Saiyyan-Complete FF; Epilogue - Pg. 14 - Page 3

CHAPTER 9

Prem styled his hair has he completed his look for the night. He was wearing black jeans with a blue shirt and a black leather jacket to complete his outfit. A silver Movado watch glistened on his wrist and the first buttons of his shirt was undone, giving a peak of his chiseled chest. Prem Juneja was definitely going to turn some heads tonight.

He was all ready for Heer's bachelorette party. Heer wanted a co-ed party to celebrate her last night as a single woman and the Juneja brother's decided to host it at their beach house. Currently, Prem was in his private room located on the 2^nd floor. Their friends will be pouring in soon, but Prem kept on replaying last night's moment in his head.

What had gotten into him?'' Prem thought, confused by his actions. In the past, him and Heer would barely carry on a conversation which didn't end in an argument. But lately...Prem's felt this protectiveness towards Heer. Of course he cared about her. Despite their childish relationship, they grew up together and were friends in a weird way.

But lately, there were certain moments where he couldn't control his actions around her. A perfect example being the diamond necklace situation. He had no idea what caused him to do that...he just acted...and what he did came from his heart.

Prem didn't have much time to dwell on his thoughts. He heard Preet calling him, letting him know that guests have started to arrive. Prem pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and made his way downstairs to get the party started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Who are all these people?" Heer mutter as she watched a group of unknown faces play beer pong. Meher looked just has confused and both Mann sisters turned a questioning look at Preet.

"I guess news spread that we were throwing a party...?" Preet replied sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. The party started off small, with a few mutual friends of the Maans and the Junejas. But 1 hour into the party, all kinds of people started pouring in. Heer giggled as Meher slapped Preet's arm.

"Preet, I told you to keep it small." A deep voice reprimanded the younger Juneja. Heer, Meher, and Preet turned to see Prem standing behind them, holding multiple shot glasses filled with an unknown liquid.

Heer's eyes gave him a quick once over. Damn...he did look good tonight, Heer admitted from a purely female point of view. Don't get her wrong. Heer was fully committed to Manmeet, but that didn't mean she couldn't look. Despite his annoying nature, even Heer couldn't deny tonight that Prem Juneja was a good looking man. She will never admit it out loud though.

"I don't know PB...but hey..the more the merrier right?" Preet responded cheekily.

Prem gave his younger brother a steady gaze. "Meher...hit him again for me please?" Prem responded in a calm tone, since his hands were occupied.

"Ow! Heer Di!" Preet yelped as Meher followed her Prem bhaiya's orders and slapped Preet again on his arm.

Heer chuckled has Preet hid behind her. "It's ok guys...I really don't mind." Heer spoke up, jumping to Preet's rescue.

Prem shook his head at Preet and passed out the shot glasses he was holding to each of them. "Here, might as well start celebrating right? To Heer." Prem announced as all 4 of them clinked their shot glasses and downed the Patron tequila.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Preet twirled Heer on the danced floor and pulled her back in smoothly. Everyone was having a blast. The party was a typical college party, drinking games, music, dancing, and a whole bunch of fun.

Heer laughed as Preet dipped her and pulled her back. After a few more songs, Heer pulled away indicating that she was thirsty and needed a drink. Preet nodded understanding and left to get her a drink as Heer walked away from the dance floor and waited for Preet.

"Hey beautiful. Congratulations!" Heer turned to see an unknown man approach and give her a hug.

Heer pulled away, "Thank you. Excuse me..." Heer tried to walk away but the man pulled her back.

"I'm sorry Sir, but I don't know you." Heer said, her voice icing over and her eyes turning to slits. She pulled her arm away from his grasps. The man wasn't someone she recognized from college.

"That's alright baby...I was wondering...since this is your last night as a single woman...maybe you want a last tumble in the sack? You know...get it out of your system?" The man replied crudely, raising his hand to touch Heer again.

As Heer opened her mouth to give this man a piece of her mind, she saw another hand grab his hand, blocking him from touching her.

Heer looked up to see Prem step between her and the gentleman. What Heer didn't notice was that Prem's eyes were flickering with suppressed anger.

"What's your problem?" the guy asked annoyed.

"I heard your offer...now...is that any way to speak to a lady?" Prem replied smoothly, his voice calm, but Heer knew...it was the quiet before the storm. Prem's stance was defensive...he was ready to fight if needed.

"Prem...jaane doh." Heer said, placing a gentle hand on Prem's taught shoulder muscles. Prem's focus diverted to Heer for just a moment...and Heer saw it then...the light glint off the silver blade.

It all happened so fast. Heer barely had time to process it as she called out in panic, "PREM!"

Prem turned around just in time to block the knife charging at his chest. It sliced at his forearm, cutting through his shirt and drawing blood. Prem winced in pain, but reflex had him dodge the next attack. He pivoted and threw a punch. Fist connected jaw, and his opponent stumbled to the floor.

"Prem! Oh my gosh! Are you alright!?" Heer asked, panicked, as she reached for him. "God you're bleeding!" Heer exclaimed as she saw Prem flex his arm, trying to ease the pain.

"Hey!" Two more guys stepped up as one helped their friend stand up from the floor. The 3 guys now stood, ready to fight Prem.

Prem took Heer's arm and moved her behind him, blocking her from the intruders. As Prem closed his fists to fight, he saw some of his basketball teammates, including Preet, take stance next to him..ready to protect their captain.

Preet's eyes flickered to Prem's forearm, seeing the blood. His eyes turned dangerous as he looked back at the 3 guys standing across from them. They hurt his big brother...

Preet's hands clenched into fists as he gave the 3 men death glares. "Make...a...move." Preet warned, his voice dangerously low.

The 3 guys looked around them nervously. It was 3 to 7 now. Knowing that it was wise to retreat, they turned and made a dash for the exit.

