||Heart's Aflame|| Chapter 20 updated pg 107 23/4 - Page 42

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Posted: 15 years ago
whoa.......☺️.....plz do update soon.........
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Posted: 15 years ago
Hey guys em finally back! *Waves* i know tht u all are simply seething away in anger that i came back after a month but pls believe me i didnt want to be this late.. i was facing a major writer's block for this update but i have finally written it down and its 14 pages long so i hope u all would be satisfied and if not then em already doing sit ups as a punishment! 😆😆 another thing personally i think this chapter is one of my worst writings EVER although my sister said that its nt tht bad but ur opinion matters the most to me... pls write more thn *great update* coz i beleive this update is not tht great at all🤢 and also to all my silent readers pls tell whether u guys want me to continue with this fic or not coz i dunno i am just disapointed in myself.. keeping it short i am hating the way i write 😆😆 so feel free to critisize anything u feel like! and ya for all the weak hearted ppl better sit with a fan or sumthing😆 😆😉

CHAPTER 14

Dusk had fallen in the city of Thane when Heer Mann woke up from a deep slumber. Rubbing her heavy lidded eyes, she smothered a yawn and stared up at the ceiling suddenly feeling disoriented. Her neck was damp against the pillow and her cotton shirt clung to her body, wet from perspiration. Moistening her dry lips, she blinked her eyes again and a small frown made its way on her forehead. The bed felt hard against her back and the duvet that was drawn up to her chest felt heavy. It was nothing like the softness of the mattress of her bed and neither did the blanket had the velvety feel of her comforter. "Where am I?" she thought perplexed and sat up straight, tucking the few strands of hair that clung to the side of her face as her hazed mind tried to figure out where she was because this was not certainly her room. Sleep evaded her, as she frantically scanned the room looking here and there and she almost tripped over own two feet as she threw off the blanket, scrambling out of the bed. The glass paneled window, offered little aid, as her anxious eyes roamed over the scarcely lit room owing to the fading light, making out a dresser with a square mirror and a study table at the right most corner of the room which supported a small lamp and seemed to be piled up with books.

Rubbing her palms over her arms to ward off the chill that had settled over her, she made her way to the glass paneled window and gazed out as everything came rushing back her. The drive to Prem's home, her shouting, and then telling him that she was pregnant with his child, meeting his family and then falling asleep'

Realization dawned on her, and a soft groan escaped her lips as she leaned her head against the cool glass and closed her eyes, trying to blot out everything that had come back to her like a ruthless veracity, making her realize what a mess she had made of her life and Prem's. Involuntarily, her heart fluttered at the mere thought of him, but the smile that was making its way on her tired face vanished when the real quandary that she had put him in came in her mind. What would he tell his father about them because Lalit Juneja had not looked convinced by the cock and bull story they had pulled on him. Would he accept her as his daughter in law only to loose her after a period of 9 months? Would Prem really marry her? And most of all what would her own father would say to all this when he would come to know that she was marrying Prem? He had hated him on sight and he would probably kill him if he ever realized that they were getting married in two days because she was pregnant with his child! Her face paled at that very prospect and she let out a shaky breath running her numb hands through her hair thinking that could life get any worse for her? A single night of ardor and infatuation had turned everything upside down, toppling all her ambitions and dreams down the drain. Morosely, she looked out at the panorama in front of her eyes. The dark blue sky looked monotonous offering little solace to her miserable form. She gazed at the mango tree that rose magnificently across from her window; its green leaves the way the leaves swayed in the wind, blithe and carefree. It was summer, and she could see some small mangoes peeking from underneath the sturdy branches and behind it she could see fields spread out on acres of ground, the crops swaying gently in the slight breeze as the failing light of the sun gave way to the blackness of the night enhanced by twinkling stars and a shining moon. Life was never so simple for Heer Mann' ever since she was a small girl. At every stage of her existence she had tried her utmost to smooth things out' she had tried to find answers to the questions'questions that had rose when her mom had abandoned their family ' questions that why did she leave them? Didn't she love her family? Were her husband and child a disappointment that she no longer wanted to live with them?

