Hi Everyone! Eid Mubarak! and Happy Holidays! 🥳
Its been a while, but I'm back with the next installment of this FF. Hope you enjoy it.😊
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Chapter 17 - Ambala's Mela
Another week had gone by and everyone in the Mann household was getting ready for Ambala's Mela taking place next week.
Teji and Heer were preparing various achaars for the homemade pickle competition. Balraj and Balwant were busy tuning up the tractor for the tractor race. Meher and Vishaka were going to participate in the dance performance and were busy practicing, while Kuljeet Chachee was on the phone finalizing the details of their costumes with a tailor in Ludhiana. Cousin Manmeet was away visiting some friends in Mumbai, but had been calling Meher almost every other day to reassure her that he would be back in time to escort her to the Mela.
A few days later Kuljeet Chachee and Vishaka came back from Ludhiana bringing Meher and Vishaka's costumes. "Aren't they lovely?!" exclaimed Vishaka.
"Yes", said Meher admiring the beautiful, flowing, bright orange and pink ghagras (skirts). She then picked up the matching top to try it against her form, when she noticed something. "Wait a minute Vishaka", she cried pointing to the empty space in the back with nothing but a criss-cross dori. "I think the tailor forgot to finish these tops!"
"Oh Meher Di, don't be such a prude!" said Vishaka, "It's backless! We'll have bold and beautiful written all over us!"
"More like bare and besharam (shameless)!" replied Meher. "There is no way you're getting me into this. I'm not going to be advertising to all of Ambala that there's more of me to love", she said pinching an inch from her waistline.
"Well I'm sorry Meher Di, but this is what our group is wearing. Besides you have a week to diet if you like".
"Ever notice that the word diet has DIE in it", sighed Meher helplessly. As if it wasn't bad enough that she would have to babysit Manmeet at the Mela, now she had this dress to deal with.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Meher went to open it and was pleasantly surprised to see Viren standing there with a box in his hands. "Namaste everyone", he said smiling widely. "I hope you don't mind me showing up like this, but it's my birthday today and...well...since I don't have any family of my own to celebrate it with, I just thought I'd share my happiness with you all. I brought the cake too".
"Happy Birthday and many happy returns of the day", smiled Meher.
"Yes! Happy Birthday!" interrupted Vishaka as she pulled Viren in and took the cake box from his hands.
"Is Gurinder with you?" asked Heer worriedly.
"No", replied Viren, "I'm afraid he had something to do".
"Oh!" said Heer with a sigh of relief, "in that case, I'll go get the plates".
"I wish we had known you were coming and that it was your birthday, we could have gotten you a present", said Meher.
"Believe me", said Viren, "the time I spend with you and your family is a gift enough for someone who has no one else".
"I have a present for you!" cried Vishaka. "You can have the first dance with me at the Mela next week. In fact, our dresses just came in...Look! Aren't they just beautiful?!"
"Just beautiful", said Viren looking at Meher.
Meher blushed and tried to change the topic. "Cake anyone?" she asked. "Mmm...chocolate...my favorite".
"Weren't you going to diet?" Heer whispered in Meher's ear.
"I'll start tomorrow", Meher whispered back through a mouthful of chocolate cake.
Just then the phone rang and Heer went to answer it. "You know, I was in Delhi last weekend", said Meher, "some...uh...friends of mine and I went to the Elevate. I thought I would perhaps see you there".
"Hunh? Oh! Yes", said Viren, "I went down there with some friends last weekend too, but left as soon as I arrived. You know Meher...drinking, loud music, bump 'n grind...it's not exactly my cup of tea. It's more of a kind of place Preet would hang out in".
Meher looked up in surprise at the mention of Preet's name. Preet had been at the night club, but then he had helped her out too. Meher didn't know what to think. "In fact", continued Viren, "I'm really more at home here out in the fields and fresh country air. And I'm sure I'll have great fun at the Mela next week".
Heer returned with a huge smile on her face. "Who was it beta?" asked Teji.
"It was Prem", replied Heer blushing. "He's asked me to go with him to the Mela next week. In fact, Kulraj Didi, Preet, the whole family is coming".
