Chapter 50 - Dulha Mil Gaya
Viren came out of the washroom and walked over to the dressing table in his room. He applied gel to his hair, combed it, examined his reflection in the mirror, then sat down to trim his nose hair. "Not bad Viren," he chuckled to himself, as he checked his reflection again. "In fact, after tonight everything is going to be just great. A mansion in Virginia, fancy cars, money, jewels, clothes and Meher...my golden goose, will all finally be mine." Ah Meher, he thought. You almost slipped through my fingers, but no longer. Tonight, it'll be just you and me. I will make you mine permanently...and that joker Preet will be left eating my dust. Wearing a smug smile on his face, he walked over to the clothing rack on one side of the room, where a large black garment bag containing his wedding outfit hung. "Time to get dressed man...your bride awaits." He unzipped the bag, carefully took his wedding dress out, and laid it on the sofa behind him. He had just removed his robe when there was a knock on his door. "What now?" he wondered out loud, as he pulled his robe back on and went to answer the door. To his surprise there was a waiter standing outside holding a covered tray in his hands. Viren eyed the young man suspiciously. He was dressed in hotel staff attire, but had a handlebar mustache that looked unusually large for his face and wore an eye patch over his left eye. "What do you want?" asked Viren.
"Ah Mr. Chadda, sorry for the wait. I know you must be hungry. Never fear...your room service order is here," the waiter smiled as he quickly pushed his way into the dressing room.
"Room service?" Viren said in surprised. "There must be a mistake. I never ordered any room service."
The waiter put his tray down and quickly pulled out a small notepad from his back pocket. "No no, no mistake," he shook his head vehemently. "It says right here, one order of mutton biryani, one seekh kabab, and one tandoori chicken...to be delivered to your dressing room. And...I'm telling you, the biryani is extra special tonight." He kissed his fingers. "I mean, he's no Gordon Ramsay, but the chef took extra care in making the menu for tonight. There's a wedding going on you know."
"I know you idiot!" cried Viren. "I'm the one getting married!"
"Oh is that so?" remarked the waiter.
"Yes!" cried Viren. He pointed to his outfit on the sofa. "That is, if you let me get dressed. I'm telling you, I didn't order anything. Just take it back."
"Are you sure?" asked the waiter. "I mean, everything is piping hot and fresh. And this chutney..." He picked up a container with green liquid in it. "It goes so well with everything."
"I said no!" said Viren.
"Fine, as you wish," sighed the waiter. He picked up his tray and gave Viren a slight nod, however, as he turned to leave, the tray slipped from his hand.
Viren jumped back as food flew everywhere. "My shoes! You idiot! Are you blind?" he cried.
"Yes sir, in one eye," said the waiter pointing solemnly to his eye patch.
Viren shook his head and looked around for a towel to wipe his feet with. Seeing Viren's back turned towards him, the waiter seized the moment and quickly picked up the container of chutney and dumped it on the wedding outfit. "Oh my Lord!" he cried. "How did that happen?"
Viren turned around to see a large green stain on his wedding clothes. "My sherwani!" he cried. He grabbed the waiter by the collar and shook him hard. "What the hell?!?! Do you have any idea how much that costs? I'll have you fired!"
"Sorry sir," apologized the waiter. "It was an accident. I'm so so sorry." He quickly stepped away from Viren and picked up the soiled clothing. "But don't you worry sir, we have great laundry machines right on premises. I'll...uh...I'll take this and have it cleaned right away. A little cold water and bleach and this will be good as new."
"Bleach?!" cried Viren. "You can't put bleach on these clothes!"
"Oops! Did I say bleach," said the waiter. "Heh-heh...I meant detergent."
"Wait a minute," said Viren. He studied the waiter's face carefully. His mustache was peeling off from one side. He reached up and ripped it off. "Gaurav?! Oh...I see! So this was Preet's plan. He didn't have the nerve to face me man to man so he sent his stooge to do his dirty work instead."
"The only one playing dirty around here is you Viren!" Gaurav shot back. "You ruined Sneha's life, you could care less about taking responsibility for poor Rahul...and now you're forcing Meher to marry you when it's clear she doesn't want to."
