Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 98

Originally posted by: kksoap

Hi Fatima after long time m back here oh my 😭 late wali Eid Mubarak 😊 and yeah m excited for my missing stories 😆 /...wish me luck 😆

Originally posted by: Rhea_401

update...update... update!!

Originally posted by: kksoap

So firstly thanks for the PM dear and m on chapter 15

love story on track now 😳 the hesitation between love birds superb this is the pretty side of love always 😉Meet conversation and Kuljeet 😲 kabab mein haddi 😆 in button part oh well Preet found meher with gaurav talks good one and then bhabi bhaiya part with cutiepie Chahat so sweet and love of brothers awww lob lob lob fatima❤️

Originally posted by: kiran_28

amazing update fatima...all scenes are very well written
my fav scene was meher and chahat scene
thanks for update

Chapter 22 - Girls are Like Apples

Ashlesha stormed into her room slamming the door behind her.

Moments later Daljeet opened the door and walked in. "Ashlesha?" she said. "Honey, I know you're upset..."

"Not now mom!" cried Ashlesha. "I'm not in the mood for any of your chit chat! I told you it was bad idea to go over there, even after daddy said to wait for the Junejas to finalize the rishta (proposal) on their end, but you didn't listen. You never listen to anything daddy or I have to say. Well I'm done with it! I'm done being ignored and humiliated by Preet! And just look at my new dress! That bratty little niece of his ruined it!"

Daljeet walked up to Ashlesha put her hands on her shoulders and forced her to sit down on her bed. "Relax meri chalaan. So much anger and stress is not good for your health. I'll have 10 such dresses hanging in your closet within the hour."

Ashlesha folded her arms in front of her, frowned and looked away.

"Ashlesha," Daljeet said firmly. "Men are moody creatures, and we women have to put up with them. You think I can stand every single thing about your father? His snoring alone is enough to drive anyone batty! But I put up with it, in exchange for being...Mrs. Rampal...mistress of all of this." She waved her hands around the luxuriously decorated room. "You and Preet just need to spend some time together. He'll surely come around once a certain obstacle is removed."

"Obstacle?" asked Ashlesha.

"Uh...nothing to concern your pretty little head over," Daljeet smiled and patted her daughter's cheek.

"But mom...Preet...," said Ashlesha.

"Preet's family is in desperate need of us," interrupted Daljeet. "And may I remind you...we need Preet too. And we're running out of time."

Ashlesha bit her lip and nodded.

"Good," smiled Daljeet. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have something I need to take care of."

The next morning...

Meher was asleep in her bed when she felt a weight by her legs. With eyes still closed, she frowned and tried to turn to her side but found it impossible to do so. She slowly opened her eyes and found Sam sitting on her bed with her legs hunched up, elbows on her knees, fists resting on her cheeks, grinning down at her.

"Sam! Get off me!" cried Meher. "What are you doing on my bed?"

"Waiting for you to get up," said Sam.

Meher glanced over at her alarm clock and groaned. "Come on Sam, it's not even 9 am. Let me sleep in a little. It's not like I have to go into work or anything." She pulled her bed covers over her head.

"I know, but I can't wait any longer," Sam said excitedly.

"For what?" Meher asked in a muffled voice.

Sam pulled the bed covers off her friend's face. "For you to tell me what happened between you and Preet yesterday."

Meher rolled her eyes, got out of bed and headed for the washroom.

"Come on Meher, this isn't fair!" protested Sam, as she followed Meher. "I'm your best friend and we always tell each other everything, but you've been dodging me since yesterday!"

Meher stepped into the washroom and closed the door on Sam's face.

"I'm not going anywhere you know!" cried Sam.

A shortwhile later...

Meher stepped out of the washroom drying her face with a towel. Sure enough, Sam was waiting for her.

"Okay now tell me," she asked eagerly.

"There's nothing to tell," sighed Meher. She threw her towel in Sam's face, and pushed past her.

Sam removed the towel and tossed it to one side then continued to follow Meher around the room. "Come on Meher, you mean to tell me you spent the entire morning taking care of Preet, and you have nothing to tell?"

"Yes," said Meher.

"You and Preet didn't talk?" asked Sam. "You didn't resolve anything. Nothing happened? Not even a little hand holding?"

