Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 76

"Pleased to see you again too Doctor", said Preet as he pushed his way into the hotel room.

"What are you doing here?" demanded Rajveer. "What do you want? Do you have any idea what time it is?

"I'm really sorry Doctor, but it's not my fault. I'm not the one who made it night", said Preet as he looked around the room. "Where is she?"

"Where is who?" asked Rajveer.

"Meher", said Preet. "I'm looking for Meher. Has she been here to see you?"

"What do you want from her now?" asked Rajveer. "Haven't you hurt her enough? Why are you after her when your father is dead set against it?"

"So she has been here", Preet concluded.

"I didn't say that", said Rajveer.

"But you knew that something went wrong tonight. That she was hurt", Preet pointed out. "How did you know that if Meher didn't tell you?"

"This is ridiculous!" said Rajveer. "I'm not obligated to tell you anything".

Rajveer hesitated for a moment, before reluctantly admitting to Preet that Meher had indeed paid him a visit earlier that night. "But she's gone now", he said.

"Where?!" demanded Preet.

"I don't know!" exclaimed Rajveer. "And even if I did know, I'm not sure I'd tell you".

Preet took a step forward and angrily grabbed Rajveer by his robe's collar. He was about to say something when something caught his eye. It was a painting leaning against the wall behind them. Preet pushed past Rajveer and went and sat in front of the painting, staring at it intently. A strange look washed over his face as old memories suddenly came flooding back into his mind.

"Um...Do you mind getting off me Miss? I mean thankfully the hay broke our fall, and ordinarily I wouldn't mind finding myself in such a position with a girl, but there are under age children watching and my K-K-Kamar is really beginning to hurt. Old football injury you know".

"Hmpf"

"Why do you have a fake mustache on? Is that normal for girls in these parts of the country? And how much do you weigh anyways? I mean I know a really good trainer, and..."

"Shut up you oaf!"

"Tum itna akarti kiyun ho? Kisi se pyar se baat karni nahin aati hai kya (Why are you so rude? Can't you speak nicely to anyone)?"

"Aati hai, per tumse pyar se baat karna zaroori nahin samajthi (I can. But with you I don't find it necessary)."

"For you. I saw how you couldn't get it even after 3 tries, and I got it on the very first attempt! Oh God! I know how that must have sounded. Look Meher, it would really make me happy if you take this necklace".

"No thanks!

"After everything you said to me back in San Francisco...I wasn't sure about anything to do with you and me any more."

"Oh God! Please don't remind me! I wish that had never happened".

"You do?"

"Yes".

"Toh phir koi baat nahin senorita, bade bade desho mein aisi choti choti batein ho jati hain. I still love you Meher. And I always will".

"I love you too Preet...More than anything else in this world".

"Meher, tum jaisi bhi ho...bauhut achi ho. Aur mere liye bilkul perfect ho (Meher...I like you just the way you are. You're perfect for me)...and I mean it".

"Now as long as this mandir stands and in it our love remains bound here in the shape of these beads, we will also remain tied to each other in a bond of love. Promise?"

"I promise".

"Sorry doctor, but this was meant for someone else", said Preet as he walked out the door. "If you have a problem, please feel free to take it up with my lawyer".

Preet walked into the house carrying the painting. Prem was waiting for him.

"Preet, where have you been?" Prem asked, as he followed Preet to his room. "It's bad enough that Meher's missing...you had to pull a disappearing act on us too. Ma was so worried. Heer and I managed to convince her and Bauji to stay the night here, but Ma still had a hard time falling asleep. And Heer...I finally got her to rest for the baby's sake".

"Sorry PB", said Preet, as he walked to the closet and pulled out a small suitcase. "I guess I should have called".

"What's with the painting?" asked Prem. "And why are you packing your bags?"

"I'm going after Meher", Preet replied calmly. "I'll be back in a couple of days. Tell Ma not to worry".

"You mean you found out where she went?" asked Prem. "Where is she?"

"I don't know where she is right now", said Preet, "but I do know where she's headed...Kasauli".

