Fatima's Cozy Corner 3 - Final Update on Pg 114 :) - Page 70

Originally posted by: Chit15

Hi Fatima

Sorry couldn't write feedback for last two updates but they were really gripping and fabulous update.😊

This latest update is really sweet.

Meher playing with snow with her Preet was fun to read.👍🏼

Cinderella in snow with her prince charming😳

Looking forward to your next update

Originally posted by: sana.harshiti

Great update Fatima.
Please update soon.

Originally posted by: mijanur

Update soon

Originally posted by: Fatima_Q

A little busy these days Shuridh...but will try to put up something soon.

Chapter 54 - A Sweet Separation

The next day...

Meher woke up to an incessant ringing sound. Was that Preet's phone? The cell phone signals up here had been hit or miss at best, so she hadn't expected anyone to be able to call them. Their families knew where they were, so they shouldn't be worried. Still, Preet had instructed Ramu Kaka to let them know if anyone was trying to contact them, just in case. So who would be calling? That too so early in the morning. She looked over at Preet. He lay next to her fast asleep, one arm draped possessively around her waist. The phone rang again then grew silent. "Preet?" Meher whispered. "Are you awake?"

Preet stirred in his sleep. Meher smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Come on Preet, wake up."

"Mmm," he replied, enjoying her warm lips against his skin. He slowly opened his eyes. "I was just having a dream about you."

"Really?" smiled Meher. "Well then I hope it was a good one."

"A very good one," he pulled her close and rolled over to the other side taking her with him. She giggled as his lips skimmed her collarbone. Just then his phone rang again. Preet raised his head and stared at it in surprise. "Is that my phone?"

"Yes," said Meher. "It's the third time someone's calling too."

"Really," said Preet. He picked up his phone and checked the name of the caller. It was Heer. Why was she calling this early in the morning? "Hey Heer Bhabi, what's up?"

"Pr-Preet...Preet...," Heer sobbed on the other end.

He immediately sat up. "Bhabi, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Preet...it's Prem," Heer continued to cry. "There's been an accident."

"What?!" cried Preet. "How? What happened?"

"I don't know," said Heer. "We got a call this morning...but no one is giving me any details...I...I need you to come home right away Preet. I need to go to him."

"Don't worry Bhabi, Prem Bhaiya ko kuch nahin ho ga (Nothing is going to happen to Prem)," Preet reassured her. "I'll leave Kasauli right now."

Later...

Wide-eyed and alert, Preet focused on the drive ahead of him. He didn't need coffee or any other stimulant to wake him up this morning. The news about his brother's accident had been more than enough to shake him out of whatever dream world he had been living in. His Prem Bhaiya...his PB...was lying unconscious in a hospital bed in London.

{Flashback:}

"Hey Herman Bhaiya, I just wanted to let you know I'm about to leave Kasauli," Preet spoke to his brother on the phone. "How is Heer Bhabi holding up? She was hysterical when I spoke to her earlier. It's not good for her or the baby."

"I know," sighed Herman. "Maya is with her. We're trying our best to reassure her, but she refuses to rest. Thank God the driver took Chahat to school. Teji Chahee should be here soon. And Kulraj Didi and the kids will come by later this afternoon."

"Good," said Preet.

"I've booked tickets for you and Heer Bhabi for this evening," said Herman. "Preet...the police think it could have been a hit and run. You don't think the Rampals...?"

Herman explained how Prem had been on his way to court to file a petition against Rampal Industries. He intended to forward the papers he had compiled to Herman later that day so that he could file a similar complaint in India. But Prem had never made it to the court house. His car had been struck by a small truck, as he tried to make a right turn at an intersection. The police were still investigating. Several onlookers they had spoken to claimed the truck had missed the red light. Others said it looked like a hit and run. No one got a good enough look at the driver, but one of them did get the license plate of the vehicle. Bauji was making sure Prem was getting the best care money could buy, but his brother had still not regained consciousness. Heer Bhabi had nearly passed out when she found out.

"The Rampals...?" said Preet. "How could they?"

"Why couldn't they?" said Herman. "They play dirty when it comes to business, so why would they hesitate to do something like this. Maybe they found out we were on to them. Maybe they wanted to stop Prem at all cost. I don't know...maybe I'm just grasping at straws..."

