Fatima's Cozy Corner 2 - Link to New Corner on Pg 152 :) - Page 83

Originally posted by: SNKaD

Wow!!!fabulous chemistry between bhabhi and devar...lollzz...meher and preets scenes was gud...👍🏼NYC bonding of chahat and preet nd missed meher in dis chapter as der was not much scenes of her...😔 but over all it was gud nd nxt chapter concept is interesting ...😎cnt wait yar...pllls update sooon... 😊

sorry fatima.. for commenting so late .. ur right .. u esp take out time to write for us and we are being extremely nonchalant !

Anyways coming to the chapter , honestly I aint liking what is happening .. Nobody is I guess .. Cannot imagine Meet like this ..

He couldnt even speak to her before leaving and his family , dude someone go tell'em they're living in the 21st century man.. how can they fix the marriage without even speaking to him once. Fine he wasnt in the city, but c'mon the first instinct would be to call and verify!! Idiots!!

Waiting for Meet to meet.. 😆 😆 ..Waiting for their romance to begin..

Fatima when u updating yaar?

Originally posted by: Rhea_401

sorry fatima.. for commenting so late .. ur right .. u esp take out time to write for us and we are being extremely nonchalant !

Anyways coming to the chapter , honestly I aint liking what is happening .. Nobody is I guess .. Cannot imagine Meet like this ..

He couldnt even speak to her before leaving and his family , dude someone go tell'em they're living in the 21st century man.. how can they fix the marriage without even speaking to him once. Fine he wasnt in the city, but c'mon the first instinct would be to call and verify!! Idiots!!

Waiting for Meet to meet.. 😆 😆 ..Waiting for their romance to begin..

Fatima when u updating yaar?

Chapter 16 - She's the One

Sam was looking at a window display of a jewelry shop in the mall near her home, when Gaurav quietly walked up to her and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Surprise," he grinned.

"Gaurav!" she smiled. "I didn't know you'd be back in Delhi before the weekend. When did you get in?"

"Late last night," said Gaurav. "Mr. J. called us back. Preet's sister is getting married at the end of this month. He wanted all hands on deck. I called your house and your mom told me you'd be here, so I thought I'd come over and surprise you."

"How sweet," smiled Sam.

"So...see anything you like?" Gaurav asked.

"Nah...I was just window shopping," said Sam. She noticed Gaurav looking around and her smile disappeared. "Were you expecting someone else too?"

"Yes...No...I mean...uh...Meher wasn't at home when we left Ludhiana. Mrs. Maan said she had come to Delhi with you," said Gaurav. "I figured you 2 would be out shopping together, but I don't see her here."

"That's because she's at home with Ma," frowned Sam. "Gaurav Sherma, if you're here on a spying mission on behalf of that friend of yours, then you had better just leave! Meher was feeling really down. I brought her back with me to cheer her up, and I won't have you or your friend, hurt her."

"Hurt her? Sam, Preet is in love with Meher. He was going to tell her how he felt, but she suddenly turned on him, and he has no idea why," explained Gaurav. "He was ordered to come back home by Mr. Hitler Juneja, and now he's moping around doing nothing because he didn't even get to say good-bye to her. I feel the same way about Preet as you do about Meher. We've been best buddies since the time we were in diapers. I can't see him upset like that. You were the one that said Preet and Meher were perfect for each other and as their best friends it was up to us to help bring them together. So why are you backing out now?"

"I'm not backing out," Sam shook her head.

"Well then tell me why Meher is so upset," said Gaurav. "And what can we do to bring these 2 together?"

"I'm not sure Gaurav," sighed Sam. "Meher has always had it tough so she's used to keeping her expectations in life low. She really liked Preet. She admitted this to me. Despite the class difference between them, she had actually begun to believe that he liked her too. And then she heard about him and Ashlesha."

"What about Preet and Ashlesha?" Gaurav asked.

"Meher is under the impression that there is something going on between them," said Sam.

"What?! No way!" cried Gaurav.

"She's understandably hurt. More than anything, she's upset that she read Preet's feelings about her all wrong," added Sam.

