn't say no for a number of reasons. She was getting married to the guy, if they were going to live together they had to start now, secondly, she was sure Teji would have a fit if she heard he'd offered help with the shopping and Heer had turned him down. Thirdly, Maya had screwed up an hour ago and Maya was her friend, so he was probably returning the favor, okay, scores leveled Mr. Juneja, she thought and said- that'll be nice, let me know what your schedule is like and we'll synchronise
Prem was baffled, this girl was an expert at throwing curveballs. He thought he'd never be able to gauge her reactions, wasn't she mad at him a minute ago? And now she was offering to shop when it suited him? Wow! He could think no further because they were interrupted by the sleazy waiter who came with the nachos and jalapenos, complimentary starters from the Cafe. Heer loved nachos, she could eat them all day and boy was she hungry today! Prem stared as his fiancee ate away like a piglet, he hated nachos! According to Prem, nachos were torturous, the Mexicans had wanted to ruin the world when they came up with the hideous corn chips.
Heer wondered why Prem stared out at nothing in particular and didn't touch the nachos, she thought it would be polite to ask so hesitantly said- you're not eating
Prem wanted to say he hated the nachos, but all he managed was- I had an early lunch so I'm half full, if I touch these the pasta will go back untouched
Heer bought the excuse but couldn't help thinking he didn't really like nachos because if he did he wouldn't really care about being half full or whatever, she noticed that they were silent again and he'd attempted to start a conversation twice so may be it was her turn to contribute.
Heer- so, umm, your paperwork is all sorted I guess?
Prem was grateful for any conversation, the silence was killing him- yeah, I have the visa, just have to handle some meetings, explain things to a guy who'll take over in Delhi and they're explaining how things work in London to me.
Heer- oh, that's good
Prem continued- they'll give me the keys to the new place a couple of days after we get there
Heer was surprised- what place?
Prem- didn't you know? The company is giving me a flat and a car, part of the perks.
Heer- are they? {uh oh, she thought, this isn't going to be good} but I already have a place there
Prem was slightly irritated, did she really think he was going to move in with her? How could she be so stupid?...no, wait, cocky! That was the word! All he said was- you mean, I'm supposed to move in with you?
Heer understood what he meant, the great Indian man's pride! Here we go again! She decided to handle the situation diplomatically- that's not what I'd call it, I've been living in that flat for nearly a year and you're just moving to London, it would make sense if you moved into that apartment. I mean, pay the rent if you want to!
Prem was annoyed but he decided to hide it- they're giving me a two bedroom flat at New Providence Wharf, you'll like the place
Heer was silent for a minute before saying- I would have if I didn't have a place of my own
They didn't even know each other, this was their first meeting and both could smell an argument brewing, this was not good…this shouldn't be happening, for once Prem was glad that the idiotic waiter interrupted. He'd come with the food.
Heer was glad to see the food, she didn't want to argue with this man when she most definitely had to marry him and she was starving, the nachos were lovely but they weren't real food. Both of them silently dug into the pasta, savoring it's rich creamy taste…
In DELHI
Preet Juneja was bored. He hated his job, sitting in one place all day answering calls listening to idiotic Westerners bitching about phone problems was not something he wanted to do. Besides Chand was giving him a hard time at home, life was definitely not easy and Preet was glad he'd swapped an early shift that day and was getting off the hook. He expertly navigated his way through Delhi's traffic and got home in time for lunch only to discover that Chand had come home early…shit! This is not good, I can't face him…he turned on his heel and went out deciding to go see some friends when he saw Meher leaving her house and walking to the taxi stand. He decided to go after her.
Preet- hey Meher!
Meher turned around in surprise- hey! {she smiled automatically}
Preet- where are you going? {he glanced at the bags in her hands} what are all these for?
Meher- don't ask! I have to go to the tailor who's stitching the kurtas the men are going to wear at the mehndi…he's giving us a hard time, such an idiot he is you won't believe what he did to the collar…
Preet knew there was no stopping Meher and Veera once they started ranting about clothes, the women were obsessed! He decided to cut her off early- hey, why don't I take you there and then you return the favor by joining me for lunch?
