Fatima's Cozy Corner 3 - Final Update on Pg 114 :) - Page 27

Later that evening...

Prem helped Heer sit in the van, while Kulraj made sure all the children were buckled in safely.

"Are you sure you won't join us Preet Bhaiya?" asked Veera, as she got into the other car with Nihal. "Teji Auntie is definitely going to be disappointed."

"It's more important that you see her, since you'll be going away soon," said Preet. "You guys will be busy with wedding talk and I'll just be bored. Give her my love and tell her I'll come by and see her some other time."

"Suit yourself," Veera shrugged her shoulders. "We'll see you tomorrow."

Preet waved his hand as the cars pulled away, then started walking slowly back to the farmhouse. There was no way he was going anywhere now that Chaddi was here. No way was he going to leave Meher at the mercy of his roaming hands.

As he entered the house, he found Ashlesha sitting in the living room putting on a fresh coat of nail polish.

"Hey Preet, what do you think of this color?" she asked. "It matches my outfit perfectly, hai na?"

Preet was about to give her a half-hearted reply when he heard laughter coming from the kitchen. He headed straight for the cozy little room and found Gaurav and Sam sitting on the table chopping vegetables for the salad. Gaurav had apparently cracked some joke.

"Hey Preet," said Gaurav. "Did your family leave alright?"

Preet didn't answer. His eyes were fixed on Viren and Meher. They were at the stove cooking something.

"Preet?" said Gaurav.

"Huhn?" said Preet.

"The family...?" Gaurav asked again.

"Yeah yeah...they left," said Preet. He picked up an apple from the table, took a bite then walked over to the stove. "What are you making Meher?"

"Methi Chicken," she said.

"Do you need me to do anything?" asked Preet.

Viren immediately placed one hand around Meher's waist while his other hand covered the hand she was stirring the pot with. "I'm already helping her," he said.

"Actually it's ready," said Meher. She turned the stove off, covered the pot, then walked over to the sink to wash her hands. "I'm going to go set the table."

"I'll help," offered Preet.

"No," said Viren. "I'll help her. Why don't you go help your fiance decide what color her next coat of nail polish will be?"

"Shut up dude!" said Preet.

"No you shut up!" said Viren.

"What is the matter with you both?!" Meher said, throwing her hands up in the air. "I've seen 2 year olds behave better."

"He started it!" Preet said accusingly.

"No, he did!" countered Viren.

"And let's finish it right here," said Meher. She handed some plates to Preet and cutlery and napkins to Viren. "Why don't you both go set the table?"

Preet and Viren both made a face at each other, but went ahead and did as she said.

Sam came over and put her elbow on Meher's shoulder. "So...how does it feel to have 2 guys fight for your attention?"

"Oh...is that what that was?" Meher rolled her eyes. "Well then...it really sucks. And...Preet should know better?"

"He's in love with you Meher," said Sam.

"He shouldn't be!" said Meher. "And will you please stop saying that out loud? Viren might hear you!" She stormed out of the kitchen.

"I have a feeling Viren already knows," Sam said to Gaurav as he came and stood next to her.

Later that evening...

Preet and Gaurav were on the roof lying on their respective cots, enjoying the cool night air, when Sam and Meher showed up with some blankets.

"Hey guys," smiled Sam. "We thought you might like to keep these blankets handy, in case it gets too cool up here for you."

"Thanks," smiled Gaurav, as he took the blankets from the girls.

"Where's Viren?" asked Meher. "Preet, did you say something to upset him again?"

"No...I...why do you always assume I'm the bad guy in every situation?" protested Preet. "He's probably off smoking his cigarette in some corner where he thinks you can't see him?"

"He's smoking again?" frowned Meher. "He was supposed to have quit."

"Or maybe he just told you that because it was something you wanted to hear," suggested Preet. "Just think about it Meher, if his boring personality doesn't kill you his second hand smoke will."

"Stop it Preet," frowned Meher. "Just make sure to give him his blanket when he comes."

"Just give him his blanket when he comes," Preet mocked her words in a high pitch voice after she had left. "What do I look like a bell boy?" He snatched one of the blankets angrily out of Gaurav's hands and walked to the edge of the roof. "I have a good mind to toss this over and let that self-absorbed goat go look for it in the dark."

"Come on Preet, give it a rest," said Gaurav. "You'll only wind up making Meher angry."

