Fatima's Cozy Corner - Page 50

Originally posted by: -Xpress-

lovely...
loved the start

Originally posted by: gina24

It's so great that you're starting to write ff again wonderful update please do contiinue soon :)

Originally posted by: AASUS

Hi Fatima 🤗

I'm a lil sleepy but I'm determined to comment today.😆

pg 61

Ooh love the banner. Meher Preet 1st meeting those pics are cute.

Nikki did awesome edit and you selected cool pics.

Thanks...I picked pictures that I thought would reflect actual scenes in the FF 😛

Nice title.

I was stuck on the title for so long...even thought of calling it Shuddh Desi Romance... 😆...but this one seemed most appropriate.

v interesting start. I liked the laid back story telling. Nothing too out of the world.

Meher is so cute with kids. I like her in this avatar already. Teji seem like a sweet mom.🤗

Mom's frd wasn't that bad 😆 She did try to be helpful but show off type.

Mr. Kashyap is v interesting. 😃 Y'know before you announced his name - I was sure it'll be Lalit J. But since his bg is explained with him having a step son , I'm guessing it's Preet J.

Yes this chapter is laid back...sort of to show how things were in comparison to how drastically things can change in just a few years. I won't say much about Preet now...we'll meet him in chapter 3.

I would have simply enjoyed if there is no leap :P

I guess you're gonna introduce Preet after leap.

The leap is justified here...and you'll see in the next chapter why. 😊

Just so you know Meher is very interesting in her own scenes by herself in this story.

Ok that's my pov. :P

She is interesting...and a wonderful character too, one I really enjoy writing about almost as much as Preet. But I'm going to turn her simple little farm life upside in this one. 😈

Ty and wish you a great time sorting out your taxes 😛

Thanks for reading Athisda 🤗

ttyl

Originally posted by: vrushika

helllooo firstly fatima ma'am great title...
great banner as well.. i loved both
coming to the story great start.. great characters...
meher is cute... and teji is teji..
great beginning...
thank u for writing
keep writing
love ya...

Originally posted by: xxDaydreameRxx

OMG Fatima! What an awesome start! I was afraid that I would be anxiously waiting for Preet's entry the whole chapter, but once I started reading, I got so lost in the chapter and the intresting characters that I didn't even realize when it ended and I didn't miss Preet all that much! ;) But that doesn't mean im not anxiously waiting for his entry in the next chapter? - Hopefully!? ;) And yo. You shouldn't display such avis ...I couldn't take my eyes off that button scene you have up for a good five minutes! :$

Chapter 2 - Not Just Any Other Girl

Link to: Table of Contents

5 years later...So much has changed...

A car pulled up in front of an ordinary looking apartment building in Delhi. 23 year old Meher Maan quietly exited the car, and began to fumble around for her keys as she took a step towards the building. Suddenly she stopped. Where were her manners? She thought. She turned around, and peaked into the car and smiled politely at the young man seated in the driver's seat.

"Um...Manmeet...thanks for taking me out tonight", she said. "I...uh...had a very interesting time".

"Oh sure", Manmeet replied, flashing her a toothy smile. "Meher wait!" he cried as he quickly exited the car and followed her into her building. "Aren't you going to ask me in?"

Meher looked at her watch. "It's getting kind of late. You have to go to work tomorrow and I have class so I think you had better just go home".

"Oh come on Meher", protested Manmeet, as he accompanied her inside the elevator. "The night is still young".

"Its 10:00 PM", Meher pointed out.

"How about a cup of coffee?" Manmeet asked, ignoring her remark. "We can talk too".

"I don't think that's a good idea", said Meher, as she reached her apartment's door.

"Okay then how about a glass of water?" pleaded Manmeet. "Or at least let me use the bathroom".

Meher thought for a moment before shrugging her shoulders and giving in. Once inside she turned on the lights. Her roommate apparently was still not home yet. She had a bone to pick with her. She put her purse away and then made her way over to the kitchen.

"Nice place you've got here", said Manmeet, giving the apartment a quick look over. He then took out a breath spray from his pocket and placed a few squirts in his mouth before settling on the sofa. "Nice couch too".

