Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 20

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Meher sat in the living room of the Juneja house, surrounded by family members, with worried expressions, waiting patiently for her to finish the tea Heer had brought for her.

"How are you feeling now?" asked Heer.

"Better I think", Meher said quietly.

"I still don't understand how all this happened, said Gaytri.

"This is all your fault Preet", said Daljeet. "You should have gotten in touch with Meher directly and told her of any change in plans. Hai Rabba!! Humari phool si bachi ko kuch ho jaata toh? (Oh God!! What if something had happened to our dear child?)"

"Daljeet...that's enough", said Balwant, rolling his eyes at his wife's sudden over the top overtures of concern for Meher.

"No, she's right", said Preet. "And...I take full responsibility for everything that happened".

"Nahin (No) Preet", Meher spoke up. "We both know you had nothing to do with this. And I know I asked you not to say anything to anyone about Viren, but I was wrong".

"Viren!!" cried Daljeet. "You mean that scoundrel was at the bottom of this? I thought we had gotten rid of him. Balwant, what are we going to do now?"

"Who is Viren?" asked Prem.

"Viren Kashyap is the step son of the late industrialist Dev Kashyap", said Meher. "He's also sort of...my former fiance".

"Fiance?" Heer said in surprise.

"Meher, Preet told us that you had run away from a wedding, but not much more than that", said Prem. "But I think you should tell us everything".

Meher nodded.

"Mr. Kashyap was a friend of my mother's", she explained. "When she fell ill, they both agreed that his son and I would be married. It was my mother's great wish to see me settled. I went along with the wedding plans to make her happy in her last days, but I never knew the identity of the groom until the night of the wedding. Otherwise, I would never have said yes.

Viren loved flaunting his father's money. Drugs, alcohol, women...you name it, he was infamous for it. He and I not only studied at the same university, we also lived in the same building, so I was aware of his less than moral character. Something my poor mother was ignorant off. She didn't live to see the wedding, and it's just as well, because as soon as I found out that it was Viren I was marrying...I ran away. That's how I came to live with Preet".

"Okay so you jilted him", said Prem, "but that doesn't explain why he would go through this elaborate plan to scare you. I mean, is it some sick plot to get revenge or is he still in love with you?"

"This has nothing to do with love Prem Bhaiya", sighed Meher. "Mr. Kashyap was on the outs with his son. He cut off all financial ties with him, and made me his sole beneficiary. Viren's reinstatement in the family inheritance was contingent on our wedding taking place".

"So when you ran out on him, you took the money too", said Heer. "No wonder he's mad".

"He's not only mad, he wants his money back", sighed Meher.

"What?!" cried Daljeet. "But that money rightfully belongs to us now...uh...I mean you".

"But I don't want it!" said Meher. "I've never laid a claim to any of it, nor do I intend to".

"Meher, how do you know what he wants?" asked Prem. "Has he been in touch with you?"

"A week ago, I found him in my apartment", said Meher. "He was disguised as an electrician and had gotten the building manager to let him in under the pretense of making repairs. He wanted me to meet with Mr. Kashyap's lawyer, formally claim the inheritance and then sign everything over to him. He threatened me..."

"He threatened you?!" cried Balwant. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I didn't want to worry anyone", said Meher. "Preet knew and I thought that was enough".

"Hmm...I'm guessing you missed the meeting", said Prem.

"Yes", nodded Meher.

"That was my idea", said Preet. "He's into drugs, gambling and what not PB. Plus he owes money to people, so he was trying to coerce Meher into claiming the inheritance. But it's not fair for Mr. Kashyap's hard earned money go to waste like that, so we went and reported him to the police instead. In fact I think we should report him to the authorities here in Ludhiana too".

"Based on what Preet? We don't have any proof that he was involved in the mishap with Meher", said Prem. "In fact the driver said he was only following your instructions".

"Besides, what he does with his father's money is none of our business", cried Gaytri. "It certainly is not worth anyone getting hurt".

"Lekin (But) Ma...", began Preet.

"Aunty Ji is right Preet", interrupted Meher. "Viren called me while I was stuck out in Ambala. He told me he was responsible for me being there. He also told me he was responsible for your accident".

"Oh my God!" said Gaytri, as she raised her hand to her mouth.

"Ma...let's not make a big deal out of this", sighed Preet.

"How can you not expect me to make a big deal out of it?!" cried Gaytri.

