Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 6

i realized i haven't commented abt the update.meet story is really gng sweet typically hw a young coupl story shd go.pls dnt get viren now so soon.the oreo add was very cute.thnks fr pm and hw much excited i m for friday

Originally posted by: sherma

hmmm other den viren??omg preet mom?

Originally posted by: sherma

i realized i haven't commented abt the update.meet story is really gng sweet typically hw a young coupl story shd go.pls dnt get viren now so soon.the oreo add was very cute.thnks fr pm and hw much excited i m for friday

owww just waiting for friday😊

Chapter 25 - Unexpected Visitors

Link to: Table of Contents

The next morning...

It was the ringing of her cell phone that woke Meher up from her sleep. As her eyes fluttered open, she raised one hand instinctively to shield them from the sun's rays filtering through the window. She looked around quickly recalling that she was in Preet's bedroom and not her own. Just then, as if demanding attention, her phone rang again. She tried to reach for it, but found herself tucked snuggly under the weight of Preet's arm. Another ring and the phone grew silent. She'd have to call back whoever it was later, she decided.

Meher turned her attention towards Preet and smiled. He was still fast asleep, with his mouth slightly open, snoring lightly, making small puffing sounds. She carefully lifted his arm off herself then slipped out of bed. She collected her clothes from where she had spread them out to dry the night before, and headed for the washroom to shower and change.

A short while later...

Meher returned to Preet's room, and came and sat next to him on the bed.

"Preet...uttho (wake up)", she gently prodded him, running her fingers through his tousled hair. "Preet...please..."

"Shh...", he murmured, as he swung his arm around her and pulled her closer to himself in response. "Go back to sleep".

"But Preet, it's almost 9 'O clock", said Meher.

"Correction...", groaned Preet. "It's not even 9 'O clock...on a Saturday morning. Don't you believe in sleeping in?"

"But I'm hungry...not hungry...starving...uttho na...please", Meher insisted as she playfully ruffled his hair again. "The sun is shining and it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day today. Wouldn't you rather we go out than spend it in bed all day?"

Preet slowly opened his eyes, still muzzy from sleep, and smiled at Meher. "Now that's a loaded question", he grinned.

"Preet", Meher said rolling her eyes.

"Okay okay", said Preet, as he pulled the covers off himself, got up and stretched his arms out. "You win".

A shortwhile later...

"There you are", Preet smiled as he walked into the kitchen. "So what do you want to do for breakfast?" He pressed a kiss to one side of Meher's head then picked up an apple from the fruit bowl and began to munch on it.

"Huhn?" said Meher. She had been studying her phone. "I'm sorry Preet, did you say something?"

"I was asking about breakfast", said Preet.

"Oh...I thought I'd make something, but your fridge is pretty empty. It seems like you haven't been shopping in a while", said Meher.

"Yeah...I totally forgot. I was busy with work and all remember. But that's okay...we'll go out and get something instead", offered Preet.

"Hmm...", said Meher.

"Hey...are you okay?" asked Preet. "You seem a bit lost".

"It's probably nothing", said Meher, "but...since last night I've been getting phone calls from a number I don't recognize. When I answer there is no one on the other end".

"It's probably just a wrong number", suggested Preet.

"But this morning was the 3^rd call, from the same number", said Meher.

"Did you try and call them back?" asked Preet.

"Yes, but again there's no answer", sighed Meher.

"Look, just forget about it. Like I said, it's proabably a wrong number, or some idiot hitting redial by mistake. Kul Di's kids do that all the time as a prank", Preet reassured her. "Now come on, I thought you said you were hungry".

Later...

Preet and Meher were seated in the outdoor seating area of a small cafe near his home, enjoying the morning sunshine along with their breakfast.

"Mmm...that was heavenly", smiled Meher as she finished the last bite of her danish. "I definitely need to get some packed to take home with me. You want some too?"

"No I'm good", said Preet.

"Okay", smiled Meher. "I'll just get some for myself then and be back in a few minutes".

Preet watched her walk back inside the cafe, before turning his attention to his coffee.

"Preet?" someone called out. He turned around to see Ashlesha approaching his table.

"I thought it was you. Small world isn't it?" she said giving him a weak smile. "Mind if I join you?"

"Um...no...I was...uh...Meher and I just finished having breakfast", said Preet. "She went inside to get something".

"Oh...I see", said Ashlesha.

