FF|All the Wrong Moves in All the Right Ways I - Page 21

Originally posted by: --Mehak--

res

Originally posted by: -fsn-

reserved

😵 hmmmm, reserved?

Just kidding take your time 😊

Originally posted by: shahrukh_divya

awsum update...
luved prem n heer scnes.......

Originally posted by: munam_13

I love this STORY!!!! will comment BIIIIIIIIIG later Big smile

Originally posted by: sweet_gurl93

hey awesome update
lol i liked preet nd meher's plan :)
cnt wait for more
xx

Originally posted by: foxi

great update....haha premeer locked in the storeroom....Meet simply rock...love them...continue soon

Originally posted by: Prem4everRamsha

lovely part!
cant wait to read the next one!! (:

Originally posted by: pinky2009

thanks a lot for the lovely posts and pm.. Smile

Thank you all for your lovely comments! 😃 I'm so happy you are enjoying the fic!

Originally posted by: tadashi

that was awesome! I cant beleive they forgot about their siblings! Veera and er friends piss me off! who thinks about that type of stuff! especially in canada! I hope some one finds premeer! Thanks for updatinggg!

I know. I'm pissed off at Veera too and I'm writing this fic 😆

Originally posted by: ...Nikhita...

hiiii grace!
don't apologise for long chapters dear....i loooooooove it!
this part was wonderful....so meet's plan worked.....
and premeer managed to come out too!
hope we get to see more romance between them!
wonder who has a burning fever?
continue soon....

My chapters are getting longer and longer for some reason 😲 Thanks for not minding!

Originally posted by: alisha_harshiti

prem heer scenes were really gud.thnx for the pm grace...hope ur net will get oky soon

I'm currently at an internship and the place I'm staying at doesn't have Internet. It's only on the weekends when I go to my friend's house or go to a place that has free wi-fi do I get to use the net. 😭


Okay now, on with the next chapter! Please click on the Youtube links I provided for the songs. I tried really hard to find songs that fit the mood 😉 Hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Chapter 17: Burning Fever

Meher pouted her lips wondering what was talking Preet so long to get the drinks. She started walking towards the refreshment table when she bumped into a tall man wearing a royal blue sherwani. She looked up and smiled apologetically.

"Oh, hey Meher. Sorry about that. Happy Diwali!" Miliand greeted.

"Sorry, it was my fault," Meher apologized. "Happy Diwali to you too!"

"Oh this is, Praachi," he introduced pulling a girl wearing a beautiful red sequenced saree closer to him.

"Hi, Meher nice to meet you. Happy Diwali," Praachi timidly responded.

Meher noticed the slight hue of red on her cheeks and sweetly smiled. "Happy Diwali Praachi. And very nice meeting you."

"By the way Meher, you haven't seen Prem or Heer around have you?" Miliand asked.

She shook her head vigorously, "Nope, don't know where they are."

He gave a frown at her response. "It's like they disappeared. I thought I saw them a few hours ago."

Meher laughed nervously, "Heh, Prem's probably walking around someone where. Preet told me he doesn't like to dance so maybe he's avoiding the dance floor. And Heer's um, at the refreshments table."

He nodded his head, "I suppose. Well, if you see either one let them know I'm looking for them."

"I will. Oh, you haven't seen Preet by any chance have you?" Meher asked. "He went to get some drinks like 30 minutes ago and he hasn't come back."

Miliand chuckled, "Looks like the Juneja brothers have a habit of disappearing. No, sorry I haven't seen him. I'm sure he'll turn up."

Meher bid farewell to the couple and continued on her journey to find Preet. She hadn't made it very far when she ran into Sanjana who had a worried expression on her face. "Meher," she said as she grabbed her arm. "You haven't seen Prem have you?"

She swallowed hard, "Um, no why?"

"He promised me he would dance one dance with me. Now that the music has started he's like disappeared," Sanjana replied worriedly.

"Hey, there you guys are," Kunal said as he approached them. "Have any of you seen Heer?"

Sanjana's eyes grew wide, "She's missing too?" She felt her chest tighten as images of Prem and Heer together floated through her mind.

"What missing?!" Meher shouted alarmingly. Kunal and Sanjana arched their eyebrows at her sudden outburst. "I-I mean, she's not missing," waving her hand, "I just saw Heer a minute ago...at-at the refreshments table."

Kunal scratched his head, "Really? I just came from there. I didn't see her."

"You must have just missed her. Okay I'm talk to you guys later," Meher said hurriedly and quickly walked away.