Meher couldn't believe her luck! Preet Juneja was going to have lunch with her? Life couldn't be better! Then she looked at his bike and cringed inwardly, oh shit! Correction Meher Maan, life could be better, if only Preet had a car and…{she was interrupted when Preet snapped his fingers}- oh, thanks, let's go…
Meher said a prayer and got on the bike firmly holding onto to her precious bags.
Later, when they'd reached the tailor and Meher threatened to sue him if he messed up with the kurtas they walked to a cafe and ordered sandwiches and lemonades for lunch.
Meher- so, how's it going?
Preet sighed and rubbed his temples- don't ask, work's a mess and Chand is giving me hell at home! I don't know what I'm going to do Meher…PB's been gone for 3 days and it's like Chand has a free license to pounce on me. Ma's not much help because she's busy with the wedding and then there's going to be work, you know, exams at the college…I have no idea what I'll do when PB goes to London.
Meher- what's the band doing?
Preet- we're trying, but getting a break isn't easy you know…we get the occasional jig, it brings in some money but we spend that upgrading our instruments and the van we have…a band need's a ride you know…
Meher- did you think about what I said the other day?
Preet is confused for a minute- what?
Meher- you know…working towards a career without giving up your music?
Preet cheekily replied- well, yeah, and I was meaning to ask if you could elaborate on it…I mean, what you said sounds great! I just didn't know how that would work out
Meher smiled- you know, I've been carrying this around since morning…{she fished into her bag and brought out an envelope giving it to Preet}
Preet opened the A4 size envelope and saw some papers as Meher continued- it's the admission form for FMS…for the MBA programme, I figured you wouldn't go out of Delhi as you've got to be with the band…fill it up, I'd suggest you go for marketing, you're really good at that…if you go for another stream, you know stuff like finance or HR, you'd have to work really hard and it won't be the same as being naturally good at something.
Preet was pissed, MBA? Shit, he had enough people badgering him for it without adding Meher to the list all he managed to say was- et tu Brute?
Meher laughed at his hurt expression- hang on a minute Preet Juneja, this is what working towards a career means…besides, think of how beneficial it'll be for the band. The stuff you'd be able to do for it, you know…they'd teach you practical stuff here {she pointed at the form before continuing…she knew she almost had the cat in the bag} besides, think of how good things would be at home…Prem jiju will talk to Lali chachu before he leaves, he'd do that for you if he saw you were genuinely trying to make an effort…you'd be able to quit your boring job. Chachu will give you a decent pocket money if you study and of course, the perks come from Prem jiju…
Preet thought about it as he leafed through the form, she did have a point- but what about the entrance exam? I don't know a thing and the entrance exam is on…wait, hey…3 days before the wedding!
Meher- I know this place that offers a crash course on these things, you can join
Preet- Chand will kill me if I fail it
Meher- he won't know…you can tell him after you get through.
Preet finally smiled and was back to being himself- I'm paying for lunch! You're a lifesaver Meher!
Back in DUBAI
Premeer had gotten through lunch silently before deciding to window-shop for a while. The conversation about the apartment had proved to be almost fatal. Prem desperately needed a lifesaver, he knew Gayatri would burst with anger if she knew he'd done anything to anger her darling DIL. He prayed that they get through the evening without further damage and was glad he hadn't invited her to Milind's party yet. He'd met her, the formality was over with…now he'd tell Gayatri the party got cancelled. He didn't want to cause major havoc before they got married, then she would just have to adjust and the number one compromise would be giving up her flat! He'd be damned if he moved in with her! He was moving halfway across the world to be with her and she was crying about a damn apartment? What did she think of herself?
Heer hated the things worked in their society. Why was a girl supposed to compromise everytime? Why did he expect her to move out of her flat when he was just moving to the country and she'd been living there for a year? Saraswati dadi wanted children! Gimme a break! Thought Heer, I'm 22! I've worked so damn hard for the life I have now…and they want me to give it all up? And what for? For a guy I have absolutely nothing in common with? He and I can't even have a proper conversation and we've been together for a couple of hours now. May be Maya was right! She needed to act high and mighty with this guy…but then she thought of the disastrous phone conversation Maya had had and sighed…no, that didn't work and then there was Teji. Ma raised hell each time she said the words 'Prem' and 'problem' in one sentence. Pissing him off would really make life difficult. Heer couldn't believe how brutal life was! So much for dreams! This was the guy she'd saved her heart and body for? She wanted to cry!
