Chapter 27 - Looking Out For You
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"Okay...", said Preet as he watched Meher take small sips from the glass of water he had just brought for her. "You want to tell me what's gotten you so rattled?"
"It's Viren", sighed Meher. "He was here".
"What?!" Cried Preet. He recalled passing a man in the hall on his way to Meher's apartment. Was that Viren? He immediately stood up ready to dart out the door after him, but Meher took a hold of his hand and stopped him.
"Preet, he knew you were on the way. He's probably long gone by now", she said.
"How did he find you?! And why didn't you call me?!" asked Preet, as he sat down next to Meher.
"I didn't get a chance to", she explained. "Viren was already inside my apartment when I got home this morning. The building manager let him in".
"What?! Why?! That's it! I'm going to make sure that manager get's fired!" said Preet.
"It wasn't his fault Preet", said Meher. "Viren was disguised as an electrician making repairs. Mr. Mehta didn't know any better. He's known I was in Mumbai for a while now. Remember when I got stuck out on the window ledge trying to save Romeo? He saw me on the local news right after that. He's been following my every move for almost a month now".
"I don't believe it", said Preet. Just then he noticed red marks on Meher's arm, and took it in his hands for closer observation. "And what's this?" he asked gritting his teeth. "Did he hurt you?"
"No...I'm okay really", said Meher, as she rubbed her arm and gave him a weak smile. "He did have a demand though. He wants his father's money. He's set up a meeting in Delhi with Mr. Kashyap's lawyer next week. He wants me there, so I can take over everything and then sign it over to him. I know he'll just blow away all the money Mr. Kashyap worked so hard to earn. And it seems wrong to do anything he says, especially after he told me he was responsible for Mr. Kashyap's plane accident".
"What?" Preet said in surprise.
"But Preet...he said if I didn't do as he said, he'd be back to hurt me or the people I care about. I don't know what to do", sighed Meher.
"You're not going to do anything he says Meher", said Preet. "We're going to go down to the police station, and speak to Inspector Khan. We'll have that maniac picked up and arrested. We'll get a restraining order against him and change the locks to your door. No...in fact...I'm not leaving you here alone. You're coming back to my place tonight".
"Preet I can't" said Meher. "Your mother is in town remember?"
"Okay fine, then I'm staying here with you", said Preet. "Ma can stay at the hotel tonight with PB".
"No Preet", Meher said shaking her head. "It wouldn't be right. I mean, she came to see you after so many months, I don't want to intrude on mother-son bondng time".
"You wouldn't be intruding", said Preet.
"Besides, I highly doubt she'd approve of us spending the night together", continued Meher.
"Maybe you're right", said Preet. "She wasn't happy when she found out we had been living together".
"What?! How did she find out?" asked Meher.
"She ran into Kuljeet Singh, who filled her in on her version of events", replied Preet.
"Oh no! What she must think of me!" cried Meher.
"Well, she was jumping to all sorts of conclusions, and gave me an earful too", said Preet. "But after she calmed down, I told her about our mutual problems and our subsequent living arrangement".
"You mean she knows about me and Viren too?" Meher asked worriedly.
"Only that you ran away from the wedding", said Preet. "But I think we should tell her everything in detail including about that creep showing up here today. She'll understand why I'd want you back with me".
"No she won't Preet. Don't you see? It was different when we were living together before. We weren't in love then. There's no way we would be able to convince her now that we're not...doing anything...you know? And I don't want to tell her about Viren at all", said Meher. I mean...what kind of a bahu will she think I am? One who hasn't even entered her household, but brought a ton of problems with her".
"I think you underestimate Ma", said Preet. "But she may insist on taking you back to Ludhiana with her. Which may not be such a bad idea".
"All the more reason not to tell her. I have to teach on Monday", said Meher.
"Meher, you've got a looney murderer after you!" said Preet. "How can you think about school?!"
"Well, what else am I supposed to do? Hide for the rest of my life?" said Meher.
"Lekin (but) Meher...", said Preet.
"Look, I'll admit that seeing Viren today really shook me up. But I can't keep on living my life in fear. I won't give him that control over me", Meher said determinedly. Besides...you said we can report him to the police. He killed his father, so they'll put him away for a long time, and we should have nothing to worry about right?"
Preet passed his hand over his face in frustration, before putting an arm around Meher's shoulder and pulling her close. "Either you're very brave or I'm very stupid for listening to you".
