Chapter 19 - Mumbai Meri Jaan
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A few days later...
Meher walked into the living room and pushed back the curtains. "Preet...please wake up", she pleaded, as she gently pulled the blanket off from Preet's face and ruffled his hair.
"Mmm...Monica", mumbled Preet, as he hugged a pillow, and pulled the blanket back over his face.
"Huhn? Monica?" said Meher with a raised brow. "Preet, will you please stop dreaming and get up. We're getting late". She shook her head disapprovingly, as she tried several times to nudge Preet into the realm of consciousness. Having no such luck, she went to the kitchen and returned with 2 cups of tea. She smiled mischieviously, before taking his finger and dipping the tip into one of the cups.
"Ah!" yelled Preet, as he sat up with a jolt and sucked his finger. "Are you crazy or something? What did you do that for?"
"Sorry", Meher smiled sweetly. "But you have no idea how difficult it is to wake you up in the mornings. In fact I'm running out of ideas".
"Yeah, well this was your worst one ever", complained Preet. "Why can't you be gentle with me like other girls?"
"Other girls? You mean like...Monica?" scoffed Meher.
"Monica?" said Preet.
"Yes Monica. You were mumbling her name in your sleep", Meher said rolling her eyes.
"I was?" grinned Preet. "Oh that's right...I was dreaming...we were alone...in a jungle, and..."
"Okay you sicko, just forget I mentioned it", interrupted Meher.
Preet looked at the time on the wall clock. It was almost 7AM. "Why are you waking me up so early on my day off anyway?" he whined, as he let himself fall back onto his make shift bed and pulled the blanket back over his face.
"Because your tea is getting cold", said Meher. "And because I want to sit on the sofa and enjoy mine before it gets cold too. Now scoot over so I can sit down".
Preet grudgingly sat up again and rubbed his eyes, as Meher came and sat next to him and handed him a cup.
"So...what time do we leave?" Meher asked excitedly.
"Leave for what?" yawned Preet.
"Preet Juneja, don't tell me you forgot", cried Meher. "We have a date today".
"We do?" said Preet.
"Well...I mean...not a date date, but ...you promised to take me sightseeing today", Meher corrected herself.
"Oh...that...", sighed Preet.
"Yes, that. And don't you dare try to get out this one, because before you know it it'll be time for me to go back to Dehli, and I haven't seen or done anything here yet", said Meher. "And seafood. How can I be in Mumbai and not try the seafood?"
"Hmm...", said Preet, as he suddenly grew quiet. He hadn't realized it before, but in just a short time he had gotten so used to having Meher around, that the mere mention of her going back to Delhi had now become an unpleasant thought.
"Kya hua Preet?" asked Meher. "Tum kya soch rahe ho?" (What happened Preet? What are you thinking of?)
"Nothing", said Preet.
"Okay then...", said Meher. "You have only one day to spare, and I have a whole list of places I want to visit. The sooner we get started the more ground we'll cover".
"You sound like an overly excited little kid", chuckled Preet.
"Well, that's because I am excited", smiled Meher, as she nudged Preet towards the bathroom. "Now hurry up and get dressed...please".
"Okay...Okay. Do I at least get to eat some breakfast first?" asked Preet.
"Sure", grinned Meher. "In fact you can ask Monica to make it for you".

