Chapter 61 - A Second First Date
Preet raced home. He had been working all day at the Kapoor's farm and was dead tired. He would have loved to collapse onto his bed and count sheep, but there was something he wanted even more...to keep his date with his wife. He had already freshened up and changed at the Kapoor's place. All that remained was to pick up Meher. He smiled at the thought of her, and recalled the first time he had taken her out. A simple thing such as a bike ride had given her so much joy. Perhaps he could recreate some of that magic for her tonight. "Meher!" he called out as he knocked on the door and entered the farmhouse. He found Balraj coming towards him instead. "Sir, have you seen Meher?"
"She's in the barn," said Balraj. "She said she had some work to do."
"In the barn?" said Preet. "But we were supposed to go out tonight. I told her I'd pick her up here."
"I'm sorry son, she didn't mention anything about her plans to me. Maybe she's changed her mind," sighed Balraj.
"Changed her mind?" Preet exhaled loudly in frustration, then muttering unmentionables under his breath he headed straight for the barn. He found her. Hair pulled back in a ponytail, dressed in dungarees and a simple white T-shirt, she was busy cleaning out the animal stalls. "What the...? Meher, what are you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" replied Meher. "I'm mucking out the stalls."
"I already did that this morning," Preet reminded her.
"Yeah well...um...you didn't do a good enough job," lied Meher. "So I had to do it again."
"Now?!" He checked the time on his watch. "What about our date?"
"What date?" said Meher.
"You agreed we'd go out tonight," said Preet.
"Oh that," said Meher. "You mean you pinning me to the wall just as my step-mother was about to walk into my room and catch us together? That's not called agreeing, that's coercion."
Preet walked up to her and took the rake out of her hands. "That's not fair Meher. I made plans."
"So? Keep your plans. Just don't bother including me in them," said Meher. She tried to take the rake back from him but he held onto it firmly.
"Sorry Meher, I won't let you back out this time," Preet shook his head. "You're coming with me and that's final."
"I am not, and that's final!" Meher shot back.
"If that's the way you feel, then I guess I'll just have to take matters into my own hands," sighed Preet. He tossed the rake to one side, rolled up his sleeves, then suddenly scooped her up over his shoulder.
"Preet Juneja!" gasped Meher. "You...you put me down this instant!" She pushed against his back trying to level herself off his shoulder, but he had a vise like grip on her thighs.
"Sorry Cinderella, no can do," said Preet.
"Hmph! You are not the least bit sorry," cried Meher. "And just where do you think you're taking me?"
"For a bath," said Preet. "You smell like your horses."
"For God's sake Preet!" Meher pounded her fists into his back. "Put me down before someone sees us."
"If I put you down, will you promise to get ready and go out with me?" asked Preet.
"No!" cried Meher.
"That's what I thought," sighed Preet. He shifted her weight to rest a little bit higher on his shoulder, then proceeded into the house. They met Balraj at the stairs. "Hello Sir, I found your daughter."
"Papa-ji?" Meher said her face turning crimson. "Papa-ji, isko rokain (stop him)."
"Preet, what's going on here?" asked Balraj.
"We had date planned for tonight Sir," explained Preet. "She's trying to back out at the last moment, so I'm kidnapping her instead. But she needs to get ready first."
"Oh...I see," chuckled Balraj. He motioned towards the stairs. "Proceed."
"Huhn?" Meher's mouth fell open.
"You've been cooped up in the house all day Meher," said Balraj. "An outing will do you some good. Oh and Preet...Mrs. Maan is staying over night with a sick friend, so no need to rush home."
"Thank you sir!" smiled Preet.
"Ugh! Traitor!" Meher scowled at her father as she was carried away. Once inside her room, Preet didn't set her down right away, and she was growing tired of fighting him in the position he held her in. "This is getting beyond ridiculous," she complained. "Will you please put me down already?!"
"Just a minute," said Preet, as he opened the door to her bathroom.
"Wait...what are you doing?" Meher cried in a panic.
"Helping you get ready," said Preet. He set her down in the shower stall facing the shower head and turned on the faucets.
"Ugh! My clothes!" she screamed in shock as a full blast of water came streaming down on her. She quickly reached for the faucets and turned the water off, then peeled her wet hair back from her eyes. "I can't believe you did that!" She glared at Preet. "You're so...so...immature!"
"And you're behaving like a 2 year old," He shot back. "I guess that means we're perfect for each other!"
