11. Jealous
Prem was working from home. His mother walked into his room checking her mobile. Seeing him busy on a call, she settled on the sofa in a corner and went back to checking her mobile.
"Ma" He rested his head in her lap. Gayatri massaged his head. Heer does the same he thought but it relaxed him.
"How's Preet doing?" His mother asked him.
"He's doing well. I'm going for his graduation." Prem excitedly told her.
"I know. He wanted us there but we've a wedding to attend. Besides, you're going so I'm sure it'll be fine." Gayatri told him.
"Did he tell you about anyone? I mean anyone special in his life?" She asked him breaking the silence as Prem was enjoying her massage eyes closed.
"No... why? did he tell you?" Prem was surprised that his mother took sudden interest in Preet's love life leaving him alone.
"I.. I was just checking some of the pictures he sent... There seems to be this girl.. She seems nice... I was thinking if you can find out about her.."
"Maaa seriously?" His mother wanted him to be a match maker for his little brother.
"Look at her once I'm sure you'll feel the same..." She tried to convince Prem. Knowing his mother won't leave him alone, he sat up straight and asked her to show him.
It was a picture of Preet with a group of friends. It must be at that charity event last week he thought. Heer told him about it.
His eyes rested only on Heer in the picture and when Gayatri pointed at her, he looked at his mother bewildered.
"She is older than Preet ma.. " He said trying to divert her.
"Do I look that old fashioned to you? It doesn't matter these days even if girls are elder. Something tells me she'll be a perfect bahu for me." Gayatri seemed so sure it shocked Prem.
Before she can say anything, Prem held her hand and said "I'm not arguing if she'll be perfect or not but she's already taken."
"Taken? You mean she's seeing someone? How do you know?" Gayatri quizzed him.
"I met her while I was there. She works in the same company as Preet." Prem told her trying to explain the right way.
"Whats' her name?" She asked.
"Heer" A smile automatically crept on his face.
"Nice name. So, did you meet this guy? Do you think they're serious? I mean is there a chance they might break up?" She probed further but a call interrupted their discussion.
Prem looked at the caller and his mother unsure of what to do. Gayatri asked him to take the call and left from there. Once the call ended, Prem knew he had to talk to his mother before things go terribly wrong.
xxx
Heer was busy texting Meher when Preet came and sat beside her.
"Hey Heer... what did you get?" He said while pulling her lunchbox. It was usual for them to swap lunch. Heer would eat his canteen lunch and he would take her box.
"Ah bhindi.. great!! Where do you even find this stuff?" He said while digging in.
"Preet what's this garbage?" She asked looking at the plate he got. He just dumped whatever he found on his plate.
"It's food Heer.. I'm sure you can find something to eat in it" He said busy eating her box.
"I've been thinking about it for a long time... I think I need to set up PB on a date. You know he's always busy, it's about time he finds someone" He said deeply engrossed in thought.
Heer looked at him in shock. She didn't know what to say.
"I think I know just the right person. Can't wait for my graduation." A smile formed on his face and he looked at Heer. Heer just sat there wondering what Preet was upto.
xxxx
Prem joined his parents at the table for dinner. They seem to be happily discussing something and once Prem sat down,
"Do you know Heer is your father's childhood friend Balraj's daughter?" Gayatri told him.
"I can't believe it. She's working with Preet. Ah small world.. I was so happy to meet him last year. I saw his family picture and thought Heer would be perfect for you but you were not..." Lalit was disappointed.
"On bright side, she's already friends with Preet... how about we talk to Balraj ji about Preet?" Gayatri suggested Lalit.
"Not a bad idea" Lalit agreed.
"Ma I told you she already likes someone." Prem tried to interrupt the conversation.
"How are you so sure? What if he's not the right guy? I mean these days couples break up so easily over small things." Gayatri wasn't ready to give up.
"Ma I'm him and yes we're very serious about each other. I want to marry her' Prem said closing his eyes and holding his breath before his mom gets any more ideas.
He opened his eyes when his mother said, "So, you mean to say I needn't worry as she's going to be my daughter-in-law anyways"
"So, I better make preparations for your move then?" She asked him as he hugged her.
"You're okay if I move there. I mean would you mind?" He asked her as he was not sure if Heer was prepared for the move.
"Why would I?" She said.