Preet looked at Ashlesha. She seemed troubled. "Ash...its okay...have a seat", he said.

"You sure?" asked Ashlesha.

"Yes" said Preet. "Would you like to have something? Some coffee perhaps?"

"Thanks Preet", said Ashlesha.

Preet motioned to a waiter who was walking around offering customers refills. He placed a cup before Ashlesha, and poured her some coffee. "So...", said Preet. "I haven't seen you around the office lately. Busy with a project?"

"I'm afraid not. I got fired Preet", sighed Ashlesha, as she took a sip of her drink.

"What?" said Preet.

"They audited me again", explained Ashlesha. "Mr. Bakshi said I was cheating the company by repeatedly claiming personal expenses as business ones".

"I'm sorry to hear that Ash", said Preet. He recalled how she had asked him to cover for her once.

"Not as sorry as I am to admit that it's true", sighed Ashlesha. "I guess after the first couple of times I got away with it, it never occurred to me that I'd get caught. And now here I am, walking around looking for a job. But who'll hire me with a tainted record. I could really kick myself".

Preet thought for a minute, before taking a pen out and scribbling something on the paper napkin lying before him. "Ashlesha, here's the number to my brother's office in Ludhiana. His name is Prem Juneja, as in the head of Juneja Enterprises. Tell him you're a friend of mine. We have several hotels and offices in Mumbai, I'm sure he can fit you in somewhere".

"You're one of the Junejas?" Ashlesha asked in surprise. Preet nodded. "Then what are you doing wasting your time in McCann Ericson?"

"It's a long story", sighed Preet. "But if they hire you on the basis of my recommendation I expect you stay honest".

"You better believe I will", smiled Ashlesha. "I've learned my lesson. You don't know how much this means to me Preet. You're a true friend. I hate to think that I ever teamed up with Rishap to spy on you".

"Oh you did, did you?" Preet said acting surprised.

"Well...yes", admitted Ashlesha. "He was convinced that you had lied about being married just to secure a promotion. But after seeing you and Meher together, only a fool would deny that you 2 were meant for each other". She looked down at the number Preet had scribbled on the napkin, then smiled and gratefully clasped his hand. "Thanks again for this".

Just then Meher returned with her box of danish. Preet quickly pulled his hand back from Ashlesha's grasp.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything", Meher said, giving Ashlesha a quizzical look.

"Oh Meher! How nice to see you again", said Ashlesha, as she rose from her seat. "Uh...Preet and I were just catching up. Thanks for everything Preet".

And just what did she mean by everything, frowned Meher, as she watched Ashlesha leave.

Just then Ashlesha turned back. She put an arm around Meher and pulled her to one side. "You know Meher...", she said in a lowered voice. "I just wanted to let you know that although Preet and I have worked closely together...and I exude this immense amount of sensuality that guys just can't seem to resisit...he never ever tried anything with me". Meher put a hand on her mouth to stifle a giggle. "I know it may seem hard to believe, but it's true. He's a good guy. Don't ever let him go".

"Thanks for the advice", said Meher.

Ashlesha gave Preet a thumbs up sign and then left.

Preet shifted nervously in his seat as Meher quietly joined him at the table again. "Well...aren't you going to say anything?" he asked. "I mean don't you want to know what she wanted?"

"Not really", said Meher.

"You mean you're not jealous?" asked Preet.

"Of Ashlesha?" asked Meher. "No. I mean, I admit I don't like her flirtatious behavior around you...but that doesn't mean I'm jealous...nor does it mean that I'm going to mistrust you or demand an explanation every time I see the 2 of you together. After all you do work in the same company".

"Not anymore", said Preet. "She just got fired. I gave her Prem Bhaiya's number, to check if we have any opening in one of our offices".

"Oh...that was really nice of you", said Meher.

Preet nodded his head then grew silent in thought. He motioned to a waiter to bring him their bill, paid it, then got up to leave. "Come", he said to Meher. "Let's walk".

"What's wrong Preet?" asked Meher.

"Ash got fired for cheating the company by billing personal expenses as business ones...in other words, she lied", said Preet. "It just got me thinking...I lied to get my promotion too. You know I wanted to prove to myself that I could stand on my own 2 feet. But there were times I thought I should just go and confess to Mr. Bakshi and resign. And I may have...if Gaurav wasn't involved".