"Neither. Acha chalo (okay then)...let's talk about something else", smiled Meher. "Is your mom still upset?"
"Actually I think she's really relieved that I finally want to settle down", smiled Preet. "Both she and PB were surprised that you were the girl though".
"So were we", chuckled Meher.
"She also wants to see you tonight", said Preet. "But if you're not up to it, I'll make up some excuse".
"No Preet", smiled Meher. "I would love to see your mother".
Later...
Inspector Khan pulled up a chair in front of his desk. Pushing the stack of files laying before him to one side, he smiled at the young couple seated before him.
"Mr. and Mrs. Juneja, nice to see you both again. I'm afraid we still have no lead on your stolen jewels Mrs. Juneja. I suspect the crooks skipped out of town right after they robbed you. If they did, then they probably hocked the jewelry at some pawn shop out of our jurisdiction. It may be next to impossible to get them back. I hope you were insured, and I hope you've been keeping yourself off those window ledges", joked Inspector Khan.
Preet and Meher both exchanged a weak smile.
"Well from the looks on your faces, you obviously didn't come down to hear me crack bad jokes. So...what can I do for you?" asked Inspector Khan.
"We're not here about the jewelry sir", said Preet. "I'm concerned about Meher's safety. A man has been stalking her".
"Really? Do you know who he is?" asked Inspector Khan.
"I'm afraid so", sighed Meher. "It's someone I knew when I lived in Delhi. His name is Viren Kashyap".
"Kashyap?" said Inspector Khan. "Now why does that name ring a bell?"
"He's the son of the late industrialist Dev Kashyap", explained Meher. "Perhaps you heard about his accident several months ago on the news. Anyway...we were to be married once...but...I didn't want to...so...um...I ran away. Viren didn't take it too lightly. He's been looking for me ever since. And he finally found me. He said he's been following me for a month now, and I never even knew it".
"So you had an argument with your former fiance?" said Inspector Khan.
"It's more than that", said Meher. "Dev Kashyap left his entire fortune to me. Viren wants it back at any cost. He even admitted to tampering with his father's plane. Mr. Kashyap died because of that".
"Those are some pretty heavy accusation you're wielding Mrs. Juneja, especially about Mr. Kashyap's death", said Inspector Khan. "Do you have any proof of that?"
"Viren told me so himself", said Meher.
"He may deny that. It would be your word against his", said Inspector Khan. "What about his stalking behavior...do you have any proof of that?"
"Look the guy was inside the apartment when she came home from shopping this morning", said Preet. "He threatened her. That should be enough to have him arrested or get a restraining order against him".
"So you're saying he broke into your place?" asked Inspector Khan.
"Not exactly", sighed Meher. "The manager let him in. He was disguised as an electrician making repairs. I don't want anything to do with the money or him. I just want him off my back".
"Hmm...", said Inspector Khan.
"Wait...why are you hesitating?" asked Preet. "The guy is crazy".
"Mr. Juneja, I'll be happy to take down your complaint", sighed Inspector Khan. "We can definitely look into the matter, but I'm afraid we can't go around arresting people just because they got into a heated argument with your wife. This is not a TV serial. I need proof in order to take action against someone. It's also something the court will demand if you file a petition for a restraining order, which by the way takes time to get".
"Proof?" said Meher. "What kind of proof?"
"Well...has he been leaving any threatening messages, letters, or emails?" asked Inspector Khan. "Have any of your colleagues witnessed him showing up at your workplace and harassing you?"
"No", admitted Meher.
"But, he has been giving her missed calls", said Preet.
"Well...one of the calls could have been from the building manager, but I'm pretty sure the rest were from Viren", said Meher. "And he did threaten me when he was in the apartment".
Inspector Khan shook his head. "Look Mrs Juneja, I want to help you, but in order for that to happen I need you to help me. I want you to start keeping a log of any communication Viren Kashyap may try and have with you...phone calls, visits, any contact at all. Note down dates, times. The more specific the better. Anything like voicemail messages, letters, cards, emails...save them all".
"Why should I do this?" asked Meher.
"Well", sighed Inspector Khan. "You yourself said that you didn't know you were being stalked, so how do you expect us to make any charges against Viren stick? But with a recorded pattern of his stalking behavior, we can have something to go on...maybe even get a temporary restraining order for you until the court gives a ruling and issues you a permanent one. But I have to warn you, a restraining order isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's hard to enforce. If this guy doesn't want to be seen he won't be seen, but that doesn't mean he's gone.
