FF|All the Wrong Moves in All the Right Ways I - Page 53

Chapter 37: I Spy

Dinner was a real treat for Maya she never laughed so hard in her life. She felt this strange calm in the Juneja household. There was a different atmosphere of family within these brick walls unlike the walls at her house. Not to say her house was cold and uninviting but it was just different. Maya observed the interactions of the individuals around her and inwardly smiled to herself. It was amazing what you could learn if you watched and listened hard enough. She had discretely picked up the vibe that there was something going on between Preet and Meher. And by the way Veera had spoken about Prashant she had it almost figured out what it was that seemed to irk her friend. She saw him sneaking glancing at Heer. He seemed to be interested in her and more than likely freeloaded his way into the Juneja household. She also noticed the longing in his eyes when he spoke; not just to Heer but to anyone. Maya was at times a bit baffled by his behavior. She wasn't quite sure if she liked him or not. It would take some time to figure him out. As for Heer, Maya noticed how she seemed to keep her distance from Prashant as if trying to tell him in the most indirect way possible that she was not interested in him. While everyone was parting taking in the lively conversation over the after dinner dessert Maya found it odd that Prem seemed to be quietly brooding in a corner. It wasn't until the family separated to do their own things did she understand.

Maya had gone downstairs to get a couple of bottles of Vitamin Water for her and Veera when she spotted Heer and Prem quietly talking in the living room. They had the television on to mask their conversation. Maya was tip-toeing behind one of the structured walls that slightly separated the sliding glass door from the living room; it formed an open hallway of sorts that lead to the kitchen. She hid behind the wall and strained her ears to see if she could pick up anything. From what she could see from their body language it seemed like a lovers spat.

"So?" Prem asked.

Heer fidgeted with the cushion on her lap, "Sorry?"

Prem exhaled deeply, "Really?"

"I've been super busy Prem. I told you everything I had to do. Besides I wasn't even living here this week. You know I'm only staying her on the weekends," she tried explaining her point.

"It's important we tell them. Your parents have to know," Prem replied. "I want that Prashant out of here."

"I don't like it either," Heer said. "My parents just came into town you know...the phone's been ringing off the hook from relatives asking them how they are and checking up on my Dad's health. I tried talking to Mom but then someone called and interrupted our conversation. Plus Dad just got checked into the hospital. He starts treatment again next week." Prem sighed and pulled Heer into a hug. "We shouldn't be doing this here," Heer warned.

"So now you can't even do this?" Prem asked his voice thick with annoyance as he let her go.

"No, just that...you know what happened last time with Meher," Heer replied. "We have to be careful is all I'm saying."

"Fine," he curtly said. "I'm going to bed." Heer sat there stunned as Prem stumped off towards his room.

Maya who had been listening to the entire conversation cupped her mouth in shock. What the heck? Prem and Heer are secretly dating...and is it possible that Prashant is the fianc? This by far is one of the juiciest pieces of gossip I've ever heard. Question is does Veera know anything?...Maya thought. She glanced quickly to see if Heer was still in the living room. To her relief she had run off to talk to Prem. Maya went to the kitchen got what she came there to get and rushed back up the stairs to Veera's room.

"You didn't get lost did you?" Veera asked as she continued to sketch in her sketch book. She paused for a few minutes checking her work and then frowned scratching it mercilessly out with her pencil. "Ugh...nothing is coming at all..."

"Um, sorry had a little trouble finding the Vitamin Water," Maya replied. She sat there quietly thinking to herself on how to go about approaching what she saw in the living room. If it was a secret more than likely Veera didn't know. She had to trend carefully. "So, the Maans are family friends...you guys go way back huh?"

"More like my parent's friends," Veera replied as she ripped the sketch she had just made in utter frustration.

"Oh, you're not friends with the sisters?" Maya inquired.

"They go to the same school as us. My brothers Preet and Prem have classes with them. They don't hang in my social circle," Veera answered. "I would be the laughing stock if they did."

