Saiyyan-Complete FF; Epilogue - Pg. 14 - Page 4

CHAPTER 11

Gayatri moved the thaali in circles, welcoming the newly wedded couple into Juneja mansion. There was a silence in the air...everyone in the family trying to process what had taken place.

Prem and Heer were married now. Two people who grew up together, who have never gotten along...who couldn't hold a single conversation without arguing...were now married. They were now bound in this sacred relationship.

Once Gayatri finished, Prem and Heer bent down and touched Gayatri's feet. When they straightened, Gayatri placed a gentle hand on Heer's cheek. "Mujhe paata nahin tha ke mein itni kush naseeb hoon, ke mujhe bahu nahin beti milegi." Gayatri saw the blank look on Heer's face, she has had that look ever since she read Manmeet's letter.

Gayatri kissed Heer's forehead, "Kal chahe jo kuch bhi ho...yeh yaad rakhna ke hum saab tumhare saath hain." Gayatri said lovingly. Lalit and Preet stood behind Gayatri smiling, giving their assurance without words.

Prem stood next to Heer and looked at her face. No tears. No reaction. His eyes shifted and met his mother's, no words were exchanged but both knew what the other was thinking.

"Everyone...let's retire for the night. It's been a long day." Lalit said.

"Yes...go and rest. Your clothes are already in Prem's room" Gayatri said, gently nudging Heer to come inside.

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

Prem opened the door to his bedroom and waited for Heer to enter. She entered and stood in front of the bed, looking out of place in the massive bedroom. Their eyes met and Prem tried to find the right words.

But Heer seemed to look right through him. It was clear that her mind was somewhere else. Prem didn't know what to do as he awkwardly stood by the door.

"Why don't you go shower?...Change? You must be uncomfortable in that dress..." Prem awkwardly said.

Heer simply made eye contact with him again and made her way to the connecting bathroom. She closed the door behind her and walked straight to the shower. When the cold water hit her face, she broke out of her trance. The shock lifted and the tears fell. Manmeet left her...on their wedding day he left her. The first sob ripped through her...he didn't even bother telling her that he was having second thoughts...the second sob came...he didn't find her worthy enough to share his problems...the third sob...

The water soaked through Heer's clothing and she sank to the shower floor...her heart shattering to a million pieces.

Prem sank onto the bed. He rubbed his hands over his face, suddenly feeling extremely tired. They were married. Prem tried to replay the events of tonight in his head, trying to figure out what the hell happened to him...why he took such an important decision. He married her...married her.

Were they going to spend the rest of their lives together? They didn't love each other. Heer loved Manmeet. Prem has never been in love before...and Heer hated him...how were they going to spend the rest of their lives together?

His head was spinning with questions and doubts when he heard a sob. His turned his head toward the sound and realized it came from the bathroom. Another heart wrenching sob reached his ears and his heart ached.

He walked to the closed bathroom door and heard the sobs more clearly. He placed his hand on the door...half expecting to touch Heer...maybe wipe her tears...but the barrier was there. Her sobs filled the air...and his heart continued to ache for her.

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

Several hours later, when Heer finally emerged from the bathroom, she saw Prem sitting on his couch. He was clearly waiting for her.

"Woh tum..." Prem hesitated, "Tum bed pe soh jao...you've had a long day." He finished, not sure what else to say. Her sobs still ringing in his ears.

Heer nodded her head in acknowledgement, having no energy to speak or argue. She slipped under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp.

Prem laid down on the couch and closed his eyes, hoping for sleep. But neither Heer or Prem slept that night.

Originally posted by: JCluvs srk

CHAPTER
11

Gayatri
moved the thaali in circles, welcoming the newly wedded couple into Juneja
mansion. There was a silence in the air...everyone in the family trying to
process what had taken place.

Prem
and Heer were married now. Two people who grew up together, who have never
gotten along...who couldn't hold a single conversation without arguing...were now
married. They were now bound in this sacred relationship.

Once
Gayatri finished, Prem and Heer bent down and touched Gayatri's feet. When they
straightened, Gayatri placed a gentle hand on Heer's cheek. "Mujhe paata nahin
tha ke mein itni kush naseeb hoon, ke mujhe bahu nahin beti milegi." Gayatri
saw the blank look on Heer's face, she has had that look ever since she read
Manmeet's letter.

Gayatri
kissed Heer's forehead, "Kal chahe jo kuch bhi ho...yeh yaad rakhna ke hum saab
tumhare saath hain." Gayatri said lovingly. Lalit and Preet stood behind
Gayatri smiling, giving their assurance without words.

Prem
stood next to Heer and looked at her face. No tears. No reaction. His eyes
shifted and met his mother's, no words were exchanged but both knew what the
other was thinking.

"Everyone...let's
retire for the night. It's been a long day." Lalit said.

"Yes...go
and rest. Your clothes are already in Prem's room" Gayatri said, gently nudging
Heer to come inside.

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

Prem
opened the door to his bedroom and waited for Heer to enter. She entered and
stood in front of the bed, looking out of place in the massive bedroom. Their
eyes met and Prem tried to find the right words.