"It doesn't matter what Meher wants," scoffed Viren. "This wedding is taking place and there is nothing you, Preet or anyone else can do about it! Now, I suggest you get the hell out of here before I call the police on you for harassment." He tried to snatch his clothes out of Gaurav's hands, but he was too quick for him.
A cat and mouse like chase for the clothes began, as Gaurav dodged Viren around various pieces of furniture in the room.
"You want this do you?" Gaurav held up the sherwani teasingly. "Then come and get it. You know I have a better idea. Getting married in a sherwani is so passe. Why don't you ask your mom to bring you your favorite jack-ass costume instead? Oh wait...you're already wearing it."
"Gaurav, I swear I'm going to kill you!" Viren cried through gritted teeth. He lunged towards him, but lost his footing as he slipped on spilled food. He landed hard on his chest. The fall knocked the wind out of him, and left him gasping for breath.
It was just the break Gaurav needed to make a run for it, but before doing so, he noticed Viren's phone had fallen out of his pocket. He picked it up and dropped it in a jug of water sitting on a table. Phew! That was close. Well, at least he won't be calling anyone for help any time soon,sighed Gaurav. But if the groom doesn't show up at the mandap soon, someone will surely come looking for him. With the sherwani in hand, he quickly exited the room and locked it from the outside. Walking quickly down the hall, he pulled out his phone and called Preet. "Where the hell are you guys?"
There was a knock on Meher's dressing room door. "Meher, we're ready." She heard Kuljeet call out from the other side. Meher sank into the chair behnd her and stared at herself in the mirror of her dressing table. Her hair and make up were done. The fabric of her wedding dress was probably the finest she had ever worn. Kuljeet had reminded her several times that her father had spent an arm and leg for it. The necklace around her neck was heavy and of the latest design, but it suddenly felt like a noose around her neck. She raced to the window, threw it wide open and tried to take deep breaths as panic set in. What was she doing? What was she thinking? Why had she agreed to marry Viren? She hated him! Loathed him! The thought of him touching her made her skin crawl. How was she going to spend the rest of her life with him? Preet! She had closed that door forever. If only Mr. Juneja didn't hate her so much.
"Meher?" Kuljeet opened the door and peaked in. "Viren is already at the mandap. Come now...we don't want to keep everyone waiting."
Meher nodded quietly. It was too late. She slowly followed Kuljeet out the door.
A short while later...
Meher took off her shoes and stepped onto the mandap. Viren had his sera on and was waiting for her. This is it, she thought, as Kuljeet brought forth a large tray with 2 garlands on them. She quietly took a garland and waited for Viren to do the same, but he didn't move. Mrs. Chadda gave her son a slight push and motioned for him to pick up a garland. He hesitated briefly, then did as he was instructed. Meher reached up to place the garland around Viren's neck but he backed away. The guests surrounding the madap began to chuckle.
"Naughty boy," laughed Kuljeet.
"Viren!" Mrs. Chadda hissed under her breath. "Let her put that damn thing around your neck."
Again with slow hesitant moves, Viren bowed his neck slightly and let Meher place the garland around it. When his mother nudged his arm again, he placed a garland around Meher's neck too. They both sat down, and the ceremony began to proceed.
After the ghat bandan, Balraj kneeled forward and placed Meher's hand in Viren's. "Take good care of my little girl," he said.
A lone tear fell from Meher's eye and ran down her cheek. "Papa-Ji...," she whispered. Help! She wanted to cry out, but her throat went dry and the word never made it to her lips. Balraj placed his hand affectionately on her head then backed away.
Just then her groom leaned over to her. "Meher...it's me...G-Gaurav...," he whispered. Meher's eyes grew wide in surprise. "Don't give me away...please...or I'll be in a lot of hot water."
"Gaurav? What are you doing here?" Meher whispered back. "And where is Viren?"
"Preet, Sam and I...you didn't really think we were going to let you get married to that jack-ass did you?" whispered Gaurav. "Preet is on his way back. We're going to get you out of this mess one way or the other."
Meher didn't know whether to laugh or cry in relief. Just then she remembered Lalit Juneja's harsh words. It didn't matter what Preet wanted, his father wasn't ever going to accept her. "This is wrong," she shook her head. "You shouldn't be here. Leave."
