Hello everyone! First up, I'm sorry for posting this after so many days, was working on a stupid paper and then had an ER at work, so much to do and so little time *SIGH* anyway, thanks for the wonderful comments. It's a toss between making Gayatri the monster-in-law and mahaan-in-law 😆 I haven't decided yet, suggestions are welcome 😊
Anyway, here's the next one 😃
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Chapter 12- Dealing with Change!
Dancing can do wonderful things to a relationship. It enables you to be patient with your partner, to move when they move; the person you're dancing with is like a mirror image, opposite, yet true to your soul.
The dance aroused unearthly feelings in Prem. He caught himself noticing a girl properly for the first time ever. He saw himself looking deep into her eyes, he finally noticed she was wearing the dress he'd bought her and he noticed how elegantly she carried it off. He noted that the makeup and jewelry were just perfect, nothing was overdone and he wanted to twirl the curls that fell on her face in his fingers…it was all too bizarre for a man who'd previously had only a few passing affairs with women. He'd noticed other things in women then…this was different, this was a first.
Heer was swaying, she didn't know if it was the wine or the scent of his perfume, the only thing she knew was him…he'd worn the tie and cufflinks she'd given him and everything else from his crisp white shirt to his jet black tuxedo and polished shoes was perfect. The stubble was carefully tended to and the hair had been gelled and spiked to give it a semi formal look, the man knew how to dress, he knew how to look at a girl…his gaze melted her insides…was she drunk or was his gaze doing things to her?
The dance ended and Heer excused herself, she went to their table and Prem walked up to the upper level and stared out of a window looking at the Arabian coastline…something had changed, the dance had changed him, had changed them.
In India
Reality began to sink in on Gayatri Juneja. She'd excitedly agreed to the proposal because Heer was her best friend Teji's daughter and this marriage meant a lot her husband's parents but as she sat in the study trying to mark some papers she couldn't help but think if it was really worth it…worth losing her son, her first born all over again.
Gayatri didn't have a thing against Heer. She adored the girl, but she wished her son and DIL would stay in India after they got married. After all Prem had been away from home for a long time before returning last year. Gayatri had sent him away reluctantly, Lalit had wanted his son to have the best education so she knew he had to go but he was her baby, the first one to call her ma and he was a sweet boy, he cared for his parents like no other child. Kulraj was married and lived in the US, visiting once a year didn't help much, but then girls had to go to their husband's house. Harman was a good boy but he'd always kept to himself…at times Gayatri felt he didn't really care and feared that if he saw success he would turn his back on the family. Preet was a mixture of his brothers, he cared a lot but he couldn't/ wouldn't shoulder responsibility, besides he'd never gotten along with her husband and Veera…Veera was a girl, she'd get married and move away like Kulraj…Gayatri needed Prem and wondered how many years it would be before her son & DIL decided to move back to India. She thought she'd ask Prem when he got back and continued to mark the papers.
Upstairs
Preet opened books after two years. He'd sworn he'd stay away from maths, business English and all that crap after he'd gotten an undergrad degree…this looked like French to him, he knew he would have slave hard if he wanted to get into the MBA programme. Meher was right, it was the perfect way to hush up Chand, he just had to get a decent degree, then nobody would come between him and his precious music. He'd asked the band to do without him for a few days and they were surprised, Preet told them it was because of PB's wedding and they'd bought the excuse. Preet Juneja had never missed a jamming session in five years, things were different now…he needed the lifeline so he had to struggle with these books while his favorite guitar lay sulking in a corner…this was change and he had to deal with it.
Dubai
You don't always talk to the person you're physically attracted to. Heer & Prem felt connected to each other but they still couldn't have a proper conversation. The evening ended without fireworks and they left after saying goodbyes to Milind & Prachi.
They were silent on the way to Heer's apartment, both wishing the other would initiate a conversation. Prem remembered the times he'd dated casually, small talk and compliments came easily and flowed like butter from his lips, the compliments weren't always true but they'd come. He wondered why he was having a hard time telling her she looked pretty when he knew she really did.
Heer wanted to thank him for wearing the stuff she got him but words failed her. She was feeling like a schoolgirl out on her first date, her lips were dry and there was a knot in her stomach, she didn't know how to say it.