"Well, they seem nice enough." Maya said. "Close with your brothers then?"

"I suppose..." Veera said and then curiously looked at Maya as she sipped her drink, "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, you know how it is...you start hanging around each other a lot and well you know the old saying boys and girls just can't be friends," Maya explained.

Veera shrugged her shoulders, "I guess so. Huh, funny Celine was saying something similar to me before. She thinks something's going on with Prem and Heer."

"Ooooh, really?" Maya probed.

Veera rolled her eyes, "Don't you start too. As if...seriously? Heer's just so simple..."

"What's wrong with simple?" Maya innocently asked as her friend went back to work on her sketch book.

"We're Junejas...fact is we have some standing around here..." Veera explained. She frowned again and torn the sketch out of the book and threw it into the garbage. "Why is this not turning out?" she muttered to herself. She then puckered her eyebrows in confusion at her friend's sudden giggling fit. "What's so funny?"

"Social standing? Wow, I never thought I'd hear that...21st century in Canada and you're talking about something that was happening in the middle ages...Kings and Queens and subjects in their proper places," Maya chuckled.

"It still happens. Hello, rich and poor divide?" Veera replied.

"Well, the Maans are in food production...they aren't exactly broke," Maya said.

"We're richer," Veera simply stated. "Why hang with someone lowly than you...that you have nothing in common with?"

Maya was taken aback by the comment. She knew Veera could be a bit haughty and valued fashion above all else but deep down inside she was still a good person. She faulted her for growing up in a rich and spoiled environment; and hanging with narrow minded private school uppity types that only valued social standing and money. It wasn't hard to see why she had this one sided perspective on life. Maya decided it was best to keep what she had seen to herself. Considering the current temperament and frustration that Veera was having with the design contest and her overwhelming dislike for the Maan sisters; Maya knew it would be a recipe for disaster. She liked the Junejas and she really didn't want to cause or be the cause of any trouble.

Veera sighed as she walked through the party store. She was still frazzled over the design contest. It had been one week since she met with Maya and she had finally gotten some sketches done that she liked but was having a hard time deciding which one to send in. She was starting to lose confidence in herself. Maya gave her as much support as she could reassuring her that she was talented and that it didn't matter which sketches she sent in because they were all really great. Her mother tired putting things in perspective for her; that even if she didn't win it was the experience and lessons learned that counted throughout the whole process. Veera shook her head trying to clear her thoughts and anxieties so she could concentrate on the important occasion; her sister Kulraj's baby shower.

"How about these baby bears as a theme?" Meher asked as she came up the aisle with a banner decorated in cute teddy bears. The color schemes were a vibrant gold, red, and blue.

Veera frowned inside of her head. Her sister Kulraj had become very close to the Maan sisters that it was impossible not to include them in the party preparations. And as much as she hated to admit it to herself she really could use the help especially after having a rough week at school. "Um, it's okay," Veera politely replied.

"Not good?" Meher sadly repeated.

"What about this?" Heer asked. The plate designs in her hand had a bunch of yellow rubber duckies floating across it. Veera grimaced in disgust.

"Didi, what the heck is that?" Meher replied. "No, Kulraj Didi will not like that at all. It's horrible isn't it Veera?"

"No rubber duckies," Veera commanded.

"Well, I think they are kind of cute," Heer replied timidly. "Their duckies..."

"Yea, I'll keep that in mind for your baby shower," Meher replied sarcastically.

"Okay fine," Heer said giving up. "I saw Winnie the Pooh themed stuff."

"No Disney themes," Veera instructed.

"What's wrong with Disney?" Heer asked.

"We did it last time," she replied. "We're not going to repeat themes. So no bears."

"How about cute little bunnies?" Meher asked. "Look, aren't they adorable?" Heer glanced over Meher's shoulder and cooed along with her.