He stood outside the stall, safe and dry, with a smirk on his face. Grrr! She wanted to kick him, beat him, and tie him up to a fence where he'd have no one to talk to but the cows...or even better...tie him up downwind of the horses in the stable. That would wipe that stupid smile off his face!
As if reading her mind, Preet apologized. "Sorry Cinderella, but you left me no choice. And considering the present state of your clothes, I suggest you may as well cooperate and change."
Meher suddenly realized that her wet top was nearly transparent, and immediately crossed her arms across her chest. "I'll...I'll get ready. Just go," she mumbled.
"Okay, but if you take too long or even think of backing out again, I'm coming back in here," warned Preet.
Meher waited until he left then bolted the door. Just what did he think he was going to accomplish by forcing her to go out with him? Whatever it was...she wasn't going to make it easy for him. Reluctantly, she peeled off her wet clothes, showered, and toweled herself dry. She then wrapped the towel around her body, and stepped outside her bathroom. She nearly jumped when she heard the sound of metal hangers being pushed against the rod inside of her closet. "Preet! What are you still doing here?" she frowned holding onto her towel securely.
"Trying to find something for you to wear tonight," Preet said non-chalantly.
"I can pick out my own clothes," sighed Meher. "Just go please."
"Okay," Preet took her hand and led her to the dressing table. "But first...where's that perfume you always wear?" He looked around the table until he found a slender purple bottle. "Ah...here it is." Turning back to her, he slid his arms around Meher's waist and pulled her against his back. "A touch here..." She squeezed her eyes shut as he pushed her wet hair back, sprayed a fine mist from the bottle then nuzzled the ridge of her bare shoulder. "And here..." He sprayed again then nibbled at the pulsing vein in her neck, sending chills down her spine. He smiled at her reflection in the mirror as the fine delicate scent of lilacs infiltrated the air. "Mmm...now you're beginning to smell like my Cinderella. Oh wait...let's not forget to put a dab here..." His hand reached teasingly towards the knot of her towel, but she immediately smacked it away.
"Preet Juneja! I swear if you don't leave this instant and let me get ready in peace, you're going to regret it!" warned Meher.
"Okay fine!" Laughter danced in Preet's eyes. "I'll wait for you downstairs. But 15 minutes...no more. Otherwise..."
"Yes yes...I know...you'll come back up here," Meher rolled her eyes.
A short while later...
Meher came down the stairs dressed in a pretty, pale pink salwar kameez that complemented her complexion and flattered her figure. Her hair was up in a loose knot with a few curls dangling by her ears. Simple hoop earrings, matching metal bangles, and a light dusting of makeup completed her look. Preet looked her over appreciatively and smiled. "Hey Cinderella, all ready for the ball?" He held his hand out for her, but she ignored it and turned to her father instead.
"I'm only doing this to make you happy Papa-ji." She gave him a quick hug then headed for the door.
Preet smiled and shook his head. She was playing hard to get, but so what...the night was still young.
A short while later...
The temperature had dropped to a comfortable level as evening settled in Ambala. A cool breeze made things all the more pleasant. Preet stole a glance at Meher. She hadn't said a word to him since they had left the farm house. Her silent treatment bothered him more than a shouting match would have. He kept on thinking of something clever to say...but couldn't. Should he thank her for coming out with him? Or maybe he should remark on how pretty she looked. A good joke might finally bring a smile to her face. He was afraid if he said the wrong thing, she would turn around and go back home again. As it is she seemed dead set on keeping him at arm's length. They were married damn it, but he felt like an awkward teenager out on his first date.
Meher caught him looking her way again. What is he looking at? She wondered. She tilted her head slightly and gave him a look that warned him to stop staring. He looked away momentarily only to look back again. "What?" she finally spoke up.
"What? What?" asked Preet.
"Is my hair sticking up? Do I have spinach stuck between my teeth? Why are you staring at me?" She turned to face him and frowned.
"I can't help it," smiled Preet. "You're beautiful Cinderella. I...I like looking at you."
Meher opened her mouth as if to say something, but closed it. What exactly was she supposed to say in answer to that? She quickened her step instead. "Jaldi karo (Hurry up)," she said. "The sooner we get this date over with the sooner I can go back home."
A short while later...
The summer fair was on in full swing on a patch of wide open ground in Ambala. There were stalls selling food, clothing, and just about anything else you could imagine. Then there was the crowd. Not very large by big city standards, but enough to make you think all of Ambala was there that night.