Prem noticed her troubled expression and thought she was upset about the flat, jeez! Girls could be difficult, didn't she know how things worked? The girl got married and moved to her husband's house not the other way round! He thought he had to bring the evening to an end and decided it would be nice to buy her something.
Prem- we've been looking around for a while, why don't I get you something?
Heer was surprised at the sudden turn of events, she wasn't sure what to say. Wasn't it polite to say no thank you when someone offered things like this? What did you say to the guy your parents had chosen for you? He was going to be her husband and you didn't say that to your husband…but she didn't know him and he was going to be her husband…they weren't married yet so may be the proper thing would be to turn him down nicely.
Prem thought she was silent because she was still sulking over the flat. He clenched his teeth in anger and gently held her arm tugging her along with him- come on, I think we could shop for some clothes…
Prem was far too angry to notice that this was the first time he'd touched her…but Heer was jolted out of her thoughts…his touch did something to her, his hand was so gentle…yet so firm, his fingers were wrapped like satin around her arm…the man was so wrong, yet this felt so right!
Prem half dragged her to Harvey Nichols on the level two of the mall and took her to the dress section.
Prem- you wear dresses right? {Heer nodded} great…so, look around, choose something…I mean, I would select one for you if I knew what kinda clothes you like…but I don't, so it's better if you pick something.
Heer looked around before settling in on a sleeveless satin shift dress by Armani featuring a concealed back zip with hook and eye fastening, a small slit to the back of the skirt and a full lining. She thought it was just perfect. Elegant without being gaudy ended at the knees so it was not too short nor too long and the material felt lovely.
She was about to walk over to where Prem was standing looking at random stuff when she decided it would be appropriate to buy him a gift if he was buying her one and thought about asking him to pick something but stopped thinking he'd end up paying for it so she turned on her heel and walked off to the men's section to pick something for him. She looked around for a while before selecting black rhodium plated rectangular cufflinks by Duchamp featuring a Swarovski crystal face and black satin tie by Dolce & Gabbana. Satisfied with her selection she quickly paid for the cufflinks and the tie before walking over to him with the dress.
Prem looked at the dress Heer was holding up, he had to say he was pleasantly surprised. The dress was just right and he couldn't help but wonder what she would look like in it and almost ended up inviting her to Milind's party but held back when he thought of their discussion about the apartment and nodded curtly taking the dress from her and walking over to the counter to pay for it.
Heer knew he was still thinking about the apartment, but she didn't understand why he was being so uptight about. Did he really think that moving into her apartment would be the same as moving into her parents house? Like a guy's bidaai? Duh!
Prem paid for the dress and came over to Heer- we should get going now, I have a business dinner
He was lying but he didn't have another option. Girl was a looker and knew how to pick an amazing dress but their wavelengths just didn't match and he doubted if they ever would. They silently made their way to the parking area and got into the car, the drive back to Heer's apartment was silent too as both of them were deep in thought about what agreeing to this marriage had done to their otherwise perfect lives.
Heer fished into the bag that held her dress and brought out a smaller package when they reached the apartment parking area. Prem looked at her in surprise as she gave it to him.
Heer- I thought I'd get this for you since you were getting me the dress
Prem- but you didn't have to p…
Heer- pay for it? I knew you wouldn't let me so I didn't let you pick it up…hope it's okay. Anyway, it was nice meeting you…I know I'm holding you up so I'll get going. Thanks for the dress.
She quickly got out of the car leaving behind a confused Prem who realized she hadn't given him a chance to say goodbye or thank her for whatever she'd gotten him.
Heer paused to take a breath only after she was in the elevator. She'd half sprinted out of his car into the apartment building just to make sure he wouldn't have the chance to say anything. Prem Juneja confused her, he was obstinate and compassionate, a perfect gentleman yet mannerless…his touch sent a shiver down her spine…he was an enigma and Heer Maan who'd previously prided on the fact that could size up anybody in under two minutes was left baffled.
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
