Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 22

Chapter 31 - One Night With You

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"Well...here we are", said Preet, as he and Meher stood outside his apartment in Mumbai. Their wedding garlands were still hanging around their necks.

"Yes...here we are", said Meher.

"Home sweet home", added Preet. "Only now...it's our home sweet home".

Meher gave Preet a soft smile as she watched him pull out the keys and unlock the door. He had just turned the knob, and was about to open the door, when he suddenly stopped.

"Wait a minute Meher. We can't just go in like this", said Preet. "Something...uh...something is missing...and...I know exactly what it is". He suddenly turned around and scooped her up into his arms.

"Preet! What do you think you're doing?" cried Meher.

"Carrying my wife over the threshold", grinned Preet.

"Preet, please put me down", hissed Meher. "Koi dekh le ga. Or worse...tum mujhe gira do ge!" (Someone will see us, or worse...you'll drop me!)

"No I won't", laughed Preet. "I work out remember. Bedsides you must only weigh...Mpfh!"

Meher quickly covered his mouth with her hand. "Don't you dare try to guess my weight Preet Juneja! Just...just put me down...please".

Ignoring her protests, Preet merely shifted her in his arms, pushed the front door open with his foot and continued on his way. It wasn't until he had reached the middle of the living room that he finally put her down. He then went back out and brought in their suitcases.

"I still can't believe we actually got married", smiled Meher. She removed her garland and looked around the room.

"Well you better believe it", chuckled Preet. "We've got 2 witnesses and a pandit that can confirm the fact".

"So...um...what do we do now?" asked Meher. "Are you hungry?"

"Not really", said Preet. "You?"

"No", Meher shook her head.

"Well then...how about if we put these away, and get you settled in", Preet said pointing to the suitcases. Meher followed him into the bedroom, where he proceeded to make room for her in his closet. "That should do for now", he said. "We'll make more space for the rest of your things when we go pick them up tomorrow".

"This is fine", said Meher. "I'll start unpacking".

"Okay then...I'll go take a shower", said Preet.

A shortwhile later...

Preet walked back into the bedroom. He had a towel wrapped around his waist, and was using a 2^nd one to dry his hair. "The washroom is all yours now", he said.

Meher picked up her change of clothes, and turned to face him. Her mouth fell open in surprise as her gaze went from his moist chest, to his waist then to the floor. Feeling quite flushed, she immediately turned her face away. "Preet you have nothing on!" she cried.

"So?" Preet chuckled looking down at his towel. "Meher...we used to live together before, remember? It's not like you haven't caught me trying to make a dash from the bathroom to the bedroom in nothing but a towel before. Besides, we're married now. You're entitled to see me like this".

"Uh...Um...I...I know...but...", stammered Meher. "I just...can't talk to you and look at you at the same time if you're walking around like that. Here...". She quickly handed him his old T-shirt and pajamas she was holding. "I was going to wear this...but ...you just...just put this on...please".

Preet grinned as she turned to face the other way, while he quickly slipped the pants on. "Okay...I'm decent now", he said, then walked over to his closet and pulled out a gift wrapped box. "Meher...I want to show you something. I...uh...got this for you".

"You did?" Meher said in surprise. "And its gift wrapped? Is it a wedding gift? Oh God! Preet, I didn't get you anything. Of course I wasn't expecting to get married tonight but still...that's so sweet of you. Wait a minute...when did you get the time?"

"Actually...I got it before we went to Ludhiana", admitted Preet. "But I was...uh...saving it for tonight".

"Tonight?" said Meher.

"Tonight. Our wedding night", Preet reminded her.

"Oh that's right...it is our wedding night". Meher blushed a deep red, before quietly taking the gift from Preet's hands. "What is it?" she asked, in almost a whisper.

"Just a little something", smiled Preet. "Why don't you open it and see for yourself?"

Meher opened the box and found a beautiful, satiny, rose colored robe inside it.

