Fatima's Cozy Corner 3 - Final Update on Pg 114 :) - Page 75

Originally posted by: Rhea_401

Sucha b**** Maya is..Damn .. and why isn't Preet coming back sooner. Hope Meher doesn't leave him.. It's gonna be sad but her father...!

Originally posted by: mijanur

Lalit ek bar phir khud ko ullu sabbit kya, itna ego aur arrogance hein isme jiske aghe ise kutch nahi dekh ta.

Kuljeet aur Maya ke bare mein kya kahe ye dono se to koi acchai ki umeet hum kar nahi sakte.

Overall Great update.

Originally posted by: Fatima_Q

Yeah...Lalit is a unique piece...usko ticket laga ke museum main rakhna chahiye...only I doubt if anyone would come 👎🏼

I'm really basing his personality on the Lalit Juneja we saw in the earlier part of Kis Desh. His insistence on Prem marrying into Ballu's family even if it was someone unworthy like Ash...and his initial tension with Preet.

Selfish...that would be one word I could easily use to classify both Maya and Kuljeet.

Thanks for reading and commenting Shuridh...now I finally have some time so I'm off to read your update of Rented Love 😃

Originally posted by: .sweetchick.

Hey Fatima! 🤗

I've read all the updates I've missed during my break and whoooaaa what exactly happened here now? 😲

Daljeet conspiracing against the Junejas ok I knew that but going to such an extent? Totally awful! 🥱

And Ash too had to agree on her Mum's demands by trapping Preet! This is going to be difficult times for Meet... How will they deal with that? 😡

Maya is as always... awww well she'll never change same as Kuljeet ARGH! 😡

I just hope Balraj is fine... I feel bad for him he has to go through so much and this affected his health badly... hope he'll be fine soon!

Glad to see that Sam is back, finally someone to support Meher.😳

Prem is recovering, that's a good news... finally Heer can be relieved and take care of herself and her baby. 😳😳

And loved the scenes of Meher, Kulraj and the kids...such cute moments in a endless storm.

Lalit! No words! How dare he insults the Maans and Meher like this?!? As if there is only money in his life argh!!!!😡🥱

Next update mein Preet will be back and he's going to get a dose of accusations from everyone! 😭

Rocking updates Fatima and can't wait for the next one! 🤗

Chapter 58 - Taking a Stand

A few days later...

"Careful PB," said Preet. He and Heer helped Prem into the Juneja Mansion.

"It's okay Preet," said Prem as he maneuvered his crutches. "I got this. Hello! Anybody home to welcome a weary traveler?"

"Prem?" Kulraj was the first one to spot them. "Oh my God! Prem!" She ran up to her brother and hugged him. "I was so worried. Are you alright?"

"Of course he's alright," grinned Preet. "Else Heer Bhabi would have killed him."

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming home today?" asked Kulraj.

"We wanted to surprise everyone," smiled Preet.

"And what a wonderful surprise," said Kulraj. "I'm so happy to see you all."

"Thanks so much for looking after Chahat, Kulraj Didi," Heer gave her sister-in-law a warm hug.

"Anytime," smiled Kulraj. "But no more accidents." She wagged her finger in warning at her brother. "You scared me."

"Sorry Kulraj Didi," Prem held his ear and grinned.

"Hey Kul Di, are we going to stand here the whole day?" asked Preet as he put his arm around his sister's shoulders. "Or are you going to feed us?"

"Bhookard! Aate hi shuroo ho gaya (Foodie! His requests have started as soon as he arrived)," Kulraj jabbed him with her elbow. "Chalo (come), let's all go inside."

"Mommy...Daddy, you're home!" Chahat cried happily as she and her cousins ran up to greet her parents.

"Woah there munchkin," Preet stepped in front of his brother protectively and scooped up the little girl. "You have to be a little careful around your dad for a couple of weeks."

"Ooo...daddy, what happened?" Chahat looked questioningly at the cast wrapped around her father's leg.

"It looks like Prem Mamu broke his leg," said Vikas.

"Were you in an accident?" asked Tanu.

"Does it hurt daddy?" asked Chahat.

"Can I sign your cast Prem Mamu?" asked Ketan.

"Me too," agreed Vikas.