At every phase of her life, God had taken a test from her' first one was when her mother had abandoned her when she was a mere adolescent' the second one came when her father threw her out of his life too' deserting her like her mother had' she still remembered those still, lonely nights by the hearth as she used to linger awake till late at night to wait for her father to come home and put her to sleep like her mom used to do' quivering with cold as the 5 year old girl didn't have that much vigor to draw down her small coverlet from her bed and wrap it around her herself' her father had come home drunk that night' the silence of the night was broken by the sound of a resounding slap' after that sole night that small girl had never stayed up late for her father'

Tears gathered around her lashes as Heer recollected each and every painful memory, which was etched in her heart with blinding clarity'

And now her own child would also yearn for its father's love just like she had' the only difference was that even though her father did not love her he was still in front of her eyes as a pillar of strength but her child' it wouldn't even know who its father was and why did he leave it' what would she say than? Her small baby would ask for answers' answers that she had once asked from her father and like her father she would not have anything to say' it was not Prem's fault either' he was already doing so much for her' he had agreed to give his child his name' so what if it was only for nine months? It was she after all she who had seduced him into going to bed with her so the entire blame fell on her' she was the one who was the root cause of this catastrophe and she alone would have to face the consequences' the thought of her child waiting for his father to come day and night and envelope it in his arms and say that he loves it a lot filled her eyes with fresh tears and this time she was unable to stop the gush of tears that brimmed her eyes and she slid to the floor crying silently as she pictured her baby crying for a faceless father and living its life in shame as people would ask it all those terrible questions that they had once asked her and who knew of the agony they would put it in better than her when she had experienced the very same thing when her friends would ask her where her father was when sports competitions, Parents teaching meetings and different contests were held in her school as her father never had time for her.

the silent sobs broke when a rap sounded at the door making her jump in fright. Brushing away the drops that had fallen down her face' Heer rubbed her eyes in order to hide any inkling that she had been crying and switched the light on, making her way towards the door' suddenly apprehensive. Upon opening she saw Prem standing in front of her his hand raised to knock one more time. "Hi," Heer said softly her wide eyes boring in to his darker ones. Prem opened his mouth to speak, but as his eyes swept over her pale face taking in her teary eyes, his gaze narrowed skeptically and his suspicion was affirmed when she quickly broke her gaze away, her face flushed.

"You wanted something?" she asked clearly her throat, taking great interest in the white button of his shirt clearly avoiding his piercing gaze.

"Heer?"

"I was just going to change' I am really sorry that I slept so long' I shouldn't have'

"Heer'" Prem interrupted coming in the room as she had suddenly turned her back on him, walking blindly towards the chair where her suitcase was.

"I mean your father already disapproves of me' and if he would know that I slept the entire afternoon away than he'" she blabbered on making quite a show of heaving her bag up and opening it, although she never got successful because her hands were shaking too much as they fumbled with the locks when a hand came to rest on her forearm stopping her in her actions and putting an end to her incessant chatter.

Tugging her towards himself, Prem clamped her mouth shut by his hand over it as she opened it to protest. "Heer I am not like your father. I am different' you believe that don't you?" he asked searching her eyes for an answer. Heer slowly nodded her head.

"Then believe in the fact that I will be there for our child," he whispered tenderly as he removed his hand from her mouth.

Heer smiled softly her eyes bright as they whispered a soft thank you to him. Prem returned the smile relieved to some extent.

"I am waiting for you downstairs," he said tilting his head. She nodded. He turned around and left the room and Heer stared at his retreating back a strange euphoria cursing through her as she hugged herself. Prem Juneja was full of surprises. Beneath that hard exterior lay the heart of a man who was soft and gentle and kind. Who offered support even when it was not needed of him.

Smiling again, Heer closed the door behind her and made a beeline for her suitcase that lay on the bed trying to think of what to wear. She hadn't brought many clothes and she wished that she had put in something decent to wear because she really wanted to make a good impression on Prem's father especially after their unpleasant encounter earlier in the afternoon. Her expensive jacket and jeans had certainly not left a good notion in the old man's mind and Heer was determined to make things easier for Prem as he was already doing so much for her. Different articles of clothing flew out of the brown bag as she rejected one dress after the other when after a while her frantic hands came to rest on a white dress that was folded neatly beside all her lingerie. Taking it out she spread the shirt out and discovered much to her immense pleasure that it was an Anarkali suit with a churidaar pajama and dupatta' perfect for dinner. She didn't recall putting it in her bag but then she must have packed it erroneously as she was packing everything that was coming in her hand from the brimming wardrobe.

Relief flooded her and she happily went to the bathroom to freshen up and to change her clothes.

Setting the oak table with the desired crockery, Prem made his way into the dimly lit kitchen and spooned out the hot curry in a bowl and taking a plate out of the dish rack he placed healthy amount rice in it.

