ONE CHANCE GIVEN 2.8
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I was in pakistan for five weeks volunteering so my internet was very limited. I read like 6 parts yesterday and LOVED them! my comments are long over due, sorry! I was so excited to read them all and they are sooo good! I am really curious as to how premeer are gong to get heer out of her engagement and if meet are going to get serious enough to last until they are ready for marriage! and this veera- maya intro seems to be an interesting addition! i wonder what these two will cook up( other than harman's brain!)
Chapter 30: SPELL The Magic
Heer ran down the stairs wondering who was ringing the doorbell so early in the morning. She checked the peep hole and saw a FedEx delivery agent holding a large box. "Heer Mann?" he asked when she opened the door. She nodded her response. He smiled, "This package is for you. Please sign," handing her an electronic clipboard. The FedEx agent noticed her curious expression and grinned. "Lots of special delivery packages get delivered on Valentine's Day. Hope you have a great Valentine's," he said and then left.
Heer brought the package inside and placed it on the coffee table wondering who sent her the package. She checked the box to see if there was a sender's address but she couldn't find anything but her address. At that moment, Meher still in her pajamas walked into the living room yawning sleepily wondering what the big commotion was so early in the morning. "Who sent you package?" she asked.
"I don't know...there's no sender address," Heer replied.
"Well, I guess there is only one thing to do...open it," Meher instructed. Heer opened the large box to see a smaller white department store gift box inside. She carefully pulled it out and opened the lid. Meher gasped at the sight before her. "Didi, it's beautiful!" Heer gently touched the fabric of the elegant red saree that was hidden inside the gift box. In her other hand she stared at the hand written note that had the simple instructions 'Wear me'. "You're going to look so gorgeous in it!" Meher exclaimed with excitement. She then elbowed her sister in a teasing manner, "Prem sure is romantic you're so lucky. Where's he taking you tonight?"
"I don't know. He hasn't told me. He just told me that he's arranged everything and to be ready by 7:00," Heer said.
"I bet you can't wait for tonight. I know I can't. This is my first Valentine's Day and I actually have someone to celebrate with. It is suppose to be the most romantic day of the year," Meher gushed. "I can't wait for tonight!"
Heer gave her sister a concern look. "Meher, don't get carried away. You're putting a lot of pressure on Preet."
"What do you mean carried away?" Meher asked innocently. "I've been watching all these romantic movies for the past two weeks like 'Two Weeks Notice', '27 Dresses', '13 Going on 30', 'A Walk to Remember', 'The Notebook', 'The Proposal', 'While You Were Sleeping', 'Sleepless in Seattle', and 'You've Got Mail'...besides the usual Hindi films to help me prepare for today."
"When did you have time to do that? Did you study at all these past two weeks?" Heer asked.
"Don't worry Didi I haven't been slacking in my studies. I did one movie a night and on the weekends two movies. I watched them during my study breaks," Meher explained proudly. She then dreamily thought, "I wonder if Preet's going to come here with a dozen roses or maybe a cute pink teddy bear."
"Meher, if you expect too much you'll only get let down. Just enjoy the night with Preet. It shouldn't matter what day it is...you should just cherish your time together," Heer replied trying to explain to her little sister the important thing to focus on.
"Ah, Didi, you say that now but you know deep down inside you want to get romanced like every other girl out there," Meher said teasingly. "You can't deny that you're curious what Prem has planned."
Heer gave a slight grin, "Well, of course but---"
"See," Meher said interrupting her pleased that her point had been made. "Well, I'm going to go take a shower." Heer watched her sister merrily hop up the stairs. She couldn't help but smile at her excitement and eagerness to start the day. Heer returned her attention on the red saree her eyes twinkling with happiness. She picked up the cordless phone and made a call to Prem's cell. She was expecting him to pick up immediately but instead was directed to his voicemail after several rings. She left a brief message thanking him for the outfit and then went to the kitchen to make breakfast.
Meher did a twirl in her black dress in front of the mirror making sure she didn't have any stains or lint on the back of the dress. Her thoughts were overflowing with various movie-like scenarios of candlelight dinners, dancing, and cheesy but romantic lines being uttered. She was filled with nervous jitters at the thought of what Preet had probably planned for their romantic night out. She smiled brightly checking herself one more time in the mirror before heading down the stairs. As she exited her room she decided to go check on her sister to see how she was doing. Meher politely knocked on the door before walking in. Heer screamed startled by her entrance as she came out of the bathroom at the same moment Meher walked in. "Meher, don't scare me like that!" Heer said clasping her hand to her chest.
