Chapter 46 - A Complete Turn Around
"You!" cried Preet, as he walked up to Viren and grabbed him by the collar.
"Oh my Rabbs! What is going on here?" Kuljeet put her hands on her face in shock. "Balraj do something! He's attacking Viren!"
"How dare you?!" cried Preet. "How dare you show your face around here?! I thought after Mr. Maan slapped you, you wouldn't have the nerve to come near Meher again, but it looks like you need to be taught another lesson." He pulled his fist back ready to hit him, when Meher stepped in between and pushed him away.
"Stop it Preet!" she cried. "What do you think you are doing?"
"What am I...? What is he...? What is he doing here?" demanded Preet. He glared angrily at Viren. "Let me guess...he was begging for you take him back again, right? You jerk! No one here is going to fall for your emotional blackmail! And this time...your little boy isn't here to save you."
"Let me go!" said Viren as Preet grabbed him by the arm and proceeded to drag him towards the door.
Meher stopped him again. "I said stop it Preet!" she cried. "Viren wasn't emotionally blackmailing anyone."
"Thank you Meher," sighed Viren. He passed his hands over his shirt in an effort to smooth it out. "Thanks for coming to my defense."
"Wait a minute, why are you defending this loser?" said Preet. "And why is he here?!"
"Because I called him, okay!" exclaimed Meher. "I...I asked him to come over."
"What? Why?" a confused expression spread over Preet's face.
"Because we had to finalize the design for our wedding card," Viren smiled smugly.
"What?!" cried Preet.
"Look at the expression on his face," laughed Viren. He walked up to Preet until his face was just inches from his. "Maine tumhe kaha tha na, main tumhe dekh loon ga (I told you I'd see you to the end). What better way to do that than to steal the girl right from under your nose."
"You're not just a sore loser, you're a liar too!" Preet shoved him away. "Meher, why are you just standing there? Tell him to get lost! Or do you want me to throw him out for you?"
"That won't be necessary, I was about to leave anyway," Viren raised his hand and flaunted the card he was holding. "Such a nice design don't you think? So much red and gold. I love gold. Have to rush it over to the print shop right away." He took several steps towards the door, then as if remembering something, walked back over to Preet. Using both his hands, he straightened out Preet's collar and brushed away an imaginary speck of dirt from his shirt. "Don't worry," said Viren. "When the invitations go out, your name will be at the top of my list."
Preet was stunned into silence.
"Um...uh...Of course it will," smiled Kuljeet. "After all Preet Sir is Balraj's boss."
"Kuljeet please...," sighed Balraj.
"Would you believe it was just the other day that these 2 had a fight and broke off their engagement," continued Kuljeet. "And now the wedding is on again...and that too in just 3 days! What a happy turn of events! Uh...Meher my dear child, why don't you walk Viren to his car?"
Meher nodded hesitantly. Viren held out his hand for her, but she quietly walked past him and out the door.
"Heh-Heh...yes well...uh...Uncle Ji...Aunty Ji, I'll see you later," Viren gave Kuljeet and Balraj a weak smile and headed after Meher.
Outside...
"Ha! Did you catch the look on Preet's face?" Viren chuckled as he caught up to Meher. "Priceless! I would have loved to take a picture. I'd blow it up and put it in a frame, right next to our wedding photo."
"Enough Viren!" snapped Meher. She pointed an accusing finger at him. "I'm marrying you, but that doesn't mean I'll tolerate you making fun of Preet. I called off this wedding once and I can call it off again!"
"Okay okay...calm down," said Viren. "Waise...if you don't mind my asking, why the sudden change of heart Meher?"
"I have my reasons," frowned Meher. "But things can change." She threw him a warning look.
"Hey, that's okay, I can be cool with Preet...for the next 3 days, that is," grinned Viren.
Meher rolled her eyes. "Your car awaits you." She pointed towards the large gate at the end of the driveway.
"Aren't you going to walk me all the way to my car?" asked Viren.
"I think you can find it on your own," said Meher. She turned around and headed back towards the house.
Meanwhile...
"So this is why you weren't letting us inside," fumed Gaurav. "What the hell is going on Sam?"
"I don't know," frowned Sam. "And why are you getting upset with me? I'm just as shocked as you."