Balancing both the dishes in his hands, his face an emulate of extreme prudence as he made his way back into the dining hall and placed both of them abreast to the garnished plate of salad decorated with the likes of slices of carrots, cucumber and radishes. Pouring crystal clear water in a plastic flagon adorned with fading patterns of small flowers and leaves that Meher had taken a liking to when she had once went shopping to the small market at 12 miles from their home and had bought it much to the disgruntlement of his father who believed that every penny was important as the money they had was always transitory binding them to a hard life. Placing the pitcher beside the dishware, he surveyed the laden table with a critical eye musing whether anything was amiss or not. The dark red cloth that covered the entire length of the table was a sharp contrast to the array of white dishes that rested over it. Momentarily satisfied as he could not find any flaw with whatever he had made come up with as this was his first time in serving anyone let alone his own soon to be wife, his dark eyes flashed up to the timepiece that ticked away merrily on the white wall and his forehead ceased into a frown and as if realizing something important, he hurried towards the oak dresser on his left and opening the second drawer he took out some candles from it as the power was to go out in five minutes. Placing three snow white candles opposite to each other on the wooden table, he lit the gas lamp in the living room and kitchen and lit another candle thus placing it on the candlestick that was sported by a wooden cupboard near the staircase willing Heer to come down before the electricity went out as he was sure that she in all probability was not used to the menace which the Indian society faced on a daily basis.

Leaning over the table with a lit matchstick in his hand, Prem looked at the orange flame that flickered to life at one stroke of the match against its thread. The small glow of fire struck a painful chord in his memory. His mother always used to brighten up the whole house by lighting small candles in every corner of the house whenever the power used to go out at nightfall. Those dusky evenings were still etched in his scarred heart. They were always there, like a foregone memory of the woman he loved and cherished most in the world but his love was not enough to hold her back in the same world that he lived in. The burning match wavered and died as a gust of wind blew in from the open window diminishing the merry glow of the candles to a tiny speck just as the lights went out and as if drawn by an unknowing yet an overwhelming force he rushed towards it and pulling its doors in, he shut it, placing the clasp in its place. His agonized eyes quickly looked back to where the candles lay and the place where his heart had contracted relaxed as the candles flickered back to life their blaze stronger this time. The dark eyes relaxed and a sole tear escaped his eye as he recalled the way whenever he used to come home from college, sweat trickling down his brows, down his neck and shirt dampening the light material and as soon as he would step into the foyer of the house, his mother who would be resting her head against the old rocking chair, would bustle up at the very first sounds of footsteps in the house no matter how quiet it was. A warm hug and then an order to be off to the washroom would soon follow and then whenever he would come down, his face scrubbed and hair combed back, although he preferred them when they were their usual unruly self, he would always find his mother setting the table with hot food and lighting the candles to brighten up the house instead its usual gloomy self unknown to the fact know that for her son she was the light in every hour of darkness. He looked back at the black sky, his eyes coming to rest on the brightest of the stars in the sky.

It was the same house, the same sky, and the very same hour but it was not the same time it was not the same life' it was not him'

The dark brooding eyes, stole a glance back at the table, and as the fire glow recaptured his attention' an answer' one that he had been searching for came in his mind' he had not been able to save his mother but that did not mean that all was lost' the candles had recuperated back after he had shut the window' he could too' the closing of the window was a reflection of what he had done to his life' he had shuttered it from intrusion of any kind' "Prem life never stops it goes on' and you have to go along with it whether you like it or not" his life was going along too... but his mother didn't want that' she wanted something else for him' and as this thought crossed his mind' the sound of footsteps descending slowly down the staircase made him come out of his reverie and a soft voice with a sharp clarity to it rang out.

"Prem?"

The voice had his head reeling and he looked at the sky thinking that this was what his mom wanted?

In the deepest corners of his heart, he knew that after his mother's death Heer was the sole girl who had evoked such strong emotions in him...

As Heer's voice rang out again, this time with a note of panic in them, Prem wiped his damp cheeks and his face passive now' the shutters in place' he went towards the staircase.

"Heer?" he said squinting up the small flight of stairs that was plunged into darkness and couldn't help a small smile as he heard her exclaim with relief that he had not left her.

"Just come down slowly. I am standing right in front of you," he guided extending out his hand for her take. The footsteps continued cautiously and a small hand reached out, sliding into his large one. Pulling her gently into the light of the gas lamp, Prem took in a sharp breath as the mellow light fell across her radiant features and his breath seemed to catch in his lungs at the very first sight of her. The yellow light glimmered off her lustrous black hair that cascaded over her shoulders; the small strands of hair that usually teased her oval face were pulled back in a barrette making her look different but nevertheless beautiful as always. The soft glow of golden against pure white made her sparkle like a falling star giving her an aura of that of an angel. His gaze moved down her wide black eyes and rosy lips that were tinged with a shade of pink and down the wide expanse of her collarbone that disappeared into a round neckline. The soft material of her white dress hugged her chest falling down in many swirls beneath her knees accentuating her supine figure as he saw much to his surprise and pleasure that she had worn an Indian outfit.