Meher twisted the end of her dupatta with her hands searching with her eyes desperately trying to locate Preet. She was worried now that people were asking about Prem and Heer. In the far distance she spotted a very familiar looking back, she grimaced and marched over. Meher grabbed his shoulder spinning him around, "Preet what took you so long?!"

The man blinked a couple of times at her in confusion. "Excuse me?" he softly responded.

Meher stood shock to see someone who resembled Preet but wasn't Preet. He had a scruffy beard and a mellow timid aura about him. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought you were Preet," she said very embarrassed now that she realized he was wearing a light blue sherwani.

The man shook his head, "Sorry."

Just then an angelical woman wearing a golden orange and fuchsia saree walked towards them. "Manav, I got you some pakoras."

He smiled kindly, "Thank you Archana. You have some too."

She gently nodded her head, "But you eat first." Then noticing Meher standing to the side, "Hi, I'm Archana."

"Oh, hi," smiling cheerily, "I'm Meher," she answered.

"Do you know Manav?" Archana asked.

"Oh, actually I accidentally mistook him for someone else," she apologetically replied.

"There you are Meher," Preet said suddenly appearing out from behind. "I'm so sorry. This guy at the refreshment table kept talking to me about the economy and wouldn't let me leave." He handed her one of the drinks in his hand. Then addressing the couple she was talking to, "Hey, what's up my brother from another mother." Manav gave an acknowledging smile. "Can you believe it? He's like my twin," Preet said. "So Archana how's your brother?"

"He's fine. He sends his wishes for a Happy Diwali and apologizes that he couldn't come. Manjusha's on bed rest," she explained.

"When's the baby due?" he asked.

"She's about two weeks away...everyone is really excited," she replied.

"Archana was going to stay at home and take care of her until Vinod insisted she come and celebrate," Manav said. He turned towards her with a loving look, "She works too hard sometimes."

Preet nodded in agreement, "You've helped out a lot people. We still can't forget how you took care of Kulraj during her pregnancy."

Archana smiled, "Anything for a friend. By the way have you seen Prem? We haven't had a chance to wish him yet."

Preet smirked, "You know him. He's probably hiding in a corner somewhere. He doesn't like to dance. I'll send him your way when I see him. Well, Happy Diwali...send my wishes to Vinod...enjoy your night."

"Happy Diwali!" Archana and Manav both wished as Preet and Meher walked away.

Meher grabbed Preet's arm as soon as they left and whispered, "Don't you think we should let them out. There's been a lot of people asking about Prem and Heer."

"Relax, Meher," Preet replied. "We'll let them out soon enough. The night is still young." He placed their drinks on a nearby table and then took her back onto the dance floor.

*********************************************************************

Sanjana scanned the room searching for Prem. She had been looking for him for the past 45 minutes and she was finding it very strange that no one had seen him. The Juneja house was large no doubt but the party was located in the central area of the house that it would be impossible not to spot him sooner or later. She sighed contemplating to give up in defeat for the night. The fast dance music that had been playing for most of the party slowed to a halt as DJ Sang announced, "Okay were going to slow things down for a bit. This one's lady's choice."

The melodic guitar interlude echoed through the house as Kelly Clarkson song "A Moment Like This" began to play (*I absolutely love this song* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-yYHeGDZlk). One by one the couples began to form on the dance floor swaying to the romantic melody. Sanjana's eyes perked as she saw Prem coming walking in from the pool entrance. She hardly noticed that Heer was standing next to him when she rushed over and grabbed Prem's hand dragging him onto the dance floor. "I've been looking for you everywhere. You promised me a dance," she commanded.

Prem sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, "Oh, yea...that dance."

She took his hand into hers and looked at him, "Promise is a promise."

Prem nodded and was about to place his hand on her back when he realized her top was rather low cut. He swallowed hard not knowing what to do. "Prem," Sanjana said. "Standing is not dancing." He hesitantly rested his fingers on her back making sure his palm didn't touch down. Prem felt uneasy having to touch her bare skin. Sanjana on the other hand was savoring the feeling and the closeness they were sharing as they moved about the dance floor. She smiled at him taking in the strong features of his face.

Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me

Some people wait a lifetime

For a moment like this

Prem wore a tight expression on his face just concentrating on his footwork. He glanced up and spotted Heer standing with her arms crossed. He couldn't make out if she was indifferent or angry. A small smile played against his lips at the latter idea. Was it possible that she was jealous? His mind toyed with that thought as a kernel of happiness spread through him.

Meher nudged Preet and whispered, "How did they get out of the storage room?"

He grinned, "PB must have found the window behind one of the shelving things."

She looked at Preet in amazement, "You knew about that?"

"I'm the man with the plan, remember? I knew sooner or later PB would find it and get out of there on his own," he answered.

