Thank you to old, new, and silent readers for the support!
Thank you to:
shahrukh_divya, reenasv, Aymee, snehaheer21, harshiitii, mazkachazka, crystall, sonia7, munam_13, suryavni, -Garima-, sweet_gurl93, ...Nikhita..., brainychild92, pinky2009, -salma-, sweet_gurl93
for Commenting and/or Hitting the Like Button!
Chapter 20: Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Prem filed his hands through his hair as he paced back and forth in Preet's room. Preet sat in his leather chair twirling around in circles thinking just as hard about the situation that had occurred during dinner. Harman sat on the bed with his hands folded in front of him trying to find a solution along with his brothers. They had dropped the Maan sisters off telling them not to worry and that their father would be fine. The tests were just being performed and there was no word yet on what might be wrong. It could easily be something very minor. However, they promised to find a way to move the ticket dates up.
"Bauji is talking to some of his friends to see if there is anything they can do," Harman said. "I'm sure he'll be able to find something."
"But most of his contacts are with hotel business people none of them are connected with air transportation," Preet replied. "The thing is they are leaving around Christmas time. Tickets are super expensive and usually everything is booked up. It's almost impossible to change dates. They could get flights for later but that isn't what we want."
Prem rubbed his finger on the side of his temple in deep thought. He suddenly smiled, "I can't believe I forgot." His brothers both turned to him wondering why he was acting so happy. "Sanjana's mom works for an airline company. She could help us out and get the tickets that Heer and Meher need."
Preet grinned and grabbed his brother's shoulder, "That's great! You sure know how to make good friends."
"Will Sanjana's mom be able to help us? Even if she works for an airline company with it being so close to Christmas time will she be able to find a solution?" Harman asked worriedly.
"I don't know either," Prem replied. "But it is worth a shot."
*************************************************************************
Prem sat in his car waiting patiently for someone to answer his call. A face materialized on the video call box checking to see who was at the front gate. Prem smiled and greeted, "Hello Auntie. It's me Prem."
The face on the other end smiled in return, "Prem beta. It's been a long time. I'll buzz you in." A green light flashed and a loud buzzing sound went off as the large golden gates of the driveway slowly opened. Prem drove his car through and found a suitable place to park. As he walked up the steps to the house the door opened with Mrs. Rampal standing there welcoming him. "Come in. I've just called Sanjana she'll be downstairs in a few minutes. You'll have some chai?"
Prem politely answered, "Its okay Auntie. Don't trouble yourself."
"Trouble? It's no trouble at all," Mrs. Rampal answered.
Prem found a place to sit on the couch and waited for Sanjana to come downstairs while Mrs. Rampal disappeared into the kitchen to get some chai and tea biscuits. Sanjana soon appeared eager to find out why Prem was visiting her. "Hi Prem," she greeted happily. "So what's so urgent that you needed to talk to me in person?" She felt the butterflies in her stomach multiple as she sat down next to him on the couch. Sanjana saw the seriousness on his face and reached over placing her hand on his, "Prem? Is something wrong?"
Prem gently pulled his hand away, "I have something really important to talk to you about." Sanjana eyes widen as her mind began to think of various scenarios that the current conversation could lead to. She was filled with some unknown hope that Prem had come to confess his love for her. She looked at him with loving eyes waiting for his words to put her out of her agony. "We've been friends since high school. I've always valued our friendship. You know that if you ever needed my help in anything all you had to do was ask. I'm here today because I need a favor."
Sanjana sat there trying to process everything that he had just said. She felt disappointed that it was not the big love confession she had been waiting for but was still pleased that he had come to her for help. "Sure, anything Prem," she simply replied.
He smiled, "Heer and Meher's Dad is really sick and thier parents want them to come home earlier. Do you think your mom could help them change their current booking to an earlier date?"
Sanjana felt her stomach drop at the mention of Heer's name but then found hope in the fact that the situation involved Heer going home to India. If Heer was away for Christmas vacation it meant she would get Prem all by herself and not have to compete for his attention. She smiled slyly, "Of course. I'll talk to my Mom about it. I'm sure she can figure something out for Heer and Meher."
"Thanks Sanjana. You really are something," Prem replied. He was so excited over the fact that his request had been granted that he gave Sanjana a big hug. She sat stunned but ever so pleased at the bodily contact. Prem released her from the hug and got up. "Thanks again. I gotta go."