"What?!" cried Meher. She turned and looked at Sam with narrowing eyes. "Did Preet say something to you?"

"No," said Sam.

"Then he must have said something to Gaurav," said Meher.

"No. Should he have?" grinned Sam. "So you mean there was hand holding? I knew it! I knew you couldn't resist each other. Go ahead Meher, spill the beans."

"Nothing happened Sam. I already told you, I had no intention of going to see Preet, but then Chahat called me for help. She was alone and scared. I couldn't just ignore her," explained Meher.

"So you went there only for Chahat?" said Sam.

"Yes," said Meher. She headed out the room.

"I don't believe you," Sam called after her.

"It doesn't matter if you believe me or not," said Meher, as she headed downstairs. "It's the truth and..." She stopped mid-sentence as Sam's mother met her on the stairs.

"Ah! Meher beta, I was just coming to get you," Mrs. Singh smiled nervously.

"Is everything alright auntie ji?" asked Meher.

"Yes...uh...I think so," said Mrs. Singh. "You have a visitor."

"A visitor?" asked Meher.

"I offered to make her a cup of tea, but she refused," Mrs Singh explained as she urged Meher towards the living room. "She won't even sit down. She insists on seeing you right away."

"Who?" asked Sam as she followed Meher and her mother down.

"Mrs. Rampal?" Meher said in surprise as she laid eyes on her visitor. "Aap (You)?"

"Hello Meher," Daljeet smiled coyly.

"Aap yahan (You're here)?"" said Meher. She was clearly surprised to see her.

"What's wrong with my coming here? asked Daljeet. "Am I not entitled to spend some time with my step-niece and find out what she's been up to?"

"Ji?" said Meher. She threw Sam a worried glance.

"Heh Heh...Mrs. Rampal, I can't tell you how delighted I am for someone of your stature to grace our humble abode with your presence," said Mrs. Singh. "Now that Meher is here, perhaps you'd like to have a seat and talk over some tea after all."

Daljeet looked around the room with a hint of disdain, as if the furnishings were beneath her, then turned to Sam's mother and offered her a fake smile. "You really are too kind Mrs. Singh, but what I would really like is to speak to Meher...some where more suitable...and...in private. My car is waiting outside." She took Meher by the elbow and proceeded to lead her out of the house. "Come Meher, you've been in Delhi for so many days now. I'm sure we have plenty of catching up to do."

"I'm coming too," said Sam.

But Daljeet put her arm out and stopped her in her tracks. "Aww...isn't that sweet," she said. "Loyal and inseparable friends till the end, are we? I'm sorry dear, but this is a personal familymatter."

Moments later...

Meher was seated in Daljeet's car nervously twiddling her thumbs, while Daljeet made one phone call after another, issuing instructions to staff, ordering flowers, sweets, clothes, jewelry...the list seemed endless. Meher stared at the traffic going by. What a miserable start to her day..., she thought,...with Daljeet Rampal showing up at her door. Preet must have said something to Ashlesha, that's what this had to be about. Had Daljeet called her parents? Just what kind of information had she filled their ears with? Whatever it was, Kuljeet would never let her hear the end of it. God knows what kind of hell was waiting for her when she got back home.

"A penny for your thoughts," Daljeet spoke up.

"Oh...uh...I...uh...I was just wondering what I'm doing here?" Meher said honestly.

"A good question," said Daljeet. "But first I have one for you. What's going on between you and Preet Juneja?"

"Preet...and me?" blushed Meher. "Nothing?"

"Then why were you at his house yesterday?" asked Daljeet.

"I...I...uh...he...he was sick...and...," stammered Meher.

"...and he became sick, because he stood outside in the rain for hours trying to profess his love for you. Isn't that right?" asked Daljeet. "You're the reason behind his refusal to marry Ashlesha."

"No!" cried Meher. "Please take me back to Sam's house...please."

"I'll be the first to admit that my daughter Ashlesha is dim-witted to say the least," continued Daljeet, as she ignored Meher's pleas. "She has her nose buried so deep in her fashion magazines that half the time she has no idea what's going on around her. Take yesterday for example, she couldn't stop singing your praises. She said the soup our chef had prepared for Preet was too heavy, and that you had tried to help her by making chicken soup instead. What I don't understand is why you would help Ashlesha, if you were in love with Preet Juneja? Are you in love with him Meher?"