"Yeah you're right," Preet said in a deflated tone of voice. "And I'm sure Chaddi will play up the sympathy card."

"And with your luck...Meher will give him your blanket and make you go look for the one you threw," chuckled Gaurav.

"Very funny," Preet scowled at his friend then tossed the blanket he was holding at him. He turned back to face the dark of the night, resting his hands on the small wall of the roof top. Just then something out in the yard caught his eye. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't imagining things. "Well I'll be," he muttered.

"What happened?" asked Gaurav as Preet raced towards the stairs. He too ran down after his friend.

They passed Meher and Sam downstairs, who looked at them quizzically.

"What happened Gaurav?" asked Sam.

"I'm not sure," he said. "We were on the roof, and I think Preet saw something."

The girls followed Gaurav outside, where they saw Preet confronting Ashlesha.

"Who was that?" asked Preet, as he looked around the yard.

"Who was who?" Ashlesha asked innocently.

"Who were you with just now?" demanded Preet.

"I don't know what you're talking about Preet?" said Ashlesha.

"Don't lie to me Ash!" cried Preet. "I was on the roof and I saw you with someone. It was a guy. You had your arms around him!"

"You must have been mistaken Preet," insisted Ashelsha. "Who could I possibly be with?"

"Even if Preet was mistaken Ashlesha, what were you doing out here at this time of the night?" asked Gaurav.

"Yeah," added Sam.

Just then Viren walked up to the group from one side of the house. "What's going on guys? Why is everyone gathered outside?"

"I...uh...I'm sorry Viren," sighed Ashelsha. "I'm afraid our game is up."

"What game?" Viren asked giving her a blank look.

"I know you wanted it to be a surprise, but Preet saw us," said Ashelsha. "He's making all sorts of wild accusations about me, so I'm afraid we'll just have to come clean."

"Ash, I have no idea what you're talking about," said Viren.

"Preet claims to have seen me with someone," said Ashlesha. "Uh...If you must know, I was with Viren. Right Viren?"

"Huhn?" Viren looked up in surprise and saw Ashlesha glaring at him. "Uh...yeah...right."

Chaddi and Ashlesha, who would have guessed? Preet thought as he looked at the pair with narrowing eyes. Ha! I caught them red-handed, and they're going to go down in flames right in front of Meher. Yes! Could it get any better than this?! "Why were you with Viren?" he asked.

"Really Preet, I didn't know you were the jealous type," smiled Ashlesha. "I'm actually flattered."

"Just answer the question Ash," said Preet.

"Viren has settled on a date for his marriage to Meher," explained Ashelsha.

"He what?!" Preet and Meher both said in surprise.

"He asked me to meet him over by that old tree to get my opinion on how best to surprise her," continued Ashlesha. "I was so surprised and happy to hear the news, that I gave him a hug. That's probably what you saw Preet, an innocent little hug between 2 well wishing friends...kind of like that little peck on the cheek Meher gave you the other night at the dinner party."

Meher's face turned red at the mention of the kiss. I thought Ashlesha had understood about that,she thought. So, why did that just feel like a taunt?

"Ahem...Ashlesha is right Meher," said Viren, as he came up to her and took her hands in his. "I got the final confirmation from the residency program in Virginia a few days ago. I was waiting for the right moment to tell you. I want us to get married by the end of this month."

"This month? So soon?" stammered Meher.

"We'll have to if we're going to get all your paperwork ready in time for you to leave with me for Virginia," explained Viren.

"I don't know what to say," said Meher.

"Say yes," urged Viren.

"I...I'll have to discuss it with my family," said Meher.

"Of course, but I don't see any reason for them to disagree," said Viren. "We were going to get married anyway, right? We don't need a big fat Indian wedding Meher. I just want us to be together." He glanced in Preet's direction. "The sooner the better."

The next day...

Preet was walking on the edge of the field with his hands stuffed into his pockets. He kicked a small rock lying in his path angrily to one side. Why?! Why did everything always have to go wrong?! First Viren showed up. Then...just when he thought he had caught him and Ash in a compromising situation, the whole thing blew up into a whole new mess with him pushing Meher to set a date for their wedding! Meher was hesitant. Why wouldn't she be? She didn't love Chaddi, she loved him. But Viren would tell her parents and they...especially Mrs. Maan, would readily agree. Meher wouldn't go against their wishes. If only there was something he could do!