The Rampals being behind Prem's accident, wondered Preet. Did Ashlesha tell her parents everything? Would she have put her pregnancy at risk? The more he thought about it the angrier he became. Anything was possible. And if the Rampals did have a hand in this, there would be hell to pay!

"I guess it didn't help that you ran off and got married...," continued Herman.

"Wait...what?" said Preet.

"You married Meher. Ash probably went crying straight to her parents," said Herman. "Rishap Rampal is a powerful man. You hurt his daughter. I wouldn't put it past him to have done something like this out of revenge. He's pulled back all promises of investing in Juneja Enterprises, and he's making sure no one else does too. He's succeeding. No one is willing to touch us with a 10 foot pole even. Really Preet, what were you thinking? I mean, what was the rush? Couldn't you two wait until we had the noose fixed around the Rampals neck? Bauji is furious. And quite frankly, I don't blame him. Meher hasn't even stepped into this family and already our luck has soured."

"Don't Bhai," warned Preet. He watched as Meher put some bags in the trunk of the car then went to sit on the passenger's side. "Don't bring Meher into this. None of this is her fault. The Rampals are frauds, remember?"

"That may be the case, but we haven't been able to call them out on it Preet," said Herman. "And it doesn't change the fact that Prem is the hospital, and we don't know what's going to happen next."

"Nothing is going to happen to PB!" said Preet. He put his phone away, and slowly walked over to the car. PB was a fighter...he was going to be okay...he had better be okay!

{End of Flashback}

Meher watched in silence as Preet focused on the drive back to Delhi. He looked so serious. He was trying his best not to show it, but she knew he was extremely worried about his eldest brother. He had spoken to Herman on the phone before leaving Kasauli. How the accident happened...Prem's condition...everything was still unclear. His tickets were booked, and he and Heer would be on a plane to London tonight. She wasn't going with him though. His first family crisis after they were married and she wasn't going to be there for him, because of one lousy little detail...a passport. Despite the entire moving to the USA drama with Viren, she never had her passport made. Rats! They were going to stop in Ambala, where he would put her on a bus to Ludhiana, and he would continue onto Delhi. She wasn't happy about it, but he had been adamant that this was what they were going to do.

"Uh...Preet...are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Meher.

"What is?" he asked absentmindedly.

"My going to Ludhiana, while you go to Delhi alone," said Meher.

"You want to see your parents don't you?" asked Preet.

"Yes but...," said Meher.

"And they'll be happy to see you too," Preet interrupted her. "I already spoke to your father. He'll pick you up from the bus station. He sounded very excited about your visit. Consider it your pag phera."

"But Preet...," said Meher. "I...I want to be there for you and your family. I mean, everyone will be so concerned about Prem Bhaiya. How will it look if I'm not there? Your family will think I'm some insensitive cad, when you know I want to be there for you and for them."

"Look Meher, we've already been over this," sighed Preet. "I'm going to Delhi to pick up Heer Bhabi and we're heading straight to the airport to catch our flight to London. Heer Bhabi is pregnant. The last thing I want is for her to freak out any more than she already is. And I know she won't rest until she sees PB with her own eyes. You can't go with us because you don't have a passport. Bauji, Herman Bhaiya, Maya Bhabi...they're all worried, but they don't know you well enough to turn to you for solace. It'll just be very awkward. Everyone is gone to work for most of the day, so you'll be home alone bored." Not to mention the fact that he hadn't readied his family for her arrival. Herman had said his father was furious. Who knows how he would react if he showed up at his door with Meher at his side? No. He definitely had to reveal the Rampals' fraud to his father first. That was the only way to ensure Meher would be accepted into his family. "Uh...trust me, it's better if you just go to your parents place until I return."

"What about Chahat? She's not going with you," said Meher. "I can look after her until Heer Didi returns."

"We have plenty of servants to look after Chahat," said Preet. "In any case, Heer Bhabi's mom left for Delhi this morning. She's probably there already. And Kul Di and the kids will be there later today. There will be plenty of people to keep her happy and occupied until we get back."

"Oh...okay," said Meher. "I was just trying to help. I'm going to miss you."

Preet looked over at her and smiled. He reached out, took her hand in his and squeezed it affectionately. "I'm going to miss you too. But it's only going to be for a couple of days. Okay?"

