Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 77

Originally posted by: lazychick.maria

someone is going to hit 100 pages very soon 😉

Originally posted by: Fatima_Q

Thanks for taking the time out to read and appreciate Kiran. 🤗

And Happy B-day once again 🥳

Originally posted by: sherma

Hey waiting fr ur update. Pls do it soon

Originally posted by: Fatima_Q

Busy...but I'll try to put something up this weekend 😕

Chapter 13 - A Twist in the Tale

"Okay, what's up?" asked Meher. She plopped down on her bed and watched Sam close the door to her room.

"Well, first of all...Gaurav and I have decided to make it official and get engaged," smiled Sam.

"EEEKKK! That's wonderful!" cried Meher. She got up and hugged her friend. "Gaurav is a great guy. Isn't it amazing how you 2 hit it off right from the start? I guess it's because you both were meant to be. I'm really very happy for you. It seems like only yesterday that you and he met."

"Yeah, well we are just so compatible with each other it's hard to ignore. He makes me feel happy and complete. Plus he always tells me that I'm right," giggled Sam. "And you know what, it turns out that his dad knows my dad very well. They went to school together."

"Wow," said Meher.

"Yeah," agreed Sam. "My parents really like Gaurav. They couldn't be happier for me. I still have to meet his parents though."

"Don't worry, they'll love you," smiled Meher.

"That's what my mom said," said Sam. "Anyway, we've invited his parents to dinner, so we're going back to Delhi this weekend. If everything goes well, we'll decide on a date for the engagement, and make everything official."

"And what about the wedding?" asked Meher.

"I still have one more year at university," said Sam. "So we were thinking of getting married right after I graduate."

"Great! I can't wait! My best friend is getting married!" Meher gave Sam another hug. "Wait a minute...that means you're leaving Ludhiana?"

"Not before I figure out what's up," smiled Sam.

"What's up with who?" asked Meher.

"With you...and Preet," said Sam. "Just what is going on...between you 2?"

"Nothing," blushed Meher. "Why on earth would you think anything is going on between us? We're...friends."

"Just friends?" teased Sam.

"Yes...just...friends," said Meher. She could feel her face become hot. Why was Sam asking her about Preet all of a sudden?

"Oh really," said Sam. "Friends don't turn red as a tomato when they hear each others names mentioned in the same sentence. And they don't bring flowers for each other unless one of them is in the hospital with a broken leg or something."

"Flowers? Uh...um...," said Meher.

"That's right," continued Sam as she began to pace the room. "Don't act like I didn't see that big bouquet you 2 were grinning over. Friends certainly don't behave as if they're the only 2 people left on the planet. Gaurav and I were in the kitchen for 10 minutes before either one of you even noticed us. I swear on every single drama that Ekta Kapoor has ever produced, there was a major eye-lock session going on back there."

"Really Sam, you're over analyzing everything," said Meher.

"Am I?" Sam asked. She spotted the box of beautiful new bangles on Meher's dressing table, and picked them up. "Are these new? Mind if I try them on?"

"Oh no Sam, Preet bought those for me!" cried Meher. She immediately covered her mouth with her hands.

"Ah Ha!" Sam said triumphantly. "I knew it! I knew he was in love with you."

"Sam," sighed Meher.

"Bole chudiyan, bole kangana, hai main ho gaya tera saajana," sang Sam.

"Now you're just being silly," laughed Meher.

"Am I Meher? Am I really?" asked Sam.

"Well...Preet has been acting strange ever since our date," said Meher.

"You guys went out on a date?! When? Where? And how come I don't know about this? I want all the details," cried Sam.

"It was nothing," insisted Meher. "You remember that day I got grounded? We sort of sneaked out of the house and got something to eat together."

"Oh my God! Little goody 2 shoes Meher Maan outsmarts the evil step-mother and has a night out on the town with her prince charming! I can't believe it!" Sam clapped her hands in delight.

"It wasn't like that," said Meher. "We both hadn't eaten anything, so we just went to the market place and got something."

"He hadn't eaten anything?" asked Sam. "You mean he didn't eat anything because you hadn't eaten anything. So he didn't rest until he rescued you from the clutches of your evil step mother and safely had a morsel of food inside you. Wow!"

Meher slapped her forehead.

"And the chudiyan (bangles)?" Sam clasped her hands together and asked. "When did that happen?"

"I saw them in a stall on the way home," said Meher. "I guess he saw me admiring them, because the next thing you know, he was buying them for me."