"Oye puttar ji!" Zara meri madat karo ge (will you give me hand)?" A farmer in the adjacent field called out.

Preet glanced over to see an older farmer sitting on a small tractor. He ran over to him. "Kya hua (what happened) Chacha Ji?"

"I was spreading fertilizer on my field...and there was a big wet patch here," the man explained pointing to the ground behind the tractor. "I thought I could drive right through it but I guess I was wrong. My tractor is stuck."

Preet took a whiff of the air around him, then looked towards his shoes and winced. "Oh man, don't tell me that's what I'm standing in...manure."

"Well I like to refer to it as organic fertilizer," chuckled the farmer. "Anyways...this mixture of mud, manure and water is exactly what my tractor is stuck in. Can you help me get it out?"

Preet thought for a minute. "I'm not sure what I can do to help, but I'll take a look at the wheels in the back, and then maybe we can figure something out."

As he walked to the rear of the tractor, the farmer popped the clutch and hit the pedal to show him how the wheels spun without any traction. Preet ducked just as mud and manure flew up at him. "Chacha ji stop!" he cried.

"Oops! Sorry about that son," the old man said apologetically. "I didn't get you did I?"

"Almost," sighed Preet, as he shook his hands free of the dirt, then studied the wheels again. "Hmm...this wheel back here on the right is the one stuck in the wet patch. I don't suppose you have another truck that could pull this thing out, do you?"

"If I did, I wouldn't be standing here son," said the farmer.

"Right," sighed Preet. "Maybe we can put something under the wheel to give it some traction. Do you have some wooden planks or something?"

"I might have just the thing," smiled the farmer, as he got off his tractor. "Follow me."

A short while later...

Preet and the farmer returned on a cart driven by 2 horses, with some wooden planks and sticks in the back. Preet hopped off the cart and took out the wooden planks from it one by one, then wedged them in front and back of the wheels. He unhooked the cart from the horses and brought them around to the front of the tractor. The he took a rope and tied one end of it to the tractor and the other end to the horses. The farmer got into the tractor and cranked up the engine. Preet pulled on the horses encouraging them to pull the tractor, then ran to the back to make sure the planks were still in place. It took some effort, but with everyone working together they managed to get the small tractor unstuck.

"We did it!" said the farmer. "I can't even begin to thank you puttar (son). How wonderful it must be to have a fine young son like you around? Your father must be very proud. A lonely old man like me can only envy him."

"I don't know Chacha Ji," sighed Preet. "My father is a very tough man to please."

"You're not from around here, are you?" asked the farmer.

"No," smiled Preet. "Some friends and I are here visiting the Maan farm."

"The Maan farm? That old place is the only thing lonlier than I am," said the farmer. "Is Meher here too? She's the only one who bothers to come out there."

"Yes, she's here," said Preet. "Well...Chacha Ji...if you don't need anything else, I'll be on my way."

"Oh nahin puttar," said the farmer. "You helped me out of a bind. I won't let you go without at least offering you something to eat."

"It's okay Chacha Ji," smiled Preet. "You don't have to..."

"Oye! What do you mean I don't have to?" cried the farmer. "Ik glass lassi da te main tenu pila ke hi chaddaan ga (I won't let you go without at least offering you a glass of lassi)!"

A short while later...

Meher and Sam crossed through the fields looking for Preet.

"We've looked everywhere! Where on earth could he be?" said Meher. "We're holding up lunch for him and he's no where to be found! Yesterday, he was late because he went looking for a lost frisbee. I wonder what he lost today? I swear, he's been behaving like such a child since he came here, I'm almost regretting inviting him over for the weekend. Oh wait a minute...I didn't invite him...he invited himself!"

"Come on Meher," chuckled Sam. "Give him a break. Maybe he's lost or hurt?"

"Well then he shouldn't have gone off walking by himself," frowned Meher.

"What else was he supposed to do...chit chat with Viren?" asked Sam. "You know his mood gets put off every time he sees the guy."

"That guy happens to be my fiance! And...what am I supposed to do?" Meher threw her hands up in the air. "Tell Viren to get lost, because Preet wants to hit on me freely. You know that's exactly what he does every single chance he manages to get me alone."

"It's only because he knows how you feel about him Meher," Sam laughed. "If he was convinced you didn't love him he wouldn't bother you. But he knows the truth."