"There's more", said Preet, urging her to further investigate the contents of the box.

Meher slowly moved the robe aside and gulped as she saw a matching lacy negligee underneath. She held up the dress by its spaghetti straps with one finger and inspected it. She felt her face grow very hot, and was sure it was as red as a tomato.

"Well...what do you think?" asked Preet.

"There's not much more there, is it?" stammered Meher. "Are you sure this is for me?"

"Yes, of course it's for you", smiled Preet. He leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek. "I'd like to see you in it".

"But Preet...I've never worn anything like this before", Meher said worriedly.

"I know...par kabhi kabhi Meena Kumari ko apne andar ki Malika Sherawat ko bahar anay dena chahiye (but sometimes even Meena Kumari needs to let her inner Malika Sherawat come out)", said Preet. He draped his arm around Meher's waist from behind, and turned his head so that his mouth was against her ear. "Please", he whispered.

"Well...okay", sighed Meher. "But I have to warn you...you may have 2^nd thoughts later. I mean, I don't exactly have a size 0 body, you know".

Preet smiled as he watched Meher reluctantly walk off to the washroom to shower and change.

Later...

Preet looked at the clock, growing impatient for Meher's return. He had turned down the bed covers, dimmed the lights, and lit a few candles. Heck, he had even pulled apart the flowers from their wedding garlands and spread the petals all over the bed. But there was still no sign of Meher. What was taking her so long? He wondered.

Just as he was about to go check on her, he heard the bedroom door open, and in walked Meher. With her long brown hair swept to one side and one hand tightly closed into a fist over the front of her robe, she tugged at the hem with her free hand, wishing it would some how provide her with more cover. Avoiding eye contact, and taking tentative steps towards him, she slowly came and stood before Preet.

He stared at her quietly for some moments. There was a shy, sweet, innocent simplicity about her demeanor that he found so endearing, but it was her fearful bravery that brought a smile to his lips.

He slowly raised one hand and looped the robe's sash around it. Abruptly, possessively he pulled Meher towards him. The action caused the sash's knot to come undone, allowing her robe to fall open and reveal the rose colored satin negligee she wore underneath.

Preet stepped back and took a deep breath. His eyes traveled appreciatively over the nightwear molded to the curves of her body. And he smiled again as he saw her cheeks turn pink as rose petals. In fact her entire body appeared flushed and rosy as she stood before him letting his gaze roam over her form.

Meher swallowed the lump in her throat, and dropped her own gaze to the tips of her bare toes. "You're...you're not saying anything", she stammered. "See...I...I told you you'd have 2^nd thoughts...and...and...".

She was barely aware that Preet had already closed the distance between them until he placed a finger gently on her lips. He guided her face upwards and kissed her softly. "I love you Mrs. Juneja", he said, as his hands slipped inside her robe, encircled her waist and settled against her back. "I love your...free spirited-ness...your strength of character...your sophisticated beauty...and...your not too skinny body. I think you're perfect for me".

Preet pulled her closer to their bed, his eyes darkening as they swept over her figure again. His fingertips grazed her tender skin, as they ran over her shoulders and down her arms, pushing aside satin and lace, sending shivers of excitement down her spine.

Meher felt her legs growing weak. Every nerve ending seemed sensitized as she felt his breath warm against her skin. A soft whimper escaped her lips and a pleasing warmth flowed through her body as soft kisses worked their way down the trail his fingertips had just traced.

Preet could feel her slowly relax and melt against him. He pulled her down into the bed with him, desperate to feel the soft warmth of her against his own heavily aroused body. She didn't resist. And as his hands continued to move on her skin, Meher drifted into a world of new sensations, surrendering herself to his touch, as he gently made love to her again and again.

The next morning...

