FF| AWMARW Thread 3 - 29/9 Updated! p46 - Page 20

pls update dis ff too

Its so long i havent commented on dis thread.:) waiting.. Do pm me dis time!

I am back with the very along waited update.

Thanks so much for waiting this long. I'm really sorry it took me this long to finally post something up.

Chapter 92: The More Things Change the More They Stay the Same

Brown eyes reminisced fondly as it scanned along the walls around him. The posters, pictures, knick-knacks, and banners brought a gently smile to his face. This had been his home for twenty-one years and now he was leaving it behind. He was only going to be away for six months. That wasn't such a long time he reasoned in his mind. He would be home soon with his family and friends. But he knew these six months were going to test him like he had never been tested before and he was beginning to feel nervous and slightly queasy about leaving. He turned when heard a loud knock at his door and saw his elder brother grinning.

"Here let me take that downstairs for you," Harman said as he walked towards a large blue suitcase. "Geez, what did you pack in here?" lifting it up with one hand, "you're probably going to get charged for all this extra weight."

"What? It's that heavy? I weighed it last night," Preet replied and reached over to hold the suitcase.

"I'm just joking," Harman teased. "It's perfectly fine."

Preet gave a sour look and then grinned at his joke. "I guess I deserve that. All things considering...you guys are going to miss me and all my pranks."

"No need to worry. I'll take on that role for everyone," Harman replied. "It will be as if you never left." He snickered as he saw Preet's face turn slightly pale. "Just joking again..." He reached over and gave him a warm pat on the back. "No one can take your place."

"Thanks Bhaiya."

"I'm taking this downstairs. Don't linger here too long. You know how Ma gets. She's probably prepared a 12 course meal for breakfast for you," Harman said before leaving the room.

Preet grinned and then turned to take one last look at his bedroom. He turned the lights off and exited the room with a satisfied expression, "Goodbye," he whispered. He gently scanned about him noting the other rooms in the hallway; Veera's across the way, Harman's to the right of his, and Prem's down in the corner. He walked to his left and down the other hallway passing by Rishi's room, Tanu's room, and Kulraj and Kiran's room. He found himself entering his parent's room and fondly reminiscing. He let out a small chuckle when he recalled the time he had finished eating lunch. His mother's chicken curry had been superb that day. He was wiping his hands with a towel looking for his mother to praise her for her food when he saw his father stumbling out of the bathroom covered in shaving cream. He was barking for a towel to clean his face so he handed his towel to him. Instead of receiving gratitude for his gesture he was met with rage. The towel was covered with spicy curry and some of it had gotten into his father's eyes. He was chased and berated around the room for his antics. Preet's eyes widened as he saw his father walking out of the bathroom with a fresh white kurta on. "Bauji."

His father smiled warmly at him, "Shouldn't you be downstairs eating breakfast? Don't make your mother wait. You know how she gets. Did you check the flight? Is it still on time?"

"Haan, it is still on time. Kiran Jiju checked this morning."

"Good-good, let's go eat breakfast. Everyone must be waiting," Lalit suggested as he placed his arm around his son's shoulders. Preet nodded and happily walked his father to the kitchen.

*********************************************************

Silence filled the cabin despite the radio playing at a low volume as the Honda Odyssey rolled gently along the highway to the airport. Prem was focusing his attention on the roadway. His father sat in the driver seat quietly watching the scenery. Gayatri was sitting in the back next to her youngest son warmly holding his hand. Preet was smiling looking down as his mother gently patting his hand. He felt like he was five again and it was his first day of school. He was excited but apprehensive at the same time.

Heer nudged her sister's shoulder checking to see if she was all right. Meher gave a slight nod and forced a smile on her face. They were sitting in the back seat. The rest of the family had said their goodbyes after breakfast. It was only them seeing Preet off to the airport. Meher took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. She had barely eaten anything at breakfast. She recalled how everyone had spent their time cracking jokes and reminiscing the fun times with Preet. It was clear that everyone was going to miss him. As the minivan turned the curb to enter the airport, Meher's heart began to sink. It has hard when she had said goodbye to him last Christmas break but at that time their relationship was still new and he had yet to fully confess his feelings for her. Now, their relationship had grown and become stronger. She was beginning to miss him already and he hadn't even left the car.