"No!" Meher cried as her face turned crimson. "I...I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"Oh I think you do," Daljeet studied Meher carefully. "Let me get right to the point Meher. My daughter has her heart set on marrying Preet. Imagine how shocked and hurt she would be if she ever found that her so called friend stabbed her in the back and stole her husband to be right from under her nose. Not just hurt, she would be crushed. If there is one thing I can't stand, it's to see Ash have her hopes dashed, so...if you are entertaining any thoughts of walking down the isle with Preet Juneja, you had better wake up and smell the coffee, because it's not going to happen."

"Mrs. Rampal...," tried Meher.

But Daljeet continued on with her rant. "It's not just the fact that his family has chosen Ashlesha as their future daughter-in-law to be, there is a lot riding on this marriage. Juneja Enterprises is on the verge of bankruptcy. They're so deep in over their heads, that they stand to loose everything they own. Oh sure, they may liquidate some of their assets and try to rearrange their cash flow from here to there, but it's only a temporary fix. Sort of like applying a bandage to a wound that actually needs surgery. In fact, the only thing still keeping their credibility afloat in the business community are talks of a major investment my husband intends to make once Preet and Ashlesha are married. It's not just the Junejas that are in danger of losing everything you know Meher. It's also the hundreds and thousands of people they employ worldwide...including your father. Imagine being responsible for wrecking the lives of so many people, all because you've been traipsing around town with Preet. What will your parents think once they find out?!"

"Mrs. Rampal enough!" cried Meher, as she covered her ears with her hands. "For your kind information, I have not been trapsing around with anyone. I am very well aware of the Juneja family's wish to see Preet and Ashlesha married and believe me I have no intention of standing in their way. Nor do I wish to be the cause of wrecking anyone's life."

"Then why did you come to Delhi?" asked Daljeet.

"To spend some time with Sam," said Meher.

"And why was Preet standing outside her house in the rain?" prodded Daljeet.

"Perhaps you should ask him that," said Meher.

"So you mean to say he's not in love with you?" asked Daljeet.

"I have no control over what Preet does or how he feels," said Meher. "All I know is that I've never done anything to encourage him."

"And yet he is still in love with you," remarked Daljeet. "He is in love with you isn't he Meher?"

Meher turned her face and looked out the window.

"Young men his age can be quite stubborn sometimes," said Daljeet. "Perhaps you need to change your approach Meher. Perhaps you need to discourage Preet."

"What?"" said Meher.

"You heard me, you need to discourage Preet," continued Daljeet. "Put your foot down firmly and convince him in no uncertain terms that he is to marry Ashlesha."

"How am I supposed to do that?" cried Meher. Just then the car came to a stop. To her surprise they were parked outside the Juneja mansion.

"I'm sure you'll figure something out," said Daljeet. "And there is no better time like the present to do so."

"I'm sorry Mrs. Rampal, but I don't wish to be involved," said Meher.

"Oh, but I'm afraid you're already involved Meher," said Daljeet.

A short while later...

A servant opened the door permitting Meher to enter the Juneja mansion. "Namaste," she smiled meekly. "I'm here to see Preet." Rather, I'm being forced see Preet, she thought. She looked back to see Daljeet close her window as her car pulled away.

"Ah yes, you're his friend," the servant smiled politely. "I remember you from yesterday. Preet Baba is in his room. Shall I show you the way?"

"No," said Meher. "I think I can find it."

The servant made a slight bow then walked away. Meher took a deep breath and was about to head towards the large staircase, when she saw Lalit Juneja come out of one of the rooms in the corridor, with a newspaper tucked under his arm.

"Kishan, bring my tea into the living room!" he ordered. "My throat is feeling awfully sore this morning."

Meher looked around but there was no one there. She quickly went into the kitchen and searched the cupboards for everything she needed and moments later headed to the living room with a cup of piping hot tea. Lalit Juneja's nose was still buried in his newspaper, when she quietly placed the tea on the table next to his chair. He picked up the cup and took a sip.

