Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki: Episode Discussion Thread - 23
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai July 29, 2025 Episode Discussion Thread
BALH Naya Season EDT Week #7: July 28-Aug 1
MAIRA IS SAD 😞28.7
CRYING FAMILY 29.7
Gen 5 Storyline
Anupamaa 29 July 2025 Written Update & Daily Discussions Thread
In the ruins....I found you ❤️-A Prashiv ss
If you had the power of vanishing one nepo kid?
Will Dhadak 2 surpass Saiyaara? 😎
Kyunki Saas bhi kabhi Bahu thi 2 : EDT # 1
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai - 30 July 2025 EDT
Will WAR 2 Surpass Saiyaara
Tanushree Dutta Requests People To Cooperate With PM Modi
Official Trailer - Andaaz 2
Who did it better?
Anupama back to Shah house , at Baa's feet !
21 years of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
today is friday and i have still hopes for an update
Originally posted by: Fatima_Q
Sorry Bennu...was travelling all day today...and tomorrow is Valentine's...have to spend some time with my Valentine 😆
Hope we get a update today. 😊
Chapter 39 - Much Needed Therapy
Link to: Table of Contents
It was close to midnight when Meher walked out of the shower in her room in the Juneja's luxury hotel. She was towel drying her hair when there was a gentle knock on her door. Seconds later Preet's head appeared.
"Hey beautiful", he smiled. "It's me".
"Preet", said Meher, as a smile broke out on her face. "Come on in".
"How are you feeling?" asked Preet.
"Much better, thanks", replied Meher. "How about you?"
"I'm okay too", said Preet. "Sorry I took so long to come back but PB insisted on having this cut looked at. It's the second time I got hit on the exact same spot you know". He rubbed the bandage on his forehead, above his right eye.
"Does it hurt much?" Meher asked with concern.
"Nah", said Preet. "There was this cute little nurse at the hospital who patched me up right away, and I didn't even feel a thing".
"Really?" Meher said with a raised brow.
"Yeah...you know she actually asked me out for some coffee", continued Preet. "Of course, I immediately told her that I was married and politely declined the offer. She then looked at PB, but I told her she was out of luck there too. Poor thing. I actually felt sorry for her. I mean, I'm sure it's not every night she gets to meet 2 guys in a row that are so smart, sexy and handsome.
Meher raised a hand to her mouth in order to stifle a giggle.
"Hey I almost forgot", said Preet, as he ran back outside and returned with a cart full of covered dishes of varying sizes. "Look what I brought...dinner! I don't know about you, but I'm starving. All this hero-giri stuff really takes a lot out of you. I got all of your favorites...there's tandoori chicken, malai kofta, kadahi paneer and a whole lot of other stuff too. I was thinking...maybe we could order up some ice cream afterwards...oh and..." He led Meher to the bed and made her sit down, then pulled out a small tube from his pocket. "...the nurse gave me this ointment...it should help".
Meher watched as he gently took her hands in his and applied the ointment on the sores that the bindings had left on her wrists.
"Kya hua Meher (What's the matter Meher)?" Preet asked worriedly, as he saw her get teary eyed. "Tum theek to ho na (Are you alright)? Bauhat dard ho raha hai (Does it hurt a lot)?"
"Nahin (No) Preet, I'm fine", Meher said quietly. "It's just that...I still can't believe I'm actually sitting here watching you fuss over me like this. The past few days...they seemed like a nightmare that would never end. I had no way of getting word to you, and no matter how hard I tried to escape...I just couldn't get away. And Pandit Ji...did you hear about Pandit Ji Preet?"
Preet nodded. "Inspector Khan told me".
"Viren set him on fire, just like that", sobbed Meher. "How can anyone be so vicious? And the way he had his goons beat up on you so mercilessly...He said it was all my fault that so many people had gotten hurt. That I had turned him in into a monster because I wouldn't do as he said". She gently passed her fingers over the bandage on Preet's forehead. "I thought you were dead. I'm sorry Preet. I'm so sorry for everything".
