Gasp! 😲 I'm actually updating this first as opposed to my SS Pee Loon 😆
Been working on this one a little more. This is only Part A because what I had planned made the chapter super long and I thought the whole chapter didn't deserve to be broken up into another chapter with a different title. I think this title suits what's going on.
I'm soooooo sorry if I have confused some of you My writing wasn't very clear but Balraaj has no idea what's going on. I have to make him continue to be clueless to finish this track. Truth is I've modified a lot of what the original storyline was because it was getting ridiculous and way out of hand that it really didn't make much sense. So I've edited away parts and changed things around...hopefully what I have left still makes some sense. That's way I keep warning you guys about this roller coaster ride of illogical plots and twists coming up. Bare with me...I'm make everything happy again...I've got some fun things planned 😛
Thanks to all of you who have Commented and/or Hit the Like Button!
I've made personal comments to those who have commented.
Chapter 45: Dumb and Dumber - Part A
The four people continued to stare at each other for several minutes trying to process what just happened. Then Harman suddenly blabbered, "You guys have to promise to keep this a secret!"
"The Juneja brothers and their secrets," Meher muttered under her breath.
Preet smirked, "Why?"
"We'll promise to keep yours," Maya pleaded. Harman looked at her wondering what she meant. "It's so obvious Preet and Meher are dating Harman," she answered.
The couple in question both looked at each other and back at Maya. "How do you know?" they both said.
"I'm just good at these types of things," Maya replied shrugging her shoulders.
Harman smiled, "So I'm not the only one hiding something. Guess we can call it even now. I know your secret and you know mine."
"How long have you been seeing each other?" Meher asked
"Um, for several months now," Harman replied. "We met during summer vacation and have been seeing each other ever since."
"I don't understand why you want to keep it a secret," Preet said.
"What about you?" Harman probed.
"We kind of like not being bothered by people...more freedom," Preet answered. "Besides we will eventually tell everyone. There are other serious issues going on with PB and Heer Bhabhi that need to be taken care of first."
"Preeet," Meher warned and slapped his shoulder. He frowned looking at her. "You just told another person."
"I know already," Maya simply stated causing everyone to look at her. "I happened to catch them talking. My lips are sealed. I promise. Gosh, this family sure has a lot of secrets."
"Tell me about it," Meher agreed.
"You still haven't explained what your deal is," Preet said addressing his brother.
"Maya's father is Vinay Bindar and you know how Bauji hates him," Harman said.
"What?! You're dating the crazy real estate guy's daughter?!" Preet shouted.
"Hey, that crazy real estate guy is my Father," Maya defended.
"Wait a second, time out," Meher said. "So you two have been dating for several months now...behind everyone's backs...how did you become friends with Veera?"
Harman smiled, "I planned that. I know there was no way Bauji was going to accept our relationship so I thought the best way is to have her introduce herself first to the family...get to know everyone before we tell everyone about it. Veera loves fashion and so does Maya...it was perfect."
"So that day at the mall?" Meher asked looking at Maya.
"Harman told me you guys were going to the mall so I just secretly followed you around until I could find the right moment to make my presence known. And as luck would have it my friend really did invite me to New York for Fashion Week. Harman called me up when he found out from his Mom what they were going to give Veera as her birthday present. I was able book a seat right next to Veera's," she explained.
Harman smiled proudly as Preet gave him a nodding approval at how he orchestrated the whole thing. "Hey I'm not the only one in the family that can plan things," Harman said.
"We really need your help," Maya said. "Our Dad's hate each other. I don't know how we are going to convince them."
Preet smirked and dramatically raised his hand up twisting it in the air, "Main Hoon Na! Don't worry we'll keep the secret and help you out."
"You don't know how hard it was for us to be sneaking around," Harman replied.
"Well, obviously you did it a lot better than some people," Meher replied thinking of her sister and Prem.
"That's because PB can't stop romancing when he's around Bhabhi," Preet said causing everyone to laugh. "Look everyone knows our families are friends," then looking at Harman, "When you need to see Maya just go out with Meher no one will think twice of it. I mean Maya already has a reason to come into the house because of Veera. We'll all just hang out together."
"Are you sure?" Maya asked. "I haven't told Veera about this."
