Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 68

Originally posted by: Tazeen_Rida2004

Hello Fatema😊
wonderful update👏👍🏼 Loved it❤️❤️❤️ Preet's proposal style was so cute like him😉☺️ & Meher was cute too😊
keep updating like this & pls PM me also😊

Originally posted by: AASUS

PM on phone banner/ pic looks great 👍🏼 Pic selection is good.

Yeah...I've actually been going back and adding pics to complement scenes in my FF...just something to do when I have some extra time and writer's block...😆

Peppy background score is cool😎

I really like this song...😆...lucky for me I found the song scrap on chirkut.

I like how you described the ring 😆 I'm really not into jewellery but it was nice.

I couldn't thnk of anything else so I just described my own ring...😆

Getting proposed while on air in the basket is like ppl getting married in Las Vegas in helicopter 😆 One of my friends did that.

I couldn't have Preet propose in any normal ordinary way now could I?...😆

This ch. is totally you -the way it's written- full on masti.

I am Preet/Meet reincarnate..😆

Preview is exciting. I'm really looking forward to see various reactions & how you're going to bring it all in front of us. I expect it'll be hilarious no? Or will it go back to serious mode? 🤔

Well...I'll say this much...just consider who they have to convince...

Chapter 52 - Out in the Open

Meher looked at the ring on her left hand and smiled. It had been a week since Preet had proposed, but she hadn't told anyone except Shampa. They had both been extremely busy the past few days, but tonight, they were finally going to talk to her mother and settle matters.

Meher glanced over at Preet. They had been sitting in his car, outside Prem and Heer's house, for the past half-hour. She wasn't sure if he was doing breathing exercises or brainstorming. "Preet", she finally spoke up. "How much longer are we going to sit here?"

"Shhh...Meher don't disturb", said Preet.

"Disturb what?" asked Meher. "What are you doing?"

"I've got this whole speech readied in my mind and I'm just practicing it before I say it to your mom", said Preet.

"Don't worry Preet. You're not her child, so she won't bite your head off. What she'll do to me though is another story", sighed Meher. "Anyway, weren't you the one who said we don't need our parents' permission...only their blessing".

"Han...Bikul sahi kaha tha maine (Yes...and I was absolutely right)", said Preet pumping his fist.

"You also said you'd take care of everything", Meher reminded him.

"I did say that, didn't I?" said Preet, giving her a weak smile.

"So why are you getting nervous?" asked Meher.

"I'm not getting nervous. I just want to make sure things go right", said Preet.

"So do I Meher", said Preet.

Meanwhile...inside the house...

Prem and Heer were peering out the living room window from behind the curtains.

"Did Preet tell you he was bringing Meher over?" asked Prem.

"No", said Heer.

"They've been out there for like half-an-hour. What do you suppose they're doing?" asked Prem.

"I can't say for sure", said Heer. "Prem...you don't suppose Preet's going to talk to Ma about him and Meher do you?"

"Well if he does, it's about time. And I'm going to give them my full support", said Prem.

"Yes", sighed Heer, "but let's just hope Ma agrees. Oh look...here they come".

Moments later the doorbell rang and Preet and Meher were standing in the living room.

Heer shot Meher a questioning look. "Well?" she said.

Preet nodded at Meher and gave her a slight smile. She took a deep breath and held up her left hand.

Prem likewise hugged Preet. "Finally, kuch toh acha kaam kiya tu ne (you did something right)", he joked. "Waise Heer, tumhe nahin lagta hume in dono se naraz hona chahiye (But Heer, don't you think we should be upset with these 2). After all you're Meher's Didi and I'm Preet's PB, and these 2 didn't trust us enough to tell us about them".

"Speak for yourself", said Heer as she put her arm around Meher. "Meri behan ne toh mujhe sab kuch bataya tha (My sister already told me everything)".

"Aray naraz toh mujhe aap dono se hona chahiye (I'm the one who should be upset with you both)", complained Preet, "for not telling me about Meher in the first place. I mean what if I had married Ash?"