Meher could see a marked change in Viren's face, as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I see that your sister really likes Prem", he said, "the mere mention of his name makes her blush".
"Yes", replied Meher, "but I hope this doesn't mean you'll change your mind about coming".
"Oh no!" said Viren. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. Besides...I'm not the one playing the avoidance game. If Preet or any of the Junejas have a problem with my being there, then they'll have to go, not me. Of course I'll have a greater incentive if you promise we can spend time there together...Maybe go on a couple of rides...or even dance...Please...". Viren gave Meher a pleading puppy dog look, to which Meher just giggled in reply.
"Well", she whispered, "if we can somehow manage to dodge Vishaka and my cousin Manmeet...I'd love to".
Later that night Meher came to Heer's room to say good-night. Heer was brushing her hair and humming quietly to herself. "Heer Didi, you're really excited about going to the Mela with Prem aren't you?" she asked.
"Oh yes Meher!" cried Heer. "I'm floating on air just thinking about it. I can't believe Prem Juneja is actually interested in going to the Mela with me!"
"Oh I think Prem Juneja would be willing to go anywhere with you", teased Meher. "I on the other hand, will be stuck babysitting Cousin Manmeet. Why couldn't he stay in Mumbai a little bit longer? That way Viren and I could...". Meher caught herself before she spoke any further.
"Meher", said Heer, putting her hands on Meher's shoulders. "I think you're beginning to like Viren".
Meher bit her lip. She wasn't sure of her feelings herself. "I don't know Di, but I haven't met a more pleasant young man. He's so simple, honest and at ease with us...No nakhras...And he's not putting the country down all the time...And even though he's been wronged...".
"Meher", interrupted Heer, "are you talking about his problems with Preet? You know we've only heard Viren's side of the story. Aur tali hamesha do haatoon se bajti hai. I wouldn't pass judgement until we've heard Preet's side of the story. Waise bhi, the kind of friends a person keeps, says a lot about them. And Viren being such good friends with Gurinder...I don't know...something about him just doesn't sit right with me".
"You're just saying that because Preet is Prem's brother. And I'm not passing judgement!" protested Meher. "I'm just saying that Viren and I seem to connect!"
"Meher", said Heer, "I am sorry but...".
"No Di!" cried Meher storming off to her room, "I'm sorry...but not every girl's prince charming is a Juneja!"
Later that night, Meher lay in her bed tossing and turning. She hated when she and Heer argued. I really over did it, she thought. Heer Didi was just looking out for me like she always does. I'll apologize first thing in the morning. Then as if changing her mind, Meher jumped out of bed and tip-toed into Heer's room. Heer was sleeping peacefully, probably dreaming of Prem Juneja, thought Meher.
"I'm sorry Di", she whispered as she bent down and kissed Heer on the head.
"I love you Meher", Heer opened her eyes and whispered back. "Now go to sleep". Meher smiled and hugged her sister.
Back in her room Meher lay on her bed feeling much better. She promised herself never to argue with Heer over Viren. Then she thought about Viren and a small smile crept up to her lips. What was it about him that made her feel like she had butterflies in her stomach?
Soon she was deep in sleep, and began to dream. In her dream she was dressed up like a dulhan (bride) sitting on a bed decorated with flowers all around her waiting for her husband to come. Slowly the door opens and a young man enters and quietly sits next to her on the bed. He places his hand on top of hers. She shyly pulls her hand back.
(The following tune from Bride and Prejudice is playing in the background):
Sorry Cousin Mannie, it's not to be
My heart is set on another you will see
The wandering soul I was meant to meet
Has finally come and swept me off my feet
The young dulha (groom) gently lifts her ghungat (veil), and Meher lowers her gaze. He lovingly places his finger under her chin and lifts her face to meet his gaze. Meher looks up fully expecting to look into Viren's eyes, but is shocked to instead find a smiling Preet staring back at her. "Nahin! (No!)" cried Meher, sitting up in bed panting for breath. What was that all about?! she wondered.
Meher quietly got up from bed and went down to the kitchen for a drink of water. As she was coming down the stairs, she swore she heard some voices coming from the living room. "Who's there?" Meher asked as she turned on the lights.