"Well, eventually she's going to have know," Preet replied.
"What exactly is going on with Prem Bhaiya and Heer Bhabhi?" Harman asked. "I mean with the official engagement announcement and all..."
"It must be really tough on them," Maya sympathized. "Why haven't they told the parents yet?"
"It's a huge mess," Meher sighed. "With my Dad's illness and now that's given his word..."
"Don't worry Meher we'll find a way to get this whole thing straighten out. Besides Ma is on their side and so is your mother."
"What?! The mothers know?" Maya said. "Well, I certainly hope things straighten out fast. The longer they wait the more complicated things can get just knowing how these things end up turning out...family honor and all that stuff." Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.
"We should probably get back to the convention before people start looking for us," Harman suggested.
"Preet, are you really going to take that tray with you?" Meher asked as they left the room.
"If you don't want me to then help me eat some," Preet said. He then offered the tray to Harman and Maya who gladly sampled some desserts.
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Lalit smiled as he waved goodbye to one of his business friends slowly stepping backwards before he turned around to walk to the dessert table. He felt his back hit someone's shoulder and quickly turned to apologize when he saw to his displeasure the face of his mortal business enemy that had been wreaking havoc at the hotel. "You," he sneered.
Vinay Bindar frowned at seeing Lalit in front of him, "Same to you."
"What are you doing here? Don't you have some property to steal somewhere?" Lalit greeted.
Vinay chuckled, "A bit bitter are we? Can I help it that I'm just that good? And I was invited by a business associate who I just sold some prime real estate to. Besides I'm so good I can afford to take a day off. I don't know why you are here."
Lalit's eye twitched at his comment, "My pastry chef at the hotel is participating in the contest. That's why I'm here!"
"Calm down. You can just say it don't have to spray it," Vinay replied as he took out a handkerchief to wipe his face.
Lalit took a plate from the dessert buffet and started filling it. "Must you stick so close to me?"
"You're taking forever in deciding what you want move a little faster," Vinay ordered.
"I can take as long as I like. If you want something ahead of me go ahead and move ahead I have no objections," Lalit said.
"If you insist," Vinay answered and then walked ahead of him. He spied one piece of chocolate cake left and went to go pick it up only to met with another serving utensil. He looked up and saw it was Lalit blocking his selection. "You said I could move ahead."
"It was mine, first," Lalit replied.
"No it wasn't. I had it first," Vinay retorted.
The two old men started having a mini serving utensil fight over the chocolate cake when suddenly a fork appeared and took it away. They looked up to see Gayatri staring at them shaking her head. "Lalit what are you doing?" she asked in a disapproving tone.
"Gayatri he was trying to steal my cake," he explained to his wife.
"Ah, Mrs. Juneja," Vinay said and put down the serving utensil to shake her hand. "Very nice to meet you. I'm Vinay Bindar. Your husband and I are business associates of sorts." Lalit frowned at the interaction while Gayatri politely smiled. "Well, if you excuse me I see a client of mine."
"Business associates my foot," Lalit grumbled when Vinay had left.
Gayatri gave a stern look at her husband. "What do you think you are doing with all that?"
"You said I could eat some today," he replied.
"Not that much," Gayatri said. "Here let me take this plate to Teji and them."
"Wait," her husband called out. "Can I at least have the chocolate cake?"
"They'll come back and refill the buffet. You can get a piece then," Gayatri simply replied and left her pouting husband.
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Prem carefully examined the chocolate truffle in his hand. It was a simple dark chocolate that had a gentle white stripe swirl on top. He took a bite and was greeted with a sensation of coffee. "This one's pretty good. It's coffee," Prem said and offered the other half to Heer. He was expecting her to take it with her hand but instead she tenderly pulled his wrist towards her and ate it from his hand. She smiled, "It is good." Prem watched on in amazement as Heer continued to hold his wrist and placed her mouth on his thumb gently sucking the melted chocolate off his skin. He swallowed hard as he felt a strange stirring sensation begin to rise up within his body. He wondered if she knew what this was doing to him as she moved onto his index finger.