"Kasauli? Why on earth would she want to go there?" asked Prem.

"It's a long story", smiled Preet.

2 days later...

Meher exited the taxi cab that had dropped her at the foot of the hill of the mandir in Kasauli and carefully looked around. This place had so many memories for her...both good and bad. But she wasn't going to let those memories distract her from what she had in mind. She took a deep breath and began to walk up the hill.

Daljeet Singh's words echoed in her mind:

"Kya koi jadoo ka mantar uspe phooka hai tumne? Ya phir kisi jadoo ki dor se usko apne aap ke saat band kar rakha hai...takay woh tumhe kabhi na chod sakay!" (Have you recited some magical chants over him. Or have you tied him to you with some magical bind so that he never leaves you)

As well as the promise she and Preet had made here together:

"Now as long as this mandir stands and in it our love remains bound here in the shape of these beads, we will also remain tied to each other in a bond of love"

No, she thought, shaking her head. Meher Maan, when will you ever learn? Some things are just not meant to be. I'm not going to let myself be fooled again. I have let go of the past so I can move on...and so Preet can too. Now, where did those beads go? If I remember correctly, we tied them right here just above the center of the pole.

Meher passed her hands anxiously over the pole in search of the beads, until she located them, half hidden beneath newer pieces of cloth tied by more recent visitors. She took a deep breath and reached out to undo them, when someone clasped her hands.

"I'm sorry...I can't let you do that", said a familiar voice.

Meher froze. She looked up in surprise to see the person standing next to her. "Preet?" she whispered.

"You see...", continued Preet, "they belong to someone very special. Someone I love very much. Someone I thought loved me too".

Meher hesitated for a moment. Her mind was racing. How did he know she was here? It didn't matter, she thought, She had to finish what she came here to do. She pushed Preet's hand away fom her's and attempted to undo the beads again, only to have him stop her once more.

"Meher stop it!" cried Preet.

"No you stop!" cried Meher. "Just stop everything! I have no clue how you found me Preet Juneja, but I've had enough! Enough insults, enough stress, enough false hopes, enough heart ache. It's over between us! Do you hear me?!"

"Over? Just like that?" asked Preet. "What about all the promises we made to each other, right here in this mandir?" asked Preet.

"Preet, why don't you understand? Why do you insist on making things more difficult for me than they already are?" cried Meher. Just then she stopped suddenly. "Wait a minute...promises?" she asked in surprise. "You remember?"

"I remember everything Meher", smiled Preet. "Each and everything we've been through to get to where we are. And there is no way I'm going to let you just give up and walk out on me...on us. Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that's what you really want?"

"It doesn't matter what I want Preet", sighed Meher. "I don't...we don't...have the right to hurt our parents or go against their wishes for the sake of our own happiness. It may look good to do so in the movies, but not in real life. We could never be happy if we did...I'm sure of it. Your Bauji..."

"Bauji ne mujhe ghar se bahar nikaal diya hai Meher (My father has turned me out of the house Meher)", interrupted Preet.

"He also said I musn't ever return...", said Preet.

"You see...that's why I think we had just better...", said Meher.

"...unless I have his daughter-in-law with me", smiled Preet.

"What?" Meher asked in surprise.

Preet put his hands on Meher's shoulders and turned her to face him. "Bauji overheard Daljeet talking about all of the lies she had told", he explained. "She was the one behind Viren and Vishaka's elopement, Viren showing up at PB's wedding, the press raising questions about Veera, lying about your family's character...everything. She even lied to you about my father Meher. He never told anyone about paying for your recovery. Nor did he ever intend to use this against you. Daljeet lied just so you'd feel obligated to leave". Meher was stunned speechless. "I've come to take you home Meher...Bauji's orders", smiled Preet.

"Tum...such bol rahe ho (You're being honest with me)?" asked Meher.

"Dharti Ma ki kasam", said Preet. "Of course I told Bauji it wouldn't be so easy to convince you. After all who would want to marry into a family with such a khadoos susar (obnoxious father-in-law)?"

"Preet...", said Meher.