I'll have one of my men run a check on him. If he doesn't have any prior records...and all he's done is call or argued with you once, we can't really hold him for that. But if he builds up a record of consistent abuse, then we could definitely charge him".
"That's of little comfort", sighed Meher.
"I'm sorry", said Inspector Khan. "In the meantime I suggest you change your locks".
"We already did that", said Preet.
"Good", said Inspector Khan. "I also suggest you get an unlisted phone number and only give it out to those in your close circle. Change your route to work. Find new places to hang out in. Don't fall into a consistent pattern he can stalk you in. I can't really think of anything else right now. But I expect you to keep us updated should anything happen".
"Should anything happen?" Meher said in surprise. "You mean I'm supposed to wait until something happens!"
"I don't have the authority to make preemptive arrests Mrs. Juneja", sighed Inspector Khan. He motioned for another officer to take Meher to his desk to note down her complaint. He waited until she left before turning to Preet. "Mr. Juneja, if this man is really as dangerous as your wife believes he his, then I want you 2 to be extra careful. Your coming to the police or attempting to get a restraining order may work and scare him off. But you should be prepared for the exact opposite to happen too".
"Matlab (Meaning)?" said Preet.
"It may just make him angrier and he may come back at you harder", said Inspector Khan. "And since he was your wife's former fiance, you should expect to be targeted equally. Be on your toes. A restraining order, should you decide to get one, is just a piece of paper, not a bullet proof vest".
"I'm not afraid of him Inspector Khan", said Preet. "I just want Meher to be safe".
"I understand how you feel Mr. Juneja", said Inspector Khan. "Despite being married to her, you can't be with her all the time. Don't worry, I'll do everything I can to assist you".
Later...
Preet stood leaning against the corner of the elevator leading up to the penthouse suite of the Juneja's luxury hotel in Mumbai. He chuckled softly to himself as he watched Meher chatter away nervously while she rubbed her sweaty palms against her clothes.
"Oh God!" cried Meher. "Today's been one hell of a roller coaster ride! First you proposed...then Viren showed up...and now I have to meet your mother. I'm surprised I haven't passed out from a heart attack yet. Are you sure I look okay? You don't think I should have dressed up a little more do you? Because I could have dressed up a little more, but I didn't want to look like I was over doing it.
I'm so nervous! Can you tell that I'm nervous? I mean why should I be nervous? It's not like I'm meeting her for the first time. I guess there is no turning back now since we're already in the elevator, and the doors are about to open up. But why do I feel like I'm not ready? And why are you laughing? It's not funny. I'm freaking out here!"
"Meher relax. You look wonderful", smiled Preet. "Ma knows you, and she really likes you. Tonight is only a formality. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine".
Meher closed her eyes and said a little prayer and hoped that everything would indeed work out as Preet said. Just then the elevator doors opened, and Preet led her into the penthouse.
"Hey guys!" smiled Prem, as he and Gaytri approached them.
"Namaste Aunty Ji", said Meher, as she bent down to touch Gaytri's feet.
"Jeeti raho beta", smiled Gaytri. (Bless you my child).
Without thinking Meher bent down to touch Prem's feet too.
"Meher what are you doing?" cried Prem as he stopped her.
"Oh sorry Prem Jiju...I mean Prem Bhaiya...I mean Prem Ji", said Meher. "Um...uh...hey...you know I never noticed until now but you look a lot like Gaurav Bhaiya".
"Yeah...we get that a lot", smiled Prem.
"So...here we are", Meher chuckled nervously. "Nice place you have here Aunty Ji. I mean it's not your place...as in your home...your real home is in Ludhiana. That's where Heer Di is. How is she by the way? I wish you would have brought her along. Perhaps she preferred staying at home to staying in a hotel. You know what they say...there's no place like home. Not to say that your hotel is not a good home away from home. I mean...it's really nice".
"Thank you", smiled Gaytri. "Why don't we all sit down and I'll get room service to bring up dinner?"
"Oh great...I'm so hungry I could eat a horse", laughed Meher. "Oh! I mean...I would never really eat a horse. I grew up on a farm. I love horses. I've ridden one, but would never eat one".
Gaytri, Prem and Preet looked at Meher with their mouths open.
"I've never been in a penthouse suite before either", said Meher. "And before I continue to embarrass myself any further, is there a balcony I can jump off?"