"Prem, where are you going? I just made the chai," Mrs. Rampal said as she entered the room.
Prem stopped and apologetically looked at her, "Sorry Auntie I have to go somewhere."
Mrs. Rampal shook her head, "At least finished one cup before you go Prem."
He was about to refuse again but then paused realizing the favor he was asking would be carried out by Mrs. Rampal. He nodded and sat back down, "Okay Auntie one cup." Sanjana smiled and offered him some tea biscuits.
***************************************************************************
Lalit sat at his desk in deep thought over the recent turn of events. He sighed as he rubbed his beard. He glanced up as he heard his wife enter the office. She was carrying a small serving tray with two cups of chai. "Have some chai to calm your nerves," Gayatri advised. He took the cup and took a sip. "Teji said she would call us the minute she gets the test results. Sitting here worrying about it isn't going to make time pass any faster."
"Haa Gayatri I know," Lalit replied. "But why did this have to happen now just when Balraaj and I have found each other again? Why does my friend have to face this type of fate after everything he has been through?"
Gayatri shook her head, "Lalit, stop talking like this. All this negative thinking isn't going to help the situation. We should be thinking positively that things will work. Mrs. Rampal has already agreed to help us with the tickets."
Lalit nodded, "You're right Gayatri."
They sat in the office drinking their tea quietly when suddenly the phone rang. They both looked at each other anxious emotions etched on their faces. Lalit gingerly picked up the phone. "Teji? How is he?" Lalit said standing up from the anxiety of the situation. His eyes widen at what was being said on the other end. Gayatri looked at her husband; a petrified expression fell upon her face as she saw the phone drop from Lalit's hand crashing down on top of the desk knocking the tea cup over. The cordless phone hit the floor with a clank as the battery cover popped off. "Cancer..." Lalit whispered his face filled with shock.
************************************************************************
Heer shakily put the phone down after talking to her brother; her eyes filled with tears. Meher grabbed a hold of her sister hugging her tightly crying desperately. "Th-this can't be happening," she said between sobs. "Papa can't leave us."
Heer patted her sister's head, "Papa's not going to leave us. He's going to fight this and he's going to win." Despite her words of encouragement Heer couldn't help but find them empty. This was cancer they were talking about not some flu. This was a disease that many succumb to even when fighting with all the available treatments. The only comfort in the situation was that they had caught it early. It was some strange twist of fate that he had fallen ill from food poisoning; sending him to the hospital to get blood work done. The doctors assured them that they would start treatment as soon as his body recovered from the food poisoning.
The girls were startled by the knock at the front door. Heer wiped her tears away and went to see who it was. It was Prem and Preet; both with mournful faces. The brothers could tell by the redness in the Maan sisters' eyes that they had been crying. Heer let them into the house and went to the kitchen to get something for them to drink. Preet really didn't know how to handle the situation seeing Meher's sadness and hearing her occasional sniffles. He was so accustom to seeing her bubbly smile that seeing this side of her made him unsure how to proceed next. Prem nudged him to go and comfort her. Preet went and sat next to Meher hesitantly reaching out to take her hand but then stopped and began rubbing the back of his head as he heard Heer walk back into the living room. Prem politely took the glass of juice and sat in the armchair quietly drinking. Heer sat down on the couch and looked over at her sister who was sitting on the love seat with Preet. The room was very still as everyone remained silent each thinking their own thoughts. It had been a rough two weeks for all those involved waiting for the news of what was going on in India.
Prem finally broke the silence, "Mrs. Rampal was able to get an earlier flight for you guys," he said as he took out two tickets from the inner pocket of his jacket. Heer and Meher both looked at him with hopefulness. It was the only bright piece of news during this time of darkness.
Meher cracked a smile, "Thanks so much Prem."
"It's not much of a change. It's only one day earlier," he replied. "Sorry."
"But still we'll be home one day earlier," Heer said. "Anyways with exams coming up it's not like we can leave before our tests."
"Have you talked to your brother?" Prem asked.
"He said he'll be there a week after us. There's a big project that he's currently in the middle of and there isn't a way for him to get out of it," Heer said.
"Dinner's waiting for us. We should all go," Prem said as he stood up.
"It's really okay. We've been eating there for the past couple of weeks. We will stay home," Heer replied.