"The pandit just started the mantars, leaving in the middle would be rude", said Gaurav.
"This isn't a joke Gaurav," Meher hissed.
"That's what I'm trying to tell you," said Gaurav. "This isn't a joke. This is about your life Meher. Your life."
"The bride and groom will now stand up for the pheras," instructed the pandit.
Meher and Gaurav slowly stood up and started walking around the fire even slower. One phera was completed. "Meher...," said Gaurav. "If we keep going around like this, you and I will wind up getting married. Preet will kill me...then Sam will raise me from the dead and kill me again. Trust me I have no interest in dying this young."
Meher looked around the room worriedly. "Well...you came up with the genius idea of taking Viren's place in the mandap, so you tell me what are we supposed to do now? Make a run for it?"
"I don't know," said Gaurav. "I thought Preet would be back by now. I didn't think that far ahead." He looked at the guests. Most of them were Viren's friends and relatives. If they found out what he had done, he was sure to get a beating he would not soon forget, but he couldn't keep on going with the pheras either. Come what may, he and Meher were going to have to make a run for it.
Just then Viren ran into the hall dressed in his bath robe. "Stop!" he cried. "Stop this wedding I said!"
"Viren?!" his mother cried out in surprise. The guests began to murmur in surprise too.
"If that's Viren over there, then who is in the mandap with Meher?" asked Kuljeet.
"Gaurav!" Preet and Sam said in unison as they raced into the hall. They smiled at each other then headed straight for the mandap.
Relieved, Gaurav removed the sera and dupatta and tossed them to one side. "Kaminey!" he cried as Preet walked up to him. He pretended to throw a punch to his stomach. "Koi itni dair lagata hai kya (how could you take so long)?"
"Sorry yaar," Preet gave his friend a weak smile. "Traffic."
"Chal ja...," Gaurav smiled back. "Ja kar apni dulhaniya ko sambhal (go...and get your bride)."
"What do you mean your bride?" exclaimed Mrs. Chadda. "What on earth is going on here?"
Preet turned to face Meher. "I told you I'd make everything alright," he told her. "We got the evidence we needed to catch the Rampal's fraud. My father is not going to make me marry Ash any more. And you don't have to go through this farce of a marriage either."
"Well of course she has to go through with this marriage!" cried Kuljeet.
"What's going on here?" the guests began to raise questions too.
"No, she doesn't!" said Preet before calmly turning towards to Blaraj. "Sir, your daughter and I are in love with each other, but I think you already know that."
"How dare you?!" cried Viren. He tried to run onto the mandap but Balraj held him back.
"I promise I'll take very good care of her, and always keep her happy," continued Preet. "But right now, I need your permission to take her with me."
"What?! You cant!" cried Kuljeet.
"Kuljeet...," Balraj tried to calm his wife down. "Meher puttar...is this what you want too?" he asked.
"No Meher! I...order you not to listen to a word he's saying," cried Viren.
"Shut up Viren!" Sam said angrily. "Just who the hell do you think you are to order her around? Meher...you and Preet are meant to be together. For once in your life God damn it...just once...think of what you want...what's right for you...if you don't you'll always look back on this day and regret it. Preet loves you. He came back for you. You have a chance to be happy. But I swear if you go ahead and marry this jack-ass instead, I'll never speak to you again!"
"Come on Meher, you don't have to be afraid," Preet gave her a soft smile and held out his hand for her. "Main hoon na tumhare saat (I'm with you)."
"Don't do this Meher!" cried Kuljeet. "Just imagine your future with Viren!"
That was it. That was exactly the one thing she didn't want to imagine. She was going to be selfish, just this once, decided Meher. She looked up at Preet. A small smile appeared on her lips as she quietly slipped her hand into his. Preet exhaled a sigh of relief. He clasped Meher's hand tightly, his fingers entwining with hers, and began to lead her from the mandap.
"Oh my God! The Bride was having an affair with this other young man," cried a guest.
"She's going to run away with him and her father has no problem with it," said another guest.
