Chapter 12 - Cousin Manmeet
The next day it was raining lightly. Meher was playing tag indoors with Kulraj's kids. "Gotcha!" she cried, as she grabbed Tanu and swung her around in her arms.
"Do it again! Do it again!" shrieked Tanu with delight.
"Okay", said Meher, "Auntie Meher's getting a little tired now. Why don't we sit down and play a board game or something?"
"That's boring", said Vikas, "I wish it wasn't raining, then we could go out and play. I hate the rain!"
"Don't say that Vikas", said Meher, "Rain is very important. It's God's way of giving water to the Earth. And you know, when Heer Di and I were your age, our mom would sometimes let us play in the rain. Why I think one of the most fun things in the world is making mud pies and splashing in rain puddles, and then drinking hot chocolate afterwards".
"Can we play in the rain too?" asked Tanu.
"Well", said Meher, "I don't know...I mean you'll have to ask your mom. I don't want you getting sick or anything".
Kulraj was standing in the doorway admiring Meher and her way with kids. "Alright guys", she said, "10 minutes in the rain...only 10 minutes. I'll get the towels and hot chocolate ready".
"Yeah!" cried the children in unison, as they grabbed Meher's hand and ran with her out the door.
Meher looked up at the grey sky, smiling as little raindrops trickled down her face.
"Naa Re... Naa re...Naa Re... Naa Re" , she began to sing to the children's delight.
Nana Nana Naa Re...Naa Re Naa Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Barso Re Megha Megha...Barso Re Megha Megha...'Barso Re Mega Barso
Barso Re Megha Megha...Barso Re Megha Megha...'Barso Re Mega Barso
Meetha hai kossa hai...Barish ka bossa hai
Kossa hai kossa hai...Barish ka bosa hai
Meetha hai kossa hai...Barish ka bossa hai
Kossa hai kossa hai...Barish ka bossa hai
Jal jal jal jal jal jal jal...Thal jal thal
Chal chal chal chal chal chal chal chal
Chal chal behta chal
Meher and the children sing:
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Barso Re...Barso Re Megha...Barso Re Megha Megha...Barso Re Megha Barso
Meher sings:
Geeli geeli geeli ha
Ha ha ha ha...Ha ha ha ha
Geeli geeli maati...Geeli maati ke
Chal Gharonge banayenge re
Hari bari Ambi...Ambi ki dali
Mil ke jhule jhulayenge re
Dhan bai jo gaj ne...Hal jote sabne
Bailon ki ghanti baji...Aur taal lage bharne
Re tair ke chali main to paar chali
Re tair ke chali main to paar chali
Paar wale parle kinar chali re megha
Meher and the kids sing:
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Nana Re Nana Re Nana Re Na Na Re
Preet, Prem and Ashlesha had just returned from Ludhiana and were walking up the lawn when they heard Meher's song. "Hey PB", said Preet, "Are my ears ringing, or have the hills suddenly come alive with the sound of music".
They walked on further and found Meher and Kulraj's children splashing around in the rain. Meher had closed her eyes and was spinning around with her face turned up towards the sky. Preet realized a little too late that Meher was heading straight for him. He tried to maintain his balance as she crashed into him, but the wet grass made him slip and lose his footing. Before she knew what was happening, and much to her horror, Meher had once again found herself on top of Preet.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry", she blurted, as she pulled herself up and tried to collect the papers that had fallen from the file Preet had been holding. "I was just playing with the kids and...'"
"Koi baat nahin", offered Preet, "Ab to aadat si ho gayi hai" (It's okay. I'm used to it by now). He was trying his best to avert his gaze from Meher. Her wet clothes were clinging to her body and showing off her curves in just the right places, and Preet was finding it a little difficult to maintain his cool.
This had not gone unnoticed by Ashlesha. "What do you think you're doing prancing around in the rain like that!" she exclaimed with clear irritation in her voice. "Logon ki nazro main anay ka bauhat shauk hai na tumhay!" (You love to be the center of attention don't you!)