Prem pulled the van up to the departure curb and look back, "I'll go put the car in short term parking. You guys go in and get Preet checked in."

The family nodded and they got out. Preet went to the back of the van and pulled out his suitcase. He put on his backpack and pushed his small rolling carry-on to the sidewalk. "Here Bauji," Preet said as he switched suitcases with his father, "You take the carry-on I'll roll the suitcase."

*********************************************************

Preet studied the faces of his family members as they circled around him. He had just finished going through the check-in line and received his boarding pass. "So, I guess the next time I'll see you guys in May."

"Skype or FaceTime," Prem suggested.

"Yeah, of course that...but you know what I mean," Preet replied.

Gayatri placed her hand on his cheek and softly spoke, "You take good care of yourself. Just be yourself...they will love you."

"I will. Thanks Ma," Preet said and warmly held his mother's hand. He then hugged her tightly. "Love you."

"I love you too," Gayatri replied with a sniffle. She was trying hard to maintain her emotions and not burst into tears seeing her youngest son leaving home to study in a foreign country.

Preet gently backed away and gave a quick hug to his brother. "I love you PB."

"You're going to do just fine there. In fact you are going to blow them out of the water," Prem encouraged.

Preet smiled, "Thanks. You take care of Bhabhi and...um, make me a Chachu."

Prem's eyes went wide while Heer automatically exclaimed, "Preet..."

He chuckled at his sister-in-law's response. "Bhabhi, I'm only joking. But you know it's on everyone's wish list."

"Preet stop pestering your Bhabhi," Lalit warned.

He gave a wily smile. "Can I get a hug or are you going to hit me?"

Heer sighed shaking her head knowing this was just the way he was; her cute but mischievous brother-in-law. "Come here," she replied opening her arms up wide.

Preet gave her a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you."

"You take care of yourself. If you do then we'll see about your little wish," Heer whispered making his eyes grow big.

"Heer Bhabhi?" She simply gave a wink and laughed. Prem glanced at his wife and gave an uncomfortable smile.

Preet turned around and directed his attention to his father. "Bauji, I'll make you proud."

"You've already have," Lalit replied and gave him a hug. "I love you."

"I love you too Bauji," Preet replied. He sniffled trying to fight his tears. Lalit patted his cheek in a fatherly manner.

Silently watching Meher stood off to the side patiently waiting for her turn to say goodbye. She felt her chest tighten uncomfortably knowing what time they had left was dwindling fast. Finally her turn came as Preet made his way over to her. The family members all took a few steps back allowing them some privacy to speak freely to one another. "Preet..." Meher started but then stopped unable to say anything further. Her voice had quivered uncontrollably and tears began to well up behind her eyes. Preet shook his head and stepped forward hugging her tightly. "I know what you are going to say. And my answers are I promise to eat properly and take care of myself. I will do my laundry on time so I have presentable clothes to wear at meetings. Don't worry I'll be back soon. But I will miss you the most. I love you. Don't ever forget that."

"I won't," Meher sniffled into his shoulder. "I'll be waiting for your return."

Preet stepped back and gently wiped her tears away. "I'll be back soon." He then looked down at his watch and glanced over to the security check point.

"It's probably a good idea to start heading to the check point," Prem instructed.

Preet nodded and took his carry-on from his father's hand. "Well, I guess this is it," waving his hand, "Bye. I love all of you."

"Bye. Have a safe flight. Call us when you reach," Gayatri ordered. Everyone waved their hands as Preet slowly backed away and then turned heading towards the security check-point. The family stood there for a few minutes and watched Preet disappear into the crowd, eventually they turned around exited the airport.