"Uff-ho! Guys...he just got home," Kulraj rolled her eyes. "Don't start already."

"Okay guys, souvenirs and presents for everyone in that blue bag over there," Preet put Chahat down and motioned towards the luggage a servant had just brought in.

"Yay!" the children squealed. They quickly followed the servant upstairs.

"I'm glad you're home mommy. You too Daddy," Chahat gave Heer a hug and blew her father a kiss. "I missed you guys a lot."

"We're glad to be home too sweetheart," smiled Prem. "And we missed you a lot too."

"Next time, I want to go on the airplane with you guys daddy," said Chahat.

"Okay," smiled Prem. "But let's hope we don't have to for a while yet."

"Not until your leg heals at least," agreed Heer.

"Preet Chachu said we could go visit Veera bua and see Disneyland," said Chahat.

"Uh...I did say that," smiled Preet.

"I think that sounds like a lovely idea," smiled Heer. "I'm sure Veera would like that as much as we would."

"We can take Meher Chachee too," said Chahat. "Then she won't be sad anymore."

"Wait...what?" said Preet.

"Uh...Chahat dear, don't you want to see the gifts your mom and dad brought back for you?" Kuljeet asked worriedly.

"Meher Chachee came by to see us," explained Chahat. "She was going to play Barbie with me and Tanu, but Dadu made her cry, and she had to leave."

"Heh-heh...Chahat," Kuljeet put her hands on the little girl's shoulder and turned her towards the staircase. "Go and see what your cousins are up to, and I'll call you guys down in a little while for snacks."

"Okay," the little girl shrugged her shoulders and ran up stairs.

"Well now," sighed Kulraj. "You all must be tired, and hungry. Why don't you guys freshen up and then..."

"Kul Di," Preet interrupted her. "What was Chahat talking about just now? Was Meher really here?"

Kulraj nodded quietly.

"And what did she mean by Bauji making Meher cry?" asked Preet.

"Preet...uh...tu andar chal ke bhait (why don't we go inside and have a seat), and I'll...uh...I'll explain everything to you," stammered Kuljeet. She put her hand on his arm, but he shrugged it away.

"No Kul Di, I need to know what happened now," insisted Preet.

"Preet, calm down, it's probably nothing," Prem reassured him. "Chahat is a little kid. I'm sure she misunderstood something."

Preet looked at his sister and saw her face grow pale. "It's not nothing PB. What did Bauji say to Meher, Kul Di?"

Kulraj wrung her hands nervously. She purposely avoided his stare, knowing full well she wouldn't be able to lie to him to his face. "Uh...Preet...meri baat sunno (please listen to me)..."

"Kul Di, what did Bauji say to Meher?!" demanded Preet.

Kulraj took a deep breath and began slowly. "We...we didn't know Meher and her parents were going to stop by. Bauji had gotten some bad news about the company stocks...and I'm afraid Meher and her family bore the brunt of his wrath." She went on to explain in detail everything that had transpired between their father and the Maans.

"Oh my God!" Heer placed her hand over her mouth in shock. "How could Bauji do such a thing?"

"On the contrary Bhabi, that's exactly what I expected Buaji to do," said Preet. "And that's exactly why I didn't bring Meher here." He quickly pulled out his phone and dialed the landline at the Maan's residence. A man answered, but Preet was sure it wasn't Mr. Maan. "Uh hello...," he said. "May I speak with Meher please?"

"You have the wrong number," the man answered.

Preet checked the number and dialed again only to have the same man answer. "Hello...this is Preet...Preet Juneja, I'm trying to reach the Maans..."

"Oh, Mr Juneja!" replied the man. "I'm sorry I didn't realize it was you. I'm Vikram sir...the new manager at your hotel in Ludhiana."

"New manager?" Preet said in surprise. "Where's Mr. Maan?"

"I don't know sir," said Vikram. "I was promoted to this position a few days ago. I just finished moving in yesterday...and..."

"What happened?" Prem asked as Preet abruptly hung up the phone.

"Bauji fired Mr. Maan," said Preet. He scrolled through his contacts to find Balraj's phone number, but no one answered. Damn! How the hell was he supposed to contact Meher now? Sam...she would know how to get in touch with Meher. He didn't know if she and Gaurav were back from their honeymoon yet, but it was worth a try. He immediately called them.