"...a balding one too", continued Preet. "But don't worry...I inherited my great hair from my mom, so our kids should be just fine".

"Preet...", sighed Meher, as she held her head with her hand.

"And he had the nerve to tell me you wouldn't agree kyun ke main ek nikamma hoon (because I'm a total loser)", said Preet. "Of course, I have no clue where he's coming from. I mean, okay...I can be a little messy...I'm not always on time...I'm a bit of a prankster, and..."

"Preet...be serious", said Meher.

Preet suddenly reached out, took hold of Meher's hand pulling her close to him, and stared intently into her eyes. "I love you Meher", he said, "and it doesn't get any more serious than that".

Meher offered Preet a weak smile, before bursting out in tears. Without any further protest, she allowed Preet to take her into his arms and comfort her until was she done letting out all of her pent up emotions.

After a while Meher finally spoke. "Preet, how did you find me?" she asked.

"Oh...I actually have Rajveer to thank for that", said Preet.

"Rajveer?" asked Meher.

"Yes", Preet nodded. "I went to him looking for you. I didn't find you there, but I did find your painting of this mandir. As soon as I saw it...it was as if someone had unlocked a door and all the memories...everything came back...and I just knew".

"Amazing", said Meher.

"Yes", said Preet. "But why did you give that painting to Rajveer, when you made it for me...I mean...for us?"

"You don't know how trapped I felt after learning that your father funded my treatment Preet", said Meher. "I thought the only way to pay him back was to give him what he wanted most...for me to get out of your life. And I guess a part of me also felt betrayed by Rajveer for keeping whatever he knew of the truth from me. So I gave him the painting, sort of to return any favor he may have shown me. I guess I just thought you and I were not going to happen. Who knew things were going to work out this way. Maybe I can talk to Rajveer, and explain things. He may agree to give the painting back, or perhaps I can compensate him for it some other way. Worst come worse, I can always make another one".

"That won't be necessary", smiled Preet. "I kind of stole it back from him. But I do hope you'll clarify the matter as soon as we get back, before he charges me for stealing both the girl and her painting from him".

"Preet!" cried Meher, as she hit him playfully on his arm and hugged him again. "Ab kya hoga (so...what now)?"

"What else?" grinned Preet, "Shaadi (a wedding)".

6 months later...

In the presidential suite of the Juneja's brand new San Franciso hotel, Meher sat admiring her reflection in the mirror, as a beautician put final touches of make up on her. This entire week had been one of the happiest ones of her life. She and Preet had gotten re-engaged, this time with all the parents' blessings. The merriment had continued all week with mehndi, sangeet, bridal shower, and yes, even a bachelor party of sorts for the guys...a very tame one of course,...no alcohol...and most importantly no girls popping out of cakes, after all it was held at Prem and Heer's place with Lalit Juneja in attendance.

Meher smiled, remembering how, like the last week, the past 6 months had passed by in a whirlwind. She and Preet had returned to California. Lalit and Gaytri had welcomed her with open arms, and both the Junejas and Maans had finally made peace with each other.

Her beautiful art designs now adorned the lobby and lounges of the luxury hotel Preet had completed, before schedule, with first quarter profits well exceeding his father's expectation.

Heer and Prem had become proud parents of a happy, healthy baby girl, named Chahat. They were getting ready to move back to Toronto. Meher and Preet would take up residence in their house, so that Preet could finish out his year in managing the hotel. Teji would live with them. At year's end, they would all move back to Toronto too. But the most important day of all was today. It was her wedding day. A knock on the door brought Meher back from her thoughts.

"Hey Meher Bhabi!" smiled Veera. She walked into the room, just as the beautician packed up her stuff and left. "Looking drop dead gorgeous".

"Thanks Veera", smiled Meher.

"I can't believe it. The big day is finally here, I bet you're super excited", said Veera.

"I am", smiled Meher, "and a bit nervous too".

"Oh-O...you're not getting cold feet are you?" chuckled Veera. "I was just getting used to calling you bhabi".

