SS: Dream Come True ** part 17 - pg 9** - Page 2

Glad you liked it Sunayana..

5. Feelings

The next week Heer immersed herself in meetings, charity work and events as she wanted to escape Preet and Prem. Preet tried to invite her to join them in the evening but she had an excuse ready every time. Even Prem kept himself busy in work except for some time to spend with Preet.

"Why don't you stay for another week PB?" Preet asked as they checked in the baggage.

"Sorry Preet.. I've to go..Its the first time I've been physically away from office for 3 weeks and I dread to think what might have happened in my absence." Prem chuckled.

"Fine" said Preet giving up. Prem asked him to leave as he headed towards security check. As he went in, he saw Heer through the side glass doors. She was leaning to a pillar. Their eyes met for a brief movement and she left from there.

Preet told Heer, Prem was leaving to see if it would evoke a reaction but she just told him to wish him good luck. However, part of her couldn't help but wanted to see a glance of him. It's been a week and she's been longing to see him.

"He left" She thought as she went back home.

"I miss him Meher" was the first thing Meher heard as she called her sister who seemed to go AWOL for a week.

"Di... why don't you tell him the same?’’ Meher asked her sister.

"I don't know" Heer said and cut the call.

Heer was confused of her own feelings. She likes him, but is she prepared for a relationship? How is it going to work out with them being in different places?

A week passed and none of them made any contact. Heer's bua visited her during this week and stayed with her for few days before leaving on a Europe trip with her friends. She was supposed to come back to collect her belongings.

Heer woke up to the early morning bell ringing sound. "Must be bua" She thought as she opened the door only to be shocked.

"Premm" She said.

There he stood with his ever so charming smile. He walked past her, pushing his suitcase in. Before he could say anything, his mobile rang.

‘Prem where are you?’ He could imagine his mother fuming as he heard her.

‘Mom, this was last minute work thing. The contract paper work needed some corrections and I had to come to sort it out’ He tried to calm her down.

As Heer tried to walk away, he held her hand and pulled her causing her to lose balance but as usual he was her saviour.

He held her close with one hand engulfing her in a hug and other on the mobile near to his ear.

‘I promise I’ll take care and I’ll be back as soon as I finish my work here.’ He tried to reassure her.

Heer tried to free herself but he seems to be tightening his grip every time she tries to break free. She pushed him hard and left to her room.

‘This is going to be hard’ Prem thought as he rested on the couch due to her sudden push.

‘Heer’ He went knocking on her door. There was no reply.

‘Please open the door Heer’ He pleaded but she didn’t seem to budge.

‘Ok I don’t care.. I’m coming in.’ He walked in to the room. He saw her lying on the bed busy checking something on her mobile. She didn’t seem to care but he had to talk.

‘Look at me Heer’ He said as he sat on the bed next to her trying to grab her attention.

‘I shouldn’t have left like that... I didn’t mean to..’ He said as he took her left hand into his.

‘Why are you here Prem?’ She finally looked into his eyes and he couldn’t control himself. How much he longed for this. He inched forward whispering ‘To finish this’ before sealing her lips with his.

She tried to resist initially but gave in to the cravings of her heart and matched him with equal fervour.

It could be the bell ringing or they needed to catch the breath, they broke apart and Heer could hear her door bell ringing continuously.

This must be definitely be her bua. She asked Prem to hide before composing herself to open the door.

She pushed Prem’s suitcase into her room before screaming again to ‘Hide’ and opened the door.

‘Sorry bua I was sleeping and didn’t hear the door bell ringing.’ She apologised for the delay.

‘That’s fine. I urgently need to use the washroom.’ Her bua said heading towards Heer’s room.

‘The toilet is blocked here.’ Heer directed her into the other room.

‘Leave now’ She got Prem’s suitcase and pointed Prem towards the door before her bua got out of the bathroom.

‘But...’ Before Prem said anything, Heer closed the door.

xxx

It was a few days since he returned home. One morning while he was on a call, his mother pointed towards the dining table set for breakfast. He was in a rush but the look on his mom’s face meant he quickly grabbed a chair. He saw aloo paratha on the table.