"Meher Di! You scared me!" cried Vishaka. She was standing by an open window looking quite flustered.
"Vishaka? What are you doing here at this hour?" asked Meher.
"I...um...uh...had a nightmare and came down for some fresh air", replied Vishaka.
"Really?" asked Meher, wondering at the coincidence that both of them had had a nightmare.
"Yes really. Don't you believe me?" asked Vishaka nervously.
"No, it's not that. It's just that there are windows in your room too", remarked Meher. "Anyways relax", she continued as she turned to leave. I just came down for a glass of water".
Finally the day of Ambala's annual Mela had arrived. After much argument, Vishaka had finally convinced Meher to put on her costume. Meher had put on matching earrings and bangles, and left her hair open to provide cover for her bare back. And now a very nervous Meher was walking down the stairs waiting for everyone's reaction. Manmeet was the first one to see her and was totally blown away by her appearance. "Meher!" he cried, "You look beautiful!"
"Thanks Manmeet", said Meher nervously. "Um...Manmeet you can close your mouth now".
"Oh...of course", said Manmeet smiling sheepishly. "It's just that I can't believe I'll be escorting the most beautiful girl in all of Ambala to the Mela!".
"Um...Cousin Manmeet", said Meher, "we're all going to the Mela together as a family...so, don't feel like you have to be joined at the hip with me. I mean it's not like we're married or anything".
"Not yet we aren't", smiled Manmeet, tweeking Meher's cheek. Oh God! I'm having nightmares during the day too, thought Meher.
At the Mela (fair), all of Ambala was out and about enjoying the sunshine, rides, delicious aromas of Punjabi dishes coming from various stalls, cool juices, flavored ice-golas, colorful dancers, and loud music being played by the local band.
Heer had been picked up earlier by Prem and the two of them were walking the grounds of the Mela together taking in all the sights and sounds. Heer was cheerfully pointing out the various activities, and introducing Prem to friends who would pass by every now and then.
"Heer!" cried a young girl Heer's age. "It's been ages!"
"Shruti?!" When did you get back?!" asked a pleasantly surprised Heer.
"Just yesterday", replied Shruti, "wouldn't miss the Mela for the world". Shruti looked from Prem to Heer questioningly.
"Oh! This is Prem Juneja, my...um...", said Heer awkwardly searching for the right words.
"Shruti!" called a young man. "Oh! That's my husband! It was really nice seeing you again Heer", said Shruti excusing herself and hugging Heer good-bye.
"Your friend seems to be a really sweet girl", said Prem.
"Yes", said Heer, "we used to be really close, but then she got married and moved to Delhi. Her husband's work keeps him really busy so she only comes by for the Mela and special occasions. Her parents really miss her a lot. She's their only child".
"Well, at least she lives nearby", said Prem.
"Nearby?!" cried Heer, "It's more than 100 miles!"
"What's a 100 miles of good road?" said Prem.
Heer shrugged her shoulders and said, "I guess some distance can be good after marriage for some people, especially if a family is the meddlesome type. In that case, a girl shouldn't live too close to her family".
"Exactly!" said Prem perking up suddenly. "You wouldn't want to stay in Ambala all your life would you Heer?" he asked with a gentle pleading in his voice.
"Ji?" asked Heer shyly. "Matlab?" (What? What do you mean?)
Meanwhile, Meher was looking for Viren. She had spotted Prem and Heer together earlier. Kulraj, Kiran and their children could be seen waiting in line to go onto the ferris wheel. But there was no sign of Viren. Just then Meher spotted Shampa, and ran over to hug her best friend. "Shampa! I'm so glad you made it!" cried Meher.
"Thanks! But look at you!" said Shampa, as she used her kajal to put a kala teeka (black spot) on Meher. "Kahin nazar na lag jaye! (That's to ward of the evil eye!) Where's Heer? You two are usually inseparable at these events".
"Hmm...that was before Prem Juneja made his entry", laughed Meher.
"Is it that serious already?" asked Shampa.
"I think it's clear he likes Heer Didi a lot", replied Meher.
"Well in that case Heer should leave him in no doubt about her feelings. In fact she should show more affection than she feels, so that she can secure him", said Shampa.