"But I knocked," Meher innocently replied. She then quickly added as she looked over Heer's outfit, "Didi you look amazing!"
Heer blushed, "Really?"
"The saree fits perfectly on you," Meher continued to praise. "Prem's going to be completely knocked out." She then teased, "All I can say is one of Preet's plans better not occur tonight."
"Meher!" Heer shouted in shock. "Don't you dare---"
Meher held up her hands in surrender, "I'm only joking."
"You better not come home with one of Preet's plans enacted either," Heer warned. "Because if you do I'm going to beat you and Preet myself'never mind what Papa's going to do to the both of you."
"Didi! Nothing like that is going to happen. We haven't even kissed on the lips yet! We've only just started hugging and holding hands." Meher quickly blurted out in defense; her cheeks growing an ever deeper shade of red then her sister's.
Heer gave her a slightly crossed look but then lighten into a bright smile as her point was well understood by her sister. "Well, you're looking very beautiful in your black dress."
Meher looked down blushing. "Thank you Didi."
Heer giggled as she hugged her sister, "Awwww," she said as she pinched her cheeks, "You're blushing." Meher pouted at her sister's actions. The sisterly conversation was interrupted when they heard the doorbell ring announcing the arrival of one of the Juneja brothers. Meher quickly jumped away from her sister and headed downstairs. Heer smiled at her response and calmly followed behind.
Preet's eyes glazed over as he stared at Meher on the front steps of the townhouse. "W-wow," he uttered. "You look beautiful, Meher." He was expecting her to respond to his compliment but instead he received a rather unsatisfied glare from her eyes. "W-what?" he asked as he turned around looking at his clothes. "I have a stain somewhere? But these are clean clothes."
"Preet, you told me to dress up," Meher replied. "What are you wearing?"
"What?" Preet said as he took another look at himself. He was wearing a simple black dress shirt with the usual 3 top buttons unbuttoned, a dark pair of jeans, and sneakers. "I wore dark jeans. Normally I wear lighter ones than these. And my clothes are clean because I just washed them."
Meher shook her head in disbelief and muttered, "Is there a reason I got dressed up?"
"Well, yeah, I'm taking you out to eat," Preet replied.
"Meher," Heer warned in a polite manner as she interrupted their conversation.
Preet grinned, "Hey Heer, you look great in your saree."
"Thank you, Preet. You're looking very nice tonight," Heer said.
"Thanks," Preet replied. "Prem Bhaiya is going to have a hard time keeping his eyes off of you. You're going to have to keep him in line tonight," he teased. Heer shyly looked down as her cheeks turned a dark shade of red.
Meher sighed and pushed Preet out towards the car not wanting to continue her conversation in front of her sister. Preet was perplexed by her attitude but quickly turned and waved goodbye to Heer, "Happy Valentine's Day!" Heer smiled and wished him back before closing the door. "What's the matter Meher?" he asked once they were alone.
"What you're wearing," Meher replied.
"I don't look nice?" he asked.
"No, you do but---" she started.
Preet smiled and quickly turned away not listening to what she had to say. He went to his car and took something out hiding the item behind his back. He sheepishly grinned, "I forgot to give you these." He pulled from behind his back a bouquet of pink stargazer lilies. Meher stared at the bouquet with a feeling of mixed emotions. She was happy that he even took the time to get her flowers but she was slightly let down that they weren't roses; the flowers that represented the holiday. She gently smiled as she took them from his hand, "Thank you Preet." He grinned and opened the car door for her to get in.
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Heer stood in the doorway surprised to see an elderly man wearing a black suit and a driver's hat greeting her on the front porch of the townhouse. "Ms. Maan? Mr. Prem Juneja has sent me to come pick you up." He moved to the side to reveal a black limousine parked on the side of the road. She looked a bit worried and wasn't too sure if she should be getting in a car with a complete stranger. Prem had only texted messaged her back saying he would see her later tonight but left no mention of a limousine coming to pick her up. The man pulled a small gift box out of his suit pocket and handed it to her, "He wanted you to open this first."