"Good move." Preet stated as he watched them dash off.

Prem turned and looked at his teammates, his gaze holding quiet command...and the Tigers understood. Their once serious faces splitting into devilish grins...they scurried after the 3 intruders to make sure they were thrown out of the house. And they would make sure to have a little fun while they completed this task.

"Bhai..." Preet reached out for Prem's arm, concern etching his face. "Kuch nahin hua...tu fikar mat kar." Prem replied reassuringly. He glanced at Heer and without another word, turned to go to his bedroom.

"Prem..." Heer called out, but he kept on walking.

"Heer di...are you alright?" Preet asked. Heer nodded, letting him know that she was fine. As Preet turned to follow Prem up the stairs, Heer stopped him, "Preet...mein jaati hoon." With that being said, Heer made her way up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heer stood in front of Prem's closed bedroom door. She stared at it blankly, not sure what to say when she entered. Heer was having a hard time sorting out her thoughts. When Heer saw the knife charge at Prem, she felt cold fear shoot through her...just cold, brutal fear. Prem could have been seriously hurt if he wasn't quick on his feet.

They may have their differences, but Heer would never wish for Prem to get hurt. And he did it for her. That's the other thing that Heer couldn't wrap her mind around. Prem stepped in to protect her...without hesitation...without a second thought. He simply acted.

Heer had to check for herself that Prem was alright. She owed him that much.

Taking a deep breath, Heer turned the knob of the door and entered the room...only to see Prem stripped to his waist.

Heer felt her heart give a loud thud. What was this feeling? Why was it that recently, Heer felt this nervousness around Prem? Was it because he was being kind towards her? That must be it. Heer was seeing a new side to Prem, and her reaction was just natural.

When Prem turned to see who entered his room, Heer saw that he was pressing a towel to his wound. All thoughts vanished from Heer's mind as concern etched her face. She entered the room further without waiting for an invitation and placed her hand on the towel covering Prem's wound. Guilt started to creep in with the concern...he got hurt because of her.

Prem saw the concern on Heer's face...and then the guilt. No words were needed for Prem to see that Heer was blaming herself. "Arre...aaj kal knock karne ka zamana nahin raha kya?" Prem retorted, trying to lighting the mood.

Heer glared at Prem and removed the towel. "Shut up Prem." Heer responded, her words holding no heat. "This will get infected if we don't clean it." Heer murmured, referring to the wound.

"Ek minute..." Heer said and went into the bathroom as Prem sat down on his bed. Heer came back with a first aid kit and took a seat next to Prem.

Heer pressed an alcohol wipe to the wound and started cleaning it. They sat in silence as Heer tended to the wound. There was an odd comfort between them, a feeling you only get with someone you have known your whole life. Prem studied Heer's face as she worked in silence. She was trying to figure out what to say...Prem felt her hesitation...and so he quietly waited.

Heer was trying to formulate the right words in her head, and figured simple was the way to go.

"Prem...I'm sorry..." Heer whispered, wrapping the bandage over the wound.

Prem felt a tingle in his chest at the simple words. "Tumari ghalti nahin hai Heer." Prem assured gently, trying to take away her guilt. He waited until Heer lifted her eyes to meet his, and continued, "Usski himmat kaise hui tumse iss tara baath karne ki? Aur phir woh humare college ke nahin the...agar kissi aur ke saath aisa kiya hota tho? They had to be taught a lesson." Prem responded heatedly, the thought of those men disrespecting Heer spiking his temper once again.

"Lekin Prem, tum mere liye yeh sab kyon kar rahe ho? You could have gotten seriously hurt tonight." Heer argued. "We've never gotten along...I just don't understand why you are doing this," Heer asked, this side of Prem never directed towards her before.

"Heer..." Prem sighed, his voice gentle. "Hum chahe jitna bhi lade, hai tho hum bachpan ke dost naa? Hum ek doosre ka bura kabhi nahin chahenge" Prem reasoned. He may always tease her, fight with her, make her life a living hell..but at the end of the day...they grew up together. Their lives were too intertwined for there to be any real hatred. When push came to shove, the Manns and the Junejas would always stand together.

Prem gave a rare, kind smile and stood up to grab his shirt. Heer watched his movements quietly, ...unable to respond. His words seemed to caress her and leave a tingling feeling in her chest she wasn't able to understand. She simply watched as Prem swung his shirt around and put it on. Prem turned to her and gave her another genuine smile.

"Aur vaise bhi" Prem continued, "tumhe saatane ka haq...sirf mujhe hai. Yeh haq mein Manmeet ko bhi nahin doonga. Right freckle face?" He asked, grinning.

And he was back'' Heer thought as she glared at him. She tried to hold her glare, and Prem simply grinned back...and Heer gave up and ended up chuckling.

"That's right chicken legs." Heer replied, the easy banter between them returning. Heer stood up and walked with him to the door, their serious conversation from before forgotten. "And since you are now my designated body guard, I'll come to you if Manmeet ever crosses me. Uska acche se kabar lenna." Heer joked, this time causing Prem to chuckle.

"Chalo teek hai" Prem agreed, "mein vaada karta hoon...agar Manmeet ne kuch ulta seeda kiya...tho mein sab samhaal loonga" he replied. A simple promise made not meant to be taken seriously as they rejoined the party.

Originally posted by: JCluvs srk

CHAPTER 9

Prem styled his hair has
he completed his look for the night. He was wearing black jeans with a blue
shirt and a black leather jacket to complete his outfit. A silver Movado watch
glistened on his wrist and the first buttons of his shirt was undone, giving a
peak of his chiseled chest. Prem Juneja was definitely going to turn some heads
tonight.