They were deep in thought when they reached her apartment. It was just past midnight and Heer wondered if it would be appropriate to invite him up for a nightcap. Heer thought it was okay to invite him upstairs as Maya was there and they wouldn't be alone, besides she'd been badgering her to meet him. This was a good opportunity.
Heer- would you…like to come upstairs?...for a drink I mean
Prem wasn't sure what to say, alone with her? Then he remembered her friend so decided it's okay as they wouldn't be on their own, it was as if Heer read his thoughts when she said- Maya's there, she'd like to meet you and apologise for what happened the other day
Prem went red with embarrassment; it shouldn't take him this long to respond. What will the girl think? He nodded quickly and got out of the car. Heer was confused. He wasn't making things easier for her with the silent treatment, what was wrong? They quietly made their way into the lobby and to the elevator. The ride up to the 16th floor was the longest time they'd spent in an elevator, the silence was unmanageable! Heer breathed a sigh of relief when they reached her floor and she opened the door to the apartment.
They were greeted with darkness and as Heer opened the lights Prem said- I think your friend has slept
Heer- no, she doesn't sleep this early. May be she's watching a movie in her room. Why don't you make yourself comfortable, I'll just go and get her.
Prem walked over and sat at a sofa looking around at his surrounds, the friend had affluent relatives…the apartment was marvelous!
Heer went to Maya's room and was surprised to find it and the adjoining bathroom empty. She then made her way to her room to see if Maya was there and then proceeded to the third room. Prem watched her making her way to each room and decided to ask what she was doing.
Prem- is everything okay?
Heer- umm, I…Maya's not here
Prem- should you be worried about that? May be she went out somewhere?
Heer- no, why would she do that? I mean, she would at least tell me
Prem- well, why don't you give her call? She has a mobile doesn't she?
Heer wanted to hit her head, why was she behaving so stupidly? Of course she could call Maya. Was it because they were alone in the apartment? Get a grip Heer Maan! She dug into her clutch bag and took out her phone proceeding to dial Maya's number…one ring, two, three…
Maya- hello?
Heer- where are you?
Maya- you got home? It's what? 12:15 and you're home already?
Heer gritted her teeth- where are you Maya?
Maya- A friend from Abu Dhabi came over, we decided to go for a drive…I will be home by 4
Heer- what?
Maya- don't worry Heer, you know you're secure in that building, just close the door and go to bed
Heer sighed, Maya didn't know Prem was there, standing right in front of her. It would be no use telling her either, she would do Heer's head in with her stupid questions- I'll be okay…have fun
Heer hung up and looked at Prem who was staring at her questionably- she went out…
Prem was suddenly aware of the fact that he was alone with her in the apartment- uh…okay
Self-consciousness crept into the room and both of them looked at their feet and Heer realized she hadn't offered him anything and said- umm, would you like you have something?
Prem couldn't help but think that that's what he'd come up for in the first place! But all he said out loud was- sure
Heer- is cognac okay?
Prem- sure
Heer went to the kitchen and returned with a bottle of cognac, two glasses, an ice bucket and mint chocolate on a tray and gingerly placed it on the center table. The atmosphere was electric, Heer & Prem were virtual strangers supposed to get married and experienced irrepressible attraction towards one another…the attraction was merely on a carnal level. There were no feelings associated with it and that made them uncomfortable, Heer couldn't stop blushing and Prem had to bite his tongue and squeeze his hands into fists to stop himself from making a pass at her.
Prem and Heer were twirling the amber liquid in their glasses and watching it like it was out of ordinary! Prem decided to break the silence and ease the tension between them by telling her he was prepared to move into her apartment, but he was surprised when Heer said...
