FF|All the Wrong Moves in All the Right Ways I - Page 38

"Remember, we are here to help Preet and Prem figure out what she wants for her birthday," Heer said. "It's only a few days away."

Meher rolled her eyes, "Okay."

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Gayatri stood in front of the stove stirring a big pot of curry for the night's big celebration. "Lalit it's two in the morning in India why aren't you in bed?" she asked holding the phone with her shoulder.

"I can't miss my daughter's birthday," he replied sleepily.

"It's still early over here. The party hasn't even started yet. People are arriving around 7 and the party won't be over until 11 or so. Go back to bed," she advised.

"Are things in order?" Lalit asked. "Everything is taken care of? Cause you know if it isn't...it's not a big deal to postpone it."

Gayatri shook her head, "Ah, so that's way you called. We've talked about this already and you have agreed to it and there is no way for you to back out. The tickets have been booked and your sister is expecting her. Veera's has been doing extremely well in her studies and she's already made her case quite eloquently that this trip would not affect any of her classes. Her cousin is going to be there with her so you don't have to worry about her going into the city alone."

Lalit sighed, "All right, all right...I'll call back in a few hours to wish the birthday girl."

She hung up the phone and went back to concentrating on finishing dinner. Gayatri smiled as she turned to see Heer and Meher walking into the kitchen. "Girls, how are you doing?"

"Hi Auntie," Meher and Heer greeted.

"We're doing fine. We'd thought you could use some help in the kitchen," Heer offered.

"Yes, I could. Meher could you finish chopping the tomatoes? And Heer could you finish washing the potatoes and cauliflower?" she instructed. The girls nodded and quickly went to complete their tasks.

Meanwhile, Veera and Kulraj were busy in the living room setting things up for the party. Kiran came down the stairs with Rishi to inspect how things were progressing for the party. "Ouch! Son, don't kick your legs so hard Daddy's chest hurts when you do that."

Kulraj looked up to see Rishi sitting on top of Kiran's shoulders. "That's dangerous, Kiran. What if he falls?"

"I've got him, don't worry," Kiran replied as he held tightly onto his son's hands. "And by the way what are you doing moving around so much? Veera?"

"I know Jiju. I keep telling her to stop but she won't listen. I've made sure she doesn't lift anything heavy and is not doing anything that requires a ladder," Veera replied.

"She's the birthday girl. She shouldn't be putting these decorations up," Kulraj explained.

"So why don't you use your brothers. Where are they?" Kiran asked.

"Prem's at work. He's arriving a little late for the party. And I'm not sure where Preet or Harman are," Kulraj replied. "Heer and Meher just arrived and are helping out in the kitchen."

Rishi's head jerked slightly at the mention of Heer's name. Kiran held tightly onto his son, "Woah, stop moving around so much."

"Can I go play with Heer Didi?" he asked.

"She's busy in the kitchen," Kulraj explained. "You'll have plenty of time to play with her later."

"Hey Rishi, why don't we play a game?" Veera suggested.

Kiran carefully placed his son down on the ground and grinned, "Yea, go play with your Masi. It's her birthday today. Have you said happy birthday yet?"

Rishi nodded, "I did. You keep forgetting things. Daddy do you need a doctor?"

Kiran rubbed the back of his head sheepishly while Veera and Kulraj laughed. "You're making me feel so old, son."

"I've been telling you...that you've been working too hard'see what a lack of sleep can do to you," Kulraj warned. "You have been rather forgetful this week."

Kiran gave a thin smile, "Well, I finished the project so you don't have to worry about it anymore. I'll have more time next week...time to sleep and spend more time with you, Rishi, and the little one coming soon." Kulraj gave her husband a satisfied grin.

Preet and Harman at this moment choose to come downstairs. Kulraj eyed them both. "So you two have finally decided to grace us with your presence?" The brothers glanced at one another wondering if the other knew what was going on. "How could you let your sister, the birthday girl put up her own decorations? Here," handing some streamers to each, "...you boys are tall enough to put these up."

"See I told you if we came down now we would be put to work," Preet whispered to his brother.

"Yea, should have stayed upstairs we could have watched more sports highlights," Harman murmured back.

"You know I can hear you," Veera replied. "Way to make someone feel great on her birthday."

Preet and Harman smiled mischievously at each other. "You know I think these streamers work better lower to the ground," Harman announced.

Preet nodded, "Yeah, a lot lower...like this height..." Veera squealed as Preet and Harman grabbed her and started wrapping her up with the party streamers like a mummy. The brothers laughed joyously at their sister's protests. "This outfit is so in fashion this season," Preet teased.

"You have the best colors...so in style," Harman joined in.

"Did you really think we'd avoid you on your birthday?" Preet asked.

"Group hug," Harman commanded. The brothers squished Veera between the two of them giving her a huge hug and then kissing her on the check. "Happy birthday!" they both shouted.

Veera smiled happily, "Thank you."