"She didn't read him wrong. I told you...he's in love with her. He told me so himself," said Gaurav. "I don't get it. Preet can't stand to be in the same room as Ash let alone have any feelings for her, so why on earth would Meher think that something was going on between the 2?"

"Like I said, I'm not sure," said Sam. "At her home and in the car on the drive over we were surrounded by our parents and only spoke briefly on the matter. And this morning she and Ma got to talking about some recipes. They were cooking together when I left for the mall."

"Sam, I want you to find out all you know from Meher as soon as possible, and then get back to me," said Gaurav. "I have to go talk to Preet."

Later...

"You're joking," laughed Preet. "Me and Ash?" He laughed some more. "Where did she get that impression?"

"It's not funny Preet," said Gaurav. "The girl is really hurt."

"But it is funny," said Preet. "The idea of me and Ash is not only funny it's absurd."

"It doesn't matter how absurd it sounds to you, that's what she thinks," Gaurav pointed out. "We have to find out why."

"It doesn't matter why," said Preet.

"But...," said Gaurav.

"Don't you see Gaurav, she's upset because she's jealous," grinned Preet. "Here I was imagining all sorts of crazy things, when in reality she feels the same way about me as I do about her. All I have to do is tell her how I feel and everything will be okay between us again."

"But aren't you even a little bit curious to know where she got this idea from?" asked Gaurav.

"No, because it isn't true," said Preet. "Call Sam and find out what the girls are up to. I'll need her help if I want to see Meher. I've got it all figured out. I'll talk to Meher and tell her how I feel about her. Then I'll speak with PB and Heer Bhabi. I can just imagine Bhabi's reaction. She's been waiting for the day I introduce her to 'the girl'. She'll be ecstatic. PB and I will go and talk to Mr. and Mrs. Maan, and then who knows, Veera may not be the only one bringing a wedding to the Juneja house."

"And where does your father figure into all of this?" asked Gaurav.

"Bauji?" scoffed Preet. "Why would Bauji care? I'm the least of his concerns. When I get married, I bet he'll be busy making a deal or off on a business trip or something."

The next day...

Sam and Meher were with Sam's mother shopping for vegetables in a small market near their home.

"Now pay attention Simran," said Mrs. Singh. "In no time at you'll be getting married and running your own home. And a good housewife knows how to manage her home within her husband's budget. That includes knowing how to bargain with these vegetable vendors to get the best value for your money."

"Uff ho mom...this is so boring," whined Sam. "And you know I'm not good at haggling. How about I come by and raid your kitchen when I'm short on vegetables?"

"Hai Rabba, what to do with this girl!" exclaimed Mrs. Singh.

Meher giggled at the exchange between mother and daughter. Just then she spotted a vendor selling pani puri. "Gol Guppay! she squealed. "It's been ages since I had some. Anutie Ji, may we?"

"Oh alright," sighed the older woman. "It's not like I was making any progress with this naughty daughter of mine. But don't eat too much. I don't want you spoiling your appetite before lunch."

"Thanks Ma," smiled Sam. She gave her mother a hug then took Meher by the hand and ran towards the stall.

Both girls were enjoying their snack when Sam got a phone call. "It's Gaurav," she smiled. "I'll talk to him and be right back."

Meher nodded. She turned back to the vendor and asked for another pani puri. She had just popped it in her mouth when someone tapped her on her shoulder. She turned and nearly choked on her snack when she saw who it was.

"Are you okay?" asked Preet. He gently patted Meher on the back. Then took a bottle of water from the vendor and offered her a drink.

"Tum (You)?!" Meher cried in between her coughing fit and sips of water.

"Small world isn't it?" smiled Preet.

"Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho (What are you doing here)?" asked Meher.

"I live in Delhi," said Preet.

"I know that!" snapped Meher. "But what are you doing here, in this market?"

"Uh...we were running low on tomatoes and...," said Preet.

"Oh really?" Meher said with a raised eyebrow. Her voice was laced with sarcasm.

"No," admitted Preet. "The truth is I heard you were in town, and I wanted to see you."

