Chai's Teahouse (Creative Writings House) - Page 21

Part 13: Examination

Heer rolled the packaging tape over the large brown box that Veera was holding steady, "Seriously Heer, are you really going to pack everything? There has got be some things that you don't need. I'm sure Prem has most of the items if not all of them at his house...how are you going to fit all of your stuff and with all of his stuff?"

"We are going to have a yard sale. I couldn't do one here at the apartment. Anyways we're going to go through everything and decide what I'm going to keep and what he's going to keep. We'll probably buy some new furniture and things. Meher is going to be redoing the interiors of the house. I can't wait to see what she comes up with," Heer explained.

"Prem's not throwing a fit about the interiors is he? His bachelor pad is being invaded by all these girly things you're bringing with you and now a complete change to his living space as well," Ashlesha laughed.

"It's not like I'm going paint a wall pink or anything. As long as he gets to keep his flat screen TV and I don't throw any of his cooking supplies away he will be happy," Heer said. "He's been quite flexible."

"Is Meher doing it for free? Or are you paying her?" Sanjana asked as she carefully placed some books into a crate.

"Of course we are paying her. I wouldn't feel comfortable otherwise. It's a huge job and you know how things can get if you rely on someone for a favor not that I don't think she would slack out on us or do a poor job...you know what I mean?" Heer answered.

"Oh yeah, I can totally understand that," Sanjana replied.

"But she is giving us a discount which was really sweet of her," Heer said.

"Are you going to be able to survive all of this? With a wedding to plan and redecorating the entire house...you are simply crazy," Veera said with concern.

"I know it is a bit crazy. But Prem and I have been really good about it we've divide up our tasks and been researching on our free time. He's taking care of some of the housing issues and letting me handle the wedding stuff. We've been able to visit some venues these past weekends and dare I say I think we've narrowed it down to three we really like," Heer said.

"You guys are moving faster than we are," Veera said in awe. "We are still looking around and can't decide."

"Well, we only have one year. You aren't getting married until 2012. And we are going to look at a few more places before deciding on the one to go with," Heer said.

"How are parents about all of this?" Sanjana asked.

"Mom and Dad are flying in next week so we will see how it goes," Heer said.

"You mean they still don't know yet?" Ashlesha asked.

"No, of course I told my parents. Mom was completely in shock for a full fifteen minutes of the conversation. Then she sort of turned angry which I couldn't quite understand...blabbering about how young I was. For some reason she still thought I was 22 years old," Heer said shaking her head.

"Well, you are the baby in the house...so it's only natural for your parents to have this warped sense about your actual age. And you are the first to get married, right? Your brother Milind is still single," Ashlehsa said.

"I guess. Anyways, Mom continued worrying about how young I was and how quickly we got engaged...which I understood...the quick part...I know it seems like we are rushing into this...but I pretty much told her that I couldn't see myself with anyone else and that this time it was different. Prem proved to me that he was committed to the relationship and we both really love each other. Then I sort of threatened that with or without their blessings I was going to get married and if they wanted to see anything more than just pictures of their grandchildren than well, you know..."

"Heer?! You threatened them by using the grandchildren card?" Sanjana asked in disbelief.

"Oh, what blackmail!" Ashlesha shouted.

"Guess you have to do what you have to do," Veera replied slightly amused by her friend's stubbornness to get what she wanted.

"Mom's more supportive now and Dad's a bit how should I say grumpy about it?" Heer said. "I told them if they wanted to meet Prem again we could make a trip to see them but then he and I got caught in these work projects...so they are flying out to meet us instead."

"Well, I hope things work out," Ashlesha said.

"What about his side of the family?" Sanjana asked.

Heer sighed, "That one's a bit tricky..."

"Don't tell me that they don't approve either?" Veera replied.

"Oh no we've told them and their incredibly happy. Just that his mother...we haven't spoken to her directly. We told his aunt instead and she informed the rest of the family," Heer explained.

"I'm guessing the mother doesn't approve than?" Sanjana probed.

"Well who cares...he's not talking to her right?" Veera said. "If the rest of the family is fine with it then you're set."