Not missing the way his eyes momentarily widened at her apparel, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips; pleased that he had liked what she was wearing because his eyes said it all no matter how hard he tried to hide his emotions'

Clearing her throat making him quite aware of his avid staring, Heer couldn't help but giggle as she saw him hastily breaking his gaze away' looking elsewhere'anywhere except at her.

In order to ease the tension in the room Heer asked the first question that came to her mind, "Where's everyone else?"

"They aren't at home. Meher went to her friend's house to study and dad left early for his shift'" he said his eyes boring into hers as he wanted to see whether the thought of being alone with him once again unnerved her or not'

His answer and eloquent gaze brought back vivid memories to both of them, and she suddenly felt very hot in the room. A tingling sensation went down her spine right in between her legs as she recalled how utterly meaningful and beautiful that night was to her as Prem only gave and gave not asking for anything from her' loving and kissing her till she was out of breath fulfilling all her desires' but it had not ended yet' no, so much of it was still left' all the lonely nights that she had spent in her bed tossing and turning unable to sleep' her body ablaze as it reminisced each and every caress that Prem had tortured her with making her writhe with yearning and hunger desiring more and more' and standing in the small room with a distance of a few inches in between them' their smoldering gazes met once again telling the other one that the thirst was still not quenched' oh no it was far from getting fulfilled.

Prem held out his hand to her' and she placed her small one in his' the mere sliding fingers of one against the skin of the other had them gasping inwardly. The fight to bear control and have dinner first as there was plenty of time to satisfy their other desires, Prem quietly led her to her side of chair praying to God that his demons would remain in control throughout dinner at least as he wanted to talk to her instead of hauling her up in his arms as soon as they finished and make love to her till she cried out for release.

Taking a seat opposite to her, Prem helped himself to some rice and curry even though he was not hungry at all. They ate the food in silence stealing momentary glances at each others profile every now and than. Heer toyed with her spoon, her stomach in tight knots, her senses coming alive as she could feel him looking at her with such an intensity that seared right through her skin and into her blood warming her from head to toe. She stole a glance at him, as he poured water in his glass and gulped as she saw the way the black shirt stretched across those powerful set of muscles emanating raw power underneath them. Her heart fluttered as a black curl fell over his right eye, making him look exceedingly sexy and all the more desirable at the moment. The soft glow of the candle played across his sharp features, outlining each and every contour of his face. his features were classically perfect. A strong chiseled jaw line, high cheekbones and a wide forehead. Jet black eyelashes splayed over smooth cheeks and she realized with a sudden pang of amusement and surprise of how long they were. Her gaze moved down his lowered eyes, down his nose and settled over those incredibly sexy lips that had tormented her mere hours ago. Color flooded her cheeks as Prem suddenly looked up only to find her staring at his lips and looked down immediately cursing the stupid blush that always gave away her real thoughts. Smirking at her obvious discomfort upon getting caught in her act of ogling at him, Prem leaned back in his chair, his hand nursing a glass of water, tilting his neck to look at the fiery yet innocent temptress in front of him who had seduced him not with her charms but with sHeer mixture of pure innocence and longing that had him loosing control of his bearings making him helpless to give in to her demands.

He noticed the way her hand shook ever so slightly as she set the spoon down and looked up. Their gazes met and immediately she felt as if he had lit her entire being.

"walk?" he asked quietly and suppressed the urge to grin as she got up hurriedly glad to be out of doors and probably him as both of them didn't know for how long they would restrain from keeping their hands off each other.

Walking out, Heer took a deep breath glad to be out in open air as the room was getting too hot for her liking and whether it was because of the closed windows or because of Prem's heated gaze on her, she didn't want to know although a small naughty voice in her head told her that it was probably the latter.

The sky was clear and a bright moon shone down on the two lovers as they walked side by side, their hands brushing against each other yearning to slide into one another but they knew that once they would come in contact all thoughts of talking or doing anything else would just fly out of the window resulting in the sole thing that their hearts were desiring at the moment and that was to fuse their bodies together and go up in flames. A gentle breeze blew every now and then making the leaves on the old oak tree rustle, having no affect whatsoever on the heightened temperatures of their bodies. The air seemed to crackle with heat when Heer said the question that was nagging her when she was on her way to see him but had forgotten as she was too absorbed in her own troubles, "Why didn't you tell me that you have an MBA. Rahul told me when I called him to ask your home address. Why did you let me think that you were an ordinary steel worker who was heading off to Venezuela to chase your luck in the oil field?" she asked trying to keep the accusation out of her voice.

"What makes you think that steel workers are ordinary and people with M.B.A's are special?"

Heer heard the mild reprimand in those words and she flinched inwardly. Leaning her shoulders against the tree trunk behind her she said, "Did I sound like a snob?"

"Are you one?" he asking shoving his hands in his pockets, studying her.