Heer carefully lifted the lid off the box to find a mini hand held voice recorder. She pressed the play button and heard Prem's voice on the other end. "I know you must be mad at me for not talking to you all day. And here it is 7:00 and I'm not even here to come pick you up. I'm very sorry Heer and hope you can forgive me. I just wanted the night to be special so I planned a couple of surprises. George here will take good care of you as he drives you to your destination." Heer glanced up at George who gave a slight nod and smile. "Ms. Maan," he said as he gestured with his hands, "Your carriage awaits you."
She smiled, "Thank you George," and followed him to the limousine where he politely opened the door for her. As Heer stepped inside she was in awe to see the floor and seats sprinkled with red and pink rose petals. On the main seat she saw a cute white teddy bear holding a large red heart with the word 'Love' etched on it. Heer smiled as she saw the bear and noticed the note attached to its foot. It simply stated 'Hug Me'.
"Never knew he'd grow up to be the romantic type," George said chuckling.
"You know Prem?" she asked in astonishment.
"Oh, I've watched him grow up," he replied. "I use to work at the hotel as the valet coordinator. I resigned about a month ago to help my son start his limousine business. Prem's been helping us a lot by using our services for the hotel." George smiled fondly, "He's good boy...um, well, now that he's grown I should say man. He knows how to treat people with respect and is very courteous to everyone no matter how old or what social background you come from." George paused and pulled out his pocket watch to check the time. "Oh, it's getting late and we better get going. Just sit back and enjoy the ride."
Once the car door was shut Heer held the teddy bear in her hands and playfully pushed his nose and then gave him a hug. She scanned the cabin taking everything in. She noticed that there was a flute of champagne sitting on the mini bar. She chuckled slightly to herself noticing something written on the napkin; it read 'Drink Me'. Heer never had champagne before but she was willing to try. To her mild surprise the alcoholic beverage had a sparkling fruity flavor with a hint of sweetness. She sat back and relaxed in comfort wondering where George was taking her.
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Veera followed her cousin out of the showroom ready to get on the subway and head home. It had been a hectic week for Joyti as she was in charge of the daily coverage on Fashion Week for Elle's website. She was always on her Blackberry texting away or on the phone talking. Veera didn't realize how stressful a job her cousin had but Joyti never complained. She was happy and explained that it was a normal occurrence during Fashion Week but during the regular season it usually wasn't that high paced. Joyti sighed as she glanced at her Blackberry and then looked at Veera apologetically. "I've been called into the office. I may be awhile. You'd think you can get home on your own?"
"Yeah, no problem. I know how to get to Grand Central and it's the White Plains ticket I need to buy," Veera said.
Her cousin smiled, "Good. Call my mother and let her know you're coming so she can pick you up at the train station."
Veera nodded and waved goodbye to Joyti. She turned down the street and started walking towards Grand Central. She frowned slightly to herself as she noticed the window displays of some of the store fronts promoting Valentine Day specials. She glanced around her and found it odd how her eyes were picking up on all the couples walking down the street together; some where holding hands while others were intimately cuddling. She felt rather lonely and out of place as she walked down the sidewalk. She opened the large brass rimmed doors and entered into the train station; immediately feeling tiny and small as the ceilings rose up into the massive rotunda dome. Even though she had been there a week she was still in awe of the place. She gently glanced upward admiring the dome when she bumped into someone. "I'm sorry," she politely said.
"That's something you probably should have said the first time we met," replied the man she had bumped into.
Veera's eyes widen when she lowered her head and turned to her right. "Nihaal?"
He gave a slight smile, "Hi." Veera immediately crossed her arms and looked annoyed. "You're not very good at this greeting thing. Generally when one person says 'Hello' you say 'Hello' back," he explained.
"Hello," she replied through gritted teeth.
"That wasn't so hard," Nihaal teased. "By the way, why do you look upset all the time?"
"I do not look upset," Veera replied. "Listen it was nice meeting you again and all'and I said sorry because this time it was my fault. But I have to go buy my train ticket so if you will excuse me." She left him standing in the middle of the crowd and went to the clock tower information desk to check times. She sighed as she realized she had just missed her train. "Darn, the next one isn't until 8:30pm," she muttered to herself.
"Looks like we'll be waiting here for an hour and half," Nihaal said from behind Veera.
She turned around and narrowed her eyes, "Are you following me?"
Nihaal held up his hands in innocence, "I happen to live in that area too just like half the people in this station right now will be taking that train later'doesn't mean we're stalking you."
Veera rolled her eyes, "Whatever." She then frowned, "What am I going to do for an hour?"