"And I like hearing you call me that", smiled Meher, "and don't worry I won't leave your brother that easily".

"Good", laughed Veera, "because I don't know where we'd find someone else to put up with Preet Bhaiya the way you do".

"Veera", sighed Meher.

"Just kidding", smiled Veera. "I know for a fact that Preet Bhaiya is as excited as you are. Waise Bhabi, aap ko kya lagta hai, aap ki kaun si ada pe bhaiya bilkul latoo ho gaye thay (By the way...what do you think made Preet Bhaiya fall so completely and madly in love with you)?"

"I don't know?" said Meher, shrugging her shoulders. "Perhaps you should ask Preet that".

"Hmm", said Veera, "but I have to say Meher Bhabi, Preet Bhaiya is a totally changed man because of you. The way he's managing the new hotel, and getting ready to take over the reins from Prem Bhaiya for the rest of our West coast holdings...He's become the picture of responsibility. And I've never seen him get along so well with Bauji before. I mean, that in it self is a miracle".

"Yes", smiled Meher. "Even with the wedding...Ma said we couldn't see each other and he's been following her orders to the letter. Perhaps your brother is finally growing up".

"Perhaps", said Veer. "Well I better let you finish getting dressed, before they call you to the mandap and I get blamed for making you late".

"Veera if you're going downstairs, could you tell Ma to come up in a little while and help me pin up my dupatta?" asked Meher.

"Sure", said Veera. "I'm just going to give a quick peek into the honeymoon suite and then head downstairs. I'll be sure to let Teji Chachee know".

"Veera!" cried Meher, her eyes widening. "You're not up to anything are you?"

"You mean in the honeymoon suite?" smiled Veera. "Now where would you get a crazy idea like that?"

Meher watched Veera leave. She made a mental note to remind Preet to check their room for her infamous booby traps, but for now she had to finish getting dressed. She carefully slipped on her lehnga, and then sat down and began to put on the jewelry laid out on the dressing table before her. She had just finished getting ready, when she heard the door open.

"Ma...is that you?" She asked. "Perfect timing...I'm all ready. Can you please help me with my dupatta?" She pinned her maang tikka in place as someone gently placed the heavy dupatta on her head.

"Preet?!" Meher cried in surprise at seeing his reflection in the mirror rather than her mother's. "What are you doing here? What if someone comes? Ma...Ma abhi aati hoon gi (Ma must be on her way)".

"To kya hua", said Preet. "tum samjhti ho ke main kisi se darta hoon (So what. Do you think I'm afraid of anyone)? Ha!"

"Lekin Preet...", said Meher.

"Relax Meher", said Preet. "I'll be gone before anyone finds out. I just wanted to be the first one to see my bride dressed up in all her splendor. You look beautiful Meher".

"Thanks Preet", Meher blushed. "Per tumhe yahan nahi aana chahiye tha (But you still shouldn't have come here). Didn't Ma tell you we couldn't see each other before the wedding? It's supposed to be bad luck and..."

"Bad luck?" said Preet, "Sorry Meher, I'm not one for superstitions. Besides tumhari meri kahani ke writer se baat pakki kar ke aya hoon. Ab toh happy ending guaranteed hai (Besides, I've already spoken to the writer of our story...and a happy ending is guaranteed)". He smiled and leaned in close to Meher, but she stopped him.

"Bas Preet...Ma aa jayein gi", warned Meher, "ab bakki sab baatein shaadi ke baad karein gain (Enough Preet. Ma will come. We'll talk after the wedding)".

"Baatein kaun karna chahta hai (Who wants to talk)?" chuckled Preet.

"Preet!" cried Meher.

"Uff ho Meher!" cried Preet, "Tumhari bas yehi ek baat mujhe pasand nahin. Koi aa jaye ga, koi dekh le ga (This is the one thing I don't like about you...you worry too much...someone will come...someone will see us)...very old habit of yours...you know".

"Oh! Shaadi hui nahi, or abhi se meri khamian nazar aani lagi (We're not even married and you've already begun finding faults in me)", said Meher. "Fine...then you tell me...just what was it about me that made you fall in love with me in the first place?"