"You little witch!" snapped Viren. Pushing Balraj out of the way, he ran towards Meher and grabbed her dupatta from behind. She cried out in pain as he yanked it back. "You didn't think twice before embarrassing me in front of my relatives, but I won't let you flush my future down the toilet! Get back here where you belong!" Suddenly he felt a strong firm hand grab his wrist with such force he thought it would break. He released the dupatta and looked up to see a grim faced Preet frowning at him.
Anger flashed in Preet's eyes. "She was never yours to begin with Chaddi!" he growled, giving Viren a shove that caused him to swagger off balance slightly. Recovering quickly, Viren lunged at Preet, trying to land a punch, but he was ready for him. With fists curled up into tight balls, Preet hit him with an upper cut to the jaw, and then swung again punching him hard in the stomach. The power behind that punch sent Viren reeling on the floor. Preet was about to follow up that blow with a kick to his side, but Meher grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.
"Preet please...stop!" she pleaded
"Viren!" Mrs. Chadda cried as she and her husband raced to their fallen son's side. "Oh my God! His nose is bleeding. Someone call a doctor!" She glared angrily at Meher. "Chudail! This is all your fault! I'll...I'll file a police complaint against you!"
"Preet...please...chalo (let's go)," Meher said again.
Preet took a deep breath to calm himself down. His glare passed from Viren, to Mrs. Chadda, to the Maans, to the guests murmuring among themselves. He then grabbed Meher by the wrist and led her out of the venue.
A momentary hushed silence fell over the guests. Then Priya spoke up. "So you mean we got all dressed up and there's not going to be a wedding?" Her sisters Tia and Mia pouted in agreement.
"Unbelievable!" said Sam, as she rolled her eyes.
"Ahem," Gaurav cleared his throart. "No Sam, I think these girls have a point. All these guests took time out from their busy schedules to see a wedding, and they should see one." He looked at the mandap. "Tsk tsk...I mean just look at the decorations, food, guests...pandit...and...such a waste of a perfectly good mandap."
"Gaurav, you didn't really expect Preet and Meher to use the same mandap Mrs. Rampal set up to tear them apart, did you?" said Sam.
"No," grinned Gaurav. "But there is no harm in us using it."
"What?" Sam said in surprise.
"Hey, I'm already dressed like a groom. What do you say Sam?" smiled Gaurav. He held his hand out to her. "Ready to make the transformation from Ms. Singh to Mrs. Sherma?"
A short while later...
Meher sat in Preet's car smiling to herself as she watched the scenery pass by through the window. She hadn't asked Preet where they were going, and she didn't care. He had come by like a knight in shining armor and rescued her from Viren's clutches. He had fought for her, blood had been spilled...literally. It was as if she had experienced her own little DDLJ moment. The thought made her feel like a giddy teenager. "Can you believe everything that just happened Preet?" she finally spoke up.
Preet didn't answer.
"I still can't. I mean, when you left I thought my life was over...but you came back...and the way you beat up Viren..." She smiled at Preet but he only looked back at her with an angry glare. "Kya hua Preet (What's wrong Preet)?" she asked. "Are you upset about something?"
Preet pursed his lips then hit the brakes bringing the car to a screeching halt. Meher watched stunned as he got out slamming the door behind him, then went and stood at the front of the car with his back to her. She slowly stepped out of the car and walked up to him. "Preet? What happ...?"
"What happened?!" He didn't let her finish. "I'll tell you what just happened Meher! You almost got married to that jack-ass Chaddi! What were you thinking?!"
"Preet...I'm sorry," stammered Meher.
"Sorry doesn't cut it Meher!" Preet scolded her. "I told you I'd set things right, but you never had any faith in me."
"That's not true," said Meher.
"Yes it is," said Preet. "I mean, one minute we're enjoying some dinner and dancing with our friends and the next you're announcing your marriage to Viren. You tell me to take a hike, and get dressed up in all this..." He picked up one end of her dupatta. "...this wedding finery, and sit down in the mandap ready to tie the knot! I thought I was going to lose you forever. Thank God Gaurav was there in Viren's place otherwise who knows what would have happened. Even when I offered you my hand on the mandap, you took your own sweet time to think about it. I almost died a thousand times right there because I thought you were going to reject me again. Do you have any idea how scared I was?!"