"Buying gifts. I like that in a guy. What else did you 2 do?" asked Sam.

"Nothing!" said Meher. "We cut through the park...and..."

"He kissed you under the moon light?" said Sam.

"No!" blushed Meher. "We talked. Preet lost his mom several years ago just like I did. He doesn't like to talk about it much, but he sometimes does with me, because...I can relate."

"So you 2 connected on an emotional level. Wow! This is deep," said Sam.

"I don't know how deep it was. I mean we were sitting in a tree," said Meher.

"What?" said Sam.

"Rehashing his past always puts him in a somber mood. I wanted to cheer him up so I did a silly thing like climb up a tree," chuckled Meher. "And then I did the most unladylike thing of falling down."

"But he caught you, right?" Sam cheered her on.

Meher thought about how Preet had fallen on top of her and turned red. "Sam please stop," she protested. "You're making me blush. "

Sam sat down next to Meher, and put her arm around her shoulders. "You really like him don't you?"

Meher bit her lower lip nervously then took a deep breath. "Yes," she admitted. "I do. I really really do."

"Perfect," Sam gave Meher a warm hug. "Looks like I'm not the only one who's going to be hearing wedding bells soon."

"Wedding bells? Oh no Sam...Preet and I...we could never...I could never imagine him asking me to marry him," said Meher.

"Why not?" asked Sam.

"Because he's Preet, one of the Delhi Junejas...and I'm a little old nobody named Meher Maan," sighed Meher. "Plus he's my father's boss."

"So?" said Sam.

"So it would be foolish for me to have great expectations," sighed Meher. "Prince charming, and glass slippers...these things happen in fairy tales Sam. Not real life. Besides, when he could have his pick of the litter, why on earth would Preet Juneja choose someone like me?"

"Uff Ho Meher!" cried Sam. "You know I love you like a sister, but sometimes I just want to knock you upside the head!"

"Why? What did I do?" asked Meher.

"Well, for one, you underestimate yourself," Sam pointed out. "You're a wonderful girl. I bet Preet has never met anyone like you before. You're smart, strong, independent. You demonstrate a ton of patience and resilience everyday in how you deal with that wicked witch you have for a step-mother. You've got things going on here and here." Sam gestured towards Meher's head and heart. "And frankly my dear...you're beautiful. If you ask me, I think he'd be a fool not to be in love with you."

"You really think Preet is in love with me?" Meher asked hopefully.

"Yes, I do," smiled Sam. "And I'm sure in your heart of hearts you know he is too."

Meanwhile...

Maya Juneja walked into the banquet hall of the Mehta's palatial residence. Another one of Mrs. Mehta's stale social events, she thought stifling a yawn. She was bored already, but put on a fake smile as the hostess approached her. Ah! The things I do to keep the Juneja family on the social register.

"Maya! So wonderful to see you!" Mrs. Mehta said as she walked up to her. "Looking stunning as usual."

Tell me something I don't know, thought Maya. "Mrs. Mehta, how wonderful to see you too," she said. Both women kissed the air around them.

"So where is that brilliant husband of yours?" asked Mrs. Mehta.

"He's with the valet," said Maya.

"Oh good, you know he gave my son Sanjay some excellent advise last time about the law suit that was lodged against his company," said Mrs. Mehta. "He could really use his help again."

Ah yes, always on the lookout for a free consultation. I bet it's her way of making her guests pay for dinner, thought Maya.

"Well well speak of the devil," smiled Mrs. Mehta. "Herman...son...it's so good to see you again."

"Nice to see you as well Mrs. Mehta," smiled Herman.

"Sanjay has been waiting for you. He's with the gentlemen in that corner," Mrs. Mehta pointed towards a group of well-dressed men. "Maya, why don't we let the men talk? You come with me. There is someone I would like you to meet."

Herman and Maya exchanged annoyed glances, but complied with their host's wishes.

"You'll never guess who is here," Mrs Mehta was going on and on. "And she specifically told me to let her know if one of the Junejas attended this social."

"Really? You've got my curiosity piqued Mrs. Mehta," lied Maya. "Who could it possibly be?" Probably another idiot looking for a rich donor to fund her charity, she thought. She opened her purse and began to fish around for her checkbook, when she heard someone address her.

"You can put the checkbook away," said a well dressed older woman. "I don't need your money. Although I may not be able to say the same about you."

"Oh there you are," smiled Mrs Mehta. "Maya Juneja, I'd like to introduce you to Mrs. Daljeet Rampal."

