Chapter 41 - Calling it Quits
"What's going on Meher?" Viren demanded. "Why were you on the phone with Preet?"
"I...uh...woh...," stammered Meher.
Viren checked her phone again. "Oh...I see...you're not the one who called him...rather he called you. That too 4 times in the last 15 minutes."
Meher held her hand out. "Viren, please give me my phone back," she said firmly. "I don't appreciate you violating my privacy and going through my calls like that."
"Privacy?! You're my fiance!" said Viren.
"Fiance Viren...not private possession!" cried Meher. She snatched her phone out of his hands. "I've never done that to you."
"That's because I've never given you a reason to feel insecure," said Viren. He took out his phone and held it out for her. "Go ahead. Take a look. I have nothing to hide."
"Neither do I!" said Meher.
"Then why is Preet always after you?" demanded Viren.
"Why don't you ask him that?" said Meher.
"I'm asking you Meher," Viren growled as he took a step towards her, and took hold of her by both arms.
"I don't know," cried Meher. She pulled free of his grip. "I haven't done anything wrong, and you're making me feel very uncomfortable. If this is what you're going to be like now or after we're married...then...I don't know. Maybe we shouldn't rush things."
Viren saw doubt wash over her face, and immediately changed his tone. "Arey Meher, tum toh naraz ho gayi (you're getting upset). I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I've been under a lot of stress lately. My mind is just so preoccupied with work, and the move to Virginia. Sometimes I wonder how I'll manage it all. You're practically the only thing in my life that I have to look forward to." He took her hands in his. "I guess I...uh...sort of get jealous whenever I see Preet around you. I need you by my side Meher. Don't back out on me."
"Viren...Meher...is everything alright?" asked Balraj, as he appeared at the door. "Pandit Ji is here. Everyone is waiting for you 2."
A short while later...
Heer walked into the game room and found Preet sulking in a chair. "Hey Preet, do you have a minute?"
"Sure Bhabi," said Preet. "What's up?"
"A strange thing happened today, and I just can't get it out of my mind," said Heer. "I was at the doctor's for my monthly check-up and I ran into Ashlesha there?"
"Really?" Preet said in surprise.
"She said she was there to accompany a friend to an appointment," said Heer.
"That's funny," chuckled Preet. "I thought she was allergic to kids and sick people."
"Right," nodded Heer. "Remember how she put on gloves before offering you soup."
"I know Ashlesha doesn't exactly come off as being the charitable type," said Preet. "But maybe it was close friend."
"Maybe," nodded Heer. "Anyway...I found it kind of odd and thought I'd mention it to you."
Preet was about to say something when Prem walked in. "Heer, I've been looking all over for you. You know I can't finish packing without your help. And Chahat is insisting that I take her Paddington Bear with me on my trip because she thinks he's missing London."
"Sorry Prem," smiled Heer. "I'll go talk to her right now."
"I thought Gaurav was with you," Prem said to Preet.
"He was, but he had to go pick Sam up from some place," said Preet.
"Oh," said Prem. "I was hoping to discuss some numbers with him for one of our hotels."
"Ah yes," said Preet. He picked up a file and handed it to his brother. "He left this for you. He said it was pretty self-explanatory, and had all the information you asked for. And you can call him if you have any questions."
"Gaurav is really good at his job," Prem smiled as he looked over the figures in the report. "So...does this means you're free?"
"Yeah...I'm pretty much killing time," said Preet. "Did you need something?"
"Actually, I did," said Prem. He handed Preet some papers.
"What's this?" asked Preet, as he began to look through them.
"It's the paperwork Herman prepared to rescind our bid for the tender we submitted," explained Prem. "I was supposed to meet the company official for dinner tonight, but I still have to prepare for my trip tomorrow. I'd like you to go in my place."
"Sure," said Preet.
"Listen Preet, the guy may give you a hard time, try to talk you into changing your mind, maybe even throw some legal lingo around, but don't listen to him," said Prem. "We're well within the time frame given us to back out of the deal. Make sure you let him know we understand our legal standing in this matter. The restaurant we were supposed to meet in is all the way on the outskirts of town so..."
"Don't worry PB," said Preet. "I'll leave right now."
Later...
Meher walked quietly behind Viren as a waiter led them to their table. She was in no mood to go out with him, but he had insisted. And when that hadn't worked he had used Kuljeet to pressure her into agreeing.
"Isn't this nice? asked Viren, as they took their seats. "You know it can be pretty difficult to get a reservation here, but I dropped Rishap Rampal's name and got one right away."
"Oh no! Viren, you shouldn't have," said Meher.
"Why not? You're their niece aren't you?" said Viren.