"But I think we should at least talk to her. I mean it his mother after all...it is the proper thing to do," Heer explained. "But he refuses to talk to her. He won't even make a phone call to her."

"But what if she tells you she doesn't care and flat out says no and won't give you her blessings?" Ashlesha asked.

"Yeah, Heer you have to think about that," Sanjana agreed. "Do you really want to get into some argument over that?"

"I'm prepared for that," Heer said. "I'm marrying him regardless but..."

"No buts Heer," Veera replied. "The woman obviously doesn't like you and you're just asking to be insulted if you talk to her. Prem's probably trying to protect you. It's best to let things be. Why go looking for trouble when you don't have to? The important thing is you are both happy...everything else can just go out the window."

"I have to agree. If the woman really cared she would have probably called Prem but she hasn't now has she?" Ashlesha said.

Heer thoughtfully bit her lower lip digesting everything her friends had said. She sighed and then went back to packing. The girls continued to work stuffing things inside of boxes and labeling them with big black markers. It was getting close to lunch time when Ashlesha slumped onto the couch and whined, "I'm hungry. Anyone else?"

"Me," Veera replied. "Should we order some take out?"

"And eat with what?" Sanjana asked. "We just packed up the silverware, plates, and cups."

"It's take out they supply spoons, forks, and knives. We can even ask for plates," Veera said.

"Why not get something that doesn't require silverware...like sandwiches, hot wings, or pizza," Ashlesha suggested.

"Did someone order pizza?" The girls all turned their heads to the open door and saw Prem standing there with two large boxes of pizza, a side of breadsticks, and a bag with can drinks. He was taken aback when they rushed towards him taking everything he was holding. "Okay then, I guess that's a yes."

"They were hungry," Heer said and greeted him with a quick peck on the lips.

"Oh, I can definitely see that," Prem replied as he watched the girls happily inspecting the food. He heard various mumbles of thank yous thrown towards his direction as they began to eat. "You're welcome," he responded with a smile.

"So what are you doing here besides delivering pizza?" Heer asked.

"Oh just thought I check up on you guys and see how you were doing," Prem said and then softly whispered into her ear, "Plus I missed you."

Heer smiled, "I missed you too. So how are things on your side?"

"The boys and I are pretty much done. I've got everything I want to sell all stored in the garage and I've already made a list of the some of the furniture we can get rid of for Meher to see. I'm just waiting for you guys to tell me the word and we can start moving," Prem said.

"What are the boys doing?" Heer asked. "You left them all alone."

"They probably didn't even notice I went out. They are too busy watching the college football games and eating subs," Prem replied.

"So you've eat?" Heer asked.

Prem shook his head, "Nope not yet. I'd thought I have lunch with you. We should probably get some slices before your pack of wolves friends over there eat everything. Gosh, never knew they could eat this much...they are just as worst as the guys."

Heer laughed, "Don't say that so loud."

"Say what?" Sanjana asked as she saw them approaching.

"Nothing," Heer said with a smile. Sanjana shrugged her shoulders and continued eating.

Prem sat down and took a slice of cheese pizza while Heer searched through the drinks bag and found herself a Pepsi. She frowned when she realized there weren't any empty seats left. She then looked at Prem who was busily eating his pizza and grinned. Heer walked over and tapped his shoulder making him sit up straight instead of hunched over the dining room table and then sat in his lap. "What are you doing?" he asked a bit taken back by her actions.

"The other two chairs have boxes and stuff on them. I'm too tired to brother with them," Heer replied and reached for a slice of veggie pizza.

"Want me to move them for you?" Prem asked.

"I'm fine where I am," Heer replied giving a slight smirk.

"I'm your chair now? I thought I was the pillow?" Prem chuckled softly.

"You two sure are acting like newlyweds and you haven't even walked the seven rounds yet," Ashlesha teased.

"If this is their normal than what will they be like after marriage?" Sanjana joined in giggling.

"They would be the one couple I don't want to room next to in a hotel. The typical honeymooners...never leaving the suite," Veer joked.