His thoughts went to when he prepared Paratha for Heer. Would she have eaten them? Liked them?

As he thought, there was chaos once he was back. He got the deal they wanted but his team didn’t finish the groundwork he asked them to do to give a head start before official contracts kick in. He immersed himself in work to run away from her thoughts but she won always. It was like he didn't exist before her. Everything and anything reminded him of her which he thought was very silly. Every time he experienced or saw something, he thought what would Heer say about it. Did he like her?

Lost in thought, he served himself some and Gayatri was surprised to see her son picking them up instead of the gobi ones lying next to it.

Something is wrong and she had to do something.

‘Prem you don’t seem to have any time for me these days.’ She faked a sad face.

‘Ma it’s just work keeping me busy. Why don’t I take you out in the evening? I’ll be early’ He said trying to pacify her.

She agreed.

When his mother blackmailed him into spending some time with her, he didn’t expect to be attending a wedding with her. He avoided weddings at any cost since he was a certain age. All everyone did was to try to patch him up with someone and he hates it.

He found a quite corner of the room behind the food stalls to relax. Ever since he came all he heard was if he would meet someone's niece, daughter, sister and he was quite fed up. He needed to relax. A kulfi caught his eye and he immediately grabbed it.

"OMG, a pista kulfi" Gayatri chuckled as she saw her son standing in a corner licking his kulfi. Ever since he was young, he hated nuts for some reason.

"Ah!! Heer Maan" He mentally cursed her. She seemed to love nuts and would have it in everything.

"Did something happen while you were away? You don't seem to be same person you were" Gayatri asked him noticing subtle differences ever since he came back.

"Maaa.. Why are we here?" He asked her annoyed.

"Is it a crime to spend some time with you?" She asked him.

"We could have done that at home or I could've taken you shopping as well" Prem argued.

"I want you to find someone. Its about time. You've been declining it since the past one year." Gayatri complained.

"Please don't start again mom. I did say I'll marry once I find the right one" Prem tried to pacify her.

"I think I've given you enough time. Its time I handled it myself" She walked away.

He knew he was in trouble and before his mother further added any more misery he knew what to do.

Run away.

xxx

6. The Talk

Her bua came out of the washroom and said ‘Let’s go now, my friends will be waiting for me at the airport’

‘But you just came’ Heer said.

‘Heer I’m just here to collect things I left’. She left behind her extra pair of glasses and few jewelry as Heer told her it might not be save to take them on a trip.

Heer quickly got ready and helped her bua with the baggage. As she walked through the apartment concierge, she saw Prem still waiting there. He signaled her showing the key. She quickly dropped her keys into his hands as she passed him and went towards the parking area.

She drove her bua to the airport but her mind was racing with thoughts about what Prem wanted and why he was here. Past two weeks have been very difficult for her, trying to get a grip on her thoughts. She did try to message him sometimes but couldn’t seem to find the right words and neither did he message her. It annoyed her that he didn’t even message her once. She even went to the airport fighting her thoughts to avoid him but he didn’t make any move. After putting her through two weeks of hell, he just turns up today to kiss her. Is he out of his mind?

She bid her farewell and drove back home as quickly as she can. She wanted to call Meher but thought this is something she needs to deal with on her own.

As she knocked on the door, he opened it with a sigh. "Finally" He said.

She followed him in and sat down on the couch.

"Why are you still here?" She questioned.

"Preet is not picking his calls" Prem said in response.

"Yea he's in Spain for a week on his friends' bachelor party trip or something." Heer told him.

"Well that answers it then" He said.

"You clearly know that's not what I meant" She wanted some answers.

"We needed to talk Heer" He sat next to her and held her hands in his.

"You could've texted me or called me?" She asked.

"I had to see you." He said looking into her eyes.

"Why did you not meet me at the airport?" He questioned her straight.

"I thought you didn't want to meet me" Since he left with Preet, he neither called or texted her.

"I didn't want to scare you Heer, you just ran away that night." He thought she wanted to avoid him after she declined all Preet's requests to catch up.