"Your water", Meher said flatly, as she returned from the kitchen and offered him a glass.

"Thanks", smiled Manmeet. He took the glass from Meher and then gently took her hand in his and made her sit down next to him. "Actually Meher, I wasn't really all that thirsty. I just wanted to spend a little more time with you".

Meher watched as Manmeet conveniently put his arm around her. "Really?" She remarked. "I would never have guessed".

"Meher, I really like you", said Manmeet as he leaned in closer to her.

"Manmeet, please", said Meher as she pushed him back gently, "Let's not go there".

"Oh come on Meher", cried Manmeet. "This was our 3^rd date and you haven't even let me get to first base yet. How am I supposed to hit a home run?!"

"Home run?!" cried Meher, getting up suddenly and walking to her door. "Okay Mister. I think you had better leave".

"But Meher...I was just..." protested Manmeet as he followed her.

"I know what you were trying to do and it's not going to happen!" Meher replied, as she opened the door for him. "Out!"

"But...", tried Manmeet.

"I said out!" cried Meher.

"Fine!" Cried Manmeet. "You know you're not even all that. I only went out with you because my mother told me to".

"You really are too kind", said Meher rolling her eyes.

"You know what your problem is", said Manmeet, as he passed his hand through his hair in frustration. "You're too much of a good girl".

"Good bye Manmeet", said Meher, as she slammed the door on his face. She exhaled loudly and glanced at the bat she kept hidden behind her door. At least things didn't go that far, she chuckled nervously to herself. The things I do to help people out.

Meher shook her head. The date with Manmeet had really been intended for her roommate Maya, whose mother had been trying since God knows when to settle her daughter down with a nice boy. But unbeknownst to her, Maya was already seeing someone, and had begged Meher to go on the date in her place. Tonight was the last time she'd cover for her friend though, she promised herself.

Just then the phone rang. She knew who it was. "Hello Maya", she sighed.

"Hey Meher! How was your date? Is it safe to come home?" giggled Maya. "Because if you and Manmeet need some more time I can just...".

"Maya, I'm getting ready to go to bed. We'll talk in the morning, okay", said Meher

"So he's gone already? What did you do Meher Maan?" asked Maya.

"Nothing!" said Meher.

"Well if it didn't work out with Manmeet", continued Maya, "maybe I can fix you up with..."

"No!" said Meher.

"But...", protested Maya.

"I'll see you in the morning Maya", sighed Meher.

Meher hung up the phone, walked over to the freezer, pulled out a box of Rocky Road ice cream, and then settled into the chair in front of the TV. After about 15 minutes of flipping channels, she decided to give up and get ready for bed.

Meher brushed her teeth, changed into her night clothes, then came and stood in front of her dressing table's mirror and looked herself over. She checked her smile, ran her fingers through her long brown hair, and sucked in her stomach, before shaking her head with a giggle. I wonder if there is such a thing as Mr. Right, and if I'll ever find him. Oh God! What am I doing behaving like a typical girl? She thought catching herself. It has to be the Maya effect.

As she slipped into her bed, a small smile crept up to her lips, as she remembered how when she was a little girl, her Papa Ji used to lull her to sleep with stories of a Raj Kumar coming by on a white horse and sprinting her away. And how she would snuggle up into his lap and promise never to leave him. But he was just a memory now. And it was hard to keep believing in knights in shining armor or happily ever after, when just getting by was difficult enough.

Meher was startled out of her thoughts by the sudden, loud sound of thunder clap, and she immediately covered her ears in fright. She hated thunder storms. Hated them from the time she was a little girl. They always sounded so angry. Almost as if someone was handing out punishments. Meher curled herself into a tight ball, and pulled the covers over her head. She started humming softly to herself, hoping to drown out the noise.