"I'" she hesitated, searching his shadowy features, strangely tempted to say whatever she thought he wanted to hear, and just as firmly, she resisted the temptation. "I probably am."

She didn't hear the disgust in her voice but Prem did and the glamour of his sudden lazy grin made her pulse quicken. "I doubt it."

"Why?"

The three words made her feel inordinately pleased. "Why?"

"Because snobs don't worry about whether they are or not. However to answer you question, part of the reason I didn't say anything about the degree is that it doesn't mean anything unless and until, I can put it to use. Right now all I have are a bunch of ideas and plans that might not work out the way I think they should."

Rahul had said that most people found him difficult to get to know and Heer could easily believe that. and yet there were many times, like now, when she felt an odd sense of being so attuned to him that she could almost read his mind. quietly she said, "I think the other reason you let me go on thinking you're a steel worker was that you wanted to see if it would matter to me. it was a'a test wasn't it?"

That startled a chuckle from him. "I suppose it was. Who knows' that's all I may ever be."

"Heer," he said after a while looking up at the sky thinking whether he should say out loud what he had been musing over throughout the entire afternoon as she slept.

"Most couples take months learning about each other before they get married. You and I have only two days before we get married and than a week before I leave for South America. Do you think we could try to cram a few months into a few days?"

"I guess so," Heer said puzzled by the sudden intensity his voice.

"Okay fine," Prem said strangely at a loss as how to begin now that she'd agreed. "What would you like to know about me?"

"You mean to say as in interests and everything?"

"Yeah kind off," Prem said smiling a bit.

"Have you ever done anything reckless Prem?"

As soon as the question was out of mouth Heer immediately regretted saying it as he looked at her in amusement quirking his eyebrows, a grin playing on his face and felt like kicking herself for blurting out such a childish question.

"As a matter of fact I did," Prem said grinning and rubbed his neck as he recalled one of many wild things that he had done in life.
"what did you do?" she asked grinning herself perking up with interest.

"I jumped off a cliff when I was in college," he said sheepishly tucking his hands in the side pockets of his pants.

"YOU DID WHAT?" Heer exclaimed her feet coming to a halt as she turned to look at him, her face a mixture of bewilderment and anger.

"Yeah, it was a bet and I couldn't have given up on that challenge especially when I had to prove that I was not a nerd," he said shrugging his shoulders, surprised at her sudden outburst.

"I mean you could have gotten hurt Prem," she said immediately biting her tongue realizing that she had gone a tad bit too far' because whatever he had done in the past was none of her concern, or was it? She wondered.

"It was nothing and trust me I was in one piece when I came out of the sea," he assured, a slight teasing tone in his voice to keep everything light, touched by her distress and looked at her searchingly confused with the thought that did her feelings for him run deeper than she portrayed? He didn't know and yet for one moment when he thought that what if it was that way only a strange feeling came over him' one that he couldn't describe yet his gaze softened as he looked at her not missing that way her hands played nervously with the end of her dupatta, her eyes downcast as refused to raise her gaze up and realized that she in all probability didn't want to show how worried she had gotten for him. moving closer, Prem closed the distance between them, his sudden movement had those wide eyes glancing up in surprise. Tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, his fore finger lingering over her soft cheek, his dark eyes boring into hers and said softly, "I was completely fine."

The black eyes relaxed as a shaky smile made its way across Heer's face and she said lightly, "Please do refrain from doing all this again. I don't want to be widow at eighteen only"

Although Heer had said that in a very light voice yet her eyes told him that she meant each and every word. She didn't want to lose him and that realization had him smiling tenderly at her.

"What did you do?" he asked with a small grin and slid his hand into hers tugging her forward.

"The craziest thing or should I say the stupidest thing that I ever did was to trek up a snow mountain in my sneakers," Heer admitted wryly and narrowed her gaze at him in mock anger planting her hands on her hips as Prem threw his head back and laughed at her quip unable to believe that the sagacious Heer Mann had done that of all the things he had thought off,

"It was not funny you know!" she said scowling. "You should try sitting for hours in a stiff chair with your legs propped in a bucket full of hot water and then tell me how it feels like," she said darkly trying her very hard to not to smile herself as it was the first time she had seen in him laugh so openly.

"You did that?" he asked stopping to take a breath, his hand on his stomach.

"Yeah, I forgot to wear my snow boots when we left the lodge to go trekking," she said going red in the face as Prem chuckled once again.

"Come with me, I want to show you something," he said and took her hand in his before she could get a word in and led her towards the back of the house.

Reaching the desired destination, Heer was surprised to find a small nursery of plants at the back of it. A soft gasp escaped her lips, as she looked at the different flowers blooming on bushes and pots splaying a cHeerful atmosphere. A sweet smell filled her nostrils and she breathed in the heavenly smell closing her eyes loving the different feelings that washed over her. Turning, her eyes sparkling with happiness she asked, "How did you know that I love flowers?"

