Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 41

Originally posted by: sherma

pls update...

waiting😊

Chapter 40 - Oops!

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Preet was seated in the food court of a large mall sipping coffee while playing a video game on his phone, when Heer approached him.

"Hey Preet!" smiled Heer. "I'm sorry I'm late. There were so many things to take care of at home before I left".

"No problem", Preet said shrugging his shoulders. "Have a seat Bhabi, and I'll get you some coffee. Would you a like a sandwich too?"

"Thanks Preet, but I'm good", Heer said saking her head. She carefully studied the bored look he carried on his face before looking around them. "Um...Preet...where is Veera? I thought you guys left early this morning to get a head start on your wedding shopping".

"Oh we've been shopping alright, except it hasn't been for me", explained Preet. He pointed to the various bags lying by his feet. "I've been following Veera around the mall all morning looking for the "perfect" shoes, hand bags and accessories to match the "perfect" dress she's going to be wearing to my "perfect" wedding. My feet finally gave up so I came here to get some coffee while I baby-sit her shopping bags".

"I see", chuckled Heer. "Well where is she now?"

"She was headed to the men's underwear department, when we parted ways", said Preet.

"What?!" said Heer.

"Yeah...apparently the brand of men's briefs Nihal usually buys from the local store near their home isn't good enough to withstand her new washing machine. Something about the elastic waistband coming apart at the seams too quickly. She's demoting them to dust rags and getting designer ones instead. Anyways it sounds like a simple enough task but then again you know Veera...there is nothing brief when it comes to her shopping adventures. She told me she'd meet me here in 10 minutes, but she's actually been gone for an hour now".

"Oh no, you poor baby", laughed Heer. "Well, never fear, your Heer Bhabi is here now. We'll get your shopping done in snap".

Just then Preet saw Veera heading towards their table carrying some more shopping bags. "Speak of the devil", he muttered.

"Uff! I'm so exhausted!" cried Veera as she plopped down on an empty chair next to Heer.

"What took you so long?" asked Preet. "I mean, you went to buy some underwear not a car".

"Not just underwear Preet Bhaiya...designer underwear", Veera corrected him. "And it's not as easy as you think. Each designer has his own model and each model has its own design, with so many style options, colors, and fabrics to choose from".

"It's still just underwear", said Preet rolling his eyes.

"Then you have to choose between the high rise, low-rise, mid-thigh boxers, button-fly, cotton, polyester, or silk", continued Veera, as she pulled out 2 pairs of boxers from one of the shopping bags. "Oh and look...these have glow in the dark hearts on them and these have Mickey Mouse! Aren't they just adorable!"

"Veera would you please put those away!" cried Preet.

"What? Why?" asked Veera.

"Because I'm sure Nihal Jiju would appreciate you not flaunting his unmentionables in public", chuckled Preet. "You know, I've just developed a new sense of respect and admiration for the guy. I mean, how does he put up with you?"

"And just what is that supposed to mean?" demanded Veera.

"Nothing. It's just that...sometimes I wonder if we really came from the same gene pool", scoffed Preet.

Veera's mouth fell open. "You're just bitter because Ma won't let you see Meher", she said.

"All because you suggested it!" retorted Preet.

"Yeah well it serves you right for lying to us", said Veera.

"Come on guys, we're in a public place!" cried Heer. "Let's not fight like children. We'll never get done with the shopping this way".

"Who cares? Besides, Veera is only interested in shopping for herself", Preet said accusingly.

"Ha! That is so not true!" cried Veera. "I tried to help him pick out some stuff, but he didn't like anything I chose".

"Can you blame me?" Preet said, as he held up a shirt. "Look at her choice selection".

"That's a designer shirt", said Veera.

"It's also the color of vomit", said Preet.

"It's olive green and it looks good on you!" protested Veera. "Anyway what can you expect from a guy who still doesn't know how to fasten his own tie. If it were up to him he'd show up at his wedding in his favorite Mr. Messy T-shirt!"

"Oh God! What am I going to do with you 2?" Heer sighed, as she held her head in her hand. Okay guys, how about if we take a new approach to this shopping? Veera, you just said you were tired, right? And despite the constant bickering, between the 2 of you, you've actually accumulated more bags than we can easily manage to carry around. I'm going to call the driver back and ask him to take Veera and these bags home. And from here on end I'll continue shopping with Preet".

A short while later...

"Make a right turn here", Heer instructed Preet while he was driving.

He did as she asked mumbling complaints under his breath.

"Did you say something Preet?" Heer asked innocently.

"No", sighed Preet. "Yes. Heer Bhabi...everyone knows I hate shopping...especially with girls. Yet Ma, Veera, and even you are hell bent on torturing me like this. I mean I expected a little more sympathy from you at least. Why couldn't I have just gone with Prem Bhaiya?"