A shortwhile later...
Preet and Meher stopped by a small cafe for breakfast then drove over to the Taj hotel. After spending an hour walking around admiring the architecture of the Taj and various buildings, fountains, and statues nearby, they made their way to the Gateway of India.
"I wish I had a camera with me", sighed Meher. "And I forgot my phone at home too. I know...we can use yours".
"Meher, I know we're out sight seeing, but do you have to take pictures like a typical tourist?" complained Preet.
"But Preet...these aren't just pictures, these are memories. Now come on", smiled Meher, as she struck a pose in front of the iconic structure.
Preet marveled at Meher's early morning enthusiasm and energy level. He shook his head and smiled, as he pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures of her. He then surprised her by asking a passerby to take one of them together. "Memories", he grinned, as he came up and put his arm around her for the picture.
Next, the young couple made their way down to the ferry wharf and took a boat down to Elefanta Island. Meher had never been on a boat before, so the ride itself was thrilling for her. She raced on ahead to the seating on the upper deck, while Preet handed their tickets to the attendant and followed after her.
As the boat started on its route, Meher reminded Preet to take plenty of pictures. They found empty seats on one end of the boat, and enjoyed basking in the morning sunshine. Meher would stand up and point excitedly every now and then to the beautiful skyline views. And Preet couldn't help but take note of how her smile lit up her face, as she giggled in response to the cool breeze whipping her long hair about. Her happy demeanor was definitely contagious he decided, even for someone who was not a morning person like him. As Meher took his phone from him and walked over to the other side of the boat to snap some pictures, Preet spotted another man following her admiringly with his gaze.
Preet walked up to him, put both hands on his hips and frowned. "Kya hai? Pehle kabhi ladki nahi dekhi kya?" (What? Haven't you ever seen a girl before?)
The man immediately turned his face away in embarrassment.
Preet, then walked up to Meher and took her by the hand. "Chalo (Let's go)", he said, as he led her back to the stairs.
"Where?" asked Meher.
"To the lower deck", Preet replied simply.
"But why?" protested Meher.
"Meher do you need to have a detailed explanation for everything?" asked Preet. "Can't you just go downstairs with me because I want to?"
"Okay fine", said Meher. "You were the one who suggested the view from up here would be better in the first place".
"Yeah well I changed my mind", grumbled Preet.
What's gotten into him all of a sudden? wondered Meher.

Once on Elefanta island, Preet and Meher trekked up the narrow pathway to the steep steps leading up to the temples, waving to the tourists passing them by on the tourist train. On reaching the first cave, Meher stared with fascination at the ornate devotional carvings, while Preet busied himself with taking more photos of her.
After their tour was done, they walked around some more, stopping only at Meher's insistence to buy some roasted corn on the cob or jamun from stalls put up by the locals. Preet also snapped some pictures of Meher as she stopped some local women passing by and attempted to balance a metal matka on her head. The women laughed as she managed to balance one successfully while they themselves piled on 2 or 3 at a time.
It was nearly lunch time when Preet and Meher made it back to Mumbai, and as they walked back from the ferry wharf towards the Gateway to India a balloon vendor approached them.
"Look sir a bargain at 50 rupees each", said the man trying to make a sale.
"Do I look like a child to you?" chuckled Preet. "What possible use would I have for a balloon?"
"Very useful sir", insisted the man. "For entertaining the children and entire family sir".
"Yeah well you're out of luck, I don't have any children", said Preet as he tried to move on.
"You not foreigner sir...for you only special local discount...only 5 rupees for a balloon", the man tried again.
"Preet le lo na", said Meher. (Preet, just take it)
"Meher these street vendors are pests. He's just...", began Preet.
"...A poor man trying to make a living and put bread on his table", interrupted Meher. "What's 5 rupees to you Preet? Not much right? But it may make the difference between eating or going hungry for him".
"I never thought about it like that", said Preet. He handed the vendor a 100 rupee note and said, "Okay, the lady wants some balloons. I'll take the whole bunch".
The man happily handed Meher the entire bunch of balloons he was holding. "May Bhagwan bless you and the madam with many many children sir", he said, grinning from Preet to Meher.
Meher's mouth fell open in surprise at the man's well intended remark, and she could feel her face turning red.
"You should see your face", said Preet, as he burst out laughing. "You look like a tomato".
"That's not funny!" said Meher, as she smacked him on his arm.
"Well, you got your balloons", laughed Preet. "Now how about some lunch?"
"Sure", replied Meher. "But first...children".
"Children?!" asked Preet. "I'm almost afraid to ask, but just what are you referring to Meher Maan? You didn't take that balloon man seriously did you?"
"Uff-ho! Come on Preet", said Meher, rolling her eyes.
To Preet's surprise, Meher proceeded to hand out balloons in bunches of 2 and 3 to children they randomly passed on their way back to the Taj, making sure to ruffle their hair in the process. By the time they reached the hotel all the balloons had been distributed.
"Why did you do that?" asked Preet.
"Kyun ke khushi bantne se badti hai Preet (Because happiness increases manifold when you share it)", said Meher. "My Papa Ji always used to say that".
"You're going to give me diabetes with all this sweetness, you know", laughed Preet. "Now come on, I'm starved".