"Hmm, that poison you serve me every morning actually tastes like tea today," chuckled Lalit. He looked up and was surprised to see Meher standing in Kishan's place. "Tum (You)?" He said as the smile vanished from his face. "What are you doing here?"

"Ji...woh...namaste Sir," stammered Meher. "You asked for tea, and no one heard you...so I...uh...I thought..."

"You have some nerve coming here young lady!" roared Lalit as he stood up to face Meher. "Have you any idea how much trouble you have caused me and my family? My son refuses to listen to anything anyone has to say, and it's all because of you!"

"I'm sorry sir," said Meher, taking a deep breath. "But I assure you there is nothing going on between Preet and me. This has all been a grave misunderstanding. Ashlesha is my step-cousin and a friend. She's a beautiful girl, and has a very kind heart. I couldn't think of a more eligible match for Preet. And I'm sure she'll make a wonderful addition to your family. I'm very happy for both of them."

"You don't say," scoffed Lalit, as he glanced up towards the staircase. "Perhaps you should go and convince my idiot son of that. He seems hell bent on ruining his future and sinking our ship in the process."

Meher looked up and saw Preet standing at the head of the stairs glaring down angrily at her, and her heart sank.

A short while later...

Meher took slow unsure steps down the hall towards Preet's room, all the while wrestling with her own feelings. What am I doing? Why am I doing this? How much longer can I continue to pretend that Preet means nothing to me? How can I continue to deliberately hurt him? This is so wrong. I should just leave. She was about to turn around when she heard a concerned voice coming from a nearby room. She took a step closer and realized it belonged to Heer. She was talking on the phone.

"Prem, I hate to see you so stressed out like this," sighed Heer. "Honey I'm sorry the London deal didn't work out but I'm sure something else will. Yes...I know we're running out of time, but we'll get through this as long as we stick together. Hey...remember what Ma used to say? When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window. Now I don't want you to worry about this any more. Get some rest. I'm sure you'll get some good news tomorrow. I miss you too."

Oh no! sighed Meher. Looks like another business deal fell through. Poor Heer Didi is trying to put up a brave front but she is just as worried as Prem Ji. I don't want to hurt Preet, but Daljeet is right. We can't be selfish, when so many people's lives are being affected.

As Heer put the phone back on its cradle, she caught a glimpse of someone outside her door. She walked out to the hall and was surprised to see Meher standing there. "Meher?" she said. What are you doing here?"

"Ji...woh...I...uh...I came by to...uh...to uh...," stammered Meher.

"You came to check up on Preet," smiled Heer. "That is so sweet of you."

"Yeah...um...is everything alright?" asked Meher. "Your door was open and I didn't mean to but I couldn't help but overhear some of your phone conversation."

"Oh that," a nervous chuckle escaped Heer's lips. "That was nothing. Just Prem and his business deals. You know how it goes, you win some and you lose some. But hey, I'm glad I ran into you. I want to apologize about yesterday. I may have said a few harsh words. I hope you understand, I'm very protective about Preet...he was so hurt that night Gaurav brought him home...I just had to get it off my chest."

And I'm about to go hurt Preet some more, thought Meher. "Heer Didi please, I wish you wouldn't apologize," she sighed with a guilty look on her face.

"Hey, I have something for you," smiled Heer. She went back into her room and returned with an invitation. "Veera's engagement is next week. I hope you come. In fact, your entire family is more than welcome."

Meher hesitated briefly before taking the card Heer was holding out.

"Well, I won't keep you any further. Preet and Chahat told me how you took such good care of both of them," grinned Heer. "I'm glad all misunderstandings between you 2 are all cleared up." She placed her hands on Meher's shoulders and turned her towards Preet's room. "Go on," she said encouragingly. "I'm sure Preet will be thrilled to see you."

Meher had seen the look of disgust in Preet's eyes when he saw her talking to his father. She wasn't sure how thrilled he was going to be to see her, nor was she sure how he would react to what she had been sent to say, except that it wasn't going to be good. She took a deep breath and headed for his room. The door was slightly open and she could see him pacing furiously inside.

"Preet, may I come in?" she asked as she knocked on the door and took a step inside.