Meher's mouth fell open at Ashlesha's remark. Then it dawned on her that she must be a sight in her wet clothes, and quickly adjusted her dupatta. "I think I better go inside", she mumbled, as she turned around and ran.
Meher ran straight up to her room, closed the door and started crying. What had she been thinking splashing around in the rain like that! I must have looked like a fool, she thought. And then I fell on top of Preet again for God's sake. Why was this always happening to her? She just wanted to dig a hole in the ground and crawl into it.
"Meher", said Heer, who had just awakened from her rest. "What's wrong? Why are you all wet?"
"Nothing", lied Meher, quickly wiping her tears. "I was just playing in the rain with Kulraj Didi's kids".
As if in answer to Meher's prayers. Heer told her that she was feeling better and much to Prem's disappointment, it was decided that the girls would return home in the evening. Balwant Chacha came by to pick them up in his car. Prem made sure to help Heer sit in the car and then gently tucked a light blanket around her waist.
"To keep you warm until you get home", he said smiling at Heer.
"Thank you", said Heer smiling back shyly. "And thank you and Kulraj Didi for showing Meher and me such kind hospitality and for taking such good care of me".
"The pleasure was all mine", said Prem, "I mean ours...I mean it wasn't a pleasure that you were sick...I just mean it was great having you here...with me...I mean us".
"If my brother's done putting his foot in his mouth", laughed Kulraj, "I think what he's trying to say is it was great having you guys here and take care of yourself".
Prem and Kulraj watched as Balwant drove off with Meher and Heer. Unbeknownst to them, Preet was watching the girls leave from the game room's window. He was so lost in thought, that he didn't even notice Maya and Ashlesha come in.
"Oh, it's so good to have one's home to oneself again! Isn't it Preet?" asked Ashlesha.
"Huh...Oh...yeah", said Preet quietly, "I guess it is".
Meher was so happy and relieved to be back home she forgot about Heer and almost ran inside and straight into her father's open arms, and exchanged bear hugs with him and her mother. Soon the greetings and welcome home dinner were over and the women got set to gossip.
"Oh it feels so good to be home!" exclaimed Meher. "It feels like we've been gone forever".
"Yes", said Teji, "the house was certainly quiet without you two here".
"Oh parjayiji, get to the point!" said Kuljeet Chachee. "Heer dear, how was Prem...Did he perhaps hint at anything?"
"Chachee! I was only there for 3 days, and was sick remember", said Heer, her face turning red.
"Well apparently someone was much admired by Prem Juneja", said Kuljeet with a sly smile and pointing to all the flowers and balloons Balraj and Balwant were bringing in from the car.
"Ahem!" said Balraj clearing his throat. "Kuljeet, if you're done, I have an important announcement to make. Teji, I hope you can prepare something good for dinner tomorrow, because we will be having a guest join us".
"Oh my Rabs! I knew it!" exclaimed Kuljeet. "Heer you sly thing...you didn't tell us Prem was coming!" Heer looked up stunned and speechless, but her father soon put her at ease.
"It is not Prem Juneja. Infact, it is a person I have never met". Balraj had everyone's full attention now. "A few weeks ago, I received a letter from my late cousin's son Manmeet Maan. He's coming to India from the USA. He's going to be in Delhi on some business and wants to visit us in the process. This is the same Manmeet Maan, who when I am dead will inherit our property and can turn you all out anytime he wishes".
"Oh the vulture!" cried Kuljeet. "Shoob shoob bolo prahji!" (Utter only good things Brother in law).
"You got the letter a few weeks ago and you're only telling me now?" asked Teji.
"I don't understand Papaji", said Meher, "Why is he coming? What does he want from us?"
"I'm not sure Meher", replied Balraj, "we'll just have to wait and see".
The next evening at the Maan residence, the women of the household were busy with last minute preparations for the guest they were about to receive. "Oh my aching feet!" cried Kuljeet dramatically. "I don't know why we are making so many preparations for the very man that is just waiting to snatch the morsel from our daughter's mouths!"