"Preet...where the hell have you been man?" Gaurav answered right away.

"I just got back home from London Gaurav. It was hell busy over there," explained Preet. "But the real hell's broken loose here. Meher and her family came by."

"I know," said Gurav.

"Then you also know that Bauji treated them pretty badly," sighed Preet. "And now I can't get in touch with Meher. Has Sam been in contact with her?"

"Preet!" Sam turned the phone's speaker on. "How could you Preet? Is this why I helped you win over my best friend...so you could break her heart into a million little pieces? You not only broke her heart...you also broke her spirit!"

"Uff-ho Sam!" cried Gaurav. "Tum bhi na bas...shuroo ho gayi (Don't just start on him). He just got home. This isn't the time to kick a man when he's down."

"Really Guarav, you're going to call me out on this," Sam shot back. "Meher is like a sister to me."

"Yeah well...Preet is like a brother to me," Gaurav reminded her. "And I thought we weren't going to fight every time Preet and Meher did."

"I'm not fighting, I'm standing up for what's right," argued Sam. "Preet, there is this brilliant little invention called the phone. Maybe you've heard of it. I mean, we're speaking on it right now. You were gone for so many days, why didn't you call Meher?"

"I tried Sam," replied Preet. "But I couldn't get through."

"Not even once? I find that hard to believe," scoffed Sam. "Or maybe you didn't try hard enough."

"Come on Sam, give the poor guy a break," sighed Gaurav. "His brother was in the hospital. Heer Bhabi is pregnant, and he probably had a million things to do at the office."

"Sam, I never meant for any of this to happen, I swear," said Preet.

"Yeah well it did," Sam said flatly. "Meher is royally pissed, and I don't blame her. Why didn't you tell her about Ash's pregnancy?"

"Ash? I...uh...I didn't get a chance...I mean...it never came up," said Preet.

"Yeah well, Daljeet Rampal brought it up," said Sam. "She threw pictures of you and Ash in London and a pregnancy report in Meher's face. She told her you were the baby's father."

"What the hell?" cried Preet. "And she believed her?"

"No, but that's why the Maan's came to see your dad," explained Sam. "They wanted to find out what was going on. And your dad...I don't even want to repeat the things he said to poor Meher."

"Yeah Preet," agreed Gaurav. "Mr. J went too far this time."

"I'm afraid Bauji went a step further and fired Mr. Maan," said Preet. "I just called over at their house and a new manager has taken up residence there."

"That's not the worst of it Preet," said Gaurav. "Mr. Maan had a heart attack."

"What?! When?" cried Preet. He listened carefully as Gaurav described what had happened during his and Sam's visit. "Bauji...," Preet muttered through gritted teeth. He turned to his sister as soon as he was off the phone. "Where's Bauji?"

A short while later...

"Bauji!" Preet called out, as he walked down the hall towards his father's study. His sister Kulraj hung on his arm trying to slow him down, but he walked on undeterred dragging her along with him. Heer and Prem followed behind at a slower pace. "Bauji!"

"Preet meri baat toh sunno (please listen to me)," pleaded Kulraj. "Bauji was upset. I'm sure he didn't mean any of what he said."

"That's where you're wrong Kul Di," said Preet. "Bauji means every word of everything he ever says. But I've had enough! I'm sick and tired of him thinking he can walk all over me or the people I love. I'll not leave him this time. Bauji!" He barged into his father's study, and found him looking over some papers with Herman and Maya.

"Preet...Prem Bhaiya...," smiled Herman

"Ah! You're here," smiled Lalit. "It's good to have you back home son. He walked right past Preet and hugged Prem. "You gave us quite a scare Prem."

"Bauji...I...uh...woh...," stammered Prem. He exchanged a worried glance with Heer. His father had refused to acknowledge Preet's presence entirely, and he could tell his brother was about to lose it.

"I trust, there was no compromise in the care you received in London," continued Lalit.

"No, everything was fine," said Prem. "Bauji...Preet..."

"Good...good," Lalit interrupted him. "We need you on your feet and back at Juneja Enterprises as soon as possible. Herman, Maya and I were just discussing the ponzi scheme the Rampals were behind. It was quite an elaborate set up."