Just then the door bell rang causing everyone to stop what they were doing in the living room. "The guest are already coming? It's not even seven yet," Kulraj said.

"I'll go let them in," Preet offered. He handed the streamers over to his brother and went to answer the door. He was surprised to find Sanjana staring back at him. "Um, hi," he waved awkwardly.

"Hi Preet," she greeted. She then held up a gift bag to let him know why she was there. "Your mother mentioned a few days ago that today is Veera's birthday. I'd thought I drop by and give her my gift."

"Oh, okay," Preet replied slightly confused. Sanjana had gotten to know the family better over the winter break but she wasn't exactly super close with Veera. He followed her into the living room wondering what was going to happen next.

"Happy Birthday, Veera!" Sanjana greeted as she came into the living room.

Veera looked up surprised as she unraveled the last of the streamers from her body. "Oh, thank you Sanjana," she replied.

"Just thought I drop off my gift to you," Sanjana explained. She then looked around the room. "Do you guys need any help?"

Veera stood there trying to decide what to do. Although Sanjana was not officially invited to her party, the fact that she had actually bought her a gift made Veera feel obligated to invite her. "No, we have it covered here in the living room. Listen, why don't you stay for the party?"

Sanjana politely smiled, "Oh, I don't mean to intrude."

"The party is starting soon, just stay. And if you really want to help out I think Ma could use another pair of hands in the kitchen," Veera replied.

"Well, okay. Thank you," Sanjana grinned and quickly headed over to the kitchen. Although she knew there was a high possibility of running into Heer she was still slightly taken aback to find her in the kitchen helping out. "Hi Auntie," Sanjana announced loudly to ensure her arrival was heard.

"Oh, Sanjana Beta what are you doing here?" Gayatri warmly asked.

"I just dropped off my gift to Veera. You'd had mention that today was her birthday. Veera's invited me to stay so I thought you could use some more help in the kitchen," she answered. She then gave a polite nod in greeting to Heer and Meher.

"There is always work to be done in the kitchen. Let's see could you make the batter for the pakoras?" Gayatri instructed.

Sanjana smiled and went to work on her task. "By the way where's Prem I didn't see him outside."

"He's at work. Unfortunately he be will coming to the party late," Gayatri replied.

Sanjana slightly frowned at the fact that Prem wasn't around. But she was still encouraged that he would be coming later. She glanced over at Heer who was busy slicing potatoes and onions to gauge her reaction. From what Sanjana could see Heer seemed relatively disinterested in Prem's whereabouts. She smiled inwardly hoping to steal some moments with Prem tonight.

"Hi Didi!" a small voice suddenly greeted warmly into the kitchen. Everyone turned toward the little 3 year old boy with smiles.

"Rishi..." Veera warned as she came running in. "Everyone's busy in here. Now, is not the time to go visit."

Knowing what he wanted Heer apologetically looked at him, "I'm sorry Rishi but I need to help in the kitchen."

"I know," he replied. "I came to say hi."

"But I promoise we'll play some games later," Heer offered.

"Pinky swear?" he asked holding up his pinky.

Heer laughed, "Pinky swear," holding up her pink and hooking it around his.

"Cross your heart?" he asked as he crossed his finger across his heart in the shape of an X.

Heer nodded solemnly, "Cross my heart," and mimicked his hand motions.

Veera sighed as she pushed her nephew out the kitchen, "Let's go before we get in the way."

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Prem's eyebrows puckered at the sight before him; the driveway packed with cars. There wasn't even an inch available for him to squeeze through to park on the side of the house. He sighed as he slowly reversed out and park on the side of the road. He grabbed his briefcase and walked his way pass the large black gates of the driveway. As he entered the house he could hear the commotion of people mingling amongst each other as the music played. He took off his shoes and quietly tip-toed to the left out of the foyer slipping into a tiny passageway that bypassed him from having to go into the living room to get to the stairs. He smiled to himself pleased that no one had noticed his entrance; at least to his knowledge. He was unaware that a pair of brightly shining almond shaped eyes had spotted him on the stairs and was silently doing her own contemplation on how to leave the party without being caught.

Prem was tired from the day's work and wanted to freshen up and change before interacting with people from the party. He plopped his briefcase on his desk and dropped his shoes by its legs. He tossed his suit jacket on his bed and placed his tie on the dresser as he made his way to the bathroom. Prem washed his face enjoying the cold feeling of water as it refreshed and rejuvenated his spirit. He then went to the closet to find something comfortable to wear for the party downstairs. There was a light knock on his door that surprised him as he pulled his undershirt over his head. "Coming," he answered as he opened the door. Heer stood before him with a shy smile. Before she could even utter a word Prem quickly grabbed her hand and dragged her inside his room locking the door behind them. Heer's back was pushed up against the rich mahogany door as Prem grinned mischievously. He attempted to move closer until he realized there was something obstructing his goal. He glanced at Heer wondering why she was carrying a small bowl. "Its kheer," she answered.