Meher awoke to warmth. She opened her eyes and her first sensation was that of Preet's body spooned around hers, his arms still holding her. She snuggled against him, breathing in his scent, enjoying the feel of him against her. As if on cue, Preet's eyes fluttered open. Sleepy and bemused he broke out into a smile, tightened his hold on her and kissed her on her forehead.

"Preet", said Meher.

"Hmm?" he said, as he focused his attention on the soft spot just below her earlobe.

"Preet", giggled Meher. "It's almost 11 AM..."

"So?" He said, as she accepted another kiss from him then propped her elbow on his chest.

"So...I'm starving...uttho na (get up)...please", urged Meher.

Preet was about to say something when the doorbell rang.

"Were you expecting someone?" asked Meher.

Preet sat up and rubbed the remaining sleep from his eyes. Sure enough someone was ringing their bell, and when that didn't produce an answer, they began pounding on the door.

"Don't move", said Preet. He jumped out of bed, pulled his clothes on, and hurried to answer the door.

"It's about time you opened the door", complained Gaurav, as Preet let him and Sam in. "Ghode baych ke soye huay thay kya? (What were you doing, sleeping like log?) I've been calling you non-stop for like the last 2 hours. Your phone is switched off. Is everything alright?"

"Yeah...uh...why?" Preet asked trying to stifle a yawn.

"Gaytri aunty called", explained Gaurav. "She tried to call you and Meher this morning but neither one of you was picking up. She got worried and called us. We went by Meher's place before coming here, but she wasn't there either".

"Your mom said you dropped her off last night", added Sam. "We tried calling her, texting her, even left several messages on her voice mail, but there is no response. That's not like Meher. Something is definitely wrong. I think we should call the police".

"Sam there's no need to call the police", said Preet. "I already know where Meher is".

"You do?" said Sam.

Preet motioned for his friends to wait, as he walked to his bedroom. Moments later, he returned with Meher at his side.

"Gaurav Bhaiya...Sam. Uh...what a nice surprise", blushed Meher.

Sam and Gaurav exchanged questioning glances. "You stayed over?" Sam asked Meher. "Gaytri aunty is going to kill you guys if she finds out".

"Actually...why do I get the feeling that there is more going on here than meets the eye?" said Gaurav. "You guys want to fill us in?"

"Well...you may as well know", said Preet. "Meher and I got married last night".

"What?!?" Sam and Gaurav cried in unison.

"When? Where? How?" asked Gaurav. "Does your mom know?"

"Girl...you and I need to talk", Sam smiled as she pulled Meher into the living room.

"I thought you guys were going to Ludhiana to get engaged. What happened? Couldn't wait?" teased Gaurav.

Preet only gave him a sheepish grin in reply. "We did get engaged, but I just didn't feel right leaving her alone with a nut case after her. Ma wouldn't let me bring her home because we weren't married...so...it seemed like the logical thing to do".

"I see", said Gaurav, as he took his friend to one side. "Um...Preet...I also had a talk with Prem this morning. He filled me in on what happened...your accident...and Meher's kidnapping".

"Oh man! I can't believe Prem Bhaiya told you", said Preet.

"Why not? I'm your best friend", said Gaurav.

"Because I don't want anyone to make a big deal about it", said Preet.

"He wasn't making a big deal out of it. He just asked me to look out for you, because he feels you're not taking this matter with Viren seriously enough", explained Gaurav. "He also said you decked the guy".

"Ha! That was the best part", said Preet.

"Preet this guy is dangerous!" said Gaurav.

"I know", said Preet, lowering his voice. He glanced over at Meher, who was happily chatting with Sam. "And contrary to what you or PB may think, I'm not taking his threats lightly. If I were, I wouldn't have insisted on Meher and me getting married last night. But at the same time, I don't want him or his words constantly haunting Meher's thoughts either. She's trying to put up a brave front, but deep down, she's really shaken up. I don't want her to be afraid".

"I'm sure she won't need to be with you around. But...you know your mom is going to kill you just the same", chuckled Gaurav.

