Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 80

Originally posted by: tarannum6

wow awosome update
love Mehar and Sam Scean
Amazing dialouges
thanks for the PM 😃

Originally posted by: kiran_28

amazing update fatima

Hey i know u busy but pls try to update soon so wanna know wats next😊

Originally posted by: bhagyashree2011

Hi Fatima,

Ok I am sorry for being so so late but I had a really busy days also considering I had a new addition to my family i mean I just became a masi of a cute little baby girl so was just busy with that.

Now coming to both the updates I am actually loving the growth of the story. Finally finally finally preet left his denial mode. Awww I loved the way he was around meher all the time and getting annoyed at her whenever she use to use the word friend for him. And you incorporation of Maine Pyar Kiya scenes are superb specially when preet keeps on saying pata hai heer bhabhi kya kehti hai.

The best part was that now preet is ready to talk to Meher directly and leave this waiting game.

It was so good that sam and gaurav will be getting engaged. There is nothing better than a sorted relationship and in this case gaurav acted more maturely by realising his feelings and acting upon it fast unlike preet who initially kept on denying.

Finally even meher realised and confessed that even she likes preet but the only difference is she did that in front of sam. I know the class difference between Meet will be a prob and that u have already shown by introducing daljeet and the talks of ash and preet.

But is lalit really out of his mind I mean he is again taking decisions for preet without even asking him. I mean anyone comes and say that ur son loves my daughter and you will agree. And even if he agrees I don't understand the logic behind stopping prem and heer from asking preet.

Whatever it is now I am only worried about MEET I mean their love story have not even started yet and this ash came in between. I hope they come out of it soon and this lalit shows some sense and love towards his son.

Well I am waiting for all the twist and how MEET handles them together but the last update had no MEET scenes which is why I am a bit sad so pls give us lots of MEET scenes in the coming updates so that the twist becomes bearable lol.

Chapter 14 - The Fault in our Stars

A few days later...

Meher was in the kitchen washing the breakfast dishes when Preet walked up to her. "Hi," he smiled.

"Hi Preet," she smiled back. "Did you need something?"

Yes...you, thought Preet. "No...I...uh...I noticed how everyone including me just runs off after eating to do their own thing and you always get stuck with the dishes, so today I thought I'd help for a change."

"I didn't know you knew how to wash dishes," said Meher. "I always assumed you had servants to do everything."

"You're right," Preet said with a guilty look on his face. He rolled up his sleeevs. "But...I'm always up for learning something new, and I'm a quick learner."

"Thanks for the offer Preet," smiled Meher. "But you have to go to work and I don't want you to mess up your shirt and tie."

Preet looked around and picked up a dishcloth. "Okay then, how about if you wash and I dry?"

"I don't think Kuljeet would like your helping me," sighed Meher.

"Well, she's not here," Preet pointed out. "In fact, I saw her go upstairs with Ash right after breakfast. I bet they're discussing some new pair of shoes or purse that Ash bought, and if that's the case, there is no way they're coming back down any time soon."

Meher thought for a minute then handed him a dish.

"So...uh...what are your plans for today?" asked Preet.

"I have to go down to the mall later today, and make sure everything is set on our end for the book launch tomorrow," said Meher. "Which usually means refereeing a battle or 2 between Mrs. Saxena and the mall manager."

"Is there a problem?" asked Preet.

"More like creative differences," chuckled Meher. "But don't worry, everything will be perfect for tomorrow."

"You'll be there, so I know it will," smiled Preet. "Hey I was thinking, maybe we can go for a walk after dinner tonight."

"A walk?" said Meher, as she handed him the last dish.

"Yeah...you know...like we did on our date," smiled Preet. "Maybe we could go climb a tree again."

Meher blushed. "You're making fun of me now aren't you? I bet you think that was the most idiotic thing anyone has ever asked you to do."

"No Meher, I'm not making fun of you," said Preet. "I know you only did that to take my mind off my mom, and I appreciate it. Not everyone knows about what I went through, and not everyone cares. Hey, I have a better idea. How about if I swing by the mall, pick you up and take you on a drive instead? I've heard you mention your farm many times and I'm really curious to see it. If we leave right after lunch, we can be back before dinner and your step-mother will never know." He saw Meher hesitate. "You don't have to agree Meher. I don't want to ask you to do anything that will get you in trouble. I was just hoping to get some time alone with you. I...uh...I have something very important to tell you."