He was all ready for
Heer's bachelorette party. Heer wanted a co-ed party to celebrate her last
night as a single woman and the Juneja brother's decided to host it at their
beach house. Currently, Prem was in his private room located on the 2^nd
floor. Their friends will be pouring in soon, but Prem kept on replaying last
night's moment in his head.

What had gotten into
him?'' Prem thought, confused by his actions. In the past, him and Heer would
barely carry on a conversation which didn't end in an argument. But
lately...Prem's felt this protectiveness towards Heer. Of course he cared about
her. Despite their childish relationship, they grew up together and were
friends in a weird way.

But lately, there were
certain moments where he couldn't control his actions around her. A perfect
example being the diamond necklace situation. He had no idea what caused him to
do that...he just acted...and what he did came from his heart.

Prem didn't have much
time to dwell on his thoughts. He heard Preet calling him, letting him know
that guests have started to arrive. Prem pushed his thoughts to the back of his
mind and made his way downstairs to get the party started.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Who are all these
people?" Heer mutter as she watched a group of unknown faces play beer pong.
Meher looked just has confused and both Mann sisters turned a questioning look
at Preet.

"I guess news spread that
we were throwing a party...?" Preet replied sheepishly, scratching the back of
his head. The party started off small, with a few mutual friends of the Maans
and the Junejas. But 1 hour into the party, all kinds of people started pouring
in. Heer giggled as Meher slapped Preet's arm.

"Preet,
I told you to keep it small." A deep voice reprimanded the younger Juneja.
Heer, Meher, and Preet turned to see Prem standing behind them, holding
multiple shot glasses filled with an unknown liquid.

Heer's
eyes gave him a quick once over. Damn...he
did look good tonight, Heer admitted from a purely female point of view. Don't
get her wrong. Heer was fully committed to Manmeet, but that didn't mean she
couldn't look. Despite his annoying nature, even Heer couldn't deny tonight that
Prem Juneja was a good looking man. She will never admit it out loud though.

"I
don't know PB...but hey..the more the
merrier right?" Preet responded cheekily.

Prem
gave his younger brother a steady gaze. "Meher...hit him again for me please?"
Prem responded in a calm tone, since his hands were occupied.

"Ow!
Heer Di!" Preet yelped as Meher followed her Prem bhaiya's orders and slapped
Preet again on his arm.

Heer
chuckled has Preet hid behind her. "It's ok guys...I really don't mind." Heer
spoke up, jumping to Preet's rescue.

Prem
shook his head at Preet and passed out the shot glasses he was holding to each
of them. "Here, might as well start celebrating right? To Heer." Prem announced
as all 4 of them clinked their shot glasses and downed the Patron tequila.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Preet
twirled Heer on the danced floor and pulled her back in smoothly. Everyone was
having a blast. The party was a typical college party, drinking games, music,
dancing, and a whole bunch of fun.

Heer
laughed as Preet dipped her and pulled her back. After a few more songs, Heer
pulled away indicating that she was thirsty and needed a drink. Preet nodded
understanding and left to get her a drink as Heer walked away from the dance floor
and waited for Preet.

"Hey
beautiful. Congratulations!" Heer turned to see an unknown man approach and
give her a hug.

Heer
pulled away, "Thank you. Excuse me..." Heer tried to walk away but the man pulled
her back.

"I'm
sorry Sir, but I don't know you." Heer said, her voice icing over and her eyes
turning to slits. She pulled her arm away from his grasps. The man wasn't
someone she recognized from college.

"That's
alright baby...I was wondering...since this is your last night as a single
woman...maybe you want a last tumble in the sack? You know...get it out of your
system?" The man replied crudely, raising his hand to touch Heer again.

As Heer
opened her mouth to give this man a piece of her mind, she saw another hand grab
his hand, blocking him from touching her.

Heer
looked up to see Prem step between her and the gentleman. What Heer didn't
notice was that Prem's eyes were flickering with suppressed anger.

"What's
your problem?" the guy asked annoyed.

"I
heard your offer...now...is that any way to speak to a lady?" Prem replied
smoothly, his voice calm, but Heer knew...it was the quiet before the storm.
Prem's stance was defensive...he was ready to fight if needed.

"Prem...jaane
doh." Heer said, placing a gentle hand on Prem's taught shoulder muscles.
Prem's focus diverted to Heer for just a moment...and Heer saw it then...the light
glint off the silver blade.

It all
happened so fast. Heer barely had time to process it as she called out in
panic, "PREM!"

Prem
turned around just in time to block the knife charging at his chest. It sliced
at his forearm, cutting through his shirt and drawing blood. Prem winced in
pain, but reflex had him dodge the next attack. He pivoted and threw a punch.
Fist connected jaw, and his opponent stumbled to the floor.

"Prem! Oh
my gosh! Are you alright!?" Heer asked, panicked, as she reached for him. "God
you're bleeding!" Heer exclaimed as she saw Prem flex his arm, trying to ease
the pain.

"Hey!"
Two more guys stepped up as one helped their friend stand up from the floor.
The 3 guys now stood, ready to fight Prem.

Prem
took Heer's arm and moved her behind him, blocking her from the intruders. As
Prem closed his fists to fight, he saw some of his basketball teammates,
including Preet, take stance next to him..ready to protect their captain.

Preet's
eyes flickered to Prem's forearm, seeing the blood. His eyes turned dangerous
as he looked back at the 3 guys standing across from them. They hurt his big
brother...

Preet's
hands clenched into fists as he gave the 3 men death glares. "Make...a...move."
Preet warned, his voice dangerously low.

The 3
guys looked around them nervously. It was 3 to 7 now. Knowing that it was wise
to retreat, they turned and made a dash for the exit.

"Good
move." Preet stated as he watched them dash off.

Prem turned
and looked at his teammates, his gaze holding quiet command...and the Tigers
understood. Their once serious faces splitting into devilish grins...they
scurried after the 3 intruders to make sure they were thrown out of the house.
And they would make sure to have a little fun while they completed this task.