"Let's get something to eat," Nihaal suggested. Veera stared at him. "And wait before you make some snippy comment. Look its dinner time'I'm hungry and I'm sure you are too. Plus, it's Valentine's Day and I'm sure'as a girl you don't want to be eating alone. And you can relax I'm not interested in you."
"Well, I'm not interested in old men," Veera replied a bit miffed at his insinuation that she was somehow attracted to him.
"Well, there you go," Nihaal replied. "Neither of us are interested in each other so we have nothing to worry about. So, what's the problem? "
Veera sighed, "Okay fine. Let's go get something to eat."
Nihaal grinned at her attitude as he led her out of the station, "And by the way I'm not old. I just turned 24."
"Thank you George," Heer said as she stepped out of the limousine. She looked around her and realized that she had seen the place before. It was Kunal's uncle's summer house.
"Well, my dear this is where we part," George said. "I think you'll find what you're looking for at the house. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day."
"You too George," she replied. She stood there for a few minutes and waved goodbye to the limousine as it turned around and disappeared down the road. She clutched her black clutch purse in one hand while she hugged the teddy bear to her chest and started walking towards the house. Heer pondered if she should ring the door bell or knock on the door. But as she came closer she saw there was a little note placed on the side of the doorknob that said 'Open Me'. Heer gave a wide grin and opened the door. Her breath caught in her chest as she saw a pathway formed by lit candles and a red carpet leading into the house. Heer gingerly walked in and followed the path. She walked past a staircase and through an archway. As the living room came into view the candle lit red carpet pathway stopped; instead on the living room floor were dozens of red, pink, and white heart shaped balloons. There were also candles placed along various shelves illuminating the room with a soft glow. Heer's eyes lit up at the sight of the romantic atmosphere that had been created. She never expected something like this at all. Her eyes danced around the room searching for the one thing missing. As if on cue Prem emerged from the back room carrying one single red rose in his hand. He was wearing a black Armani suit with a red tie and had red handkerchief tucked into his front chest pocket. Heer couldn't get over how dashing he looked.
"Happy Valentine's Day Heer," he said his eyes brimming with an intensity that was making Heer blush. Prem was mesmerized by the way Heer looked in her red saree. He was finding it difficult to breathe as he walked closer to her. "For you," he said handing her the rose.
"Thank you Prem," she shyly responded.
"You like the teddy bear?" he asked noticing how she was clutching it close to her chest.
She grinned, "Yes, thank you." Heer glanced at Prem's suit and realized what she thought was a red handkerchief was actually a red colored piece of paper with the words 'Kiss Me' written on it. She broke out into a soft giggle.
Prem arched his left eyebrow, "What's so funny?"
"You and your notes," Heer replied.
"Hey, I had to think of something creative," Prem said giving her a wink. He then cleared his throat, "So, um, what does this next one say to do?"
"It says 'Push Me'," she teased giving him a sly grin.
Prem pouted but offered to take the purse and teddy bear off her hands. Heer gave them up willingly her eyes twinkling with mischief. Prem placed the items on the fireplace mantle while Heer played with the rose in her hand twirling the stem between her fingers. The thorns had been carefully removed by the florist so there wasn't any threat of being pricked. Prem turned his attention back to his date and moved closer slipping his hands around her waist. Heer playfully tapped his nose with the rose, "Yes Mr. Juneja?"
"You look beautiful tonight," he replied and then breaking into a slight smirk, "Whoever picked out your saree has really good tastes."
"Yes, that person does," she grinned. "I'll have to properly thank that person."
"I hear he only takes kisses as compensation," Prem replied.
"Oh he does, does he? Heer said giggling as she inched her face closer to Prem.
"Yup, he does." Prem said as his lips brushed up against Heer's.
"How did you know the right size to get?" Heer asked after their kiss had broken.
"I called your sister," Prem explained. "She helped me out a lot."
"Meher, knew about it? Well, I guess that explains a lot about this morning," Heer said. "But really Prem you didn't have to buy me the saree or do any of this. I'm just happy spending time with you."
"But I wanted to do these things for you," Prem replied. "It's your first time experiencing Valentine's Day and I just wanted to create something special for you."
Heer smiled, "Thank you."
Prem unwrapped his arms from around Heer's waist and lead her to the table, "So how was the ride over here?"
"George was very sweet," Heer said. "He's known you since you were a kid?"