"Hey Meher, want some cotton candy?" asked Preet.
"Cotton candy?" said Meher. "What are we 5?"
"Well we're not 55 either," Preet winked at her. They stopped in front of a stand where a man with an old rag over his shoulder stood spinning sugar into cotton candy. "Blue or pink?"
"It's sugar and food coloring. What difference does it make?" said Meher.
Okay then we'll get the pink one to match your dress, and the blue one to match my shirt," said Preet. He paid the man, then held the thin paper cone with a cloud of pink cotton candy before her. Meher thought for a moment then took the the blue one from his hand instead. She tore off a swath and shoved it into her mouth. The sugar immediately dissolved in her mouth, reminding her of the time when her mother was alive and her father would bring them here. The fond memory brought a smile to her lips. She caught Preet looking at her in surprise, so she stuck her tongue out at him and turned away, only to bump into an older lady.
"Hai mai mar gayi (Ah, you nearly killed me)!" the woman cried as Meher nearly knocked her over. "Aray...teri aankhein hai ya button (Do you have buttons for eyes)?"
"I'm so sorry Auntie ji, I...I didn't see you," apologized Meher.
"Itni moti aurat, tujhe kaise nahin dikhi (How did you not see such a large woman)?" the auntie complained.
A girl passing by stopped and offered to help. "Auntie Ji app theek hain na (Auntie, are you alright)?"
"Main toh theek hoon, par meri ice cream ka kya (I'm fine but what about my ice cream)?" complained the auntie.
"Oh God! I'm really very sorry," Meher apologized to the woman again. She took her by one arm, while the young girl took her by the other and helped her find a place to sit. "I...I didn't see you."
"Meher? Meher Maan? Is that really you?" said the girl. Her eyes grew wide with glee as she recognized Meher. "It's me Rhea." She called out to her 2 other companions. "Hey Maria...Sweety...look who's here. It's Meher!"
Two other young women Meher's age joined Rhea. They were equally surprised to see her, and all took turns exchanging hugs with her.
"Oh my God I haven't seen you since grade school," said Sweety. "How have you been?"
"And how's Sam?" added Rhea. "Is she here with you too?"
"Sam's fine," said Meher. "Happily married and living in Delhi."
"Last I heard you were engaged to some NRI and about move to America," said Maria. She looked past her friend at Preet. "Is that him? He's super cute!" He smiled back at her in response.
"No...that's not him." Meher shook her head. "It never happened...uh...irreconcilable differences."
"Yeah...," Preet remarked nonchalantly. "She was in love with someone else."
"Ooo...that would do it," laughed Rhea.
"My family and I just moved back to Ambala," explained Meher.
"Hmm," said Rhea. She turned to Preet and flashed him a smile. "I haven't seen you around here before. Are you new in town?"
"Sort of...I...," began Preet.
"Actually he's just passing through," Meher interrupted him.
"Meher," Sweety nudged her friend with her elbow. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"
Before Meher could say anything, Rhea offered Preet her hand. "Hey handsome, I'm Rhea, and this is Maria and Sweety. We're Meher's childhood friends."
"Hi Rhea," Preet shook her hand and smiled. "Nice to meet you too Maria and Sweety." He stepped back and placed his arm possessively around Meher's shoulders, drawing her close for an affectionate squeeze. "I'm Preet...Meher's...Umph!" He winced as Meher ground her heel into his instep hard enough to make him yelp.
Meher shrugged his arm from her shoulder. She was only sorry she didn't have high heels on. That would have really hurt.
"Heh Heh...," Preet forced a smile. "She sure can work up a temper when she wants to. Uh...Auntie Ji...don't you worry...I'll go get you another ice cream cone."
The girls waited until he left to question their friend. "So," teased Maria. "Who is he? Are you two together?"
"He's...uh...a hired hand," said Meher. "Papa-ji hired him to help out at the farm."
"You came to the fair with a hired hand?" asked Maria.
"So what?" said Sweety. "He's cute."
"You think everyone is cute," said Rhea. "But this time I have to agree, he's quite handsome."
"Hmm," agreed Maria. "I could wake up to that smile forever and never grow tired of it."
"Guys he's married!" Meher blurted out. To me, she neglected to add. "So you can all put your eyes back inside your head." What was wrong with her friends?
"Are you sure?" asked Rhea. "I didn't see a ring on his finger."