"Hey Meher, its okay", smiled Preet. "Look at me...I'm siting right here in front of you all in one piece, with nothing but a couple of battle scars, and even they will be gone in a few days. I got a call from the police while I was at the hospital. Lucky and his wife have agreed to tell them everything they know in return for leniency. With assault, kidnapping, attempted murder and accessory to murder charges racked up against him, Gurinder is going to jail for so long he's going to wish he never heard the name Viren Kashyap.
I also spoke with Inspector Khan. He's going to have Viren's uncle picked up for further questioning. It's not clear if he was involved with Viren or not, but the police will find out, and if so he'll be duly charged. As for Pandit Ji...he was a good man, who died standing up for what was right. We can't bring him back, but Prem Bhaiya said he'd make sure his family would always be taken care of.
One thing is for sure...none of this was your fault. You were a victim here, just like Mr. Kashyap and Pandit Ji. But it's over Meher. It's really over", Preet said reassuringly, as he gently wiped away her tears. "Viren is gone. He'll never be able to hurt you, me or anyone else ever again. Now please...no more tears. Tumhe pata hai na...jab tumhari ye moti moti aankhoon se ye motay motay aansoo nikatle hain to tum kitni moti lagti ho (You know...when these big fat tears fall from your big big eyes, they make you look really fat)".
Meher's mouth fell open. "Preet Juneja, did you just call me fat?!?!" she exclaimed as she stood up and glared at Preet.
"No", lied Preet. "I was just saying that...I mean...it was a joke..."
"You know what your problem is Preet?" cried Meher. "You've become a perpetual prankster! And I suppose you think I'm an easy target!" She picked up a pillow off the bed and threw it at him, but he easily ducked.
"Meher what do you think you're doing?" asked Preet, as he watched her reach for another pillow.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" asked Meher as she began to swat him repeatedly with a pillow.
"Hey no fair!" cried Preet as he raised his hands defensively. "I'm injured remember?"
"Ha!" cried Meher, as she hit him again.
"That's it Meher!" cried Preet. "You're dead meat!" In an instant, he yanked the pillow out of her hands and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her close to him. She struggled but he managed to hold onto her tightly enough so that she couldn't get away.
Meher watched as he slowly raised 2 fingers to her side. "Preet! You wouldn't dare!"
"Oh wouldn't I?...", Preet grinned devilishly. He poked his fingers into her side and proceeded to tickle her feverishly, until she broke out into a fit of hysterical laughter.
"Okay okay...you win...truce...truce!" Meher pleaded.
Preet let her go momentarily to let her catch her breath, then pulled her back into a tight embrace and simply held her close.
"Mmm...It feels so good to be back in your arms", sighed Meher.
Preet pulled away from her and looked into her eyes. "Meher...do you want to maybe talk to someone?" He asked. "A counselor or something. I mean...you have been through a lot".
"Nahin Preet. You're all the therapy I need", smiled Meher, as she put her arms around his neck. Suddenly her smile turned into a frown. "But...there is one thing that's bothering me..."
"What?" said Preet.
"The nurse...", Meher said with a raised eyebrow.
"Nurse?" said Preet. "What nurse?"
"You know...the pretty one at the hospital", Meher reminded him.
"Oh woh (oh her)...I mean no! I mean...did...did I say pretty?" stammered Preet.
"Well...perhaps the exact term you used was cute little nurse", admitted Meher.
"Oh that...heh heh...I was just joking...", Preet chuckled nervously, as he quickly calculated the distance between Meher and the pillows lying strewn on the bed. "You know I was joking right Meher? Because I only have eyes for you".
"Hmm...", smiled Meher. "Tumhe pata hai Preet...aaj jis tarah tum un goondo se lardh rahe thay...aur phir bilqul sahi waqt pe aa ke mujhe Viren se bachaya...Tum kisi Bollywood hero se kam nahin lag rahe thay". (You know something Preet...the way you fought with those goons...and then at just the right moment rescued me from Viren...you were nothing short of a Bollywood hero).
"Really?" said Preet.
"Yes really?" said Meher.
"Well...I love you Meher. I'd do anything for you", said Preet.