When she kissed him that night, he was taken back. Although he felt a strong attraction to her, he didn't want to complicate things. He liked being around her, it felt like he can be himself.

It was when he saw her at the airport that day, he felt a tug in his heart as if he was leaving something precious behind. She haunted his dreams, he could feel her presence everywhere around him.

There was no point in beating around the bush.

"I don't know Prem, part of me wanted to stop you but I just couldn't... I'm not sure of what I want yet' Heer tried to answer him sincerely.

"You're not alone Heer.. That makes two of us" He said resting his forehead against hers.

"Why don't we give us a chance and see how it goes?" Prem said hoping it would give them the time and assurance they badly need.

Heer knew she couldn't just let him go this time. The silence between them was killing her. It was what she kept thinking through out her drive home. She simply nodded her head in agreement as he pulled her into a hug.

"Sorry Prem.. I didn't know you'll be here. I've an event to attend." She pulled out of the hug and went to get ready.

Now that he said what he wanted to, it put his mind at certain ease. He freshened up and sat on the bed opening his laptop. He need to sort his work out, he just came here unplanned for her.

Heer came home and dropped on the couch. It was tiring for her to attend office events. She then recalled Prem was supposed to be there. As she turned back, he handed her a lemonade.

"Thanks Prem! Hope you weren't bored" She said settling back in couch.

"Finishing off work" He said sliding in beside her.

She just rested her head on his shoulder as he pulled her closer wondering how its going to work out.

xxxx

Originally posted by: premeer

Glad you liked it Sunayana..

😃

7. Longing

"Besan/Motichoor?" Her screen read and she knew it was Prem.

"Motichoor" She replied. Prem was working from home that day to spend some time with his mother and also because he didn't have much to do.

This mother told him she'll be making laddoos today and he thought to ask her what she wanted.

"When are you flying again Prem?" She got used to her son's erratic schedule by now. He seem to be spending half the month here and half in London. She didn't mind as she thought Preet was there and the brothers might be spending some time together.

"I don't know ma" He said as he checked his schedule trying to plan for weeks ahead. Its been two weeks since he came back after his last minute trip.

"Let me make some besan laddoo so that you can take them for Preet." She said. Though they had a cook in the house, she loved cooking for her sons.

"Why don't you make some motichoor as well Mom?" He asked her.

Gayatri was a bit surprised. Her son's default answer whenever she asks him what he wanted was "Your wish".

"Are you okay? I mean all this travelling must be tiring for you" She quizzed him.

"Ma I'm perfectly fine. Its just that you haven't made them in a while" He tried to calm her down. He acted like he was getting a work call and left to his room.

"Ruby/Sapphire?" She texted.

"Isn't it too soon to pick a ring?" He replied with a wink.

"I'm getting a bracelet. Have a wedding to attend this Sunday" She replied.

"And as for ring, its just diamonds nothing else would do and you better remember that" came in quick succession.

He knew she was only joking. He looked at the parcel lying on his desk and quickly opened it. It was a watch with a note inside it.

"To remind you of me all the time!! Happy birthday Prem" The note with it read and he knew it was from her.

"So you knew" He said a smile forming on his face as he called her.

"Do you like it?" She asked him.

"I don't wear them usually but I'll start for you." He replied.

"Happy birthday Prem!!" She missed him.

"Thanks Heer but do you really think you can get away with a watch?" He questioned her.

"I think it should do for starters as it costs a bomb" She smirked.

"I don't care, do you know how much I miss you today?" He asked her.

"Me too but don't worry I'll make it up to you" She laughed.

"I'll make sure you do" He didn't want the call to end but they have to. He planned a birthday dinner with his mum and dad.

"Miss you Prem" She texted and he knew what he had to do.

As she was on way to work the next day, she got a text saying "See you soon!!" She knew that meant he was on way and told him she might be home late that evening due to a scheduled monthly release at work.

Xxx

She was late from work today even by her standards of late. Release messed up and since it was Friday, she was left to pick pieces. As she tried to sort it out, she lost track of time.

As she opened her door, she saw Prem sleeping on the sofa. He must be tired from all the travelling, she thought.

She ran her fingers through his dense hair and kissed his cheek.