"What is this, a pre-wedding test or something?" asked Preet nervously. "Because I have to warn you, I've never been good at surprise quizzes".

"Okay okay...let me think", said Preet. "I...uh...um..."

Meher's mouth fell open. "Tumhe sochne mai itni dair kyun lag rahi hai (why is it taking you so long to think of something)?" she demanded.

"Um...uh...because...it's not just any one thing Meher", Preet quickly replied. "Tum to ek pura ka pura perfect package ho (You're a complete perfect package)".

"Acha (Really)?" said Meher.

"Yes", nodded Preet. "Tumhara sone jaisa dil, bijli jaise tezz dimaag (Your golden heart, your lightening quick mind), great decision making skills...after all you agreed to marry me..."

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

"Ye lambe lambe baal (Your beautiful long hair)", continued Preet as he traced his finger down Meher's face. "Gore gore gal, jheel si ankhein, gulabi hont (Peaches and cream complexion, bright eyes, rose petal like lips)..."

"You didn't say anything about my nose", Meher said sarcastically.

"Oh han! Tumhari cute si naak (Oh yes...your cute little nose)...", said Preet.

"Bas (Enough) Preet!" Meher scolded him. "So basically we're about to get married and you have no clue why you love me! Tum na bauhat pitne wale ho (You deserve a beating)!"

"Oh come on Meher", said Preet. "What do you want me to say? I mean, why do you women always have to ask such dangerous questions?"

Dangerous?" asked Meher.

"Yes", Preet said worriedly. "I mean...how do I answer without you following up with a lot of screaming, and then noise as your foot connects to some sensitive part of my body? I mean...I don't know how, when or why it happened. All I know is somewhere in between all the laughs, long talks, stupid little fights and all of our jokes...I fell in love with you".

Much to Preet's relief, he saw a smile break out on Meher's face. "Anyway...yeh sab batein chodo (enough with the small talk). The most important thing is that after tonight...you'll be all mine. Tonight...", smiled Preet as he cupped Meher's face in his hands and caressed her cheek with his thumb, "just you...and me". Meher bit her lower lip as she felt the color rising in her cheeks again.

Just then Veera popped her head in the room. "Okay Preet Bhaiya, time to go".

Meher looked from Veera to Preet in surprise. "I...uh...sort of had Veera acting as a look out for me in case any of our mothers came up", explained Preet.

"Yeah...and that's all the time $50 will buy you", chuckled Veera. "Besides, Bauji just called and he's looking for you. I think the pandit is here".

"Right...let's get this show on the road", smiled Preet. He walked backwards towards the door blowing Meher a kiss as he left. "Tonight", he reminded her with a mischievous smile on his face. Not realizing there was a large arm chair in his path, he ran into it just as he turned to go. "Ugh!" cried Preet, as he fell over the chair.

"Preet are you alright?!" Meher asked rushing to his side.

"Yeah..." Preet squeaked in pain. "I'm okay...but plan mein shahid thoda change lana pade ga (we may have to change our plans a bit)".

"What are you talking about?" asked Meher.

"Tomorrow night...", whimpered Preet as he limped towards the door. "Tomorrow night".

A short while later...

The time of the wedding had finally arrived. The Junejas and the Maans, along with their invited guests came together to witness the blessed event.

"I don't get it Prem Bhaiya", whispered Veera. "Hum ladki waloon ko itni asaani se sab kuch kyun karne de rahein hain (Why are we letting the girl's side do everything so easily)?"

"Bauji's orders", Prem whispered back. "Besides, I think these 2 have been through enough".

Both families and guest gathered around the mandap as the pandit guided Preet and Meher through the various rites of the marriage ceremony. Everyone threw flower petals at them as they made their pheras around the fire. Preet and Meher then sat down again. Teji came over and helped pull Meher's dupatta back a bit, so that Preet could tie the mangal sutar around her neck and fill her maang with sindoor.

Preet glanced over to where Meher stood and smiled. "It feels great Gaurav. It feels really great", he grinned.