Heer- I want to apologise for the way I acted the other day, you know about wanting to stay in my apartment. It's just that this…marriage I mean, came as a surprise and I have a contract I can't break so easily, I'm supposed to stay in that apartment for another 12 months and I must admit that I absolutely love that place! I took two months searching for the perfect apartment after I graduated and got this job and then spent another 2 months decorating it. But I know you're right, I'm supposed to move in with you after we're married…and well, I emailed the agency this morning and surprisingly they've got someone who's interested in that place so I might be let out my contract easily…so, I just wanted to let you know and apologise
Prem was taken aback! He was all set to tell her he was willing to comprise and here she'd thrown another curveball at him, he wondered what to do, here was the perfect opportunity for him to go his way and move into the company flat but he hadn't missed the hint of disappointment and yearning in her voice when she talked about her apartment. He knew all about loving the first home you'd acquired with your own money, he'd loved the place he'd rented in Chicago in the two years he worked there, then he'd gone on Harvard and then moved back to India with his parents and forgotten all about the place…he noticed Heer was looking at him with questioning eyes and realized he'd been silently brooding since she'd informed him of her decision. Prem looked up at her, smiled and said- that won't be necessary. I guess I was being antediluvian…you've been in that apartment for nearly a year and I'm just moving to London. It would make sense for us to stay at your place; I mean…it really doesn't matter these days. I talked to HR and they're quite happy to pay the rent for your place as housing benefit, but there's a small catch…we'll have to get the lease transferred to my name, if that's okay with you…
Heer was caught unaware, she'd felt her chest tightening since she'd decided to give up her flat and here he was offering to move into her place! It was too good to be true…she didn't care about the lease, she didn't give a damn about the papers as long as she got to keep her place, she smiled and Prem thought the whole room was suddenly brighter he was grinning back goofily when she said- that's okay, I really don't care what the papers say but are you sure?
Prem felt he needed to know this girl better and that was weird, he'd never felt the same way with another girl, he wondered if it would be okay to get casual with her so quickly but he decided to give it a go- I'm positive, I've talked to HR…do you have a movie here? {Heer looked at him in surprise} I was wondering if we could watch one…I mean, if it isn't too late for you…I mean, I can go and…
Heer cut him off- no, no…Maya carries a collection with her, let me get one
Heer quickly got up and made her way to Maya's room and Prem watched her as he took off his jacket, loosened his tie and removed his cufflinks rolling up his sleeves, girl was a looker!
Heer kept thinking about their disastrous Skype conversation as she tried to decide what movie to pick, she knew he couldn't like any of the flicks she liked and she knew she couldn't stand any action or sci-fi movie…what was the safest option then? She settled for Twilight…who didn't love Eddy Cullen? Robert Pattinson was an excellent actor and Heer like every other girl had a wild fantasy, she wanted to wake up as Bella one morning 😆
Heer walked out of Maya's room with a smile on her face and Prem cringed inwardly when he saw the DVD she was carrying. 'Great!' He thought, 'what next? We sit together and talk about the latest fashion trends after watching Desperate Housewives? Or no…wait, East Enders! This is going to be fun!' he pasted a fake smile on his face.
Heer handed him the DVD- why don't you put this in? I'll get us some popcorn
Prem obliged and she left for the kitchen returning after a couple of minutes with a bowl full of popcorn. The sat on opposite ends of a sofa and Heer placed the bowl of popcorn between them as the movie started. Prem quietly took out his phone from the pocket and started fiddling with it instead of focusing on the movie, he wasn't surprised when he realized his bride-to-be had been swept away by Edward Cullen. He used his phone to post a status on Facebook
Prem Juneja is finally watching Twilight!
via Facebook for iPhone
He got comments on it two minutes later and mentally kicked himself for posting the status
Milind Patel WHAT?? Have u officially lost it bro?
The second comment was a little interesting
Sanjana Khanna are u now? U weren't very interested when I wanted to go! Hmph!
Prem replied-
@Milind- things change. Besides, look who's talking! Prachi even made u read the book! ROFL
@Sanjana- sorry, we'll go see the next one
Prem was relieved when the movie ended and Heer realized he hadn't paid much attention. Heer- you didn't really like it no?
Prem was a little embarrassed- no, it's nice…different
Heer- I love Edward Cullen! I mean, what more can one ask for? This is actually the 4th time I watched this movie
Prem was surprised- you mean you'd seen it earlier?
Heer- yeah, I just said I watched it for the 4th time, why?