"Because he's busy at work", explained Heer. "He wanted to wrap up a couple of important client meetings this week so that he can free up as much time as possible for the actual wedding day. Besides, he hates shopping too. Take another right here".

"So how come PB gets off the hook, and I don't?" frowned Preet.

"Because Prem is not the one getting married", reasoned Heer. "He also has to pick up Kulraj Didi and her family from the airport after his meeting. Make a left at the corner. So tell me...is it really the shopping that's put you in a bad mood, or is Veera right and you really miss Meher?"

"Of course I miss her Bhabi", sighed Preet. "I miss her terribly. Don't you miss PB when he's away on a business trip or something?"

"I do", admitted Heer.

"At least when Prem Bhaiya is on a business trip you can speak to him on the phone", said Preet. "Meher refuses to do even that. She seems to have taken Ma's orders for us not to see each other before the wedding like some religious edict or something".

"Well...can you blame her?" said Heer. "She just wants to make her future Mother-in-law happy?"

"And what about me?" frowned Preet. "I mean the wedding is not for another 2 weeks! No one seems to care about how I feel".

"That's not true Preet", smiled Heer. "I care. Oh...that's the shop over there".

Preet brought the car to a stop. "Sapna Sari Center? What are we doing here?"

"Well, we need to have you measured for your wedding outfit", explained Heer.

"But this isn't the place we usually go to", said Preet.

"I know...but I figured we'd try out some place new this time around", said Heer.

"And Ma's okay with that?" asked Preet.

"Well...I didn't exactly ask her. But I assure you this shop comes highly recommended...by Daljeet Chachee no less", added Heer.

"Daljeet Chachee?" said Preet.

"Yes", smiled Heer. "She spoke to Ma on the phone this morning and told her she was bringing Meher here to shop".

"What?!" cried Preet. His eyes widened in surprise at hearing his Bhabi's words. "You mean Meher is inside".

"As we speak", chuckled Heer. "Now listen carefully. The caterer is just a block away. I'm going to head over there and finalize the menu for the reception with them. I'll be gone for about an hour. You can go and see Meher in the meantime. But keep in mind that her Chachee is with her...so whatever you do...please don't get caught, else we'll both be in the dog house. Oh and don't forget to give the tailor your measurements".

"Right. Thanks Bhabi", grinned Preet. "You're the best".

A shortwhile later...

Preet entered Sapna Sari Center and quickly scanned the premises for any sign of Meher. Just then a man approached him and asked, "Can I help you with something sir?"

"Um...yes", said Preet. "I'm Preet Juneja. I was supposed to come by and give measurements for some wedding attire".

"Of course sir," the man smiled. "Mrs. Heer Juneja called earlier and told us you'd be coming in. Please follow me".

Preet followed the man into a fitting room and stood patiently as a tailor took his measurements. After that he was led to a large show room, where he was shown various swatches of fine fabrics to select from.

"This blue really suits you", the man behind the counter offered. "Of course you'll look like a royal in this shade of red and gold".

But Preet wasn't interested in the samples. "Where are all the ladies?" he asked eagerly, as he checked the time on his watch.

"Excuse me?" the man said.

"I mean, where do you keep all the ladies items for sale? I...uh...want to pick up a couple of saris for my wife", said Preet.

"You mean your wife to be", the salesman corrected him.

"No...she's my wife", said Preet, smiling at the man's confused expression. "It's a long story...please just tell me where should I look?"

"It's one flight up, but you haven't made a selection for your outfit yet", the salesman reminded him.

Preet almost randomly put his finger on one of the samples the man had laid out.

"Excellent choice", the salesman grinned. "It also happens to be the most expensive one".

"Well, at least Veera will be happy to hear that", chuckled Preet, as he headed for the stairs.

Moments later...

There were plenty of female customers moving about or haggling with the salesmen on the 2^ndlevel of the Sari Center. Preet maneuvered himself stealthy and hid behind one of the many square pillars in the show room area. Now if he could only spot Meher. Just then Daljeet Chachee's voice with its own distinct flavor of sarcasm fell in his ears. Sure enough a salesman was leading Daljeet to a display counter, and just 2 steps behind her was Meher. Preet was so excited to see her that he almost shouted out her name.

"Madam Ji, come right this way. We're delighted that you've chosen our store for your family's wedding shopping needs. And this must be the blushing bride", he said smiling at Meher. "Kinna sona tenu Rab ne banaya. Ji karda hai vekh da rahoon (How lovely God has made you. I can just go on staring endlessly)".

Salesmen, thought Meher, as she rolled her eyes.

"Bhaiya Ji, makhan laga ke farigh ho gaye ho toh shopping shuroo karein (If you're done trying to buttering us up, can we start our shopping)?" said Daljeet. "Show us your best and most expensive items, and don't hold back anything. Money is no object here".