"Maybe he took it off," suggested Sweety. "Or maybe...he wants to have an affair."
"You've been reading too many romance novels," chuckled Rhea.
"No...he's unhappy I can tell," Sweety shook her head.
"Or maybe he's miserable at home," offered Maria. "Maybe his wife is witch."
"No she's not!" cried Meher. "She left him for a good reason. Uh...I mean...they're having some problems. All couples have them."
"How do you know?" asked Rhea.
"I...uh...I just know," frowned Meher.
Just then Preet returned with ice cream for the entire group.
"Thank you!" The girls squealed in delight as he handed a cone to each one.
"You are too sweet puttar (son)," smiled the auntie.
"Yeah. Meher was just telling us all about you," said Rhea.
"Oh...was she now?" said Preet.
"Your wife must have been an idiot to let you go," Rhea smiled at him appreciatively. "I mean just look at you. For a woman to walk away from you...there must definitely have been something wrong with her head...and her eyes."
"Sunna Meher (Did you hear that Meher)?" Preet whispered just loud enough for her to hear. "Uh...actually...my wife and I are sort of separated, but it's temporary. I'm desperately trying to get her back."
"Maybe he wasn't that good in bed," said the auntie as she took a bite of her ice cream.
"Auntie Ji!" exclaimed the girls as their faces turned crimson.
"Ahem...I'll have you know Auntie Ji, we had absolutely no problem in the bedroom," Preet glanced sideways at Meher and smiled. She was red as a tomato. "If you don't believe me feel free to ask my wife. She's standing right next to you." He nudged Meher's shoulder, then walked off enjoying his ice cream.
"You mean he's your husband?!" cried Rhea. "Why didn't you tell us before? I feel like an idiot for flirting with him."
"So...was he?" asked Sweety.
"Was he what?" asked Meher.
"Good in bed," teased Sweety.
"Oh my God! What is wrong with you people?!" Meher's face turned even redder than before. "Like can we get off the topic of my screwed up marriage already? Please!"
"Why are you guys having problems?" asked Maria.
"Whatever it is, I bet it's Meher's fault," declared Rhea.
"What?" cried Meher.
"You were always so stubborn," said Rhea. Maria and Sweety nodded their heads in agreement. "The poor guy probably forgot to bring her flowers for Valentine's or missed her birthday, and she up and walked out on him."
"Whatever it is, just let it go Meher," said Maria. "He seems like such a genuinely nice guy."
"And it's obvious that he's crazy about you," added Rhea.
"Oh Rhea," sighed Meher. "If only it were that simple."
"And why isn't it?" asked Rhea.
"It's...it's a long story," sighed Meher.
"But you still love him, don't you?" asked Sweety.
"I...uh...I have to go," said Meher. She hugged her friends good-bye then went to look for Preet.
She found him leaning against a tree finishing up his cone.
"Hey," Meher came up to him and said.
"Hey...all caught up with your girlfriends?" he asked.
"Yeah," nodded Meher.
"Nice girls," remarked Preet.
"Yeah...um...they didn't know you and I...that we...," stammered Meher. "Uh...they wouldn't have flirted otherwise."
"Lots of girls have always flirted with me," Preet shrugged his shoulders. "But you'll be happy to know, I have eyes only for you. You've got some pretty forward Aunties here in Ambala though."
"Yeah...," a nervous chuckle escaped Meher's lips. "That was super embarrassing. Um...so...what now?"
"I thought you'd never ask?" grinned Preet. He took her hand and led her to the part of the ground where rides were set up.
"Found it!" Preet made his way out of the bushes holding up Meher's shoe. They had just been on the swing ride and one of her shoes had gone flying in the air as the ride sped up. "I just hope it didn't hit anyone on its way down." He placed the shoe before Meher and watched her slip it on. "Ah ha! The shoe fits!" he joked. "You are definitely my Cinderella, and I your prince charming."
"Really?" Meher tried to suppress her smile. "Well Prince Charming, what's next on your list?"
Preet pulled out the fair's flier and pointed to the picture of the Ferris wheel on the back. "This," he grinned.
"What?" Meher's mouth fell open in surprise. "No...no. I won't ride the Ferris wheel. I mean, I've never been on one. I've always been too afraid to."
"But you climb trees?" said Preet.
"This is a lot higher than any tree I've been on," said Meher. "And it moves."
"Now we definitely have to go on it," insisted Preet. "It will be cathartic, you know like getting rid of all your fears."