"Uff ho Kuljeet!", said Balraj. "That's no way to talk about a guest. Everyone remember, as long as Manmeet will be our guest we will spare no opportunity to show him the best hospitality. Besides Kuljeet...I think you take an unnecessarily gloomy view on this whole inheritance matter. I just may out live you all".
Meher giggled at her father's remark, and then straightened up when she saw Heer glaring at her with a 'You heard that' look. Heer had already changed the bed sheets Meher had lined with thorns in just the right places, and washed out the guest bathroom slippers Meher had carefully laced with honey. Hmpf, thought Meher, it's not like it was glue or something. Heer Di's no fun.
All of a sudden, Vishaka's voice could be heard from the top of the stars. "He's here! He's here!" Meher and Heer ran upstairs to their room, where Meher had appointed Vishaka binoculars in hand to watch out for the "Vulture".
"Quick!" said Meher, as she grabbed the binoculars from Vishaka. "Let me see!"
The concrete road didn't come up all the way to their house, so Manmeet could be seen getting out of the taxi and collecting his suitcases. Balwant and Balraj had reached him now and after the greetings were exchanged, they each grabbed a suitcase and ushered him to follow.
"Is he handsome?" asked Vishaka.
"Can't really tell", replied Meher, "but he's dressed in a 3 piece suit!" Meher giggled as she saw Manmeet tugging at his collar now and then. The heat must be getting to him, she thought, wait until he finds out we don't have air conditioning.
"Does he look friendly?" asked Heer.
"Well, right now he looks like he's more concerned about keeping the flies from landing on his hair", replied Meher.
"He must have used too much hairspray", said Vishaka. "I've had that experience".
Meher and Heer looked at Vishaka and giggled. Just then the girls heard their mothers calling them and ran downstairs.
Kuljeet Chachee made them stand in a line from eldest to youngest. "Now girls", she instructed, "we have to look at the brighter side of each situation. We may not be looking forward to this visit, but we can turn it into an opportunity to practice our man hunting skills".
Teji's mouth fell open. She wasn't sure she wanted her daughters to join this practice.
"So stand up straight, smile pretty, and above all don't say anything too intelligent...you especially!" said Kuljeet pointing a finger at Meher.
"She practices what she preaches", Meher whispered to a giggling Heer.
"Remember", continued Kuljeet, "For your father's sake, we have to be polite to the Vulture".
"Kuljeet!" cried Teji.
Just then the door opened and Balraj and Balwant entered with a slightly red faced Manmeet coming in behind them. He was a tall and slender young man with well coifed hair and blue eyes. "Chacheejis!" he exclaimed as he approached Teji and Kuljeet with his arms outstretched. He was about to touch their feet when he caught his reflection in the mirror hanging on the wall. He quickly did a finger comb through his hair and then turned and smiled at Teji and Kuljeet again.
"Why...you can't possibly be Chacheejis!" he exclaimed, winking at Balraj and Balwant. "You both are way too young! Nope, I absolutely refuse to believe it. Such lovely young women deserve a better greeting". He took Teji and Kuljeet's hands and kissed them one by one with a melodramatic flair.
Hmmm...he's laying it on a little thick isn't he , thought Meher.
Kuljeet and Teji seemed stunned at first, but Kuljeet quickly recomposed herself and said, "Manmeet Beta, what a charming young man you are! Here let me introduce you to our girls. This is Heer and Meher, Teji's girls, and this little one is my Vishaka".
"Hey ladies! What's up?" said Manmeet flashing them an exaggerated smile.
"The ceiling...I think", answered a confused Vishaka.
Meher and Heer exchanged weak smiles at their cousin's remark. Well, thought Meher, at least Vishaka is following her mom's advice about not saying anything too intelligent.
Chapter 13 - Manmeet's Intentions
Later that evening the Mann family was waiting for Manmeet to freshen up and come down for dinner. "Mirror mirror on the wall. Whose the fairest of them all", cried Meher, as she finger-combed her hair in an attempt to mimic Manmeet. Heer and Vishaka were peeling with laughter, when all of a sudden Heer stood up and cleared her throat. Manmeet was coming down the stairs. Sure enough, he stopped by the mirror and finger combed his hair. The girls burst out laughing as soon as he passed by.