"Chachee", hissed Meher. "What are you saying?"

"Don't worry Meher. I spoke to Gaytri Ji this morning. The Juneja's are picking up the tab for all of our shopping", explained Daljeet. "Did you hear that?" She said to the salesman. "My niece is marrying one of The Junejas".

Meher was sure that not only the salesman, but the entire floor had heard her. "Chachee please", she pleaded. "You're embarrassing me".

"What's to be embarrassed about?" asked Daljeet. "And what's the point in marrying such a rich man if you can't spend his money? Besides, you only get married once. Well...maybe in your case twice".

Meher held her head in her hand. She had wanted Heer to accompany her while shopping, but Daljeet had insisted on coming instead. She could never understand why a woman who never had a minute or a dime to spare when she was growing up was suddenly taking such a keen interest in her wedding. Meher was sure her day couldn't possibly get worse, when some movement visible in one of the mirrors on a side wall caught her eye. It was Preet! He was jumping up and down waving his arms in the air desperately trying to catch her attention. Oh no! thought Meher, What is he doing here?!

As the salesman began to lay out several beautiful saris one by one before Meher, she tried her best to ignore Preet by focusing her attention on colors, patterns, and the feel of the material in front of her, but it was of no use. She kept glancing his way involuntarily.

Preet motioned for Meher to come to the back of the store and meet him, but she shook her head vehemently. The salesman thought she was shaking her head at him and began to remove the saris.

"Okay", he said. "If you don't like these then..."

"Nahin Bhaiya Ji", Meher said apologetically. "This one is nice". She glared at Preet's reflection in the mirror and mouthed the words "Go Away!"

But Preet refused, and again signaled for her to come to him. Meher pointed to her Chachee.

"Oh...would you like me to show you something from this shelf?" asked the salesman. He was referring to the direction Meher had been pointing in.

"Um...sure", sighed Meher. She could see Preet waving to her again. She pointed to her Chachee again and then put her hands around her neck, stuck her tongue out and made a choking action.

"Meher! What are you doing?" asked Daljeet.

"Nothing Chachee", Meher said quickly.

"Please focus your attention here", said Daljeet.

"Yes Chachee", sighed Meher. She looked back worriedly at Preet and saw him get down on his knees with folded hands pleading for her to come to him. She thought for moment then picked up a sari. "Um...Chachee...yeh kaisi hai (how's this one)?" She stammered.

"Hmm...not bad", said Daljeet, fingering the price tag approvingly.

"Do you mind if I go try it on?" Meher asked.

"No...go right ahead", said Daljeet. "Bhaiya Ji...you come with me...I want to find out about that red piece on the mannequin over there.

While Daljeet led the salesman away, Meher quickly made her way over to Preet. He immediately took her by the hand and led her into one of the fitting rooms in the back. As soon as he pulled the curtains closed, he turned to face Meher with a wide grin, but an onslaught of smacks from her quickly wiped it from his face.

"Ow! Ow! Ow!" he cried as he held up his hands defensively. "Meher what are you doing?!"

"What your mother will do to both of us if she finds out you're here", cried Meher, as she smacked his arm one last time. "Are you forgetting just how upset she was that we got married by ourselves? How did you find out I was here anyway? Uff nevermind! You know we're not supposed to see each other before the wedding. What if your mom finds out? My Chachee is here shopping with me for crying out loud!"

"Meher relax", said Preet. "Ma will never find out".

Meher stood with her arms crossed looking unconvinced.

"Look...I just wanted to see you", smiled Preet. "I was missing you like crazy, and when I found out you were here, I couldn't resist coming over. If that means breaking a few rules...so be it".

"Okay...so you've seen me...happy?" said Meher. "I better go".

"Ek minute Meher", Preet said, as he took hold of her hand to keep her from leaving. "Aren't you glad to see me?"

"Yes, I am", Meher admitted with a soft smile. "I've missed you too". Preet smiled at her response and tried to put his arms around her but she stopped him. "However", she continued. "This doesn't mean we should go against your mother's wishes. If she wants us to follow tradition then...".

"Meher these stupid traditions are from medieval times when they didn't let the groom see the bride because if he found out how ugly she was he'd run away", said Preet. "My bride on the other hand is beautiful".

"Lekin Preet..." protested Meher, as he took her into his arms.

Preet silenced her by gently placing a finger on her lips. "Shhh...", he whispered. He had just leaned in to kiss her, when the sound of Daljeet's voice startled him and broke them apart.

"Meher, are you finished changing?" asked Daljeet. "Let me come in and see how you look".

"Nahin Chachee!" cried Meher. She poked her head out from behind the curtan and gave her aunt an apologetic smile. "Don't come inside yet. I mean...I'm not dressed...I mean...I'll be out in a second".