Meher nodded. She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze too. "Preet...tum chinta mat karo (don't you worry about a thing)...Prem Bhaiya will be just fine."

Later that day...

Preet brought his car to a stop in the driveway of the Juneja mansion. He looked at his watch. Meher must have reached Ludhiana by now, he thought. I'll give her a call and let her know I've reached home too. He stepped out of his car, handed the keys to a driver that had just approached him, then quickly pulled out his phone and dialed Meher's number. To his surprise, he heard her phone ringing nearby.

"Sir Ji, yeh phone gaadi ke mat pe gira hua tha (this phone was lying on the floor mat in the car)," the driver brought the small device to him.

"Thanks," sighed Preet. Meher must have dropped it while exiting the car. Great! How was he going to get in touch with her now? He slowly walked into the Juneja mansion. Herman and Heer's mother Teji were the first one to greet him.

"Preet Beta, I'm so relieved that you're home," sighed Teji.

"How are you Chachee ji?" asked Preet as he touched her feet.

"I'm fine, all things considered," said Teji. She place her hand on his head. "It's Heer I'm worried about. She's been crying herself sick ever since she got the news about Prem. I've been trying my best to keep her distracted. All this stress is not good for the baby, you know. Chahat came home from school a short while ago. The poor thing doesn't know what's going on, and I think it's best we keep it that way."

"I agree," said Preet. "And don't worry about Bhabi. I'm sure she will feel better once she sees Prem Bhaiya for herself and sees that he is alright." He exchanged glances with his brother. "Any more news about PB or the accident?"

"Just what I already told you," Herman shook his head. "I have the passports and tickets ready. You don't have much time to pack."

"It's okay, my stuff is already in the car," said Preet.

"Oh that's right, you were on your own little trip," Teji spoke up. "I'm so sorry that you had to cut things short."

"It's okay Chachee Ji, nothing is more important than this," said Preet.

"Waise...Heer mentioned something about you getting married," said Teji. "I was sure she was mistaken. I mean, it seems a bit sudden. No one was invited. Is everything alright beta?"

"Everything is just fine," Preet gave her a weak smile.

Just then Chahat passed by. A big smile appeared on her face as she spotted Preet. "Preet Chachu!" she cried as she ran and jumped into his arms. "I missed you."

"Hey munchkin," smiled Preet as he picked up the little girl and tossed her in the air. "I missed you too."

"How come you're back so soon Chachu?" asked Chahat. "Mommy said you wouldn't be back for at least a week." She looked over his shoulder. "And where's Meher Chachee?"

"Meher? Wasn't he engaged to Ashlesha Rampal?" Teji asked Herman.

"She...uh...she was missing her parents so she went to Ludhiana to visit them for a few days," Preet explained to Chahat.

"Oh no," frowned Chahat. "I wanted to see her."

"I know Munchkin," smiled Preet. "And you will see her very soon. I promise. Hey...uh...where's your mom by the way?"

"Mommy is in her room," said Chahat. "She's been crying a lot. I think she misses daddy, because she's been hugging his photo all day."

"I see," said Preet.

"Nani says you and mommy are going to go see daddy tonight," said Chahat. "I want to go too."

"Chahat sweetie, London is not around the corner," sighed Teji. "Heer and Preet have to go on an airplane. Kulraj Bua will be coming by soon too. You want to see your cousins don't you?"

"Yes, but I want to go on an airplane too," Chahat said with a pout. She hugged Preet's neck. "Please Chachu...please. I want to see daddy."

"I know you do," smiled Preet. "But I'm afraid Herman Chacha could only get 2 tickets this time Munchkin."

"More importantly, you also have school tomorrow," Herman reminded her.

Preet saw his niece frown. "Hey don't you worry," he reassured her. "Your mom, dad, and I will be back before you know it, and then we'll all make plans to get on an airplane and visit Veera Bua on your next school break."

"Really?!" Chahat clapped her hands excitedly. "With Meher Chachee too?"

"Yes...with your Meher Chachee too," grinned Preet.

"Uff! This little one and her never ending questions," said Teji. "Come Chahat, your Chachu has to get ready for his flight." She took Chahat's hand as Preet put her down. "I've packed Heer's bags already."

"Right," nodded Preet. "I'll go check on Bhabi and let her know I'm here."