"Bhai..."
Preet reached out for Prem's arm, concern etching his face. "Kuch nahin hua...tu
fikar mat kar." Prem replied reassuringly. He glanced at Heer and without
another word, turned to go to his bedroom.

"Prem..."
Heer called out, but he kept on walking.

"Heer
di...are you alright?" Preet asked. Heer nodded, letting him know that she was
fine. As Preet turned to follow Prem up the stairs, Heer stopped him,
"Preet...mein jaati hoon." With that being said, Heer made her way up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Heer
stood in front of Prem's closed bedroom door. She stared at it blankly, not
sure what to say when she entered. Heer was having a hard time sorting out her
thoughts. When Heer saw the knife charge at Prem, she felt cold fear shoot
through her...just cold, brutal fear. Prem could have been seriously hurt if he
wasn't quick on his feet.

They
may have their differences, but Heer would never wish for Prem to get hurt. And
he did it for her. That's the other thing that Heer couldn't wrap her mind
around. Prem stepped in to protect her...without hesitation...without a second
thought. He simply acted.

Heer
had to check for herself that Prem was alright. She owed him that much.

Taking
a deep breath, Heer turned the knob of the door and entered the room...only to see
Prem stripped to his waist.

Heer
felt her heart give a loud thud. What was this feeling? Why was it that
recently, Heer felt this nervousness around Prem? Was it because he was being
kind towards her? That must be it. Heer was seeing a new side to Prem, and her
reaction was just natural.

When
Prem turned to see who entered his room, Heer saw that he was pressing a towel
to his wound. All thoughts vanished from Heer's mind as concern etched her
face. She entered the room further without waiting for an invitation and placed
her hand on the towel covering Prem's wound. Guilt started to creep in with the
concern...he got hurt because of her.

Prem
saw the concern on Heer's face...and then the guilt. No words were needed for
Prem to see that Heer was blaming herself. "Arre...aaj kal knock karne ka zamana
nahin raha kya?" Prem retorted, trying to lighting the mood.

Heer
glared at Prem and removed the towel. "Shut up Prem." Heer responded, her words
holding no heat. "This will get infected if we don't clean it." Heer murmured,
referring to the wound.

"Ek
minute..." Heer said and went into the bathroom as Prem sat down on his bed. Heer
came back with a first aid kit and took a seat next to Prem.

Heer
pressed an alcohol wipe to the wound and started cleaning it. They sat in silence
as Heer tended to the wound. There was an odd comfort between them, a feeling
you only get with someone you have known your whole life. Prem studied Heer's
face as she worked in silence. She was trying to figure out what to say...Prem
felt her hesitation...and so he quietly waited.

Heer
was trying to formulate the right words in her head, and figured simple was the
way to go.

"Prem...I'm
sorry..." Heer whispered, wrapping the bandage over the wound.

Prem
felt a tingle in his chest at the simple words. "Tumari ghalti nahin hai Heer."
Prem assured gently, trying to take away her guilt. He waited until Heer lifted
her eyes to meet his, and continued, "Usski himmat kaise hui tumse iss tara
baath karne ki? Aur phir woh humare college ke nahin the...agar kissi aur ke
saath aisa kiya hota tho? They had to be taught a lesson." Prem responded
heatedly, the thought of those men disrespecting Heer spiking his temper once
again.

"Lekin
Prem, tum mere liye yeh sab kyon kar rahe ho? You could have gotten seriously
hurt tonight." Heer argued. "We've never gotten along...I just don't understand
why you are doing this," Heer asked, this side of Prem never directed towards
her before.

"Heer..."
Prem sighed, his voice gentle. "Hum chahe jitna bhi lade, hai tho hum bachpan
ke dost naa? Hum ek doosre ka bura kabhi nahin chahenge" Prem reasoned. He may
always tease her, fight with her, make her life a living hell..but at the end
of the day...they grew up together. Their lives were too intertwined for there to
be any real hatred. When push came to shove, the Manns and the Junejas would
always stand together.

Prem
gave a rare, kind smile and stood up to grab his shirt. Heer watched his
movements quietly, ...unable to respond. His words seemed to caress her and leave
a tingling feeling in her chest she wasn't able to understand. She simply
watched as Prem swung his shirt around and put it on. Prem turned to her and
gave her another genuine smile.

"Aur
vaise bhi" Prem continued, "tumhe saatane ka haq...sirf mujhe hai. Yeh haq mein
Manmeet ko bhi nahin doonga. Right freckle face?" He asked, grinning.

And he
was back'' Heer thought as she glared at him. She tried to hold her glare, and
Prem simply grinned back...and Heer gave up and ended up chuckling.

"That's
right chicken legs." Heer replied, the easy banter between them returning. Heer
stood up and walked with him to the door, their serious conversation from
before forgotten. "And since you are now my designated body guard, I'll come to
you if Manmeet ever crosses me. Uska acche se kabar lenna." Heer joked, this
time causing Prem to chuckle.

"Chalo
teek hai" Prem agreed, "mein vaada karta hoon...agar Manmeet ne kuch ulta seeda
kiya...tho mein sab samhaal loonga" he replied. A simple promise made not meant
to be taken seriously as they rejoined the party.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is the next part! did you like it? do you like where this is going so far? please let me know in your comments. and thank you so much for reading! i know like is busy so i really appreciate you taking the time to read this.

CHAPTER 10

"Arre shagun ki thaali jaldi leh aao, baraat aane wali hai!" Teji ordered a relative as the wedding celebrations were in full swing. All the guests from the bride's side have arrived and were enjoying the lavish wedding. Crystals and flowers cascaded from every direction. Loud music filled the air. There was singing...dancing...and non-stop champagne being poured as everyone celebrated the wedding of Balraj Mann's eldest daughter.