Meher's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to tell her something important. Was it about them? Could Sam be right? Could what she hoped in her heart of hearts be coming true? Would Preet tell her that he loved her? Would she be able to tell him how she felt too?

She was about to say something when she heard Kuljeet call her name. "Meher!! I need you upstairs right away!"

"Speak of the devil," muttered Preet.

"Oops! I have to go," said Meher. She quickly dried her hands on her apron, and was about to leave, when Preet took her by the arm and stopped her.

"What's the rush?" he asked. "We were making plans."

"I'm sorry Preet," said Meher. "But Kuljeet just called me."

"See that's the problem. You're always there for everyone all the time, so they take you for granted," said Preet. "Let her wait a little for a change."

"I can't Preet," said Meher. "I have to go."

"Hey, what about our drive?" Preet said as he watched her run out of the kitchen.

A shortwhile later...

Meher walked into her parents' room. She was surprised to see her father there. He wore a worried expression on his face.

"Papa Ji, you're still home? I thought you left for work," said Meher.

"I was about to but something important came up concerning you," said Balraj.

"Me?" Meher said in surprise.

"Yes you!" Kuljeet cried. "Guess who I just got off the phone with."

"I...I don't know," stammered Meher.

"Mrs. Chadda," answered Kuljeet. "She and her husband were out celebrating their anniversary not too long ago and guess who she saw sitting just a few tables away? You! With Preet Juneja no less."

Meher's face went pale.

"If I remember correctly, that was the day your father was out of town on business and I had grounded you for lying," said Kuljeet. "So you basically disobeyed me and sneaked out of the house like a thief...with a man...your father's boss...at night...and did what? Oh my Rabs! I don't even want to think about it!"

"That's enough Kuljeet," sighed Balraj. "Meher, is this true? Did you do all this?"

Meher's face went from pale to red. If she could dig a hole and crawl into it, she would have. She looked up teary eyed at her father. "J-J-Ji," she stammered.

"Well of course she did it!" cried Kuljeet. "Why would Mrs. Chadda lie about something like this?"

Balraj took a step backwards and sat down on the bed. He covered his face with both of his hands.

"I knew it! I always knew under that quiet exterior lay a wicked girl," cried Kuljeet. She grabbed Meher by the arm and shook her hard. "Bas yehi din dekhna baaki tha (this is all that remained for us to see). Didn't you even once think about your father and me? Didn't you even once think about your family's reputation? A man like Preet Juneja...no one will raise a finger at him...but what about you?"

Meher broke away from Kuljeet's hold and fell down on her knees before her father. "Papa Ji, I swear I didn't do anything wrong. I mean, I know I disobeyed Kuljeet Ma's orders not to go out, but she had sent me to my room without dinner and Preet just took me out to eat."

"You sneaked out of the house!" Kuljeet corrected her. "People only sneak around when they intend to do something wrong!"

"I know I shouldn't have," admitted Meher. "And I'm really very sorry. But...we ate dinner and then came straight back home. You have to believe me."

"Why? Why should we believe anything you say?" scoffed Kuljeet. "You know I never liked her being on a first name basis with that boy. You call him Mr. Juneja so why can't she?"

"We...we're friends...he said I could...," stammered Meher.

"Good girls don't go around befriending boys!" cried Kuljeet.

"Kuljeet that's enough," said Balraj. He looked into his daughter's eyes and sighed. "For what it's worth Meher, I believe you. But you have to remember that we are simple people living in a small close-knit community. Our dignity, our reputation...that's the only thing we have of value, and it doesn't take much to set people's tongues wagging. Preet Juneja is a very nice young man. I know you like to think of him as your friend, but people like the Junejas are beyond our reach. The sooner we accept that reality the better it is."

"That's right," said Kuljeet. "Don't you dare let me catch you alone with him again! Thank goodness he'll be leaving soon."

"He's leaving?" Meher said in surprise.

"Hmpf! Just look at the concern on her face," scoffed Kuljeet. "Well, if you must know, the Junejas are in serious discussions with Ashlesha's family about having the 2 of them married. They're going to be having an engagement party for their youngest daughter soon and plan to announce the happy news at the very same event. Ashlesha told us this morning. She was blushing like a bride already. Imagine the 2 of them falling in love right under our noses and we knew absolutely nothing about it!