Herman waited until Teji and Chahat left then turned to his brother. "Preet, Bauji is expecting you too, and he's not happy."

"When is he ever happy with me Bhai?" sighed Preet.

"Yeah well, I think you should talk to him right away," said Herman.

"No thanks," said Preet. "Right now my main concern is Prem Bhaiya and Heer Bhabi. I'm not in the mood to get into an argument with Old Yamraj Ji about how I've disappointed him yet again."

"I hate to say it little bro, but this time you've brought it upon yourself," said Herman.

"Bhai please...let's not start this up again," sighed Preet. "I'm worried enough about PB as it is. I don't need for an argument to start between us. As for Bauji, I'll deal with him when I see him."

Herman looked past Preet at the stiff figure walking towards them. "Looks like you're about to get your chance. The passports and tickets are in my room. I'll go get them."

"Bhai wait...," said Preet. But his brother had already quickly walked away. As his father's footsteps drew closer, a sense of impending doom came over him. He pursed his lips, closed his eyes and shook his head. Damn! His father was the last person he wanted to see right now.

"Well well, look what we have here," Lalit said mockingly as he came up behind him. "The prodigal son returns from his weekend tryst."

"Bauji...," Preet turned around to face Lalit. "I...uh...I came as soon as I could. Don't you worry about a thing. Prem Bhaiya will be just fine...and..."

"You're alone?" Lalit looked around. "Where is...she?"

Here we go, thought Preet. "Meher? I...uh...I sent her to her parents' home. Considering the circumstances, I thought it was best to..."

"You sent her? Or did she decide to abandon you in your time of need?" asked Lalit flatly. "Ah! It's just as well. I had no wish to see that girl. Do you have any idea how much this little fling of yours has cost us?"

"Fling?" Preet said in surprise.

"Isn't that what it was?" remarked Lalit. "I mean, you're engaged to be married to Ashlesha Rampal...everyone was pressuring you to finalize a date...you panicked and ran away with your...special friend. I can understand. I was young once, and Ms. Maan is a very pretty girl. An ungrateful one, but very pretty nonetheless."

"You're making it sound as if Meher and I had some sort of casual affair?" Preet said through clenched teeth. "We got married Bauji. Whether you like it or not, that is the fact."

"Come now Preet, you can't be serious," scoffed Lalit. "She's some low level hotel manager's daughter. A hotel that we didn't even have time to look at before you went to Ludhiana. No! I don't want to hear about any of this marriage nonsense. You stayed at her house, and she caught your fancy. She's the girl you can run away with for a good time, but not the one you come back home with. You made a mistake. I can accept that. And now that you've had your fill of her, I hope you've gotten her out of your system and are ready to move on and face real life with your real obligations."

Preet clenched his teeth, and his hands balled up into fists. He could feel his anger rising. His father may be in the mood for a long drawn out argument, but his brother and Bhabi needed him right now. "That's it. I've had enough." He turned his back to his father and began to head for the stairs.

"Go ahead!" his father called out after him. "Run off, just like you always do when you don't like hearing the truth."

Later...

Preet handed Heer a cup of tea. She was seated in the waiting area near the gate where their flight was scheduled to take off.

"Did you check Preet?" Heer asked anxiously. "The flight is on time and everything, right?"

"Yes Bhabi, the flight is on time," Preet placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Everything is going to be just fine. And PB...once he finds you by his side, he's going to get better in a snap."

"Yeah well, he better," frowned Heer. "Otherwise I'm going to kill him. Ooo..." She placed a hand on her bulging stomach and winced.

"Are you okay?" Preet asked with concern.

"Yes," sighed Heer. "I think the baby was just shifting itself around."

"Okay, well...drink your tea while it's still hot," said Preet. "I'm just going to give Meher a quick call."

"Tell her I said Hi," said Heer. "And sorry for you guys having to cut your trip short."

"Bhabi, I thought we already went over this," said Preet. "Nothing is more important than you and PB right now." He took out his phone then walked a short distance away to make his call. Meher had accidentally dropped her phone in his car. He would either have to call her landline or her father's phone. He decided to call the landline, at least there was a chance Meher would pick up. She didn't. "Hello? Mr. Maan, I mean...Papa Ji...how are you sir? Yes yes...I got to Delhi just fine. I'm at the airport right now. My flight leaves in a little while. Yes...I'll be sure to convey your well wishes to Prem Bhaiya...yes...uh...Sir, may I speak with Meher please...thanks."