"You're so smart, Preet," Meher gushed.

He blushed, "Thanks Meher."

She then nudged him again, "Look over there, Heer Didi looks a little upset."

Preet smirked and danced Meher closer to where Heer was standing. He cleared his throat making sure she was listening, "Um, Meher? Do you smell something burning?"

She looked at him perplexed by his question, "Uh, no."

"I think someone's burning with jealousy," Preet said loudly. Meher giggled as Heer dropped her arms in surprise as if they had guessed her feelings. Preet snickered and danced Meher away.

Could this be the greatest love of all

I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall

So let me tell you this

Some people wait a lifetime

For a moment like this

"So, part 2, right?" Meher asked as the song belted out its last chorus.

"Yes, onto part 2 of the plan," Preet grinned confidently. They moved over to where Sang was at his DJ station. Preet tilted his head giving him the signal that Sang understood. He grinned as he pushed some buttons and adjusted the volume.

Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me

Some people wait a lifetime

For a moment like this

Ohh! Like This!

Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me

Some people wait a lifetime

For a moment like this

Prem was thankful as the song came to an end and quickly removed his fingers from Sanjana's bare back. Sanjana gave him a thankful smile, "Thanks for the dance Prem."

He nodded, "Promise is a promise," and then hurriedly turned to get off the dance floor as he heard the next slow song start to play; Alison Krauss's "When You Say Nothing At All".

(*I'm not a huge fan of country but the lyrics were really touching and just seemed to fit. I recommend you take a listen...it's a really sweet song* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_M6a3enqnE&feature=related)

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart

Without saying a word you can light up the dark

Unfortunately he was stopped by Meher who was smiling sweetly at him. He arched his eyebrow wondering what she wanted.

"Can I have the next dance?" she asked with a pleading look.

Try as I may I could never explain

What I hear when you don't say a thing

Preet came waltzing by with Heer, "Come on, Bhaiya dance with her," then looking at Heer, "Shouldn't he dance with her?" Prem glanced at Heer who gave a slight nod. He turned towards Meher and lifted his hands up in acceptance. Meher smiled as she took his hand and began dancing.

Half way through the song Preet suddenly tapped his brother's shoulder indicating he would like to switch dancing partners. Prem stepped away and allowed Preet to scoop Meher into his arms. Heer and Prem were left standing there watching as their siblings danced away together. Prem glanced over at Heer and motioned with his eyes if she would like to dance with him. She smiled and stepped closer. Prem gently took her hand into his; amazed by the softness of her touch. It was unnerving to him how much his body was reacting to her presence. A tingling sensation spread through him as he felt himself ache for more contact. His arms automatically pulled her closer to him; his hand resting comfortably on her lower back. He gazed into her eyes searching for some answer that his heart was asking.

The feeling of Prem holding her so close was making Heer's head feel faint. The scent of his cologne lingered around her igniting a desire to breathe everything about him in. They way he was looking at her was almost too much for her to handle. Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Her mind was devoid of any other thoughts than the moment that was unraveling before her as they glided across the dance floor. The only thing she could hear was their shallow breathing and the beating of each other's hearts. It was like they were the only ones in the room; everything was being drown out.

All day long I can hear people talking out loud

But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd

Old Mr. Webster* could never define

What's being said between your heart and mine

(*reference to Webster's dictionary*)

Sanjana huffed at the sight of the Prem and Heer dancing so intimately together. She had been sure of her victory over her rival that night. She was able to get Prem to dance which was usually a nearly impossible feat to accomplish. But there he was dancing another song. The wheels in her mind were churning deciding what her next move would be to win over Prem's heart. She felt a sudden tap on her shoulder and turned around to see the smiling face of Kunal. "Come on let's dance," he said taking her hand in his dragging her onto the dance floor before she could protest.

As the song came to a close Heer felt reluctant at letting go of Prem's hand. Prem's eyes flexed at her immediately as if sensing her thoughts conveying his understanding; he gently squeezed her hand. Heer felt the static of his touch and the pressure of Prem's fingers as they curved tightly around her waist sending a frenzy of emotions inside of her. He gave her a tender smile which she returned.

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me

There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me

The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall

You say it best when you say nothing at all

When the last chord was struck and the song faded into the back ground the lights brighten showing Lalit holding a microphone asking for everyone's attention. Prem turned to see his sister and his brother-in-law standing next to his father. He glanced over at Preet who had the same perplexed look not quite sure why they were there.