"Step-niece," Meher corrected him.
"No one cares about the fine details Meher," chuckled Viren. "By the way, do you think we'll get a discount on the bill?"
Meher rolled her eyes. "I really don't understand why we had to come here. I was fine with having dinner at your place with our families."
"But I wasn't," said Viren. "Come on Meher, did you really want to sit through every single detail of the wedding planning they were going to go through? I mean I love her to death...but my mother...can go on and on. And then there's your step-mother..."
"What's wrong with my step-mother?" Meher asked with narrowing eyes. A million things were wrong with Kuljeet, but she was still her step-mother. Who was he to say anything about her, especially when he manipulated her so cleverly to get her here tonight?
"Uh...nothing," said Viren. "Honestly, I felt a little guilty about how I treated you earlier tonight. I was a bit...harsh."
Hmph! A bit, thought Meher.
"Believe you me, it was totally out of character," said Viren. "And totally out of line. I'm sorry."
"It's okay," Meher said quietly.
"So...this is great, isn't it?" smiled Viren. "Just you and me. You've been in Delhi for a while now and yet we've never had a chance to be alone like this. There is still so much that I want you to know about me, and so much I want to know about you." He slowly brought his hand to rest over hers.
"Viren please," Meher said, as she drew her hand back. "We're in public."
"So?" said Viren.
"So...it makes me feel uncomfortable," said Meher.
"It shouldn't," said Viren. "We're about to be married." He took her hand in his again. "You know...when I first saw you...I thought to myself...Oh no! Oh God no!"
"What?" Meher said in surprise.
"What is he doing here?" said Viren.
"Who?" Meher turned around to see Preet walk into the restaurant. They exchanged surprised glances, before she turned back to face Viren.
"Did you tell him we were coming here?" demanded Viren.
"No! How could I have?" said Meher. "Even I didn't know we were coming here?"
"Well well, what do we have here?" said Preet, as he walked up to their table and gave Viren a good thump on his shoulder. "My dear friend Meher...and her Viru...out together...alone. A romantic dinner for 2, is it? Naughty naughty!" He smacked Viren's hand with the papers he was holding and he immediately let Meher's hand go.
"It was before you showed up," muttered Viren.
"What are you doing here Preet?" asked Meher.
"I should be asking you that," said Preet. "What are you doing Meher? Ahem...I mean...I thought you were going to be having dinner with your family."
"I was...but...uh...Viren decided to surprise me," said Meher.
"I bet he did," muttered Preet.
"Not that it's any of your business where we go or what we do Preet," added Viren. "Your showing up here seems like more than a coincidence though. Don't tell me you're stalking us."
"Don't flatter yourself Viru," retorted Preet. "I'm supposed to be meeting a business associate here."
"Really?" said Viren. "And just where is this alleged associate of yours?"
"Well, it would seem that I'm a bit early and my table isn't ready yet." Preet gave Viren's shoulder another good whack, then pulled out the chair next to him and sat down. "You don't mind if I join you, do you? I'd rather not wait at the bar."
"Will you go away if I said no?" frowned Viren.
"You know Viru, you're a real funny guy," replied Preet. "I could almost like you. Waiter!"
A waiter promptly appeared at their table. "Ji sir, can I get you something?" he said.
"Just coffee for now," said Preet. "Would you guys like to have something?" His leg made contact with Meher's and she immediately knew it wasn't accidental. She swallowed hard and reached for her glass of water.
"We've already ordered," said Viren.
"So...uh...what's up with you guys?" asked Preet, as he casually glanced in Meher's direction. "Set a date for the big day yet?"
"We're working on it," replied Viren. "But don't worry, you'll be the first to know. I'll make sure of it. How about you and Ash?"
"We're not in any rush...no rush," Preet said with emphasis. "After all...you know what they say... He looked over at Meher again. "...haste makes waste..."
"Funny, I thought Ash was more inclined towards finalizing a date as soon as possible," remarked Viren. "By the way...how is she?"
"How is who?" asked Preet.
"Ashlesha...your fiance," said Viren.
"Okay, I guess," Preet shrugged his shoulders.
"You guess?" said Viren. "You mean you haven't seen or spoken to her?"
"I did...she was at Veera's wedding, remember?" Preet reminded him.
"That was several days ago," said Viren.
"I've been busy," said Preet.
"And yet you have plenty of time to call Meher," said Viren.
"Ash isn't leaving town...Meher is," said Preet. "But just where are you going with this?"
Before Viren could answer, the waiter appeared at the table and addressed Preet. "Sir, your party has arrived, and your table is ready. If you'd kindly follow me."