"You're Meher's best friend. She's staying in your house, you must know something!" argued Gaurav.
"No I don't," insisted Sam. "When I saw her last night, she was sitting in her room by herself crying. When I asked her what was wrong she said she was just feeling overwhelmed. This morning I came down and found her arguing with her father, and Kuljeet was taking her side! The next thing I know Viren showed up."
Just then, Meher walked back inside the house. Sam and Gaurav grew quiet. They glanced over at Preet. He had been standing quietly in a corner looking dazed, as if he was still trying to digest everything that had just happened. He too saw Meher and slowly walked over to her.
"What's going on Meher?" he demanded.
Before Meher could say anything, Kuljeet spoke up. "Didn't you hear what Viren had to say Mr. Juneja? A wedding is going to take place." She glanced towards Gaurav and Sam then looked back at Preet. "Why the long faces? I thought you all would be excited. After all Meher is your friend."
Preet flinched as she deliberately placed the emphasis on the word friend while looking directly at him. "Mr. Maan, after what happened...after what Viren did...knowing what kind of a person he is...," he stammered. "I thought you would explain things to your wife."
"I did...," sighed Balraj. "But this morning, Meher decided..."
"...Meher decided to come to her senses," interrupted Kuljeet. "She realized that she made a snap judgement regarding Viren. Young folks these days...who doesn't make mistakes? And who doesn't have a past? The important thing is not to let the past get in the way of your future. She has decided to forgive him and go ahead with the wedding."
"Meher, please tell me this isn't true," Preet looked at Meher.
"So...what are you implying...that I'm a liar?" said Kuljeet. "Oh my Rabs! Bas yehi sunna baaki tha (that's all I needed to hear). Meher, has the cat got your tongue or are you going to say anything in your mother's defense?"
"Kuljeet Ma is telling the truth Preet," said Meher. "Viren and I are getting married."
"Why?" asked Preet. "I thought you and I..."
"You are engaged to be married to Ashlesha Rampal," Kuljeet reminded him. "While Meher will make a life for herself with Viren."
"Mrs. Maan, you don't understand...," tried Preet. "Meher and I..."
"...On the contrary, I think you don't understand Mr. Juneja," Kuljeet said firmly. "We are simple people. We may not have riches, but we do value our dignity. And decent girls don't go around throwing themselves at young men that are engaged to someone else. They are practical and realistic...not dreamers." She looked around the room. "Actually I don't understand what everyone's problem is. We only have 3 days to make all the preparations. I expect all of you to pitch in and help as much as possible. Balraj, why don't you ask Mr. Juneja if he'll get us a nice discount? Imagine if the wedding venue was one of his family's luxury hotels! We can talk about it over breakfast."
Sam looked around the room. Meher was either staring at the floor or deliberately trying to avoid making eye contact with anyone. No one else other than Kuljeet looked happy either. "I think everyone just lost their appetite," she mumbled.
Preet shook his head in disbelief and headed out of the house. Meher ran out after him.
"Preet wait! Preet...please listen to me...," began Meher, as she caught up to him.
"No you listen to me Meher!" cried Preet. "I didn't sleep at all last night, because I couldn't contain my happiness. I couldn't wait to see you again. I came here first thing this morning because I wanted to speak to your father about us. I get here and find out you've patched things up with old Chaddi! I don't know what kind of a game you're playing, but it's not funny!"
"I'm not trying to be funny Preet," sighed Meher.
"Then it must be your step-mother," concluded Preet. "She must have put pressure on you to change your mind."
"No," Meher shook her head. "No one put pressure on me. I didn't even speak to my parents until this morning."
"Then why Meher?" demanded Preet. "For God's sake, why?!"
Meher swallowed the lump in her throat, then took a deep breath. "Because after I came home last night, I thought long and hard about everything that's happened and...I realized that I made a mistake by breaking off my engagement with Viren."
"What the hell are you talking about?" cried Preet. "Just yesterday you said you loved me."
"Forget what I said," interrupted Meher. "I mean...I didn't mean any of it. I was so confused after what happened with Viren...so swept up with all kinds of emotions...I didn't realize what I was doing. I never should have said anything to you. We aren't meant to be together Preet. I've been saying this all along, but if...if you hadn't been so bent on proving me wrong you would have realized it too. Before you had gotten hurt. Before it was too late."