"It would be better you know, both my sons being there to support each other. Besides, I can do with some holidays there" She chuckled.
"Thanks ma.."
"So you ultimately went with my choice then" Lalit was proud.
"I didn't know it was her dad" He said.
"It all worked out in the end. That's what matters. Preet must have been elated." Gayatri chipped in.
"He doesn't know yet" Prem was embarrassed to keep his brother out of loop.
"I'm sure he'll figure it out when you go" His mother assured him.
"Between Teji asked me to send some laddoo for my daugther-in-law" Gayatri pointed to a box on the table.
"So, all this talk was just to wind me up." Prem couldn't believe his parents would do that.
xxx
Prem was eating breakfast when Heer came out all dressed.
‘All the best’ He kissed her but didn’t want to leave her yet.
‘I’m getting late Prem. See you tonight. I’ll text you the address.’ She ran away.
He sighed and left to work.
Later that evening, he walked into the restaurant to find her waiting for him.
‘Congratulations!!” He said as he noticed the surroundings. The restaurant was on the top floor of a building with views across the city.
“How do you know?” She said.
“You don’t splash out so easily Heer” He said knowing Heer’s quite modest like his mother when it comes to spending money.
Among her many virtues was her ability to blend in any environment which attracted him to her.
“I don’t like fine dining. It’s way too formal and rigid” She said waiting for their main course to arrive.
“I know Heer but it’s not every day you get a promotion. Besides we go to our local pub out of boredom as well sometimes so what’s special about that.” He said.
Honestly they would have been just as happy eating at a local pub but he wanted it to be a bit more special for her and be proud of her achievements.
“So, how are the preparations for Preet’s surprise party on Sunday coming along?” Prem asked her. He felt bad that he left all the work on her when it was him who should be doing that.
“I did invite all his friends here and texted to some of his friends back home. You better check on them. The venue had a dance floor and comes with food and drinks. I’ll text you details. Deposit needs to be paid tomorrow.” She could that much for Preet, her best friend and soon to be family. She smiled at the thought.
“Did I miss anything?” He asked seeing her blush.
“Nothing” She didn’t understand his sudden question.
He signaled her to lean forward and then rubbed her cheek with his hand.
“It’s not food. You seem to be blushing for some reason” He said as he wondered what she thought that made her blush so much.
“Premmm”
“I think I’m going to skip dessert.” He didn’t fancy anything.
“I’m not going to share” She said.
He didn’t have a sweet tooth but that doesn’t stop him from digging into her dessert. As he gobbled down half of it, she gave him an angry look.
“I’m helping you by taking down some calories. You’ve been eating way too many laddoos.” He chuckled.
“Shut up Prem” She hit him on his arm.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Heer went ahead while checking for the trains on her mobile app. She realised Prem wasn't with her and turned back to see him hugging someone. She could also see Preet beside Prem. Before she could do anything, Preet spotted her and screamed
"Heeeeer"
Preet reached to her.
"How's she?" He asked her pulling her into a hug. She noticed a pretty girl talking to Prem now.
"That's Sanjana.. PB's childhood friend. They went to school and college together. Perfect for PB." He said.
Preet introduced her to Heer.
“Heer meet Sanjana.” They shaked hands.
"I thought you were coming over weekend. How come you're here PB?" Preet asked Prem.
"I had to come early due to work and was catching up with a colleague for dinner. I thought I texted you that I came" He said not sure of what to say.
"I met Sanjana for dinner and we were planning to surprise you over weekend but you surprised us" Preet said.
"Let's go to this pub then since we're all here instead of standing here" Sanjana said pointing to a pub.
"I'll leave" Heer said not wanting to join.
"Ah Heer sorry I forgot. What are you doing here?" Preet turned his attention back to her.
"I.. I was here to meet a friend for dinner. It's already late and I've to go to work early tomorrow" Heer said.
"I'll see you guys later" She said bye to everyone and left.
Before Prem could stop her, Sanjana dragged him from there.
"Home yet?" Her mobile buzzed as she rested on her bed.
"Yes" She texted.
"Will come tomorrow. Preet wants me to go with him. I'm sorry" He replied.
"That's fine" She replied.
xxx
Next 2 days passed in a jiffy as Heer was busy with her work due to new responsibilities and Preet kept Prem busy with Sanjana and his shopping.