"Where do you think you're going?" Prem pulled her to sit on his lap as she started to move away.

"I thought you were sleeping" She said playing with his hair.

"I was bored of waiting, so thought I would take a nap.. power nap you know" He said snuggling her closer and taking in her fragrance.

"Do you know how many miles I've acquired just over this last one month?" He asked her. His constant travel seems to worry his parents but he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I know, why don't we go on a holiday somewhere?" Heer giggled. He was constantly juggling between her and his work back home. It helped that his job required him here sometimes as well.

"I missed you" She hugged him tight. She missed his presence whenever he wasn't there. Although they called each other, it just wasn't the same.

"Me too"

"What's for dinner?" She asked as she didn't have anything for lunch as well.

"I got you some sandwich but.." Before he could continue,

"You can do better than that Prem" She headed towards the fridge to pick up the sandwich.

He knew she didn't like cold sandwiches but he was too tired after all the travel that he just grabbed whatever he could find in the supermarket.

"Ah tuna and cucumber, this is like the worst thing you could have got me.. you know I hate it" Heer ranted her frustation when Prem popped a box of laddoos before her.

"Motichoor ladoo" The kiss on his cheek meant, he was forgiven.

"You know how suspicious mom looked at me when I asked her to make these" He complained.

"I don't care" She said as she stuffed herself.

"Wow, I must be the only guy in this world that can be dumped for food" He was sure Heer would give him up easily in exchange for her favourite food.

"Says the person who's dumping me for a football match" Heer retorted. Prem was caught.

"I met Preet at office today who was very excited to watch the game in the stadium with his PB on Sunday" Heer crossed her hands.

Their families aren't aware of their relationship yet and that included Preet and Meher. They didn't want to share it yet. Prem convinced Preet that he's got a hotel accommodation close of his office due to his unusual timings.

"So, did you really come because you missed me or was it the game?" Heer looked serious.

"And what exactly do you want me to do when you go away for the wedding? Sit and wait here pointing to the couch" That didn't come out right he thought.

He didn't mind waiting for her. He knew she loved her job and it was as important for her as his work was for him.

"I didn't mind at all today Heer, I made plans with Preet on Sunday as I knew you were attending a wedding." Prem tried to explain.

"I know Prem" Heer pulled his cheeks as he got all serious while she was just teasing him.

"You're so going to pay for this" He chased her across the room and both fell on the couch tired.

As they snuggled closer together, "Whats' the plan for tomorrow?" He asked her.

"I've a surprise for you" Heer had a belated birthday surprise planned for him.

"This looks good" She touched his watch.

"Doesn't make up for you though" He kissed her.

First of all sorry for late reply😛

Part 5

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Prem had come to Heer's apartment making the excuse of a last minute work only to finish the pending kiss☺️ *blushing blushing* superb awesome. You rocked it Kavya. Infact bua's sudden interruption also didn't do any bad. Great writing 👍🏼

Part 6

Yes off course they needed to talk. Really love how both didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. I think this chance will make a great love story in the future😊.

I wonder g3 hadn'tunderstand anything yet. She should have understood her son has gone completely mad because of some girl😉and not just any other girl; her future DIL😃

Part 7

Totally loved it. So Premeer relationship had begun and it was going well. Specially loved Heer's gift but more than that Prem's reply...naughty boy😆 and he did what he said....aahhhh the kiss. Wonderful

Do update soon.

8. Be Together

He walked into her room as the continuous ringing of her mobile in the living room, woke him up. There she was, sleeping like a baby. He adored her. Though they seemed to melt in each others arms at every opportunity they got, he respected her decision to stick to their rooms. He slipped next to her in bed and slowly caressed her hair. He whispered in her ear "Good Morning, sleeping beauty"

A smile appeared on her face, as she saw his face waking up. Doesn't happen every often she thought. He handed her mobile and she could see Meher was calling.

"Meher" She screamed as she picked it up while Prem kept pulling her next to him.

"Morning Di... Is everything ok? Why are you screaming?" Meher called her.

"I was startled Meher, just woke up" Heer said composing herself asking Prem to calm down but he didn't seem to budge.