Their families are very eager for their marriage to take place as soon as possible, but I suppose they will have to wait until the younger sister is married and settled." Kuljeet clasped her hands together in delight. "Just think of it, my niece marrying a Juneja! It won't just be a marriage between 2 people you know, it'll be a merger of 2 business empires. Preet Juneja is a very fortunate young man to have landed someone like Ashlesha. Now that is a girl of his standards. I do hope they invite us to the wedding. They should you know. After all, the 2 love-birds did meet right here in our humble little home. I wonder what kind of food they'll serve...imagine the clothes...Oh and the jewelry..."

Kuljeet was going on and on, but Meher wasn't listening anymore. Her head was buzzing. It was embarrassing enough that her parents had found out about her little date...but the news about Preet! He was going to marry Ashlesha? They were in love! When had this happened? And why hadn't he said anything to her about it? Was this the important news he wanted to tell her? Hmpf! What did it matter? He didn't have to tell her anything. After all, who was she to him? And for a minute she had actually begun to believe that he liked her. How foolish of her! She was wrong! Sam was wrong! Everything had gone terribly wrong!

Later that day...

Preet walked into Say it With Flowers. "Hey Mrs. Saxena, how's it going?" he smiled.

"Ah! Mr. Juneja, so nice to see you," smiled Mrs. Saxena. "Everything is going just fine. We're all set for tomorrow's event. Trust me you will not be disappointed on our end. What that stubborn mall manager does on the other hand is out of my hands."

"Right...uh...is Meher free?" asked Preet. "I was supposed to pick her up and..."

"Oh Meher isn't here," said Mrs. Saxena.

"She isn't?" Preet was surprised.

"No," Mrs Saxena shook her head. "I mean, she did come in earlier and finish whatever she had to do for tomorrow, but the poor thing wasn't feeling well. Looked quite pale too, so I gave her the rest of the day off. But...uh...don't you worry about a thing Mr. Juneja. Everything will be just perfect for tomorrow."

"Thanks," Preet gave the older woman a weak smile, then walked out. Meher was ill? When did this happen?

A short while later...

Meher handed Ashlesha a glass of water. "Are you sure you're alright?" she asked.

"Yes," said Ashlesha, as she took a sip. "I was just feeling a bit light headed. I think my nerves are finally getting to me. Everything happened so suddenly, I still can't believe it's for real. Imagine, yours truly, the future Mrs. Preet Juneja!" She began pacing the room excitedly, while Meher packed her bag. "Mom called this morning and told me the news. Oh, don't forget to pack this dress."

Meher quietly took the dress Ashlesha was holding out, folded it neatly and placed it in the suitcase.

"I'm so happy. It almost feels like I'm floating on air," giggled Ashlesha. She paused to observe her friend. "You're being awfully quiet Meher. Aren't you happy for me?"

"Uh...yeah...sure," Meher said giving her a weak smile. "I'm happy for you Ashlesha. You're very lucky. Preet is a wonderful guy. It's just that your news came as a little bit of a surprise to me...and..."

"And you're sad because I have to cut my trip short and run back to Delhi?" smiled Ashlesha. "I know...I know. I know how much you value my visits, but you know how mom is. An order is an order."

Just then Preet appeared at the door looking very concerned.

"There you are," he said walking right up to Meher. "I've been looking all over for you. I went by the flower shop. Mrs. Saxena said you were ill." He saw Meher turn pale and took her hand in his, while putting the back of his other hand on her forehead. "Do you have a fever? Do you need medicine? Shall I call the doctor? Maybe you need rest."

Feeling awkward watching Preet fuss over her while Ashlesha looked on, Meher pulled her hand back quickly. "I...I'm fine," she stammered.

"You don't look fine to me," said Preet.

"I said I was fine," insisted Meher. She took a step away from him then glanced in Ashlesha's direction. "You 2 must have a million things to talk about. Excuse me." She ran out of the room.

Preet was confused. Meher definitely looked upset, but why? And why did she think he would want to talk to Ashlesha? He was about to go after her, when Ashlesha stopped him.

"Preet, I'm leaving for Delhi today, you know," she said.

"You are?" he said disinterestedly. "Well then, have a safe trip."

"Thanks, you're so sweet," smiled Ashlesha. "I guess I'll see you in Delhi."

Yeah right, like never, thought Preet. Bauji would kill him if he ever found out he had spoken even 2 words to a Rampal let alone stayed in the same house. He nodded then left to go find Meher. Sure enough, she was in the kitchen chopping vegetables.

"Hey Meher, why did you run out on me like that?" Asked Preet. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

"I told you I'm fine," Meher said flatly.