"Oh right! So it was my mistake!" cried Preet. "You were always dying to marry Viren. Main kha ma kha beech mein aa gaya (I came in the way for no reason)!"
"Preet, I care about you. We will always be good friends..." She tried to place a hand on his shoulder, but Preet pushed it away angrily.
"Don't!" Preet said through gritted teeth. "Don't even go there!"
"Preet...I...," whispered Meher.
"What do you think Meher...kabhi haan...kabhi naan (sometimes yes...sometimes no)...you can do whatever you want and I won't feel anything?! I'm not human?" growled Preet. His angry glare burned into Meher and she shrank back from the tone of his voice. It was the tone of someone who had been pushed to the edge of his tolerance. "Well let me tell you something Ms. Maan...I'm very much human! I gave you my heart, and what do you do?!" He grabbed her hand and beat it over his heart. "...smash it into a million little pieces!"
"Preet please...," sobbed Meher. "Please try to understand...it's for the best..."
"Enough!" Preet raised a hand to stop her. "Who gave you the right to decide what's best for me? You want to marry Viren? Go ahead! Because you know what Meher, I'm done! I don't want anything to do with you any more!" He brushed hard past her, making her whirl as a result from the force.
A short while later...
Meher walked into the house solemnly.
"Where's Preet?" Gaurav asked her.
"Huhn?" Meher looked dazed.
"I said where's Preet?" said Gaurav.
"He's gone," muttered Meher.
"What do you mean he's gone?" demanded Gaurav. "What did you say to him?"
"What was she supposed to say to him?" said Kuljeet. "Imagine how embarrassed I was when my sister told me this shameless girl was running after Preet Juneja. Her daughter's fiance! Did you really think you would get away with it Meher?"
"Kuljeet Chachee, Preet and Meher love each other," Sam blurted out.
"Ha! Sam puttar, you're delusional," scoffed Kuljeet. "Kahan Junejas aur kahan hum (Look at the difference between us and the Junejas). You don't know these young rich types." Gaurav frowned as she glanced knowingly in his direction. "They're masters at making a girl feel extra special. They charm their way into your life, use you, then when the family doesn't accept you, they dump you."
"Preet isn't like that," argued Sam.
"Oh really?"" said Kuljeet. "Then why hasn't he asked us for Meher's hand? I also don't see his family members knocking down our door to do the same. And you know why Sam, because he is still engaged to Ashlesha, and his family is very happy about that. It would never have worked out. Woh toh shukar hai, Viren ne isko wapas le liya (thankfully Viren took her back) else her life would have been ruined. Hai na Meher (Right Meher)? Meher?"
Meher didn't say anything. Instead, she ran upstairs to her room.
Later that evening...
Sam and Balraj stood outside Meher's door hearing her cry uncontrollably into her pillow.
"I don't understand," said Sam. "If it was her decision to patch things up with Viren, then why is she so upset?"
"I don't know," sighed Balraj. "I was surprised by the decision myself."
"And you're sure Kuljeet Chachee didn't pressure her or anything?" asked Sam.
"No, not at all," Balraj shook his head. "It took some convincing, but I made Kuljeet understand that it was up to Meher to decide what she wanted to do with her life. That included throwing Viren out of the picture. Meher had already turned in for the night when we got home, so we didn't even talk to her until this morning. That's when we found out that she had done a complete turn around. She told us she had called Viren over to patch things up. Kuljeet only took her side. I of course was dumbstruck. I don't know what's going on in my daughter's mind, but...if this is what she wants..."
"What she wants is to be with Preet," said Sam.
"I know puttar, but when have you ever known Meher to do what she wants?" sighed Balraj. "She's always lived her life trying to please others."
Sam listened to the sounds of sobs coming through the door. "I can't stand it any more," she said. "I have to go to her."
"No Sam," Balraj stopped her. "Let her be. Let her cry Preet out of her system."
The next morning...
Sam walked up the stairs carrying a large garment bag. She paused in front of Meher's door, took a deep breath, put a smile on her face, then knocked on the door. "Hey Meher, look what just came in for you," she said as she walked into the room. Inside she found her friend in bed curled up into a cocoon with her knees drawn up to her chest. She put the bag down and sat down on the bed next to her. "Hey," she smiled.