"I know", whispered Meher, as she gently ran her hand through his hair pushing the bangs away from his eyes. She stroked his bruised cheek affectionately then leaned over and softly caressed his lips with her own.
"Whoa...", gulped Preet. "Is it me or did it just get very hot in here?"
Meher silenced him with a searing kiss.
"Double whoa...", Preet whispered, as he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. "Mrs. Juneja...mujhe kyun lag raha hai ke aaj raat mere saat kuch bauhat hi acha hone wala hai (Mrs. Juneja...why do I get the feeling that something really good is about to happen tonight)?"
"Because it is Mr. Juneja", said Meher with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "It definitely is".
The next day...
Prem, Preet and Meher walked into the Juneja mansion in Ludhiana.
"Ah! What a relief it is to be home", smiled Preet.
"It's good to have you both home safe and sound", agreed Prem. "Heer will be so relieved. But Ma...she still doesn't know anything. I told her I was picking you 2 up from the airport this morning, and the first thing she wanted to know was why you both were back in Ludhiana so soon after you insisted on going back to Mumbai. I'm still not sure how to tell her about everything that has happened in the last few days. She'll be furious that we hid so much from her".
"Relax PB", said Preet. "We'll tell Ma everything in good time".
"In good time? We've run out of time Preet. Are you forgetting about that bandage on your forehead or the bruise on your face?" said Prem. "She'll notice them right away".
"Or maybe she won't", chuckled Preet, as he used his fingers to brush his bangs onto his forehead then put on a baseball cap.
"Preet! Meher! How wonderful to see you both!" cried Gaytri, as she and Heer came running to greet them.
"Thank God you're home", said Heer. She hugged Meher and exchanged knowing glances with Prem and Preet.
"Well of course they're home", said Gaytri. "Where else would they go? And Prem...you were going to pick them up this morning, weren't you? What took you so long? Was the flight late?"
"Uh...Ma...Prem Bhaiya took us to the hotel first", said Preet. "We...uh...sort of ran into some old acquaintances...and...uh...they refused to let us go so easily. Then we had breakfast and PB started showing us all the recent upgrades he has made. The hotel seems to grow bigger and better every time I come by. I guess we...uh...just sort of lost track of time there, right Meher".
"Um...uh...right...", Meher said, as she gave Gaytri an apologetic smile.
"I don't know how much the hotel could have changed in only a week", said Gaytri. "But why are you stammering so much? And what are you both doing here in the middle of the week? Have you taken off more time from work? Is everything alright? You didn't get fired or anything did you Preet?"
"No Ma I didn't get fired. And everything is just fine", insisted Preet. "We were just...uh...missing you...weren't we Meher?"
"Um...uh...yeah...", Meher quickly agreed.
"If that's the case, then why weren't you answering my calls Meher?" asked Gaytri. "Do you have any idea how worried your Chacha and I were?"
"Woh...Auntie Ji...main...uh...", said Meher.
"There you go stammering again", said Gaytri. "Haw Preet! Is that a bruise I see on your face?"
"Ma it's almost lunch time and I'm starving", said Preet. He quickly put his left arm around his mother's shoulders making sure the good side of his face was towards her and led her to the dining area.
"But Preet...", said Gaytri.
"And I'm dying to eat some of your home made cooking...", Preet interrupted her. "Jaldi se kuch acha sa bana ke layie na, please (bring something good for us quickly please)".
"Well...okay. ", sighed Gaytri. "But...we're going to have a long talk when I get back".
Preet exhaled loudly as he watched his mother walk off to the kitchen issuing orders to the servants along her way.
"What are you doing Preet?" asked Prem. "Why don't you just talk to Ma?"
"I'm buying some time PB. I can't just spring things on her", said Preet. "I mean what am I supposed to say? Meher was kidnapped and we both almost got killed...Oh and by the way we're married. She'll faint. Then she'll wake up and clobber me".
Prem slapped his forehead. "I keep forgetting she doesn't know about your marriage. Hey wait a minute! I thought you were going to think up of something to tell Ma while you were at the hotel. Isn't that what you and Meher were doing last night?"
Preet coughed loudly, and Meher's face turned red.