Prem didn't know if he wanted to laugh or cry, 4 times? Why? Aloud he said- oh, nothing
Heer- what would you rather watch?
Prem- nothing else…it was a nice movie
Heer persisted- what would you watch if you were alone?
Prem- alone? {he raised an eyebrow} The Exorcist
Heer cringed- you cannot!
Prem gave her half a smile- why not?
Heer- that's scary! I watched a bit of it a few years ago with Nihaal bhaiyya, couldn't watch all of it and had to sleep in my parent's room for 2 weeks!
Prem laughed at that- they won't come out of the screen to kill you!
Heer- I know, but it's scary anyway
Prem- umm, I should get going now…have an early call tomorrow and I'll be going back on Thursday morning, we should do dinner…are you free tomorrow?
Heer nervously bit her lip before replying- yes I am
Prem- great, I'll pick you up at 8 then…or may be earlier? We could do some shopping, I'm free after 4
Heer- that'll be nice, have you bought warmer clothes yet?
Prem- whatever for?
Heer- you'll be moving to London, the weather there is not like Delhi you know
Prem- I know that, but I moved to India last year, I have warmer clothes, besides we're not going to live in London forever…I figure we'll move back in a couple of years
That took Heer by surprise, woah! Two years? Did he just say two years? She decided to ask- two years?
Prem looked at her before replying- yeah, two years are good enough aren't they? I mean I've stayed away from home for 15 long years…ma papa need me around. I have a responsibility I can't shrink from
Heer looked down and fiddled with her hands before mumbling- they've got Harman & Preet and they're still middle aged…we'll move back when they're old enough to need you around for good or they can come to us
Prem gritted his teeth and rubbed his temples to stay calm- I plan to stay with them when they're middle aged, to spend some quality time with them. I'm not the kinda guy who'll come back only if he's absolutely needed…besides Harman & Preet have their own lives. Harman just started working he needs to concentrate on his career. Preet is another story, you know all about him...besides they'll both be married in a few years. Dad wants both of them to get their own place when they're married, he figures too many daughters-in-law in the house will create unnecessary squabbles so he wants them to have their own life
Heer kept looking down and questioned docilely- and we won't?
Prem was confused for a second- we won't what?
Heer- have our own lives?
Prem sighed- look Heer, you're about to marry me so you need to know that my family is very important for me, that doesn't mean I'm going to ignore you…but if I am to be brutally honest, my family will always come first. I know it sounds difficult, but I have a sense of responsibility towards them, I owe them…{he trailed off}
Heer- owe them? What does that mean?
Prem replied curtly- nothing, I just want you to know that my family is very important. I think of them before thinking of me, their happiness is more important than mine…I hope you'll treat them the same way {the last sentence came out as an instruction}
Heer- you mean you WANT me to treat them the same way
Prem- yes, I guess that's more appropriate. I want you to treat them the same way
Heer- but I have certain ambitions Prem. I've worked very hard to get where I am. Even I have sacrificed, stayed away from my family. I want to make it to the top of my company, that'll take longer than just two years…you have to let me work!
Prem- I don't have a problem with that, you can work in India too…there are loads of reputable international firms there, I'd want you to do well but all of that has to fit into my household
Heer- I want you to think about it, let's make it 6 years shall we?
Prem- I'm sorry Heer. Two, maximum three years, then we're moving back
Heer petulantly replied- you're asking for a lot of change in my life
Prem picked up his jacket and tie- I'm sorry but you'll have to deal with it. I should get going now, I'll call you at 4 tomorrow…good night
As he walked out of the apartment he thought about the things that had changed in his life…marriage with Heer would uproot him, he was willing to go to London to be with her…she would have to move back for him after a few years.
Inside, Heer's eyes were red with anger and tears. The evening had come to a disastrous end, Maya was right, Heer Maan would have to take control before Prem Juneja took over and changed her life…he would have to deal with the change, too bad if he wasn't going to like it!
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Rotten tomatoes are welcome, I know most of you have been waiting for a romantic exchange but we're dealing with arranged marriage between two not-so-willing parties here. There can't be a lot of romance, the attration is there though, I'll try and build on it...S-L-O-W-L-Y 😆
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