"Sorry Preet", sighed Prem. "I wanted to, believe me I did. Per majhboori thi (But I was bound by)...first Bauji, and then Teji Chachee. I wish I...".

"It's okay PB", smiled Preet. "No need to explain. Meher told me everything. And I guess I can understand. But I expect full support from both you and Heer Bhabi from here on end".

"You bet", smiled Prem as he hugged his younger brother again.

Preet exhaled a sigh of relief. "See Meher, it wasn't as bad as we expected".

"Preet...Heer Didi and Prem Jiju were always on our side", said Meher. "Ma se toh baat karo (Talk to Ma)".

"Right", said Preet. "Where is Teji Chachee?"

"She's actually on the phone with our mother", said Prem. "In fact, they've been talking for quite a while now. Maybe I should go and check on her. Aur han Preet...tum unse baat karte huay bilkul mat ghabrana (Oh and Preet don't panic while talking to her). Teji Chachee is a real sweetheart. Aur waise bhi Heer aur main tum dono ke saat hain (And in any case Heer and I are on your side)".

"Yes...um...uh...", Meher muttered. She looked at Preet and wrang her hands nervously. In her heart, she prayed that he would say something magical and win over her mother's heart. To her surprise he reached out and took her hand in his and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Preet...ye sab kya hai (Preet...what's all this)?" said Teji.

"Chachee ji...I brought your daughter here tonight", said Preet.

Teji's mouth fell open. "Daughter. How did you find out?" she asked.

"That's not so important Chachee ji", replied Preet. "What is important is that...we're in love. We would like to get married and would very much like to have your blessings".

Teji sat down and an awkward silence broke out in the room. Just then the ring on Meher's left hand caught her eye. "Jab faisla khud hi kar liya hai...toh phir mujhse kyun pooch rahe ho (When you have already decided why are you bothering to ask me)?" she finally asked.

"Ma, that's not what Preet meant", Meher said, taking a step towards her mother.

Teji raised her hand as if to silence Meher. "You told him. Didn't you?" She asked Meher in a stern voice. "You told him everything even after I explicitly told you not to. How could you Meher? How could you betray my trust? I should have taken you away from here the day I found you".

"Chachee ji please...you musn't blame Meher or anyone else", insisted Preet. "I had already met Meher before she found you. At the time, I had no idea who she was, except that there was something about her that tugged at my heart's strings. Then I found out about our past by chance through a friend. Uske baad...kuch cheezein dimaag ne samjha di...aur kuch dil ne (After that...somethings my mind figured out...and the rest my heart did). Meher only filled in the few blanks that were left after that".

"Well did those blanks include how your father feels about her...about our entire family in fact?" asked Teji.

"Yes", sighed Preet.

"Then you also should have known better than to expect me to give you my blessings", said Teji.

"Chachee ji", said Preet, "Bauji's sentiments about your family are all based on some misunderstandings that need to be clarified. I assure you I will talk to my father and make him understand how I feel. Per aap unki wajah se mujhe kyun saza de rahi hain (But why are you punishing me because of my father)?"

"I'm not against you personally Preet", sighed Teji. "I never was. But try to understand where I'm coming from. I've got one daughter who is already married into your family. Your father could care less about her. How can I expect him to accept Meher? And now the baby is coming. Gaytri is so happy. She says that even Lalit ji has softened at the news. She really feels the baby will be a reuniting factor for both families. I can't believe you want to spoil everything!"

"I would never intentionally do anything to hurt Prem Bhaiya or Heer Bhabi", said Preet. "But I don't see how one thing has to do with the other".

"Don't you see?" said Teji. "Prem and Heer can go back home. If you bring up Meher, it will only anger your father again and cause problems for them too. I'm sure of it".

"But what about me and Meher then?" asked Preet. "I mean...Bauji may never be satisfied with PB and Heer Bhabi. So does that mean we can't be happy either?"