It was Saturday morning and Heer woke up to a very familiar aroma. She made her way to the kitchen to see Prem transferring carrot halwa into a bowl from pan.
"Atleast brush your teeth Heer" He said when he saw her reaching for a spoon.
She took a spoonful and closed her eyes as she reminsced the taste.
"Tastes just like my mom's. Where did you find this recipe? Mom is so particular not to share with me so that I go to her for it." She said.
As she tried to reach for another spoonful, Prem hid it from her.
"This isn't for breakfast." He reprimanded her.
"Premmm I want it now" She was adamant as well.
"This is for a special..." He bit his tongue.
"For?" Heer looked at him in suspicion.
"Aren't we getting late? The train leaves in an hour Heer and it takes 15 min to get there. Get ready quick" He put the bowl in fridge and pushed her to her room.
“You look very pretty Heer” He said as they settled on the train.
“You don’t look too bad yourself.. you should let me buy more stuff for you” She said adjusting his cuff links.
He noticed she was wearing the earrings he got for her and traced her ear with his finger.
“Stop it Prem. There are people around.” She said.
She held his hand in hers tight to stop him from doing anything.
“What’s with you today?” She said as she noticed him busy staring at her.
“I don’t know I just feel so lucky to be with you” He said.
“There’s something fishy. What is it?” She asked knowing he was just buttering her up.
“I am going to Amsterdam next week, will you join me? I need a holiday Heer” He stated.
“I’ve scheduled few takeover meetings Prem. I’m afraid I can't cancel them” She felt bad to decline him. This was the first time he asked her to join him.
Prem didn’t know what made him do that. He knew she would be busy in her role and was holding back to ask her but it’s finally out.
“That’s fine Heer. I’m sure we can plan something next month” He said looking at her dejected face.
“Sorry” She said.
“Heer please don’t apologise. It makes me feel bad to ask you anything. If it doesn’t work out, we can plan something later. What’s wrong with that.” He calmed her down.
"I've got something for you" He pulled a box out of his bag.
"Ah halwa.. you got this for me or.." She raised an eyebrow opening the box.
"Who else would I get it for?" He asked her.
"I don't know... You seem to be meeting some old friends" She said taking a bite of her halwa.
"Friends?? Ahhhh now I get it..." A smile appeared on his face.
"What?" She didn't understand why there was a mischievous smile on his face.
“Nothing.... Are you ready to be my guide again?” He smiled as they approached the station.
“Do you have to ask? This was where it all started for me.” She was excited to be there.
As they walked towards Preet’s college, Heer showed him the place where she used to stay, her college and few other places of interest.
“You know this clock. It was in the song in the movie Pa” She said.
“I’m not a Bollywood buff like you but if you say so.” Prem teased her when she threw random Bollywood trivia at various places.
They saw Preet in a black robe with people around him, ready to go. He waved at them.
“They’re going to walk from the college till the main hall where the ceremony takes place.” She said as they walked behind the group cheering along with others. Prem took pictures to send to his parents.
The ceremony was over and Preet joined them. They took few fun pictures and Preet directed them to go to a pub down the street where he’ll join them after few pictures with his batch mates.
They got seated and Prem was playing with her fingers. They saw Preet walk in with Sanjana.
“There you are!! Order quickly I want to take you guys somewhere” Preet said.
"Are you here next week Prem?" Sanjana asked him as they were eating.
"I don't know yet Sanju" He said as he didn't plan what to do.
"It's Sam and Sriya's marriage. I thought we could go together" She said hoping they'll be able to catch up with their old friends.
"I forgot. Sam would kill me if I missed it. Thanks for reminding me." He said checking his reminders.
They started reminscing college days when Sam tried various attempts to woo Sriya.
Preet said
“Why don’t you guys find a table and catch up while Heer and I get drinks?”
Heer went along with Preet while Sanjana and Prem were busy recollecting memories.
Once they got back, the music was slow and Sanjana asked Prem for a dance. Preet took Heer to the dance floor.
“So, what do you think?” Preet asked.
“About what Preet?” Heer was confused.
“Them” He said pointing to Prem and Sanjana.
“I told you I'll find someone for PB” Preet said.
Heer didn’t know what to say.
“Jealous are you?” He asked as she turned silent.
“Why will I be jealous Preet?” She asked him.