A shortwhile later...

Meher sat nervously staring at a menu.
"Meher, the waiter has already been to our table 3 times and if I drink any more water I'm going to be in a lot of trouble. Will you please order something already?" pleaded Preet.
"But everything is in Chinese", complained Meher.
"It's Japanese", Preet corrected her.

"Same difference", said Meher, "I don't understand Japanese either. And look they actually have spider rolls on the menu. I don't want to eat spiders".
"Meher that has crab in it not spiders", said Preet.
"I don't want to eat crabs either", frowned Meher. "And everything is so expensive. I don't know what you were thinking when you brought me here".

"Neither do I", mumbled Preet.
"What?" said Meher.
"Nothing", sighed Preet. "I thought you wanted to have some seafood. And this is like one of the best Japanese restaurants in town. Would you have preferred if we went out for some fast food instead?"
"Well...", began Meher.
"Look, I'll order something for the both of us", suggested Preet. "We'll get some chicken too in case the seafood proves to be too much for you. But I'm telling you, you're going to love it".
"Lekin Preet...", said Meher

"Waiter!" Preet called out. As a waiter appeared, Preet picked up the menu and ordered the house special salad, miso soup, white fish carapaccio, panfried chicken pot stickers, chicken teriyaki, seafood coconut curry, a variety of sushi, and the organic pistachio halva".
Not a fan of salads or soups, Meher lazily pushed the salad leaves around in her plate as she waited for the main course to arrive. Soon the waiter returned with their order. Meher glanced over the colorful dishes Preet had ordered not sure what to try first.
"Preet, I think they forgot to cook this one", Meher whispered pointing at a seafood dish.
"Meher...it's supposed to be eaten that way...raw", smiled Preet. "Why don't you give it a try?"
"No thanks", Meher said, making a face. "I think I'll stick to the chicken". She was beginning to enjoy her meal when the waiter returned with a rectangular plate with several round cake like pieces on it. "Ooo...that's so pretty. Is that some kind of dessert?" asked Meher.
"Actually its sushi", explained Preet. "It's raw fish, rice and seaweed. But this one actually has orange fish eggs and this one has octopus in it".
Meher's face suddenly turned a mild shade of green. "I think I need to go to the ladies room", she said, as she covered her mouth with her hand and left the table.
"What did I say?" wondered Preet