"Come on Shampa!" cried Meher. "You know how shy Di is, she'll never..."
"Ahem", interrupted Manmeet clearing his throat, "Cousin Meher, you didn't forget about me did you?".
"Uh...no", sighed Meher. "How could I? Shampa this is Cousin Manmeet. He's visiting us from the U.S. And Manmeet this is my best friend Shampa".
"Delighted to meet any friend of my Meher's", said Manmeet.
"My Meher's?!" mouthed Shampa with eyebrows raised questioningly.
Meher began to cough as if she was choking on something. "Um...Manmeet", said Meher smiling weakly, "could you please get me some water?"
"Oh of course!" said Manmeet as he ran off to look for some water. Shampa and Meher took the opportunity to make a run for it. Soon the two girls were lost in the crowd enjoying the festivities.
Not too far away, Preet had also made his entry with Gaurav Sherma, a friend of his from college, followed closely behind by Herman, Maya, and Ashlesha, who was complaining a mile a minute.
"Really Preet...I think Prem should apologize for bringing us here in all this heat and dirt. He seems to be able to enjoy himself in any society".
"Well", said Preet, pointing to Ashlesha's high heel shoes, "maybe it wouldn't be so bad if you were dressed better for the occasion".
"Hmpf!" said Ashlesha walking off. "Come on Maya and Herman, let's find some shade". Preet was only too happy to see her go.
Gaurav was taking pictures with his camera, when he spotted a girl in his lens. "I wouldn't mind enjoying myself in that society", he remarked in awe. Preet looked in the direction Gaurav was looking at and did a double take. It was Meher, looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her look before.
"Aray kaminay! Tu dost hai ya dushman? (You rat! Are you a friend or a foe?)" cried Preet grabbing Gaurav by the collar.
"What are you talking about Preet?" asked Gaurav surprised at his reaction.
"That's Meher...The girl I was telling you about!" replied Preet.
"Oh! Not bad yaar! Aren't you going to introduce us?" asked Gaurav innocently. Preet glared at Gaurav. "What?!" said Gaurav, "I'm about to be engaged remember!" Preet and Gaurav ran over to where they had seen Meher, but she and Shampa had already gotten on one of the rides. Preet kicked the dirt in frustration. "Hey relax Preet", said Gaurav, "she'll be down in 5 minutes. In the meantime, let's get something cool to drink".
After the ride, Shampa and Meher stopped to buy some hot jalebis and samosas. "Oh this is great!" cried Meher, laughing out loud while stuffing her mouth with jalebis. "I've been dieting for a week just to look good in this dress, but nothing is going to stop me now! Little did she know, Preet and Gaurav were standing in the adjacent stall having some juice. The boys had just spotted a very fat man eating sweets and joking with his wife. His belly shook with each laugh.
"Kabhi note kiya hai ke motay log kitna hastey hain (Ever notice how fat people laugh a lot)", remarked Preet. Meher gasped, that voice sounded awfully familiar to her. "Why eat so many sweets when you're that fat?" Preet continued. "I mean look at the way that jelly belly shakes when they laugh". Meher put her hand on her stomach. "And then when you offer to put them in touch with a trainer, they get all huffed up". Meher's face turned red from embarrassment. She mistakenly thought the conversation was about her. She threw her jalebis down and marched straight up to Preet.
"Are you done with the fat jokes?!" she cried
"Meher!" What a wonderful surprise!" smiled Preet.
"Is it?" asked Meher.
"Yeah", said Preet, "I was just telling my friend Gaurav all about you".
"So I heard", replied Meher.
"Hi", said Gaurav meekly. He had noticed that something was wrong. Preet had told him that Meher was a spitfire, but right now, she just looked like she was about to spit fire, literally.
"Uh...listen Meher", said Preet, "they're about to have a dandiya or garba or whatever you call it. You know the dance with the little sticks. I'm not saying that I'm so great at it, but what the hell...Maybe you could show me a couple of steps, and we can dance it together".
Before Meher could answer, she was interrupted by Manmeet. "Meher!" he said tweeking her cheek. "I've been looking all over for you!" Then looking at Preet and Gaurav he said, "Gentlemen, you're not trying to hit on my lady are you?"