Veera put her hand on her forehead, "We have so many things to take care of...all the decorations and the food. The caterers better have gotten the order right this time around or I'm going to kill them. And I still haven't gotten a gift yet'so we have to swing by the mall..."

Heer gave her a concern look. "Don't worry Veera. We're here to help."

"Thanks," she absentmindedly replied. "So no bears, no Disney, and no duckies..."

"Hey how about these cute little baby elephants!" Meher asked.

"She is having a girl and look it even has a Mama elephant nuzzling the baby," Heer joined in with enthusiasm. "What do you think about the colors Veera?"

Veera scrunched her nose in thought, "Pink, brown, and white...not your typical colors...but they sort of work especially the way they designed it and the elephants are cute..." Heer and Meher looked at her excitedly that they were finally getting approval. "Okay, fine we'll go with that. Now let's just hope they have enough plates, banners, streamers, and table covers."

The girls spent another hour at the party store gathering all the supplies they needed for the baby shower on Saturday. They then rushed to the caterers to taste the samples of the food that were going to be provided. Veera nearly threw a fit when they tasted the desserts. They were not up to par with what she was promised. She was not going to settle for anything less for her sister. Heer and Meher had to calm her down and eventually after some talking they were able to convince the caterers to rework and replace some of the desserts. The trip to the mall took another hour as Veera shopped for some things for the baby. They then made an impromptu trip to the drug store to pick up diapers and other baby pampering items as gifts. By the time the girls made it home they were exhausted.

Heer sat slumped on the couch her eyes barely open as Meher flipped through the channels on the television. Heer groaned as she heard her mother call from the kitchen asking her to come there and help. Meher saw how tired her sister was and got up, "You rest Didi. I'll go and help Mama and Auntie." Heer gave a thankful nod and curled up on the couch to sleep. As Meher left her sister in the living room her mind couldn't help but be worried for her. The past week she had noticed that her sister wasn't eating very much. Prem seemed to be extremely busy at work and with school that she hardly saw him. She talked to Preet who didn't have any idea what was going on other than to suggest that they most likely had a fight. And considering the situation her sister and Prem were in it wasn't too far off from the truth. She wished her sister would just go and tell her parents the truth. At times she felt tempted to blab the whole thing out to her mother just so the issue could be out there to be resolved. It was downright frustrating to be on the sidelines watching what was occurring. It was like a train wreck happening in slow motion in front of your eyes; helpless to do anything about it but to silently watch in horror as it tore apart. So far Prashant was just a nuisance and posed no real threat and Meher was thankful for that. He genuinely seemed like a very nice guy and if it were any other circumstance she would have been fine with calling him Jiju.

Balraaj slowly made his way into the living room carrying a DVD copy of Peepli Live. He was surprised to see his daughter curled up on the couch fast asleep with the television still on. He took a throw from off another couch and gently covered her. He stood back and admired her peaceful face trying not to get all emotional. He found ever since he was diagnosed with cancer that the everyday little things seemed to have the most effect on him. He couldn't help but get misty eyed. Balraaj turned the television off and turned to leave the room. He was stopped when he heard the angelic voice of his daughter calling him.

"Papa?" Heer called rubbing her sleepy eyes.

Balraaj turned around and smiled. "You sleep Beta. I'll watch this movie another time."

"It's okay," she replied and sat up patting the empty space next to her. "We can watch it together." Heer took the DVD from her father's hand and went and put it in the player.

"You're very tired today?" Balraaj asked.

"We went to get all the things for Kulraj Didi's baby shower," she answered.

Balraaj grinned as he remembered the fond memories when his children were born. "You were so tiny when you came. And look at you now...a grown woman...soon you'll be having children of your own. My princess will be a mother...guess I shouldn't be calling you princess anymore."

"Papa," Heer whined. "That's like way far into the future. I'm still your princess...I'll always be your princess."

Balraaj hugged his daughter tightly. "So how many children? Two? Three? Four?"

Heer giggled, "Four? Gee, how about 6?" she joked.