"Okay, well then, how about if we go for a drive?" Preet asked hopefully.

"Are you sure you wouldn't like to go with Ashlesha instead?" asked Meher.

"Ashlesha?" said Preet. "No...why? I wanted to take you out...and..."

"I can't," said Meher.

"Why not?" asked Preet.

"Because I have work to do can't you see that?" Meher frowned. "I always have work to do!"

"Okay, you're clearly upset about something," remarked Preet. "Do you mind telling me what it is? Is it me? Did I do something wrong?"

"Preet, I'm very tired," sighed Meher. "I'd appreciate it if you left me alone."

"But Meher, if you're tired, a nice long drive in the country side is just the thing to help you relax," smiled Preet.

"No, I can't," Meher shook her head. She turned back to chopping vegetables with renewed fervor. Why was she so upset at Preet? So what if he and Ashlesha were in love? So what if they were getting married? He had never extended anything more to her than a hand of friendship. She was stupid enough to fall for him despite the huge differences in their status. She was even more stupid to think that he had actually felt something for her too. It was her own fault that she had read him wrong. Oh so wrong!

Preet watched Meher vent her frustration on the vegetables on the cutting board before her. He reached out and carefully took the knife from her hand. "Meher please stop. You'll hurt yourself. And you've already done on a number on those poor veggies."

"Please give me the knife back," said Meher. She tried to take it from him but he held it out of her reach.

"No, not until you agree to go on that drive we talked about," said Preet. "I really need to speak with you."

"No," said Meher.

"But I thought we agreed..." said Preet.

"No Preet! I never agreed to anything!" said Meher. "You just assumed like everyone else does that Meher will go along with whatever you want her to do! But not today. Not now. So thanks, but no thanks."

"But...," tried Preet.

"Kuljeet will find out," continued Meher. "She found out about us sneaking out at night for our...date. She always finds out about everything. I don't want any more trouble. I don't want a fuss in the house. It upsets my father. And I think it would be highly inappropriate now that you and Ashlesha..." She paused and bit her lower lip.

"What about me and Ashlesha?" asked Preet.

"Nothing!" cried Meher. She stomped out of the kitchen leaving a bewildered Preet behind.

The next day...

Preet watched from a distance as Meher quietly tied flowers and ribbons and applied final touches to the stage that was being prepared for the book promotional event. She had been understandably upset with him yesterday. Her step-mother had gotten wind of their date and had probably let her have it. He wanted to apologize to her for that, but she hadn't given him a chance. Whenever he tried to approach her, she was either busy with chores or surrounded by other people. Here at the mall at least her family wouldn't be around to disturb them. He just needed a few minutes alone with her to tell her how much he cared for her.

Preet took a deep breath and walked up onto the stage. Meher heard him approaching, and looked up. She picked up her basket of decorations, and moved on to another part of the stage.

She's avoiding me, thought Preet. But why? "Hi," he said, as he walked up to her.

"Hi," Meher said quietly.

"Everything looks great," smiled Preet.

"Yes," Meher said looking around. "The mall manager and his staff did a wonderful job setting everything up."

"I was talking about the flowers and decorations you added," said Preet. "They totally changed the look and feel of the place."

"Thanks," Meher said stiffly. "I'm glad you approve. You're paying Mrs. Saxena a lot for everything. You should get your money's worth." She motioned to an easel decorated with flowers that he was leaning on. "Do you mind moving?"

"Oh, sorry," said Preet.

"It's okay," Meher said. She placed a large picture of the cover of the book being promoted on the easel, then looked around again. "I'm done here anyway."

"Meher wait," Preet said. He took hold of her hand to stop her.

Meher looked down at her hand in Preet's grip then looked up and glared at him. The nerve of the guy, she fumed. He's going to marry Ashlesha and is grabbing my hand in public. "What do you think you're doing?" She demanded as she quickly pulled her hand back. "Need I remind you, we're in a public place? You may not care what people think, but I do."

"I'm sorry," sighed Preet. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"I've already done everything I was told to do here," Meher said flatly. "If you need anything else you'll have to speak with Mrs. Saxena."

"It's not about the decorations," said Preet. "I...uh...I wanted to talk about...us."

Us...now that's a joke, thought Meher. "What about us?" she asked.

"Not here," said Preet. "How about if we go get some coffee?"