"Good one," Ashlesha laughed.

Heer and Prem both turned a bright shade of red. "Guys, cut it out," Heer pleaded.

"Ah, you know we love you...that's why we tease you," Ashlesha said.

"Never mind us...it's not that bad," Sanjana replied.

Prem remained politely quiet and took a sip from Heer's Pepsi. Heer looked at him and then grabbed a napkin and wiped the side of his mouth. "Pizza sauce," she simply stated. Prem gave a small grin. "Another slice of cheese?" she asked reaching towards the box.

"Yea," he replied with a smile.

Prem flipped onto his stomach trying to find a comfortable spot to relax into sleep but then his neck started bothering him so he moved back to his side but even that was no help. He wearily flopped himself onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. "Having trouble sleeping?" He turned towards his fiance and gave an apologetic grin. "Sorry," he said. "I can't seem to fall asleep."

"You're nervous about meeting my parents tomorrow?" Heer asked.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say that," Prem replied.

"Don't worry too much," Heer said. "They will come around. I mean I it's not like they don't know the truth of what happened."

"Yeah, but I still feel like I let them down. You're Dad probably wants to kill me," Prem said. "If I was him I probably would want to do that too."

"Stop it with all these negative thoughts. They should understand that if I was able to forgive you than they can too. I told them I'm marrying you regardless but I really would like their blessings," Heer said.

"Yea, and you also threaten to keep them away from our future kids," Prem said. "You make a tough bargain."

Heer giggled slightly, "Had to get my point across."

"I think you made your point," Prem said. "At least your Mom's being more supportive. I talked to her on the phone."

"You did?" Heer asked.

"She had called your cell phone when you went out for that jog," Prem explained. "Just spoke to her briefly. The usually how are you and all that. How did you think I knew their flight number and everything?"

"I thought you got it when you were checking my e-mails for me," Heer said.

"Your Mom said they were having trouble with their Internet connection so she decided to call instead. Well, at the end of the conversation she told me she was looking forward to meeting me again," Prem said.

"See, don't worry," Heer encouraged.

Prem gave a half grin. "You think they are going to be fine knowing we moved in together? I mean you know when they stay here...us sharing a room," he asked with some concern.

"Are you telling me I'm sleeping in the office?" Heer inquired arching her eyebrow.

"No, I'll sleep in the office," Prem said.

"My parents aren't that old fashion...okay, maybe my Dad is but my lease is coming up next month and it wouldn't make sense to resign for another year when I'll be moving in here anyways'plus we are engaged. I mean Raj was trying to convince me to move in with him and we weren't even engaged and my Mom was fine with that," Heer said.

"That's because she loved Raj," Prem replied.

"And she will learn to love you too...and my Dad will too," Heer said. "It's not like we are living in sin or anything."

Prem chuckled, "If they knew half of the things we do privately together I think we qualify as being sinful." Heer gave him a look and slapped his chest. "What? Don't deny it. Some experiments were more successful than others," he replied moving his eyebrows up and down.

"Goodnight," Heer said and rolled away to her side. She felt him roll towards her and put his arm around her waist. "You're on my side of the bed, Prem."

"Ah, but the bed belongs to me so you are technically sleeping on my side as well," he said with a smirk.

Heer felt his hand crawl underneath her shirt and start to gently rub her stomach. She gave a knowing smile. "Prem, not tonight."

"Why not? Your parents are coming for a whole week. We won't be comfortable doing anything in this room while they are here. Plus, I can't sleep...so come and help me a little," he pleaded. He then softly kissed her earlobe and nuzzled her cheek. "I love you."

Heer turned around and patted his cheek lovingly, "It's that time of the month. I just started today."

Prem sighed, "I need to start keeping track of these things."

Heer couldn't help but giggle at his comment. "Cuddling is all you are getting tonight. Come here," she said pulling him closer. Prem snuggled himself onto her stomach and smiled as he felt her hand gently stroke his hair. He loved it when she did that. It had a very calming effect on him. "Goodnight," he said sleepily and kissed her stomach. "Goodnight," Heer replied.