"I hope everyone is enjoying themselves tonight. Thank you all for coming. I'm sure you are wondering why I standing here suddenly stopping the celebration. I assure you I'm not kicking you all out, just yet," he said. There was a burst of laughter from the crowd. "No, today we are celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights...an occasion spent with our loved ones...our friends and family. It is on this special occasion that I feel the most proud to announce another addition to the Juneja household. My daughter Kulraj and her husband Kiran are expecting their second child! I'm going to be a grandfather again!" An explosion of clapping and cheers erupted at the announcement. Prem and Preet both rushed towards their sister and brother-in-law giving them hugs and congratulating them on the wonderful news.

Preet elbowed Kiran, "So who do you have to thank?"

Kulraj eyed her brother, "This has nothing to do with you."

"Who gave you the time to romanzzze, huh?" Preet smirked twisting hand in a dramatic way. "You're naming the kid after me right...Preet 2.0 or Preeti if it's a girl."

Kiran laughed, "No way. We have got a list of our own and those are not on there."

Preet frowned, "See no one loves me in this family."

"I love you Preet," Prem replied.

He looked at him hopefully, "So you'll name one of your kids after me, right?"

"I love you," Prem said patting his brother's shoulder, "but I'm not naming my kid after you."

"Why don't you just name one of your own after you," Kulraj suggested.

Preet shook his head, "I don't want to have to deal with another me." Everyone erupted in laughter at his comment. The Junejas then made their way to the dance floor to celebrate the new addition to the family.

***************************************************************

Gayatri talked animatedly on the phone her face filled with happiness and smiles. "Don't worry Teji that's what Lalit and I are here for. The girls are doing well. They come and visit often...my Prem and Preet are taking good care of them too. Yes, they are here tonight for the party. Let me go find them so you can wish them." Gayatri walked out of the office holding the cordless phone searching for the Maan sisters. She found them talking to Prem near the refreshment table. "Heer," she called sweetly.

Upon hearing her name Heer immediately stood at attention, "Haa, Auntie?"

Gayatri smiled, "It's your Mom," she said handing the phone to her.

Heer's face brightened at the voice of her mother over the phone, "Mom, Happy Diwali!" Meher eagerly stood by her sister's side waiting to talk to her parents. "Yes, we're fine. Gayatri Auntie and Lalit Uncle have taken really good care of us. No, Ashlesha isn't here. She got caught up in lab. But we're going to her apartment tomorrow. Yes, I'll tell her." Meher tugged Heer's arm causing her to laugh, "Here's Meher Mom," and handed the phone over.

"Mama, Happy Diwali!" she giggled. "Where's Papa? Oh, he went out to get some things for the party you are having? Sounds like you guys are having fun without us." Meher continued to bubbly chat with her mother. Prem smiled and decided to leave to give them more privacy. Just as he turned he heard Meher say his name. "Prem? You want to talk to him?" Meher confirmed with her mother. "Um, okay, yea he's here," and handed him the phone.

He wore a slightly surprised look on his face while Meher shrugged her shoulders. Heer watched with anticipation as he politely answered the phone, "Happy Diwali Auntie!" He chuckled at what was being said to him over the phone. He nodded and turned his back to the girls and began talking away. Heer and Meher arched their eyebrows wondering what was going on that their mother was spending more time talking to Prem than to either one of them; her own flesh and blood. They tried to piece together the bits of conversation they heard but it wasn't making much sense. Prem smiled, "You take care Auntie and please pass my wishes to Uncle. Okay bye," and hung up the phone.

"So what where you two talking about?" Heer asked her face full of suspicious concern.

He grinned, "Oh, nothing really...you know just stuff. Your Mom's really nice."

"Well, we know that," Meher replied.

"I better go put this back in the office," Prem said and quickly walked away leaving the two sisters in anxious thoughts.

************************************************************

Cameo Appearances by:
Miland Mishra - Kayamath
Praachi Shah - Kayamath
Manav Deshmukh - Pavitra Rishta
Archana Karanjkar - Pavitra Rishta

Pre-Cap:

Chapter 18: Thinking About You

I think this title is pretty self explanatory.

So who's thinking about whom?

*****************************************************

As always Comments greatly welcomed!

---Grace

awesome update! loved the manav/preet/archana/meher part
and of course the premeer dance :) do cont soon!

another awesome part! I loooove preet! he is so funny! I want to marry him! Your story is such a treat to read! I loved prem being uncomforatble and the preet-kiran conversation. I wonder what teji was telling prem. thanks for the update and pm!

awsum update yar..............

luved the jealousy.............

preet n meher r so cute....

prem n heer dance was awsum.....

plz update nxt part asap...

thnks for da pm....///

lovely update!