"I didn't, my mom used to love them a lot," Prem said quietly looking away, his gaze coming to rest on a flower pot beside him, fingering the soft petals of primroses as a shadow drifted across his face. For a while neither of them said a word and the silence hung over them like a foreboding disposition. Surprisingly it was comforting and Heer came to stand beside him contemplating whether to ask what she wanted to or not.

"Prem can I ask you something?" she said hesitating studying his face as he looked at her his gaze ominous.

"No leave it," she said looking away.

"Its okay you can ask me whatever you want Heer," Prem said gently looking at her. It was after quite a while when Heer spoke again.

"How' how did you mother die Prem?" she asked tentatively her voice faltering as she took in his expression. He had looked mildly curious in the beginning but now she could see shutters falling across his eyes as his face turned passive. However she did not miss the flash of pain that flitted across his face at the mere mention of the topic a moment before he held the look of foreboding and impenetration.

"I mean you don't have to answer if you don't want to and it will be perfectly okay with me' I mean I can understand'" Heer blathered horrified at herself for bringing this up and making him uncomfortable. She stopped as Prem raised his hand, holding it against her mouth, stopping her from speaking for a second time that day, a bemused expression on his face. His eyes carried a strange look. The carried a strange tenderness as though he was greatly touched by her concern and immediate awareness that she should respect his privacy. She was so selfless, getting nervous simply because of the fact that she had brought back poignant memories for him. Something she had no right to intrude upon. Little did she know that he somehow felt like giving her that right. To ask. To probe. She raised her uncertain eyes to meet his darker ones and almost sagged with relief as she saw that he was not upset with her at all. Prem removed his hand and looked away, staring off in the distance as the bundle of memories that he had locked and buried away in his scarred heart came back to him. Surprisingly it wasn't as painful as it always used to be.

"It all happened four years ago," he said his voice sounding like as if he was miles away yet he was standing mere inches from her. "She got diagnosed with blood cancer. The doctors said that it was at its last stage and nothing could be done. I believed that if we could get her the best doctors' the best hospital than she would survive. When the insurance ran out, we sold off all the farm equipment and what little land we owned'everything that we could liquidate to keep paying the medical bills but she died anyway," he said in a controlled unemotional voice.

"My mother was a strong woman. We all believed that she would make it but'" Prem whispered his voice trailing off as he recalled how fragile she had become after all the therapies and tests. Heer squeezed his hand, telling him to go on and he started again' his voice stronger.

"I still remember the day when I came to her with her favorite flowers. She loved orchids. The purple ones. They were very expensive but I had some money that I had saved to use one day and I bought them just to see her smile. She held my hand and told me that life never stops Prem' it always go on' the ironic thing is that I find it quite hard to believe'" Prem said his voice barely above a whisper now.

Tears gathered around her lashes as she looked at him and felt like as if she looking at a 20 year old boy who loved his mother so much that he had given away everything he had just to save her life'looking away so that he would not see her tears and think that she was feeling sorry for him, Heer made her way towards a rose bush that grew alongside a wall and broke off a stem, careful so that the thorns wouldn't hurt her. "My mom loved roses," she started softly her back towards him, as she caressed the red petals with her fingertips loving their velvety feel against her skin. "But I hated them because once when I had tried to take a rose in my hand, the thorns had scrapped my fingers and they started to bleed," she continued in a soft voice, still not looking at him.

"I cried a lot that day and my mom threw all of the roses away because they had hurt me and she didn't want a single one of them to be near me. Many days later when I saw her looking distressed, I went to the gardener and asked for some of them to give them to my mother. She was very pleased that day and told me that your life is laid out with thorns in every direction that is set out for you. It depends on you on how you pick your way through it with careful steps. If one thorn pricks you, you shouldn't hate the most beautiful flower by simply throwing it away because a rose will hurt as long as you will not remove the thorns away and when you do it's the most beautiful flower ever. These roses always bring back painful memories to me but the realization that they kept my mom happy and smiling all day gave way to all of my misforgivings and I have loved and cherished them since the day she has left me," she finished and looked back at Prem praying that he understood what she had wanted him to understand.

Prem looked at her in wonder as if seeing her in a whole new light' the wise face looked back at him that completely bellied her years and gazed into her eyes which looked back at him with deep understanding and realized with a pang that she was the first person that he had met who didn't feel pity for him. She understood his pain and had tried her utmost to tell him, in the way she considered most appropriate telling him the same thing that his mother had always advised him about the little games that life played with you now and then.