"Your lady?!?" Preet and Meher exclaimed in surprise.
"You didn't forget about our little dance did you Meher?" asked Manmeet while finger-combing his hair. "Of course I myself am a fan of Mithun Da and his disco moves", continued Manmeet doing a couple of pelvic thrusts, "but as they say...When in India do as the Indians do". Before Meher could protest, Manmeet grabbed her by the hand and dragged her off to the tent where the couples were making a circle in preparation for the dance.
"Ahem", said Gaurav, as he placed his hand on Preet's shoulder and tried to control his laugh. "Beta...looks like you have some competition!"
"Oh shut up!" cried Preet as he walked off after Meher.
In the tent, where the dance was to take place, the couples formed inner and outer circles. Meher saw Preet and Gaurav join the row of spectators. Preet smiled at Meher, but she only rolled her eyes in response. The dance started and the couples started moving in a circle. Unfortunately, Manmeet moved in the wrong direction and bumped into the guy next to him. "The other way Manmeet!", yelled Meher.
"Oh a thousand apologies!" cried Manmeet. Preet couldn't control his laughter.
"Ouch!" cried Meher as Manmeet accidently hit her rather than her dandiya sticks.
"Forget about what I said about the competition", cried Gaurav, peeling with laughter. "At this rate, he's going to put her in the hospital".
Meher's frustration with having to dance with Manmeet and dodge his dandiya sticks was only compounded by watching Preet and Gaurav laughing at her. What I wouldn't do to wipe that smirk of his face, she thought.
After what seemed like an eternity to Meher, the dance was finally over and she excused herself from Manmeet and went to find Shampa. Preet and Gaurav followed after her. But instead of finding Shampa, Meher found Heer.
"Meher there you are! I've been looking all over for you. Listen, I spoke to Prem about Viren, and although he didn't want to disclose the details of what happened between him and Preet, he assured me that Viren's character was questionable".
"Of course", said Meher, "he would say that being Preet's brother.
"But Meher", said Heer, "Prem said that Preet only acted in...".
"Ufho! Preet! Preet! Preet! I don't want to hear that name right now!" cried Meher walking off.
She hadn't gone far when Preet finally caught up to her and said, "Hey Meher, that was quite a dance you and your boyfriend just did".
"He's not my boyfriend!" cried Meher.
"Well good", Preet sighed in relief. "In that case, maybe I could have the next dance?"
"I'm afraid Mr Preet Juneja", said Meher putting the back of her hand on her forehead with a dramatic flair, "the honor of standing up with you is more than I can bear. Besides", she continued with her eyes narrowing, "wouldn't my jelly belly get in the way?!"
"What are you talking about?!" cried Preet. "Tum to bilkul moti nahin ho. I mean not really. I mean, I'm sure it's just the roundness of youth. I mean...I...uh...I like the fact that you're a hatti khatti Punjaban (healthy Punjabi girl)". Preet regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Gaurav too slapped his forehead in frustration. When was his friend going to stop putting his foot in his mouth!
"Ugh!" cried Meher. "You know after you helped me out in Ludhiana, I thought that maybe...just maybe, I was wrong about you. Par tum kabhi nahin sudro gay!" (But you'll never change!)
Meher pushed past a stunned Preet and continued to look for Shampa, who she found playing a ring toss game. She quickly joined her friend, determined not to let Manmeet, Preet, or anyone else ruin the rest of her day. Meher was deciding on a prize to toss her ring on when a beautiful beaded necklace caught her eye. "Oh Shampa look at that", she said pointing to the necklace. "Isn't it beautiful?!"
Despite 3 attempts, Meher's rings did not land on the necklace. She was about to pay for another try, when someone tossed a ring which landed right around the necklace. Meher's mouth fell open with disappointment, when all of a sudden a hand holding the necklace came before her.
"For you", said Preet smiling. "I saw how you couldn't get it even after 3 tries, and I got it on the very first attempt!" Meher rolled her eyes. "Oh God! I know how that must have sounded", said Preet nervously. "Look Meher, it would really make me happy if you take this necklace".