"You're being selfish Preet", said Teji.

"Ma that's not fair", Heer spoke up. "Preet is right. He and Meher have as much a right to be happy together as Prem and I do. How long are you going live under this delusion that if they sacrifice their happiness for Prem and me...I will suddenly become bahu of the year in Lalit Uncle's eyes? You don't want to risk ruining things for one daughter, just to make the other happy. But that's exactly what you are doing to Meher all over again. That's what you and Papaji did the last time Preet asked you for Meher's hand, and look where that got us...nowhere. Lalit Uncle never accepted me or appreciated their sacrifice".

"Look Ma", sighed Heer, "there is nothing I'd like better than to be accepted by Prem's Bauji...to have our baby come into this world surrounded by the love and affection of both sets of grandparents. But the problem was never from Prem or my side".

"Heer is right", added Prem. "Rukawat sirf Bauji ke taraf se hai (The stand off is only from Dad's side). If he wants us back home...fine, but it should be regardless of who Preet decides to marry".

"But...", began Teji.

"Par kuch nahin Chachee ji. Aap chinta karna chod dijiye (No buts Chachee Ji. I want you to stop worrying)", said Preet. "Anyway, It's not like Meher and I are getting married tomorrow. The hotel still needs to be finished first. Prem Bhaiya and Heer Bhabi can move back home, in the meantime, if they like. Sab theek ho jaye ga (Everything will be alright)", he assured Teji.

Teji thought for a minute. "What about your engagement to Ashleha Singh?" she asked Preet.

"What engagement?" Asked Preet. "There never was an engagement".

"But your Bauji has chosen Ashlesha for you", said Teji.

"Chachee ji, I do love and respect my father", said Preet, "but I'm not a slave to his will. He can't make me marry someone I don't want to. And as much as I would like to have his blessings, not having them is not going to change my decision about who I want to spend the rest of my life with".

"Lekin...", began Teji.

"Rest assured. I'm going to talk to Bauji and do my level best to make him see things my way", said Preet. "Par Bauji han bole ya na...woh toh baad mein dekha jaye ga. Kam se kam aap toh hamara saat dijiye (Whether my dad says yes or no will be seen later. At least you can stand by us)".

"I just don't want to see either of my girls getting hurt", sighed Teji.

Preet came and sat down on the floor in front of Teji, took her hand in his and smiled. "They won't", he said. "I promise".

Teji hesitated for a moment, then motioned for Meher to come and sit next to Preet. "And this is what you really want?" she asked her. Meher nodded her head in silence. "Theek hai. Khush raho (Alright. Be happy)", said Teji, as she placed her hands lovingly on their heads. "I'll be happy as long as you both are".

"Thank you Ma!" cried Meher as she hugged her mother. "Thank you so much! You don't know how much this means to me".

"You're welcome beta", said Teji, with a hint of reluctance still visible in her tone. "Lekin Preet...jab tak tum Lalit Ji se (But Preet...until you've spoken to Lalit Ji)..."

"Uff ho Chachee!" interrupted Preet. "Please don't tell me I can't see Meher until I speak to Bauji. Main roz karele ki sabzhi khane ko tayar hoon...per ye mujhse nahin hoga. Waise bhi...ab Meher hotel ke kaam mein hissa lene lagi hai (I'm willing to eat bitter gourds everyday...but this I won't be able to do. In anycase, Meher is about to join me in the hotel project). Seeing her on a daily basis is going to be unavoidable. Unless you expect me to walk around with blinders on. Of course...that may prove to be detrimental to my well being".

"Lekin Preet...", said Teji.

"Please Chachee ji...lekin waikin kuch nahin (no ifs ands or buts)", protested Preet. "I'll call Ma tomorrow, and tell her everything if you like. She and my sisters can even start planning for the wedding. But I need to be able to speak to Bauji in person. The hotel is heading towards completion a bit ahead of schedule. That's a good thing, but it also means I can't be away just now. Waise bhi...Bauji spends most of his time in meetings all over the globe. I don't know how soon I'll get to speak to him, but trust me I will".