It was a stormy night just like this when a bus accident had claimed her father's life. She had only been 12 years old at the time. Since then she had watched her mother struggle daily to keep the family farm afloat. When Meher was old enough she began to pitch in with money she earned tutoring the local school kids, but it never seemed enough. Then 4 years ago, her mother had suddenly fallen ill. The doctor hadn't been able to diagnose the cause, but he was certain the amount of stress she was under was to blame. They had eventually been forced to sell their farm, and move into her Chacha and Chachee's place.

Although her Chacha Balwant was a decent man, his wife Daljeet didn't take too kindly to the pair moving in with them. It was then that Meher's mother had decided to take a good portion of the money from the farm sale and send Meher to University. It would be just a matter of 4 years, her mother had assured her, then Meher would be able to support them, and they wouldn't need her Chachu's help.

Four years ago, Meher had come to Delhi, with a suitcase, her admission letter, first year's fee, and little else. She had been fortunate enough to have found a roommate like Maya, who despite her quirks, was a sweet girl, a good friend, and always had her share of the rent ready on time. She had also been lucky to be able to find a job in the campus library. And now in a matter of days, those 4 years would finally be over.

As the harshness of the storm finally gave way to the soothing pitter patter of raindrops Meher sighed in relief. Better go to sleep Meher Maan, she yawned, and leave your worries for tomorrow.

The next morning...

"Good morning! Rise and Shine!" cried Maya as she pulled back the curtains on Meher's bedroom windows.

"Ow!" cried Meher as the sun's rays hit her eyes. "Maya! Why are you torturing me so early in the morning?"

"What?! You're the one who's always chanting early to bed and early to rise'. What happened today?" asked Maya. "I thought I was saving you from being late".

"Well I don't have to go to University until later in the day", groaned Meher, as she pulled the covers over her head.

"Okay then, how about if we have some breakfast together? I mean graduation is just around the corner and between exams, work, and my dates, I've hardly had a chance to see you", smiled Maya, pulling the covers off Meher's face.

"Oh really?" asked Meher as she eyed her friend suspiciously.

"No", giggled Maya. "Actually I'm dying to know all about last night. What happened?"

"Nothing", replied Meher

"But it was your 3rd date with Manmeet, didn't you like anything about him?" asked Maya.

"Maya! You're forgetting that I only went out with him because you forced me to", explained Meher. "But quite honestly, we had nothing in common. And I'd hardly count our little outings as dates...more like conveniences. I mean, for our first date, he took me to the mall, because his boss's wife's birthday was coming up and he needed a woman's input in buying a gift. On our second date we went to a movie. He let me pick which one we'd see, but he fell asleep half way through it. And last night he took me to a jelly eating contest!"

"But he has such a good job at Kraft Foods", said Maya.

"Well that would explain his love for Jell-O", sighed Meher.

"Whatever", cried Maya. "Look, forget Manmeet. Mom just told me about this really neat guy. He's her best friend's cousin's wife's sister's husband's nephew. And I think he'll be just perfect for you".

"Oh no you don't", protested Meher. "No more match-making, and no more of me filling in for you".

"Fine", said Maya, making a pouty face. "This is the thanks I get for looking out for my roomy. Somewhere out there is someone just perfect for you Meher. Granted you don't know who he is or what he looks like. And you certainly haven't met him yet. But I know he's out there. He has to be. I've found the perfect guy for me, and I just wanted you to find one too. Does that make me such a bad person?"

"Maya, your perfect guy changes every 3 months", laughed Meher. "I'm perfectly happy the way I am, so please, stop worrying about me. And please...no more playing match-maker".

"Suit yourself", said Maya shrugging her shoulders. "Acha sunno (okay listen)...did you speak to your mom about letting you go down to Ludhiana for Veera's wedding?"

"No not yet", sighed Meher.

"Well hurry up and do so", said Maya. "We have to leave on Friday, you know".

"Are you sure, your friend Veera or her family won't mind me tagging along with you?" asked Meher. "I mean, an uninvited guest just showing up like that, seems kind of rude. I don't want to burden them in any way".

"Oh Meher, you're such a worry wart! Veera's family is filthy rich. And they have a huge house. They're not going to care about one extra body crashing at their place. Trust me", Maya assured her.