"Yeah, I remember when I was little he would always give me lollipops," Prem said as he pushed the chair in for Heer. "He always had a big bag of them at the valet stand. He's a great guy. I was really sad when he left the hotel but I still see him every now and then because we started using his son's limousine service. Okay, I'll be right back with dinner."
"You cooked?" Heer asked in disbelief.
"I wish I could say yes to that," Prem said sheepishly. "It's take out from the hotel...hope you don't mind."
Heer shook her head, "I don't mind at all." She then shyly looked down and bit her lower lip, "Is there dessert too?"
Prem grinned, "Of course I got Chef Pierre to make something special."
Nihaal smiled happily as he folded a slice of cheese pizza in half and took a bite. As he pulled the slice away a thin cheesy string of fresh mozzarella strung behind; forcing him to pulled the cheesy string away with his fingers to break it. He was chewing away when he noticed Veera staring at him. "What?" he asked after he had swallowed.
Veera sighed and handled him a napkin, "You have sauce on the side of your mouth."
Nihaal wiped his face and then looked at her to inspect, "Got it?" She nodded and then went back to concentrating on her own food. "What's the matter with you? You're awfully quiet. What no comment on my eating habits?"
"I don't know what exactly you want me to say. The pizza is good so I guess you have good taste in food," Veera replied.
Nihaal gasped in a mocking tone, "Did I just receive a compliment from you?"
Veera narrowed her eyes, "Shut up." The comment only caused Nihaal to laugh. "You're so strange," Veera muttered and took another bite of her pizza.
"So you and Maya are here visiting until Fashion Week is over?" Nihaal asked.
"Yes, we're going back on Tuesday," Veera answered.
"We should have everything up on the website Monday after next so check on the details of the contest then," Nihaal said.
Veera looked at him quizzically, "How do you know Duncan? Like aren't you a marketing consultant...how did you get involved with fashion?"
Nihaal grinned, "Well, I actually met Duncan when I was going to NYU. He was dating a classmate of mine and we met at a party she was throwing. We became really good friends and I help him out when I can with marketing...to help promote his line and brand. The contest is actually his idea I'm just helping him execute it. He wants to give back and offer a platform for up and coming designers to showcase their work. It is a very competitive field...not everyone makes it and even those talented may not get the chance to show the world their talents because someone won't take the chance on them."
"That's very nice of you to help," Veera said.
"Wow, two compliments today. I'm on a roll," Nihaal joked.
Veera just shook her head in a sad manner and continued eating her dinner.
Preet pulled the car into the all so familiar parking lot of the all you can eat buffet that the couple frequented. He smiled happily as he got of the car and opened the door for his date. Meher on the other hand wasn't exactly pleased with the dinner selection. Preet noticed her slightly mopey face. "Everything okay?" he asked.
"The all you can eat buffet?" she asked looking at him questioningly.
"You like this place, right?" Preet replied. "I just thought why not go to a place we like."
"But we've been here already...we just ate here like 2 days ago," Meher said.
"So this isn't a good place then?" Preet asked. He bit his lower lip realizing his restaurant choice probably could have been better, "Sorry, Meher. Okay, let's get back into the car." Meher glanced at Preet's retreating back and felt bad. She stood there not moving. Preet looked at her as he opened the car door and motioned with his hand, "Come on Meher."
"No, it's okay Preet. We'll eat here," she said.
Preet shook his head, "No get back in the car Meher. You don't want to eat here so we'll go someplace else. It's okay. Get back in the car." Meher broke out into a worried frowned afraid that she had hurt his feelings and walked back to the car.
Several minutes later Preet pulled his car into the parking lot of an Indian restaurant. Meher became excited that her prospect of a romantic dinner was coming true. When they walked in Preet grinned at the sign announcing a special Valentine's night dinner buffet that was being offered. "Two for the buffet," he announced to the hostess.
Meher immediately felt like a boulder had just fallen from the sky and crushed her. She quietly sat down in front of Preet and undid her silverware. Preet was all smiles, "Meher, this was the best idea you had. This is even better than the other Western style all you can eat buffet. I can't believe I forgot about the Valentine's night dinner buffet this place had." He then rubbed his hands together, "Tandoori chicken here I come," and quickly left the table for the buffet.
Meher sighed wondering if anything else would go wrong for her tonight.
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Pre-Cap:
Chapter 31: Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way
Part 2 of the Valentine's Day dates. I think that says it all right there.
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