"Ma and Bauji want to make sure you eat properly. They don't want you to stress yourselves out. You are coming for dinner," Prem instructed. Preet took Meher's hand in his and walked her out the door. Prem stood looking at Heer, "Let's not fight about this," he said as he offered his hand to her. Heer obediently slipped her hand into his; feeling the strong but gentle grip. He unexpectedly pulled her towards him into a hug. Heer closed her eyes and clung to him tightly while he gently placed his hand on her head in a comforting manner.
*************************************************
Heer stood in the kitchen helping Gayatri and Kulraj clean the dishes. Dinner was a rather light hearted experience because of little Rishi's antics. He had gotten hold of one of the serving spoons and decided that he would serve himself palak paneer. Being only two, his coordination skills were not at its best as he flung palak all over the table getting it on everyone. Preet got the worst of it as palak covered most of his shirt and even in some of his hair. Everyone laughed heartily releasing the tension that had been building in the last several days.
"Heer, go sit down we've got this covered," Kulraj said as she placed some dishes in the dishwasher. "We're almost done."
"It's okay I want to help...I wasn't here to help cook at least let me help clean," she replied. "And after everything that you guys have done it's the least I can do."
Gayatri glanced at Kulraj who gave her mother a slight nod indicating that she would finish up the rest. "Heer beta," Gayatri said, "come with me." Heer obediently followed Gayatri wondering where she was taking her. Gayatri went to the prayer room and from one of the side tables picked up a little Ganpati statue. She held the tiny figure in the palm of her hand and smiled, "I got this for you and Meher to protect you on your journey home and to protect your mom and dad during this time."
Heer felt the emotions welling up in her eyes and she quickly bent down to touch Gayatri's feet. She was stopped by Gayatri's hands, "No, in this family unmarried girls do not touch our feet...only married girls and daughter-in-laws do. I give you my blessings," she sweetly said. "Just give me a hug." Heer wrapped her arms around her and immediately felt the loving warm embrace radiating from Gayatri. Heer couldn't control herself any longer as she began to sob uncontrollably. Gayatri patted her head and then soothed her back. She knew that Heer had been holding in a lot of her emotions afraid to show the same fear that Meher was feeling. Heer was trying her best to be the stronger one and become the pillar of strength for Meher. She was determined to not let herself fall no matter how she was feeling. "Let it all out, Beta...let it all out," Gayatri caringly said as she stroke her back. Prem silently stood at the door way watching the entire scene gently smiling at the way his mother was taking care of Heer. There was a completeness he felt in his heart that he couldn't comprehend but knew it was right.
*********************************************************************
"Meher?" Kulraj called from the kitchen.
"Yes, is something the matter?" Meher replied as she entered the room with a concern face.
"I totally forgot to put the clean towels in Preet's room. Could you go and give them to him?" Kulraj asked.
Meher looked at her with surprised, "Y-you want me to give them to him?" She was stunned by the request because Preet had gone to take a shower. She was afraid of something inappropriate happening if she walked in at the wrong time.
"Yes, can you please help me out? I'm busy with the dishes," she said.
"Um, okay," Meher nervously replied. She went to the laundry room and found the towels already folded. As she climbed the stairs to the second floor she felt the knots in her stomach tighten. She knocked on the door waiting for a response. A sense of relief washed over her as she heard his voice telling her to come in. When she opened the door she saw Preet in a white kurta with a red towel hanging around his shoulder. "Kulraj told me to give you these," handing him the stack of towels.
"Thanks Meher," he replied. He saw her turned towards the door and reached out to stop her by placing his hand on her arm. She looked at him wondering what he wanted. Preet pulled her towards him into a hug. She stiffened at the sudden intimacy. "I'm not really good at these types of things," Preet began. "I'm always playing around but I just want you to know whenever you need me I'll be there. No matter what happens you can always call me, okay?"
Meher looked up at Preet understanding what he meant. Preet smiled and gave her another hug. "Everything is going to be fine." Meher closed her eyes enjoying the moment they were sharing together. Preet could hear his heart beating loudly in his ear as he realized they had taken another step forward in their relationship. His happiness soon turned into confusion as he slowly began to hear Meher's laughter. He pulled away his eyebrows arched wondering what was so funny.
"Preet did you really take a shower?" she asked.
"Yea, of course I did," he replied.