"You think this is funny?!" cried Meher. "And...I...I'm not in love with him! You and Gaurav are our friends. You should be trying to talk some sense into him...but you're as bad as Preet is!"

Just then a man passed by the girls. "Chacha ji...namaste," said Meher. "Did you happen to see a young man walking around here...tall, fair, black hair, blue jeans, red shirt?"

"Ah yes...there was someone matching that description over on the Kapoor farm earlier today," the man nodded. "You can check there."

"Thank you Chacha Ji," said Meher. She turned to Sam. "Now what would Preet be doing on the Kapoor farm?"

"Only one way to find out," said Sam. "Let's go."

Sam and Meher went around the field and walked briskly up the path leading to the Kapoor farmhouse. Meher suddenly stopped dead in her tracks. A small yet audible gasp escaped her lips. They had found Preet alright. With his shirt off and tied around his waist, he was soaking his head under the water pump. He washed his face, hands and arms, then shook his head hard sending water droplets flying every which way. Meher's mouth fell open at the sight of him, but she immediately closed it when Sam elbowed her and wiggled her eyebrows at her knowingly.

Hearing their approaching footsteps, Preet looked up and smiled at the girls.

Meher was having a hard time swallowing. How could she not have anything but a hard time, when there he was standing before her...with wet, glistening black wisps of hair falling into mischievous brown eyes...right above that contagious little boy smile...and just below were perfectly toned arms...that fell to the side of that bare...wet...chest of his.

She tried her best not to look at him but it was impossible not to. He was in such great shape. If he put his shirt back on it might be possible to ignore him, but with it off...she just couldn't help but look. His chest was just...so...very nice.

"Aray wah Preet!" grinned Sam. "Bade 6 pack-shacks banaye huay hain (You've got 6-pack abs)."

Meher's eyes widened in surprise at her friend's remark. Hmph! She thought grumpily, as she folded her arms across her chest. Sam bhi na! Kitni besharam ho gayi hai! (How bold Sam has become!)

"Thanks Sam," chuckled Preet. He stepped away from the water pump and approached the girls. He glanced in Meher's direction, but she averted her gaze. "At least someone bothered to notice."

"How can anyone not notice with you showing off like that?" said Meher.

"I wasn't showing off, I was washing up," Preet corrected her. "I've been on my hands and knees for the past 2 hours helping Mrs. Kapoor weed her little vegetable garden out back. Only it wasn't so little."

"Oh yeah...?" said Meher. "Well...you're done now, right? So please...put your shirt back on. This is someone's private property, not the beach. And Sam...I'm surprised at you! What would Gaurav think if he was here?"

"That he needs to hit the gym," Sam chuckled as Preet put his shirt back on. "In any case...why are you getting all hot and bothered about it?"

Meher was about to say something when Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor came out.

"Meher? Is that you?" said Mrs. Kapoor. She smiled as she saw the girls. "I thought I heard your voice."

"Namaste Chachi Ji...Chacha Ji," Meher smiled and hugged the old woman and touched her husband's feet.

"Jeendhi reh puttar," said Mr. Kapoor. "How nice to see you again."

Meher pointed at Sam. "You remember my friend Simran, don't you?"

"Namaste," Sam put her palms together and smiled at the couple.

"Jeendhi reh...jeendhi reh," said Mrs. Kapoor. "Arey Meher, hum ne sunna tha ke teri sagayi ho gayi hai (we heard you got engaged)."

Meher and Preet both exchanged glances. "Ji Chachi Ji, in fact...my fiance is here..."

"I knew it!" Mrs Kapoor interrupted her. She grabbed Preet by the chin and shook his face. "I knew by the way this boy was singing your praises that he had to be your fiance. Kitna sona munda chuna hai tu ne (what a nice boy you've chosen for yourself)."

"Nahin Chachi ji," blushed Meher. "You're mistaken..."

"Oh ho! If you didn't pick him...your parents did, so what?" Mrs. Kapoor continued. "Ladka toh phir bi lakho main ek hai (He's still a rare find). Aur kinni soni jodi hai tum donno ki (And what a lovely couple you both make). Rab tum donno ko burri nazar se bachaye (May God protect you from the evil-eye)"

"Sunna (did you hear that) Meher?" grinned Preet, as he picked up one end of her dupatta to dry off his face.

