I know- I took really long, and I am really sorry for that 😳 I just had so much work to do for university that I didn't get the chance to write up the next part. But finally I had some free time and decided to update. Welcome to the new thread- it would not have possible without you guys, so thank you from the bottom of my heart 🤗 Here is the next chapter:
Chapter Thirty
'How many times have I told you Prem- you should say pardon or excuse me not what!' lectured Gayatri. Prem stared at his mother blankly, needing to get words out. He let out a short, uncomfortable laugh. 'You're joking, right Maa?' he asked. 'I mean, me marrying Meher...that's just impossible. What made you even think of that idea?' he continued and Gayatri placed her hands on her hips. 'Why? There is nothing wrong with Meher. She's smart, studying abroad...and if Heer is so pretty, her sister is bound to be as well. From what Heer has told me, she's a lovely girl,' said Gayatri, watching the colour drain from her son's face. 'I never said that she isn't a nice girl, I just do not want to marry her…plus she's too young for me,' argued Prem. Gayatri shook her head. 'But why? Age isn't a big issue. Unless, there is some other reason for not marrying that you won't tell me about?' she pressed. Prem stood silently, staring at her in a dumbfounded way.
'Ur...no...I just think it is a bad idea. And don't you think Heer would get upset if her little sister was getting married before her...?' Prem asked hopefully. Gayatri waved her hand as if dismissing the thought. 'I'm sure Heer wouldn't have any problem with it,' she said, 'And we can look for a boy for Heer too, after all, I am just as much her mother as I am yours.' Now he knew where he got his stubbornness from, Prem thought. He put his hand to his forehead as his head began to pound, pressing his temples for a moment. 'My head is spinning. I think I'll go up and sleep for a bit,' he said and Gayatri nodded. 'Of course Prem...You must be tired from your flight. Go and get some sleep,' she said, placing her hand on his cheek. 'We can talk about this later,' she added and Prem inwardly groaned as he turned to go upstairs. Why didn't anyone tell him that falling in love was so stressful?
~
'Careful,' said Heer, as she along with Preet, guided Meher up the stairs of her university residence. 'Okay mother,' teased Meher, rightfully earning herself a glare from her big sister. Preet, who was silently chuckling at the sight, after receiving a sharp look from his future sister-in-law, pursed his lips together tightly. Meher's flat was small yet cosy. Though she had a bedroom and bathroom all to herself, she had to share the kitchen with five other girls, all of whom she had grown incredibly close to over the past two years. All of whom, were waiting to welcome her home as she entered through the front door. 'Meher!' they all cried harmoniously as she hopped in. They darted forward to seize her in a crushing hug. 'Yeah, I missed you too,' Meher laughed, breathing a sigh of relief as they let go. As Heer watched Meher interact with her friends, she felt her phone vibrate in her bag.
A small smile fell across her face. There could only be one person sending her a message at that moment in time. 'Meher, you sit down, you need rest. I'll be back in a minute...' said Heer and Meher rolled her eyes. Heer stepped outside into the hallway and checked her phone to see a message from Prem crying out to be read. 'When are you coming home?' it said and Heer grinned. She could almost feel a sense of despair exuding from the message. She began composing a reply, giggling as she pressed the send button. 'Why? Missing me already, are we?' she had written before going back inside to see Meher engrossed in conversations with her flatmates. It was not long before a buzz alerted her of another incoming message. Meher looked up at Heer and smirked. 'Didi- someone is certainly very persistent to talk to you,' she winked, covering her mouth with her hand to suppress her giggles.
Heer gave Meher a little nudge on in the stomach and rushed out of the room, hoping to hide the tint that spread across her face. Preet who was standing on the other side of the kitchen sipping on his lemonade witnessed the exchange and frowned in suspicion. He strolled forwards and took a seat next to Meher, leaning closer to her. 'Is your sister seeing someone?' he asked in a whisper and Meher's eyes widened in surprise. She was unable to speak, afraid of saying anything that may betray her sister's trust. 'Preet, I can't tell you anything yet...But I promise, when Didi's ready for everyone to know, I will tell you everything myself,' she said. Preet endowed her with a smile and placed his hand over hers, giving it a little squeeze. 'It's okay Meher. I'm not pushing you into telling me anything. I respect your privacy,' he said and Meher leaned into his embrace, silently thanking him.
Meanwhile, Heer stood in the hallway, smiling broadly even before she had read the text from Prem. She looked at the scratched panel of her phone and stared eagerly at the message: 'If I say yes, will it make you come home sooner?' she read and suddenly felt something tug at her heart. He was making this so much harder for her. She wanted to be home just as much as he wanted her to be, yet she could not leave until Meher was completely ready for it. Replying with a simple 'Maybe' she went back inside to rejoin the others. Meher, noticing the sad look on her sister's face, got up from her seat and staggered towards her. She gave Heer a little shake on the arm and Heer smiled, looping her arm around Meher's. 'I'm so glad you're home now. You don't know how worried I was when I got the phone call about your accident,' said Heer, shuddering at the thought of anything happening to her baby sister.
Meher gave her a cuddle. 'Heer Di. I'm fine now...so maybe you and Preet should think about booking your return tickets,' said Meher. Heer shook her head and placed her hand on Meher's cheek. 'I can't leave yet. Not until you are fully better,' she said and Meher rolled her eyes. It took Meher a whole hour to convince Heer that she was recovering well and that she had all of her friends to look after her. 'I'm walking fine now, and the pain is almost gone. I have so many people here to take care of me,' Meher argued. 'Plus...I think there is someone back in India who needs you more than I do at the moment,' she added in a quieter tone. Heer sighed, knowing Meher was right. Maybe it was time to go back home. 'I'll call up the airline,' said Heer and Meher gave a slight nod. When Heer left the room, Meher felt a pair of warm arms encircle her and she sighed, melting in his embrace.
'I'm so proud of you,' Preet whispered in her ear. Meher turned around to link her arms behind his neck. She smiled as Preet's face inched closer to hers but both jumped as a pillow suddenly flew across the room to hit them. 'Get a room!' shouted Myra, one of Meher's flatmates. Laughter sounded the room and Preet scoffed. 'They're just jealous,' joked Preet and Meher giggled, nodding in agreement. She abruptly pulled away from him as she saw Heer entering the room again. Heer walked across the room and put her arm around Meher. 'The flight is tomorrow night- I hope that is okay with you both,' said Heer. Preet nodded, staring down at Meher to see if she had any problem with it. Meher lifted her face and met his gaze, flashing him a smile that told him that she was happy. 'You better get packing then,' she said. Heer gave Meher a hug and beamed, for she was going home- home to her Prem.
So Heer going home means- Prem and Heer together- which means romance 😆 I love writing those bits 😆 I didn't like this part 🤢 Maybe because I rushed in writing it 😳 But I will be interested in reading what you have to say about it 😃
Love Zahra xx
Edited by Pyari_Zahra - 16 years ago
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