*At Manmeet's house*

The elder woman put tikka on Manmeet's forehead. Manmeet looked at his mother lovingly and bent down to touch her feet.

"God bless you..." she said, placing a fragile hand on her son's head.

"Arre jaldi chalo...we have to head towards Mann house" Manmeet heard someone say, ushering the groom's family to hurry.

One by one, the guests started making their way outside. Music was playing and the dancing continued. The groom's party was all prepared to dance their way to Mann Mansion. Manmeet made his way outside, but noticed his mother heading back into her bedroom.

"Maa...sab teek hai" Manmeet asked, concerned.

His mother turned and smile, "sab teek hai beta...mein bas dawaii bhool gayi thi. Tum jao...main abhi ayi."

He smile and went outside to mount the decorated white horse.

*Mann Mansion*

"Arre Preet...kya beta...where is the whiskey?" A balding uncle asked a passing Preet.

"Uncle I'll tell the bartender right now to open the imported whiskey...pehla peg apka hi hai!" Preet smoothly replied and whispered something to the bartender before making his way to his father.

Lalit was busy instructing some workers to create a path made of rose petals. This was the path Heer and Manmeet will walk when it is time for them to leave.

Preet approached Lalit, "Papa, Balraj uncle apko doondh rahe hai."

"Huh?..Acha..." Lalit gave some last minute instructions to the decorators and followed Preet back inside the house.

As Lalit and Preet entered the main ballroom, Balraj grabbed Lalit and dragged him to the dance floor. Everyone cheered as the two old friends danced. Teji and Gayatri giggled at their husbands' antics. Preet whistled, joining in the dancing and Prem laughed as Lalit grabbed Gayatri to join him as well.

"Arre Teji maa aap kaha chali?" Prem asked as he caught her slipping away from the festivities.

"Mein bas dekhna chaati thi ke Heer tayaar hui ki nahin" Teji responded.

"Don't worry maa" Prem replied, "Meher is with Heer...app bas enjoy karo" he said dragging her to the dance floor. The two families laughed and danced around each other, celebrating the night away.

*Manmeet's house*

Manmeet's younger sister rushed through the crowd, tears staining her youthful face and fear in her eyes.

Manmeet laughed with some of his friends as they waited for his mother. They were almost ready to leave for Mann house.

"Bhai! Bhai!" his sister yelled, running to him. Manmeet turned and all blood drained from his face. He knelt down in front of his crying sister and his worst fears were coming true.

*Mann Mansion*

The diamond bindi was placed on jet black hair, glinting off the bare parting that will be soon be filled with the color of red. "Hai didi...you look so beautiful!" Meher gushed. And beautiful she was indeed as Ashlesha placed the decorated bridal dupatta over Heer's head completing her look.

The bridal lehenga was designed by Manish Malhotra especially for Heer...deep red and cream with hand stitched embroidery on silk. The top fitted to her body, with the sleeves over the shoulder style, adding a modern and sexy twist to a traditional outfit.

Heer was glowing. She didn't look beautiful because of an expensive outfit...or the stunning jewelry...or even her makeup...she looked beautiful because she was in love. She was going to marry her soul mate tonight and the sparkle of the diamonds was nothing compared to the sparkle in her eyes.

Ashlesha sighed, "you look so happy Heer...we are all so happy for you." Heer smiled at her cousin.

The sweet moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in!" Meher answered and in walked the Juneja brothers.

Preet's eyes landed on Heer and he whistled appreciatively. "Wow! You want to marry me instead? I am way more handsome than Manmeet." Preet said, putting on his best flirtatious tone. "Hmmm" Heer playfully looked Preet up and down, checking him out, "I agree...you are more handsome...lets tie the knot before Meher tries to stop us." Heer replied, causing laughter to break out amongst the group.

One person, however, stayed quiet. He didn't fully enter the room because one look at Heer and he stopped in his tracks. It's been happening to Prem a lot lately. Heer's beauty has been knocking the wind out of him...and for the life of him he couldn't explain why.

In the meantime, Manmeet waited outside the emergency room, still in his groom's sherwani. His handsome face filled with worry. When his sister rushed to his side earlier, he was notified that she found their mother fainted in the bedroom. Manmeet's mother was rushed to the hospital and now he waited.

The moment the doctor exited the emergency room, Manmeet rushed to his side. "Everything ok Doctor? Nothing to worry about?" Manmeet asked in a panic stricken tone.

"Don't worry beta...she had a little fainting spell because of the strong medication" The doctor put a comforting hand on Manmeet's shoulder. Manmeet let out a breath of relief.

"Thank you doctor...can I see her?" Manmeet asked.

"Yes...but I needed to speak to your first...please follow me to my office."

Once they settled down, with the doctor behind his desk and Manmeet in the visitors' seat, the doctor voiced his concerns, "Dekho beta...I have given your mom the medication to help but we will have to do the surgery soon. Her heart is weakening and we have to put the pace maker."

Manmeet looked on defeated, "I understand doctor, but I'm having a hard time arranging the money for it..." He was a simple man, he would never ask Heer or her parents for money.

"I understand...we can set up monthly payments if it helps...but I don't recommend postponing the surgery any longer." The doctor said kindly.

Once Manmeet left the doctor's office, he went straight to see his mother. She was sound asleep. She looked so frail...so delicate. The kindest person he knew...but she had such a weak heart.

His eyes filled and he blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. He had to be strong for his family. He was the man of the house...and he had to take care of his family.

He reached for his cell phone, hands shaking, and dialed the person who can help him.

*Mann Mansion*

The young man rushed through the crowd, holding the letter like it was the most precious thing in the world. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead...he felt the burden on his shoulders...delivering this message was the only thing on his mind right now.