"Well, you didn't scrub hard enough because you still smell like palak paneer!" she giggled.
Preet eyes narrowed, "No I don't."
"No, yes you do," Meher replied.
"No, I don't," he repeated.
"You really do. Did you even use soap? Go take another shower," Meher ordered.
"Oh, making fun of me, huh?" he replied.
Meher shook her head, "Preet!" she yelled as he began chasing her around the room. "Stop chasing me!"
"Not until you take it back!" he commanded.
"Never because it's the truth!" she replied as she ran out the door.
***************************************************************
The weeks dragged by as the semester slowly came to a close. Everyone was busy with final exams and papers that little time was spent on other things. Preet and Meher's relationship was moving along at a comfortable pace. No one in the family other than Heer and Prem knew what was going on. They didn't want to tell anyone since they had just started. Despite being in Canada, the Juneja's were heavily involved with the Indian community. The Indian Auntie rumor mill and gossip rings were known to be a powerful force in such circles and Preet had witnessed before what could befall young couples who weren't so careful. Preet didn't want anything bad to be spread about Meher if they later decided to remain friends. He owned that much to her and wanted to protect her honor. Moreover, it was nice to not be bothered by anyone who had invested interests in them staying as a couple and they had more freedom to do as they pleased.
Heer decided to focus her energies on her studies trying to keep her mind off of her father's illness and her relationship with Prem. It was becoming too much for her to play the guessing game with Prem; some days she felt he felt the same and other days she was just left confused. But one thing she knew for sure was that he did care about her and he valued their friendship. Preet was also getting frustrated at his brother's behavior. Even though he knew Prem was coming home exhausted from helping their father out at the hotel, Preet felt there wasn't any excuse to be falling asleep while he was talking to him. Heer told him not to worry about it and to focus more on his school work than her relationship issues; if Prem didn't feel that way about her than there wasn't anything that could be done and eventually she would get over it. Preet usually end the conversations calling his brother stupid and a pathetic loser for not seeing how great Heer was. Meher would then end up calming him down with a bowl of chocolate ice cream while Heer laughed at Preet's attitude amazed that he was siding with her rather than his own brother.
Finally the day came when the Maan sisters had to leave for India. The entire Juneja family came to see them off at the airport. Meher giggled along with Preet and Harman as they joked around. Kulraj and Veera were busy playing with Rishi while Kiran, Lalit, and Gayatri discussed business. They were all waiting for Heer who excused herself to use the washroom.
Meher glanced at her watch, "What's taking her so long?"
"Don't worry you guys have plenty of time," Harman replied. He then looked around him and muttered, "Where's Prem Bhaiya?"
Preet did a double take and grinned mumbling to himself, "He's finally doing something for once."
Harman gave him a quizzical look, "Doing what?"
"Oh, I think he said he was thirsty and went to go get something to drink," Meher replied quickly while stepping on Preet's foot. He shot her a dirty look as he flexed his toe and rubbed his foot on the floor.
"Really? I wanted something to drink too," Harman pouted.
************************************************************************
Prem stood at a distance from the ladies' restroom not wanting to look like he was a pervert stalking women as they came out. For the past couple of days he hadn't been sleeping properly. Prem couldn't figure out why he was so anxious. He knew Heer would be back but the fact that she was going to be gone for a long period of time was weighing heavily on his mind. He knew he was going to miss her a lot.
Heer exited the restroom and upon noticing Prem immediately walked towards him. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, why do you say that?" he replied.
"Oh nothing, just that you looked a little worried," Heer said.
"Nothing's wrong," Prem said and started walking. Heer glanced at him trying to read his facial expressions but eventually chided herself for allowing the emotional rollercoaster to consume her again. She wasn't paying much attention to where she was going when she felt herself being pulled towards the side. A large group of teenagers came running by nearly knocking down several other people as they raced down the hallway to get to the security gate. Heer looked up to see Prem's concern face; his brown eyes filled with mix emotions. His hand was still holding her arm in a protective manner. Prem softly whispered, "Are you okay?" Heer couldn't say a word as the feeling of being so close to him was starting get to her. She simply nodded her response. She felt light headed and was thankful for the wall behind her back. Heer looked on curiously why Prem hadn't let go of her arm. She swallowed nervously when she realized his face was inching closer to hers. She could barely believe that something like this was happening to her now and of all places in public at the airport. Her heart was racing in her chest as her stomach did somersaults. But ever so slowly she let her eyelids close as Prem titled his head slightly his lips within reaching distance of hers. "Prem Bhaiya..." They both opened their eyes in surprise at the interruption. Prem turned his face to the side barely missing Heer's lips as a slight chuckle escaped from his mouth. "Figures..." he mumbled and reluctantly let go of her arm as he moved away. Heer timidly lowered her eyes as she felt her face flush red.