Later that day...
Preet and Meher stood outside Mount Mary's Church.
"Meher, what are we doing here?" Preet asked as he munched on a chocolate bar.
"Well, we saw the dargah during our drive, and you didn't come inside with me to the Devi temple, so why not this church?" reasoned Meher.
"Because mandir, masjid, church, I don't really feel like I have any business in any of these places", replied Preet.
"Well we're not here on business Preet. I've heard so much about this place, and you won't even have to take off your shoes, so no excuses. Now come on, I'm not going in alone this time", insisted Meher.
Preet shrugged his shoulders and followed Meher inside the church. Meher smiled as she stared at the beautiful interior of the cathedral. She made her way to the front with Preet in tow, and slipped into a pew near the altar. Preet was still munching on his snack when he saw Meher frowning at him.
"Will you please put that away", she whispered.
Preet put the wrapper around the remainder of his chocolate and had just stuffed it into his pocket, when Meher pulled him down to kneel beside her. He watched her fold her hands together and close her eyes.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Shhh...", she whispered, "I'm praying".
"For what?" he asked
"Shhh...", another church goer hissed.
Meher glared at Preet and elbowed him into silence, while motioning him to bow his head in prayer too. Preet reluctantly complied. After remaining still for about 5 seconds, he turned to say something to Meher again, only to find her eyes still closed in deep meditation. She looked so at peace, he didn't dare disturb her. There was an air of sweet innocence about her too, as she squeezed her eyes tightly as if in an effort to make a final plea bargain with God. It was a soft chuckle that escaped from Preet that finally broke Meher's concentration.
"What's so funny?" Meher asked Preet, as they proceeded to exit the church.
"Nothing", smiled Preet. "I just think it's really cute how you were wishing away inside there. You seemed to have a really big list".
"Well, considering all the problems waiting for me back home...I guess I do", sighed Meher. "Didn't you ask for anything?"
"Meher, I already have everything I need", said Preet. "And the rest I'll earn with my own hard work. I'm not waiting around for Bhagwan to make up his mind on whether he wants to help or not. But I did wish for one thing though".
"What?" asked Meher.
"That you get whatever you wished for", smiled Preet.

Next Preet and Meher headed towards the beach. The crowd had already begun forming by the time they got there. They still, however, managed to have a nice walk before hitting the food stands. Not having enjoyed her lunch very much, Meher was starved. Bhel puri, pav bhaji, pani puri, hakka noodles, tangri kabab, cotton candy, she tackled each treat one by one.
"Uff! I think my stomach is going to explode", cried Meher. "I'll be dieting for a week now. Let's go before I'm tempted to indulge any further".
"Are you sure?" asked Preet, "Because there is a really neat stand over there that has over 50 flavors of ice golas".
"Well...", said Meher, as she proceeded towards the stand. "I guess one ice gola won't hurt. I mean, ice is just water".
"2 things a girl wants to do...lose weight and eat", Preet chuckled under his breath.
"I heard that", said Meher.
Later...
As the sun began to set over the Arabian sea, and the lights came up Preet and Meher took a walk along Marine drive. At one spot they stopped and took pictures of children standing along the rocky shore throwing incense sticks over the water, their flames spiraling like fireworks through the evening air. They were talking easily about everything and nothing. And for the first time in a very long time Meher couldn't remember when she had enjoyed being with someone more, than she was with Preet.
Next they proceeded to a local bazaar lined with stalls to look for souvenirs. Meher picked out some postcards and decorative trinkets, before spotting a stand selling earrings. She picked up a pair and placed them next to her ears. "What do you think?" she asked Preet.
"Um...too small", he said.
"What about these?" she asked pointing to another set.
"Too gaudy", he said picking out a medium sized pair. "Here, try these". Meher placed them next to her ear. "Perfect", smiled Preet, as he instructed the vendor to pack them for her.
"Look Preet...chudiyan", Meher pointed excitedly at a stall.
"You like this stuff?" asked Preet.
"What girl doesn't?" said Meher.
Preet thought about Ashlesha. He was sure she wouldn't like them. Not unless they were solid gold and loaded with diamonds. Meher on the other hand was so sweet and simple to please.
"Bhaiya Ji...some chudiyan for your girlfriend?" asked the vendor.
It was not an unusual assumption, but Meher's face still turned red at the vendor's words.
"She's not his girlfriend. She's his wife", a voice called out.
Preet and Meher turn around to see Inspector Khan.
"Inspector Khan", Preet said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"The same thing you are", smiled the policeman. "Enjoying the day off with the Mrs. She's actually haggling with a vendor a few stalls down from here, and I thought I'd surprise her with some bangles. Women love these things".
"Kya baat hai (well well)!" smiled Preet. "Keeping the romance alive even after all these years".
"I do what I can. Waise...ek baat kahoon Mr. Juneja? (Mind if I say something, Mr. Juneja?)" said the policeman, pointing to Meher's bare arms. "Who knows when and if we'll ever get your wife's jewelry back. You should at least buy her some bangles. I know you guys are the new generation, but my mom always used to say ke aik suhangan ki kalayi sooni achi nahi lagti. (it's not suitable for a married woman to have her wrists bare of any adornment). The rest is up to you". He nodded and smiled at Meher before leaving to join his wife.
Preet stole a glance at Meher. She had turned her face away from him, but he was certain it was only from embarrassment.
"Well?" he leaned close to her ear and whispered. "Do you still want to?"
"What?" asked Meher, almost choking on the word.
"Get some chudiyan?" asked Preet.
"I don't know", stuttered Meher. "If you think I should...uh...I mean I don't have to...I mean...they're really nice...but I'm okay with the earrings".
Preet smiled before taking Meher's hand and pulling her towards the stand. "Bhaiya", he called out to the vendor. "Woh zara laal wali chudiyan dekhana (Show us some red ones)".
After the shopping was done, Preet ended the long day by taking Meher on a carriage ride. It was very late by the time they got home. Both were tired but happy.