"A grandfather of 6? I wonder how Prashant would feel about being a father to that many children." Balraaj laughed. Heer immediately broke out into a cold sweat. "But whatever you two decide will be great. I'm fine with even just one. If you and Prashant are lucky you will be blessed with a girl. But girl or boy either is fine with me..." Heer sat there and uncomfortably swallowed as she listen to her father continue to go on about his future grandchildren that she and Prashant would give him. Her stomach was slowly tying up into knots.

"Papa..." Heer nervously spoke.

"Haa Beta, what is it? You feeling all right? You look a little pale," Balraaj said with concern as he saw the drained look etched on his daughter's face. "Maybe you should rest. I'll go and get your mother to make you some warm milk."

"Papa, I-I have to..." Heer began but was cut off by her mother entering the room. "Heer, I need your help in the kitchen."

Balraaj hushed his wife with his hand. "She's not feeling well Teji. Let her rest."

"Not feeling well?" Teji repeated. She glanced at her daughter's pale face and gasped. "Heer lay down. I'll get you some warm milk for you."

Heer tugged at her father's shirt trying to continue speaking. "I really have to talk---" Balraaj gently lied her daughter back onto the couch shaking his head, "Don't talk Beta just rest. We can talk later." He covered her with a blanket again and then swiftly left heading for the kitchen.

Prem sighed as he slipped his shoes off, his socks little comfort against the cold marble floor. He loosened his tie around his neck and glanced at his watch. It was two in the morning. Things were getting hectic at the hotel especially since the property deal hadn't gone through like it was suppose to. His father was livid and made it very clear to everyone that he was not happy. Prem was quickly assigned to the real estate team to handle the property matter. It was a total nightmare. School was barreling down on him as well with loads of reading and homework assignments due. He was going to bed at three in the morning and was barely waking up at seven to make it in time for school. Prem walked to the stairs and would have gone straight up to his bedroom had it not been the soft murmuring and flickering of lights coming from the living room. He wandered over wondering who was still up watching TV. To his surprise he saw Heer curled up on the couch; she had waited for him. Prem felt a resounding sense of guilt. Though he was busy with work and school he knew could have made the time to at least call her but he didn't. He had purposely made the effort not to talk to her. It was his own way of punishing Heer for what was going on. Though he could understand to an extent what had happened during the first week with her parents but there really weren't any excuses left for the second week. Still it pained him to be away from Heer and he knew he was taking a big risk of alienating her away from him. He put his suitcase on the coffee table and then gently went to wake her.

Heer groggily opened her eyes to Prem's face hovering over her with concern. It had been a long time since she had seen those brown eyes staring back at her with that much gentle emotion. Their last fight had ended badly and she remembered the way he had looked at her. It shook her to the core; the anger he displayed. "Prem?" she whispered.

He sat by her side and gave a slight grin. "How was Kulraj Didi's baby shower? She probably wanted to kill me for not making it."

"She understood. Anyways the guys ended up watching the hockey game. And us, girls ended up playing the baby shower games alone. So you didn't miss much. She got the gift and loved it," Heer replied.

Prem smiled, "Good." They sat there quietly for a few minutes and Prem found himself staring at her. The illuminating flicker of the television screen gave him enough light to enjoy the way she looked. Her hair had the freshly tossed style of waking up in mid dream while her eyes sleepy still held a captivating beauty to them. When Prem's eyes fell upon her pink lips he wanted nothing more than to drown himself in them. But he knew she would protest to such action; they had to be careful. And despite his yearnings he was still slightly upset with her so he kicked his desires aside and sternly chided himself for thinking about breaking his resolve. "You should go to bed," he instructed.

"Have you had dinner?" she asked.

Prem's eyebrows flexed and he thought to himself when was the last time he ate? "Yes," he lied.

Heer frowned and grabbed his arm dragging him to the kitchen. "Don't lie."

"It's okay Heer," he said. "I'm fine. I'm too tired to eat right now."