*********************************************************

Preet stared into his iPad as the screen adjusted and Meher's loving face appeared. "Hey!" he warmly greeted despite his sleepy complexion. It was 4am in London. "So, how was the wedding? Nihaal must have looked dashing in his sherwani and I bet Rads looked gorgeous. The best looking married coupled for sure. You sent my wishes to Nihaal? Must have been a pretty happening reception party...obviously you just got home now. By the way you look really beautiful." He paused as he noticed Meher wasn't replying back to any of his questions. "What's wrong?"

Meher took her stole off and laid it off on the side. "Preet, I don't know where to begin. You have to promise to keep this to yourself."

"What?"

"I mean. Don't say anything unless someone says something to you about it okay?" Meher replied trying to clarify herself.

Preet's eyebrows knitted not sure what she was trying to tell him. "Um, okay. What's going on? You are making me nervous." He adjusted himself on his bed and looked at her intently.

He watched as Meher took a deep breath and then said, "Nihaal and Radhika didn't get married."

"What? Huh? What do you mean they didn't get married?" Preet replied with confusion. "What happened? Did someone stop the wedding? Don't tell me someone walked out."

"Something like that. I don't know all the details but from what I do know this is what happened...It was a few hours before the wedding and Veera had gone upstairs to check on Radhika. She caught her trying to climb down from the window. Radhika told her that before she met Nihaal she had a boyfriend. They were in love but their families did not get along so they knew that they would never consent to their marriage. She needed to see him one last time before she got married. Somehow she convinced Veera to help her. Radhika promised to come back before the wedding. So Veera stayed in the room pretending to be Radhika. I don't know what possessed her to put on the wedding lehenga but she did. Then what happened next was so TV serial like...I couldn't believe it. I think everyone at the wedding couldn't believe it either. Somehow Veera made it all the way to the mandap without anyone noticing who she really was. It wasn't until Nihaal lifted the veil did everyone see. "

"What?!" Preet exclaimed.

"I know. Everyone was in complete shock. Your Mom and Dad were so shocked and confused. Radhika's family was angry to say the least and wondered where their daughter was. And of course..."

"She walks right into the ceremony?" Preet guessed.

"Correct. You should have seen the looks people were giving her," Meher said.

"How was Nihaal? How was your Mom and Dad?"

"He was stunned," Meher replied. "Mom and Dad were just speechless. They didn't know what to say or how to react. It isn't something that happens normally."

"Yeah, I would be too if all of that happened to me," Preet sighed. "So what happened next? Did Radhika explain herself?"

"She did. And my brother," giving a sad look, "He let Radhika go. He said if she still had feelings for her ex-boyfriend then he wasn't going to stand in her way."

"He said that?" Preet replied with wide eyes. "He seriously broke up with her?" then mumbling to himself, "I can't believe Veera. What was she thinking?"

"It was very Hindi serial like. Radhika's parents were embarrassed and also furious with her. But Mom and Dad told them that Nihaal and Radhika should talk in private to sort this out."

"Really?" Preet replied.

"Yeah, really. In the end Nihaal and Radhika called the wedding off."

"Wow...and everyone?" Preet inquired.

"Everyone returned to their hotel rooms. Mom and Dad spoke with Nihaal in private. Then one of our cousins decided that we couldn't mope around the hotel and convinced some of the younger cousins to go out. We went out to a nice Indian restaurant and then went clubbing."

"Clubbing? Aweee...I wished I was there. I mean, I'm really sorry to hear about Nihaal and Radhika. And I can't believe what Veera did...what was she thinking?" Preet asked.

Meher just shrugged her shoulders pretending like she didn't have an idea as to why. "Oh, you won't believe but Prem Jiju came clubbing with us."

"PB?! He hates dancing."

"I know. But Heer Di got ambushed by all the girl cousins and she was dragged out with us. So he came along. You should have been there. It was totally awesome. Our guy cousins dragged him out on the dance floor and made him dance. Everyone was cheering and clapping...simply priceless..." Meher shrieked with excitement. "I think Shashank recorded a little bit of what happened at the club. I'll have him text the video to me."