At the dinner table, Manmeet was full of compliments. "You have a lovely little home Teji Chachee, and this meal looks absolutely scrumptious".
"Thank you Manmeet Beta", said Teji.
"Oh no no", said Manmeet, "please call me Mannie..everyone in America does.
"Mannie?" mouthed Meher to Heer wrinkling her nose.
"So", continued Manmeet, "which of my lovely cousins is responsible for this delicious meal. What tasty chicken curry...What perfectly round rotis, and perfect aloo gobi...Not mushy at all!"
"Perfect!" mimicked Meher.
"Well, all the girls helped", replied Teji putting her hand on Meher's lap, indicating for her to keep quiet.
Manmeet smiled sweetly and leaned over to Balraj and whispered, "Ladies love such compliments. I always make sure to have plenty of such sweet compliments up my sleeve".
Hmpf, thought Meher, he's as fake as his blue eyes.
"Manmeet Beta, you haven't told us what you do in America", said Balraj.
"Oh I work in I.T., that stands for Information Technology", explained Manmeet.
"We know what I.T. stands for", said Meher in an agitated voice.
"Of course you do", said Manmeet sweetly. "Anyway, I do software development out in Silicon Valley. I also made a lot of money in the stock market and was smart enough to pull out just before the dot-com bubble burst. And just last year I purchased my dream home in the San Francisco Bay area. 5-bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, game room, vaulted ceiling, solar panels, indoor swimming pool and a 1 acre manicured lawn. Bought it on foreclosure. Happily somebody's loss was my gain.
Yes I tell you, America is the place to be. Of course air travel has become a little difficult, but it's still the land of opportunity. And the Indian community in California is well organized and well-educated...not like all those taxi drivers and news stand types in New York".
Oh my God, thought Meher, he's so full of himself.
"If America is such a great place, why have you come to India?" asked Balraj.
"Well sadly enough", sighed Manmeet, "It can get quiet lonely for a guy sometimes. You know the old saying...No life without wife". Kuljeet Chachee's ears perked up, she suddenly liked where this conversation was going.
"I mean'", continued Manmeet, "sure there are plenty of desi chicks there, but their attitude is so wrong".
"Desi chicks?!" mouthed Meher.
"I mean'", said Manmeet, "They want to get degrees and work. They want 50/50. They have no sense of our traditions and culture".
"Of course", interrupted Meher, "you'd prefer the more traditional, bare-foot and pregnant type, who lovingly presses your feet at night".
"Exactly cousin Meher", said Manmeet, "I knew you'd understand...being from the country and all...you know close to our roots".
Oh that's it! Thought Meher. Heer kicked Meher from under the table and motioned for her to control any outburst that may be bubbling inside her.
"Our girls as you can see Mannie Beta, are very traditional", offered Kuljeet Chachee with a knowing smile.
"My point exactly", said Manmeet. "Unwittingly chachaji, I am one day going to be the means of disinheriting your daughters. So I thought, why not extend the olive branch and change this awkward situation to the mutual benefit of both".
"Oh how wonderful! What a sweet sweet young man you are!" cried Kuljeet. Balraj and Teji were not sure what to say, neither were Heer or Meher.
"The difficulty now is in deciding between my lovely cousins", said Manmeet. "I think perhaps Heer being the eldest is naturally first in line". Manmeet flashed a wide grin at Heer. Heer's heart sank, but luckily Kuljeet Chachee came to her rescue.
"Yes, Heer is always much admired where ever she goes...but beta I think I must warn you that Heer is practically engaged. In fact, we're expecting a proposal any day now". Heer breathed a sigh of relief. "Of course Meher on the other hand has not been spoken for", continued Kuljeet.
Meher was shooting daggers at her Chachee with her eyes. Kuljeet ignored her and continued, "She's just as beautiful as Heer, and so witty and talented. You must have seen her paintings hanging around the house".