But
Heer seemed to look right through him. It was clear that her mind was somewhere
else. Prem didn't know what to do as he awkwardly stood by the door.

"Why
don't you go shower?...Change? You must be uncomfortable in that dress..." Prem
awkwardly said.

Heer
simply made eye contact with him again and made her way to the connecting
bathroom. She closed the door behind her and walked straight to the shower.
When the cold water hit her face, she broke out of her trance. The shock lifted
and the tears fell. Manmeet left her...on their wedding day he left her. The
first sob ripped through her...he didn't even bother telling her that he was
having second thoughts...the second sob came...he didn't find her worthy enough to
share his problems...the third sob...

The
water soaked through Heer's clothing and she sank to the shower floor...her heart
shattering to a million pieces.

Prem
sank onto the bed. He rubbed his hands over his face, suddenly feeling
extremely tired. They were married. Prem tried to replay the events of tonight
in his head, trying to figure out what the hell happened to him...why he took
such an important decision. He married her...married
her.

Were
they going to spend the rest of their lives together? They didn't love each
other. Heer loved Manmeet. Prem has never been in love before...and Heer hated
him...how were they going to spend the rest of their lives together?

His
head was spinning with questions and doubts when he heard a sob. His turned his
head toward the sound and realized it came from the bathroom. Another heart
wrenching sob reached his ears and his heart ached.

He
walked to the closed bathroom door and heard the sobs more clearly. He placed
his hand on the door...half expecting to touch Heer...maybe wipe her tears...but the
barrier was there. Her sobs filled the air...and his heart continued to ache for
her.

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

Several
hours later, when Heer finally emerged from the bathroom, she saw Prem sitting
on his couch. He was clearly waiting for her.

"Woh
tum..." Prem hesitated, "Tum bed pe soh jao...you've had a long day." He finished,
not sure what else to say. Her sobs still ringing in his ears.

Heer
nodded her head in acknowledgement, having no energy to speak or argue. She
slipped under the covers and turned off the bedside lamp.

Prem
laid down on the couch and closed his eyes, hoping for sleep. But neither Heer
or Prem slept that night.

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

Thank you thank you for reading and supporting! it truly means alot when you guys take the time from your busy schedules to read and comment. its amazing how even after all these years...the love we have for these characters is alive...so thank you! 😃

CHAPTER 12

The next day, Balraj, Teji, and Meher sat inside the majestic living room of Juneja mansion with Lalit, Gayatri, and Preet.

"Yeh sab kya ho gaya..." Teji asked to no one in particular. The tension hung in the air. Both families still trying to process what took place the night before.

"Manmeet ka kuch pata chala?" Balraj asked.

"I tracked him down. He is on his way to Los Angeles for a basketball camp." Preet responded.

"I can't believe it...ke usne Heer ko mandap peh chor diya" Lalit fumed.

"Teek nahin kiya usne...lekin uski majboori bhi toh hai..." Balraj spoke, trying to find reason in this mess and trying to stay level headed.

"Lekin usne..." Lalit's response was cut off when the living room door opened and Prem walked in with Heer.

Meher was the first to reach Heer and engulf her in a tight hug. "Didi...how are you?" Meher asked, tightening her hug. Heer hugged back, but didn't respond to Meher's greeting. Once Meher let go, Heer then hugged Teji and then finally stood in front of Balraj. Balraj looked at his daughter's face, and saw the pain behind empty eyes.

"Kaisi hoh beti?" Balraj asked, knowing that it was a futile question.

"Teek hoon papa" Heer replied, keeping her response short. Everyone in the room let out a breath of relief. At least Heer spoke...that was something.

"Why don't you get comfortable?" Gayatri encouraged, "We actually wanted to talk to both of you" she said, her eyes shifting to Prem.

Knowing this talk was coming, Prem sat down on one of the available couches and Heer followed suit.

"We were wondering..." Balraj began. He hesitated, and looked at Lalit for reassurance. When he got a nod of encouragement from his friend, Balraj continued, "Are you two sure about this? Is this marriage something you both want?"

Silence filled the air. Prem shifted, uncomfortable at the loaded question. He honestly didn't know the answer to that.

Heer sat quietly, giving no indication of what was running through her mind. This was not how it was supposed to be. She was supposed to be married to the love of her life. She was not only abandoned, she was now in a loveless marriage...a marriage out of pity.

"Look...we understand why this happened. We were all under a lot of pressure last night." Gayatri said gently, trying to ease the tension. "We understand if you two don't want to follow through with this..."

Prem and Heer's eyes shot to Gayatri. They looked around the room and noticed that the elders were all in agreement. If they decide to separate, the elders would understand.

"But we hope you don't..." Lalit insisted, and when he knew he had Prem and Heer's attention he continued, "Bahut saal pehle...mehne aur Balraj neh ek sapna dekha tha. Ke hum humare dosti ristedaari mein badal denge."

Taken by surprise, Heer's eyes shifted to her father, looking for clarification.

"Yes beta...Lalit and I hoped that you and Prem would eventually make this dream come true. But you fell in love with someone else..." Balraj trailed off.

Heer looked down, hiding her face so no one noticed her eyes fill.