"Because neither one of us got hurt", said Preet.

"But next time things could very well be different", said Meher. She turned to Preet and placed her hand on his. "There is nothing in the world that is more important to me now or will ever be more important to me than you are Preet. I would never be able to forgive myself if anything happened to you. I have to figure out a way to make peace with Viren".

"Well it's obvious to me what you have to do Meher", sighed Gaytri. "Reschedule that meeting".

2 Days later...

Preet and Meher walked into the law offices of Bedi, Bhinda & Sons, in Delhi.

"Mr. Bedi, thank you for seeing us on such short notice", said Preet as he shook the stout older man's hand.

"You're welcome Mr. Juneja", smiled Mr. Bedi. "This meeting is in any case long over due. You must be Meher Maan?"

"Yes", said Meher, giving him a small smile.

"The other party has already arrived. Just follow me into this conference room here and we'll get all the paperwork sorted out", said Mr. Bedi.

"The other party?" asked Meher.

"Viren Kashyap is here", explained Mr. Bedi. "He specifically wanted me to inform him whenever his father's will was read. It's understandable that all parties to be affected by this should wish to attend".

As Mr. Bedi opened the door of the room, Meher's eyes immediately fell on the young man of medium height and built standing by the windows peering impatiently over the city scene below. On hearing them enter, Viren turned to look at them.

It was too much for Preet to bear to finally see and hear him in person. With gritted teeth and clenched fists, he lunged towards Viren and grabbed him roughly by the collar.

"Preet...please...he's not worth it", Meher pleaded, as she tugged on his arm in an effort to get him to release Viren from his grip.

Preet looked between Viren and Meher, then nodded and took a deep breath to calm himself down.

"Arey wah!" said Viren. "Usne ek bar kaha aur tumne chod diya? (Wow! She asked you just once and you let me go?) You have him well trained don't you Meher? By the way...it's so nice of you to change your mind and come after all". He threw her a triumphant smile.

"Whatever you say", Viren said with a smirk, then took a seat at the conference table.

Preet pulled out a chair for Meher to sit in before taking his place in the chair next to her.

"Mr Bedi", said Meher. "I'd like to get done with the proceedings and leave as soon as possible".

An assistant brought a large file and placed it before Mr. Bedi. He passed out several pieces of paper to Meher and Viren, and then began to read Mr. Kashyap's will. The jist of the contents was as Meher had expected. Mr. Kashyap had left her everything. Viren was to be added as a joint beneficiary and his monthly allowance resumed only in the event that they were married.

When she thought the reading was done, Meher spoke up. "Mr. Bedi, as you are well aware, the marriage between Viren and me did not take place. Nor do I plan on ever marrying him. I am willing, however, to take any and all action necessary to turn over all the Kashyap holdings I have inherited to Viren".

"I'm afraid you can't do that Meher", said Mr. Bedi

"Why not?" demanded Viren. "My father was obviously not in his senses when he made this will".

"I'm afraid he was very much in his senses young man", Mr. Bedi corrected him. "And he was well aware of your ludicrous life style. It went against all of his principles. He gave you many chances to reform Viren, but you continued to disappoint him every time. He had hoped marrying Meher would give you a sense of family and responsibility, that is why he opted to leave everything to her, but even that didn't work out".

"Get to the point!" said Viren. "Why can't Meher sign everything over to me? She's willing to do so willingly". He shot a nervous glance at Meher.

"Well, what you both don't seem to understand is that the inheritance for both of you is contingent on a marriage having taken place", explained Mr. Bedi. "Once that happens, Viren's monthly expense allowance would immediately be restored, with a generous increase of course, and one would be established for Meher as well. But a full transfer of all properties, will not be made until after the 1^st wedding anniversary.

There is also a provision in the will which specifically states that if a marriage does not take place within a 6 months period of time from the original planned wedding date, all the Kashyap holdings after Mr. Dev Kashyap's demise would be liquidated and the money placed in an irrevocable trust to be distributed to various named charities and NGOs.

Practically speaking, that means neither you nor Meher would get anything, if a wedding doesn't take place within say...the next 2 months".

"What?! Let me see that!!" cried Viren. He snatched the papers from Mr. Bedi's hands, and scanned them. By the time he had reached his father's signature at the bottom of the last page, panic and dread had balled in his stomach. "I don't believe it!"