"Hmph!" said Meher as she snatched her dupatta back. "We are not getting married," she hissed at him under her breath.

"Hai Rabba! Will you look at that," laughed Mrs. Kappor. "They even look cute together when they argue. They remind me of us when we were younger."

"Yes agreed," Mr. Kapoor. "Arey puttar, issi nok-jhok main hi toh pyar chuppa hota hai (There's a lot of love hidden behind the small banter that goes on between couples)."

Meher tried to say something again to clarify the misunderstanding, but the old couple didn't give her a chance. The fact that Preet was grinning from ear to ear, and kept trying to put his arm around didn't help either.

"You're probably upset with him because he was gone for so long," said Mrs. Kapoor. "But Meher, he was just helping us around the farm. You can't really blame him for that now can you?"

"No Chachi Ji," sighed Meher, as she pushed Preet's arm off her shoulders for a third time. "But if you don't mind, we've got lunch ready and waiting on the table at home. We have other guests too, and only came by to collect our missing one."

Moments later...

Preet playfully tugged on Meher's dupatta as he and Sam walked back with her to her farm.

"Stop it Preet!" cried Meher. "That's not funny. And neither was you letting Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor think we were engaged."

"You don't seem to find anything amusing anymore Meher," Preet exhaled loudly. "It's all Chaddi's fault. Who can possibly be in a good mood around him?"

"It's Chadda!" cried Meher. "Why do you keep making fun of his name?"

"And why did you bother to come and get me?" asked Preet. "I don't like to share the same space with the guy, let alone eat with him. I was fine hanging out at the Kapoor's place."

"Because you're my guest and my responsibility," sighed Meher. "Besides, your family will be back soon."

"And Viren isn't at the farm house," added Sam.

"He isn't?" Preet said in surprise.

"No," Sam shook her head. "He said he needed to make an important phone call. You know how bad the signals are out at the farm, so Gaurav took him into town to use the local PCO. Ash was bored so she went along with them."

"You're kidding," grinned Preet. "That's great!"

"No it's not!" cried Meher. "They won't be gone for long, so don't get any ideas."

"Any ideas about what?" teased Preet. He came up to her and put his arm around her again.

"You know very well what," said Meher, as she pushed him away. "And stop doing that!"

Preet stopped walking and made a face. "You know Meher, if you keep being mean to me, I won't go back to the farm house with you."

"Suit yourself," Meher rolled her eyes and walked on ahead.

"You're not really going to leave him standing there are you?" Sam asked worriedly. "Remember the last time you left him standing outside...he stood for hours in the rain...then he got sick."

"Rain is not in the forecast Sam." Meher glanced up at the clear sunny sky, then turned back to Preet. "I'm sure you'll come running home when you get hungry."

"No I won't," Preet frowned. He looked around and found that he was standing at the edge of the field, where a line of mango trees stood. He picked up a rock, and tossed it around in his hand. "I'll just help myself to some mangoes."

Meher's eyes-widened as she turned around to see the tree Preet was standing under. "No Preet! Don't!" She cried out to warn him, but it was too late. The rock had already left his hand.

"What?" Preet threw his hands up in frustration. "I'm not even allowed to get a piece of fruit?" He picked up another rock took aim and threw it into the tree again.

"Preet don't!" Meher cried again. "That tree has a huge bees nest in it. The last thing you want to do is get them after you!"

But it was too late. The last rock Preet had thrown had shaken up the hive, and a small stream of bees came out to see who had woken them up.

"Oh crap!" cried Preet, as he ran towards the girls, with the bees following close behind him. He stopped midway between the tree and the girls, and swatted the air as several bees circled him.

"Don't move!" ordered Meher. "Movement only attracts the bees' attention."

"It doesn't help that he's wearing red either," sighed Sam.

"Well...what am I supposed to do?" Preet asked worriedly.

"Don't panic! Just stand still and let me think of something!" said Meher. She and Sam looked at each other helplessly. What could they do to help Preet? There wasn't even a pond or anything that they could tell him to run to.

Preet stood deathly still as several large bees buzzed around him. Most of them flew back to the nest, but 3 in particular continued to circle him. He carefully followed their movements with his eyes. He was sure if he followed Meher's advice and stayed put, they would go back to the nest too, but then he sensed a problem. He could feel a sneeze building up inside him. Man! What lousy timing! he thought, as he took small breaths trying to control his sneeze. But it was no use.