"Despite everything that's happened...our dream of two families coming together came true. You have our blessings." Balraj said.

"But there is no pressure..." Teji continued, "we will accept whatever decision you both make." Teji concluded.

Prem looked at Heer, her head was still lowered. He tried to read her. Any indication of what she might want.

"I'm a little tired..." Heer spoke in a monotone voice, "I'm going to go up and rest. Bye..." with that being said, Heer left the living room.

"She is so sad..." Meher whispered, her eyes filling at her sister's changed behavior. Preet placed a comforting arm around Meher, feeling helpless in the situation.

"Dil toota hai uska..." Teji said, her own eyes filling. "I can't see her like this..." she said, her own voice breaking as her tears began to flow.

Before anyone could console Teji, Prem knelt down in front of her and took her hands in his.

"Teji maa..." Prem began, "Barosa hain na mujh par?" he asked the rhetorical question. Prem wiped a tear away from her face. "Heer ko kuch nahin hoga...mein hoon na?" Prem said.

"Lekin Prem.." Teji began to say, but was cut off. "Lekin kuch nahin" Prem said, "Heer aab meri zimidaari hai..usse mein kuch hone nahin dunga." Prem wiped another tear from Teji's face, "Heer ki smile...mein wapas launga. Yeh vaada hai mera" he promised, his eyes holding steady determination.

Without saying another word, Prem stood up and left the room.

The tension that was in the air lessened. Gayatri placed a comforting hand on Teji, "Don't worry...agar Heer ko koi wapas lah sakta hai...toh woh sirf Prem hai." She said, confident in her eldest son's capabilities.

Lalit, Balraj, Preet, and Meher all exchanged knowing glances. Seeing hope in this difficult situation for the first time.

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

*Prem's bedroom*

Heer stood by the window, looking out at the garden below. She tried to clear her mind, focus on what her parents and the Junejas revealed to her...what she wanted to do next...focus on anything but the roaring pain in her chest. Heer closed her eyes, willing herself to clear her mind.

"I'm sorry Heer...I can't marry you. I have to leave tonight so I can pay for my mother's surgery..."

Manmeet's words echoed in Heer's mind and her eyes shot open, a tear rolling down her cheek, the pain in her heart almost blinding her.

"Heer..." a masculine, husky voice said.

It's that voice again, it cut through the roaring in Heer's head and she was brought back to the present.

Heer turned and came face to face with Prem. Their eyes connected, one filled with concern and the other hollow. Prem walked further into the room and stopped right next to Heer by the window.

"It's a nice day out..." Prem said awkwardly.

Heer remained quiet and looked out the window again.

Prem sighed, "Heer...kuch toh bolo...neeche tumne kissi se teek tara se baat tak nahin ki..." Prem said, hoping to get some kind of reaction. He missed the feisty Heer. It was always so easy for them to bicker. He says something to get Heer mad, and she retaliated without thinking twice.

Prem looked at Heer, waiting to see her reaction...nothing. Prem spoke again, "Teek hai...mujhse bhi baat mat karo, mujhe kya paari hai?" Prem poked, hoping to see irritation cross Heer's face. Again...nothing. Heer continued to look out the window...his words having no effect on her.

CHAPTER 13

*The Next Morning*

The Junejas sat around the dining table as breakfast was being served. Gayatri passed a plate of parathas to Heer, "Try these beta...I made them especially for you."

As Heer reached out to take the plate, Prem snatched it and started filling his plate. Lalit, Gayatri, and Preet looked on surprised as Heer simply stared at Prem.

"What?" Prem asked, as if nothing happened. "You can eat something else...I want these." Prem said to Heer, waiting for her to pass a smart remark.

Heer said nothing. She reached out and took an omelet instead. Prem frowned at Heer's behavior. He started eating the parathas, the wheels in his head turning for a plan B.

The rest of the Junejas shared glances with each other, extremely confused at what just happened.

*St. Xavier University*

"I'm watching a new show on tv...uff! The actor is so handsome!" Ashlesha gushed at Meher and Heer. Ashlesha and Meher did not leave Heer's side since the morning. It was Heer's first day back to college after the wedding and they tried their best to talk about anything to keep Heer busy.

They were standing by the lockers as Ashlesha and Meher talked non-stop. Heer didn't respond to Ash's comment. She took out her books from her locker and closed it. As they turned to walk to their respective classes, Heer walked straight into Prem.

"Oye freckle face! Watch where you are going." Prem said, knowing well how much Heer hated that nick name.

Prem smirked and waited for Heer to blow up. She will definitely react now. Heer looked at Prem. "Sorry..." Heer replied in a low voice. She turned and then walked away.

Prem's jaw dropped. Did she just say sorry'' to him? No chicken legs''...no get out of my way''...just sorry''?

"Bhai..." Prem was shaken out of his thoughts when Preet called him. Preet looked at his PB, confusion etched on his face. "Why did you bump into Heer di on purpose? Preet asked, trying to make sense of the interaction.

Ash and Meher had confused looks on their faces too. Prem looked at the three of them and shrugged. "I don't know what you are talking about." Prem replied. He turned around and walked in the opposite direction, the wheels in his head turning for plan C.