"Yeah...sure," said Preet. "I'll...uh...see you later." He gave Meher a soft smile and left.
"See you later?" growled Viren. "What did he mean by that?" Meher didn't say anything, as Viren took a deep calming breath. "You know what...just forget it. We're here to enjoy ourselves and I'm not going to let him spoil it."
A short while later...
Meher poked her food with her fork. She had lost her appetite. Preet had left her table, but only for another one not too far away. She nodded in response or smiled politely every now and then, but nothing Viren said could interest her enough to strike up a useful conversation with him. Despite trying her best not to, she could only think of one thing...Preet. To make matters worse, every time she looked in his direction she found him staring back at her. Watching and appraising her every move. Giving rise to the hundreds of butterflies in her stomach.
"Meher!" Viren snapped his fingers in front of her to get her attention.
"Huhn?" she replied slightly startled.
"Tumhara dheyan kidhar hai (where's your focus)? asked Viren. "I've been talking non-stop for the last 10 minutes and I don't think you've even heard a word I said." He glanced back at Preet's table and found him engrossed in conversation with his client. "I bet I can guess why."
"I'm sorry Viren," sighed Meher. "I guess my mind is just preoccupied...wondering what Papa Ji and your parents have decided for us. I mean both of our lives are going to be affected by their decision. Marriage...it's a very big step."
"I know," smiled Viren. "But it's a step in the right direction." He raised his hand and motioned towards a waiter. The man nodded and brought 2 long stemmed glasses.
"Another drink?" Meher said worriedly. "You've had 2 already."
"I know, but this is special," said Viren. "Champagne for me and punch for you. Lucky for me you don't drink...that's a smaller dent in my pocketbook." He winked at her then lifted a glass. "To us."
Meher gave him a weak smile then took a small sip of her drink.
"Not like that," said Viren. "You've got to gulp it down fast."
"What? Why?" asked Meher.
"You'll find out," smiled Viren. "Come now...bottoms up."
He pushed the bottom of the glass up forcing Meher to chug her drink down. As soon as she did, she burst out into a fit of coughing. She stood up and waved her hands frantically. She was choking on something. Viren got up to help her, but Preet was faster. In an instant, he was by her side, performing the Heimlich maneuver. To his surprise Meher spat out a ring.
"Are you alright Meher?" Preet asked as he gently rubbed her back, then helped her sit in her seat.
"Yes...thanks," said Meher, still panting for breath.
Preet picked up the small object she had choked on and held it up for Viren to see. "Of all the stupid things to do! You put a ring in her drink?"
Meher took the ring from his hand. "What was our engagement ring doing in my drink Viren?" she asked. "I thought you asked me to give it to you so you could have it polished."
"Well...I never officially proposed to you Meher," said Viren. "I...I...thought if I did you'd like it."
"Wait a minute," said Preet. "You used the same ring you 2 already got engaged with? Way to go big spender."
"Shut up Preet!" said Viren. "You ruined my surprise."
"Surprise?! You nearly killed her!" cried Preet.
"I was right here," argued Viren. "Nothing would have happened to her."
"Guys...please...the entire restaurant is watching us," sighed Meher. "If you don't mind, I'm going to go use the ladies room."
A short while later...
Meher came out of the ladies room and was slowly heading back to her table, when she stopped and frowned. Circumstances had stripped her of any real choice in who she was going to spend the rest of her life with. But was she really in a rush to get back to her table and be looked down upon by Viren every time Preet sneezed, laughed, or even looked in her direction? No way. She needed some fresh air. As she turned and headed towards the hotel's garden in the back, she ran into Preet. "Preet?" Meher said in surprise. "Tum?"
"Don't worry Meher, I wasn't following you," Preet raised his hands in defense. "I just came out of the little boys' room, and saw you wandering about. So I started walking...in the same direction...slightly behind you."
A giggle escaped from Meher's lips. "I was just going to get some fresh air," she explained.
"Sounds like a good idea. Mind if I walk along with you?" asked Preet.
Meher shook her head.
"After you then," said Preet.
They walked in silence together until they reached the garden. The night sky was clear and filled with stars. Meher stared at it. Lost in thought, she chewed on her lower lip until a warm finger pulled it from under her teeth. Surprised, she looked up at Preet, who stared back at her with a warm look in his eyes.
"Are you alright?" he asked. "That ring...you're not hurt are you?"
"No...I'm fine...thanks for asking," said Meher.
"Yeah well, it was a stupid thing for Chaddi to do just the same," frowned Preet. "If anything had happened to you..."
"I really am fine, but thanks again...," Meher interrupted him. "...for coming to my rescue."