"Sam? Sam set this up didn't she?" said Meher. "Just wait until I get my hands on her."

"Sam didn't set anything up Meher. She just happened to mention to Gaurav in passing that you would be here," said Preet.

"Same thing!" cried Meher.

"I don't see what the big deal is," said Preet "Why can't I come over to see you or talk to you? And why did you leave Ludhiana without saying good-bye?"

"Why does that matter to you?" asked Meher.

"It does matter Meher," smiled Preet. "Everything you do matters the world to me. I don't know when or why things went sour between us, but I want to make everything right again, if only you'd give me a chance."

Meher was about to say something when she saw Sam's mother waving to her. "I have to go," she said. She paid the vendor for the pani puri she had eaten and turned to go.

"Meher wait," said Preet. He held her by the elbow to stop her. "Didn't you hear anything I said?"

"Don't do that!" hissed Meher, as she pulled her arm back. "Don't grab onto me like that in public. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Sam's mother is watching us. She'll tell Kuljeet and I'll get in trouble again!"

"But...," Preet said as he tried to follow her.

"Don't follow me," said Meher. "Don't ask Sam anything about me. Just don't do anything!"

Later...

"Okay so maybe a sabzi mandi (vegetable market) wasn't the ideal location to propose in," said Gaurav.

"Propose?! I didn't get 2 words in edge wise!" sighed Preet.

"So what are you going to do now?" asked Gaurav.

"I don't know," sighed Preet. "I have to corner Meher in some place private. Somewhere she can't run away from me before I finish saying what I have to say."

"Right," agreed Gaurav.

"And there is only one such place...," said Preet. "...my house."

"Your house?! Get real man!" cried Gaurav. "There is no way she'll come there."

"She will if she doesn't know that it's my house," said Preet. "And if I have the help of some very good friends."

"You mean Sam and I?" sighed Gaurav. "You know Sam already got an earful from Meher for telling you she would be at the vegetable market. And she made sure to pass that earful onto me."

Preet put his arm around Gaurav's shoulder and smiled. "Come on man, we're chaddi buddies. We're supposed to put our neck out on the line for each other."

"Yeah, but if you and Meher don't make up soon, Sam will make sure I no longer have a neck," sighed Gaurav.

A few days later...

"Mmm," Prem smiled as he took a whiff of the aromas floating through the kitchen. "Something smells really good."

"It had better," smiled Heer. "I haven't been slaving over a hot stove all morning for nothing."

"Ooo you made ladoo too," Prem said, as he tried to pick one up.

"Prem!" Heer immediately smacked his hand. "Not before lunch! You'll spoil your appetite."

"Okay okay," sighed Prem. "Waise...not that I'm complaining, but why aren't the servants preparing lunch?"

"Preet is having some friends over," explained Heer. "He insisted that I make everything myself."

"Must be some special friends," said Prem.

"Exactly!" smiled Heer. "He's also been singing all morning!"

"Preet was singing?" Prem asked in surprise.

"Yeah, something like...aaj mausam bada baiyman hai," chuckled Heer. "My little Preetu is in love I tell you." She clasped her hands excitedly. "Oh Prem, I think she's coming today."

"Who is she?" asked Prem.

"She...you know...the girl," Heer grinned. "I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am!"

"But Bauji didn't say anything about the Rampal's daughter visiting," said Prem. "I don't think he's even had a chance to speak with Preet yet."

"Even better," smiled Heer. "I'd much rather Preet introduce her to us. I bet he wants you and I to be on his side when he breaks the news to Bauji. Imagine his surprise when he finds out that the entire family is already behind him on his choice of the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with."

"Yeah," smiled Prem. "Preet will be happy. Bauji will be happy. Juneja enterprises will get the lifeline it needs. Everything is going to work out great for a change."

"What's going to be so great?" asked Lalit. He had just walked into the kitchen.

"Uh...nothing Bauji," Prem said quickly. "I was just saying that it's so great that Heer is cooking today."

"I knew it," smiled Lalit. "I knew my nose couldn't be wrong. So Heer, what's the occasion? Are you 2 going to be announcing a new addition to the Juneja family?"