He looked frantically through the crowd. Everyone was dancing...everyone was drinking...everyone was mingling...it was such a joyous occasion. He looked for someone...anyone he recognized that would take him to his destination.

His eyes then fell on Prem Juneja...that's it! The young man rushed through the ballroom, avoiding people to the best of his ability, trying not to knock anyone over.

"Prem!" he yelled as Prem turned to walk away.

At the sound of his Prem, Prem turned and came face to face with a fellow basketball teammate of his. "Arre Yash! Tu toh Manmeet ke baraat mein shaamil hone wala tha na?" Prem asked, surprised to see his friend.

"Prem I need your help" at the desperation in Yash's voice, Prem's smile slowly slid away and his eyes turned serious. "Kya hua...?" He asked, his voice heavy...afraid of finding out the answer.

*Heer's bedroom*

"Yeh baraat aab tak kyon nahin aayi?" Teji asked concerned. "Don't worry mom...they must be on their way" Meher responded, knowing that her mother worries too much.

Heer, Meher, Ashlesha, Teji, and Gayatri were all in the room. They were waiting for the baraat to arrive so they can walk Heer down to the mandap. Everything was done and the wedding was running smoothly...it was simply a waiting game now.

When the knock was heard on the door, Heer's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't excitement...something wasn't right. She felt it in her gut. When Prem entered the room with a fellow teammate, Heer saw the look in Prem's eyes. They spoke volumes...something definitely wasn't right...and her heart skipped another beat.

"Beta?...bhaat kya hai?" Gayatri asked, seeing the look on Prem's face and instantly knowing that something was wrong.

Prem didn't say a word. He simple walked to Heer and handed her the letter.

"Dear Heer,

This is probably the hardest decision I have had to make. I have been trying to tell you something for a few days and never found the right moment. A basketball recruiter has asked me to play at an international level and I was asked to leave for training this week. Initially, I declined the offer because I wanted to marry you and start our lives together...but Maa's health is deteriorating.

I thought I could find a solution. I thought that I could find a way to marry you and provide for my family at the same time. But my mother needs me now. I'm sorry Heer...I can't marry you right now. I have to leave tonight so I can pay for my mother's surgery.

You know that taking care of my family has always been my burden and I would never ask you for money. This is something I have to do on my own. I love you Heer...and I hope you can forgive me.

Love,

Manmeet"

Heer sank to the bed, her face pale...her expression blank. The glow she had dimmed...the result of a breaking heart. The letter slipped through her fingers and everything around her faded as she tried to process the words.

She faintly heard someone say, "Bauji ko leh aao, but had no idea who said it. Everything faded...it all faded...all she felt was a deep scar forming in her heart.

*One Hour Later*

"This is ridiculous!" Lalit roared angrily. "How can he leave like this!?" He fumed.

Teji wept quietly and Balraj paced the room, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Please shaant rahiye..." Gayatri attempted to calm her husband, "Arre kaise shaant rahoon!?" Lalit roared. "Usne humare Heer ke saath acha nahin kiya" Lalit continued angrily.

Heer hadn't moved from her position. She looked on...her face blank...the arguments around her a distant noise. Nothing made sense...no words reached her ears.

Preet and Ashlesha entered the room. "Balraj Uncle, the guests are starting to ask questions..." Ashlesha voiced, trying to be as gentle as possible.

"Hadh hai yaar!" Preet added annoyed, "Some people are so disgusting! They are gossiping that something must be wrong with Heer di, that's why the groom has ran away" Preet fumed, definitely less tactful than Ashlesha.

"WHAT!?" Lalit burst, his temper rising with each passing moment. Gayatri tried to control her husband's anger as Teji cried harder. Meher rushed to Teji's side to give her comfort. Balraj sank into a chair and rubbed a hand over his tired face. In a flourishing country, there was still stigma that the women were to blame when something went wrong...and he didn't know how to fight this stigma to protect his daughter.

Prem observed his two families from the corner of the room. He hasn't said a word since he gave the letter to Heer. He didn't know what to do...or say. All he could do was see the turmoil this was causing.

But when Preet said that people were starting to point fingers at Heer, his eyes darted to her. She was still in that same position she was an hour ago. No movement...no tears...nothing. He felt heavy in his chest...like a rock was placed over his heart and the pressure wasn't lifting. Before he knew it...he was standing directly in front of Heer.

Heer didn't hear anything going on around her. It was all a blur...all she heard was the roaring in her head...She heard it then...the deep voice calling out her name. Heer...

The voice cut through the fog...and she focused on it. Her eyes lifted and met the color of warm whiskey. Prem knelt in front of her so they could be eye level.

"Vaada kiya tha...ke agar Manmeet ne kuch ulta seeda kiya...toh mein sab sambhaal loonga..." Prem spoke, his voice steady...a beacon reaching out to Heer.

Heer focused...listening to Prem's every word. Prem held out his hand and Heer looked down at it. It was as if a divine force entered her. She had no control over her actions, but she felt herself place her hand in Prem's.

Prem stood and pulled Heer to her feet. He entwined his fingers with her's, making the connection all the more intimate. As Prem pulled her, Heer followed, dazed.

Originally posted by: JCluvs srk

CHAPTER
10

"Arre
shagun ki thaali jaldi leh aao, baraat aane wali hai!" Teji ordered a relative
as the wedding celebrations were in full swing. All the guests from the bride's
side have arrived and were enjoying the lavish wedding. Crystals and flowers
cascaded from every direction. Loud music filled the air. There was
singing...dancing...and non-stop champagne being poured as everyone celebrated the
wedding of Balraj Mann's eldest daughter.

*At
Manmeet's house*

The
elder woman put tikka on Manmeet's forehead. Manmeet looked at his mother
lovingly and bent down to touch her feet.