"You're getting me so excited," Preet smiled.

"I'll talk to him tomorrow morning," Meher replied and then gave a big yawn.

"You're tired you should probably go to bed. I'll talk to you later."

"Okay," Meher said before yawning again. "Sorry."

Preet gave a warm smile and replied, "Goodnight. I love you. Rest well."

"Goodnight. Love you too," Meher smiled and then turned off the iPad.

*********************************************************

Veera sat by the window cradling a warm cup of chai staring out the window. Her sketch pad laid open with a few scribbles but it was clear there was no real design. Ever since the wedding incident she found herself unable to focus. She turned towards the door way when she heard a soft knock and the voice of her sister-in-law. "Veera? I have your laundry."

"Oh, thanks Bhabhi," she replied.

"Sit down," Heer stated as she motioned with her hand. "Are you sketching?" noticing the sketch pad on the desk. It had been two weeks since they had returned from New York and she had detected the change in her behavior and attitude. She seemed distance and disinterested in things. She was concern for her sister-in-law.

"Nothing really. You know just something here and there," Veera replied. "I've been pretty busy with school work. Finance isn't the easiest subject."

"Well, if you need any help. Just let me know or your Bhaiya...we'd be happy to help," Heer stated.

"You are both really busy working at the hotel and with your grad classes. I hate to bother you."

"It's no bother Veera. We're family. We're here for each other," Heer smiled as she placed the clothes on the bed.

Veera flashed a quick smile and then saw the concern look Heer was giving her. "How are you doing?" Heer inquired as she gently placed her hand on her arm.

"I'm fine. Why are you asking?" Veera replied forcing a smile, "I mean I'm doing pretty well in school. I have made some money selling some clothes...and people are starting to know about my fashions around campus," turning away to pick up her clothes and put them away in her dresser, "And there is Rishabh. He's funny, sweet, and been a really good friend...you know...and..."

"Veera..."

She turned around trying her best to give a cheerful disposition but she couldn't hold out any longer. She burst into tears unable to control her emotions any longer. Heer hugged her trying her best to sooth her. "I don't know why I'm crying," Veera sniffled. "I'm so stupid."

"You're not stupid," Heer replied patting her back. "You did a very brave thing."

"I was being silly. And even though he didn't get married...I don't know why I still feel this way. God, what must he think of me? Some silly girl masquerading around as a bride...I feel..."

"Sshh," Heer hushed. "My brother is lucky to have someone who cares for him so deeply. Don't worry about what others may say. You did what you thought was right at the time. I know hearing this from me may seem what is expected to come from me considering my situation but I truly believe we each have our time and place. Love will come and when it does it will be so beautiful that all the pain you had to endure to that point will seem like a memory. Something that you have to endure to achieve what you want. I pray Veera that you get your love."

"Bhabhi..." Veera cried harder into her shoulder. Heer just held her patting her back trying her best to comfort her. Their moment was soon interrupted by her brother's voice calling for his wife. "It's Bhaiya," Veera said as she pulled back wiping her tears, "Please, don't tell him."

"Of course," Heer promised as she gently placed her hand on her cheek in a loving manner and help wipe away her tears. "He's probably looking for his socks again. I swear he somehow manages to lose one sock from the pair. He says the washing machine or dryer eats them. I say how can they eat them? They're not alive. I always check the clean laundry and they are in pairs when I give them back to him," shaking her head, "that man...sometimes..."

Veera chuckled a little at her words. "Never knew Prem Bhaiya could be so childish."

"There are a lot of things you learn after you get married," Heer sighed. She then looked at Veera wanting to make sure she was okay. Veera nodded her head silently telling her she was going to be fine.

"Heer? Heer?"