"I don't want to sound like I'm justifying anything Preet", said Meher. "But there is a difference between what you did and what Ashlesha did. She was looking for a free ride, but you worked hard...very hard. It wasn't fair for Mr. Bakshi to ignore that and just take your hard work and ideas and hand them over to someone else".

"Perhaps you're right", said Preet. "Still the fact that I lied even if it was to get what was rightfully mine does put a grey cloud over the success I've achieved with this campaign".

"And what about us?" smiled Meher.

"Us?" said Preet.

"Yes...us", said Meher. "I'm pretty sure we would never have happened if it weren't for that little lie".

"Hmm", smiled Preet. "You're right. But I'm tired of playing games Meher. And I think there is something we can do rectify the situation, without hurting Gaurav or anyone else".

"Matlab (Meaning)?" asked Meher.

Preet took her hand in his and took a deep breath. "Matlab ye ke (Meaning that)...", he said. "I didn't realize how much I liked long brown hair before I met you. I didn't realize when your voice became the most wonderful sound to my ears. I never realized how wonderful having you in my arms felt until you fell asleep in them last night. I never realized how beautiful my mornings could be until I saw your smile first thing this morning. I never realized just how much was missing from my life until you came into it. And I can't imagine spending the rest of my life without you in it.

Let's make it official Meher. Let everyone know that you're off the market, committed to me and completely happy. I'll get you a ring, call my mother, talk to your chacha...do whatever it takes to make you mine...for good".

"Did you just ask me to marry you?" Meher asked.

"Yes...I did", smiled Preet.

"Hmm...in that case Preet Juneja...consider yourself officially taken off the market too", smiled Meher.

"So I can take that as a yes?" grinned Preet.

"Yes", giggled Meher.

"Alright!" smiled Preet, as he pulled her to one side and gave her an affectionate hug.

Just then his phone rang. "It's probably the mechanic calling about the car", said Preet, as he pulled out his phone. To his surprise it was his brother Prem. "Hey PB, I'm glad you called. I have the most amazing news to tell you".

"How about if you tell me in person?" said Prem. "Ma and I got into Mumbai this morning. We just finished checking into our hotel. We're going to freshen up and then head over to your place. Ma wanted to surprise you, but I wanted to give you a heads up first".

"You guys are here?" said Preet. "Okay, I'm only a block from home. I'll be there when you guys get here".

"What happened Preet?" asked Meher.

"It's my mother", said Preet. "She's here on a surprise visit. She wanted to come over to my place right from the airport, but PB convinced her to check into the hotel first".

"Thank God!" cried Meher. "Otherwise she would have seen us together".

"...in bed", added Preet.

"I don't think I could have ever faced her if that had happened. God knows what she would of thought of me", cried Meher.

"You? She would have crucified me!" Preet chuckled. "Anyway no need to worry about that now. Come on, I'll put you in a cab, and send you home, then I'll go and tackle my mother. I'll be telling her about us, so don't be surprised if she wants to see you tonight".

"Right", smiled Meher. The timing of Aunty Ji's visit couldn't have been better,she thought. She knew her. Liked her. She wouldn't have any issues about accepting her. Everything was going to be perfect.

Later...

"Ma, I still think we should have just met Preet for lunch at the hotel, rather than just showing up at his place", said Prem, as he and Gaytri walked into Preet's building.

"What do you mean?" said Gaytri. "I'm his mother. I don't need an invitation to see my own son. Besides I haven't heard from him since Veera's wedding. Sometimes I wonder if he's forgotten how to use a phone. If he hadn't called yesterday to tell you about his ad campaign being a hit, I wouldn't have had a clue as to what was going on in his life. I'm really annoyed with him".

"Is that...Mrs. Juneja?" said Kuljeet, as she passed Prem and Gaytri in the lobby.

"Hello Mrs. Singh", Gaytri smiled politely. "How are you?"

"I'm fine, just the same old same old", replied Kuljeet. "I suppose you're here to see your son and daughter in law".

"Yes", smiled Gaytri. "What?!?!"

Minutes later...

Preet opened his door with a wide grin on his face. "Hi Ma!" he said as he hugged his mother and brother. "Hey PB. I was sure surprised when you guys called me and told me you were in town. What's up?"

"That's what I'd like to know", frowned Gaytri.

"Huhn?" said Preet.

"You know who we met in the lobby Preet?" began Gaytri. "Kuljeet Singh. I thought she was going to start with her usual barrage of complaints about you, but no. Instead, she congratulated me on my son getting married".