"Okay", said Daljeet. "But hurry it up a bit. The tailor wants to take your measurements for the wedding dress".

"Ji Chachee", said Meher. She watched with dread as her aunt, who was about to walk away, ran into some acquaintances, and struck up a conversation just outside the fitting rooms.

"That was a close call", said Preet.

"I told you this was a bad idea", said Meher, as she chewed nervously on her lower lip.

"Alright...don't panic. If it makes you feel any better I'll just leave", offered Preet.

"Wait Preet! You can't leave right now", said Meher. "Daljeet Chachee is standing just outside. She'll definitely see you".

"So...what now?" asked Preet.

"I'll quickly change into this sari, and take her away from here", suggested Meher. "Then you leave ASAP".

"Okay", agreed Preet. He leaned against one corner of the fitting room, waiting for Meher to proceed.

"Preet", sighed Meher. "Will you please turn around?"

"What? Why? Come on Meher...I've seen you in your birthday suit", grinned Preet.

"Exactly", Meher said with a raised eyebrow. "And I know precisely what you'll do if I change in front of you. So be a good boy and turn around".

"Fine, but I feel like I'm being given a time out", complained Preet. He turned and faced the corner, but a smile slowly broke out on his face as he heard Meher undressing. Preet took a deep breath and tried to recompose himself. He refused to look in her direction. He was not going to look. Great! He was looking.

Meher caught him immediately. "Preet! Stop looking at me like that!" she demanded, as she quickly finished draping the sari around herself.

"Like what?" Preet asked innocently.

"Like you're...like you're...", blushed Meher.

"Interested?" asked Preet. He couldn't control the grin that crept onto his lips. "You're beautiful Meher. I like looking at you. You're my wife for God's sake. Can you blame me for wanting you?" Taking a step closer to her, he took her chin in his hand and turned her face up towards him. He was about to kiss her when she pulled herself away.

"Preet Juneja...", whispered Meher. "You had better behave yourself".

"Fine!" frowned Preet. He clenched his fists to his side. "I'll behave. But I still want you".

"Oh Preet...what am I going to do with you?" sighed Meher.

"Meher, what on earth is taking you so long?" Daljeet called out.

"I'm coming Chachee!" replied Meher. She picked up her belongings and began to walk away. Suddenly, she turned around and surprised Preet with a quick peck on his cheek. "I love you Mr. Juneja", she whispered in his ear before hurrying out, leaving him with a goofy grin on his face.

Preet waited a few minutes, then proceeded to leave. He had just pushed back the curtains of his cubicle, when he came face to face with a surprised looking old lady holding an arm full of clothes and a very heavy looking purse. She glanced at the sign on top that read Ladies Only', and then glared back at Preet with narrowed eyes.

"Oops!" he said giving her a weak smile.

Meanwhile...

Meher was getting ready to give the tailor her measurements when she heard a commotion coming from the back of the store.

"What's going on?" Daljeet asked a lady that just come from that direction.

"Some young man was hiding out in one of the ladies fitting rooms", explained the lady. "A regular peeping Tom I tell you".

Meher smacked her forehead with her hand.

"Aaj kal ki generation ke saat karein bhi to kya karein (What can one do about today's generation)?" said Daljeet, shaking her head.

"Don't worry", the lady chuckled. "An aunty caught him red-handed and gave him a beating he won't forget anytime soon".

Oh no! thought Meher. Preet!

I bet you guys all but gave up on me...but here I am with an update 😆Hope you all liked it. Please do leave your comments and feedback. Or at least hit the like button. 😛
My schedule has freed up a bit , so I'll be updating weekly now...
Credit: The sari center scene is adapted from R...Rajkumar.
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 41: Preet tries to see Meher again.

Link to next chapter: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/120753397

Originally posted by: hangok

ohhh my god what a suprise,

i get bored and checked this page and what can i see an update,

and im the first one...

ohh god great,

preet is shopping with veera, she is definitly too much, just amazing...

and here comes preet saviour heer, what a plan ...

he can see her, he really missed her,

amazing work, just love them...

ohhh i know it that he would be caught,

waiting just with excitement too see how he will try to see her again...

great work fatima...

have really missed them

Originally posted by: -Xpress-

that was superb.. loved it

Originally posted by: kiran_28

wow amazing update fatima..

Preet..veera and heer shopping scene was very cute...poor preet veera tha perfect k sath phas gya 😆

But heer as bestest bhabi ever...helped his dever to meet his devarani 😉

Preet-Meher-Daljeet chachi scene was quiet funny 😆

And preet's oops moment was pretty hilarious...and aunty had caught him red handed and beat him..omg thats gonna be fun 🤣

thanks for pm fatima..cont soon :D