"You have no choice but to believe it", said Mr. Bedi. "There was so much bad history between you and your father. He wanted to make sure you wouldn't run everything into the ground. When last we spoke, he told me of the most recent falling out the 2 of you had. He said you even threatened him".

"What are you suggesting Mr. Bedi? That I killed him?" said Viren. "Sure I was angry. People say things they don't mean in a fit of anger. You'll never be able to prove anything".

"I'm not accusing anyone of anything Viren", sighed Mr. Bedi. "I'll leave the investigations to the police. I can only tell you what your father wanted done after he was gone".

"Looks like Mr. Kashyap had the last laugh after all", chuckled Preet. "Come on Meher, let's go. There's nothing else for you to do here".

"Wait!" cried Viren. "Meher, there must be something we can do. We still have 2 months. We'll go to the registry office first thing Monday morning and get married".

"Are you crazy?!" cried Meher. "I'll never marry you!"

"Your devotion to Mr. Perfect here is heartwarming", said Viren. "But I'm sure we can discuss this further".

"There is nothing to discuss!" cried Meher. "Nothing you say can change my mind. I'm going back to Mumbai tomorrow, back to my regular normal life...and you can go ahead and just threaten me some more. But let me tell you something else, I'm getting a restraining order. Without proof, I may not be able to get the police to put you away for what you did to Mr. Kashyap, but I can make them force you to stay away from me".

"Why are you doing this to me? Damn you Meher!" cried Viren, as he grabbed her arm. "You can't just leave me hanging like this".

"Let me go!" Meher cried as she tried to pull her arm back.

"She said to let her go", said Preet, quickly intervening. He grabbed Viren by the collar and shoved him against the wall. "It appears that a lesson in manners is in order".

"Preet...Preet please let's just go", pleaded Meher, as she tried to pull Preet away from Viren.

At Meher's insistence, he once again reluctantly let Viren go. But as they turned to leave, Viren lunged at him. Anticipating this move, Preet quickly turned and punched him square on his jaw so hard that he fell. Meher's hand went to her mouth.

"Now you listen carefully. Today is the first and last time I ever want to see you", Preet said gritting his teeth. "Agar mujhe pata chala ke tum Meher ke ek kilometer ke dairay mein bhi aye ho...toh main tumhari tange tord kar tumhare hath main pakra-doon ga. (If I ever find out that you've come within a 1km radius of Meher, I'll break both of your legs and hand them to you). And that's not a warning. It's a promise!"

Viren looked up angrily, as he tasted the blood flowing from his upper lip. His mouth contorted into an angry snarl as he watched the 2 leave the office. "I'll make you pay for this Preet", he grunted under his breath. "Even if it's the last thing I do".

Later that evening...

The Juneja and Maan families were gathered together, anxiously waiting for Preet and Meher to disclose the details of their meeting with Viren.

"Well, how did it go?" began Heer.

"I'm not sure", sighed Meher.

"What do you mean? Didn't you meet with the lawyer?" asked Heer.

"We did. Even Viren showed up", said Meher.

"Viren was there?" said Balwant.

"Yes", sighed Meher. "Mr. Bedi felt it was relevant for him to be there".

"I suppose the fiend was pleased with himself now that you handed over your fortune to him", said Daljeet.

"Chachee Ji, that money was never mine nor will it ever be mine", said Meher. "The will specifically states that Viren and I have to be married for anyone to inherit anything. In fact if a wedding doesn't take place within the next 2 months the entire Kashyap fortune will be donated to charity".

"What a waste!" cried Daljeet.

"What did Viren have to say?" asked Prem.

"Obviously he wasn't happy", said Preet. "But it's his tough luck isn't it? Anyway, the meeting wasn't a total waste of time. I did get a chance to punch the guy in the face".

"Preet, you didn't!" cried Heer.

"Of course I did", said Preet.

"Preet I think you're taking this matter with Viren too lightly", frowned Prem. "You know I got a call from the police station while you 2 were out. Someone saw the hit and run accident you were involved in. They couldn't identify the driver because he was wearing a handkerchief over his face, but they did manage to note down the license plate number of the car, and turn it into the police. The car belongs to Viren Kashyap".

"That's it!" cried Preet. "That's the proof we need to nail the jerk!"

"I'm afraid not Preet", said Prem. "Viren reported that car stolen 3 days before the accident happened. He also has an alibi for the time the accident took place. He's apparently a very clever adversary. And today's revelation about his father's will is only going to make him more dangerous...and desperate".