"Bauji is coming here?!?" said Preet in surprise.

"That's great Preet!" said Prem.

"It is?" Preet asked worriedly.

"Yes", said Prem. "It'll give him a chance to see the progress on the new hotel. He'll be more than happy to know things are going to be completed before all estimated schedules. And it's all because of your top-notch decision making and management. He's always seen you as the youngest son in the family, someone, who needed to prove himself. And now he'll see what a responsible and successful partner you are to the Juneja empire. He'll be proud of you Preet. And he'll trust your decision about Meher too".

"You think so?" asked Preet.

"Sure", said Prem. Preet looked at Prem questioningly. "Okay...I'm not sure. But whatever happens, I'm on your side".

"Thanks PB", sighed Preet.

"I'll make some tea", Heer offered. "After all we have some serious planning to do".

Meher watched everyone walk off towards the kitchen, then came up to Preet. "Thanks Preet", she said.

"Hunh? Oh...yeah...see you were worried for no reason". Preet smiled as he put his arm around her shoulder. "I told you I'd take care of everything".

"Prem Jiju and Heer Didi helped too", Meher reminded him.

"Well yes", said Preet, "but the sword was hanging over my head. Teji Chachee has agree. Ma will too. Oh God! I have to call Veera and fill her in on everything that's happened. She's not going to want to miss a single minute of the wedding planning. She loves shopping you know".

"I know...", smiled Meher. "You're worried about your Bauji aren't you? Maybe it's better if you don't speak to him about us just now. I'll talk to Ma and...".

Preet smiled at Meher. She knew him so well. "It's okay Meher. She's your mother and I can understand her concern. I'm not going to lie to you and say Bauji will be easy to convince, either now or later. We've never seen eye to eye on anything. But that's my headache. I'll talk to him as soon as I feel the time is right. But for now...", he said, as he kissed Meher on the forehead, "I don't want you to worry needlessly about anything. We have everyone on our side, and Bauji will just have to agree. Aur waise bhi...agar Bauji nahin patt-te, (In any case, if Dad doesn't agree) we can always go to Plan B".

"What's Plan B?" asked Meher.

"Las Vegas", said Preet.

"Preet be serious", said Meher rolling her eyes.

"Sorry", Preet chuckled. "I was just trying to cheer you up. Come on let's go and see how that tea is coming along".

Preet followed Meher to the kitchen. He had spoken confidently before everyone tonight, and tried to put up a brave front before Meher just now, but in reality he hadn't anticipated having to speak to his father so soon. Then again perhaps it was better to face the inevitable rather than put it off. Why did everything have to be so complicated for him? He and Bauji clashed like oil and water. Was he ready? He wondered, as uncertainty filled his mind. He looked over at Meher. She had been so tense earlier, and now she was sitting at the kitchen table laughing with Heer and her mother and showing them the pictures they had taken during their balloon ride. A smile crept up to Preet's lips, erasing any doubts he had been feeling. This is how he wanted to see her always. He loved her and he'd make sure of it.

A few days later...

Preet was at the hotel site waiting for Meher. She was bringing over her designs to show to him. He checked his watch. He was a little early. Suddenly someone came up from behind and covered his eyes with their hands. Preet sensed the strong scent of designer perfume and stiffened. This wasn't Meher, he thought.

"Surprise!" Cried Ashlesha as Preet removed her hands from his eyes. "I bet I'm the last person you were expecting!"

"You can say that again", Preet said in surprise. "What are you doing here Ash?"

"Is that any way to greet your fiance?" asked Ash as she put her arms around Preet's neck and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"Ash! What do yo think you're doing?!" asked Preet as he distanced himself from her and gave a quick look around for Meher.