"You're doing fine", laughed Gaytri, as she took Meher by the hand and led her to the dining area.
"So...are you sure she's the one?" Prem whispered to Preet, as soon as Gaytri and Meher were out of earshot.
"I'm afraid so", chuckled Preet.
Despite Meher's initial nervousness, dinner went very smoothly. And Gaytri's good-nature and welcoming attitude quickly put her mind at ease.
"Preet has only had good things to say about you Meher", said Gaytri. "You've really made an impression on him".
"Thank you" smiled Meher. "But it's really Preet who deserves praise. He's been working so hard out here, despite the fact that he misses you all terribly. And he really helped me out at a time when I had no one to turn to".
"Yes, he told me", said Gaytri. "I'm glad you have your own place now though. It may sound old-fashioned, but I don't approve of young people living together before marriage".
"Aw come on Ma", said Preet, as she saw Meher blush. "You promised me you wouldn't lecture us further on this issue".
"Who's lecturing?" Gaytri said defensively, "I'm just laying down some ground rules. After all, I'll go home tomorrow and leave you 2 here...unsupervised. I know Meher is a good girl. It's you I'm worried about Preet".
"Thanks Ma", Preet said as he rolled his eyes. Just then his phone rang, and he excused himself to answer it.
"Speaking of home", continued Gaytri. "Everyone is so excited that Preet wants to get married. They can't wait to get started on the wedding preparations. We want to get to know you better too Meher. How soon can you 2 come to Ludhiana?"
"I have a week off from school starting next weekend", said Meher. "Perhaps Preet can get some time off from work then too".
"Wonderful!" smiled Gaytri. "That'll give me plenty of time to make some preparations. We'll have an engagement ceremony and make it your official welcome into our family".
"Being part of a family again...", smiled Meher. "I think I'm going to love it". She glanced happily over at Preet. He was standing at a distance talking to someone on the phone.
"Yes Inspector Khan", said Preet. "What have you got?"
"I'm not sure Mr. Juneja", said Inspector Khan. "As I suspected Viren Kashyap doesn't have a prior record. I still had 2 of my men stop by his uncle's repair shop to make inquiries. But he was gone".
"Gone? Where?" asked Preet.
"His uncle wasn't sure, but he said Viren may have gone back to Delhi", said Inspector Khan.
That would make sense, thought Preet. The meeting he wanted Meher to attend was in Delhi.
"I guess that means he's out of your hair", continued Inspector Khan.
"I wouldn't bet on it", said Preet. "But thanks for your help Inspector".
Later that night...
Meher slid the beautiful kangan Preet's mother had gifted her earlier that evening off her wrists and carefully placed them back in their box. It had been a wonderful evening. Gaytri Aunty had been so gracious, warm and welcoming. She was going to love being part of the Juneja household. She and Preet were going to get married! It seemed like a dream, and she couldn't be happier.
Meher went to check on Romeo. He was sleeping peacefully in his favorite corner of the living room. She then walked over to the coat closet by the door and took her bat out, before proceeding to double check the new locks on her front door. Seeing everything in order, she went to check on the windows.
Okay Meher, now you're getting paranoid, she thought smacking herself on the head. You live on the 12th floor. It's not like anyone can come through here. She then moved onto her bedroom. It had been a long day, and she was ready to turn in.
A short while later...
Meher tossed and turned in her bed, before reaching out to make sure her bat was still within reach. She was sure she wasn't going to get any sleep that night. She had tried watching TV, reading a book, even counting sheep, but nothing was working. Everytime her eyes became heavy with sleep, she would hear a sound and be jolted back awake. She turned on her lamp, ready to go and check again if her door was locked properly when her phone rang. "Who could that be?" she wondered out loud. To her relief it was Preet.
"Hi Meher", he said.
"Preet, what's wrong?" she asked worriedly. "Why are you calling so late?"
"Nothing's wrong", said Preet. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright".
"Yes...I'm fine", smiled Meher. "Just trying to get to sleep".
"Good", said Preet. "Listen, I wanted to let you know that I'm right outside if you need me".
"What?!" cried Meher, as she ran to her window. Sure enough Preet's car was parked in front of her building. "I don't believe this. Preet...you can't sit outside all night".
"You're right", said Preet. "I'm coming up".
"No Preet...wait!" said Meher, but he had already hung up. Minutes later he was at her door. "Preet I thought you were staying at the hotel with your mom tonight. What are you doing here?" she asked, as she let him in.