"God
bless you..." she said, placing a fragile hand on her son's head.

"Arre
jaldi chalo...we have to head towards Mann house" Manmeet heard someone say,
ushering the groom's family to hurry.

One by one, the guests started making their
way outside. Music was playing and the dancing continued. The groom's party was
all prepared to dance their way to Mann Mansion. Manmeet made his way outside,
but noticed his mother heading back into her bedroom.

"Maa...sab
teek hai" Manmeet asked, concerned.

His
mother turned and smile, "sab teek hai beta...mein bas dawaii bhool gayi thi. Tum
jao...main abhi ayi."

He
smile and went outside to mount the decorated white horse.

*Mann
Mansion*

"Arre Preet...kya beta...where is the whiskey?" A
balding uncle asked a passing Preet.

"Uncle
I'll tell the bartender right now to open the imported whiskey...pehla peg apka
hi hai!" Preet smoothly replied and whispered something to the bartender before
making his way to his father.

Lalit
was busy instructing some workers to create a path made of rose petals. This
was the path Heer and Manmeet will walk when it is time for them to leave.

Preet
approached Lalit, "Papa, Balraj uncle apko doondh rahe hai."

"Huh?..Acha..."
Lalit gave some last minute instructions to the decorators and followed Preet
back inside the house.

As
Lalit and Preet entered the main ballroom, Balraj grabbed Lalit and dragged him
to the dance floor. Everyone cheered as the two old friends danced. Teji and
Gayatri giggled at their husbands' antics. Preet whistled, joining in the
dancing and Prem laughed as Lalit grabbed Gayatri to join him as well.

"Arre
Teji maa aap kaha chali?" Prem asked as he caught her slipping away from the
festivities.

"Mein
bas dekhna chaati thi ke Heer tayaar hui ki nahin" Teji responded.

"Don't
worry maa" Prem replied, "Meher is with Heer...app bas enjoy karo" he said
dragging her to the dance floor. The two families laughed and danced around
each other, celebrating the night away.

*Manmeet's
house*

Manmeet's
younger sister rushed through the crowd, tears staining her youthful face and
fear in her eyes.

Manmeet
laughed with some of his friends as they waited for his mother. They were
almost ready to leave for Mann house.

"Bhai!
Bhai!" his sister yelled, running to him. Manmeet turned and all blood drained
from his face. He knelt down in front of his crying sister and his worst fears
were coming true.

*Mann
Mansion*

The
diamond bindi was placed on jet black hair, glinting off the bare parting that
will be soon be filled with the color of red. "Hai didi...you look so beautiful!"
Meher gushed. And beautiful she was indeed as Ashlesha placed the decorated
bridal dupatta over Heer's head completing her look.

The
bridal lehenga was designed by Manish Malhotra especially for Heer...deep
red and cream with hand stitched
embroidery on silk. The top fitted to her body, with the sleeves over the
shoulder style, adding a modern and sexy twist to a traditional outfit.

Heer
was glowing. She didn't look beautiful because of an expensive outfit...or the
stunning jewelry...or even her makeup...she looked beautiful because she was in
love. She was going to marry her soul mate tonight and the sparkle of the
diamonds was nothing compared to the sparkle in her eyes.

Ashlesha
sighed, "you look so happy Heer...we are all so happy for you." Heer smiled at
her cousin.

The sweet moment was interrupted by a knock on
the door. "Come in!" Meher answered and in walked the Juneja brothers.

Preet's
eyes landed on Heer and he whistled appreciatively. "Wow! You want to marry me
instead? I am way more handsome than Manmeet." Preet said, putting on his best
flirtatious tone. "Hmmm" Heer playfully looked Preet up and down, checking him
out, "I agree...you are more handsome...lets tie the knot before Meher tries to stop
us." Heer replied, causing laughter to break out amongst the group.

One
person, however, stayed quiet. He didn't fully enter the room because one look
at Heer and he stopped in his tracks. It's been happening to Prem a lot lately.
Heer's beauty has been knocking the wind out of him...and for the life of him he
couldn't explain why.

In the
meantime, Manmeet waited outside the emergency room, still in his groom's
sherwani. His handsome face filled with worry. When his sister rushed to his
side earlier, he was notified that she found their mother fainted in the
bedroom. Manmeet's mother was rushed to the hospital and now he waited.

The
moment the doctor exited the emergency room, Manmeet rushed to his side. "Everything
ok Doctor? Nothing to worry about?" Manmeet asked in a panic stricken tone.

"Don't
worry beta...she had a little fainting spell because of the strong medication"
The doctor put a comforting hand on Manmeet's shoulder. Manmeet let out a
breath of relief.

"Thank
you doctor...can I see her?" Manmeet asked.

"Yes...but
I needed to speak to your first...please follow me to my office."

Once
they settled down, with the doctor behind his desk and Manmeet in the visitors'
seat, the doctor voiced his concerns, "Dekho beta...I have given your mom the
medication to help but we will have to do the surgery soon. Her heart is
weakening and we have to put the pace maker."

Manmeet
looked on defeated, "I understand doctor, but I'm having a hard time arranging
the money for it..." He was a simple man, he would never ask Heer or her parents
for money.

"I
understand...we can set up monthly payments if it helps...but I don't recommend
postponing the surgery any longer." The doctor said kindly.

Once
Manmeet left the doctor's office, he went straight to see his mother. She was
sound asleep. She looked so frail...so delicate. The kindest person he knew...but
she had such a weak heart.

His
eyes filled and he blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. He had to be
strong for his family. He was the man of the house...and he had to take care of
his family.

He
reached for his cell phone, hands shaking, and dialed the person who can help
him.

*Mann
Mansion*

The
young man rushed through the crowd, holding the letter like it was the most
precious thing in the world. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead...he felt the
burden on his shoulders...delivering this message was the only thing on his mind
right now.