Hey Grace.. this was an awesome part.. and it was loooooooong one so I loved it more.. I am really enjoying the diwali party.. hope the couples on demand come close😆... I am really hating this chipku Sanjana... she has button in eyes and brains both oherwise she would have got the signal that prem's least interested on her... I loved the dance thing and the family bonding.. wonder what Teji told Prem.. want to know. update soon.. will be waiting

Priyo😃

hey
awesome update!! too good!! im glad that prem and heer got a dance
and now just hope that sanjana backs off lol
i wonder whose thinking of whom...my guess, prem-heer and preet-meher
lol
cant wait for more
do continue soon
xx

Originally posted by: tadashi

another awesome part! I loooove preet! he is so funny! I want to marry him! Your story is such a treat to read! I loved prem being uncomforatble and the preet-kiran conversation. I wonder what teji was telling prem. thanks for the update and pm!

I love Preet too! After Prem, Preet is my second favorite character. I have to confess I have more fun writing his scenes than any other character I write about 😳. I'm hoping to find myself a combination of Preet and Prem...lol...my friends say so you want to have an intensely funny love story? 😆




Okay here's the next chapter. As of now my schedule of posting up chapters is twice a week on the weekends usually Friday and then Sunday because of my limited internet connection. Please enjoy! I know my chapters have gotten longer but you have the whole week to read them and comment.

I know a lot of you are waiting for Prem and Heer to get together and good things come for those who wait. I'll give a hint...just expect the unexpected...lol...🤓 I think that hint was pretty big. Oh, don't forget to click on the Youtube links to the music. I think they go quite nicely to what's going on in the fic.


Chapter 18: Thinking About You

A sweet sound of music filled the air around them as their feet smoothly stepped across the dance floor. They were alone in their own fantasy unbothered by the trivial matters of the world. All that mattered to either of them was the person in front. Heer could see a radiating desire in Prem's eyes. She shyly looked down her cheeks flushing with warmth. He smiled as he gently took his hand and tilted her chin up so he could gaze into her eyes. She turned away trying to escape only to be pulled back by his hand. He grinned as he twirled her towards him so her back rested against his chest. Prem wrapped his arms around her as they both swayed to the melodic interlude of the song. She could feel him nuzzle his nose against her skin. His breathing echoed in her ears. Heer closed her eyes as her senses filled with a passion she had never felt before. Prem then ever so gently moved his arms away causing Heer to turn to face him. He held her hand and twirled her into a drop spin before catching her with his arms. Their eyes locked in a fiery embrace. Heer could see the truth in Prem's eyes that he was never going to leave her. She gently placed her hand on his neck and with her thumb caressed his jaw line. Prem briefly closed his eyes enjoying the feeling and slowly tilted her upright again. He inched his face closer, his nose brushing pass her check. Heer timidly closed her eyes in anticipation...

What kind of dream is this?

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Either way I, don't wanna wake up from you

(turn the lights on)

Sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Somebody pinch me, your love's too good to be true

(turn the lights on)

My guilty pleasure, I aint' going no where

Baby long as you're here I'll be floating on air 'cause you're my'

You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare

Either way I don't want to wake up from you

(turn the lights on)

Either way I don't want to wake up from you

But it never occurred as Heer woke startled by her radio alarm. She groaned kicking her covers as she flipped onto her back. She rested her hand against her chest feeling the effects of her dream as her heart was still racing. "That was Beyonce's 'Sweet Dreams/Beautiful Nightmare' (*this is such an awesome song* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEHetLBRlAY). We'll be back with another 45 minutes of uninterrupted music after this short commercial break," the radio announced. Heer laid there wondering why she had that dream. It felt real a little too real. Her mind flashed back to last night's party and the moments she had shared with Prem. A smile crept across her lips but she shook her head thinking it was stupid of her to think like that. Her mind argued with itself trying to sort out the feelings she was feeling. "Heer, get a hold of yourself," she muttered.

Eventually she dragged herself out of bed and grabbed a change of clothes heading for the shower. She decided to turn the shower radio on hoping it could help take her mind away from the confusion she was feeling. "Another 45 minutes of nonstop music starting with Colbie Caillat's 'Falling For You' (*I love this song!* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTwoT1s4sBI)," the radio announced as the soft rhythmic drumming started. Heer stood under the showerhead letting the water wash over her cleansing her soul. She was enjoying the way the flow of hot water felt as it dampened her hair. She wiped her hands upward from her face back over her head in an effort to calm her mind. This is all nonsense Heer stop thinking of him like that. He's your friend. So what if he's good looking...he adores his family...he's intelligent...he's got goals in life...he's got a great personality and a kind heart...and pretty much all the qualifications for the perfect guy. But has he said he liked you? No. Has he ever said he wanted to be more than a friend? No. So there you go...there's your answer. But why does a guy have to say something first? Girls can confess. Wait, wait...what is there to confess? Heer's ears perked suddenly at the lyrics of the song as it echoed around the bathroom.