"No...I...," tried Meher. "Preet! Don't make me hurt you."
Ignoring her protests, he pulled her through the crowd to the man selling tickets to the ride. Meher stared wide eyed at the giant Ferris wheel. It consisted of 3 wheels spinning inside of each other. The inner most wheel was for the kiddies, but from where she stood, even it looked enormous.
"Come on Meher this will be great," said Preet as he waved the tickets at her.
"No it won't...," said Meher. "I'm going to pass out I swear. I'll throw up on you and everyone below me."
"It won't be the first time that you threw up on me," chuckled Preet. He handed the man their tickets for the largest outer most wheel, pulled her into the seat next to him, and secured the bar in front of them. "Just sit back and relax. In a minute, we'll be up there with the birds, enjoying the fresh air. I bet we'll get a breathtaking view of the entire town."
"Oh God!" gasped Meher. "I'm hyperventilating just at the thought of it."
Preet leaned over and looked down as their seats rose up to accommodate the next set of passengers. Their seat rocked forward slightly and Meher screamed and grabbed his neck. He smiled as he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. "There now, isn't this cozy?"
"You're enjoying my panic way too much," she scowled at him. "Stop moving this thing. If I fall I'm taking you with me!"
"I wouldn't have it any other way," grinned Preet.
"I...I mean it Preet," gulped Meher. "I'm too young to die."
"You're not going to die Meher!" laughed Preet. "Look...just relax. Hold onto me as tight as you can. Look straight out in front of you instead of down. Be brave."
"I'm not brave...I'm a captive audience!! EEKKK!" Meher closed her eyes and clung to him for dear life as the ride began.
"Meher...Meher open your eyes and look at me," Preet whispered reassuringly in her ear. Her body had become almost rigid and her arms were locked around his neck in a death grip. "Meher, it's okay...just relax."
Meher slowly looked up at him. "Is it almost over?" she asked in a small voice.
"I'm afraid not," chuckled Preet.
She put her head back down and mumbled from his chest. "I hate you Preet Juneja!"
Later...
"You're not still upset about the ride are you?" asked Preet. "It wasn't so bad."
"It was awful," said Meher. "I'm plotting my revenge already."
"You've already got me sleeping with the horses, what could be worse than that?" chuckled Preet. "Besides, I got the distinct impression you were almost enjoying yourself near the end of it."
"Well...maybe...just a little," admitted Meher.
Ambala didn't exactly have a great number of places to go to for fine dining, but Preet had managed to find a small family style restaurant for them to eat in. They sat down at a table in a nice cozy corner, and a waiter came by to give them menus to look over.
"So tell me Meher, what will you have?" asked Preet.
She glanced down at the laminated menu then looked back up at Preet. He was looking over his menu as well. Small town menu with big city prices! She frowned. Everything is so expensive. Does he even have the money? God knows what he was thinking when he brought me here. "I'll have the soup of the day."
"Soup of the day?" Preet said in surprise. "But it's tomato. You don't like tomato soup."
"I know, but I feel like trying it out today," Meher placed a hand over her stomach. "Besides, I'm still feeling kind of queasy after the ride."
"Okay. What else?" asked Preet.
"Nothing else, just soup," said Meher.
"Lekin Meher, just soup se dinner kaise ho ga (how will you have just soup for dinner)?" asked Preet.
"Ho jaye ga (It'll be enough) Preet," insisted Meher. "Just order me some soup and get whatever else you want for yourself.
"Not a chance. I'm ordering everything on this menu you like," said Preet.
"Lekin (But) Preet...," tried Meher.
"Mmm...lekin naam ka koi dish yahan nahin hai (there is no dish named but here)," Preet put his menu down and signaled to the waiter. The young man walked over to them ready to take their order. "Let's start with 2 veg. biryanis, 2 glass lassi and...uh...we'll tell you the rest later."
Later...
Preet and Meher had finished their dinner and were waiting for their desserts to arrive, when Maria, Rhea and Sweety walked into the restaurant.
"Hey guys! We meet again," smiled Sweety. "Small world, eh?"
"I hope we're not interrupting anything special," teased Rhea.
"Uh...no...," grinned Preet. "We just ordered dessert. Would you ladies care to join us?"
Meher's mouth fell open at his suggestion.
"Ooo, we'd love to...," said Sweety.
"...but we can't," Maria glared at her. She had noticed Meher's expression. "Uh...don't want to be kabab mein haddi (third wheel) now do we girls?"