Meher walked over to the sofa with a pillow and blanket in her hand, and began to make her bed. Just then she heard her kitten meow as it pawed at a small sack lying nearby.
"Aww, did you want something Romeo?" Meher asked, as she picked up the kitten and hugged it. "Some milk before you go to sleep, perhaps?"
With the kitten still cradled in her arms, Meher went to the kitchen and poured some milk in a small bowl. She then set everything down, and left the kitten to eagerly lap up the milk in peace. On her way back to her bed for the night, Meher picked up the sack Romeo had been pawing at earlier. It contained all the little goodies she had picked up from the market stalls. She settled herself on the sofa, then pulled out a small rectangular box from the bag and opened the cover. It contained a beautiful set of fancy red chudiyan. She had actually picked out several smaller sets. Pink and blue ones to match some of her outfits, some more durable metal ones for daily wear, but these were extra special, because Preet had chosen them for her. Just then she heard someone cough. She quickly hid the bangles under the blanket.
"I thought you were going to sleep as soon as your head hit the pillow", said Preet.
"Um...uh...yeah...I was just about to...how about you?" stuttered Meher.
"Yeah...I was just going to the kitchen for some water", said Preet.
"Okay...um...becareful not to trip over Romeo", said Meher. She breathed a sigh of relief as she watched Preet go into the kitchen, then quickly stuffed the bangles back into the shopping bag. Thank God he hadn't caught her staring at them. That would have been super embarrassing. Who knows what he would have thought of her if he had.
Meher moved her legs aside as Preet came back with his water and sat down next to her. "I still think Romeo is a silly name for a cat", he said.
"But I like it", said Meher. "And I think he does too".
"Hmm...How come you're still sleeping in my T-shirt and pajamas?" asked Preet.
"I don't know", said Meher, shrugging her shoulders. "They're just so comfortable I guess. Don't worry I'll leave them behind before I go back to Delhi".
"It's okay...you can keep them", smiled Preet. "They look better on you anyway. We sure covered a lot of ground today didn't we? I didn't realize how tired I'd get until now".
"Yeah", agreed Meher. "Um...thanks Preet. I mean you gave your entire day off to me. I really appreciate that".
"Anytime. Well...it's getting late...", said Preet, as he got up to go. "And I'm sure you want to get back to admiring those bangles".
Meher's mouth fell open. "Preet Juneja, were you spying on me?!" she cried.
"Just enough to note that you think I have exceptional taste", laughed Preet.
"Ugh!! You are so annoying!" cried Meher, as she threw a cushion at him then proceeded to chase him around the sofa.
"And you are so cute, when you get angry", chuckled Preet, as he let Meher catch up to him and give him a couple of playful slaps on his arm.
Meher watched Preet walk to his bedroom, not quite sure how to respond to that last remark. But before she could, Preet turned around winked at her and smiled. "I had a really nice time today Mrs. Juneja".
It wasn't until he had closed his door that Meher allowed her frown to break into a smile. "Me too Mr. Juneja", she whispered. "Me too".