"Go away!" he yelled.

"Preet please, we need to talk," said Meher.

"I said go away Meher!" cried Preet. "I don't want to start my day by getting into an argument with you!"

"I didn't come here to argue Preet," said Meher.

"Fascinating!" he replied. "You didn't come here to argue. You didn't come here to see how I was. Then why exactly did you decide to honor me with your presence? You want to talk?" He slammed the door shut then turned on her. "Fine! Let's talk!"

"I...uh...uh...," stammered Meher as Preet hovered threateningly over her. She had never seen him so angry before.

"Why did you do it Meher?! If you really don't love me, fine!" cried Preet. "But why did you have to throw me under the bus?! That's exactly what you did by giving your stamp of approval to my father that I marry Ashlesha!"

Just then there was a knock on the door and a servant peeped in.

"What the hell do you want?!" demanded Preet.

"Nothing sir," the servant stammered. "I...uh...heard the door slam and just wanted to make sure you were alright. Excuse me sir."

Trying to take advantage of the interruption, Meher tried to head out the door, but Preet clamped his hand around her wrist and pulled her back towards him.

"Let me go!" She cried.

"Like hell I will!" Preet said through gritted teeth. "You were about to explain why you came here. You're not going anywhere until we've talked things through."

"Uh...okay...but you have to first promise to listen to what I say in a calm and rational manner," said Meher.

Preet let her go and folded his arms. "I'm listening," he said.

Meher took a deep breath then quickly blurted out what she had to say. "You have to marry Ashlesha! I mean, I want you to marry Ashlesha!"

"Is that all you came here to say?" growled Preet.

"Yes," nodded Meher.

Preet walked over to his door and opened it. "Get out!" he cried.

"Lekin Preet...," said Meher.

"You heard me, get out!" cried Preet. "Now!"

With tears in her eyes, Meher ran out the door almost knocking Heer over as she ran down the hall. The invitation card she had been given earlier fell and was left behind in the process.

Heer picked up the envelope then looked back worriedly in Meher's direction. "What on earth is going on here?" she asked as she walked into Preet's room. "Why were you shouting? And why did Meher just run out from here? She looked so upset. Did you 2 have another argument? Preet, what did you say to the poor girl?"

"Poor girl?!" cried Preet. "Really Bhabi?! You're going to come down on me for everything?! Of course, what else can I expect...you girls always stick up for one another, don't you? I wish PB was here. At least I'd have someone to talk to who'd understand me."

"Hold on, hold on," Heer said raising her hands defensively. "I'm not taking anyone's side here. I'm just trying to look at the situation from a rational point of view, so let's take a deep breath and calm down." She sat down on Preet's bed and motioned for him to sit down next to her. He rolled his eyes but complied. "I know your brother isn't here, but I am...your good old HB. And you know me, I love talking." She tucked her hair behind her ears and tugged on them slightly. "Go ahead, I'm all ears."

"Come on Bhabi, give me a break," Preet rolled his eyes again.

"Geez, I was just trying to get a smile out of you. It always worked when you were younger," said Heer.

"Yeah well, I'm not a kid any more," grumbled Preet.

"Okay," sighed Heer. "...tell me what happened."

"Meher was just here," Preet took a deep breath and began.

"I know, I ran into her earlier," smiled Heer. "She came to see how you were doing, right? I thought you guys had resolved things between each other, so why the long face?"

"Because she told me that I should marry Ashlesha," explained Preet. "She insists that it's what she wants."

"What?!" said Heer. "Oh no! Preet, I'm so sorry."

"The problem is, I don't know if she said that because she meant it or because someone put her up to it,", said Preet

"Who would ask her to do something like that?" asked Heer.

"Bauji," frowned Preet.

"Bauji? Why would he...Preet are you sure?" asked Heer.

"I saw him do it myself Bhabi," replied Preet. "Meher served him his morning tea..."

"Meher served Bauji tea?" said Heer.

"...and instead of being grateful or polite he started barking at her, blaming her for all of our problems," continued Preet.

"Oh-oh...not good," said Heer.