"Bauji, aap bhi na (how could you)!" blushed Heer. "Stop teasing me. It's not like I don't cook regularly. You all are just too busy with business to notice. Waise (by the way), we are expecting a visitor. A friend of Preet's will be joining us for lunch.

"A friend of Preet's? Probably that nincompoop he always hangs around with...Gaurav," scoffed Lalit. "No need to make any special preparations for him. On the other hand, I do know for a fact that a very special young lady will be stopping by today. And I want everyone to make her feel at home, as if she were a part of the family."

Prem and Heer looked at each other in surprise. "Bauji...you know?" asked Prem.

"Of course I know. I know everything. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting I have to get to. I'll just take this laddoo with me for company," said Lalit.

"Bauji, your diabetes!" protested Heer. But Lalit quickly walked off before she could stop him.

"Heer, did you see that?" asked Prem.

"I did," pouted Heer. "He doesn't care one bit about his health."

"No," Prem shook his head. "I mean, did you notice Bauji knew about our special visitor."

"Yes," smiled Heer. "It's just like you said. Everything is going to be just great."

Later...

Meher stepped out of the car, and watched Sam give her driver instructions as to when to pick them up. "Sam, I thought you said we were going out for lunch," she said.

"We are out," Sam said innocently. She locked her arm with Meher's and pulled her towards the house.

"Yes, but this looks like someone's home not a restaurant," frowned Meher. "It's not even a home...it's a palace."

"Well, actually...we're having lunch with a friend of mine," said Sam.

"Oh no Sam...not again," Meher rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you're in cahoots with Preet. This is his house, isn't it?"

Sam nodded.

Meher turned to go, but Sam stopped her.

"Meher wait," said Sam. "I'm sorry I tricked you. I just want to see you happy, like you were in Ludhiana when Preet was around. Does that make me such a bad person?"

"You just don't get it, do you?" sighed Meher. "Preet and Ashlesha..."

"Nothing is going on between Preet and Ash, Meher," said Sam. "The poor guy has been trying to tell you that, but you just won't listen."

"You're wrong," said Meher. "Now please call your driver back. I want to go home."

"Meher!" Preet called out. He had just come running from inside the house. "You're here! You're really here!" He looked at Sam and smiled. "Thanks Sam, I really appreciate it."

"Yeah...Sam has been a real good friend to you of late," Meher said sarcastically.

"Come on...I'll take you both inside," said Preet.

"No thanks, we were just about to leave," said Meher.

"Did someone say they were leaving?" Heer called out.

Meher and Sam turned around to see a beautiful young woman standing on the steps of the Juneja Mansion. There was a cute little girl with 2 bouncy pony-tails holding her hand. She broke away from her mother and ran towards the girls.

"You can't leave right now, we haven't even eaten yet!" insisted Chahat. "My mom slaved over a hot stove all morning just to make lunch for you. She didn't let the servants make anything...not even the salad. Mommy didn't let Papa have the ladoo she made because she knows how much he loves her cooking and he can't stop at eating just one. But I taste tested it and it was really good."

Sam and Meher couldn't help but break out into a smile over the little girl's chatter.

"Mommy made palak too. She says we should eat it because it's good for our health," continued Chahat. "But Chachu and I don't like palak, because it gets stuck between our teeth. But I just lost a tooth recently so I guess it won't be such a problem now." Chahat opened her mouth and pointed to the empty space where her tooth had been. "The tooth fairy only left me 10 rupees, but Preet Chachu gave me a 100 rupees because mommy told him I didn't even cry when my tooth fell out. My Preet Chachu is the best chachu in the whole world!"

Preet smiled and winked at his niece.

"Hi! I'm Chahat by the way." The little girl stuck her hand out and Meher and Sam took turns shaking it.

"Uff Chahat bas karo (that's enough)," laughed Heer. She joined Preet and her daughter and greeted the girls. "Our little chatter box has introduced herself to you, but Preet...aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"

"Of course," smiled Preet. "That's Sam. And this is Meher."