"Hey," said Meher, trying to muster up a smile for her friend.
"Why are you still in bed?" asked Sam. "Are you feeling okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," lied Meher. She slowly sat up and began to tidy her hair. "I was just feeling a little lethargic this morning."
"Hmm...certainly not exciting sentiments of a bride to be," remarked Sam. She reached over and wiped a tear from her friend's tear-streaked cheek. "In fact, I could swear you were crying just now?"
"It seems like the thing I do best these days, isn't it?" Meher muttered under her breath.
"What?" said Sam.
"Nothing," Meher shook her head. She stood up and began to straighten out her bed. "I'm getting married tomorrow Sam. Thoda senti hona toh banta hai (being a bit emotional is expected)."
"Meher I know something is wrong," said Sam. "We all know what Viren is like. The guy makes your skin crawl. You would never have agreed to marry him in a million years, so why are you doing this to yourself?"
"People make mistakes all the time Sam," said Meher. "That doesn't mean they shouldn't be given a 2nd chance. Viren is genuinely sorry."
"For trying to hit on you or for hiding the fact that he had a child out of wedlock?" frowned Sam. "He's just using you Meher. You're his ticket to everything Daljeet Rampal has promised him."
"He promised to keep me happy and..." tried Meher.
"But you love Preet," Sam reminded her. "You guys were meant to be together!"
"No we aren't!" said Meher.
"Why do you keep saying that?"" argued Sam.
"Because everything keeps tearing us apart!" Meher blurted out.
"What do you mean?" asked Sam. She clasped Meher's hand in hers. "Who is trying to tearing you guys apart? Meher you can tell me, I'm your best friend."
Meher took a deep breath, then pulled her and back. "There's nothing to tell Sam. I...uh...I really should get ready. We have such a busy day ahead. Mendhi, sangeet, haldi...so much to do all in one day. So if there's nothing else..."
"Breakfast is ready," sighed Sam. She pointed to the garment bag she had place on the bed earlier. "Oh and...your wedding dress is here.
Meanwhile...
Lalit, Heer, Maya and Chahat were out in lawn enjoying breakfast in the early morning sunshine. Heer poured a cup of tea for Lalit. He put his morning paper down briefly to take the cup from her. Both couldn't help but glance over at Preet. He was pacing back and forth furiously on one side of the lawn, mumbling and swearing under his breath, and punching his fist into his hand every now and then.
Meher! Meher! Meher! Preet fumed. How could you do this to me...to us?! Were you really so insecure that you agreed to marry that jackass Viren? Or did you just not trust me enough to believe that we could have a future together?! He burned with jealousy at the thought of Viren planning a future with Meher...his Meher. He shook his head. No! It was her fault! It was her decision! He had to forget about her! He wasn't going to let her ruin his life! He was going to forget about her! But that was the problem...he wasn't being able to forget about Meher. The sunshine, the flowers, everywhere he looked, everything reminded him of her, and it was driving him crazy.
"Mommy aren't you going to ask Preet Chachu to join us?" asked Chahat.
Preet had been in such a good mood just the other night, then came home yesterday morning and spent the entire day moping around in a listless manner. Were things alright between him and Meher? Heer wondered. She had tried to talk to him, but he had refused to tell her anything. It was almost unbearable for her to watch him like this, but she also knew well enough when to leave him alone. She silently wished Prem was here to help, but he wouldn't be back for another few days. She looked to Lalit for help, but he immediately went back to reading his newspaper. "Uh...I think we should leave Chachu alone this morning," she sighed, as she handed Chahat a jam sandwich.
"Yeah," agreed Maya. "He's in a real mood isn't he? Do you know what happened?"
Heer shook her head. "No, but I think things just got worse." She motioned towards the front gate. The Rampals had just driven up the drive.
"Ah! Rishap, Daljeet, Ash darling...I'm so glad you accepted my invitation!" Maya waved to the approaching guests.
"You invited them?" hissed Heer. "Why?"
"What do you mean why?" Maya asked innocently. "Our families are going to be united in holy matrimony soon. We needed to discuss some business...uh...I mean things. It's such a lovely day, I thought we'd do it over breakfast. Besides, I thought seeing his fiance would make Preet feel better."