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Meher. She began to collect the decorations she was using into a large basket. "I've got work to do back at the flower shop, starting with putting these things away. I don't want to give Mrs. Saxena an excuse to complain." She nodded towards a well-suited man that had just entered the area. "Besides, your author just walked in. The book promotion starts soon and I'm sure he would appreciate your undivided attention."

Later that evening...

Preet sat at his desk, lost in thought, twirling a paperweight in his hand, when Gaurav walked in.

"Hey Preet, I got the report you wanted," said Gaurav.

Preet didn't respond.

"Hello! Earth to Preet!" said Gaurav.

"Oh hey man, I'm sorry, I didn't see you come in," sighed Preet. "Did you want something?"

"Yeah, I have the report you wanted. Is everything okay?" asked Gaurav. "You look troubled."

"It's Meher," sighed Preet. "I don't know what to do about her."

"What do you mean?" asked Gaurav. "Did you speak with her? She didn't reject you did she?"

"No not really, but I guess it would have been easier on me if she had," sighed Preet.

"I'm totally lost," said Gaurav. "What happened?"

"That's what I'd like to know," said Preet. "We were fine up until yesterday morning. I was hoping to take her out after work to talk, but she refused. I think it has to do with her parents finding out about us going on a date when she was grounded. I tried to apologize for getting her into trouble but she just won't talk to me unless it's absolutely necessary. Even at the book promotions today, she was avoiding me like the plague."

"That's strange," sighed Gaurav. "What are you going to do now?"

Before Preet could answer, his phone rang. "Hi Heer Bhabi. What's up?" he asked.

"Preet I'm so glad I caught you. I tried calling earlier but you weren't answering," said Heer.

"I was at the book event, and missed your call," explained Preet. "But go ahead, I'm all ears now."

"I want you to come home Preet," said Heer.

"What? Why?" asked Preet. "Is everything okay at home? PB? Chahat?"

"Yes yes, everyone is fine," said Heer. "It's just that...bas Preet tum ghar aa jao (just come home Preet)."

"Bhabi I can't just leave the hotel," said Preet. "How about if next weekend..."

"Give me the phone Heer," Lalit's voice could be heard in the background. Then he came on the phone. "Preet, I want you to come home right away."

"But...," said Preet.

"I heard about the book event. Everything went very smoothly. Dev Dutt was all praises," said Lalit. "Good job."

Words of praise from Old Yamraj? Preet thought with a raised eyebrow. "Uh...thanks Bauji. The progress on the hotel is going well too. We should be ready to open in..."

"Don't you worry about that," Lalit interrupted him. "I'm sending a man from the head office. He'll be there first thing in the morning. I want you to hand over all duties to him and be back home for dinner tomorrow."

"Just like that?" asked Preet. "I put in a lot of effort here Bauji. If you don't mind I'd like to stick around for the opening of the hotel."

"Preet, Veera must have told you that Nihal proposed to her on her birthday," said Lalit. "His company is sending him abroad on assignment and he wants to take her with him. That means engagement, wedding...everything has to be done fast. Veera needs all her brothers to be there for her. That means you too."

"Yes but...," tried Preet.

"Just do it Preet," barked Lalit. "And that's an order."

Preet stared at his phone as his father hung up on him. "What is wrong with everybody today?"

aww poor Meher.. Daljit is such a ... I just hate her . Cant let the girl be happy for a bit.. n her father .. whata dumbass srsly. izzat n whatnot ..i mean she only went for a dinner dude.

N Preet he's clueless of what is happening around him. Bechare ko toh yeh bhi ni pata ke kis musibat ko uske sar pe baandhne ka planning ho ri hai.. lol

Look forward to the next epi..Plz dnt make us waot for two weeks this time Fatima! 😳

pretty one 😆caring preet 😲 towards meher and small small parts and time they spend with each other 👍🏼 now interesting turn of meet story from family and devils side 😛 waiting for the next one Fatima fab story 👏

will be back soon at reading 😆 so consequently RES-ING 😆

Originally posted by: Rhea_401

aww poor Meher.. Daljit is such a ... I just hate her . Cant let the girl be happy for a bit.. n her father .. whata dumbass srsly. izzat n whatnot ..i mean she only went for a dinner dude.

N Preet he's clueless of what is happening around him. Bechare ko toh yeh bhi ni pata ke kis musibat ko uske sar pe baandhne ka planning ho ri hai.. lol

Look forward to the next epi..Plz dnt make us waot for two weeks this time Fatima! 😳