Preet, Meher, and Ashlesha looked at each other confused. "What the hell is going on?" Preet voiced, to no one in particular.

*St. Xavier Cafeteria*

Prem, Heer, Meher, Ash and a few other friends sat around the table during lunch time. They all chatted about various things and tried to keep the atmosphere as light as possible.

Heer quietly played with her food, her mind somewhere else. She didn't hear any of the conversation taking place around her nor was she hungry. And so she quietly sat and played with her food.

Prem watched her, noticing that Heer has not eaten and she has not joined in any conversation either. He could tell that her mind was somewhere else.

Prem looked behind Heer and saw Preet approaching them with juice. An idea formed in Prem's head and a naughty glint entered his eyes. "Yeh loh Bhai...aapka juice" Preet said, about to pass the juice to Prem.

"Thanks Preet" Prem said, and as Preet reached out to give the juice, Prem pretended to lose his grip and spilled the drink all over Heer's clothes.

"Oh no! Heer di are you ok!?" Meher asked, taking some napkins to wipe down the liquid.

"Sorry Heer...I'm so clumsy" Prem said, his face anything but apologetic. She will react now...'' Prem thought wickedly, in 3...2...1...'

"It's ok. I'll be back" Heer said, again, in a monotone voice. She stood up and left for the washroom without any further reaction.

Prem huffed, frustrated. He sat back down and stabbed at his lunch. Preet frowned and looked at his PB. He turned and saw Heer's retreating back and then looked at Prem again. He had a clear view of Prem's accidental'' spill on Heer.

Preet's own wheels starting turning in his head as he started putting two and two together. "Yeh PB toh genius hai..." Preet muttered as he took his seat next to Meher.

"What do you mean?" Meher asked, confused.

"I've noticed since this morning..Prem bhai has been bothering Heer di nonstop. Poking her at every chance he gets...He's trying to get a reaction out of her." Preet said, keeping his voice low so only Meher could hear. Realization dawned as Meher glanced at Prem stabbing his food in an irate manner.

It was weird. The person who Heer thought was her number one enemy...was actually the person doing the most for her in her time of need. The thought brought a smile to Meher's face.

*Prem's Bedroom Later in the evening*

Heer wiped her wet hair with a towel and sat on the bed. She was lost in her own thoughts. Staring into space as she wiped off the excess water.

When she felt the other side of the bed shift she turned to see Prem lying down. She gave him a questioning look.

"I'll sleep on my bed tonight. My back hurts on the couch." Prem said, "You will sleep on the couch tonight" Prem ordered, waiting to see Heer's response to him. She will definitely react to this. Heer hated it whenever Prem bullied her.

Heer stared at Prem, studying his mischievous face. She then grabbed a pillow and made her way to the couch.

"Heer seriously!?" Prem asked frustrated. "Are you my loyal dog or something!? Meri har baath maan rahi ho?" He got off the bed and walked toward Heer. He stopped in front of her and and placed both his hands on Heer's arms, his face now serious.

"I've been trying since this morning for you to act normal...react to things...lekin nahin...tum toh zinda lash bann gayi ho yaar. Aise kaise chale ga?" Prem asked, trying to reason with Heer.

Prem pulled Heer closer to him. The movement almost intimate, if it weren't during these circumstances. "Kuch toh bolo...common Heer...fight with me...mujhe gaali doh...mujhe maro...kya ho gaya tumhe?" Prem pleaded. He looked into his childhood friend's eyes, searching for any signs of the person Heer used to be. His own eyes were swimming with emotion.

There was a moment of silence. And then Heer spoke, "I'm tired Prem. I want to sleep." With that being said, Heer removed Prem's hands from her arms and fixed her pillow on the couch. Without another glance at Prem, Heer laid down on the couch and closed her eyes.

Prem stood there for a moment. Not sure what to do anymore. Feeling defeated, Prem walked back to his bed, laid down, and turned off the lights.

Late into the night, Heer lay awake. She hasn't been able to sleep since the wedding night. How is it possible to sleep when the heart is broken? One's soul needed to be at peace for sleep to come...and Heer's soul was in turmoil. There was too much pain...too much heartbreak...too many unanswered questions for Heer.

Heer heard someone shift, and when her eyes looked into the dark room she noticed Prem getting off his bed. Heer closed her eyes, pretending to sleep, but kept her ears perked to hear for his movements.

She heard Prem's footsteps come closer to her and she tried her best to remain still. What happened next surprised her. Prem gently picked up Heer in his arms, bridal style, and walked over to the bed. He then placed her on the mattress, trying his best not to wake her, and then placed a blanket over her, tucking her in.

When Heer felt it was safe to open her eyes, she saw that Prem was lying down on the couch, getting into a comfortable position so he can go back to sleep.

Heer continued to stare at Prem's silhouette in the dark, trying to process what just happened...and not realizing that the sweet gesture touched her.

CHAPTER 14

It's been a week since the wedding incident. Heer fell into a routine in the Juneja house. They all rose around the same time, had breakfast together, until Prem, Heer, and Preet left for college. Once in college, she spent her time either in class or around Meher and Ash. Her lunch hour was usually taken with Meher, Ash, and the Juneja brothers, until the school day ended.