"You obviously don't know Preet," muttered Heer.
"Whatever!" Maya rolled her eyes. She watched Ashlesha head straight for Preet. "I think I'll let Ash worry about Preet." She smiled and got up to greet Mr. and Mrs. Rampal.
Meanwhile...
"Hey Preet!" said Ashlesha, as she walked up to Preet and threw her arms around his neck.
"Ash?" Preet said in surprise. He peeled her arms off his neck and held them at her side. "Do you mind...my family is sitting right there."
"Aw! Are we too shy for any public display of affection?" chuckled Ashelsha. "I tell you Preet...you are so sweet." She reached out to tweek his cheeks, but he stopped her.
"Okay...can we just not do that?" sighed Preet. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"I thought I'd come by and see you," said Ashlesha. "I mean, we're engaged but it seems like ages since we got together."
"I've been busy," frowned Preet.
"So I hear," said Ashlesha.
"What?" said Preet.
"Mom and Dad are here," said Ashlesha. "Let's go say Hi." She locked her arm with his and dragged him over to the table. "Hey Dad, look who I found hiding out over by the bushes."
"I wasn't hiding," Preet frowned as he shook his arm loose from her grip.
"Preet puttar, how nice to see you," lied Daljeet. "And even nicer to see you and Ash together, don't you agree Rishap."
"What are you doing home son?" asked Rishap. "I don't see either of your brothers here. You are putting in your share of time at the office, aren't you? I don't want my daughter going without anything she wants, after you 2 are married."
"Mr. Rampal...," began Preet.
"Please...call me dad," insisted Rishap. He picked up a file and waved it in the air. "This is a proposal for a joint venture for our companies. I'd love to get your input."
"Uff Ho dad!" protested Ashlesha. "We haven't even had breakfast, and you're already talking business."
"But princess...," sighed Rishap.
"No buts," Ashlesha shook her head. "I want Preet all to myself today and tomorrow."
"What's so special about today and tomorrow?" asked Maya.
"My step-cousin Meher is getting married," smiled Ashlesha.
"What?! cried Heer, as she almost choked on her tea. She looked up at Preet in surprise. "How is that possible?"
"Why isn't it possible?" asked Daljeet. She threw a sly glance at Lalit. "The girl got engaged the same day as Ashlesha and Preet. It's about time she got married. Uh...I mean...her fiance is moving to the U.S. He wants to take her with him...naturally."
"Naturally," muttered Heer. Her eyes were fixed on Preet, but he remained expressionless.
"The mendhi and sangeet are tonight. Daddy, I need some money for a new dress," said Ashlesha. "Preet is going to take me shopping, and then we're going to the party."
Preet shook his head and walked away just as Rishap handed Ashlesha his credit card.
"Preet," Ashelsha ran after him. "Where are you going? I thought we were..."
"We weren't going to do anything together Ashlesha," said Preet. "I don't know why you told your dad otherwise."
"Oh come on Preet...humor me...just this once," said Ashlesha. She tugged on his arm, but he didn't budge. "Acha chalo (come on), at least attend Meher's wedding festivities with me."
"And why would I want to do that?" Preet said through gritted teeth.
"Why not?" asked Ashlesha. "Meher is my step-cousin and your friend. We should be there. I want to sing songs at the sangeet. And I want to see with my own eyes her having Viren's name written on her hand with mendhi." She saw Preet look away and frown. "Um...uh...I mean...it all sounds like so much fun. Meher doesn't have too many friends here in Delhi. It would be nice for all of us to show up for support."
"No thanks," said Preet.
"Suit yourself," Ashlesha shrugged her shoulders. She was about to leave when Preet stopped her.
"Ash wait," he said. "Maybe I will go to the party with you after all. But no shopping, okay?"
"Fine," smiled Ashlesha. "Just give me a couple of hours to get my hair done and stuff. How about we head over there after lunch."
Preet nodded, then watched as she joined the others for breakfast. Meher would have Viren's name written on her hand. This bother him to no end. He clenched his fists as jealousy gnawed at his gut. He had no desire to see that happen...but he definitely wanted to see how Meher went ahead with her wedding with him breathing fire down her neck.
Chapter 47 Preview: Meher's wedding begins 😲
Link to: Chapter 47
Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