"Prem Bhaiya," Harman repeated unaware what he had just interrupted. His view had been blocked by the crowd of people walking through the hallway. The only thing he recognized was his brother's shirt which led him to start calling his name.
"Oh, hey Harman what is it?" Prem asked as his brother walked towards them.
"They told me you were getting something to drink," Harman replied.
"Oh yea," Prem answered going along with the situation. He walked to the nearest magazine stand and glanced back at Heer who was following them. "Heer you want anything?"
She shook her head, "I can't take water in before the security check point."
"Oh, yea I forgot," Prem replied and then paid for two bottles of water. He handed one of them to Harman who wore a grateful look on his face. The three of them then walked back to where the family was waiting. Meher was busy checking a long list of items on a piece of paper. Prem craned his neck over to see what she had written down. "Meher can I borrow your pen?" he asked. She nodded and handed the pen over to him. "You don't need this...you don't need this...and you don't need this either," he said as he started crossing things off on her list.
"What are you doing?" Meher asked in alarm.
"What are you trying to do to her? Make her bring everything from India to you?" Prem said addressing his youngest brother.
Preet scowled, "Hey, she offered."
"You don't need half these things on the list," Prem answered.
Preet grabbed the list away before he could cross out more items, "You're just jealous that you don't have someone to bring things for you. So stop trying to stop someone who wants to bring me things."
Kulraj glanced at the piece of paper and sighed, "Preet, you can get half this stuff at the Indian store."
"He doesn't know that cause he never goes Indian grocery shopping. He thinks everything we get is from relatives who ship us things from India," Veera mocked.
Preet grimaced, "I'm not that bad. Okay, just bring me the things that we can only get from India. Everyone happy now?"
"Come come children, let's stop the fighting. Heer and Meher are going to miss their flight if we keep them any longer," Gayatri interrupted. Preet wore a satisfied grin on his face that his mother had rescued him. Gayatri then looked at Heer, "You have the Prasad from the Ardas prayer that we did at the Gurdwara with you?"
"Haa Auntie," Heer replied. "It's in the plastic container in my backpack."
"Good don't forget to give it to your father," she instructed. Heer nodded her head. Gayatri then gave her and Meher a hug. "Normally people would be saying this to your sister but Meher today I'm saying this to you. Take care of your sister. Don't let her carry the burdens on her own."
Meher smiled, "I promise to take care of Didi."
Lalit gave a bittersweet grin as he hugged them, "I'll be seeing you two soon. Once some things get worked out at the hotel I'll be in India. Both of you have to be strong for your parents, okay?" The girls nodded in response.
Soon the rest of the family gave their hugs and well wishes for a safe flight and how they would be keeping them in their prayers. The sisters bid their last farewell and turned to leave for the airport security check in gate. Preet silently counted in his head and smiled as he reached the number three when Meher turned around and quickly glanced back at him. His heart fluttered in happiness. Prem grinned at his brother's expression and gently nudged him. As Prem turned around with the rest of the family he suddenly felt a tug on his arm. He glanced at Preet who was still standing facing the other way; Prem arched his eyebrow wondering what he wanted. His brother simply motioned with his head for Prem to look. Heer shyly lifted her eyes up and met Prem's gaze. Prem gave a lopsided grin causing Heer to blush and look down. Preet snickered as he wrapped his arm around Prem's neck in a playful headlock. They both stopped playing around when they heard their mother calling them. They waved a final goodbye to the girls and ran to catch up with their family.
****************************************************************
Pre-Cap:
Chapter 21: Everything Is Not What It Seems
Surprising shopping trips, late night talks, and playful mischief awaits in the next chapter!
***************************************************************
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Until next week hope everyone has a wonderful week!
If any of you are in the US Happy 4th of July! ⭐️
---Grace Edited by iheartChai - 15 years ago
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