"Good", said Prem, as he put his arm around Preet's neck. "You do realize that you just married Heer's baby sister. You give her a hard time and Heer will automatically give me a hard time, which translates into not such a good time for you".

"Bechara dono taraf se mara jaye ga (The poor sap is trapped from both sides)", added Herman. "Ek taraf biwi se aur dosre taraf PB se (On one side is the wife and the other PB)".

"Plus she has no brothers", Manmeet piped in, "but as her cousin, I'll officially be obligated to break something if you ever hurt her".

"Gee thanks guys", sighed Preet.

"Forget them Preet", said Gaurav. "You can always crash at my place...anytime".

"Oh yeah?" said Prem. "Isn't Sam a good friend of Meher's too?"

"Ooo...I forgot about that", said Gaurav, scratching his head in thought. "Geez! I never knew one person getting married could cause problems for so many people. Just keep her happy, Man".

"I will guys...I will", laughed Preet, as he proceeded to exchange hugs with everyone starting with his PB.

Later that night...

Meher sat alone on the bed of the beautifully decorated honeymoon suite, thinking about her wedding. There had been no interruptions, no fuss, no unwanted guests, nothing to stop Preet and her from having their day. It had been picture perfect, just as Preet had promised her. The wedding had been followed by what seemed like an endless list of rituals and games, but now she was sitting here, with butterflies in her stomach, waiting for Preet.

Just then she heard the door open. Preet entered the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He removed the headdress he was wearing and slowly walked over to where Meher was.

When nothing happened, Meher slowly opened her eyes to find Preet half lying on the bed, his head propped up on one arm, just staring at her with a smile on his face. "Preet...", she whispered, finally breaking the silence, "will you please stop staring at me like that. You're making me nervous".

"Na-ha", Preet shook his head. "Tum apni ankehin beshak band kar lo (You can close your eyes if you want to)".

"Lekin Preet...", she protested.

"Shhh...", whispered Preet.

Meher gulped and shivers ran down her spine, as Preet sat up and reached out to remove her dupatta. He then removed her maang tikka, deposited it on the bedside table, and returned to gently kiss her on her forehead. He then carefully removed each earring one by one, replacing each with a kiss. Meher smiled shyly, as Preet proceeded to do the same with the bangles she was wearing on her hands. She closed her eyes and blushed as she felt his warm hands work their way around her neck to remove the necklaces she was wearing. Everywhere he touched she felt a sizzling, burning feeling, and her breath kept coming in shorter as the seconds ticked by.

Without removing his gaze from her face Preet reached out to place the last bit of Meher's jewelry on the table, when he felt something tug. He looked to see that the necklace had caught on one of the strings of flowers.

A sound of a "Tsk" came from Preet. Meher opened her eyes just in time to see him tug at the flowers in an effort to release the necklace. Before she could make a motion to help him, the entire canopy of flowers came crashing down on top of them.

"What the...?" cried Preet, as he struggled to untangle himself from the canopy of flowers and then helped Meher to do the same. "S...s...sorry Meher", he muttered, looking at his new bride apologetically, "Aaj kal ki glue bhi na (Today's substandard glue)".

Meher burst out into a hearty laugh. "I wonder if that brand of glue is named Veera by any chance", she said, as she continued to giggle uncontrollably holding onto her stomach.

"What?!" cried Preet, as he quickly jumped off the bed and looked in, around, and under it. "Main us chipkali ko nahin chodoon ga (I won't leave that little lizard)".

"If this is all she did, then I guess we got let off easily", smiled Meher.

"Han per...tumhara sara mood kharab kar diya...hain na (Yes but...I bet it totally spoiled your mood right)?" Preet asked worriedly, as he came and sat next to her again. "And I wanted everything to be perfect".

Meher took Preet's hands in hers and smiled. "Actually Preet...", she said. "I was really feeling kind of nervous. The little spell of laughter made me feel a lot better. Um...Maybe we can try again?"