"Oh...right," said Sweety. "We definitely don't want that."
"Yeah, we've got a table waiting for us over there," Rhea pointed across the room. "We'll catch up with you again real soon Meher."
"Nice girls," remarked Preet, as he watched them leave.
"Nice girls," Meher mimicked him. "How many times are you going to say that? And why were you inviting them over for dessert?"
"They're your friends...so I thought...," said Preet.
"Oh you thought...," said Meher. "I thought you and I were on a date. But why don't I just leave and you can have dessert with them instead?"
"Meher, I was just trying to be polite, you don't have to get mad over it," sighed Preet. "Wait a minute...you're not jealous are you?"
"Hmph! Jale meri jooti (jealous my foot)!" said Meher.
"Your face is all red," Preet pointed out.
"I don't care!" Meher folded her arms across her chest.
Just then the waiter approached their table and placed 2 plates of gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa) before them. "Would you like anything else?" he asked sweetly.
"Not unless you have something to calm ruffled feathers," Preet said looking at Meher. "Milk. How about you bring us a glass of milk. It's supposed to be calming right?"
"I don't want milk," said Meher. "I won't drink it."
"Some coffee for me and...uh...a glass of milk for her please," Preet said again. The waiter shrugged his shoulders and walked away.
"You think you're very clever don't you?" Meher said with narrowing eyes. "Trying to calm the wife after she throws a tantrum."
"No...I...," tried Preet.
"Well I won't drink the milk even if he brings it, and you can't make me," snapped Meher.
"Wow. You sound really mature Meher, almost like Chahat," said Preet. "I may have to send you to your room."
Meher was going to say something, but lowered her gaze instead. He was right. She sounded about as mature as a 5 year old. Any other man would have walked out on her, but he was merely trying to tease her out of her anger. "I'm sorry," she said reluctantly. "Why?"
"Why what?" said Preet.
"Why are you being so nice to me? Why are you putting up with everything? Why don't you just let me be?" asked Meher. She picked up a spoonful of halwa and stuffed it in her mouth.
A small smile crept up to Preet's face as he watched her put another spoonful of her dessert into her mouth. A mouth with very kissable pink lips. Pink lips with a dusting of crumbs sprinkled all over them. Instinctively he reached out to wipe them away.
She looked up at him in surprise. "What do you think you're doing?"
"You had crumbs on your lips," he flashed her a sheepish smile. "I was just going to wipe them off for you."
"I can do that myself," said Meher. Although she was trying her best to sound annoyed, the way he had been looking at her just now made a tingling warmth spread through her all the way down to her toes. She picked up a napkin and quickly wiped her mouth. "And just so you know...I...wasn't being jealous...those girls are my friends." Was she trying to convince him or herself of that? "I...I just didn't want you to...you know...run out of money."
"Run out of money?" said Preet.
"Yeah...uh...it's not like you're rolling in gold any more," said Meher. "You already spent enough tonight...and you owe Kuljeet 10,000..."
"Ah ha! So Cinderella is worried whether her prince charming will be able to whisk her away from the evil step-mother after all," chuckled Preet.
Meher's expression changed into a frown. "You think you're very jokey, don't you?"
"No...I...," said Preet. "To be quiet honest, I already have the money your step mother wants."
"You do?" Meher asked in surprise.
"Yeah, I had some cash on hand of my own and PB gave me some before I left too," explained Preet.
"Then why didn't you just give it to her?" asked Meher.
"That would have been cheating, wouldn't it?" She wanted me to earn the money here in Ambala," said Preet.
"What difference does it make to you? You're a businessman," Meher pointed out. "And businessmen can be ruthless. Just look at your fath..." She bit her tongue. She wouldn't compare him to his father. That would be going a bit too far. But just the thought of that man dampened her mood a little.
"I don't know," Preet shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe it was because I knew you wouldn't go with me at the time. Maybe it was the principle of thing. Maybe I didn't want my brother's help. Or maybe, I wanted to prove something to myself." He placed his hand reassuringly on hers. "Don't worry Meher, I'll do what ever I have to do to make this work. I love you."
"Then why did you let me get hurt?" She rose from the table abruptly and walked out of the restaurant.