"Guys, there's something you should know...", said Heer. But before she could say anything. Gaytri called her for help.
"Relax Prem Bhaiya", said Preet. "I'll just sit Ma down and tell her everything right after lunch. And if she gets too angry we'll just say it was Meher's idea".
"What?!!?" cried Meher.
"Heh Heh...joke tha (it was a joke)", chuckled Preet.
"A very bad one", frowned Meher. "I'm going to go help Heer Didi and your mom".
A short while later...
"Hey guys, welcome home", smiled Veera, as she walked into the Juneja mansion.
"Hi Veera", said Preet. "What are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too Preet Bhaiya. I heard you guys were coming over today, so here I am", she explained. "Looks like I'm just in time for lunch. Hey Ma, let me help".
Preet watched his sister take some dishes from his mother. He wasn't sure, but they seemed to be glancing in his direction then whispering something to each other.
"What are you up to Veera?" whispered Preet, as his sister passed by him.
"Nothing", said Veera. She took Meher by the hand, and led her to the dining table. "Lunch is served everyone. Meher you come and sit next to me".
"Everything smells great Ma!" said Preet. He rubbed his hands in delight as he oserved the various dishes his mother had laid out on the table. "Wow! Mooli ke parathe. What say PB, competition ho jaye?" (PB shall we have an eating competition?)
As he reached over for a serving of food, he knocked over a glass of water.
"Uff ho Preet! Itne bade ho gaye ho, lekin bachpana nahin gaya tumhara"(You're all grown up but childish as ever), sighed Gaytri. "How are you supposed to see anything with that silly hat on your head and your hair covering your eyes?"
"Ma!" complained Preet. He dodged his mother's hands as she attempted to remove his hat. "It's supposed to be that way. It's...it's my Tom Cruise look".
"Oh really?" said Veera. "Do you mind explaining what a bandage is doing hiding under this new look of yours?"
"A bandage?" said Gaytri, as she took his hat off and brushed back his bangs. "Hai Bhagwan! Preet you're hurt!"
"Woh...uh...Ma...I can explain everything", said Preet. "You see...I...uh...sort of had a little accident".
"Don't you dare lie to me Preet Juneja! I already know everything", said Gaytri, folding her arms together.
"You do?!?" cried Prem, Preet and Meher in unison.
"That's what I've been trying to tell you", explained Heer. "Viren Kashyap's death and the arrest of the rest of his goons was all over the news channels this morning".
"But Ma never watches the news", said Preet.
"But I do", smiled Veera.
"Why you little chipkali (lizard)!" cried Preet.
"Don't go blaming your sister Preet", Gaytri scolded him. "Meher's chacha also called. He was so upset. Even Daljeet gave me an earful. Meher's life was in danger. Your life was in danger. And you didn't think it was important enough for us to know. Did you really think we wouldn't find out? I never thought you'd lie to me Preet!"
"I didn't lie. I just didn't tell you", said Preet. "I mean, it didn't come up in our conversation".
"Ugh Preet Juneja! I don't even know what to say to you any more", said Gaytri.
"Ma, this is exactly why I didn't say anything to you", said Preet. "I knew you'd overreact".
"Overreact?!" cried Gaytri.
"Look Ma, no one expected any of this to happen when we went back to Mumbai", explained Preet. "We were moving some of Meher's stuff from her apartment back to mine. I must have left her alone for only about 10-15 minutes when she got kidnapped".
"Why were you moving Meher's thing into your apartment?" asked Veera.
"Uh...we...uh..."said Preet.
"You both started living together as soon as you got back to Mumbai?" Gaytri asked Meher.
Meher nodded. "Yes...but we..."
"How could you do that?" Gaytri interrupted her. "Even after I specifically told you both not to".
"Ma...", said Preet, as he got up and pulled out a chair for his mother. "I think you'd better sit down. "You see...Meher and I...we sort of got married as soon as we went back...I mean...we went to the mandir and got married".
"Married?!?" cried Veera.
"Married?" muttered Gaytri.
"So you see...technically speaking...", continued Preet. "We weren't really disobeying you".