Heer waited for him to tell the girls who she was, but he was too busy staring at Meher and grinning like an idiot. She put her hand on her mouth to stifle a giggle, then spoke up. "Nice to meet you both. I'm..."

"Heer Bhabi," smiled Meher. Forgetting all her reservations, she stepped forward and clasped Heer's hand in hers. "You can only be Heer Bhabi. Preet talks about you all the time. I'm so pleased to meet you...and little Chahat too." She patted the little girl lovingly on the head.

Heer smiled. Ah ha! So this is the girl, she thought. "Shall we go inside?" she said.

"Yes let's go inside," agreed Preet. "I really need to talk to you."

"You can catch up with Meher later Preet," Heer smiled. "Right now she's coming with me. I think it's high time we got to know each other."

Later...

Heer had just finished giving the Sam and Meher a tour of the Juneja mansion. She and the girls had been chatting up a storm.

"I can't believe you both are also originally from Ambala," Heer said happily. "I know we've only just met, but I feel like I've known you for ages."

"I feel the same way," smiled Meher.

"I love the embroidery work on your kameez," remarked Heer. "Where did you have it done from?"

"Actually, I did it myself," blushed Meher.

"You did?" cried Heer. "And what other hidden talents do you possess?"

"Meher is a great cook," Sam spoke up. "I'm sure Preet could vouch for the fact that she can rival some of the very best in the kitchen."

"Really," smiled Heer.

"Sam stop," Meher blushed again. "You're embarrassing me. I'm sure I'm not nearly as good as you Heer Didi. I'm sorry...may I call you Didi?"

"You certainly may," said Heer. She put her arm around Meher's shoulders and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

Chalo at least jithani aur devarini ki to apas mein khoob jam gayi (Well, at least the 2 sister-in-laws have hit it off), thought Sam. "You have a gorgeous home," she said.

"Thanks," smiled Heer. "And you, Meher? Do you like the house too?"

"I don't see how anyone could not like it," said Meher. "It's beautiful...like a palace...yet there is something so warm and endearing about it too."

"You're right," smiled Heer. "There is a lot of love and fond memories behind these old walls."

Meher pointed to a portrait painting hanging on one wall. "Are those Preet's parents?" she asked.

"Yes," nodded Heer. "Ma unfortunately is no longer with us. We lost her..."

"...in a car accident," Meher finished her sentence her. "I know. Preet told me about it.""

"Really?" Heer was surprised. "He doesn't talk about her or the accident to anyone. You must be very special to him." She smiled as she saw Meher blush. "Prem and I had just gotten married when Ma died. The entire family's world turned upside down. Veera was not even 12 and Preet 16. They were so young and finding it so difficult to cope with the loss, especially Preet. He was very attached to his mother. Bauji couldn't handle them, the business and his own grief, so Kulraj Didi...that is Prem and Preet's elder sister came and took Veera in. And Prem and I took responsibility of Preet. We moved to Toronto for a while so Prem could manage the head office there. He threw himself into his work, and Preet had a chance to get away from everything that reminded him of his mother's death, including his father. It took some doing, but we helped pull each other back from the tragedy."

"No wonder Preet is so close to you and his eldest brother," remarked Meher.

Heer smiled. Just then she spotted Maya and Veera heading towards them.

"Which poor souls have your cornered to show off your painting this time Heer?" scoffed Maya.

"Uh...hey guys," sighed Heer. "Come and meet Preet's friends. This is Sam and this is Meher."

"You painted that portrait?" Meher asked in surprise. "You're quite an artist.

"Our Heer Bhabi is too modest to admit it, but she is a very talented person," smiled Veera, as she shook hands with the girls. "Hi, I'm Veera. It's very nice to meet you both."

Maya only nodded.

"Hi," smiled Meher. "You must be Preet's younger sister. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials."

"Thanks," smiled Veera. "I'm so excited. My fiance and I are leaving for the States next month, so we're trying to get everything done in a hurry. There is so little time and so much to do. If you guys are going to be in Delhi, I do hope you join us for all the wedding festivities. Any friend of Preet Bhaiya's is a friend of mine."