"Still...I feel awfully strange about staying at someone's place that I don't even know", said Meher.

"Yes but I know Veera, and I know you, so technically speaking that makes us all friends", explained Maya.

"It does?" chuckled Meher.

"Of course. Plus it's a wedding house", reasoned Maya. "I'm sure Veera and her family would appreciate all the help they can get".

"And...", said Meher, folding her arms, as if still not convinced.

"And...", added Maya hesitantly. "My mom won't let me go alone, but she was perfectly fine about me going with you, because after all you are such a good girl". Maya playfully tweeked Meher's cheeks for emphasis.

"Ow! Maya please stop that", cried Meher.

"And you know what Meher Maan", continued Maya, "weddings are the perfect place for finding potential Mr. Rights".

"I thought you had already found yours", said Meher.

"Well...it never hurts to have a back-up", said Maya, winking at her friend. "Now come on, I'm starved, let's go grab some breakfast".

Later that morning...

Meher locked her door and began to walk towards the elevator. She had some books to return to the library, and some papers to file for her graduation. She also had to remember to let her boss know about taking off a few days to go to Ludhiana. She was sure her mom would have no problem if she knew that Maya would be with her and that it wouldn't affect her studies in any way. Meher was putting her keys away, when she accidently bumped into someone.

"Oops! Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going" said Meher, as she bent down to pick up her books and the spilled contents of her purse. Her expression quickly changed into a frown when she saw who she had run into. It was Viren.

"It's okay", smiled Viren, as he bent down to help her. "Galti se hi...per chalo, hum per Meher Maan meherbaan to hui". (At least you took notice of me...even if it was by mistake)

"Oh...it's you", said Meher rolling her eyes.

Despite living in the same building, Meher knew very little about Viren, other than that he hailed from a very rich family, and spared no chance to impress others, especially the ladies, by flaunting his wealth. Although the building housed many university students, the neighbors had complained about none as often as they had complained about Viren. Failing grades, loud, late night parties, and rumors of numerous affairs had tainted his reputation and earned him the nickname of the Building's Baracuda. Delhi had no shortage of schools and universities, but Meher had often wondered how people like Viren could easily get transferred to one after being kicked out from another. It's probably his father's money, she thought. What a waste.

But money too could only go so far. Rumor had it, that he had recently had a falling out with his father, who had threatened to cut him off if he didn't change his lavish ways. Viren had been trying to get Meher to go out with him for quite a while, but she had always seen through his artificial nature and refused.

Meher quickly collected her things and continued to walk down the hall to the elevator, but Viren blocked her way.

"A rose for a pretty lady", smiled Viren, as he held out a red rose for Meher.

"No thanks", said Meher as she pushed past Viren and continued to walk down the hall.

"Okay, then how about we go get some coffee? Maybe grab a bite to eat", suggested Viren, as he struggled to keep pace with Meher.

"No", replied Meher, as pressed the button for the elevator.

"Let me at least drive you to University", offered Viren.

"I said no", replied Meher, as she walked into the elevator and pressed "L".

"You're incredible, you know that!" said Viren. "Any other girl would kill just to get the slightest bit of attention from me".

"I'm not any other girl Viren", said Meher as she watched the door close slowly. To her dismay, Viren joined her in the elevator.

"I know", said Viren, as he pulled Meher to one side and cornered her against the wall. He leaned in close and began to trace her face with his finger. "And that's why I like you so much".

Great! Thought Meher. 5 more flights of this torture. She squirmed under Viren's grip, obviously repulsed by his touch. He was saying something, but Meher wasn't paying attention. Her eyes were focused on the changing red digits counting down the number of flights. 3-2-1-L...She took a deep breath and slammed her foot down hard onto Viren's.

"Ow!" yelled Viren, as he hopped around in pain.

"Don't you ever try to touch me again!" hissed Meher, as she quickly exited the elevator and ran out of the building.

"You can run but you can't hide Meher", Viren called after her. "Tum dekhna, ek na ek din...tum laut ke mere hi paas aa-o gi. (You wait and see...you'll come back to me one day) And that's a promise!"