"Meher Beta, I don't think you should go back to Mumbai tomorrow", said Balwant. "It's just not safe. You should move back home with your chachee and me".

"I agree", said Gaytri.

"I appreciate everyone's concern", Meher said quietly. "But I made a commitment to teach at my school this year. I can't just abandon my class all of a sudden".

"Meher your safety is more important than any class", insisted Gaytri.

"It'll be fine Aunty Ji", smiled Meher. "The school has security guards. They don't let just anyone inside their gates".

"And what about after work?" asked Balwant.

"Well...we've already spoken to the police about Viren", said Meher. "And I'm going to get a restraining order. Other than that, I'll just have to be more alert for the next 2 months. After that, I'm of no use to Viren anyway. In the meantime, I can't stop living my life because of him".

"Why am I still not reassured?" said Balwant.

"Neither am I", sighed Gaytri.

"Wait a minute", said Preet. "You guys are forgetting that Meher is not going to be alone. I'll be there too".

"But Preet even you can't be with Meher all the time", said Heer.

"What if Meher moves back in with Preet Bhaiya?" suggested Veera. "I mean I'm sure he'll find a way to keep her with him anyway".

Preet's face seemed to brighten up at the idea, but his mother squashed his hopes. "No Veera", she frowned. "I think Meher's family will agree, we can't give them permission to live together just because they're engaged".

"Lekin (But) Ma...", tried Preet.

"I agree", Daljeet interrupted. "God knows we didn't give them permission to live together in the first place. But they're engaged now. What will people say if they found out?"

Prem watched his younger brother roll his eyes, and smiled. "Preet, how about if I call up our Mumbai branch manager, and ask him to have the company that does security detail for our hotels there assign a guard for you and Meher?"

"PB I don't need a guard", sighed Preet.

"Yes you do", insisted Gaytri. "Prem Beta, a bodyguard is a wonderful idea. In fact I'm feeling more at ease already. Well...now that that is settled, let's adjourn to the dining room. I'm sure everyone is hungry".

As everyone followed Gaytri to the dining room, Preet took a hold of Meher's hand and held her back. "You okay?" he asked.

"Sure", Meher said, as she offered him a weak smile. "I just wish Viren would disappear from my life".

"Me too", chuckled Preet, as he pulled her into a reassuring hug. "Me too".

The next evening...

Meher sat on the passenger side of Preet's car, quietly staring outside the window, as he drove them home from Mumbai airport. So much had happened over the course of the past week. Some of it unexpected. Most significant of all, she and Preet had become officially engaged. But what should have been one of the happiest moments in her life, had been severely dampened by the sword named Viren hanging over her neck for the next 2 months. How she hated him! She took a deep breath and silently prayed that the upcoming days would be uneventful.

Preet had been watching her in silence since they had left the airport. She looked edgy, restless, scared, vulnerable...breakable. "A penny for your thoughts?" he finally broke the silence and asked.

"I'm afraid a penny doesn't even come close to covering what I'm thinking", sighed Meher.

"Okay then whatever it costs...trust me, I've got you covered", smiled Preet. "Talk to me".

She swallowed hard and he could tell she was fighting back tears. "I was thinking about...Viren".

"Aw Meher...we already discussed this", said Preet. "You don't have to be afraid of him".

"I can't help it", sighed Meher. "The way he was looking at us when we left Mr. Bedi's office...it gave me the creeps".

"Yeah well, the guy is a creep so what do you expect", said Preet.

"I know, I told everyone that I won't let him keep me from going on with my life, but now that we're actually back here in Mumbai, I can't help but think that he's out there somewhere...waiting for me", said Meher.

Preet was about to say something, when his cell phone rang. "Hi Ma", he answered. "Yes we got in okay. Yes, we ate the sandwiches Heer Bhabi packed. Yes, we're just pulling up to Meher's building. Yes...Yes of course I'll see her inside. Yes, I'll make sure to check her apartment. Ma don't worry...here...talk to Meher".

Preet handed Meher his phone. He parked the car, and smiled as he watched Meher answer his mother's barrage of questions. "Sorry", he said, after Meher handed him the phone back. "But you know how mothers are".

"She's just concerned for us. I think she's wonderful", smiled Meher. "Um...she said a security guard will be coming over to my place first thing Monday morning. I guess that means I just have to get through the rest of today and tomorrow. What could possibly happen in 2 days?...Heh Heh".