"All set for tomorrow?" Meher asked as she was helping Heer pick her outfit and accessories over last week.

"Yea I'm. Whats up with you?" Heer asked trying to push Prem away from her.

"I've exams Diii.. busy with preparations" Meher hated exams.

"All the best Meher, I'll text you later" She said as composed as possible as Prem started to tickle her.

"You're so going to pay for this" She hit Prem with a pillow as she cut the call. She chased him out of her room asking him to get ready soon as she planned the whole day out.

Usually its him who is usually in charge of things, but with Heer its so different. He's happy to relax and let her lead the way. They started with his favourite full English breakfast and are now headed towards the countryside. She knew he loves being outdoors so what better way to spend the day than exploring some quintessential British villages and taking some hikes through them.

xxx

‘Ah finally’ She said as they reached the church at the top of a hill. The views from the top are amazing they were told and Prem decided they had to climb it.

‘It wasn’t that bad Heer’ He said settling down on the grass pulling her to sit beside him.

‘Well not everyone is as fit as you’ She had struggled to match his pace.

‘Wouldn’t it be nice to retire here’ said Prem.

‘You said the same thing last time as well. How many retirement retreats are you planning on having?’ She recalled the first time they went around the countryside.

‘Probably one for every season’ He smiled.

‘Seems more like one for every month.’ She said thinking of his choices.

‘That gives me more choice to hide if I get tired of you.’ He said running away down the hill knowing she wouldn’t forgive him for that.

Heer chased him down the hill. However, couldn’t keep up and fell down. He carried her in his arms saying

‘I don’t think I can go very far knowing you. I might just do down the road and get a call for help.’ She hit him but also kissed him knowing he might come back for her always.

He placed her in the passenger seat and decided to drive back home. They chatted for a while but she seemed to have fallen asleep on his shoulder.

He placed her on the bed and left a parcel on her dressing table.

Prem left early in the morning to Preet’s.

‘Message me once you reach’ She woke up to Prem’s text.

She quickly got ready and dialed him before going to her car.

‘I can drive and you do know that right.’

‘I know but just message me. You keep saying that to me all the time. I never said anything.’

‘I did have a life before you walked in’

‘But mine seems like it didn’t exist’ He quickly said bye and cut the call as Preet was looking for him.

She didn’t want to go but it was the wedding of one of her roommates from her uni days back here. It would be good to catch up with everyone, she thought. Only problem was she has to drive an hour and a half to a stately home far away from city.

‘Reached’ He can finally concentrate on the game he thought.

‘Thank you’ Heer smiled as she saw the reply.

It was a good game. The team he supported won so it made it even more exciting. It seemed ages since Preet and him saw a game together. Post the match, he hit the pub with Preet but as evening approached, he wanted to see her. As they planned to leave, Preet met some of his work colleagues and decided to stay back. He came out and was trying to look for a cab when he saw a familiar car pull into the nearby parking bay.

She was planning to text him when she heard the door open

‘Stalking me, are you?’ Prem was surprised to find her there.

‘I’ve a secret tracking app you know’ Heer giggled.

‘I know the stadium is here. I was about to text you when you popped up’ She explained.

As he took his seat, he noticed her. She looked very pretty in her blue dress with minimal make up. He noticed her earrings which matched her bracelet.

‘Thanks for these.’ She said pointing to her earrings. She noticed them on her dressing table this morning and knew it had to be from him.

‘How did you know I was going for a sapphire bracelet?’ She asked him surprised he could get it right.

‘I didn’t except for the fact that you were going to wear a blue dress.’ He recalled how she went on and on about what to wear over the last week during their phone calls before setting on blue.

‘Someone’s paying attention then’ She smiled as all she got in response from Prem over her rants was that she would look great in anything she would pick.

‘Why are you here Heer?’ He seemed serious.

‘I was bored. Besides I met everyone I had to and couldn’t sit through the reception as well.’ She said.

‘So you decided to come back and then drive all the way around the city to pick me up’ He was .

‘You know most guys would be elated to know that’ She didn’t understand the reason for his anger.