Damn! Way to put your foot in your mouth Preet! Cursing under his breath, he threw some money down on the table and ran after her. She hadn't gotten far at all. The restaurant had a small garden in the back with a fountain. She was walking in circles on the wall like enclosure surround it. "This isn't fair Meher," sighed Preet. He climbed up onto the fountain wall and started walking behind her. "I'm like literally walking on egg shells around you all the time. I never know what I might say or do to suddenly upset you."
"Then don't say or do anything," said Meher. "Just leave me alone."
"You know I can't do that," said Preet. He tried to get her to stop walking by taking a hold of her arm, but she jerked it away, making her lose her footing. Her arms flailed in the air as she reached out to grab something to keep herself from falling. Preet reached out to her, but lost his balance too. Both of them landed in the water with a splash.
Preet sat up in the shallow water and pushed the wet hair from his eyes. He looked over at Meher, she sat next to him looking equally shocked and sputtering water from her mouth. "I can't believe you just pulled me into the water with you like that," he said. "You...you did that on purpose, didn't you?"
Instead of answering his question, Meher began to giggle, and before long, she was laughing uncontrollably holding onto her stomach. Preet tried his best to give her a serious look, but her laughter was contagious, and he soon found himself laughing as hard as she was. His laughter died away as soon as she stood up and he saw that her arm was bleeding. Instinctively he reached out to check her arm, but she pulled it away.
"It's nothing, just a small scratch," said Meher. She reached back into the water and pulled out what remained of his phone. "I'm afraid I can't say the same about your cell phone though."
"Oh no my phone!" sighed Preet. "All my contacts! I should have just let you fall in the water. It would have served you right for throwing a tantrum."
"Hmph! I was not throwing a tantrum," protested Meher. "I lost my balance." She folded her arms, and turned her head away from him with her nose in the air.
"Looks like another version of a tantrum to me," Preet tapped his finger on her nose.
Meher suddenly surprised him by splashing a wave of cold water at him. He retaliated by taking hold of her wrist and returning a barrage of splashes in her direction.
"Okay okay...stop...you win," cried Meher.
"Good," said Preet. He pulled himself out of the water, then helped her out as well. He sat her down on the fountain wall, then carefully lifted her sleeve. "Now hold still while check your arm." She was right it was only a small scratch.
Meher gasped as he bent down and gently placed a kiss on her arm, then raised his eyes to look at her. Uff! She could feel herself melting just a tiny bit on the inside.
"Waise (By the way)...it felt good to see you smile...laugh actually," said Preet. "Should I stand up and slip again?"
"No," she shook her head and giggled.
"Saab ji," the waiter came out. "Saab ji you forgot your jack... He stopped mid-sentence and stared at the 2 wet figures."
"Ah...my jacket," Preet smiled as he took it from the waiter. "Thanks. Chalein (Shall we go) Meher?" He carefully placed the jacket around Meher's shoulders then offered her his arm. This time she didn't refuse it.
Later that night...
Preet and Meher slowly walked to the door of the farmhouse.
"Um...Preet...thanks for tonight," Meher gave him a soft smile. "In spite of myself, I wound up having a good time."
"Me too," said Preet. "Maybe we can do this again real soon."
"Maybe," said Meher. "Um...your jacket." She took it off and handed it to him.
"Oh...yeah...thanks," said Preet. He stuck his hand in his pocket and looked around. There was no sign of activity coming from the house. Should he try and give her a kiss goodnight? He definitely deserved one for putting up with all her tantrums. Would she get upset and slap him? Should he risk it anyway? Damn! Feeling like an awkward teenager again. Okay, calm down Preet. Just keep it casual, wait for an opening, and then go for it. You can do this. He was still deliberating his next move, when Meher turned her back to him and unlocked the door. Too late! He exhaled in disappointment. Suddenly she turned back around, stepped up to him and planted a chaste little kiss on his cheek.
"Good night Preet," she smiled, then went inside the house closing the door behind her.
Preet let out a sigh of contentment. There was a spring in his step as he walked backed to the barn. "Hello boys...and ladies," he grinned at the animals. "Guess where I was this evening. On a date...with Meher." One of the horses snorted in response. "Jealous, huhn?" chuckled Preet. "Well too bad. Nothing you can do will spoil my mood tonight." He changed into his nightclothes, pulled the cot down, fluffed up his pillow, then lay down. It had been a wonderful evening...sealed with a kiss. That too by Meher. Meher had kissed him, rather than the other way around! He finally felt like he had made some progress with her. Yes! Her smiling face came to his mind as he drifted off to sleep.
Edited by Fatima_Q - 6 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