I don't know but, I think I may be falling for you droppin so quickly

Maybe I should, keep this to myself wait until I know you better

I am trying not to tell you but I want to, scared of what you'll say

Her breath caught in her chest as she suddenly asked herself Do I like Prem? She tried reasoning with herself in the attempt to come away with a different conclusion then the one that was buried deep down inside. He can be a complete pain sometimes with his stubbornness. And he...he...shakes his leg when he's nervous...and he always rubs his temple when he's thinking...okay, so those aren't exactly bad points. I've only known him for three months...

So I'm hiding what I'm feeling, but I'm tired of holding this inside my head

I've been spending all my time just thinking bout you, I don't know what to do

I think I'm falling for you

I've been waiting all my life and now I've found you, I don't know what to do

I think I'm falling for you

Falling for you

Heer's eyes widen at her own thoughts as a slow realization started to come over her...but I want to know more. I actually want to know more. Okay, Heer it's time to let your heart talk. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Why does he make me feel the way I do around him? When he looks at me sometimes I can't think straight. His smile always gives me the butterflies. And last night when he held my hand...it felt like all the burdens on my shoulder just lifted. I hated the way I felt last night when I saw Pia all over Prem and the way he was dancing with Sanjana...it made me jealous...wait a second did I just say jealous? I was jealous. Face it Heer Maan..."I like Prem Juneja," she said out loud as she opened her eyes. "I'm falling for him?" her hand covered her mouth in an awestruck moment.

*******************************************

Meher sat happily on the couch flipping through the channels trying to find something interesting to watch. She was smiling to herself as she relived her memories from last night. Preet had looked so handsome in his blue and gold kurta. The image was burned deep in her mind. She blushed again as she remembered the way he had held her hand onto the dance floor. Then a sudden giddiness filled her over the plan they had hatched to get their siblings together. Meher glanced towards the staircase wondering when Heer would come down for breakfast. She was eager to see if there were any changes in her sister's attitude. She had already heard singing from her sister's room which was a good indication of something, but she wanted to see it in person to make sure. She had promised Preet just as he did her before they had parted from the party that they would keep each other in the loop of any developments from their perspective siblings. Meher's ears perked at the sound of footsteps traveling down the stairs. She smiled inwardly and turned to greet her sister, "Good morning! You look very happy today."

Heer stared at her sister wondering why she was acting overly cheery, "Um, good morning. And um, thanks."

Meher got up and walked closer to her sister, "Is there a reason?"

Heer arched her eyebrow, "What nonsense are you talking about, Meher?"

She giggled, "Oh, well I heard you singing in the shower this morning. And you usually don't do that unless you are in a really good mood."

"I had the radio on. That's the singing you heard," Heer explained perplexed by her sister's attitude.

"Okay, if you say so," Meher muttered under her breath. She then grinned, "So what's for breakfast?"

Heer crossed her arms and smiled, "I don't know you tell me. You're cooking breakfast."

"Why am I cooking breakfast?" Meher protested.

"Because you locked me in the storage room. You didn't think I would remember?" she sternly replied. "You are in charge of everything for this week...cooking, cleaning, and laundry." Meher's mouth dropped open. Heer placed her hand under her sister's chin and closed it, "Stop stalling and get to work. We're visiting Ashlesha today and I don't want to be late."

Meher frowned realizing if she was going to get any information out of her sister she had no choice but to follow her punishment instructions. "Fine," she puffed. "I hope you like pancakes cause that's the only thing I can make."

Heer smiled, "I love pancakes," and grabbed her sister's shoulders and steered her into the kitchen.

Meher sighed and rolled up her sleeves and began taking out the ingredients to make pancakes. After a few minutes of mixing she felt like hearing something to pass the time, "Didi, let's play some music," she shouted from the kitchen.

"Okay," Heer complied and began searching for the remote for the stereo system. She lifted up the pillows on the couch to see if it might have slipped underneath and gotten stuck in the crevice but it was nowhere in sight. She sighed as walked into the kitchen, "I can't find the remote."

"Really?" Meher said. "I thought I left it on the side table the last time I used it."

Heer opened the refrigerator to find something to drink and grinned at the sight before her. "Left it on the side table, huh?" she replied as she took out the chilled remote from the refrigerator.