Unbelieveable! thought Preet. PB could have died. He's standing here on crutches and all this man cares about is saving his company!

"Uh...yes," nodded Prem. "We may never have found out about it if it weren't for Preet."

"Hmm...," said Lalit. He pointed towards the cast on Prem's leg. "I'm sure you're tired from your trip. Heer, have the servants set up one of the guest rooms on the main level for him. Prem get some rest and we'll talk more in the morning."

He was about to leave the study when Preet spoke up. "But I need to speak with you right now Bauji," he said.

Lalit looked at his youngest son with narrowing eyes. "I have nothing to say to you."

"Is that how it's going to be?" asked Preet. "You're going to ignore me and hope I don't call you out for what you did."

"Oh God Preet! Ghar aate hi shuroo ho gaye (you've started as soon as you came home)," Maya rolled her eyes. "What according to you has Bauji done now?"

"He knows very well what I'm talking about," Preet said through gritted teeth. "Meher was here with her parents. Rather than welcoming them into our family, you insulted them and had them thrown out of the house. Kul Di told me everything. How could you do it Bauji? How could you?"

"Preet tumhare baap ko tumhe koi safayi dene ki zaroorat nahin hai (Your father doesn't owe you any explanations)," growled Lalit. "This is my house, and I refuse to let every Tom, Dick, and Harry walk in here and do as they please."

"Meher iss ghar ki bahu hai (is your daughter-in-law)!" replied Preet. "She had just as much right to be here as Heer or Maya Bhabi."

"No!" cried Lalit. "I refuse to acknowledge any ties with that family. Especially after the fraud they tried to commit against us."

"You're mistaken Bauji," said Preet. "It was the Rampals, not the Maans that tried to defraud us."

"They're family, aren't they?" said Lalit.

"Mrs. Rampal and Mrs. Maan are sisters," admitted Preet.

"And that's exactly why they can't be trusted," said Lalit. "Blood is thicker than water. I'm sure they were in on this together. One way or the other, those people were trying to get into our family, take over our company, and ruin us. Things didn't work out with Ashlesha, so they got to you through Meher."

"That's not what happened," insisted Preet. "I wish I could convince you that your judgement of Meher and her family is wrong."

"You can't," Lalit said flatly. "And the sooner you forget about that girl the better."

"Forget about her? Why?" asked Preet.

"Because I said so, damn it!" cried Lalit. "Imagine the nerve of those people, waltzing into my house as if it were their own. Hamare khandan ka hisa bane ke bade bade sapne dekh rahe thay. Hmph! Pehle hamari hasiyat tak atay, phir sapne dekhte (They were dreaming of becoming part of our family. They should have first come to our level then dared to dream). That girl doesn't belong in this family, and she doesn't belong in your life. Do you understand?!"

"What makes you an authority over my life?" scoffed Preet. "Just because your name is written on my birth certificate? When did you ever try to understand me, what I want from life, what would make me happy? When did you ever try to be a real father to me? When did you even care?"

"Preet...hum izzat dar aur khandani log hai (we are dignified people from a respectable family)," tried Lalit. "And those people..."

"Oh sure...I'm well aware of how dignified you are dad," interrupted Preet. "But what good is that dignity when it's gained at the expense of hurting and degrading others."

"Really Preet! I can't believe you're talking to Bauji like this," Maya threw her hands up in the air.

"Stay out of this Bhabi!" said Preet. "This is between me and my father."

"No it isn't!" replied Maya. "This concerns all of us. You're asking us to accept someone into our family that we don't want to. You should have seen Meher's mother. Seen how she was eyeing everything in our home from floor to ceiling. Hateful bloody gold diggers!"

"Maya please...," Herman tried to silence his wife but she shrugged him off.

"Do you know what they did?" continued Maya. "We were trying to keep Prem's accident a secret so our stocks wouldn't suffer losses greater than they already had. But when the Maans found out they weren't welcome here, they called all the newspapers and told them everything. Do you have any idea what that did to our stocks?"

"You...you must be mistaken," said Preet. "They would never do something like that."

"But they did. Right Herman?" Maya said smugly.

"I'm afraid so," sighed Herman. "My friend at the Times confirmed it."