"You better go," Veera suggested with a giggle. "He sounds panicked." Heer sighed and then left the room. Veera turned towards her sketch pad and gave a frown. She knew staring at the thing wasn't going to help her get any ideas faster. She grabbed her phone from off her night stand and dialed a number. "Hello Rishabh? Do you have some time? Do you want to go to the park?"


*********************************************************

Duncan entered his best friend's bedroom and watched him move between his closet and the suitcase on the floor. "So, you're really leaving?" Duncan said after a moment of silence. "And to Australia?"

"That's where the project is," Nihaal replied as he folded a few causal t-shirts and placed them into the luggage.

"For one year?" Duncan sighed.

"That is how long the project is going to be for...so, yeah one year," Nihaal answered.

"I thought you could choose your projects. And aren't they usually in the States?"

"We can sort of choose. And we have international project. I just said I would take on the next project. I didn't ask where it was going to be," Nihaal replied.

"I see," Duncan said in a mopy manner. He spotted a large red envelope on his desk. He walked over and took a look at what was inside. "She really sent you a wedding invitation?" He looked up to gauge Nihaal's reaction only to see him busy packing his suitcase. "It's been two months...that's cold."

"They were in love. It's good that their families finally agreed," Nihaal simply replied.

Duncan stared at him with wide eyes. Before he could say anything else there was a knock on the bedroom door. Joyti came in holding a tray, "Tea's ready."

"Thanks," Duncan stated and took his cup of chai.

Nihaal stopped his packing and picked up a cup as well. "Almost done?" Joyti inquired.

"Almost. Still have some things to sort out. So, your cousin is moving in here on the 15^th?"

"Yes. He's moving in on the 15^th. I've told him not to mess the place up and throw huge parties. Duncan and I will still stop by to check up on the place for you," Joyti replied.

"He seems a pretty dependable type of guy," Nihaal stated. "I really don't think you need to check up on this place."

"I would feel extremely responsible if something happened while you were gone. I mean he's only nineteen and he's getting access to such a nice apartment. He's really lucky. But I'm going to be on him and he knows that. His parents were a bit wary sending him to college over here in the States. And you know how it is...you get to leave home...your parents...and have more freedom. Even the good kids mess up."

"We'll be staying here for the first few nights with him," Duncan answered. "No need to worry."

"I wasn't worry but now you guys are making me worry. Maybe this isn't a good idea." Joyti and Duncan looked at him with alarm. Nihaal broke out into a mischievous smile, "Gotcha! I'm just joking. I trust you guys. Anyways it's better than leaving this apartment empty. He's helping me pay for some of the rent."

"Australia..." Duncan sighed.

"There you go again," Nihaal replied shaking his head.

"He's just depressed that his best friend is leaving him all alone," Joyti teased.

"You're fiance...soon to be wife in the next few weeks will keep you company," Nihaal said trying to cheer him up. "You know I don't cuddle in bed." Duncan chuckled at his joke.

"I don't either. I do not like it when people crowd me. I want my space," Joyti stated.

"We're getting a king sized bed. That way there is plenty of space," Duncan explained.

*********************************************************

Prem plopped himself onto the couch and took off his work gloves tossing them to the far side as he took a few minutes rest. Just as he leaned back to rest his head he heard someone walking up the ramp and into the moving van. He gave a tiny smile at his wife, "Five minutes?"

Heer chortled and collapsed next to him. "How about 15 minutes?"

"I can take that," Prem grinned.

They had finally found someone to take over the townhouse. It was a young couple that had recently moved to Toronto. Initially the furniture was going to be left behind for them but the couple stated that they would be purchasing their own furniture. So, here they were on a Saturday morning trying to move all the furniture out and clean the townhouse.

"You think Harman and them are going to come back?" Prem inquired. His brother, Maya, and Meher had ran away to get coffee and breakfast for everyone.

"I hope so. If not we know where they live," Heer replied making Prem laugh.

"What punishment would you inflect on them?"

"One in which they would never forget. Especially for Meher, she lived here...this was her home," Heer said. She then sighed, "What are we going to do with all this furniture? We don't have room at the house."