"Kheer?' Prem repeated his eyes sparking with delight. He reached out to take the bowl only to have Heer move it away from him. He pouted at her actions.

"Oh, I see how it is. Not even a word of hello and you want to eat the kheer that I was kind enough to save for you," Heer said.

"Hello?" Prem offered with a lopsided smile. He reached out to take the bowl again only to have Heer move to the left out of the doorway; her back slightly turned towards him. His eyes lit in panic as he saw Heer take a spoonful ready to eat the sweet milky substance. "Nooooo," he shouted and grabbed her hand from behind. "Preeem!" she laughingly shouted as she tried to put the spoon in her mouth. "I'm sorry, please," he pleaded with her as he held onto her arm. "Please, Heer?"

She laughed, "Fine." Prem grinned happily and let go of her arm. Heer took the chance to eat the spoonful and turned to smirk at him naughtily. Prem frowned but determingly took her hand that held the spoon and forced it into the bowl and fed himself some kheer. "Prem," Heer giggled. She released the bowl and spoon to him and watched his childish behavior; devouring the entire contents as if he was afraid that she would continue to fight him over it. "Good?" she asked.

"Yes. Nothing comes between Ma's kheer and me," he replied with a satisfied grin.

"I can see that," Heer said. She looked around the room and shook her head. "Prem, why didn't you put your clothes away?" Heer took his suit jacket, which was a balled up mess off the bed and began untangling it. "If you take care of them right away you won't have such a mess to clean up afterwards." Prem smiled inwardly finding it rather cute the way she was reprimanding him. He followed with his eyes as she walked around his room picking up his clothes and properly putting them away or throwing them in his hamper. He stood there letting his mind wonder if this was the type of wife she would be. But eventually those happy thoughts were invaded by the reality of what was probably to come; that she would be someone else's. She would wake him up in the morning, fix his breakfast, pick up after him, and fulfill all the other wifely duties. Prem felt a tight pain in his chest as he found it suddenly hard to breathe. The thought of separating from Heer was already causing him this much pain that Prem wondered would he be able to survive without her. Heer closed the closet door and turned towards Prem expecting some sort of reaction out of him, but his silence worried her. "Prem?" she asked as she walked towards him. She placed her hand on his check in a loving manner, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he replied forcing a smile. Prem just hugged her tightly and closed his eyes letting the feel of her body against his sooth the pain in his heart away. They stood there locked in the embrace for some time. "We should probably go downstairs to the party before they start looking for me," Heer spoke breaking the hug. Prem nodded and went to his dresser to pick out a sweater to wear. "I think that one will look better," Heer advised as she pointed to a blue and white stripped one. Prem grinned and obediently put it on.

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Veera smiled happily as everyone gathered around her to sing her a rowdy rendition of 'Happy Birthday To You'. She closed her eyes and made a wish before blowing out the candles. Celine stood next to her helping her plate the slices of cake. There were two different types of cake; one chocolate and one lemon cream. Veera had a difficult time in deciding which flavor to get that she ended up getting both and decided to allow the guests to choose which one they preferred to eat. "So what's the deal with those two?" Celine whispered to Veera indicating with her eyes towards Meher and Heer.

"Oh, they are here like all the time. I didn't exactly invite them to my party but it's pretty much a given they would show up. They're friends of the family and well, really close to my brothers, Preet and Prem. I really don't understand why they like hanging out with them so much," Veera explained.

"Really, huh?" Celine smirked. "Well, I suppose you will have to get use to it once you're related. I pity you really. I just thought they would have better taste then that."

"Related?" Veera repeated.

"It hasn't dawn on you that there might be something else going on between them and your brothers?" Celine asked.

"Nah," Veera replied trying to push it off as a crazy thought, "they wouldn't," then pausing slightly, "or would they?" She glanced over at her brothers talking to the Maan sisters and bit her lower lip.

"Well, like I said I pity you," Celine said. "By the way what's her deal?" pointing to Sanjana who had just made her way into the foursome. "It seems like some crazy love triangle going on over there," she joked as she saw Sanjana stuff Prem's mouth with some lemon cream cake. Prem looked utterly surprised while Heer gave Sanjana a dirty glance.

"Please, spare me the drama," Veera said rolling her eyes.

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Pre-Cap:

Chapter 29: Never Judge a Book By Its Cover

Veera ends up having a rather eventful trip to New York.

What exactly does Prem do that gets him in trouble with Heer?

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wow wht an update....privacy haan,,,,,behind the statue.......wa8 for 15 mins but the road is for 5 mins .... :) too gud yar....

sanjana wil kill u,,,,,,,

precap seems interestin...wa8in for nxt....

thx for da pm...its k if u update l8 coz of ur busy schdeule.....

waiting eagerly for more....

...........

loved the PDA moment..........awe it was utterly romantic

loved MEET and Premeer scenes