"Mrs. Rampal?" Maya said in surprise.

"In the flesh," Daljeet flashed her a smile. "But please...call me Daljeet. Mrs. Rampal makes me sound so old and you too formal."

Maya was flabbergasted. What would old sasur ji (father-in-law) think if he found out she was speaking to the enemy? She looked around to see if she could spot Herman.

"I know what you're thinking," Daljeet smiled knowingly. "Why would a Rampal wish to talk to a Juneja, let alone share the same air space? After all, we are each other's biggest competitors, and for the time being, you're on the losing side. But there is no reason for us not to be civil to each other, is there?"

Maya narrowed her eyes and tried to size Daljeet up. "You seem like a shrewd business woman Mrs. Rampal, so I'm sure you understand the value of time. Why don't you get right to the point, what do you want from me?"

"The direct approach. I like that," smiled Daljeet. "I need your...assistance. It's regarding my daughter Ashlesha. Her father and I have always given her everything she wants. I'll admit that she's grown a tad spoiled as a result of that, but she is our only child, and her happiness is our utmost priority. She is in Ludhiana right now as we speak, visiting my younger sister."

"And that concerns me how?" Maya asked rolling her eyes.

"Your devar (younger brother-in-law) happens to be staying at my sister's house," explained. Daljeet. "The 2 see each other nearly every day. My daughter is in love. Her first love. To her it's of no consequence that the young man she has fallen for belongs to a family that is tottering on the brink of bankruptcy. A family whose business is in dire need of a major influx of cash investment. Rishap and I have always known our little girl would grow up one day. We've always planned on giving Ashlesha the wedding of her dreams. No expense spared. And, if our future son-in-law or his family's business was in need of a boost...well then...we wouldn't think twice before lending a hand. No expense spared." Daljeet walked in a circle around Maya to let her words sink in. "You do see where I am going with this, don't you Maya?"

Maya nodded. She had always despised Preet. Always considered him to be lazy and aloof...the blacksheep of the Juneja family, but he had suddenly turned into the lifeline the Junejas needed.

"Of course, I will be most grateful if you can take this matter up with your family," Daljeet said. She opened her purse and pulled out a checkbook. "Make it happen and I'll donate 5 lakh to your favorite charity. Now, whether that charity is Save the Dolphins' or Maya Juneja's personal bank account...that's entirely up to you."

Maya's eyes lit up. "I'll do what I can," she smiled.

The following day...

In the Juneja Mansion, Herman was nervously pacing back and forth in the family library. "I don't know Maya," he said. "I don't trust the Rampals. For them to fork over so much capital and that too to invest in our company. It almost seems too good to be true."

"Under normal circumstances I would completely agree with you Herman," said Maya. "But they are willing to do this for their daughter. I studied Daljeet very carefully last night, and I didn't sense any foul play on her part. She seemed genuinely concerned about securing her daughter's happiness and well-being."

"And what about Preet?" asked Herman. "Will he agree?"

"Well apparently he's been living under the same roof with the girl, seeing her everyday," said Maya. "You know how it is. I'm sure the flames are burning on both sides."

"And what about Bauji?" asked Herman. "Even if Preet likes the Rampal's daughter, there is no way Bauji will agree."

"Well, we'll find out exactly what he says shortly," sighed Maya. "I've called for a family meeting in exactly 5 minutes."

"You what?!" cried Herman.

"I've asked Prem and Heer to join us too. Once they know that this is what Preet wants, they'll be sure to side with us on the issue," explained Maya. "We just have to be careful how we present this proposal to Bauji."

"We? You mean you," said Herman.

"Uff Herman! Stop being so spineless!" cried Maya. Just then the door of the library and Maya could hear voices approaching them. "Fine," she said. "Just let me do the talking."

"Hi," said Heer, as she and Prem walked over to Herman and Maya. "We got your text. You said it was important. Is everything alright?"

"Yes," smiled Maya. "Everything is quite good actually. Oh look, Vera and Bauji are here too."

"Can we make this quick Maya Bhabi?" asked Veera. "Nihal and I were supposed to go shopping."

"Ring shopping by any chance?" smiled Maya. "Have you guys finalized a date yet?"

"No, but if Nihal's company decides to send him to the U.S. for an assignment, it'll have to be soon," said Veera. "He'll find out in a few days."

"Maya, did you call us here to discuss wedding dates?" demanded Lalit. "You could have settled that between Veera and Heer."