"No thanks!" said Meher as she grabbed Shampa's arm and dragged her to the stall where chudiyan (bangles) were being sold. Preet continued to follow Meher. "Meher please...", pleaded Preet, "I think there's been some sort of misunderstanding".
"No!" cried Meher, "Aur tum mera peecha karna bas kardo!" She turned around only to bump into someone. The color rose in Preet's face as he also saw who Meher had bumped into.
"Well hello pretty lady!" said Viren. "Is everything alright?" he asked glancing from Meher to Preet.
"Viren!" cried Meher happily. "Finally! I thought you'd never get here!" Preet took a step forward, but felt Gaurav's hand on his shoulder holding him back. Preet turned around to meet his friend's gaze pleading with him not to start a fight.
"So", continued Viren cheerfully. "Did I miss much?"
"No", said Meher, "Shampa and I were just about to pick out some chudiyan, maybe you can help".
"I'm afraid I'm not very good in that department", remarked Viren loud enough for Preet who was leaving to hear. "Why don't we ask Preet? After all...he has sisters".
Preet turned around with obvious anger in his eyes. He walked straight up to the stall, pushed past Viren and picked up a set of beautiful green colored bangles. He grabbed Meher's hand and pulled her close to him, as his eyes locked with hers. "Tumharay hatoon main...sabhi choodiyan achee lagti hain (Everything looks good on your hands)", he said as he gently squeezed her hand to slide the bangles he had chosen onto her arm. He paid for the bangles, gave Viren a look of disgust and then quietly left with Gaurav following closely behind.
Meher stared after Preet, with her mouth open. "What was that all about?" asked Shampa.
"I have no idea", said Meher.
Preet was walking back to his car as fast as he could. His mind was racing and anger was building up inside him. What the hell did he think he was doing? He couldn't believe he had just spent his afternoon stupidly pursuing a girl who wasn't even his type! He was Preet Juneja and Meher Maan was just a country hick, he tried to convince himself. She was stubborn and nakchari, and ...(then Preet remembered how it felt to have held Meher close to him and look into those deep brown eyes)...and just beautiful, he thought. A lively and beautiful country girl, who had given him many sleepless nights. And now the thought of leaving her behind with Viren was driving him crazy.
"Come on Gaurav", he said, "We're going back".
"Why?" asked Gaurav.
"I'm not sure", said Preet as he ran his hand through his hair, "but we're going back".
On the way back to the Mela grounds, Preet and Gaurav passed a group of men drinking lassi, which unbeknownst to them someone had laced with bhang. Balwant and Balraj were among them. The bhang was having its effect on them and both were spouting nonsense. Preet thought them to be drunk and looked at them disapprovingly.
He walked on further almost colliding into Vishaka. "Oh I'm sorry!" she giggled as she pushed past Preet. She had apparently grabbed an army officer's hat in good fun and made a run for it, while the officer was running after her trying to get it back. Preet frowned, he had never seen this side of the Maan family before.
Preet hadn't gone much further when he passed behind a group of ladies sitting together and gossiping. Bits of their conversation that fell into his ears made him stop in his tracks. "Isn't it wonderful about Prem Juneja and Heer! Everything is going according to my plans!" It was Kuljeet, sitting with Teji and some other women. "Wasn't it clever of me to send Heer out in the rain on horseback, just so the Junejas could keep her at the Havaili overnight! They never realized that she had a car at her disposal. And just look at them together at the Mela. We'll be getting a marriage proposal any day now, I assure you! What connections we'll have! And just think of how much money they have!"
Preet looked over to see his brother and Heer walking together. Prem was gushing over Heer, who was smiling back politely. I have to do something about this, he thought, as he once again turned to walk towards his car as fast as he could with a very confused Gaurav in tow.
Hope you all liked it. Please leave your feedback. Or at least hit the like button. Thanks. 😛
Giving credit where it's due the dream sequence is inspired from Bride and Prejudice. And the Preet's chudiyan dialogue is one of the most romantic dialogues from PRC.
Chapter 18 Preview: A marriage proposal comes to the Maan's house.
Edited by ummesulaiman - 10 years ago
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