"Ah-ah-ah Chooo!" He let out a powerful sneeze. Almost simultaneously, the bees attacked him. Two of them stung him on his arm and hand, while the third one got him right through the jeans he was wearing on the right buttock. Everything happened so fast, Preet didn't have time to react. All he knew was that suddenly both his arm and rear end was on fire. "Oh for crying out loud," he muttered in numb resignation.

With the bee attack over, he slowly limped his way to where Meher and Sam stood.

"What happened?" asked Meher. "Are you okay?"

"Mmm-hmm," lied Preet.

Meher knew something was wrong. Preet was walking funny. "Did you get stung?" she asked.

"Mmm-hmm," said Preet.

Although he was trying his best to hide it, Meher could tell from the way he was clenching his teeth, and from how pale he looked, that he was in considerable pain.

"You aren't going to faint, are you Preet?" asked Sam, as she and Meher helped him stabilize his footing. "You look very ill."

"I'm not going to faint." Preet took a deep breath, then pulled out the two stingers from his left arm.

"Still, you'd better sit down and put your head between your knees," suggested Meher.

"Trust me Meher," sighed Preet. "I'd love to sit down...but...I can't."

"Why not?" asked Meher.

"Because these two weren't the only stingers stuck inside me," said Preet. "I've still got one stuck in my..." He pointed to his backside.

"You've got one stuck in your back?" asked Meher.

"I'm afraid it's further south than that," sighed Preet. He looked at Meher. She was trying to be sympathetic but the way she kept biting down on her lips, it was obvious she was trying to control her laugh. "You think this is funny don't you?"

"No...I...okay maybe just a little," said Meher as she and Sam burst out into a fit of giggles. "I'm really sorry Preet...it's just that..."

"Yeah yeah...go ahead and laugh...this is the most ridiculous predicament I've ever gotten myself into," mumbled Preet.

"Ahem...so...uh...what do we do now?" asked Sam.

"We should get him to the farm house," said Meher. "Then we can call Viren and ask him to come back right away and tend to him."

"No!" said Preet. "I don't want him anywhere near me."

"Preet please, you're being silly," said Meher. "Viren is a doctor."

"I said, 'No' Meher!" said Preet. "I don't want him or anyone else to know what happened."

"We can at least tell Gaurav," suggested Sam. "He can take you to the hospital."

"No way," Preet shook his head. "I can just imagine the headlines. And I told you, I don't want anyone to know."

"But Gaurav is your best friend," said Sam.

"That's exactly why I don't want him to know," Preet pointed out. "He'll never let me live it down."

"Okay then," Sam shrugged her shoulders. "We'll just have take you back to the house and take out the stinger ourselves, before anyone gets back."

"We will?" Meher said in surprise.

"Yes...," smiled Sam. "We will."

A short while later...

Meher and Sam led Preet towards one of the rooms in the farm house.

"Where are you taking me?" asked Preet.

"To the bedroom," replied Meher.

"What?" cried Preet. He immediately grabbed the front of his half-buttoned shirt and clasped it shut with both hands. "No Meher...I refuse to go to your bedroom with you. What kind of a guy do you think I am?"

Meher rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"Very funny Preet. Now take your pants off, and lie down on your stomach, and we'll be right back, said Sam.

Preet grinned and nodded as Meher followed Sam out to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Meher found her friend looking through the cabinets in the kitchen.

"Do you have a medical or first aid kit?" asked Sam.

"Of course," said Meher. "It's in the cabinet by the bathroom. I'll go get it." She brought back the kit, then handed it to Sam.

Sam fished through the small box until she found a small bottle of antihistamine. "Hmm...this should help lower the swelling. But the stinger will still have to me removed. Here...," said Sam, as she handed the box back to Meher. "It has everything you need. Tweezers, alcohol, cotton balls, bandages..."

"Me?!" Meher cried in surprise. "Why me? This was your idea!"

"Because...it's Preet we're talking about," said Sam.

"So?" said Meher.

"So...samjho na (try and understand) Meher," chuckled Sam. "He'd much rather you take care of him than me. Besides...I'm engaged to his best friend. How would it look?"

"I'm also engaged," Meher reminded her friend. "And...you didn't care about being engaged when you were checking out his 6-pack earlier."

"That was different," tried Sam.

"How so?" asked Meher.