"Oh...okay. Well...here we are", Preet said pointing to her building.

"Yes...here we are", said Meher. She slowly opened the door and stepped out of the car, and waited for Preet to take out her suitcase from the trunk. When he didn't move, she looked back in the car. He was sitting motionless lost in thought. "Preet?" she said.

"Meher...get back in the car", said Preet.

"What's wrong?" asked Meher, as she took her seat.

"Nothing's wrong", said Preet, as he began to drive again. "I'm just not going to leave you here tonight. You're coming home with me".

"But Preet...your mom...", said Meher. "She said we couldn't stay together. I don't want to make her angry...and my family too...trust me, I'm never in Daljeet Chachee's good books".

"Meher...Ma has a problem with us living together because we're not married", said Preet. "I know, this is going to sound crazy, but...what if we were married?"

"Married?!" cried Meher.

"Yes married", grinned Preet. "That way our families wouldn't have a problem with us living together, nor would I have to worry about you being alone. And...just think...it will totally ruin whatever Viren has planned. He'll have no choice but to move on".

"What about the wedding preparations your family is making? The ceremonies? The guests?" asked Meher.

"Ma, can still go ahead and plan a big fat wedding for us like she wanted", said Preet. "We'll have Kul Di and Kiran Jiju there, and whoever else she wants to invite. We'll go through all the ceremonies, rituals, you name it. But for now, you and I are going to the mandir and getting married".

"Your mom will be furious", said Meher.

"Maybe...that's why we won't say anything to her yet", said Preet. "And when all is said and done, she won't have any choice but to go along".

"Lekin (But) Preet...", said Meher.

"Meher...I know my mom...she'll get over it", said Preet. "But I won't be able to get a moment's worth of peace if I can't keep you with me".

A short while later...

Meher stood in one corner of the small mandir near Preet's home, while he spoke to the pandit. She watched, as he paid a man some money to bring some items needed for the wedding, then came back to her.

"Well, it took some heavy duty convincing but pandit ji finally agreed to perform the ceremony without the formalities of matching kundlis and shubh mauraths", chuckled Preet. "His assistant will be back with the things we need and then we can get married".

"Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" Meher asked.

"Of course I'm sure", said Preet. "You're not upset that we're skipping all the ceremonies and frills are you? I mean I know every girl wants her wedding day to be special. But I promise we'll have all that and much more later".

"No Preet", smiled Meher. "None of that is important to me. I'm just worried about what your mom and the rest of your family will say. I mean, I feel so selfish to want to go ahead and do this".

"It'll be okay, I promise", said Preet, as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Besides she'll still get to throw the wedding she wanted to".

"Hmm...", said Meher, as she grew quiet again.

"Now what are you thinking about?" asked Preet. "Not Viren I hope? Look...his story is all finished. We'll go down to the the registrar's office first thing Monday morning and have a marriage certificate drawn up. And then we'll contact Mr. Bedi. He'll tell Viren that it's all over. Sure he'll be surprised, angry, maybe he'll even throw a tantrum, but in the end he'll have no choice but to move on.

The will specifically said the inheritance was contingent on you 2 getting married. And that's never going to happen now. The money will go to a good cause. Good triumphs. Evil loses. And we all live happily ever after.

I guess Viren thought he could have his cake and eat it too...but his old man was one step ahead of him. Serves him right. Now will you stop worrying? The game is over. We won't be seeing him again".

"I guess you're right", said Meher. "I mean, I so want to believe that you're right".

"Of course I'm right Mrs. Juneja", smiled Preet. "You should listen to your husband. I mean...at least I will be your husband in a couple of minutes".

"Well in that case Mr. Juneja...", said Meher as she locked her arm into Preet's and let her head rest on his shoulder. "Can I borrow a shoulder?"

"Only for the rest of my life", said Preet. He put his arms around her and pulled her into a hug.

Meher smiled. It felt so good to be wrapped in his arms, and forget the world outside existed. She felt safer than she had ever felt in her life.

Phew! That was a long update. So much happened...I bet no one expected that Meet would get married. 😛
Hope you all liked the update. Come on people...give me feedback feedback feedback. Or at least hit the like button. 🤔


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 31 Pre-cap: Mr & Mrs Juneja 😳.

Link to next chapter: Chapter 31