Balraaj Maan stood in the living room holding his morning coffee silently thinking as he stared out the front windows. He really didn't know how he was supposed to handle the situation that his wife had suddenly put them in. Here they were visiting their daughter for the week and they were staying at the house of her fiance, a man they hardly knew. He had only met him a few times back when they had been dating in college and at the time he seemed like a nice fellow. He came from a good family, was obedient, was ambitious, had goals in his life, and seemed to adore his daughter. But then one day she came home for spring break and her demeanor had changed. The once peppy bubbly girl that he knew to be his daughter had vanished and in her place was someone who seemed to have lost the zest and hunger for life. He remembered late one night when he had fallen asleep on the recliner watching the sports channel as he would often do much to the dismay of his wife; he heard soft cries coming from his daughter's bed room. He didn't want to pry but he saw through the tiny crack of the open bedroom door his wife gently consoling her. As he stood there silently listening he gathered she was crying because of heartache. The man that she loved, Prem Juneja had hurt her deeply by leaving her abruptly. As a father he wanted nothing more than to track him down and beat the living daylights out of him. How could he do that to his daughter? She was still young and so innocent in the ways of life. He had trusted Prem who was older and more mature to take good care of her but instead he had left her in tears.

Fast forward a couple years later a new man, Raj had entered the scene and had somehow miraculously brought Heer back to life again. He was extremely thankful and was looking forward to one day welcoming him into the family as his son-in-law. But then with some strange twist of fate that relationship ended. Prem had returned expressing his regret and had asked for Heer's hand in marriage. Far be it for him to get bogged down in the details of what transpired between the three people involved; Balraaj just wanted his daughter's happiness. But he couldn't shake the fact that the man that had hurt her the most was now back in her life wanting to make amends. How could he as a father be able to believe again that Prem wouldn't leave his daughter again? How could he as a father let her go back into the very arms of the person that had hurt her the most and into the sacred bounds of holy matrimony? Sure he heard the story and understood to a point why he had left in the first place. Being an obedient son was a quality Balraaj had most admired about Prem but that admirable quality had turned into a double edge sword the minute he left his daughter because his had mother told him to.

He was upset and felt slighted that Prem had neglected to even come speak to him about this marriage matter not that he would have given his blessings right away because he had asked but because he thought it was the proper thing to do. Prem still had to prove to him that he was going to take care of his daughter and not run away when times got tough. His wife had already in some way given her blessings only because his daughter had done the typical thing of threatening to withhold contact of future grandchildren. His wife caved of course what mother wouldn't upon hearing that? It wasn't that he was heartless and didn't care, he wanted grandchildren and he wanted to be able to see them and shower them with his love. But he thought Heer was acting childish for going to that of kind of extreme ultimatum. He turned his heads towards the kitchen as he heard the sounds of the morning breakfast dishes being cleaned and put away. He spied his supposedly future son-in-law dart from the kitchen to clear the table and dart back inside as if he was afraid to be alone in the room with him. Balraaj smirked at his fear feeling rather proud of himself that he could impose such a feeling on the 29 year old grown man. He took a sip of coffee and went back to staring out the window musing how Prem was actually a good cook and should he approved at least his daughter would be well feed.

Heer eyed Prem as he put the strawberry jam and other breakfast condiments back into the refrigerator. "What are you doing sticking so close to me? Go talk to my Dad," she whispered. He glanced out the kitchen doorway and then back at her with a pleading look. "He's not going to kill you. But I will if you don't make some effort."

"Prem, it was really sweet of you to cook breakfast. Why don't you go to the living room and rest? Heer and I can take care of the rest...there isn't much left to do," Teji said. "And tonight I'll make dinner for us. I just need a few things from the store. Why don't you and Balraaj go to the store and get the things for me? It will give you a chance to talk." Heer gave a thankful grinned that her mother had picked up on the situation. "Let's see I'll need some okra, chilies, cluster beans (gavar), potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, fenugreek leaves (methi patta), and paneer."