"Really Preet, what's the big deal?" asked Ashlesha. Preet was going to say something, but she interrupted him. "I know...I know...we're in public. What will your parents' say if they find out? So old-fashioned", scoffed Ash. "Per itne dinno baad tumhe dekh rahi hoon, isliye mujh se raha nahi gaya (But I'm getting to see you after so long, I couldn't help myself). Anyway, in answer to your question...first of all, I missed you...and second of all, mom and I came down to attend your parents' anniversary party. Isn't that great?!"

Great! Thought Preet. As if things weren't complicated enough'is balah ko bhi abhi hi mere gale padna tha (I had to get stuck with another noose around my neck).

Preet thought about it for a minute. Should he clear things up with Ashlesha and her mother and talk to them about Meher? No, he thought, given everything Meher told me about them, they'll only go to Bauji and stir up problems. I have to be able to talk to him myself first.

"I'm sorry Ash. I'm at work right now, and can't leave. In fact...", said Preet. "I have a very important meeting in a few minutes".

"Oh", said Ash. "Well...I guess that's okay. I mean, I'll let you off easy this time, only because I know how important it is to make money".

"Geez...thanks Ash", remarked Preet.

Meanwhile...

"Hi Diane", said Meher as she walked into the lobby and greeted Preet's secretary. "Is Mr. Juneja around?"

"Hi Miss Maan", smiled Diane as she led Meher to a room. "Mr. Juneja was out inspecting the west wing earlier. Why don't you set up in here and I'll give him a call and let him know you've come".

"Thanks", said Meher. She put her things down and promptly began to roll out the designs she had brought with her.

Diane hadn't gone far when Daljeet intercepted her. "Diane, where is that darling son-in-law of mine?" she asked. "Ash went looking for him and now she's disappeared too. You don't suppose the 2 love-birds have snuck off somewhere do you?"

"I'm sorry Mrs. Singh I wouldn't know", said Diane. "I was about to call Mr. Juneja for his meeting though".

"Preet has a meeting with the young lady who just went into that room?" asked Daljeet.

"Yes", said Diane. "That's Ms. Maan. Mr. Juneja has commissioned her to do the art design for the hotel's lobby. She's a very promising young artist from what I hear. At least, Mr. Juneja feels that to be the case. He wouldn't even think of considering anyone else. He apparently had to do quite a bit of arm twisting before she agreed to work for him".

"I wonder why that was the case?" Daljeet wondered out loud.

"I'm not quite sure", said Diane. "I mean it's a very significant assignment. It'll definitely help her to establish her career. Perhaps she had some personal issues".

"Perhaps...", said Daljeet.

"Well, if you'll excuse me Mrs. Singh, I'll go and contact Mr. Juneja", said Diane.

"Of course", smiled Daleet as she watched Diane walk away. Meher Maan what am I to do with you? She wondered. After all the warnings you've been given to stay away from Preet...you just won't learn will you?! Daljeet took out her phone and made a call. "Ashlesha, where are you? Get back to the car quickly...there is a problem".

A short while later...

"It's okay Preet. I used the time to set up. I'm so excited! I can't believe we're going to be working together. Here...I want you to look at these designs first", Meher said as she placed some papers before Preet. "Personally...I was thinking about a mural painting for the main lobby. Of course I know you liked my photos so we can go for a photo mosaic instead. And take a look at this...it's called "Night Flowers". It's a sample of digital art. Isn't it just a beautiful use of the color blue? We can use imagery like that and create like a digital wall in the club lounge. The wonderful part about that is that we can keep changing it depending upon the mood we want to set. This is just for starters...so...what do you think?"

"Hmmm...", Preet mumbled.

Meher noticed right away that he seemed distracted. "Kya hua Preet? Designs ache nahin lage (What's the matter Preet? Didn't you like the designs)?" she asked.

"No it's not that", sighed Preet. "I'm sorry Meher, but I just ran into my worst nightmare...Ash paid me a visit".

"What?! What was she doing here?" asked Meher.

"She and her mother are apparently in town for Ma and Bauji's anniversary", explained Preet.