‘Except me because I know how stressful you find it to drive alone and I don’t want you to take any stress or tire yourself.’ He chided her.

‘You’re here now. So relax. I missed you Prem, you fly all the way across to see me but I can’t drive across city. You’re crazy.’ It was her turn to be angry.

‘I’m sorry Heer’ He said kissing her hand and signaled her to drive home.

Originally posted by: Sunzz.Harshiti

First of all sorry for late reply😛

Part 5

Beautiful beautiful beautiful. Prem had come to Heer's apartment making the excuse of a last minute work only to finish the pending kiss☺️ *blushing blushing* superb awesome. You rocked it Kavya. Infact bua's sudden interruption also didn't do any bad. Great writing 👍🏼

Part 6

Yes off course they needed to talk. Really love how both didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. I think this chance will make a great love story in the future😊.

I wonder g3 hadn'tunderstand anything yet. She should have understood her son has gone completely mad because of some girl😉and not just any other girl; her future DIL😃

Part 7

Totally loved it. So Premeer relationship had begun and it was going well. Specially loved Heer's gift but more than that Prem's reply...naughty boy😆 and he did what he said....aahhhh the kiss. Wonderful

Do update soon.

Thank you for the comments, glad you liked it :)

Wohoooo new update😃 very beautiful. Prem was so naughty with Heer while she was talking to meher😆 loved Heer's surprise. Aww they really cared for each other...so cute. And the ending ...Heer said it right. If he could fly from one City to another then why can't she drive.

Well done👍🏼

Updated soon

9. Trouble

‘Late today’ Her mobile buzzed.

‘It’s better you tell me when you’re early.’ She replied irritated to see the message every evening since past 3 days.

‘Hmm I don’t want to leave you waiting for that text’ He sent with a wink.

‘Get back to work’ She ordered.

She got busy with her work. It was lunch time when Preet came over to her desk.

'I'm sure we can grab a quick lunch' He said as he took her without listening to any of her excuses.

As they stepped in to the restaurant, she saw Prem already seated busy on his mobile as usual.

"Finally I can get us all together" Preet said as he joined him. She gave Prem a questioning look when he signalled it was all Preet.

"I wanted to thank you Heer.. you know for hosting PB" He said

"My treat.. I guess you want the usual... what about you PB?" Preet asked him to pick what he wanted.

As it was self serve, Preet went to order when Heer said "You could've warned me"

"Preet said meet me for lunch, he didn't tell me he's going to bring you" Prem was equally surprised to see her.

"Guess it makes up for dinner tonight. I've meetings with US team in the evening so might get late" He updated her.

"You messaged me already Prem" She was sad that they didn't get to spend any time for past 3 days.

"Would it make it any better to know I'm going to be here next week as well?" Prem said as he saw a smile appear on her face.

"A bit better I guess" She winked at him. He wanted to kiss her but he couldn't take a risk with Preet being here.

"Here's your food.. What are you guys talking about?" Preet was back.

"Heer was updating me about your exes Preet" Prem decided to tease him.

"Heeer.. Guess I should've never let you guys meet' Preet gave a serious look to Heer

"Too late Preet" Heer said

"Atleast I'm trying PB.. what about you? You seem to be drowning yourself in work" He knew his brother had a very busy schedule that wouldn't allow him to meet anyone.

Prem looked directly at Heer opposite him who was trying to pretend to be busy eating. If only he knew, it wasn't work but her eyes he was drowning in. She kicked him with her foot under the table trying to distract him.

"I did meet someone Preet but guess she's too distracted to notice me.." He said playing with his words.

"Wow someone actually ignored Prem Juneja.. She must be blind then" Preet declared.

"What about you Heer?" Prem put her in spotlight but before she could say something.

"PB.. she's already in love" Preet said and both looked at him in shock.

"with food obviously... She doesn't really speak much when she's eating if you didn't notice already." Preet said.

"100% committed to food" Prem joined in, earning a kick under the table.

"Well at-least I'm committed to something unlike you guys" Heer said as he punched Preet on his arm and glared at Prem.

As they finished lunch and walked out

"Jokes apart, I need a favour people." Preet said and they both looked at him.