"Preet...," tried Meher.
"No!" Preet held up his hand. "In fact, I really should stop a minute and think about what I'm doing here. Dulhan bhaga ke le ja raha hoon (I've runaway with a bride) is it even going to be worth it?"
"What?!" said Meher.
"I'm serious Meher," said Preet. "What if a half an hour later you regret coming with me and demand to go home? Where will that leave me?"
"Preet, I'm sorry," said Meher. "Kaan pakdoo kya (shall I hold my ears in remorse)?" She held her ears with her hands then offered him an apologetic smile. He folded his arms across his chest and looked away. Meher bit her lower lip nervously, then stepped closer to him and let her hand rest on his arm. "Preet I'm sorry...about everything, nothing I say can undo the hurt I've caused you...but...I didn't know what else to do after your father..." She paused mid-sentence.
"What about my father?" asked Preet.
"Nothing," lied Meher.
"Meher...I'm ticked off enough as it is...so don't lie to me," warned Preet. "What about my father?"
"If you must know, he and Daljeet Rampal paid me a not so friendly visit, after you dropped me home that night we were out with Sam and Gaurav. He made his low opinion of me quite clear," sighed Meher. "He accused me of everything from being a gold digger to wanting to destroy his business, his family and your future. He even offered me money...told me to do whatever it takes to get out of your life because he would never me accept as his daughter-in-law."
"So that's why you suddenly agreed to marry Viren?" asked Preet. Meher nodded. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
"I don't know," Meher shrugged her shoulders. "I guess I didn't see the point in doing so. There was already a rift between you and your father. I didn't want to make things worse."
"My father is responsible for the condition of our relationship Meher, not you," Preet corrected her.
"That may be the case Preet, but I never wanted to be the one to put you in the position of having to choose between your family or me," said Meher. She took his hands in hers. "Anyway, that's no longer relevant, right? I mean, you caught the Rampal's fraud. Your father must have been so proud of you. That's why he no longer had any objection to you marrying me instead of Ashlesha. That's why you came back to get me, right?"
Oops! Thought Preet. She thinks Bauji approved my actions. If I tell her otherwise, she'll do something crazy like ask me to take her back home. Sorry Meher, not this time. Bauji's approval or not...nothing is going to stop us from being together this time. "Uh...yeah...something like that," said Preet.
"How did you suddenly find information on the Rampals?" asked Meher.
"Woh...uh...Ashlehsa...she...uh...she told me everything I needed to know," said Preet.
"What?" Meher said in surprise. "Why would she do that?"
"Because I found out that she was...," Oops! He hated to do it, but for the time being Ashlesha's pregnancy was another secret he had to keep from Meher. Preet chose his words carefully. "Uh...because I found out she was secretly dating the son of some guy her father hates. I threatened to expose her to her family and she offered to tell me her family's plans in return for my silence."
"Oh my God! Ashlesha was two timing you?" exclaimed Meher. "How odd that she was the one giving me an earful about trying to steal her fiance."
"She never cared for me," said Preet. "It was all a show for her parents until she and her boyfriend could figure out how to be together. Everyone was just using everyone else to serve their means."
"That family is more twisted than I thought," Meher shook her head. "Oh well, all's well that ends well. So um...what now?"
"Matlab (what do you mean)?" asked Preet.
"Matlab ye ke...dulhan bhaga ke laye ho, mujhse shaadi karni hai ya nahi (I mean, you've run away with the bride, aren't you going to marry her now)? asked Meher.
"Hmm, that depends...," said Preet. With his arms folded across his chest, he looked at Meher with a raised eyebrow. "...on whether or not you want to marry me."
"Huhn? Of course I want to marry you," cried Meher. "Why else do you think I came with you?"
"Then ask me," said Preet.
"What?!" Meher asked in surprise.
"You heard me," said Preet, as a smirk appeared on his face. "Ask me to marry you."
"Preet!" cried Meher.
"Don't Preet me young lady," said Preet. "I asked you so many times only to have you leave me in limbo, it's only fair that you ask me now."
"Fine...," said Meher. "Preet Juneja..."