Preet slapped his forehead in frustration.

"I told her she must be mistaken" continued Gaytri. "It was Veera not Preet that got married...and she said no...Preet's been living with a girl. She's his wife. It was even on the local news. And I thought to myself...no...not my Preet. He wouldn't have taken such a major step in his life and not let his mother be a part of it".

"Ma I did not get married", said Preet.

"Dekha Prem (See Prem)", Gaytri exhaled a sigh of relief. "I knew Kuljeet was mistaken".

"That's right Ma, you got yourself worked up for nothing", Prem added quickly. "If Preet says he's not married...then he's not married. And if he's not married, he certainly couldn't have been living with a girl either...right Preet?"

Not knowing how to answer that question, Preet only coughed in response.

"Preet?" said Gaytri.

"Uh...what was the question again?" said Preet, as he offered his visitors a weak smile.

"Preet!" yelled Gaytri.

"Ma I can explain everything", said Preet.

"You mean it's true? What Kuljeet was saying is true? You were living here with a girl!" said Gaytri, as she grabbed Prem's arm for support. "Bas budhape mein aake yehi din dekhna baki tha! Hai Rabba mainu chak de!" (That it...that's the last thing I needed to hear at this age! Oh God just take me right now!)

"Ma please!" cried Preet. "You're blowing the whole thing out of proportion".

"Am I?" cried Gaytri.

"I was only trying to help out a friend", said Preet.

"Don't try to pull the wool over my eyes Preet Juneja", said Gaytri.

"I'm not...Dharti Ma ki kasam (I swear)", said Preet.

"Ma, maybe he's telling the truth", said Prem. "At least give him a chance to tell you his side of the story".

"Tum chup raho Prem (You keep quiet Prem)", cried Gaytri. "You're always coming to his rescue. Well this time I'm holding you equally responsible. After all it was you who convinced me to let him come to Mumbai in the first place. Next thing I know you'll be telling me I should be glad he was with a girl and not a boy".

"Ma!" cried Preet. "Would you please give me a chance to explain?" He put his arm around his mother led her to the living room, and made her sit down, while Prem brought a glass of water for her and himself.

"This had better be good", said Gaytri.

"Well...it all began innocently enough", said Preet. "I was working really hard out here, but kept on getting over-looked for promotions. I finally had a talk with my boss and discovered that I wasn't going anywhere in this company because he didn't find me committed or settled down enough. So I sort of told him I made the ultimate commitment...I mean...that I got married".

"And he believed you?" asked Prem.

"PB, I work in advertising...I convince people to buy stuff for a living", said Preet. "It was right after Veera's wedding and Mr. Bakshi, bought my story. Especially since I had photographs of my alleged wife".

"Photographs?" Asked Prem. "Just who are we talking about here?"

"Meher", said Preet.

"Meher?" Prem and Gaytri asked in unison.

"You mean Veera's friend Meher?" asked Gaytri.

"The one you couldn't stand to be in the same room with?" added Prem.

"That's the one", sighed Preet.

"And Meher agreed to this? How did you manage that miracle?" asked Prem.

"Well, she was in a bit of a bind herself", explained Preet. "Her mother had passed away, but before doing so she had arranged her marriage to a guy who turned out to be a creep. Meher ran away from the wedding and wound up coming to Mumbai to get a fresh start. We sort of found each other and decided to help each other out. She came to stay with me...but it was just for a month. She moved out as soon as she could, and didn't stay here a day extra. Like I said we were helping each other out, and nothing else happened...Dharti Ma ki kasam".

"Of course nothing else happened", said Prem. "See Ma...there was nothing to worry about. I mean you saw the 2 of them at Veera's wedding. They hated each other".

"Well...I think hate is a little extreme", said Preet.

"You're right Prem", said Gaytri, breathing a little easier. "They couldn't stand the sight of each other. You may have been trying to help each other out Preet, but you know I don't condone this sort of thing. Nor am I happy about you lying to your boss. I suppose you think you're too grown up to listen to your mother though".

"No Ma, it's not that", smiled Preet. "I never intended to lie in the first place...but it just happened. You want to punish me? Will that make you feel better?" he teased his mother.

"No", sighed Gaytri, shaking her head. "I suppose living with a person you can't stand was punishment enough for you. I'm sure you're glad that she's gone now".

"Well, she hasn't gone too far", said Preet.