"At least have a glass of milk," she ordered. Prem stood there feeling helpless as she shoved a cold glass into his hands. "Drink," she commanded. He nodded and obediently did as he was told. When he was finished he childishly stuck his hand out thrusting it back into her face. Heer grinned slightly and took it from him.

Prem took off his suit jacket and hung it on his arm waiting patiently for Heer to finish washing the glass. She dried her hands on the towel that hung on the dishwasher and turned around indicating she was ready to go to bed. They walked silently towards the staircase an odd stillness following them. "Goodnight," Heer said first. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt Prem's fingers delicately tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Goodnight," he replied. Despite their farewell neither moved. Prem was mentally telling himself he was still anger at her but his heart was telling him enough. She had been punished enough and he had been punished enough. Prem moved closer to her and pulled her into his arms. He was thankful she responded to his hug and didn't pull away. Heer clung to Prem tightly. She missed him; his hugs and affection. "I'm sorry," he faintly whispered.

"No, you're right," she replied. "I tried talking to Papa yesterday but I got interrupted again."

"Meher told me you were sick," Prem said. "They sent you off to bed."

"We did a lot of things yesterday to prepare for the shower. I was exhausted afterwards but I'm fine now," Heer said.

Prem pulled back and caressed her cheek. "You have to take care of yourself." She nodded against his hand. He gave a weary smile, "Come on it's getting late. Off to bed." Heer placed her hands on his arm stopping him from moving away. He arched one eyebrow in response wondering what she wanted. Heer smiled and planted a sweet kiss against his lips. Prem savored the feeling and pulled her closer to deepen it. They stood there for some time entertaining each other. When they naturally broke apart Prem leaned his forehead against hers smiling, "I missed that."

Heer grinned, "I missed that too."

Prem took her hand into his and lead the way up the stairs. As they made it to the second floor Heer turned to go up the next flight of stairs but was stop by Prem's firm hold on her hand. She was pulled back towards him and landing securely onto his chest. Heer saw the playfulness tugging at the corner of his lips and his eyes were twinkling brightly. "Preeem..." she whispered.

He knew this would be her response but he really didn't care. "I'm not leaving you tonight and you're not leaving me either," he simply responded.

"Ooooh really?" Heer replied.

"You have two options. Option one: your room. Option two: my room," Prem stated.

Heer's eyes widen, "After what happened with Meher do you really think that's a good idea? We can't and you know it."

He shook his head, "We can and you know it. It's a question of do you want to or not."

Heer continued to stand there looking at him completely astonished by his stubbornness. He was holding her tightly not allowing her to budge. She sighed, "Even if I wanted to its still dangerous."

"Dangerous can be a good thing," Prem smirked causing Heer to frown. "Okay, if you won't make a choice than I'll make it." He started walking swiftly but quietly down the hallway. Heer's legs automatically moved along with him as he held her hand dragging her to his bedroom. She was finally let go when they were safely inside his room. Prem grinned as he slowly stalked his way towards her. Each stepped forward he took, a step backwards Heer walked until she fell onto the bed with Prem following behind. He shushed her with his finger on her lips knowing another round of protests would occur if he didn't. Prem then gently kissed her.

Heer lied there slightly amused and scared at what was happening; his body an alluring comfort to her body. She had one hand rubbing Prem's back while the other gripped the back of his head, his fine silky hair slipping through her fingers. Eventually Prem broke the kiss his breath haggard but a smile on his face. Heer's cheeks were a timid shade of pink; her hands now resting on his shoulders. "Go change," she simply stated.

"Will you still be here when I come back?" Prem asked.

"No, I'll be in my roo---" Heer replied but was cut off before she could complete her sentence. Prem's hand was cupped against her mouth. He was pouting profusely. She removed his hand and continued, "...and I'll be waiting for you."

Prem furrowed his eyebrows, "You're not playing with me are you? You're not going to lock the door when I get there?" His forehead puckered even more when she started giggling at him.