"Bhai, what could Mrs. Maan have gained by doing that?" asked Preet. "Did you even consider the possibility that someone else could have called and used her name? Someone like Daljeet Rampal, maybe."

"Of course...because you refuse to believe those people are anything but innocent. Our business, our family, our status...nothing seems to matter to you," continued Maya. She glared angrily at Heer, Prem and Kulraj. "Others may choose to remain silent, but I refuse to stand here and let you speak to Bauji the way you are...that too for an ordinary, lower class girl!"

"Enough Bhabi!" Preet said through gritted teeth. "Your fake concern doesn't suit your glamorous personality."

"Fake?!" cried Maya. "Did you hear that Herman? He called me fake!"

"Preet, that was uncalled for," said Herman. "Aur theek hi toh keh rahi hai Maya (And Maya is right). You shouldn't be speaking to Bauji this way."

"Really Bhai, scoffed Preet. "You know as well as I do she doesn't care about anyone but herself. That's why she didn't hesitate to egg Bauji on against Meher and her parents. You may have to put up with her because she's your wife, but I don't have to. And by the way Maya Bhabi, that ordinary girl as you keep referring to her as, happens to be my wife. Humare iss bade se ghar mein agar uske liye koi jaga nahin hai (If there is no place in our huge home for her), then there's no point of me staying here either." He headed towards the door, when his father called out to him.

"Stubborn as a jackass this boy is!" cried Lalit. "If you want to leave this family, fine! Go ahead and leave...but don't ever think of coming back!"

"Bauji, please...you can't be serious," tried Prem, but his father raised a hand and silenced him.

"No Prem, he needs to be taught a lesson," said Lalit. He turned and glared at Preet. "Let him go out in the world without the backing of the Juneja name. Let him fail. You've always been a selfish young man Preet, but I've grown tired of your insolence. I'm ashamed to call you my son!"

"Mujhe bhi sharmindagi ho rahi hai, aap ko Bauji bolate huay (I'm also ashamed calling you my father)," Preet shot back. "You have the nerve to call me selfish? Anyone who raises his head against you, you chop his head off."

"Preet!" said Lalit.

"That's why you fired Mr. Maan didn't you? Because you're the almighty Lalit Juneja," said Preet. "The poor man couldn't handle all the stress you put him under and had a heart attack!"

"Oh my God!" Heer raised a hand to her mouth.

"Main toh aap ko ek zalim baap samajhta tha (I always thought you were a tyrannical father)," said Preet. "Lekin aap toh ache insaan bhi nahin hai (but you're not even a decent human being)."

"Preet!" cried Lalit. He raised his hand to slap his son, but Preet caught it before he could strike him.

Lalit looked on stunned as Preet spoke through gritted teeth. "Sorry dad. I know that's a classic move by you, but I'm done being your punching bag." He slowly dropped his father's hand and walked out of the room.

A short while later...

Preet was angrily stuffing clothes into a small bag when here was a knock on the door. He looked up to see Prem standing there on his crutches. Heer was at his side. "PB," he quickly walked over to his brother's side and helped him into a chair. "Why are you guys up here? You were supposed to stay in one of the guest rooms downstairs until your leg healed completely. Aap bhi na Bhai."

"I'm fine Preet," said Prem. "It's you I'm worried about...are you okay?"

"What do you think?" said Preet.

Prem nodded in understanding. "Did you find out where Meher is?"

"Bauji took away their home, so there's only one other place she and her family can go," sighed Preet. "Their farm in Ambala. I hope her father is alright, and that she forgives me."

"It wasn't your fault Preet," Heer reassured him. "I'm still flabbergasted. How could Bauji...?"

"Yeah...Bauji...," sighed Preet. "He really screwed me over this time, but then, it's nothing new. He's been doing that all my life. If only Meher hadn't gotten hurt, I don't know how I'm going to face her." He paused for moment then looked at his brother. "Sorry PB...I didn't mean to ruin your 1^st day back. Not exactly the kind of welcome home you were expecting, huhn? I can't seem to be doing anything right these days."

"That's not true," said Prem as he slowly got up. "You discovered the Rampals fraud. We've lost a lot, but we can finally start recovering our losses."