"Looking out for you", he said. "Someone has to".
"Preet I don't need looking after", insisted Meher. "I'm fine".
"Sure...that's why you're walking around with a bat", Preet pointed out.
Meher looked at her hand. She hadn't realized it, but she was holding her bat. She quickly hid it behind her back. "Oh...that thing...Heh Heh...Uh...What about your mom? Does she know you're here?" she asked trying to change the topic.
"Ma's asleep", said Preet. He took the bat from her and put it aside. "And I won't tell her about me being here if you don't".
"Oh God, this is not right", said Meher. "What if she gets up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water or something and notices that you're gone?"
"Meher my mother is a sound sleeper", said Preet. "She usually doesn't get up once she falls asleep. And she keeps a jug of water by the bedside table. If she does wake up and realize I'm gone, she'll call me and I'll just tell her I needed to go back home. Now relax, I'm going to spend the night here, and then head back to the hotel in the morning just in time for breakfast".
"You're doing this because of Viren right? You know you don't have to", said Meher.
"I know...but I want to", said Preet. He kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose then began to walk off towards the bedroom.
"Wait!" Meher cried as she caught up to him. "Where do you think you're going?"
"To bed", he replied simply.
Meher followed him into her bedroom, and watched as he took off his jacket and placed it on a chair, before sitting on the bed and removing his shoes.
"Preet, you can't sleep here", she said.
"Why not?" he grinned.
"Well...because...we're not married. It wouldn't be right", said Meher.
"But I can be a good boy", said Preet. "I think I proved that last night".
"Last night was...uh...well...last night just sort of happened", stammered Meher. "We can't be making a habit out of it you know...because...eventually...one thing will lead to another...and..."
"...we're not married", smiled Preet, as he finished her sentence.
"Right", nodded Meher.
"...so...it wouldn't be right", added Preet.
"Right. And besides...remember what your mother said. Oh God!" Meher said, as she placed her hands on her cheeks. "Just think what your mother would say!"
"My mother is not here", Preet reminded her.
"Preet!" cried Meher, as she folded her arms in protest.
"Okay fine", said Preet, as he shifted to an arm chair near the bed. "You sleep in the bed and I'll sit here and amuse myself by going through various romantic scenarios with you in my mind".
"Preet Juneja, you're impossible!" cried Meher. She wrinkled her nose at him, but he just smirked, stood up and undid the clip that was holding her hair up.
"What in the world...", began Meher.
"Sorry", said Preet, as he looked her over. "But I just love your hair open like that".
Meher felt her cheeks become warm. She nervously tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, as Preet took a step closer to her. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and gently kissed her on the lips, lingering a little longer than he knew he should.
"Preet", Meher whispered, as she pulled back and smiled shyly. "We'll be married soon enough and then you can kiss me like that all the time".
Despite her comment Preet pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, softly at first and then harder. Meher felt him slip his right hand under the hem of her night shirt and slowly run his thumb against the delicate skin at her waist.
"Preet Juneja you had better behave yourself, else you'll wind up losing a digit", she giggled as she grabbed his forearms and pulled herself away.
"I love it when you get physical", laughed Preet. Surprising her, he gently pushed her down on the bed, flush against the floral sheets. "You are so honest...and sweet...and beautiful Meher Maan".
Meher looked up at him shyly, not quite sure what to say, a pink bloom rose in her cheeks again.
Preet smiled, and gently ran his hand down her cheek, over her shoulder, down her arm, watching the goose bumps rise on her skin, until he took her hand in his and pulled her up close to him in a warm and protective hug.
"Preet", whispered Meher.
"Shhh...", he whispered back, trying his best not to think of how incredibly soft her skin had felt or how good she smelled, or how close her lips were to his. "Just go to sleep".
"I love you Preet", Meher whispered. And without any further protest, she let herself relax and fall asleep trustingly in his arms.
Hope you all liked the update. Please do leave your comments and feedback. Or at least hit the like button. 😛
Next update after Eid.
Almost no one listens to me ... but (😕)...as always... a humble request...if you are reading this FF it's because Sushant and Meher made an impression on you in their portrayal of Preet and Meher. Please be kind enough to comment on the respective actors' profiles Thanks. 😛
Chapter 28: Preet and Meher go to Ludhaina.
Edited by ummesulaiman - 11 years ago
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