"Uff ho Meher! Stop being so nit picky," Sam rolled her eyes. "This is Preet we're talking about...you've nursed him before."

Meher thought back to the time Preet had slammed the car door on his hand. "That was different," said Meher. "How about if we just wait until the guys return?"

"And leave him in pain?" asked Sam. "Plus he'll be the laughing stock. Spare him a little semblance of pride will ya?"

Meher grew silent.

"Look Meher," said Sam, as she nudged her friend towards the room Preet was waiting in. "He's your guest...and your responsibility. Now go and take care of him."

"Can't we draw straws or something?" whined Meher.

Moments later...

Meher stood outside the bedroom with the medical kit. She frowned at Sam, who was giving her little coaxing gestures with her hands. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. "Preet...are you decent?"

"Well...I've always thought of myself as a pretty decent guy," replied Preet.

"Very funny Preet," said Meher. "I meant...are you covered?"

"Are you coming in?" asked Preet.

"That depends on if you give me the right answer to my question," said Meher. "Are you covered or not?"

"Well...I want you to come in, so what's the right answer?" asked Preet. "Do you want me to be covered up or not?"

Sam put her hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle.

"Ugh!" Meher cried in exasperation. "Listen Preet Juneja, if you're in such a jokey mood, you obviously are not in so much pain. So...maybe I'll take my tweezers and pain medication and go find myself some other patient to nurse."

"No wait! I'll be good. I promise," said Preet. "Just come on in."

Sam chuckled and gave her friend 2 thumbs up, then motioned towards the door.

Meher rolled her eyes, opened the door slightly and peaked inside. Preet lay on his stomach, with a thin sheet pulled up to the dip of his lower back. His head rested on a pillow, and his hair was drying in an attractive tumble of waves. Her heart skipped a beat when he flashed her a lazy grin.

"Ah! I never could resist a girl with tweezers," chuckled Preet.

"Don't you know its bad policy to irritate your nurse?" said Meher.

"Not that I'm complaining mind you, but why are you my nurse?" asked Preet. "I thought you'd be the last one to volunteer."

"I didn't volunteer," said Meher. "Sam and I drew straws."

"Oh...and you won?" smiled Preet.

"No, I lost," Meher said flatly. She wasn't entirely convinced that she hadn't been tricked by Sam. "Now keep quiet and take your medicine."

"It's a liquid," Preet pointed out. "I can't take it lying down."

"Then sit up," said Meher.

"Can't do that either," Preet reminded her. "I'll just have to stand." He began to bunch the sheet around his waist.

"That won't be necessary!" Meher stopped him. Thoughts of Preet loosing the sheet in the process of trying to get up scared her to death. "I'll...uh...I'll just come down to your level." She bent down to spoon the medication into his open mouth. "This should help with the pain and...any...uh...swelling. Now I just have to..."

"You just have to what?" grinned Preet. Their faces were close together and their gazes met over the spoon. She could see the mischief dancing in his eyes.

Meher rolled her eyes, straightened up, and pulled a chair up by the bed and sat down.

"Wouldn't it be easier if you sat on the bed?" Asked Preet.

Sit on the same bed with a half naked Preet Juneja...no thanks! thought Meher. "I'm fine here." Now how am I supposed to check his behind? "Um...which...uh...side...is the...uh...injury on?"

"You can just pull the sheet down and see for yourself," said Preet.

"If you haven't figured it out already, I'm trying to save you as much embarrassment as I can," Meher said wryly.

"Myself or yourself?" chuckled Preet. He looked over his shoulder and saw Meher glaring at him. "Um...it's the right one...I mean the right side."

Meher took a deep breath. She could do this, she told herself. Pretending to be cool as a cucumber, but feeling her face grow hot, she slowly slid the sheet down and exposed the injured area. The entire area around the stinger was red and blotchy. She bit her lower lip with guilt. Poor Preet. He must be in excruciating pain. She took the tweezers, carefully removed the stinger, then patted the area with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. She quickly covered him up again and stood up, making sure to avoid eye contact.

"Thanks," sighed Preet. "How soon do you think I can put my pants back on?"

"I think you should rest for a while," said Meher. "Besides, the medicine I gave you may cause a little drowsiness."

"Okay, I'll do that," said Preet.

Moments later...

"There now, that wasn't so bad, was it?" said Sam as Meher joined her in the kitchen. She poured some lemonade into a glass, and handed it to her.