"Hi Preet," Meher came on the phone. "I'm so glad you called. I...uh...I lost my phone."

"Yeah, you dropped it in the car actually," said Preet.

"What? How did that happen?" Meher wondered out loud. "God! I feel so stupid."

"It's okay, if I need to get in touch with you I'll just call you at this number," said Preet. "Of course it's not going to be easy romancing you over the phone without worrying about your step-mother listening in, but I'll try."

"Preet," giggled Meher. "Um...how is Heer Didi holding up? And Chahat?"

"Chahat is fine. She was insisting up until the last minute that she wanted to go with us," said Preet. "We haven't told her anything for obvious reasons. Everyone is doing whatever they can to keep her distracted. Heer Bhabi, said to say Hi' to you. She's putting on a brave front, but she's scared as hell. To be honest, we all are. PB is still in the ICU. To make matters worse he still hasn't regained consciousness, and the doctors don't know why."

"Sab theek ho jaye ga (everything will be alright)," said Meher.

"How can you say that with so much conviction?" asked Preet.

"Because you're going to be there," said Meher. "And I know you won't let anything bad happen to your family."

"Thanks Meher," smiled Preet. "Thanks for having so much faith in me. It really means a lot."

"Hmm," said Meher. "Just don't forget to look after yourself."

"Me?" said Preet. "Mujhe kya hoga (What could happen to me)? I'm just as smart, sexy and handsome as I was when you last saw me...bas tumhe bauhat miss kar rah hoon (I'm just missing you alot). I wish I could have taken you with me."

"I miss you too Preet, but don't worry. I'll be just fine here," said Meher. "Prem Bhaiya and Heer Didi need you right now."

"I know...but I still miss you," said Preet. "And you know what I'm going to miss the most?"

"What?" asked Meher.

"Waking up next to you...," smiled Preet. "...running my hand down your back as you snuggle up next to me...the way you feel as my fingertips graze your skin...the tiny drops of water that fall on my face from your freshly washed hair...the fresh scent of lilacs as you lean over and try to wake me...the feel of you as you fall laughing into my arms as I try to steal that first kiss in the morning. I know it's just for a few days, but I'm sure as hell going to miss you Cinderella."

"Preet...," blushed Meher.

"Acha sunno, they just made the boarding call for my flight," said Preet. "Ab sharmana bas karo aur ek quick sa I love you toh bol do (Stop being shy and give me a quick I love you)."

"Preet!" Meher hissed as she eyed her father sitting nearby. "I...I can't."

"Why not?" asked Preet.

"Because...," said Meher.

"Because what?" said Preet.

"Uff-ho Preet, try and understand," whispered Meher. "Papa-Ji..."

Just then Kuljeet walked into the room. When she realized Meher was on the phone with Preet, she rushed right over and took the phone from Meher's hand. "Oh my Rabs! Preet Puttar is that you?" she said. "Balraj told me tum foreign ja rahe ho (you're going abroad), that too London. That's where the London Bridge is right? How exciting! I've never been anywhere farther than Delhi. I suppose they have great big stores to shop at too. I've seen Ashlesha bring back beautiful things from there."

"Kuljeet!" cried Balraj. He walked up to his wife and tried to take the phone from her hands.

"What? Was I not supposed to mention Ash's name? Uh...Preet Puttar...give my hello to the Queen," Kuljeet managed to say before her husband took the phone and handed it back to Meher.

Meher sighed as her father took Kuljeet by the arm and took her out of the room scolding her. "I'm sorry about that Preet, Kuljeet bhi na..."

"It's okay Meher," chuckled Preet. "Uh...Heer Bhabi is waving at me. I better go. I'll call you as soon as I can."

"Okay," said Meher. "Have a safe flight. Give my regards to Heer Didi. And...uh...Preet..."

"Huhn?" said Preet.

"I love you," said Meher.

"I love you too Cinderella," smiled Preet. "Dil se."

Well, there you have it. I hope you all liked the update. 😳

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 55 Preview: Daljeet has a new plan for Meet 😈

Link to Chapter 55: Coming soon

Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557