Her soft hand slid into his callused one and squeezed slightly sealing a promise to be there for him whenever he felt lost and despondent.

He managed a brief smile noticing the way her face brightened up, her eyes shining with happiness.

"I think we should go in now," she said softly and tugged at his arm and turned when he resisted her pull. "Thanks," he said. Smiling at him, she simply nodded her head and both of them walked upon the moonlit path unknown to the fact that there relationship had become more profound than it already was.

=====*=====*=====*=====*=====*=====*

Tossing and turning in her bed as sleep eluded her, Heer quietly got out of her bed so as not to disturb Meher who was sound asleep curled up like a cat in the blanket and quietly crept out of the room suddenly restless. It was past midnight and the house was quiet except for the sound of her footsteps as she padded down the hall towards Prem's room trying to figure out why in the world she was going to his room.

They had just stepped in to the house when the sound of a car pulling up telling them that their evening was over as Meher was home. They had shyly gone their ways already missing each other's presence as one went up the stairs and other stayed down only hiding secret smiles as Meher looked back and forth a wide grin on her face.

Ever since she had left Prem down in the lounge she had been missing him terribly even though she didn't want to admit it to herself and was blaming it on the fact that it was a new place and she was more used to sleeping in her own bed, stubbornly defying the small voice that was happily chanting away that she was missing Prem and couldn't stop dreaming about him and that the distance was killing her resulting in a fruitless attempt to go back to sleep. Slinging the wet tresses of her hair over her back, Heer stopped in front of his door suddenly feeling shy. Her hand rose to knock for quite a number of times and went down again as she bit into her lip, musing whether it was right to go in the room or not. Receiving no answer and unable to resist the urge, she opened the door and her face fell as she saw the bed empty. He's probably getting ready to go to bed; she thought dejectedly and closed it quietly. The sudden notion that risen in her mind that he was as sleep deprived as she was and was missing her but after seeing everything she decided that he was most certainly not doing that. Deciding to get drink of water, she noiselessly went down the stairs and was about to turn towards the kitchen when she saw a shadow against its wall and looked back towards the dining table only to find Prem staring out of the window, wearing nothing except a pair of black pajamas, his chest gloriously bare.

He was leaning against the side of the window, gazing up at the sky, seeming in deep thought. The pale blue light of the moon, glistened off that perfect chiseled face, having a sharp contrast against those jet black hair, the brooding set of dark eyes the perfectly sculptured male body that had her pulse quickening, her flamed heart throbbing painfully in her chest and she suddenly felt short of breath. Her hands yearned to familiarize themselves once again with every contour and inch of that musculature, to crush her lips against his and go up in flames. The desire that rose in her had her knees buckling and she reached to grab something for support and knocked out a glass in the process making Prem coming out of his reverie. All thoughts of straightening herself up flew right out of her mind as that dark intense gaze settled over her, scorching her body from head to toe, lighting every nerve ending of her body.

Prem didn't know for how long both of them simply stood like that taking in their fill of the one they were falling in love with' at perfect ease with the silence that stretched on between them'she wore a purple cotton top whose neckline dipped into a deep V outlining each and every contour of her supine figure underneath that soft material and a pair of white night pajama's that ended just above her ankles. The familiar fragrance of her jasmine shampoo washed over his senses, sending his head reeling. He clenched and unclenched his fists at his side, his jaw tightening in an effort to not to give in to the demands of his body at the sight of the beauty that stood in front of him, frozen just like he was. And then it seemed like that as if the heat of their gazes melted the ice that had frozen them to their places and they moved towards each other their steps sure, their gazes glazed.

Mere centimeters in between them now, Heer looked up at Prem, and took in a sharp breath as she saw his eyes flicker darkly as they roamed over her face. A callused fingertip drifted up her cheek, tracing a delicate path up her jaw to her ear, their touch whisper light, driving her crazy with desire. Unable to keep an inch apart between them, she swayed unsteadily on her two feet leaning into him. She splayed her fingers wonderingly along his strong jaw line wondering how anyone so beautiful was hers to claim and a sudden euphoria came over her that he was all hers. He was hers to take and give. The dazed stroking of her fingers against his cheek lighting little strokes of fire in their wake had his control snapping into two. Capturing her hand, in his he brought one arm against her waist pushing her yielding softness right into his hard length, feeling the instant shudder that passed through her body at the familiar contact and dipping his head he crushed her parted lips with his. Lightening exploded in both of their bodies as their lips met and without thinking Heer twisted against him increasing the sweet pleasure kissing him back with same fervor. He deepened the kiss, his powerful arms cradling her, one hand sliding down to cup her bottom and pull her even harder against him and the next thing Heer knew was that he had lifted her easily in his arms, settling her on the table wedging her legs to part as he moved in closer making her gasp at the intimate positioning of their bodies. Her nails dig into the smooth flesh of his back as she tore her mouth from his persistent one gasping as her head fell back. He barely paused, simply transferring his attention to the slender line of her throat, and she felt his hot mouth tracing a fiery trail down over the slope of her breast. She wrapped her legs around him, her mouth seeking his and moaned in protest as he burned kisses along her jaw and up her face, their breaths mixing, the air filled with soft sighs of passion and ardor. She felt a tug on her blouse, and then felt the light material fall down feebly around her waist but the cold daft of air that hit her suddenly naked body had her swimming out of the deep hazes of her mind and she grasped his wandering hands.