"You got married? And you 2 knew about this?" Gaytri asked Prem and Heer. They both silently nodded. "What else has everyone been hiding from me?"
"Nothing", Preet reassured her. "Ma please try to understand, I didn't want to leave Meher alone, and I didn't want to disobey you. Getting married seemed like the perfect solution".
"You have an excuse for everything don't you?" said Gaytri. "It comes from that advertising profession of yours, I'm sure. I can understand your concern for Meher's safety Preet. We were all concerned. That's why we told her not to go back to Mumbai.
Did getting married really solve anything? Nahin na? She still got kidnapped!"
"But Ma...", tried Preet.
"And you didn't even for once consider our feelings before jumping the gun like that?" continued Gaytri. "You in effect deprived your mother of being a part of the most important decision of your life. You could have at least picked up the phone and said something to me. Perhaps we could have found some middle ground".
"Ma, I know you", sighed Preet. "You would have continued to insist on sending Meher back to Ludhiana. And she wanted to work remember? Besides, you can be a real stickler for following traditions when you want to be, you know".
"I know you could care less about tradition, but what about family?" asked Gaytri. "Meher's Chacha and Chachee were so looking forward to having a nice formal wedding. And you...you were the last one left to marry in our family Preet. Prem, Heer, your sisters and I had such plans. What will I say to everyone? And what will I say to our friends and family...that the 2 of you had a quickie temple wedding, without any elders present to give their blessings. Do you have any idea what people will suspect or the kind of questions they will raise? And Meher...I expected better from you".
"I'm sorry Auntie Ji", said Meher.
"I'm sorry too Ma", said Preet. "You musn't blame Meher though. It was all my idea. But...all is not lost you know. I'll make it up to you. Meher and I will get married again. You can plan for the traditional wedding you always wanted to give us, and this time we'll do everything according to your terms".
"You will?" said Gaytri.
"Dharti Ma ki kasam", smiled Preet.
"Well...I suppose that's the only thing we can do", sighed Gaytri. "Prem, I want you to go and meet the pandit right after lunch and ask him to finalize a shubh mauharat for the wedding. Heer, you call Meher's family and tell them that she's perfectly fine and with us...I'll call Kulraj and..."
"Wait a minute Ma", said Veera. "Preet Bhaiya kept so much from you...from all of us and all you're going to do is give him a big fat wedding?"
"What do you want her to do, punish me like a 5 year old", scoffed Preet. "I'm a little old for a time out don't your think?"
"That's debatable", said Veera. "Preet Bhaiya may think he has a right to bunk all tradition, but we should teach him a lesson and show him otherwise. I think you should forbid him from seeing Meher until the wedding".
"What?!?!" cried Preet.
Veera took Meher's hand in hers apologetically. "I hope you understand it's nothing personal Meher. But Kulraj Didi, Prem Bhaiya and I all had to go through this...Preet Bhiaya ko itni ahsaani se nahin jane de sakte (We can't let Preet off the hook so easily).
"No way. I'm not taking part in any of your stupid ideas", protested Preet.
"Ek minute Preet", said Gaytri. "I think Veera may have something here".
"But Ma", said Preet. "Meher and I are already married".
"We know that", said Gaytri. "But our friends and relatives don't. What will they say if they find out you 2 are living together before the wedding? Isn't that right Meher?"
"Ji Auntie Ji", mumbled Meher.
"See...even Meher agrees", smiled Gaytri. "It's settled then. Meher will go live at her Chacha's place until the wedding".
"But Ma!" cried Preet.
"No buts Preet", insisted Gaytri. "You promised you'd do whatever I said. Now let's quickly get done with lunch, we've got a million and one things to do".
Preet glared angrily at Veera, but she only stuck her tongue out at him then dove into her lunch.
"That's it", Preet whispered to Prem. "Veera is officially my mortal enemy # 1 now".
"Come on Preet", chuckled Prem. "Be a sport. You know how much she was looking forward to your wedding. She's just trying to have some fun".
"At my expense", frowned Preet. He hadn't rescued Meher just to be separated from her again, especially because of that chipkali (lizard). He looked down at the food on his plate, but he had lost his appetite.
Book Talk
Cricket