"Daljeet Singh is here too! Oh no!" cried Meher. "What are we going to do now?"

"If they've been invited by Ma or Bauji, then there is nothing we can really do about it. But I don't think we have to worry", said Preet. "I mean neither one of them knows about us. We just have to make sure to keep it that way, until I can speak with Bauji".

"I don't trust them Preet. They're up to something. I'm sure of it", said Meher worriedly. "Oh God! It's just like last time when they tried to disrupt Didi's wedding".

"Meher calm down. Nothing's changed", said Preet as he gave her a reassuring hug. "Look, just leave the designs here and I'll look over them later. For the time being I want you to go home and relax, or better yet, go take some photos or something".

"But..." began Meher.

"No buts...", said Preet. "Ma and Bauji's flight was supposed to come in earlier today. I'm going to see if they have checked in to our waterfront hotel. I'll give them a chance to rest up, phir mauka dekhte hi main unse hamare baray mein baat karloonga (then at the first chance I get, I'll speak to them about us). We won't give Ash or her mother the opportunity to cause any problems. Everything will be alright...I promise".

Later that day...

"I'm fine", said Preet. "When did you get in?"

"I reached Toronto 2 days ago, and flew into San Francisco with everyone else this morning", said Veera. "In fact Ma, Kulraj Didi and I went straight from the airport to Prem Bhaiya's house. Ma wanted to see Heer Bhabi as soon as possible. We all felt the baby kick. It was amazing! Ma kept on going on and on about how she's going to be a dadi for the first time, that too from Prem Bhaiya's side".

"She must be on cloud 9", smiled Preet.

"Well she was until Teji Chachee told us about Meher", said Veera. "It's just incredible that she's alive! We got the impression that she didn't want to talk too much about her though. So tell me Preet Bhaiya...what's going on?"

"It's a long story Veera, and I'll tell you all about it, but first I need to talk to Ma", sighed Preet. "Is Bauji here?"

"Preet, is that you?" asked Gaytri, as she entered the living room.

"Hi Ma", smiled Preet as he walked over and hugged his mother. "How are you? You look like a million bucks. Have you've lost some weight?"

"It's from all the worrying she does about you and Prem", Kulraj said joining them. "You know how Ma is...she needs to have all her kids in front of her like a mother hen".

"Yeh sab baatein chodo aur kaam ki baat karo (Let's get to the point here)", said Gaytri. "Teji told us about her finding Meher. It all seemed so incredible".

"What else did she tell you?" Asked Preet.

"Just that you 2 knew each other. But I have a feeling there's more to this story", said Gaytri. "Do you mind telling me what's going on?"

"I'm in love Ma", Preet replied simply. Preet told his mother and sisters about how Meher had been hurt in the accident and how everyone had been led to believe that she was dead. But as fate would have it, their paths had crossed again half-way across the world.

Gaytri's mouth fell open. "You don't remember anything, then how...?"

"I didn't have to remember anything Ma", said Preet. "We met and I just knew she was the one".

"Wow", said Kulraj. "Talk about Rab ne bana di jodi (a match made in heaven)".

"But I feel awful for poor Meher. I mean look at everything she had to go through...that too all alone. Who could have done such a thing to her?" asked Gaytri.

"I don't know for sure, but I suspect Daljeet Singh had something to do with it", said Preet. "One thing is for sure though, Bauji knew and didn't say anything to anyone. In anycase, that's not important now. What is important is that I promised Meher things would be different this time around. The hotel is almost finished. The spa, shops, and restaurants are already lined up and ready to go. We've even got our first set of conferences booked in advanced. Bauji wanted to see a first quarter profit, and I'm confident I'll be able to show him that. We're talking about just a couple of months time...6 months tops. After that we'd like to get married, and we need everyone's support".

"Sounds like you've got everything planned out", said Kulraj.

"Well you can count me in", said Veera. "I love Meher. I can't wait to see her again".