Heer didn't know why she was even doing this but she just had this strange desire to lick his fingers. The sweetness of the chocolate against his salty skin was very alluring. She could see from the look in Prem's eyes that she had completely stunned him by doing such a sensual gesture. When she was finished she took another chocolate from the napkin and took a bite, "I think this one has rum?" and then offered it to him like he had done for her. She grinned as Prem ate it from her hand and then softly sucked on her thumb and index finger. "Like it?" she asked.
"I'm enjoying this," Prem grinned mischievously.
"I thought you would," Heer replied with a warm giggle. She then gave him a tender kiss.
"Mmmm, coffee and rum," Prem smirked with the kiss ended.
"I've missed you," Heer said with a tiny pout.
Prem frowned knowing they hadn't been able to spend much time together. When they could their times together became even more precious to them. "Sorry, works been kind of..."
"It's okay I understand. I really want to just to get this whole mess over with so we don't have to keep hiding like this," Heer said. Prem nodded and pulled her over to his seat so she could sit on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and rested her head against her arm. "Mom's been afraid to say anything to Dad after his fainting spell," she softly said.
"I can understand why. How's he been feeling lately?" Prem asked.
"Ever since the doctors adjusted his medication he's better. He was feeling really good today so he decided to come. He and Mom are only going to spend an hour here before going home. They'll stop by the after party," Heer explained.
"It's good that he gets his rest," Prem said. He could feel her snuggle closely against his body her nose softly rubbing against his jaw line. It was strange how they could be so close together but yet still be so far apart. The issue with the engagement was definitely affecting their relationship. They both knew they loved each other but having to constantly hide and make up lies was slowly wearing them down. "I love you," he said.
Heer could tell from his tone something was wrong. There was something about the way he had said it and the way his voice seemed to imply there was something else he wanted to say. She swallowed hard as she felt this overwhelming fear creep into her heart. Heer look at him and cautiously said, "But..."
Prem sighed. "I can't keep doing this. I really don't want to be doing this." Heer's chest was pounding afraid of what he was going to say next. "I have to tell you that...I..."
"I thought you said you can't live without me?" she suddenly interrupted.
"I can't," he replied.
"Well, I can't either," she said. Prem looked at her realizing he had somehow scared her. "I know that I'm unfairly testing you putting you through all of this. I'm sorry I haven't been as good to you as you have been to me. I hate how helpless I feel knowing I can't do anything to ease your pain. I've asked a lot of you to trust me like this and yet I haven't shown you anything in return for your trust. I'm so sorry Prem. I---"
"Sshh," Prem hushed her with his hand covering her mouth. "I know Heer. You don't have to say these things. I didn't mean to scary you. I'm not going anywhere. How can I go anywhere when you're my life? What I was trying to say is that I've been hiding some things from you about Prashant. I'm sorry."
"Prashant?" Heer asked.
"I don't know why but I get this sneaking suspicion that he is up to something. He's been meeting with this guy a lot at the hotel bar and they've been exchanging things. I went into his room to check and I discovered some documents that looked like deeds to your family property. I didn't get to examine it any further because I got interrupted...he came back into the room and then took the folder away...but there seemed to be documents requesting a transfer of ownership."
"What? But Papa would never transfer the property," Heer said.
"I know that's why I don't understand. I'm trying to figure it out. But it's going to take some time. I have to get back into his room again and search for more evidence," Prem said.
"But Prem you can't just go searching like that. What if he finds out? Maybe this is all a misunderstanding?" Heer tried reasoning.
"No. He's up to to something and I don't like it. The only way your father is going to stop this engagement is to find out what he's up to," Prem answered.
"I know you don't like him," Heer said. "But to think he would really do something against my family? His father is business partners with my Dad."
"I'm not doing this because I'm being jealous. He's up to something...I just know it," Prem said sternly. "I want you to stay away from him."
"Prem, that's a little hard," Heer replied. "And I am staying away from him." Heer cupped his face, "Prem, please don't do anything rash."
"You trust me don't you?" he asked.
"Of course I do," she replied.
"Then let me see this through. If I'm wrong then I'll go straight to your father and ask for your hand in marriage and if he refuses than you and I will just have to elope," Prem said. Heer's eyes widen at his statement. "I know we should get our parents' permission but I won't be able to see you marry some other guy. I won't stand for it. I swear I'll break into the ceremony and steal you away. And if anyone tries to stop me I can't guarantee they won't get hurt."