"I'll always be there for you Meher," said Preet. He gave her a soft smile, which momentarily melted her worries. Her heart began to pitter-patter, and a mushy sensation settled into the pit of her stomach.
"Preet?" said Meher.
"Huhn?" He said.
"Your meeting here...was that really a coincidence?" asked Meher. "...or were you...?"
"Stalking you? Not tonight Meher," grinned Preet. "I'm afraid tonight really and truly was all business. Rather important business."
"Really...is that why you were so tensed at Veera's wedding?" asked Meher. "Is everything okay with your family and the business?"
"Yes, everything is fine," said Preet. "Or at least it will be for now. Thanks...for caring."
"I never said I didn't care Preet," said Meher. Preet smiled at her again, and she blushed and looked away. "Um...don't you have a meeting to get back to?"
"I'm already done with that," said Preet. "It actually went a lot smoother than I expected."
"Oh...then...I guess I better get back to my table," said Meher.
"Meher wait," Preet said as he took a hold of her hand to stop her. "It's nice out...stay with me a little longer...please."
"Meher?" Viren called out. "So...this is where you disappeared to."
Meher immediately pulled her hand away from Preet and turned around to see Viren standing there. "Viren...I was just about to come back inside," she said. "Um...thanks for your help Preet. I'll be sure to tell Papa-Ji you were asking about him. I'll see you around." Her eyes pleaded with him to cooperate. He rolled his eyes and shook his head, but left quietly without creating a scene. Meher exhaled a sigh of relief. "Uh...Viren...let's go back inside," she suggested.
"On the contrary Meher," said Viren. "It's such a nice night out. Let's you and me take a walk." He took her by the hand and led her out to the gazebo in the center of the garden.
Meher quietly took a seat on one of the benches, while Viren paced the floor grumbling to himself. Up until now, Viren had done little more than complain about each encounter he had caught her and Preet in. Now...he looked about ready to explode. Here it comes, Meher braced herself.
"Why? Why is it that whenever I have my back turned, you are always with Preet?" demanded Viren. Meher was about to say something, when Viren held up his hand. "Don't make excuses for him Meher! I've seen the way he looks at you. The way he talks to you. The way he was trying to cozy up to you at his sister's sangeet."
"I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill," said Meher.
"Am I?" said Viren. "I admit I haven't known Preet for long, but even in that short span of time, I've never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you...not even his own fiance. You'd have to be either blind or stupid not to pick up on the fact that he has feelings for you. I'm not blind Meher. And I'm definitely not stupid!"
"Look Viren...I can understand you're being upset...but...," tried Meher.
"Stop it Meher!" cried Viren. "Just stop patronizing me!" He grew silent for a moment then turned back to her. "Actually, I don't blame Preet. Anyone else in his place would have probably done the same."
Viren slowly ran a finger down Meher's arm. She looked up at him in surprise, then jumped to her feet and turned to go, but he stepped in front of her blocking the way. She turned and tried to go around him from the left, but he side-stepped and blocked her again. With furrowed brows, she tried to go round him from the right, but he blocked her path again for the 3rd time. "You're a very pretty girl Meher," said Viren, as he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. "I'm so lucky to have you."
"Viren," cried Meher, as she struggled to break free from his grip. "What do you think you're doing?"
"It's okay...we're going to be married soon," Viren reassured her.
"Going to be Viren!" Meher reminded him. "We're not married yet!"
"Oh...so you mean it's okay for Preet to hold your hand, but if I touch you it suddenly goes against your scruples," Viren said through gritted teeth. The way he looked at her sent a chill down her spine. "You're my fiance Meher. Everything you have belongs to me, do you understand that?" His gaze followed his finger as he ran it seductively along the neckline of her shirt. "But for now..." He placed a finger on her lips. "I'll settle for a little taste of this..."
"Viren stop!" cried Meher as she pushed him away.
Her rejection only made him grow more determined. He grabbed her by the arm as she tried to leave and pulled her towards him again.
"I said No!" She cried as she slapped his face hard.
The slap caught Viren completely off guard, and for a moment he looked stunned. Meher was equally surprised by what had just transpired.
Viren placed a hand on his cheek. It was still stinging from the slap. "You slapped me?!" he cried. "I can't...I can't believe this! How dare you?!"
"And how dare you?!" said Meher.
"Just wait until I tell your parents!" cried Viren.
"Go ahead! Don't leave out the part where you behaved like a creep!" Meher shot back. She took her engagement ring off and stuffed it into his hand. "Here...you can keep your stupid ring! No, in fact...I hope you choke on it!"
Seething with anger, Viren gave her a look of disgust and stormed off.