Meher sheepishly grinned, "Oh, hehe...well, that's where I thought I put it."

"Yes, sitting on top of the box of grapes," she replied dryly. Heer angled the remote from the kitchen and turned the stereo system on. To her utter surprise the song 'Falling For You' began to play. "They're playing this again. I just heard this in the shower a few minutes ago," she muttered.

Meher smiled, "I love this song. The lyrics are so sweet. But it's not the radio it's the CD that Preet made for me a couple weeks back. He made a compilation CD of some popular English songs for me."

"Oh," Heer said giving her a teasing glance.

Meher suddenly felt her cheeks go red. "Um, so what did you and Prem talk about when you guys were in the storage room?" she asked trying to deflect her sister's interest in her love life. Not there was much to say because she hadn't had a chance to really talk to Preet about what had happened that night he took her out.

Heer's cheeks flushed a light pink at the mention of Prem's name. Meher grinned noticing the sudden change in her demeanor. "Um, nothing really...you know stuff," she shyly replied. "So how long does it take to mix some pre-made pancake flour with water?"

"I'm almost done," Meher said as she lifted the whisk up to test the consistency of the batter.

"Looks perfect," Heer complimented and left her sister in peace to finish cooking.

*************************************************************************

Preet scowled at his brother who stood in front of him holding a bucket filled with cleaning supplies. "Better get to work," Prem ordered.

"But PB," he whined. "Do I have to clean the car? Do you know how cold it is outside?"

"What are you talking about? It's very nice weather outside. It's cool and calm," Prem replied. "After you are finished with my car...you clean my bathroom."

Preet stared at his brother in disbelief, "The bathroom too? I hate scrubbing toilets!"

"I know," he said with a smirk. "Why do you think I'm making you do it?"

Preet crossed his arms, "You cannot make me. I'm not doing it! The storage room was just a joke."

"Oh really?" he replied as a threatening grin played across his lips, "Should I tell Ma and Bauji what you did in 6^th grade? Or how about the time you killed Veera's parrot with the vacuum cleaner...or the time you borrowed Harman's car and got it towed...or..."

"The parrot was an accident. The stupid thing flew out of the cage and got sucked into the vacuum hose while I went to answer the phone. Not my fault," he defended. "And as for the others...well, it wasn't my fault those things happened."

"Nothing's ever your fault," Prem said sarcastically.

"But you promised you wouldn't tell anyone," Preet replied. "And you never break your promise."

"I never promised. I only agreed to not to tell. I distinctly remember you said you would do anything if I didn't tell anyone about. So I'm telling you to do 'anything'," Prem smartly responded.

Preet pouted admitting his defeat, "Fine," and took the bucket from Prem's hand. "But if I catch a cold out there. You have to buy me a bag of chocolates and be my slave until I get better."

Prem nodded, "Deal."

********************************************************************************

Ashlesha grinned at the sight of her cousins' faces through the peep hole. "Welcome!" she shouted happily as she opened the door. "It's so great to see you guys. I've been completely stressed out with classes and lab and everything. Oh yes, Happy Diwali! You guys have to tell me about the party you girls went to last night. Find any hot guys?"

Meher and Heer giggled at the warm greeting and both wished, "Happy Diwali!"

"My mom and dad send their blessings to you," Heer said.

"Party with hot guys...no, not really," Meher replied.

"Not really? Come on there had to have been some good looking guys there," Ashlesha said as she showed them into the living room.

"Sorry we're late," Heer said. "The bus hit some traffic."

"Bus?" she asked. "You guys took the bus?"

"You know we don't know how to drive," Heer replied.

"Yeah, but I thought by now you would have learned and well gotten a car," she said. "If I had known I would have come picked you guys up."

"It's okay. The bus isn't that scary," Heer said.

"Well I'm definitely taking you home. Here," Ashlesha said offering a plate of cookies, "can't bake so I hope you're fine with Pepperidge Farm."

Meher's eyes lit up, "Oh, I love the Chessmen," taking one from the plate.

She smiled, "So this party, really no good guys?"

Heer laughed, "Why are you so interested? Are you looking for someone?"

"Looking for someone?" she said waving her hand, "They're all going after me. But I can't help it," flipping her hair dramatic, "if they find me absolutely gorgeous, now can I?" Meher and Heer giggled at their cousin's usual dramatic flare. "But seriously they are all quite boring really. Well, there's one," she thoughtfully smiled, "He's okay."

"So who is he?" Meher asked.

"He's a classmate of mine," she replied. "He's really quite sweet," then looking at both of them seriously, "Don't tell my Mom about this. You know how she is about this type of stuff. That woman just wants to control every aspect of my life. I had to fight with her really hard to convince her to let me go to school here."