Heer was currently in St. Xavier walking towards the bathroom. As she entered the women's restroom she went straight to the sink to freshen up. It was almost the end of the day and she will be meeting Prem soon so they can drive home.

Home...Juneja mansion was her home now. It's not that she wasn't familiar with the place..she knew the house like she knew her parent's house. Gayatri maa and Lalit uncle always treated her like she was their own daughter. But it sometimes surprised her that she was now a Juneja.

And married to Prem Juneja...never in a million years she would have guessed that she would one day be Mrs. Heer Prem Juneja.

Was this what her life was going to be? Empty...? Broken...? Loveless...?

Ever since Prem confronted Heer a few nights ago, they barely spoke to each other. Prem did take care of her in his own way. He has been sleeping on the couch every night. He always drove Heer to and from college. And he occasionally asked her if she needed anything. But other than that, their interaction was left to a minimum.

Heer splashed some cold water on her face and stared at her reflection in the mirror. A pale face and hollow eyes stared back. Grabbing her belongings, Heer was about to exit when she heard female voices entering the bathroom from the opposite end.

The girls clearly didn't see Heer because they started talking openly. "It's so embarrassing being stood up on your wedding day. I would never be able to show my face in public again if that happened to me" a female voice said.

Another voice continued, "I heard that Manmeet always wanted to play professional basketball, but Heer pressured him to get married first...that's why he left."

Heer gasped a little at the harsh comments, moving into an empty stall to avoid being seen.

A 3^rd female voice continued, "Whatever it is, that Heer was always so proud. Oh look...I am Heer Mann and I am engaged to Mr. Popular. Oh look our love is so wonderful" the girl made fun in a squeaky, high pitched voice. The other girls giggled.

Heer felt her tears come. She placed a hand over her mouth to cover her sob, and when she saw the girls distracted, Heer made a dash for the exit.

Heer ran down the hallway, thankful that it was empty at the moment. Tears streamed down her face as the harsh words relayed in her mind. Was she really proud? Did she deserve to be left at the altar?

Heer turned a corner and didn't notice the person due to her blurry vision. She crashed straight into a hard body. Luckily the person had quick reflexes and prevented both of them from crashing to the floor.

Heer jumped back, ready to apologize to whoever she ran into. The apology got stuck in her throat when she saw Prem staring back at her.

First he looked shocked by the impact of someone running into him...then he looked confused when he felt the person jolt away...and then his face turned concerned...when he saw Heer's tear stained face.

"Heer..." Prem said, his voice reflecting the concern in his eyes.

Heer let out a sob and launched herself in Prem's arms. Taking a step back so he didn't lose balance, Prem wrapped his arms around Heer in reflex.

"Heer..? Kya Hua?" Prem asked, really worried now. Prem tried to pull back but Heer held on tighter, sobbing.

"Arre...kuch toh bolo...Heer...?" Prem questioned. He rocked her back and forth, trying to sooth her. Her heart wrenching sobs piercing his soul.

He held her close, and maneuvered her so they went into an empty classroom for some privacy. Once inside, Prem pulled Heer away from his body. He brushed her hair back and cupped her face.

"Heer...batao mujhe...hua kya? Kisi ne kuch kaha kya?" Prem asked, searching Heer's face for answers. He pushed down on the anger he felt rising inside him...if he found out who upset Heer...he will personally take care of them.

"Mujhe patah hona chahiye tha...Manmeet was having problems...mujhe patah hona chahiye tha..." Heer whispered, new tears streaming down her face.

"Tumhari galti nahi hai Heer..." He said, trying to give Heer some comfort, his thumb wiping away a few tears.

"But why didn't he tell me!?" Heer cried, pulling back. "Mein kya itni buri hoon Prem? Keh usne mujhe batana zaroori nahin samjah?" More tears fell down Heer's face as she closed her eyes in grief.

"Dukh iss baath ka nahin ke usne mujhe mandap pe chor diya...mein jaanti hoon ke woh mujhse bahut pyaar karta hain...dukh iss baat ka hai ke usne mujh par barosa nahin kiya..." Heer opened her eyes and looked at Prem, more tears glistening.

"Ek doosre ke saath rehne ke liye sirf pyaar kaafi nahin hai...izzaat bhi hona bohut zaroori hai. Dukh iss baat ka hai ke usne mujhe woh izzaat nahin diya. He didn't respect me or my love for him to tell me what was happening. He just left...He just left..." Heer ended in a whisper. Fresh tears rolled down Heer's face and she let out another sob, her heart breaking all over again as the realization hit her. The love she shared with Manmeet was real...but it wasn't enough. Their love was just not enough...

Prem felt a tight squeeze in his chest. It felt as if a rock was placed over his heart to prevent it from beating. His eyes swam with emotions of his own. What he felt wasn't pity. It was something else. What the feeling was, he didn't know in that moment.

Having no words, Prem simply pulled Heer into his arms and held on, letting her cry on his shoulder.

Sometime later, Heer's sobs eventually lessened, until only quiet filled the room. Heer held on to Prem for a little while longer until she finally pulled away.