"We can sell it."

"Yard sale at your house?" Heer inquired with arched eyebrows.

Prem understood what she was implying. They lived in a well to do neighborhood and their house wasn't the type of house you would openly allow strangers to come wondering up to the front lawn for a yard sale. "We can store the stuff at a storage unit and then sell the furniture on Ebay or in the newspaper."

"Maybe was should post up signs around campus. Have Kunal and Ash place them around their apartment complexes. You never know someone may be looking to buy new furniture. It is still pretty brand new and in good condition."

"That's true," Prem nodded in agreement. "Aahhh," stretching his arms and back.

"I'm sorry for making you spend your Saturday like this," Heer apologized.

"Why are you apologizing Honey? It's something we got to take care of."

"I know you really wanted to go to the soccer game," Heer stated. "You and Harman both."

"It's fine. There are other games I can attend," Prem replied.

Heer gave a tiny smile and leaned back into the couch. Few minutes later she glanced at her husband and thoughtfully asked, "So this project in India...have they decided who will go?"

Prem gave a nervous smile. "I'm not sure," glancing downward on the floor of the moving van, "There may be a possibility that I will go."

"Well, that's great," Heer said in an encouraging tone. "It will be a great opportunity for you. You'll learn lots of things."

"I'll be away for two months."

"I know," Heer replied. "If you have some time go visit my parents...or maybe I'll just tell them to come to Delhi to see you. Oh, and you know I'll be giving you a list of things to buy. I'm sure Preet will be requesting for things as well. Meher and I will want saris and bangles and things...hmmm...I'll make a call to one of my cousins and have her to help get the things...you just pay and pick them up," smiling at the last comment she made, "oh...I can't wait."

"You can't wait to be without me for two months?" Prem sadly inquired.

Heer's eyes flexed and she shook her head. "No, of course not. Prem, I don't want to be away from you for two months but it's something we have to adjust to. This won't be the first time you will be assigned a special project to go somewhere. I'm trying to stay positive about this."

"It's going to be tough," Prem sighed. He held her hand and gently rubbed his thumb across her skin. "I don't know what I'm going to do...how am I going to sleep without you next to me?"

"I don't know how I'm going to sleep without you either," Heer replied.

"Hey lovebirds..." Prem and Heer immediately pulled their hands away from each other and looked up to see Harman grinning from ear to ear.

"Harman, why did you have to do that? You're embarrassing them," Maya warned.

"I had to do it...in honor of Preet. You know if he was here he would have said that," Harman explained. Maya gave him a look and shifted her eyes towards Meher. "Oh, sorry Meher. I didn't mean to make you sad..."

"It's okay Harman," Meher replied with a smile. "He's not here and I have to get use to it. Anyways, you are right...if Preet was here he would have said something like that." Turning towards her sister and brother-in-law, "Lovebirds have some time to stop holding hands and eat breakfast with us?"

"Meher..." Heer frowned while Maya and Harman chuckled at her tease.

"Fresh hot coffee, hash browns, and toasted egg and cheese sandwiches," Meher continued ignoring her sister's words.

"Sounds great," Prem said and walked towards them. He took a coffee cup from Maya and drank. "Mmm...good coffee," looking at his brother," breakfast sandwich?"

"Here you go Bhabhi," Harman said handing her a hot wrapped breakfast sandwich first before he gave one to his brother. Maya and Meher took their's next. They sat on the floor of the van while Prem and Heer returned to the couch. Harman sat on the sturdy coffee table and took a bite of the breakfast sandwich. He smiled at how good it tasted.

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Thanks for reading. Hopefully, next update I won't make you guys wait so long. 😃

finally u updated yippeee!!!

thnk u sooo much grace for the update
it was lovely...
oh no i m going to miss preet 😭
love premeer scenes 😳
nd nihal nd veera's also
pls cont soon
thnx for pm

Thank you for the lovely update Grace. 😛