Prem nodded his head as he jotted the items down on a notepad. "Okay got it. Anything else?"

"Oh, don't forget while you are out to stop by Lowe's or Home Depot to get the replacement for the hand held shower head. It's not working too well in the second bathroom," Heer said.

"Right, I almost forget about that. We need to get that fixed," Prem said.

"And keep an eye on Dad he loves to go grocery shopping...he can spend hours in the store. He loves hunting for bargains," Heer instructed.

Teji laughed, "I remembered one time he came home with four boxes of cereal because it was on sale. And I was so upset because neither one of us eats cereal. He told me the kids would eat it. And of course Heer and Milind refused to eat any of it."

"It was because we were so young I was five and Milind was eight...we wanted the sugary stuff not the all natural whole grain fiber cereal. It was disgusting," Heer said. Prem smiled and glanced nervously out the kitchen. Heer gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and rubbed his back, "You'll do fine."

"Okay, we'll be back," Prem said and left.

Once alone in the kitchen Teji and Heer continued finishing their work. "You look very happy," Teji said to her daughter as she handed her a plate to dry

She smiled, "I am Mom...I really am. I know you still have some reservations about this but I know what I'm doing."

"It's not that we think you don't know what you are doing. We just don't want to see you hurt again," Teji said.

"If I've forgiven him I wish you guys could too," Heer said.

"We just want to see you happy and if Prem makes you happy then we'll be happy," Teji said.

"Really?" Heer replied with an air of hope.

"Your father still has the last word in all of this. But for me I can see it in the way you two interact with each other," Teji answered.

"Thanks Mom," Heer said as she hugged her. "It means a lot to hear this."

"How is his side of the family handling things?" Teji asked with concern.

"You don't have to worry. Everyone is ecstatic," Heer said. "Well, except..."

"His mother..." Teji filled in. "She hasn't said anything? I suppose her not saying anything is a good sign. It is a lot better than her making a fuss and causing problems."

Heer played with the dish towel in her hand and mused, "Do you think it would be terrible of me to go and meet her? To ask her for her blessing?"

Teji stared at her daughter with wide eyes, "I wouldn't say it would be terrible but don't ruffle any feathers. She hasn't said anything now...don't make her say something."

"I know...just that Prem is her only child and he's getting married," Heer sighed. "I don't like seeing this fractured family relation even though I know I shouldn't have any sympathy towards her because she was one of the main causes for our initial breakup. But I don't know...it feels only proper for us to at least tell her. I mean we told you and Dad."

Teji softly grinned and patted her cheek, "You really have taken after your father on these types of things."

Prem swallowed uncomfortably at the silence in the car as they drove to the hardware store first. He didn't even know how to begin to have a conversation with the man next to him who would soon be his father-in-law. "The weather's been nice today," he managed to finally utter.

"It has," Balraaj shortly stated.

"How's the weather in Florida?" Prem asked.

"Hot," he replied.

"No seasons, huh?" Prem reasoned.

"We live in central Florida...it's either warm or hot," Balraaj said.

"Ah," Prem responded.

And just like that their first conversation passed as Prem pulled the car into the parking lot of the local Lowe's. The two men got out of the car and walked inside the store in silence. They made their way to the bath fixtures department and started examining the different varieties of hand held shower heads. "I'm sorry sir," Prem found himself suddenly voicing to Heer's father. "I know I should have asked you first before asking for Heer's hand in marriage." Balraaj looked at him surprised by the abrupt apologetic conversation. "I know I have a lot to do to prove myself...to be worthy of your daughter. I admit the fact that what I did was incredibly stupid. And I can stand here and promise all these things about how I'll never make her cry again and we won't have fights...but that won't really solve any issues. I love Heer with all my heart and I'll do the best to make sure she's happy. The truth is no matter what I say or do I'll never be worthy of your daughter's love. She deserves so much beyond what anyone could ever attempt to give her. But I'll keep trying until my last breath and that's my word whatever little that may mean to you." Prem stood there for a couple of minutes waiting for some sort of reply but all he received was silence. He shifted uncomfortably wondering what he was supposed to do next.