"Preet...I don't want to put a damper on your plans", said Gaytri. "But are you forgetting your father? You just said he knew about Meher and didn't say anything to anyone. What will I say to him? And what about you and Ash?"

"Ma...there never was a me and Ash", said Preet. "And don't worry...Bauji se main khud hi baat kar loon ga (I'll speak to Bauji myself), but I have to know that I have your blessings first".

"Ma baap ki khusi unke bachoon ki khushi mein hi hoti hain", said Gaytri. "Main pehle bhi tumhari side pe thi aur ab bhi tumhari side pe hoon (Parent's happiness lies in their children's happiness. I was on your side before and I'm still on your side)".

"Thanks Ma", said Preet as he hugged his mother. "I love you".

"I know", smiled Gaytri. "Ek minute". She got up and went to the bedroom and took something out of her luggage. When she returned, she had a small red box with her. She opened the box and showed it to Preet. Inside were beautiful set of kangan. "I brought these because I thought I was going to see my future daughter-in-law. Little did I know it was going to be Meher. Anyway, do you think she'll like them?"

"She'll love them" smiled Preet.

"Good", said Gaytri. "Now tell me...when do I get to see her?"

"Soon", laughed Preet, "real soon. I'm so glad I got to talk to you Ma. You just took a load of my mind".

"You really love her don't you?" asked Gaytri as she passed her hand over Preet's head.

"More than anything else", smiled Preet. "Mera bas chalta toh main aaj hi use shaadi kar leta (If I had it my way I'd marry her today). I want to make sure everything is just perfect for her this time around. I mean...I promised her it would be. God! If only it was as easy to talk to Bauji".

"You don't have to talk to me about anything Preet", said Lalit. To everyone's surprise Lalit Juneja walked into the room. "I heard everything you just said to your mother".

"B-Bauji aap?" stuttered Preet as he stood up.

"Kyun? Mujhe dekh ke itna hairaan kyun ho rahe hoon (Why are you so surprised to see me)?" said Lalit, as he walked up to Preet and gave him a stern look.

"Lalti please", began Gaytri, "we just got here. Don't start..."

Lalit raised his hand as if to silence his wife. "You were afraid to talk to me weren't you?" he asked as Preet quietly steadied himself for the argument that was about to take place. "The hotel is not even finished yet and you're already dreaming of wedded bliss? What? Did you actually think I didn't know what you were up to?"

"Bauji, please let me explain...", said Preet.

"You saw her today too...didn't you?" demanded Lalit. "And you're in love?" All Preet could do was nod. His father wasn't letting him get in a word edge-wise. To his surprise Lalit suddenly grabbed him and embraced him. "Ha Ha! My son is in love!"

"Wait a minute", said Preet exchanging a surprised look with his mother, "you're not upset?"

"No", said Lalit. "Should I be?"

"Well...", said Preet, "I just thought that you..."

"I'm just coming from the hotel site", interrupted Lalit. "You've done a fabulous job son. I'm proud of you".

"You are?" asked Preet.

"Yes", said Lalit, "and I see nothing wrong in your wanting to get married".

"You don't?" asked Preet.

"No", said Lalit, "In fact...your mother and I are having our anniversary party on Saturday. All our important friends, business partners and clients will be there. Why don't we make it official by having you 2 get engaged right then and there, in front of everyone? Oh...But there is one thing I will want to settle with her mother...the wedding will take place only after you finish up with the hotel. In any case, wedding preparations will take time. You've both waited this long, what's a few more months".

"Sure!" said Preet. "I don't believe this! I thought you'd be upset...but...you're the best Bauji!" He hugged his father, then paused in thought. "What about Ash and Mrs. Singh?"

"You needn't concern yourself about them Preet", said Lalit. "I'll tell them about your engagement myself".

"Thanks Bauji", smiled Preet, "I don't know what to say".

"You don't have to say anything Preet", smiled Lalit, "I'll take care of things from here on end".