"Nothing serious. I want you guys to come for my graduation next month. I've got two tickets so it would be great if you can make it." Initially he didn't want to go through the ceremony but since brother was here, he thought to go with it. Heer knew Preet was doing a part-time research degree, she helped him with some project work earlier.

"I'd love to be there Preet" Prem said with pride in his eyes for his little brother.

"Ofcourse... considering my contribution to it" Heer teased Preet but she was touched that he wanted her there.

"So its decided then, PB you can come with Heer. I've to be there early and you know the process Heer." Preet said knowing she graduated from the same university couple of years back.

"I think Prem would rather be comfortable taking the train Preet" It was her turn to irritate him.

"Considering the pace you drive at, I think that would be better." The brothers laughed.

"Are you sure you want me to come?" Heer asked Preet.

"Tell you what,you come with PB on the train instead" Preet said before he made his escape.

"Preet" She screamed but he ran away crossing the road. Before she could do anything, Prem quickly gave a kiss on her cheek and ran away as well. How was she going to handle the Juneja brothers, she thought.

Later that evening,

“Any plans for next Saturday? My friends will be in the city, planning a catch-up” He texted her.

"Sure go ahead... I’m sure I can find something to do” She replied.

“Cool” He badly wanted to go home to her but the conference call doesn’t seem to end at all.

He went home to see the dining table laid out with food.

"Finish it" A note sticked on the casserole. It was his favourite halwa and he immediately sat down to finish it deciding to thank her tomorrow.

"Good Morning" He kissed her cheek as she was finishing her toast.

"Still here?" She didn't expect him to be home as it was already 8:30 am and he usually leaves by then.

"Planning to work from home today" He said grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl.

"Well enjoy then, I've to go" She said grabbing her bag.

"Where do you think you're going?" He said pulling her closer to him.

"Prem I'm already late" She said trying to break free.

"Please stay" Prem pleaded her to be in his arms.

"I would love to but I'm sorry..." Before Heer could continue Prem started kissing her.

When they broke apart, Prem again pleaded her to stay and Heer couldn't make her mind to leave.

"Fine.. I'll work from home then.. let me message my boss" She said trying to come up with a reason to message.

"Com'mon Heer.. don't tell me you never made any last minute excuses" Prem asked her as Heer was struggling to message.

"Not after I got ready. I usually make up my mind previous night itself and message early morning." She said.

He took her phone and immediately typed something and texted for her.

"What are you doing Prem?" She said trying to take her mobile back.

She saw that he texted about an early evening GP appointment that she didn't want to miss so she'd work from home and log off early

"And where exactly are we going?" She crossed her arms as it seemed like he had some plans for the evening.

"Surprise" He said.

They were both busy with work and it was lunch time already. Heer was famished but she realised there wasn't food for lunch. She heard the door bell ring and it was a food delivery. She kissed Prem's cheek who was busy on call. He smiled in response.

As she served herself food on a plate, her mobile started to ring and she went to attend the call. When she was back, she saw Prem was happily eating from the plate.

"That's mine" She pulled it from him.

"Get another one" He said snatching it back from her.

She picked another plate to eat not pleased with Prem's actions.

"Do you have any ice-cream?" He asked as they settled back on couch with their laptops.

"Yes" She said with an evil smile. She immediately ran to the fridge and picked the only cornetto lying in the freezer.

She happily sat licking the ice-cream trying to irritate Prem when she got a call again. As she was discussing work with the caller, Prem snatched her ice-cream.

It was early afternoon and Heer was done with her work. She saw Prem was busy on a call but it seemed to be his friend discussing their Saturday catch up plans rather than work and an idea struck her mind. It's time for payback.

Heer took the laptop away from his hands and sat on his lap pulling him into a hug as Prem wondered what she was up to. As he said his goodbyes and cut the call, he felt a chilling sensation down his spine and he realised what she did.

"Heer" He screamed as she ran away. She slipped some ice-cubes through his shirt.

He chased her around the sofa. She was about to escape to her room when she slipped on the ice cube lying on the floor. She closed her eyes preparing for fall when she felt his arms around her trying to steady her. She opened her eyes to drown in his eyes full of concern.