"Throw in an I love you' for good measure," Preet interrupted her.
Meher shook her head and smiled. "Preet Juneja...I...I love you...will you please..."
"Feel free to go down on one knee while you're at it," said Preet.
Meher's mouth fell open. "Preet! Don't push your luck!" she warned.
"Fine," said Preet. "I suppose going down on one knee in the middle of the road in that dress would be a little difficult...go ahead...I'm listening."
"Preet Juneja, I love you," said Meher. "Will you please marry me?"
"Hmm...let me think about it," said Preet.
"Preet!" fumed Meher as she grabbed him by his collar and looked him in the eyes. "You better marry me or else!"
Preet broke out into a wide grin. He threw his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, and whispered one simple little word. "Okay." He leaned down to kiss her but she pushed him away and ran giggling back to the passenger side of the car. "Hey!" He threw his hands up in protest.
"Yeh sab ab shaadi ke baad hi hoga (You'll have to wait until after we're married) Mr. Juneja," Meher stuck her tongue out at him.
"I expect a lot more than just a kiss after we're married," Preet said as he got back into the car.
"Preet!" blushed Meher. "Kitne besharam ho gaye ho tum (how shameless you've become)."
Preet threw his head back and laughed out loud. He started the car and drove further along the route until they came across a mandir. They purchased the things needed from the vendors outside, then went inside and were married by the pandit in a simple marriage ceremony.
"Congratz Mrs. Juneja," grinned Preet. He tossed some marigold petals on himself and Meher as they descended the steps of the mandir.
"Congratulations to you too Mr. Juneja," smiled Meher.
"What's wrong Meher?" Preet asked as he saw her grow quiet. "You're not regretting anything are you?"
"No," said Meher. She toyed with the garland around her neck. "I just wish our families could have been here to give us their blessing. I mean, Papa-ji gave us his blessing when we left but...there wasn't anyone from your side."
"Is that all?" said Preet. He pulled his phone out and placed a face-time call. "Hey Heer Bhabi."
"Preet?" answered Heer.
"Is that Preet Mamu?" Chahat chirped in the background. "I want to talk to him too."
"Hey munchkin!" smiled Preet.
"Preet are you alright?" Heer asked with concern. Preet had gone to Meher's mehndi with Ash. The chirpiness in his tone of voice surprised her. "Did you get a chance to see Meher? Were you able to talk her out of...?"
"I'm afraid Meher already got married Bhabi," said Preet.
"Oh no...I'm so sorry Preet," sighed Heer.
"I'm not," grinned Preet.
The poor boy is so depressed he's lost his mind, thought Heer. Wait a minute! Why does he have a garland around his neck? Just then Meher's face appeared on Heer's screen.
"Hi Heer Didi," smiled Meher.
"Meher?" Heer said in surprise. "Wait...what are you...what is going on here?"
"We just got married Bhabi," laughed Preet.
"What?!?" Heer cried in surprise.
"Really Chachu?!" Chahat clapped her hands and jumped up and down excitedly. "You mean Meher is my Chachi now, and we get to keep her with us forever and ever?"
"Yes," Preet smiled at Meher. "Forever and ever."
"Oh my God you two!" cried Heer. "I can't believe this! I am so happy for you both, but I'm mad as hell too! Preet, you know this is not how I imagined your wedding to be."
"I know Bhabi, but everything happened so quickly," explained Preet. "And you don't know how hard a time Meher gave me. She almost married Gaurav tonight."
"What?!" said Heer.
"Preet!" cried Meher, as she smacked him on the arm. "Don't listen to him Didi."
"It's the truth," laughed Preet. "I wasn't about to take any chances and have her change her mind, so I took her to the first mandir I could find and married her."
"It all sounds crazy Preet," chuckled Heer. "But I'm still happy for you both."
"Thanks Bhabi," said Preet. "You're the best."
"Even better than Papa?" asked Chahat.
"Come on munchkin, you know I never answer that question," chuckled Preet.
"Preet...Bauji...," said Heer.
"Uh...Bauji...uh...yeah...I know he's extra busy with PB gone, said Preet. "Don't worry, we don't mind. There will be plenty of time to sit down with him when we get back. Uh Meher...why don't you go sit in the car. I forgot, I had to give a little something to the pandit."