"We promise we won't tell," Meher said.

"Any secret said among us stays with us," Heer assured.

Ashlesha smiled and then eyed Meher. "So, how's that guy you went to the movies with...what was his name again?"

Heer gave a questioning look at Meher, "You went out with a guy to the movies?"

"What you didn't know about it?" Ashlesha asked. "Meher, you've been hiding things from your own sister?"

They both stared at Meher for an explanation. Meher nervously smiled thinking how in the world did the conversation turn to her love life. She was there to find information from Heer not the other way around. "What guy?" she responded trying to play it off like she had no idea what her cousin was talking about.

"What do you mean what guy? The tall cute guy that was holding the huge bag of popcorn at the movie theater. I know I saw him there," she said. "Darn, why can't I remember his name...Raj? No, that's not it. P-P..." she snapped her fingers, "It was Preet. That's it, Preet."

Heer arched her eyebrow, "Meher, why didn't you tell me that you and Preet where dating?"

"We're not dating," Meher said and then paused in confusion, "Well, at least not really...you couldn't call that a date...or would you?"

"Honey, you're not making any sense," Ashlesha replied.

Meher sighed and told them everything that went on that night with Preet. She looked at them with a hesitant expression wondering what they thought of her story. Heer grinned, "I think Preet is a really nice guy. I'm really happy for you Meher."

"Thanks. But I'm so confused what do I do now?" she asked.

Ashlesha smiled, "Go out on another date with him but this time both of you will know that it is a date. And well, just see how it goes from there."

"It sounds like he really likes you. So the real question is do you like him?" Heer asked.

Meher bit her lower lip, "I'm not quite sure. I mean we were friends and now this. I mean he's really nice to me and he makes me laugh...and I think about him when he's not with me..."

"I think you already know your answer. Sometimes it helps to talk it out," Ashlesha grinned. "Oh look at this. Got all caught up in all this boy gossip that I forgot to make the coffee. I'll be back." Heer inwardly smiled thankful that the subject had been dropped.

************************************************

The girls continued to gossip and talk about anything and everything that had been going in school, life, and the world. Ashlesha had turned on the TV and left it on the B4U music channel for some background music. Heer laughed at the joke that Meher was telling not paying much attention to the music video playing. It wasn't until Ashlesha excused herself to get more coffee did she focused her attention on it. B4U was playing "Tumhe Jo Maine Dekha" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVP_FYaJAtE) from the movie Main Hoon Na. She smiled as Shahrukh Khan appeared on the screen riding on the swing with Sushmita Sen. As the waterfall scene approached Heer suddenly saw Prem in Shahrukh's place. She blinked a couple of times wondering if she was seeing straight. The next thing she knew she saw herself acting out Sushmita's role dancing with Prem underneath the waterfall. It was like she had been sucked into the television set acting out the entire dance with Prem. She was brought out of her day dream by a hand waving in her face, "Heer, you okay there?" her cousin asked.

Meher grinned, "Didi's been acting strange all morning."

Heer shot her sister a nasty look, "I have not."

"Oh, do tell," Ashlesha pushed.

"There's nothing to tell," Heer replied trying to change the subject.

"Just mention Prem's name and you'll see it happen," Meher teased. Heer felt her cheeks go warm.

Ashlesha's eyes widen, "You're blushing. So who's this Prem?"

"He's this guy friend of her's...and he happens to be Preet's older brother," Meher explained.

"Wow, you girls are dating into the same family," Ashlesha chuckled. "That's some sisterly bond you two have."

"So, Didi is there anything you want to tell us about that happened when you guys were locked up in the storage room together?" Meher pressed. She knew with Ashlesha there, there was no way Heer could avoid the subject any longer.

"You two were locked up in the storage room together? This is getting juicy," Ashlesha said excitedly.

Heer rolled her eyes, "Nothing like that happened. We didn't do anything."

"Then why are you blushing?" Ashlesha teased.

"Look, he's just...I'm still not quite sure yet, okay?" Heer finally divulged. "I don't know how he feels about me."

"So you like him then?" Meher asked excitedly.

Heer looked between the two and shyly looked down, "I think so."

************************************************

Pre-Cap:

Chapter 19: Road Rage

The girls have their first driving lesson.

Something unexpected happens that changes everything 😲

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Thanks for reading and for the support by Commenting and/or hitting the Like button!

---Grace

aha!!!

that was so awesome! i think i see ash- harman!? haha! and i am so glad heer admitted she like prem and meher likes preet! yay! haha and it was fun to here of preets antics and all the blackmail prem has on him!