"Ah yes", said Manmeet smiling at Meher. Meher felt like a cornered mouse. "My beautiful cousin Meher...Manmeet and Meher...Manmeet and Meher", said Manmeet as if deciding if he liked the sound of that. He began to look Meher up and down with sudden appreciation.
What a jerk! Thought Meher. My father is sitting at the table and he's eyeing me like a piece of meat.
"I think I'll start clearing the table", said Heer getting up. She felt bad to have passed Manmeet onto Meher.
"And I think I'll go throw up", said Meher leaving the table.
Later that evening Meher was sulking in her room when Heer and Vishaka entered. Meher eyed them suspiciously. "Don't worry", said Heer waving her white dupatta, "We come in peace and with dessert". Meher sat up on her bed and took the bowl of kheer from her sister.
"So Meher Di", said Vishaka, "I hear San Francisco is a Mecca for sailors". Both she and Heer burst out laughing.
"I knew it!" cried Meher. "You guys think this is funny...I'm in serious trouble! You know Ma and Papaji never say anything to Kuljeet Chachee. And if she has anything to do about it, she'll be packing my bags tomorrow!"
"Well look at the bright side", said Heer, "At least you won't have to change your name!" Meher threw a pillow at Heer.
(Vishaka and Heer break into the song "No life without wife from Bride and Prejudice. The words below have been modified to accommodate Manmeet's name)
Vishaka:
Lonely Cousin Mannie from the U.S
Came to Punjab on one bent knee
Heer:
He had a green card, new house, big cash
So made a wish with every fallen lash
Vishaka:
For you to do the journey with him
To smile when he got home
Ask how his day had been.
Heer:
He wants you by his side in joy and strife
Poor cousin Mannie
He has no life without wife
Heer and Vishaka together:
No life...without wife
Oh yeah yeah yeah
Meher starts:
I don't want a man who ties me down
Does what he wants while I hang around
I don't want a man whose crude and loud
(Meher makes cute faces in the mirror) Wants a pretty wife to make him proud
I don't wanna a man who can't be funny
Who tells tall tales about making money
Heer and Vishaka: Oh yeah!
Meher:
I don't want a man who'll grab the best seat
Can't close his mouth when he starts to eat
(Meher wobbles around like a drunk) I don't want a man who likes to drink
Or leaves his dirty dishes in the sink
I don't want a man who needs his mummy
A balding pest with too much dummy
I don't want a man who's dead in the head
Heer:
Poor Cousin Mannie
Vishaka:
Hai Cousin Mannie
Maybe he's good in bed.
Meher and Heer pauses and looked at their cousin in shock.
Ughhh!! All three of them screamed in unison.
Heer Meher and Vishaka:
No life...Without wife
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah
Vishaka:
What you don't want don't matter no more
Soon you'll be married and ready to go.
Heer:
A match made in heaven just like milk and honey
You make aloo gobi and he'll make the money
Vishaka:
Everyday will be the same according to his plan
Forget what you want Cousin Mannie is now your man.
Heer, Meher and Vishaka:
No life...Without wife
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah
Meher:
I just want a man with real soul
Who wants equality and not control
I just want a man good and smart
A really sharp mind and a really big heart
I just want a man not scared to weep
To hold me close when we're asleep.
Heer and Vishaka: Oh yeah!
Meher:
I just want a man who loves romance
Who'll clear the floor and ask me to dance
I just want a man who likes to sing
Makes up words when I play the strings
I just want a man who gives some back
Talks to me and not my rack
I just want a man who likes to cook
To read my poems and share my books
I just want a man whose spirit is free
To hold my hand, walk the world with me.
Heer, Vishaka and Meher:
Oh yeah!
No life...Without wife
Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah
All three girls fall down on the bed laughing.
Hope you liked it. Please leave your comments or atleast hit the like button 😛.
Of course it's not surprising to us that Meher's description of her ideal man in her song describes Preet to a T.
Chapter 14 Preview : Another Juneja makes an entry. Any guesses on who?
Link to next chapter:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/45040088Edited by ummesulaiman - 10 years ago
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