Meher sat down on the gazebo's bench and took several deep breaths to cool off. Oh God! What had just happened? She knew Viren was cheap with his money, but she hadn't expected him to try to take advantage of her! There was no way she was going to marry him now. She had never really wanted to do so in the first place. She suddenly felt light, as if a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She had to get home right away and talk to her father. She had to explain what had happened before Viren told everyone his own twisted version of events.
Meher quickly headed back inside the hotel. Viren was nowhere to be seen, and their waiter had just brought their dinner. She asked him about Viren and he confirmed that he had seen him exit the restaurant. Of course, she thought. She didn't expect he would drive her back home after their fight, but he had not even bothered to take care of their bill! Cheapo kahin ka! To make matters worse, she had left her purse and phone in his car. What was she to do now? She asked the waiter to take her to speak to the manager. He nodded and led her to where the manager stood greeting newly arrived guests.
"Excuse me," Meher smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid the man I came here with left. We won't be having dinner here after all."
"But madam your dinner has already been served," said the manager. "What are we supposed to do with the food? We certainly can't serve it to other customers. The most we can do is to pack it up for you, but you'll have to pay for it, no excuses."
"Actually sir, I don't have any way to pay you for it," winced Meher. "You see, my purse was in my date's car, and as I already told you, he left. Is there any way you can excuse the bill? I promise I'll come back in the morning with my father and pay off the balance."
"Madam, do I look like a fool to you?" the manager said sternly. "Last week a couple came here, ordered the most expensive dishes on the menu, and then ran out before paying the bill saying the wife has suddenly gone into labor. Turns out it was just a scam."
"But, I'm not running any scam, believe me," pleaded Meher. "My date really did run out on me. I'm willing to pay you...just not tonight."
"Oh you'll pay us alright," said the manager. "Take her in the back." He instructed the waiter. "Once you spend the entire the night washing dishes...you'll learn not to cheat anyone again."
"What?!" cried Meher. "No...I...you don't understand. I can clear up everything...if you'd only let me make a phone call."
"The only phone call I'll be making is the one to the police," replied the manager.
"Is there a problem gentlemen?" Preet asked as he appeared at Meher's side.
"Mr Juneja, sir...it's nothing to trouble yourself with," smiled the manager. "This girl was just trying to leave without paying her bill. But we know how to take care of her kind. Listen young lady...go in the back and start washing the dishes or I'll call the police!"
"Oh yeah! Go ahead," Meher challenged him. "You'll find out that I was telling the truth and then...I'll...I'll sue you...for uh...uh...I'll think of something!"
"I have a better idea," said Preet. He handed the manager his credit card. "Why don't I take care of the bill?"
"Nahin sir, we musn't go easy on her because she's a girl," insisted the manager. "These scam artists are very clever."
"Mr. Chabra," Preet rolled his eyes. "I know this young lady very well. She's a friend."
"Oh, sorry sir," said the manager. "I'll go clear her bill right away sir."
Preet waited for the man to leave, before turning to Meher. "Have you lost it? Did you really want him to call the police on you?"
"I didn't do anything wrong," said Meher.
"Hmm, where is Chaddi?" asked Preet.
"He left," said Meher. "We had a... " She bit her tongue. What was she going to tell Preet, that she had broken off her engagement with Viren because he had tried to forcibly kiss her? He'd find Viren and beat him to a pulp. That may not be such a bad thing, but he would also be elated at the news. Whatever happened between Viren and her didn't change things as far as Preet was concerned. He still had to do what was best for his family and marry Ashlesha. "I mean...he had to leave due to an emergency."
"So he went all the way back to the hospital?" asked Preet.
"Yes," lied Meher.
"And he left you stuck with the bill?" frowned Preet.
"No...I...uh...he'll be back," lied Meher. "I was...uh...trying to explain that to the manager, but he wasn't buying it. He wanted to...uh...clear the table for...uh...other guests."
"Hmm...," said Preet. "Well...if you don't want to wait for Chaddi to return I'll be more than happy to drop you home."
"No...it's okay," sighed Meher. "I...uh...I really should wait for Viren to come back."
"Alright then...," sighed Preet. "I'll see you."
Meher gave him a weak smiled then watched helplessly as he walked out of the restaurant. Great! She thought. Her only ray of sunshine was walking out the door. How on earth was she going to get home now?
So I'm back with an update after an extended break. 🤗
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.
Take care and happy reading. 🤗
Chapter 42 Preview: Preet and Meher check into a hotel
Link to: Chapter 42
Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557
Edited by Fatima_Q - 8 years ago
CID
Bade Achche Lagte Hain Naya Season