"Okay," said Meher. "Bye Didi, I'll see you soon."
"Bye," said Heer. She waited until Meher left and Preet came on again. "Okay Preet what's really going on?"
"Nothing," said Preet. "Meher and I got married."
"But you don't want Bauji to find out?" asked Heer.
"No, not until Prem Bhaiya and I can talk to him face to face," said Preet.
"But why?" asked Heer.
Not just his marriage to Meher, but the Rampal's fraud had to be proven to his father without exposing Ashlesha's secret. "It's kind of complicated Bhabi," sighed Preet.
"Okay fine, when are you bringing Meher home?" Heer asked excitedly.
"Soon," said Preet. "I just want us to have few days to ourselves first."
"Oh ho! A few days to yourselves," teased Heer. "I understand completely."
"Come on Bhabi," Preet smiled shyly. "Uh...Bhabi...until we get back..."
"Don't worry," laughed Heer. "I'll hold the fort until you guys get back."
"Thanks Heer Bhabi, you're the best," said Preet.
"Even better than Prem?" teased Heer.
"Bhabi!" laughed Preet.
Moments later...
Preet returned to the car, where Meher was waiting for him. He opened the door and was about to help her inside when his phone rang. "Now who's that?" he wondered out loud. He pulled his phone out and looked at Meher in surprise. "It's Gaurav."
Meher's face grew serious. "Oh God, I hope there wasn't any trouble after we left. Answer it quick."
Preet nodded. "Hey Gaurav, what's up?"
"Hey Preet, did you and Meher get married yet?" asked Gaurav.
"Yeah, a little while ago, why?" asked Preet. "What?! You've got to be kidding me!"
"What happened?" asked Meher. "Is everything alright?"
"Sam and Gaurav just tied the knot too," said Preet.
"What?!" cried Meher. "Let me talk to Sam."
Preet gave her his phone. "Sam ki bachi! I leave you alone for two minutes and you go get married without me there!" cried Meher.
"Ha Ha! It's all Gaurav's fault," laughed Sam. "He's been after me to push the wedding date up...and considering Daljeet Rampal was footing the bill...I said why not."
"But what about your dad?" asked Meher.
"Papa ko toh main patta loon gi (I'll win my father over)," chuckled Sam. "We're on our way to my parent's place. But isn't this wonderful Meher. Our husbands are best friends, just like us...and we both got married on the same day too!"
"Yes," smiled Meher. "It is wonderful. Uh Sam...my folks..."
"Your dad is just fine," Sam reassured her. "Kuljeet Chachee did make a bit of a fuss until I pointed out that she may have lost a Chadda but gained a Juneja instead. You should have seen the dollar signs lighting up her eyes. She was fine after that."
"Sam that's terrible," laughed Meher.
"You don't know how good it feels to hear you laugh," smiled Sam. "Now don't worry about anything and go have some fun with that wonderful husband of yours."
"I love you Sam," said Meher.
"Han Han (yes)...love you too...ab ziyada senti mat kar (don't get all sentimental now)," said Sam.
"Well...that sure made my day," Meher smiled as she handed Preet his phone.
"I know right," agreed Preet. "I don't think we could have asked for better friends. I hope they always remain happy together. But you know who's not going to be happy...Daljeet Rampal. How I would love to be a fly on the wall when she finds out it was Sam and Gaurav that got married and not you and Viren."
"Me too," said Meher. "So...um...what about us? Are you going to take me home? Heer Didi must be waiting for us, right?"
"Uh...not exactly," said Preet. "I told her we wouldn't be coming home right away."
"But why?" asked Meher.
"Because we finally got married after going through a lot of hell Meher," sighed Preet. "I don't want to see anyone for a while. I mean, we're entitled to spend some time together aren't we? You know...quality time...just you and me."
"I see," smiled Meher. "And just where are we going to spend this quality time?"
Preet put his arm around her shoulders and smiled. "Kasauli."
Chapter 51 Preview: Preet and Meher begin their time in Kasauli
Link to: Chapter 51
Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557
Real Estate
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