Balraaj quietly contemplated the shower heads in front of him and then plucked a package from its display and handed it to Prem, "I think this one looks good."

Prem looked down at the shower head and then back at Balraaj who was already walking down the aisle heading towards the checkout lane. He sighed not really knowing how to take this reaction from him.

The week had gone by relatively smooth. Teji had openly accepted the couple while Balraaj remained silently on the matter. He still interacted happily with his daughter and when he needed to interacted with Prem as well. The only lively conversations the two men ever exchanged were when they were watching the college and pro football games. The couple took them out to eat and to see some of the sights of the city and all in all everyone enjoyed each others' company.

"You got everything?" Heer asked as she and Prem walked her parents to the security gate.

"Yes, we have our tickets and this one carry on," Teji replied.

"Milind's visiting next week isn't he?" Heer asked.

"Yes, and he says he has a surprise and refuses to tell me about it," Teji said a bit miffed. "He's been flying all over the world on business trips and I haven't seen him for one year and he does this to me."

"It's not a girl is it?" Heer asked. "He's got the worst taste in girls. The last girlfriend he had made me want to strangle her...she was so annoying."

"No, it isn't. That was the only thing he would tell me about this surprise," Teji said.

"I hope he gets to stay in the States longer...it's been forever since I've seen him too. He probably won't be able to make it out here...he'll have to go fly off to Paris, London, or some other foreign country to do work after he visits you," Heer sighed.

"We should probably get going we have to wait through the security line," Balraaj said.

Heer hugged her father, "Thanks for coming to see us, Daddy. Love you."

"Love you too," Balraaj replied.

"You take good care of her," Teji said to Prem. He bowed his head, "Haa," and then was surprised to receive a warm hug from her. "Don't forget to send me that recipe," she reminded.

"Of course," he smiled.

"Mom," Heer said as she hugged her. "Thank you. I'll take everything you said under advisement about the catering."

Prem nervously look at Balraaj and offered his hand, "Thank you for coming, sir."

Balraaj took his hand and gave a firm handshake. "Next time I hope you can stop calling me sir," he simply stated.

Prem looked him trying to process what this meant. "So I..."

"Daddy?" Heer asked her voice filled with hope.

"Dad, would be nice," Balraaj said. Prem stood there in mild disbelief. After everything that had happened which wasn't much considering he had only one heartfelt conversation with the man about the way he felt about his daughter, Prem wasn't expecting anything to happen. "I'm taking your word. Just keep Heer happy."

"Yes sir...I mean Dad...I will...thank you," Prem replied grinning as he shook his hand again.

"Daddy!" Heer shouted and hugged her father. "Thank you!"

Teji smiled brightly at her husband. "We need go kids. I'll be calling so we can work out how to plan this wedding of yours."

Heer held Prem's hand happily and they both waved goodbye to the parents.

Teji turned to her husband as they made their way to the security checkpoint. "So what made you change your mind?"

"He said he would never be worthy of our daughter's love because she deserves so much more beyond what anyone could ever attempt to give her, but he would keep trying until his last breath. He gave me his word. So I decided I'll just watch him this whole week and see what his word meant," Balraaj answered.

"And what did you find?" Teji asked.

"I found he had that same look in his eyes as I had when I first met you," Balraaj replied. "He loves our daughter no doubt about it. He's not without his faults...any man is...we all have our own weakness but he recognizes them and he tries. He takes good care of her and they keep each other on track...a balance which I think is needed in a relationship between husband and wife."

"Yes it does, dear," Teji said and slipped her hand into his. "Thank you."

"What for?" Balraaj asked.

"Now I can see my grand kids," Teji replied causing them both to laugh.

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Sorry there wasn't as much Prem and Heer interaction. I think I gave you guys a pretty good serving in the last chapter 😳 😛

I think it was more important to focus on what was going on through the minds of the parents particularly Balraaj. And since this is a SS I didn't go into too much detail of the parents' trip and what they did with the kids.

Next Part it's Gayatri's turn...so what's her deal?

Thanks for reading!

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---Grace