"Actually Bauji, Veera's wedding isn't the reason I asked you all to come here this morning," said Maya.

"Well what then?" asked Lalit.

"I found an investor for our company," said Maya. "Someone who is willing to give us all the capital we need to keep ourselves out of bankruptcy...in return for a little...merger of sorts."

"Merger? I'm not aware of any such proposal being submitted to us. Just who are you talking about?" asked Prem.

Maya took a deep breath then blurted out, "Rishap Rampal."

"Rishap Rampal!!" Cried Lalit. "Ha! I'd rather make a deal with the devil." He got up and started to walk away, when Herman stopped him.

"Bauji please, just hear Maya out," he pleaded.

"I don't get it," said Prem. "Why would Rishap Rampal suddenly want to invest in Juneja Enterprises?"

"Because it's a trick! He wants to takeover!" said Lalit. "It's just like him to kick a person when he's down. Well, I won't let him trample all over us. I don't care if we have to liquidate all of our assets. I won't take help from Rishap Rampal!"

"That's the beauty of this deal," Maya spoke up. "We aren't taking help, we're giving it instead."

"What are you talking about?" demanded Lalit.

"I'm talking about a sure proof plan to save our company and beat our biggest competitor. Bauji, you've always said that you have to know your enemy's weakness if you are to defeat him. Well, I've discovered the Rampals' biggest weakness," grinned Maya. "Their daughter. She and Preet have been living together in Ludhiana."

"What?!?!" cried Lalit and Heer.

"Okay, let me rephrase that," chuckled Maya. "Preet has been staying at Mrs. Rampal's sister house in Ludhiana. Her husband is the manager at the hotel you sent him to supervise the renovations of."

"A relative of the Rampal's works for us and Preet has been staying at his house?" said Lalit. "How did this happen? And why wasn't I informed of this?"

"The Rampal's daughter has been visiting her aunt at the same time," continued Maya. "The 2 have apparently hit it off, so much so that Mrs. Rampal approached me at the Mehta's social last night and literally begged me for Preet's hand in marriage. Their daughter is the Rampals only child. They're willing to do anything to make her happy, and that includes investing in Juneja Enterprises.

Just think Bauji. Preet could be married to the sole heiress to the Rampal's fortune. Today, they are willing to give us the life line we need to stay afloat. Tomorrow, as their son-in-law, Preet will head their company. It is the Junejas that will be taking over the Rampal's empire, not the other way around. Herman and I have a good feeling about this proposal, right Herman?"

Maya glared at Herman. He nodded and gave everyone a weak smile.

"Heer, you wanted to bring a wedding to the Juneja house, right?" asked Maya. "You'll be able to plan for 2 now. Veera, when you go shopping with Nihal later today, make sure you start looking at rings too. I know Nihal surprised you with a proposal on your birthday, but I think it's time we have a proper engagement ceremony for both of you...in traditional Juneja style. We'll invite all our friends, business associates, and investors and announce Preet engagement to the Rampal's daughter at the same time. Just imagine the impact that news will have on our company's standing in the market."

"Wait a minute," said Heer. "Prem, has Preet said anything to you about any of this?" Prem shook his head. "That's strange. I'm sure he would have said something to one of us if he was ready to get married."

"I agree," said Prem. "We shouldn't rely on what Mrs. Rampal said. We have to talk to Preet and find out what is going on. I'll call him right now."

"Wait Prem," said Lalit. "We need to think over this proposal first. And the more I think about it, the more I like what Maya is saying."

"But Bauji Preet...," said Prem. "Shouldn't he be in on any discussions pertaining to his marriage?"

"That's right," agreed Heer. "After all, it is his life we're talking about."

"His life?!" scoffed Lalit. "What has he done with his life till date? He has been moping around doing nothing for the past 10 years, so what will he do now? If it wasn't for you and Prem he wouldn't even have completed his education. I sent him to Ludhiana to reopen the hotel and if Mrs. Rampal is right, the idiot has been busy playing Romeo instead. We're lucky his foolishness worked out to be a blessing in disguise for us this time. Prem, find out just who this manager is that Preet has been staying with. I want his contact information, bio data...everything. And neither you nor Heer will call Preet...I will. In fact, I'm calling him back home right away."

Hope you all found the update interesting. 😛

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Chapter 14: Preview: Preet tries to talk to Meher

Link to Chapter 14: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/133079978

Link to: Table of Contents

Originally posted by: sherma

ohhh wil b waiting fr it

n congratulations for completing 100 pagesss👏