Meher made a face at her then took a sip of the cold drink.

"Listen, I just got a text from Gaurav, saying that they're going to eat in town," said Sam. "So we can go ahead and have lunch. Will Preet be able to join us?"

"I think he wants to rest," said Meher.

"Okay," said Sam. "I'll just set the table for 2 then. In the meantime, why don't you take this fan up for Preet?" She put a small fan on the table. "It's quite warm today, and it'll make him more comfortable."

Meher wondered since when it had become her lot in life to take care of Preet Juneja. She shook her head picked up the fan and headed back to the bedroom. She tapped on the door lightly. "Preet?" She said softly and peeked inside. There was no reply. He must be asleep, she decided.

As she entered the room, a small gasp escaped her lips. Preet lay on his stomach fast asleep, but one of his legs was sticking out from under the sheet. As if suddenly they had developed a mind of their own, her eyes traveled over him, beginning with his bared left foot...up his long muscular leg...to his waist...and well-toned shoulders and back. Behave yourself Meher Maan! She mentally scolded herself as she stood in the middle of the room clutching the fan to her chest. You're engaged to someone else! Thank God Preet was asleep. Imagine if he had caught her ogling him! She shook her head, and quietly tip-toed to his bed and placed the fan on the bedside table. She looked for an outlet, then plugged the fan in and turned it on medium speed. She glanced back at Preet and couldn't help but admire the way the fan blew a gentle breeze over his face and ruffled his hair.

Suddenly Preet's eyes flew open. "Thanks Meher," he said with a sly grin and a wink. "That feels so much better. Oh and uh...feel free to continue staring at me for as long as you wish."

Meher's mouth fell open as she realized that Preet had been awake the entire time. He had seen her ogling him! Ugh! Red faced and mortified, she ran out of the room as fast as she could.

Later...

Sam and Meher had just gotten back from their walk.

"It's such a nice day outside," Sam smiled and took in the fresh country air.

"Yes...it is," agreed Meher. She checked the time on her watch. "I think I'll go check on Preet. If he's up, he might want something to eat."

"Okay," said Sam. "I'm going to pick some flowers and then join you."

Meher went into the kitchen and quickly prepared a tray of food. As she walked down the hall towards the bedroom, and turned the corner she bumped right into Preet. He grabbed onto her arms to steady her, but that also meant he lost his hold on the sheet that was wrapped around his waist. It fell to the ground around his feet.

Preet tightened his grip around Meher's arms. "Uh-oh...don't look down, because I think I just lost my toga."

Meher pulled her arms from Preet's grip and turned her back on him. Her face turned red as a tomato. "Preet Juneja! Wha...what are you doing walking around with just a sheet on?!"

"I was going to use your shower," said Preet. He quickly bent down, picked up the sheet and fastened it around himself. "There's no point in putting clothes on and then just taking them off now is it? Besides, my butt...I mean my bottom still hurts and..."

Just then Sam, Gaurav, Viren and Ashlesha walked in. Surprised by the sight of a barely clad Preet using Meher as a body shield, they stood in place with their mouths open.

"What the hell?!" cried Viren.

"Hey...you guys are back! Uh...heh heh...I don't know what you all are thinking," Meher chuckled nervously. "...but this is not what it looks like. There is a very reasonable explanation for this, right Preet?"

"Right," said Preet. "And I'm sure Meher will be happy to provide you with it. Excuse me..."

"What?! Preet Juneja you get back here!" Meher called after him.

"This is really too much!" said Viren, as he stormed out of the house.

Ashlesha ran out after him. "Viren wait! Where are you going?" she asked as she followed him back to her car.

"I'm leaving!" said Viren.

"But why?" asked Ashlesha. "At least listen to what Meher has to say."

"I'm not interested in what Meher has to say," said Viren. "I told you that fiance of yours was up to no good."

"Oh come on Viren...," tried Ashlesha.

"Look, I covered for you when you needed me, now it's your turn to stick by me," insisted Viren. "Besides...that phone call I made in town...was to my mom. She informed me that my little problem in Delhi showed up at her doorstep again. I need to get back and take care of this now...so let's go."

Meher, Sam, and Gaurav came out of the house just as Ashlesha's car pulled away.

Credit: The bee attack and nursing scene was adapted from
Emily Dalton's Wake Me with a Kiss.