"And you left everything and were at our side when Prem and I needed you," added Heer. "And you made the right decision to marry a sweet girl like Meher. It's not right what Bauji did, and she's hurt, but once you see her and clear up any doubts that may have settled in her mind, everything will go back to normal."

"You think so?" asked Preet.

"Well...," grinned Heer. "I know my little devar...and I know he won't rest until he gets his girl back...so...yeah...I definitely think so."

"So do I," agreed Prem. "And don't worry about Bauji. Heer and I will see to it that he realizes his mistake."

"Yeah well, I wouldn't hold my breath on that," said Preet. He thought for moment then spoke up again. "PB...I've made up my mind. I'm not coming back."

"What?" said Heer. "But Preet...we're family."

"My family isn't complete without Meher now Bhabi," said Preet. "Unless Bauji sees that, there isn't any point in my being here."

"Prem...please talk some sense into him...," began Heer, but Prem put a hand on her arm and stopped her. "I understand Preet. If I had been in your shoes, I would have done the same." He stood up with the help of his crutches, pulled out an envelope from his pocket, and handed it to Preet.

"What's this?" asked Preet.

"Bauji was on the phone with accounting," sighed Prem. "He told them to cancel all your credit cards, and remove your name from all the joint family accounts."

"I don't need his money anyway," muttered Preet.

"I know," said Prem. "And I know you're capable of taking care of yourself. This is just a little something from me to tide you over...you know...just in case you need it...and so that Heer doesn't have restless nights from worrying sick about you." He cupped a hand over his mouth and whispered. "She has a tendency to kick in her sleep when she gets restless." Heer's mouth fell open. "Uh...what I mean is, if she doesn't sleep, I don't get to sleep, and you want this leg to heal, don't you?"

"Very funny," Heer rolled her eyes. "Preet...just go and straighten things out with Meher and bring her home quickly. Our family isn't going to be complete without you two. And if you need anything...anything at all...don't hesitate to ask."

"Thanks guys," smiled Preet. He put one arm around Prem and the other around Heer and hugged them. "For always believing in me."

The next evening...

Meher pushed her father's wheelchair to the dining table, carefully tied a napkin around his neck and placed a spoon in his hand. Her father had had a heart attack. It had been a mild one, but it had scared her to death anyway. There had been a blockage in one of the smaller arteries of the heart. They were able to come home from the hospital the following day, but the doctor had warned them to watch over her father's diet and cholesterol in order to avoid further complications down the road. He had also advised them to watch out for symptoms of depression that were common after such an episode. Meher looked at her father. He had grown increasingly listless and quiet ever since his discharge from the hospital. He looked fatigued and depressed, and it was all her fault. No...it was Preet's fault! She made a face at the thought of him. He had lied to her, led her on. Let her believe his father...ugh...his high and mighty father! She never wanted to see him or his stupid son again!

"Ah, I see we're all set for dinner," smiled Kuljeet. She walked into the dining room holding a bowl of hot food and set it on the table. "I hope you like what I made Balraj. It's bland as hell, but you know what the doctor said...have to watch your BP...and...cholo...cholo..."

"Cholestrol," said Meher.

"Yes yes...that too," nodded Kuljeet. "To think we nearly lost you because of those spiteful Junejas." She pulled out a handkerchief and began to sob into it.

"Kuljeet Ma, please," sighed Meher. She saw a look of gloom come over her father's face. No one needed a reminder of of the Junejas or what they did, especially not her father. Just then, their doorbell rang.

"Oh my Rabs!" cried Kuljeet. "We can't even eat in peace."

"I'll go see who it is," offered Meher.

"Whoever it is, tell them to come back another day," said Kuljeet.

Meher nodded. Her mouth fell open in surprise when she answered the door and found Preet standing there.

Well, there you have it. I hope you all liked the update. 😳
Credit: Preet-Lalit confrontation is some MPK inspired and some Aasmano pe Likha.
Please hit the like button and leave your feedback for me.
It would be greatly appreciated.
Links to lots of Meet scenes are on page 1, 5th post of this thread, so do check them out.
Take care and happy reading. 🤗

Chapter 59 Pre-cap: A Meet reunion...kind of.. 😳

Link to: Chapter 59

Link to Table of Contents: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/136805557