"Of course, in her defense she went into denial mode about her feelings for me," said Preet. "As usual he called me an idiot. Then he had the gaul to tell her to talk some sense into me. You should have seen the smug look on Bauji's face when she agreed! Naturally, I was furious! I nearly jumped down her throat when she came up and tried to do his bidding. I mean, can you really blame me?"

"Oh-oh...not good at all," sighed Heer.

"You know, up until today I thought Meher was one of the most honest, genuine, sincere, and considerate people I had ever met. She's smart, witty, funny and easy going. She has this character that I can only admire. She's the only person I've met around who I feel like I can be myself because she won't judge me. We like the same books, the same movies, we even laugh at the same corny jokes. We can cover a 100 different topics in a matter of minutes and it doesn't even matter what we're talking about."

"Sounds like a perfect match," smiled Heer.

"She has the most beautiful smile," continued Preet. "Her hair sparkles in the sun. She's all I ever think about, but she's also turning out to be the biggest puzzle in my life. I'm in love with her...but...every time she rebukes me it hurts so badly. Running after her feels like I'm chasing the clouds. It's all so confusing. I mean, if Meher really doesn't want anything to do with me...I...I may as well give into Bauji on his Ash deal. To hell with what happens to me, at least the business will be saved."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures Preet, but let's not get that desperate...yet," said Heer. "I can understand how disappointed you feel, but try to understand why Meher did what she did. You see, girls are like...apples."

"Apples?" said Preet.

"Uh-huhn," nodded Heer. "The best ones...like Meher...are like the apples at the top of the trees. Guys give up on them or sometimes don't even bother reaching for them because they're afraid of falling and getting hurt. I'd say that pretty much sums up how you're feeling right now. But if you do give up, you'll wind up getting the rotten apples that are on the ground...that would be Ash. The ones on the ground aren't so good but they're easier to get. So, the apples waiting on top think that there is something wrong with them, when in reality they're totally amazing. They just have to wait for the right boy to come along. The one who's brave enough to climb all the way to the top. So...are you? Are you brave enough to climb all the way to the top?"

Preet grew quiet in thought.

"Let me be more clear...Meher knows about our financial crisis, doesn't she?" asked Heer.

Preet nodded. "Gaurav told her."

"This morning when she came to see you, she met Bauji first. And you yourself said that he blamed her for our problems," remarked Heer. "And I suppose it didn't help if she overheard Prem and me talking about his London deal not working out, either."

"The deal didn't go through?" Preet asked anxiously.

"I'm afraid not," sighed Heer.

"Damn!" said Preet. "We just can't get a break can we?"

"Poor Prem seemed really burned out too," sighed Heer. "He was up late last night, so he was going to get some rest, but hey...don't worry. He does have a meeting scheduled with another business associate in the morning, and he sounded positive about that. Perhaps we'll find out more tomorrow."

"Tomorrow...another day that may bring no news! And there's only a week left until Veera's engagement," complained Preet. "I don't know what miracle PB can manage between now and then. With every passing day the noose is only getting tighter around my neck."

Heer saw Preet frown, and rubbed his back reassuringly. "Hey, I said not to worry. Getting back to Meher..."

"What about Meher?" sighed Preet as he passed his hands over his face.

"I think she's deliberately hiding her true feelings because she knows of our financial situation," said Heer. "She is so sincere that she's willing to put this family's well-being above her own happiness. Sounds like a keeper to me. I knew I liked her the moment I met her."

"Yeah well...unfortunately, she thinks my marrying Ashlesha is a solution to all of our problems, and I don't know how to convince her otherwise," sighed Preet.

"You can begin by going over to where she's staying and apologizing to her," suggested Heer. "Tell her again how you feel." She handed Preet the invitation Meher had left behind. "Invite her to Veera's party. And don't come back until you're absolutely sure about her feelings for you."

Credit: The Girls are Like Apples quote is adapted from a quote by Peter Wentz.
Hope you all found the chapter interesting. 😊
Please hit the like button and leave your feedback for me.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Links to lots of Meet scenes are on page 1, 5th post of this thread, so do check them out.
If anyone has working links to Desh episodes with Meet scenes that you want me to upload
Please PM the link to me.
Take care and happy reading. 🤗

Chapter 23: Preview: A Meet kiss? ☺️

Link to Chapter 23: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/135856563

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