"Thanks, we'd love to," said Sam. "I love weddings."

"You do?" remarked Maya.

"Yes," said Sam.

"What part," scoffed Maya. "The forced merriment, lousy music or bad food? It's a lot of effort for something that has a 50-50 chance of surviving right out of the gate. Don't you think?"

Meher and Sam exchanged surprised glances.

"You'll have to excuse Maya Bhabi," chuckled Veera. "She's a divorce lawyer."

"Um...Sam will be getting married soon too," said Meher. "To Gaurav."

"You and Gaurav Sherma...really? How wonderful!" smiled Heer. "He's such a nice boy."

"Thanks. I have a lot more time than you do Veera, but it's still very exciting," said Sam. "I'm meeting my in-laws for the first time this weekend."

"Ugh...the downside of getting married, remarked Maya. "Along with the boy you inherit his mother for free."

"I wouldn't mind inheriting a mother," Meher said quietly. "I lost mine when I was 12."

Hmm, Heer smiled to herself. So she and Preet share a personal connection too.

There was a moment of silence, before Chahat came running towards the group followed by Preet.

"So Heer Bhabi...how do you like her?" Preet asked, as he came and stood next to Meher.

Heer and Veera smiled and exchanged knowing looks with each other, Meher blushed and Sam coughed out loud in order to control her laugh.

"...uh...I meant them..., Preet said quickly. "How do you like them? Meher and Sam? I mean, I hope you and the girls have been getting along well." He passed a hand through his hair and grinned sheepishly.

"We've been getting along splendidly." Heer looked at Meher and smiled.

"Mommy, I'm hungry. When are we going to eat?" asked Chahat.

"Now that you mention it, I'm hungry too," said Veera. "The aroma from Heer Bhabi's cooking has been driving me nuts all morning."

"If it's lunch that everyone wants, then it's lunch that everyone shall get," chuckled Heer. She led the group towards the dining area. Along the way, they were met by Lalit Juneja. "Bauji aap? We were just about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?"

Preet frowned. Oh no Bhabi! He thought. Not Yamraj Ji!

"Thanks for the offer Heer Beta," smiled Lalit. "But I just came home for a few minutes. I have to rush back to the office."

"Great," remarked Preet. "I mean, too bad Bauji. You're going to miss out on Heer Bhabi's cooking. I guess your loss will be our gain."

"No it won't," frowned Lalit. "Heer, be sure to save some food for me. Don't let this nalaik (idiot)finish it all."

Meher gave Preet a slight jab with her elbow. "Do you have to egg him on like that?" she whispered. "He's your father for God's sake." Before Preet could answer, she stepped forward and touched Lalit's feet. "Namaste Sir," she smiled.

Lalit was pleasantly surprised. He smiled back and put his hand on her head. "Jeeti raho," he said.

Wah! She won Bauji over in the first meeting, thought Preet. Well, at least this is going to make things easier for me. But if she thinks she's going to be Bauji's chamchi (pet) after we get married, she's got another thing coming. "Come on guys, mere to pait mein chuhay dhor rahe hain (I'm starving)!" He complained. "Let's eat.

One by one the group continued to the dining room, until only Lalit and Heer were left behind.

"Isn't Preet's "friend a wonderful girl, Bauji?" asked Heer.

"Yes she is," smiled Lalit. "Very well-mannered too. Although why she would want to associate with that idiot son of mine, I'll never figure out."

Sorry fatima fir bit being able to reply but u got my exams going till 16th of May so I just need a little that much time from you and then I will come up with a detailed comment.

Hii,

so loveddd dis update,meher n chahat scene was very cute

oh my God .. preet is way too fast yaar.. ladki ko batane se pehle hi.. official kardiya ... sahi hai beta good going ...

Thank God now Heer knows... and there'll be no more misunderstandings... Hopefully...

The battle between father and son is about to commence

Look forward to the next update . Pls donot make us wait for long!!

okay how many times will I res without unres-ing ???? 😲😳

maain aagayi 🤣 (pg 107 😛)