Meher carefully untied her hair allowing it to fall open, then leaned forward and placed a gentle but inviting kiss on Preet's lips, before moving back to look into his eyes. Preet smiled. He raised his hands, tangled his fingers in her hair and pulled her close to him again. His gaze fell from her eyes to the soft swell of her mouth. Meher felt her face flush and a tingling warmth rise inside her as his lips brushed against hers, gentle and lingering, until her mouth parted slightly beneath his kiss. He had kissed her many times before, but this time it was different. This time there were no limits.

Preet continued to lean over her and kiss her ever so sweetly, so slowly, moving from her lips to her neck, while his other hand slid behind her back to press her tighter to himself. Meher could feel him tugging at her blouse strings with urgency, and parted from him for just a moment. "Preet...", she whispered almost breathlessly. "I love you". Preet smiled and pulled her deep into the covers with him, into a never-ending abyss of pleasure and desire.

Meher woke up the next morning cuddled against Preet's bare chest, feeling nothing but bliss and satisfaction. The mattress felt soft under her body, but she had preferred laying against his hard frame, using his arm as a pillow all night long. She was tempted to run her fingers down his perfect form, but a glance over at the alarm clock made her think twice. They had a busy day today. Another party, more rituals, more guests, she had better not risk waking Preet just yet. Come on Meher, time to get up and get ready, she coaxed herself. She quietly slipped out of bed, so as not to disturb Preet, and tiptoed to the bathroom to shower and get dressed.

A short while later Meher came out all fresh, a towel wrapped around her hair. She smiled at Preet's sleeping form, and walked over to the window, parting the curtains slightly to witness the new day, her first as Mrs. Preet Juneja. She was still towel drying her hair, when two strong arms slid around her waist from behind.

"Good morning", said Preet, as he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Good morning", smiled Meher.

"So...Mrs. Preet Juneja, how are we feeling this morning?" asked Preet.

"Wonderful", smiled Meher. "It all seems like a dream. Par acha hua ke tum jag gaye (But it's a good thing you're awake). We have to be at Heer Didi's house soon, remember?"

"Ye Indian weddings bhi na", grumbled Preet, as Meher nudged him towards the bathroom, "so many rituals, it's hard to keep track".

"Excuse me", said Meher. "Indian weddings are the best in the whole wide world. Now stop complaining and go take a shower and get dressed. In the mean time I'll tidy up this room a bit".

"Why do you want to do that?" asked Preet.

"Because Ma and Prem Jiju will be here soon to take us over to their place and the room looks like its been burglarized", said Meher.

"Really? Are you sure we don't have some time? Cause I think we missed a spot over there", teased Preet.

"Preet!" cried Meher.

"Yes Meher", replied Preet, flashing his trademark million dollar smile.

"I love you too Meher", smiled Preet, as he took her into his arms and hugged her tightly, "and I always will".

Epilogue

Preet and Meher stayed out in San Francisco for a year before finally moving back to the Juneja's mansion in Toronto. Their second year of marriage brought them even greater happiness when they were blessed with their own little bundle of joy. A beautiful, healthy, and happy baby girl they named Gungun.

Shampa and Manmeet came up to see the family shortly after Meher's delivery. Preet took Harpreet to one side for a man-to-man talk and informed him that he had his eyes on him and that he had better stay away from Gungun if he knew what was good for him. When Meher reminded Preet that Harry was only 4 years old, Preet simply replied that it didn't matter. He was a guy and he understood how guys' minds worked.

Despite having initially pinned high hopes on Meher, the Juneja family was disappointed to learn ke woh Preet ko sudharney mein koi khas kamiyab nahin rahi (that she wasn't very successful in helping to tame Preet). He may be a successful businessman now, but he was as crazy as ever. What was Meher supposed to do? She had promised before Bhagwan Ji (in the Kasauli mandir) not to try to change Preet. Besides it was this crazy side of him that she loved the most.

Meher still pursues photography, although painting is still her medium of choice to express herself in. A well known gallery will be showcasing some of her works later this month. She still manages to run into and fall on Preet every now and then. But Preet doesn't mind. He loves his Meher and he always will.