"Maybe", sighed Preet. "I'm going to tell PB first. Hopefully he and Heer Bhabi will help Ma understand". He glanced over at Meher again and smiled. "Whatever happens...it was worth it".

Just then the girls joined Preet and Gaurav.

"Hey guys, how about going out for some brunch?" suggested Sam.

"Yeah, I'm famished" said Meher.

Later...

Preet, Meher, and their friends walked back inside the apartment.

"I love the danish they serve at that coffee shop", Meher smiled, as she held up a box. "I always try to have some packed whenever I go there".

"Speaking of going places", interrupted Gaurav. "Preet, are you planning on coming back to work tomorrow? I mean, I'm sure you guys would like some more time together, but you already took last week off, and we can't really tell the office manager that you just got married because everyone thinks you already are. The Oreo campaign is going great, but we still have to monitor it. There are also some new clients Mr. Bakshi wants us to meet".

"I understand", said Preet. "Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow. I will need the morning off though. Meher and I have to go down and register our marriage. I'm sure Mr. Kashyap's lawyers will require us to give them some legal documentation regarding it. The sooner we do so, the sooner this entire inheritance business will come to a close".

"I guess I'll need the morning off tomorrow too", added Meher.

"Don't worry, I'll let Mrs. Mehta know", said Sam. "We'll get a substitute to cover for you. I'm sure she'll appreciate your decision to finish out the school year. I'll also let her know that the guards needs to be more diligent about who to let through the gates. What are you going to do about your place though?"

"Well...Preet and I will go down and collect some of my stuff later today", said Meher. "I guess we can put an ad in the paper about it being available for lease".

"Good idea", said Sam. "I can also put up a notice in the teacher's break room at school about it".

"Thanks Sam", smiled Meher.

"You know, I'm not too happy about your decision to move back to Ludhiana though", said Gaurav. "I thought you wanted to do something on your own".

"I already did", said Preet. "But everyone really want us to come back home. The business is expanding and I really feel like I can contribute something to it now. And on this trip in particular, I realized just how much I missed being with my family too. But I'll never forget how much you helped me Gaurav".

"Yeah...well...I'm gonna miss you buddy", sighed Gaurav.

"You know there will always be a place for you at our company", said Preet.

"Hey guys...let's not get all senti here", said Meher, as she put her arm around Sam's shoulders. "It's not like we're leaving tomorrow. And I'm definitely not leaving until I see your baby".

"Speaking of leaving...Sam...I think we've taken up enough of the newlywed's time", chuckled Gaurav. "We really should head home. I'll see you at work on Monday Preet".

"Right", smiled Sam, as she gave Meher a hug. "Don't forget to call Gaytri Aunty. And congratz once again".

"Thanks guys", said Preet, as he saw his friends to the door.

"They're like the best friends ever", remarked Meher. "I'm glad we told them about us first".

"Me too", smiled Preet.

"Well...", said Meher, as she looked around the room. "I guess we had better get our day started. I'll check the fridge and make a list of things we need, that way we'll know what to pick up from the store. You should check to make sure you have clean shirts for work on Monday. This place can use a bit tidying up too. We have to let Rajveer know that we'll be picking Romeo up. And...uff!! Most importantly, we have to sit down and call your mom. What do you suggest we do first?"

"Well Mrs. Juneja...that is a long and practical list", said Preet. "But you're forgetting the most important thing".

"What?" asked Meher.

"That we just got married", grinned Preet, as he pulled her into his arms. "So first...I propose we go back inside the bedroom...and then...do what we did last night all over again".

Hope you all liked the update. I know I know...I used the word warmth a little too much in this update 😳 😆
Anyway...come on readers...don't be stingy when it comes to leaving your comments and feedback.
Or at least hit the like button. 🤔

I'm travelling again...so please be patient for the next update...maybe in 2 weeks.
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 32: Preet and Meher go to pick up her things.

Link to next chapter: Chapter 32