Heer avoided Prem's gaze, embarrassed that she broke down in front of him like that. She tried to find the right words to says, but didn't get the chance when Prem simply took her hand and pulled her to the exit.

He guided her out the school and didn't leave her hand until they reached his car. The car ride home was quiet. No words needed to be exchanged between them. Prem understood that Heer needed silence...and she needed peace. So for the rest of the day, that's all he gave her.

*The next day in St. Xavier*

"How is Heer adjusting?" Ashlesha asked the group during lunch. Preet, Meher, Prem, and Ash were already sitting at one of the tables. Heer got held up in her class and has not joined them yet.

All eyes turned to Prem. Heer didn't talk much to either of them anymore. If anyone spent the most time with Heer...it was Prem because they shared the same room.

Prem looked at the three pairs of questioning eyes. "Uhhh..." Prem said awkwardly, feeling cornered.

"Common Prem bhai...we are all worried about her..." Meher pried.

Prem sighed, "Honestly...She is struggling..."

Prem looked down at his folded hands as the solemn air fell over the group. "I promised Teji maa that I would bring Heer's smile back...but how?" he asked to no one in particular. "toote hue dil koh kaise jhod du?" He murmured the last part, this particular question more for himself than anyone else.

The group was silent for a minute until Preet smacked the table, "Idea!" he yelled, making everyone jump.

"Why don't we all go away for a few days? To the farmhouse maybe? A change in scenery may help." Preet said excitedly, mentally patting himself for the genius idea.

"Hmmm...idea bura nahin hai..." Meher said, agreeing. They have vacationed multiple times in the past at the Juneja farmhouse. Reliving childhood memories and time away from the city filled with Manmeet's memories may help.

"You think Heer will agree to go for a vacation during this time?" Ashlesha asked, doubtful.

Three pairs of eyes turned to Prem again, looking for answers. "Uhhh..." Prem said, again, feeling cornered. Preet gave him a hopeful look and Prem caved, never being able to deny his little brother, "Try karne mein kya jaatha hai?" Prem responded, deciding for the group.

*Hallway *

"Farmhouse?" Heer asked, distracted as she put her books away in her locker.

"Haan didi...it will be nice to get away for all of us" Meher replied. "You will go with us...won't you?" Meher asked, trying to read Heer's reaction.

Heer hesitated, "I don't know Meher...mann nahin hai..." she said.

"Common didi" Meher urged, "We all want you to come...we miss you..." she said, sadness reflected in her voice.

Heer looked at her younger sister, studying her face. It was true that Heer saw Meher every day in college, but it was also true that Heer was no longer herself. And in her grief, she failed to see that her little sister was hurting for her too. Seeing Meher's hopeful face, Heer caved.

"Ok...I will join you guys" Heer said, causing Meher to squeal in delight and engulf Heer in a hug.

Once the bell rang for the last class of the day, Meher and Heer went their separate ways. Heer, however, needed to be alone and so decided to skip class.

She didn't have a destination in mind, so she just walked. What day was it? It felt like the days merged together and she had no sense of what was happening around her sometimes.

She agreed to go to the farmhouse with the gang...but would she ever be the same person again? Meher said that everyone missed her...would she ever be the same old Heer, the Heer everyone was looking for?

Heer was famous for the love she shared with Ranjha. But without her other half..she was lost. How will Heer find herself again?

The faint sound of music reached Heer's ears, bringing Heer out of her thoughts. Her feet automatically began to move until the music became clearer. Heer reached large, wooden double doors, and peaked inside.

***************************

Where the hell is she?'' Prem wondered, as he waited for Heer in front of his car. He called her cell phone for the third time and again, got no response.

He has been waiting for the past 30 minutes and was starting to get genuinely worried. It was not like Heer to be so late. She usually met him by his car every day after the last class ended and then he would drive them home.

But there was no sign of her today. Prem called Meher, "Haan Meher...is Heer with you?" Prem asked into the phone. When Meher denied knowing Heer's whereabouts, fear started forming in Prem's gut.

In the next few minutes, Prem, Preet, Meher, and Ash were split up to different parts of the school, searching for Heer.

***************************

Prem rushed down one of the large hallways of St. Xavier. Frantically searching for Heer. He has been searching for the last 40 minutes and still no sign of Heer. When his phone rang, Prem answered it hoping to hear good news.

"Haan Preet...kuch patha chala?" Prem asked, a little desperation in his voice.

"Sorry PB...I've searched this side of campus...Heer didi ka kuch patha nahin chala" Preet answered. The fear Prem felt earlier in his gut came out and gripped him by the throat. "Keep looking Preet." Prem ordered and cut off the phone.

Praying, Prem turned a corner and came to an abrupt halt. Here was Heer, leaning against the wall as she peaked into the music room and listened to someone playing the piano.

He didn't recognize the tune being played and honestly he didn't care. The fear he felt earlier gave way to relief...and then to anger. How dare she worry everyone like that!?

Stomping over, Prem was ready to spit fire and give Heer a piece of his mind. But as he got closer his pace slowed. He took a deeper look at Heer and saw that she wasn't just leaning against the wall...she has her eyes closed as well. Heer was simply listening to the piano being played...and her face looked serene.