"How do you even survive when I'm not around?" He questioned her as she seems to be so unaware of her surroundings.

"It's you..." She said looking into his eyes. "who always captivates my attention that I'm not aware of my surroundings" She finished as she inched closer to him.

He was completely under her spell when she messed his hair with her hands.

"HEEERRRRR" He pouted.

"Sorry" She said and they went back to work as their mobiles were ringing.

Later that evening,

"So this is your surprise?" She asked as they stood in-front of a theatre.

"I heard you had a deal with Preet to watch this" He said.

"Hmm this and a bollywood movie" She recalled her deal with Preet to host Prem.

"You can still drag him to the movie but I wanted to help Preet with this... All thanks to him that I found you and... " He said.

"And" She crossed her arms.

"How can I not treat you to something that you like?" He smirked.

"Enough now.. let's go.. The musical is about to start" She excitedly pulled him with her.

xxx

It was Sunday morning and Heer woke up to the noise of morning news.

She went to the living room to see him eating Maggi watching the news. He seemed pretty knackered.

“All okay?” She asked as she served herself some Maggi and sat beside him.

“I'm old now Heer. I can’t seem to handle drink like earlier. I guess I’ve to cut down.”

“Wow Prem that’s very introspective but don’t you think you heard that before” She said fully knowing it was what she told him after he ended up on the bathroom floor when he returned from a office party.

“I know I did cut down but don’t know what happened. My head is spinning.” He said as he placed the bowl in the sink.

“Let me make you some lassi then” Heer proceeded to do lassi and handed it over to him.

He drank some and immediately ran over to the bathroom puking.

Once he finished, Heer handed him lemonade and also mop and bucket to clean the mess.

“Better clean your mess yourself” She left.

As he cleared the mess, freshened and came out, he saw her dressed up.

‘I’m going shopping’ She declared.

‘Wait let me come’ He said recalling he was supposed to take her shopping today.

‘Should have thought about that last night before getting knackered’ She banged the door and left.

He rested on the couch.

‘It’s not going to end well’ He thought but was too tired so went to sleep.

It was early afternoon when we woke up, Heer wasn’t back yet. No texts either.

‘Should have eaten something proper’ Preet’s text reminded him that they were busy pub crawling and didn’t really have any lunch or dinner except for snacks.

He then noticed a plate on the dining table and found the cause of her anger. She left him something to eat last night but he didn’t eat.

‘Sorry I promise I’ll take care next time’ He texted realising his mistake.

She saw the message but didn’t reply anything. It took him half a day to say that, she thought.

He mentally noted her anger is something he need to be very careful of. She seem to give him a tough time but he knew key to anger as well. Food!! He loaded the dishwasher and decided to cook lunch to cool her down a bit.

Heer returned home with bags in her hand.

‘Ah you’re back, just in time. Let me set the table’ He said arranging items on the table.

‘I had lunch already’ She said.

‘I said I’m sorry Heer’ He held her hand.

‘It’s okay Prem, you don’t have to say it. You’re responsible enough to do what you want.’ She left to her room. He followed her.

‘Why are you still upset then?’ He questioned her.

‘I was looking forward to spend the day with you as you’re leaving tonight.’ She was disappointed.

‘So, do you want to waste the rest of the evening sulking as well?’ He said pulling her closer.

‘I ruined the day, didn’t I?’ She should keep her anger in check sometimes.

‘It was my mistake I got sick Heer. I’m sure we’ll laugh about it next time.’ He tickled her.

‘Now can you give me company?’ He was famished and needed to eat.

‘I got you something’ Heer went back to the living room and he followed.

‘Donuts.. thanks Heer.’ He was trying to take it from her when she pointed to the food on the table first.

He finished his lunch while Heer asked him if he packed his stuff.

‘Why don’t you leave some of them here? I’ll get them dry cleaned. It would save you some time to pack and unpack every time’ She suggested.

‘That’s not a bad idea. I can get more stuff for you that way.’ He winked. She has been crazily ordering him things to get from India.

xxx