"You know I always found Meher to be a sweet girl", continued Gaytri. "It's really a shame that you didn't like her".

"But I do", Preet blurted out.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" asked Gaytri.

"It means that I've seen the error of my ways", said Preet.

"And?" said Gaytri.

"And...now I think Meher is a wonderful girl", said Preet.

"And?" asked Gaytri. She observed her son keenly. His face seemed to light up every time he mentioned Meher's name.

"And...I agree with you completely", said Preet. "She is sweet. She's also adorable and funny. Quirky, outgoing and fun to be with. And the best friend I could ever ask for. And the more time I spend with her..."

"You're still spending time with her?" interrupted Gaytri.

"Yes", said Preet. "She makes me happy Ma. I'm a much better person since she came into my life".

"And?" smiled Gaytri.

"And...I asked her to marry me this morning and she accepted", added Preet. "Now all we need is your blessing".

"Well I'll be darned", said Prem, as he exchanged surprised glances with his mother. "Ma...Preet wants to get married. He actually wants to get married!"

"I still can't get over the fact that he wants to marry a nice normal girl like Meher", said Gaytri.

"You know Preet, we came here because we wanted to congratulate you in person on the success of your campaign", said Prem. "I mean, I always knew you had it in you to be a great success. But Preet Juneja falling in love...now that is news worthy of a front page headline!"

"So does this mean we have your blessing?" asked Preet.

"Yes!!" Prem and Gaytri cried in unison.

"Now go and call Meher and tell her I want to see her tonight", added Gaytri. "Prem, let's head back to the hotel. I'll need to do some shopping on the way. And we have to call home and tell everyone the news. Oh and we'll see a pandit and find a good mahurat for the wedding. We can have all the ceremonies back in Ludhiana, so you don't have any trouble at work. Although I do wish you'd come back home for good".

"Thanks Ma", said Preet as he hugged his mother and walked her out the door.

Prem asked his mother to wait in the car so he could say good-bye to Preet. He waited until she left before throwing a playful punch at Preet's arm. "So little bro...this was the news you wanted to tell us", he said.

"Yes PB", smiled Preet. "Although this wasn't exactly how I had planned to tell you guys, I'm just glad you know".

"I can just imagine how excited Heer, Veera and Kul Di are going to be", grinned Prem. "Preet getting married...to Meher. Who would have thought?"

"Yeah", smiled Preet.

"You know I want you to be happy Preet. And I don't want to push you or anything...but Ma is right...we really do miss you. And we all want you to come back home and join the family business", said Prem.

"I miss you guys too. More than you can imagine", said Preet. "And I'm sure it's something Meher would like too. But she just started her first teaching assignment this year, and the kids love her. I don't want to uproot her before the school year is over. But as soon as it is...we're coming back home...pakka (definitely)".

"Great!" said Prem as he hugged Preet. "So...do you want the wedding date as soon as possible or do you want to wait until the school year is over for that too?"

"No", said Preet. "We don't have to delay the wedding for anything".

"Oh...that anxious eh?" teased Prem.

"Yeah well...", grinned Preet. "I remember something you told me when you first met Heer Bhabi. You said, When you've met the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible'. I didn't understand what you meant until I fell in love with Meher. But now I do".

Amazing update fatima...preet-meher morning scene was vry cute...i love the way preet proposed meher and the way she said yes to him 😆 then..from prem-gayatri arrival till end was very interesting part..i love reading that part...

finally it is friday

uf what a part,
im soo happy for meher & preet,
dont know what i should think about ash but i just hope she doesnt create any problems...
and who is calling meher?? pleasee preet dont ignore it ...
i loved it when preet spoke with his mom..the way she said and and was great...
now waiting for the meeting from them...

amazing work👏

Originally posted by: kiran_28

Amazing update fatima...preet-meher morning scene was vry cute...i love the way preet proposed meher and the way she said yes to him 😆 then..from prem-gayatri arrival till end was very interesting part..i love reading that part...

Pls cont soon thanks for pm

Originally posted by: hangok

finally it is friday

uf what a part,
im soo happy for meher & preet,
dont know what i should think about ash but i just hope she doesnt create any problems...
and who is calling meher?? pleasee preet dont ignore it ...
i loved it when preet spoke with his mom..the way she said and and was great...
now waiting for the meeting from them...

amazing work👏

Originally posted by: -Xpress-

love the update <3