Heer cupped his face again trying to calm him down. She could see the flicker of burning rage in his eyes. "I'm yours Prem. No matter what happens I'll always be yours," she said. "I love you. Wherever you go I'll follow you." She saw his eyes soften and looked at her to confirm if what she said was true. Heer gently nodded her head and tenderly kissed him. It was a simply kiss but it carried so much meaning. Prem held her tightly not wanting to let her go. Heer rubbed her nose against his nose and delicately breathed in his scent letting it fill her lungs as if she was breathing air to survive.
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Prashant was wandering around the convention center just taking in the sights despite knowing he had lost Heer. He figured the more he tried to search for her the more he wouldn't be able to find her. He had faith that eventually he would run into her again. He took a sip of his drink and watched the chef at the sugar works table make some exquisite sugar candy. "You seem far to calm for a person who is without his fiance," a voice said beside him. He turned and smirked. "What are you doing here?"
"My father had tickets because of a business client," Sanjana explained.
"Up to your tricks again?" Prashant chuckled.
"If you keep acting this laid back you won't be getting anywhere," Sanjana replied.
"You have your way of doing things and I have my ways," Prashant countered and then smiled, "Look my fiance has shown up."
"Yes, with her boyfriend," Sanjana said tauntingly.
"Ah, but you're suppose to take care of that aren't you?" Prashant asked.
Sanjana just smiled and walked over to Prem. As she got closer she purposely tripped herself causing Prem to catch her. "Whoa, you okay?" he asked.
Heer gave a quick glance towards their direction but was soon distracted by Prashant who showed up at her side talking to her. "Oh, there you are Prashant. I don't know what happened I just completely lost you," she lied.
"I think I sprained my ankle Prem," Sanjana said as she faked a pained look on her face. "I don't think I can walk."
"Can't walk?" Prem repeated. "Okay...um, we need to get some ice and wrap that ankle." He picked her up carrying her in his arms as he walked to find the infirmary.
Heer watched how Sanjana clung onto Prem and she was silently fuming inside. Prashant smirked at how Sanjana had handled the situation. He then glanced at Heer noticing the spark of jealousy in her eyes. He coughed causing her to blink and focus her attention back on him. "You want to try some desserts from the buffet? I heard from Preet and them that they are really good."
"Sure," she replied knowing she had no other choice.
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The after party was in full swing at the Juneja hotel. They had won second place which was still quite an achievement considering the number of entries and how prestigious the award was. Chef Pierre vowed that next year he would capture first place. Everyone was in high spirits as they sampled various savory appetizers and specialty cocktails being provided by the hotel restaurant.
"Congratulations!" Ashlesha greeted as she clinked her champagne glass against Prem's glass.
"Thanks," he smiled proudly. "Chef Pierre is the one that did it all."
"He's desserts are to die for," Heer cheered.
"You've had his desserts before?" Sanjana asked.
"Um, yeah...sometimes Prem would take samples home," she replied.
"How come I never got any?" Preet whined.
Meher caught the tense look on Prem and Heer's faces and realized the samples desserts her sister had been referring to had happened on one of their secret dates. "That's because if he gave you any you would have eaten every last one," she said quickly covering for them.
"I would not. I can share," Preet pouted. "Next time PB, you'll bring some home to me right?"
Prem laughed, "Yea, okay...but you have to share...the minute you don't that's it."
"How's your ankle feeling Sanjana?" Ashlesha asked.
"Oh, um much better," she replied. "It's a good thing they had crutches at the first aid station."
"They just let you take them?" Preet asked.
"Well, I gave them my contact information and left my student ID with them. So they know I have to come back and return it to them. I'm returning the crutches tomorrow," Sanjana explained.
"Make sure you ice your ankle and sleep with it elevated," Ashlesha instructed.
"Where are Mom and Dad suppose to be coming?" Prashant asked looking at Heer.
It wasn't the first time Prashant had referred to her parents in that way but each time she heard him do it, it still felt weird. "Um, I don't know when," she replied.
"I saw Kiran leave to go pick them up about 30 minutes ago," Preet answered. "They should be here soon."
"Hey, isn't that them there?" Meher said pointing across the room.