"No silly I'm not going to do that. I think it's safer for you to be in my room than the other way around. Meher is the only one who would be opening my door unlike your room," Heer explained. She gently pushed him off of her and walked out the door. Prem grinned widely and hurriedly ran to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

A few minutes later, he stealthily opened the door to Heer's bedroom and saw her sitting on the bed playing with her cell phone. Heer had on a Victoria's Secret Teejama outfit; a light purple short sleeved tee and a matching purple-pink plaid colored cotton sateen pant. Prem sighed at how cute she looked concentrating on whatever game she was playing on her phone. Sensing his presence she lifted her eyes from what she was doing and smiled. He looked incredibly tempting in his black tank and athletic black pant with double red stripes running down the sides. The clothing emphasized his well defined arms muscles and athletic build. Heer just wanted to sit there and stare at him. Prem rubbed his eye sleepily and crawled onto the bed flopping himself comfortably onto his stomach. The softness of the pillow and the sturdiness of the bed instantly lulled his body to sleep. Heer giggled into her hand as she heard a slight purring from his mouth. Awww...he's snoring like a cat. He must be exhausted...went out the minute his head touched the pillow...she thought to herself. Heer tenderly ruffled his hair and placed a kiss on his forehead, "Goodnight Prem. Sweet dreams," and turned off the light.

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Meher entered the kitchen completely taken aback by the frenetic scurrying. Her mother and Gayatri were running around like chickens with their heads cut off. "Morning," she greeted.

Teji smiled, "Oh good you're here. Come and help us. We woke up late this morning."

"Woke up late?" Meher repeated. It was very unusual to hear that from her mother. She was nothing but punctual.

"Papa..." Teji started and then stopped as she saw the worriedly look on Meher's face.

"Teji, if you tell your child in that way of course she's going start worrying," Gayatri interrupted. "Beta, your father's fine. A mild case of heartburn...he woke up in the middle of the night scaring your mother half to death. He's resting right now as we speak. Nothing to worry about."

Meher breathed a sigh of relief. Teji shoved a mixing bowl towards her daughter, "Make the dough for the puris."

"Good morning everyone!" Veera cheerily replied as she entered the kitchen.

"My, you sound very happy this morning," Gayatri smiled.

"I have finally decided what sketch to send in," Veera said.

"That's wonderful. You should be confident in your talent," Teji encouraged.

"Thanks Auntie," Veera replied.

"Veera, could you go and get Heer? We need all the help we can get to get breakfast ready. And I need you and Preet to get the things ready for prayer. I completely forgot to set the wicks for the prayer light," Gayatri instructed.

Meher's ears perked at the mention of Heer's name. Even though she knew her sister and Prem had had some sort of falling out and the likelihood of Prem sleeping in Heer's room was very remote, Meher couldn't help but have a nagging feeling of what if. "Oh, I'll go get Heer Didi," Meher quickly responded.

"No, you're busy with the batter. Let Veera go," Teji ordered. Meher bit her lower lip as she saw Veera exit the kitchen. Her stomach was tense.

Veera made her way up the third floor and gently knocked on Heer's door. She frowned when she didn't hear a response and poked her head inside. What greeted her eyes completely shocked her. Prem was hugging Heer tightly in the spooning position. Veera blinked several times trying to register if she was really seeing what she thought she was seeing. She saw her brother slowly turn to his left to lie on his back. He mumbled something inaudible and then Heer rolled over towards him resting her head comfortably on his chest. He then wrapped his arm around her waist protectively. Veera slowly backed away her mouth still open as thoughts ran through her mind...What the? Oh My God...what is Prem doing in Heer's bed? What is going on here? Did Prem accidentally sleep in the wrong room? No, he's wearing his pajamas and how do you not know you're on the third floor...then how? Did he sleepwalk his way here? Oh My God...

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Pre-Cap:

Chapter 38: Perceptions

Can't wait for the next part😊