He
looked frantically through the crowd. Everyone was dancing...everyone was
drinking...everyone was mingling...it was such a joyous occasion. He looked for someone...anyone
he recognized that would take him to his destination.

His
eyes then fell on Prem Juneja...that's it! The young man rushed through the
ballroom, avoiding people to the best of his ability, trying not to knock
anyone over.

"Prem!"
he yelled as Prem turned to walk away.

At the
sound of his Prem, Prem turned and came face to face with a fellow basketball
teammate of his. "Arre Yash! Tu toh Manmeet ke baraat mein shaamil hone wala
tha na?" Prem asked, surprised to see his friend.

"Prem I
need your help" at the desperation in Yash's voice, Prem's smile slowly slid
away and his eyes turned serious. "Kya hua...?" He asked, his voice heavy...afraid
of finding out the answer.

*Heer's
bedroom*

"Yeh
baraat aab tak kyon nahin aayi?" Teji asked concerned. "Don't worry mom...they
must be on their way" Meher responded, knowing that her mother worries too
much.

Heer,
Meher, Ashlesha, Teji, and Gayatri were all in the room. They were waiting for
the baraat to arrive so they can walk Heer down to the mandap. Everything was
done and the wedding was running smoothly...it was simply a waiting game now.

When
the knock was heard on the door, Heer's heart skipped a beat. It wasn't
excitement...something wasn't right. She felt it in her gut. When Prem entered
the room with a fellow teammate, Heer saw the look in Prem's eyes. They spoke
volumes...something definitely wasn't right...and her heart skipped another beat.

"Beta?...bhaat
kya hai?" Gayatri asked, seeing the look on Prem's face and instantly knowing
that something was wrong.

Prem
didn't say a word. He simple walked to Heer and handed her the letter.

"Dear Heer,

This is probably the hardest decision I have
had to make. I have been trying to tell you something for a few days and never
found the right moment. A basketball recruiter has asked me to play at an
international level and I was asked to leave for training this week. Initially,
I declined the offer because I wanted to marry you and start our lives
together...but Maa's health is deteriorating.

I thought I could find a solution. I thought
that I could find a way to marry you and provide for my family at the same time.
But my mother needs me now. I'm sorry Heer...I can't marry you right now. I have
to leave tonight so I can pay for my mother's surgery.

You know that taking care of my family has
always been my burden and I would never ask you for money. This is something I
have to do on my own. I love you Heer...and I hope you can forgive me.

Love,

Manmeet"

Heer
sank to the bed, her face pale...her expression blank. The glow she had dimmed...the
result of a breaking heart. The letter slipped through her fingers and
everything around her faded as she tried to process the words.

She
faintly heard someone say, "Bauji ko leh aao, but had no idea who said it.
Everything faded...it all faded...all she felt was a deep scar forming in her
heart.

*One
Hour Later*

"This
is ridiculous!" Lalit roared angrily. "How can he leave like this!?" He fumed.

Teji wept
quietly and Balraj paced the room, trying to make sense of the situation.

"Please
shaant rahiye..." Gayatri attempted to calm her husband, "Arre kaise shaant
rahoon!?" Lalit roared. "Usne humare Heer ke saath acha nahin kiya" Lalit
continued angrily.

Heer
hadn't moved from her position. She looked on...her face blank...the arguments
around her a distant noise. Nothing made sense...no words reached her ears.

Preet
and Ashlesha entered the room. "Balraj Uncle, the guests are starting to ask
questions..." Ashlesha voiced, trying to be as gentle as possible.

"Hadh hai
yaar!" Preet added annoyed, "Some people are so disgusting! They are gossiping
that something must be wrong with Heer di, that's why the groom has ran away"
Preet fumed, definitely less tactful than Ashlesha.

"WHAT!?"
Lalit burst, his temper rising with each passing moment. Gayatri tried to
control her husband's anger as Teji cried harder. Meher rushed to Teji's side
to give her comfort. Balraj sank into a chair and rubbed a hand over his tired
face. In a flourishing country, there was still stigma that the women were to
blame when something went wrong...and he didn't know how to fight this stigma to
protect his daughter.

Prem
observed his two families from the corner of the room. He hasn't said a word
since he gave the letter to Heer. He didn't know what to do...or say. All he
could do was see the turmoil this was causing.

But
when Preet said that people were starting to point fingers at Heer, his eyes
darted to her. She was still in that same position she was an hour ago. No
movement...no tears...nothing. He felt heavy in his chest...like a rock was placed
over his heart and the pressure wasn't lifting. Before he knew it...he was
standing directly in front of Heer.

Heer
didn't hear anything going on around her. It was all a blur...all she heard was
the roaring in her head...She heard it then...the deep voice calling out her name. Heer...

The
voice cut through the fog...and she focused on it. Her eyes lifted and met the
color of warm whiskey. Prem knelt in front of her so they could be eye level.

"Vaada
kiya tha...ke agar Manmeet ne kuch ulta seeda kiya...toh mein sab sambhaal loonga..."
Prem spoke, his voice steady...a beacon reaching out to Heer.

Heer
focused...listening to Prem's every word. Prem held out his hand and Heer looked
down at it. It was as if a divine force entered her. She had no control over
her actions, but she felt herself place her hand in Prem's.

Prem
stood and pulled Heer to her feet. He entwined his fingers with her's, making
the connection all the more intimate. As Prem pulled her, Heer followed, dazed.

And in front of all the guests...in front of all
their friends...and in front of both their families...Prem Juneja married Heer
Mann.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to all of you who are reading this and commenting. You have no idea how much i appreciate this. writing fanfics take a lot of time and effort and its always nice when its loved by readers.

I hope you liked this chapter. let me know you thoughts!