"We should probably go meet them," Prashant said and offered his hand to Heer.
Prem silently sipped his champagne eyeing Prashant's open hand. Understanding the situation Preet quickly added. "Let's go meet them."
Meher seconded the idea, "Yea, let's go," and grabbed her sister's arm pulling her away from Prashant.
"I'm sorry Prem but could you?" Sanjana asked as she held out her glass to him. It forced him to stay behind with her while the rest of them moved ahead.
"Um, sure," he replied taking it from her so she could use her crutches.
They made their way slowly to the rest of the group who were already animatedly talking to each other. Everyone turned their heads as they heard the sound of a microphone being tapped. "Not another speech," Preet groaned. "How many more does Bauji have to make?"
"Hey, it's his hotel and victory...he can make as many as he wants," Prem replied.
"Well, it seems we have some more good news to add to tonight's celebrations. I've always thought of everyone here as my family. We've shared our pains, troubles, and disappointments together as well as our hopes, dreams, and triumphants. It gives me the greatest pleasure to announce that Chef Pierre's wife just went into labor...the Delaflotes will be welcoming their first child," Bauji announced happily. "So, there is even more of a reason for us to celebrate." The audience clapped and cheered at the news and would have gone back to partying when suddenly there was another speaker with a microphone. Lalit turned and was surprised to see Daljit with another microphone grinning widely. "And one more piece of happy news to announce...the engagement of my daughter Ashlesha Maan to your very own boss's son, Prem Juneja."
Prem who was in mid sip of his drink started choking. He looked at Ashlesha who had the same stunned expression. "What the heck?" Ashlesha uttered under her breath.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Preet mumbled as he covered his face with his hand.
"I'm beginning to hate speeches at parties," Meher grumbled.
Teji eyed her husband suspiciously when Gayatri grabbed her arm and shook her head like she had absolutely no idea what was going on. Prashant just smiled and gave a congratulatory slap on the back to Prem, "Welcome to the family," he cheered. Sanjana was fuming inside and kept looking at Prashant trying to figure out if he had any idea of what was going on. But he was too busy rubbing it in on Prem's face that he was now engaged to Ashlesha.
Heer was completely dazed. She couldn't believe something like this could suddenly happen. She knew Prem had been hurting a lot that night her engagement was officially announced but now she was actually experiencing it like he had. Her heart was aching and she felt like she couldn't breathe. She glanced at Prem who just blankly stared back at her.
Everyone else at the party turned their heads towards Ashlesha and Prem with bright smiles. "Come dears...come on the stage," Daljit ordered. A small pathway was formed for the couple to use. Prem stared at his father who just had this pleading look to do as he was told. He titled his head at Ashlesha who understood and they both walked onto the stage. Daljit immediately grabbed a hold of Ashlesha and whispered, "I've found you a nice boy. So do as you're told."
Ashlesha shook her head, "No. I'm not going to..."
Daljit moved the microphone away from her daughter so her voice wouldn't be picked up. "Stop being difficult."
"I'm not being difficult. I'm telling you the truth," Ashlehsa replied angrily.
"So my daughter Ashlehsa says yes to the engagement," Daljit reported into the microphone.
"No...I..." Ashlesha started protesting but her mother quickly interjected. "She's just shy and overwhelmed..."
Lalit looked at Daljit shaking his head slightly at how this whole announcement was suddenly unfolding. Prem looked at his father, "Bauji..."
"Prem Beta, this wasn't supposed to happen like this. I'm sorry," Lalit said. He quickly started clapping his hands to indicate things were all well and everyone should go back to the party. "Thank you everyone for your well wishes," he simply stated and then quickly shooed Daljit off the stage. Lalit knew from the look in his wife's eyes he was in big trouble and needed to explain himself.
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Okay, not my best work. 🤓
I don't know if I was able to show the desperation and hopelessness that is hanging over Prem and Heer in their scene together. The fact their relationship is in this limbo and they are neither moving forward or backwards but just at this stand still because of this situation can really affect people even if they are in love.
What's going to happen in Part B?
Prem has a plan but will everyone go for it? And that's about all I'm going say. 😉
Leave Comments!
---Grace 😃
Edited by iheartChai - 14 years ago
CID
Kumkum Bhagya
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