Prem felt his anger deflate almost instantly. He thought he would never see Heer's face like this again. Sure...she wasn't smiling...but she looked peaceful. He stood and studied the curves of Heer's face...as if seeing her for the first time.

Heer simply listened to the beautiful chords being played. It felt like ages since she heard any kind of music. Her listening was interrupted, however, by the little flutter in her heart. Confused at the sudden feeling, Heer opened her eyes to see Prem standing a few feet away observing her.

"Prem...?" Heer asked, confused at first, until realization dawned on her. "Oh! I'm sorry I lost track of time..." Heer apologized.

She walked up to Prem, apologizing again, "I'm really sorry...I just...I wasn't paying attention..." Heer said.

Still mesmerized by what he saw, Prem simply nodded his head, and finally spoke when he found the right words, "We...we should probably head back..." he said.

Heer nodded in agreement and started walking away. Prem held back a little. He looked back at the wooden double doors, still hearing the piano's keys filling the air with soft music...and then looked back at Heer's retreating back.

CHAPTER 15

Heer placed a few change of clothes in the suitcase and zipped it up. They were leaving for the farmhouse the next morning and it was decided that everyone would meet at Juneja mansion and leave together.

As she placed her toiletries in the suitcase, Heer turned at the sound of the bedroom door opening. Seeing Gayatri walk in, Heer stood up from her seated position on the bed.

"Gayatri maa...aap?" Heer asked.

"Arre...sit beta...there is no need to be so formal." Gayatri said lovingly.

Heer sat back down and Gayatri took a seat opposite Heer on the bed. Gayatri looked around room to see it empty but the two of them. "Prem kaha hain?" Gayatri asked.

"I'm not sure..." Heer responded, "When we came back from college he said he had to work on something, and I haven't seen him since." Heer responded, feeling a little embarrassed at her lack of knowledge. She should know where Prem is right? He has been taking such good care of her...and she didn't even bother checking to see where he was? For the first time Heer felt guilty about not knowing Prem's whereabouts.

Sensing Heer's uneasiness, Gayatri changed the subject. "Are you all packed?" she asked, seeing the suitcase.

"Yes Gayatri maa...just a few more things left." Heer replied.

"It's good that you kids are going away for a bit...it will be nice to get away from the city." Gayatri said. "I actually came here to give you something..." Gayatri continued, knowing that she had Heer's full attention.

Gayatri lifted the velvet box and opened it, revealing a pair of beautifully hand crafted diamond bangles. Heer gasped at its beauty. The bedroom light glinted off the diamonds, making the bangles sparkle.

"Yeh kis liye Gayatri maa?" Heer asked, confused as to why she was receiving this.

Gayatri simply took Heer's hand and slipped the bangles onto her wrist. "Kyon...I can't buy my daughter presents?" Gayatri replied.

"No...it's not like that...thank you...they are beautiful" Heer said, graciously accepting the gift.

"Honestly...I didn't have anything to give you when you came into this house. Toh yeh sirf ek choti si gift...meri taraf se..." Gayatri said.

Heer looked at Gayatri...this was a wedding gift...her wedding to Prem. The bangles suddenly felt extremely heavy on Heer's wrist.

Gayatri sensed Heer's hesitation, and continued gently, "There is still no pressure on you Heer...neither is there any pressure on Prem." Gayatri placed a loving hand on Heer's face, "Kush nasseebi hai meri...ke mujhe bahu nahin...beti mili hai...and because you are my daughter, I want nothing more than your happiness. If you decide that this marriage is something you don't want...I would still want you to keep these bangles." Gayatri assured Heer, that this gift came from a place of love and not conditions.

A small tear slipped from the corner of Heer's eyes at Gayatri's touching words. Gayatri wiped it away. She smiled when Heer leaned in and gave Gayatri a tight hug.

When Gayatri left the room, Heer stepped out on the balcony attached to the bedroom. It was a clear night and the sky was filled with stars.

Heer looked out like she did many times in the past from her own bedroom...looking for answers. What did she want? Where does she go from here? Heer closed her eyes, hoping to clear her mind. Manmeet's face appeared and Heer opened her eyes, her anguish returning. She felt lost...so utterly lost.

A shooting star dashed across the sky. The woman Heer used to be would have wished on it...wishing for her love. Tonight...Heer stared at it blankly. As the star shot across the sky, Heer turned around and walked back inside.

Later when the Juneja household settled in for the night, Heer lay awake. There was still no sign of Prem. He wasn't there at the dinner table either, and when Lalit uncle inquired, Preet said that Prem had to step away for something and will not be joining them.

When Heer heard the bedroom door open, Heer sat up and saw Prem's silhouette in the darkness. "Prem?...Where have you been? Gayatri maa and Lalit uncle kept asking about you." Heer said.

Prem didn't respond. He simply walked up to Heer and took her hand, pulling her up from the bed. "Yeh kya kar rahe ho?" Heer asked, surprised at Prem's forwardness.

Prem simply pulled Heer's hand and led her out the bedroom. "Prem?" Heer asked again, really confused at his behavior.