"Prem someone' someone might see us," she whispered hoarsely. Groaning inwardly and trying to catch his breath which was coming out in hard gasps, Prem lifted his head from her neck as the full force of her words hit him that they were in clear view of anyone who would walk down the staircase. His dark gaze moved over to where she sat leaned back on her arms and modestly covered her as she fumbled with her shirt, a blush creeping up her neck as the full realization of what they were doing and that too on the dining table of his house had her feeling embarrassed like anything. Scooping her down from her sitting position as she refused to meet his gaze, her face a bright shade of crimson mumbling something about going back to her room, Prem titled her head up to look at him. He saw the way those wide eyes stared into his dark ones, her lips swollen, her face flushed and sighed heavily as he knew that she would have to go now. "Goodnight sweetheart," he whispered tracing his thumb over her lip. Smiling as her fluttered happily upon hearing the word from his lips, Heer stood up on her toes and kissed him softly on the cheek, "Goodnight Prem." She murmured before going up the stairs turning to look at him for one last time as she descended feeling deliriously happy, was she falling in love with him? The thought had her stopping in her tracks as a new feeling washed over her and the answer of all her strange and disturbing thoughts finally came to her. Yes she was falling in love with Prem Juneja.

well thts it! it sucks doesnt it??👎🏼🤔 i dunt know whether i made sense with the rose thingie or nt the next update wil hopefully be more fast as i'll try to wrap up things for the leap to take! pls feel free to comment/critisize... oz ur comment means alot alot to me... and pls let me know whether u guys want me to continue with this fic or not!
lots of love
Hiba

Edited by premeerrock - 15 years ago
--Mehak-- thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Voyager Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 15 years ago
Hey Hiba,
Sorry I couldnt comment on your earlier chapters...Though I did read all of them but joined IF late...Nyways who told you It wasn't a great chapter??😲😲😲
Yeah...I am the first one to comment😃😃
It was seriously awsome, mindblowing, outstanding and out of the wordl..👏
Without exageration, you left me speechless girl⭐️Wooaahhh...what a long update😃
Loved every bit of it, finally she realises that she's in love...especially the goodnight Pat was tooo cute and romantic😳
I read the whole of it and promise to edit it later as I have to catch a class right now😳😳
Keep up your great work😃😃😃
Luv Mehak🤗
Edited by --pie-- - 15 years ago
_Maneet_ thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Explorer Thumbnail
Posted: 15 years ago
Hey hiba ... Amazing update.....I loved the ending!!!
And don't u dare even think about ending this ff!!!

Plz plz continue soon!!!
Olicity_23 thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail Networker 1 Thumbnail
Posted: 15 years ago
awesome


plzzzzzzzzzzz continue



thnx 4 the pm



update soon



Kamal
shirlys thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Navigator Thumbnail Networker 1 Thumbnail
Posted: 15 years ago
its nice plz continue
update soon
tc
aishwaryagayen thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 15 years ago
plz continue hiba i love thic fic of urs



meeshti. thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail + 2
Posted: 15 years ago
hiiii hiba
awesome update
loved it .............................
prem is soo caring ..............
he always make her believe that he love her ...........
and she also feels the sameeeee
in the end ..........................
it become really passionate ................😳
pls update soon
Edited by meeshti. - 15 years ago
-alisha- thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Voyager Thumbnail
Posted: 15 years ago
omg...................i cant blv thy started they started making love on the dining table....................wht passion yaar...............i wish thy wld hv completed their makeout session without thinking abt the circumstances..............this heer......stupid girl......wht was the need to make him aware of the situation:(........plzzplzpzlpzl plz give us another gorgeous full love making update..........plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz gr8 work
angel82 thumbnail
17th Anniversary Thumbnail Dazzler Thumbnail Networker 1 Thumbnail
Posted: 15 years ago
as per the precap , this was so not what i was expecting..you know that..
but this was a fantastic update...their relationship taking a new form, making them realise the importance of the other in their lives and all that...oh yes , the roses thingie did make sense...good job...
eagerly , very eagerly waiting for the next chapter.

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