"Shhh...just follow me..." Prem finally responded. His voice held such calm...that Heer didn't argue. Almost like a child, Heer just followed.

Prem maneuvered them until they reached one of the many rooms in the large mansion. If Heer remembered correctly, this particular room was Prem's study. One of his many hobbies was to read and his library contained many classic novels.

When they entered, Heer remembered always liking this room...even when she wasn't too fond of the person that the room reflected. The walls had deep cherry wood shelves, filled with books collected over the years. There were love seats scattered across the room, comfortable couches for people to lean back and enjoy a good book, all royal in color. A wooden study table also stood with scattered paperwork, a world globe made of glass and gold accents, and pens.

One side of the room held a stone fireplace, which crackled with fire at the moment, lighting the room with its soft glow. The other side of the room was a floor to ceiling glass wall, looking out into the night sky and the garden. All in all, it was a beautiful room and probably one of Heer's favorites in the Juneja mansion.

Heer saw it then...there was something new in this room. Something she was sure was never there before...it was an all white grand piano. It stood next to the glass wall, the fire dancing off its color.

"You like it?" Prem asked, his voice low...his question gentle.

Stunned, Heer turned to stare at Prem. Her mouth opened to say something...when no words came out...she closed it.

Prem smiled and pulled her to the piano. "Common...test it out...play something..." Prem urged.

Heer lifted her hand...hesitating...and then trialed a finger over the white top. Feeling overwhelmed, Heer turned to Prem and looked straight into his eyes, "Why are you doing this?" Heer asked. She searched his face for answers. "Why are you doing any of this?" she asked again bluntly, referring to everything Prem has done for her. Who was this person? The Prem Juneja she grew up with was her nemesis. They always fought...so why was he helping someone who always voiced her dislike of him?

"Meri ek dost hai...tum shayad jaanti ho usse..." Prem said giving Heer a playful smile, "Gussa humesha naak par rehti hai...aur har waqt mujhe gaaliya deti rehti hai...bilkul nacheri types. Lekin woh muskurana bhool gayi. Mein meri dost ko yeh dikana chaata hoon ke muskurana...kush rehna...kitna asaan hai." Prem said, hoping to get Heer to smile.

When Heer simply stared, Prem saw that being playful wasn't the route to go. So Prem gazed at Heer and his eyes turned intense. The shift in them was almost mesmerizing. He took a step towards her, now completely serious, "Vaada kiya tha...ke mein sab sambaal lunga" Prem murmured. This was the third time he said those words to her...and each time the words caressed Heer as if they were being said for the first time.

When Heer said nothing, Prem continued, "Tum aab meri zimidaari ho Heer...tumhari har kushi ka kayal...aab mein rakunga." Prem took her hand and pulled her closer, the gesture not meant to be intimate, but was none the less. He maneuvered her and sat her down in front of the piano. "Play something..." Prem urged again. He then stood by her and waited.

Captivated by Prem...his voice...his words...his gesture...Heer felt her fingers lift and automatically started playing a tune she was all too familiar with.

~Heere moti main na chaahoo
Main toh chaaho sangam tera~

Heer closed her eyes and felt the tune leave her fingers. The piano followed beautifully. She expected the pain to shoot across her heart...this song was of everlasting love...and her love was no longer with her. She thought playing this song would be painful...but all she felt was peace.

~Main toh teri saiyyan
Tu hai mera saiyyan...~

Her fingers glided over the piano keys...the chords to the song second nature to her. She never thought she would feel like this again...this calmness. Heer opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Prem...looking down at her...a small smile adorning his handsome face.

~Saiyyan...~

Heer finished the chords until only the sound of fire crackling remained in the room. For the first time since the wedding, Heer's heart didn't feel like it was bleeding. She was still heartbroken...yes...but for the first she time she didn't feel the unbearable anguish in her chest. It felt like she can breathe again. And it was all because of Prem.

"Thank you..." Heer murmured softly, emotions swimming in her almond shaped eyes.

Prem smiled back, knowing exactly what this gift meant to Heer. "You're welcome..." Prem replied, just as softly.

Breaking eye contact, Heer played a few more random chords. "It's beautiful...perfect tuning..." Heer said, her musically trained ear appreciating the clean sound.

"It better be perfect...I threatened the store owner to have their best piano delivered here by tonight...or else I'd close them down." Prem replied, a devilish grin appearing on his face.

Heer rolled her eyes at Prem like she did many times before in the past and played the chords of another song.

Prem felt relief spread through him. There was still hope. He saw a glimpse of the old Heer tonight. The Heer who was feisty...the Heer who always rolled her eyes at his antics. And if he looked a little closer...he saw a ghost of a smile adorning Heer's face as she continued to play.

*Somewhere far away in a village*

A shooting star shot across the sky and Jugni made a wish on it. "Kya maanga Jugni?" A lady in Rajasthani attire asked.

Jugni simply smiled and responded, "Woh toh nahin batha sakti...lekin itna batha sakti hoon...ke aaj raat ek nahin shuruwat hai..." Jugni said cryptically.

"Kay matlab?" the lady asked, confused.