Chai's Teahouse (Creative Writings House) - Page 35

Originally posted by: aaminaman

Itss kk take your time and plsss send me an pm whenever you update and can I expect within this week any one of it

Originally posted by: princess5341

ive been a silent reader all along, but i really like ur ff

its so different and love prem despite any mistake he made

anyways, i would vote for leher and ishaan

Thanks for all those that voted!

Read on to see what names were chosen...

Warning this is a really really really Part...probably lots of grammar and spelling mistakes...please forgive.

Sorry for making you guys wait for so long 😊 so enjoy this long chapter don't know when the next update will be 🤓 still need to finish my projects and papers for school.

Part 20: These Are the Moments

Prem felt a hard tapping on his shoulder causing him to open his eyes wide in panic, "Is it time?" he asked as he shot up trying to get out of the bed. He was in such a hurry that his foot got tangled in the sheets and he fell to the ground with a thud.

"Prem! Are you all right?" Heer cried as she switched on the lamp. He mumbled something inaudible in response. She sighed as she made her way sluggish out of the bed. The protruding mound on her body forced her to be careful and slow in her movements. Her back was always sore and her feet were swollen from the extra weight she was carrying. Despite all the discomfort she was experiencing, knowing that she was carrying two of the most precious things that represented the loved that she and her husband shared made it all the worthwhile to her.

Prem grabbed the side of the bed and propped himself up. "I'm all right. Do we need to go? Did your water break?"

"No, I'm fine. They're not coming yet," Heer replied apologetically. "I'm so sorry." She tenderly placed her hand on his forehead which was still red from his fall.

"Is something wrong?" Prem asked talking her hand into his.

Heer shook her head and timidly looked down biting her lip, "I was wondering if you could buy some pickles."

"Pickles?" Prem repeated. Lately, his wife had been having the strangest food cravings. He faulted it to the fact that she was carrying twins and their kids were fighting over what they wanted to eat. "No ice cream this time?"

"Oooh, ice cream," Heer nodded with glee. "Peanut butter flavored ice cream!"

Prem arched his eyebrow at her comment, "Peanut butter flavored ice cream and pickles?" He stared at his wife salivating at the idea of the two together. Her food combinations were getting weirder and weirder as her due date neared. A week before she was craving grapefruit with cheese pizza. "Okay, I'll go get them for you. You sit here and wait."

"You're the best!" Heer shouted and gave him a peck on the lips. "I love you."

Prem chuckled as he slipped on his jacket, "Love you too. I'll be back soon." He kissed her forehead and was about to leaved when she suddenly stopped him. "What is it?" he asked worriedly. Heer smiled and took his hand placing it on her belly. Prem grinned feeling his children stretch and kick inside their womb. He lowered his head speaking, "You two behave and don't give Mommy any trouble while Daddy is gone." He placed a kiss on her belly and grinned. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Don't speed Prem," Heer ordered. He nodded and left. She frowned hearing his footsteps race down the stairs and out the front door. Heer sighed and moved slowly back into bed. She picked up the baby book someone had gifted her during her baby shower and began reading.

About an hour later Prem came back to the house with the things that Heer had requested. He quickly went to the kitchen to fix her a bowl of ice cream and a plate of pickles and then went to the bedroom. "Here you go Sweetheart," he announced as he entered. But he didn't receive any response instead he was greeted by the sleeping form of his wife. He smiled and placed the food on the dresser and went to Heer's side of the bed. He closed the book lying beside her and placed it on the bedside table. He gently lowered Heer back into bed and tucked the covers in before giving her a kiss on the forehead. Prem then switched off the lamp and crept silently back downstairs to put away the food. When he was finally finished with his task he yawned sleepily and trudged his way up the stairs and slipped back underneath the covers. As he was finding a comfortable place on his pillow to rest his head he saw Heer move her hand towards him looking for his hand. Prem smiled and gently took her hand into his as he rested on his side. "Sorry," she mumbled.

"Nothing to be sorry about," Prem replied as he kissed her hand. "Sleep."

"Love you," Heer replied.

"Love you too," Prem answered and closed his eyes still holding her hand.

********************************************

Prem straighten his tie and grabbed his presentation folder heading out of his office towards the meeting room. He checked his cell phone for the tenth time that morning to make sure he hadn't missed any messages. Ever since Heer had decided to take early maternity leave from work, he was filled with anxiety; waiting on pins and needles every day while he was in the office to receive the call that she was in labor. He hated being away from her even though he knew his mother-in-law was at the house taking good care of her. As he stepped into the room he was greeted by a few co-workers who were already seated along the long board room table. They smiled with a knowing grin that he was eagerly awaiting the news of becoming a father. It wasn't long before the room filled and Prem stood up to began the meeting. "Normally, I wouldn't be doing this and we all know where cell phones belong in meetings, but my wife would kill me if I missed the birth of our twins," Prem greeted the staff as he placed his cell phone on the table. Everyone chuckled at his joke and then settled into the meeting. About fifteen minutes into discussing the current projects the firm had Prem's cell phone started to vibrate. The vibration rattled on the wooden table causing everyone to grow silent and turn towards the phone. Prem quickly picked it up and answered it. The staff members waited with baited breath and soon grinned as Prem's face beamed into a huge smile. "I have to go," he apologized. "Heer's in labor. Peter will take over the meeting." The room erupted into a chorus of congratulatory remarks as Prem walked as quickly as he could out of the meeting. He could barely contain himself and wanted to run as fast as he could out of the building and into the parking lot but the voice on the other end of the phone held him in place.

"Prem drive safe and don't speed. Heer would rather you come here in one piece, okay?" Prem smiled at his Aunt Madhuri's words. "We just got here. This is the first time...she's going to be in labor for awhile."

"Ha, Masi I'll drive safely. Tell her I'm coming," Prem replied as he pressed the elevator button to get to the basement parking lot. He made a mad dash to his car the minute the elevator doors open and quickly reversed his car out of the parking space and made his way out onto the city streets. He tried his best not to speed but he couldn't help moving from lane to lane bypassing slower cars that were keeping him from his destination. Prem groaned as he hit another red light. He had been hitting them ever since he left the office. His thumbs impatiently tapped his steering wheel as he sat in traffic waiting for the light to turn green. He called his aunt's cell phone to check up on Heer's status and when she didn't answer he called his mother's. He sighed in frustration when she didn't pick up either. He then called his mother-in-law who thankfully answered his call on the first ring. "How is she doing? I'm coming as fast as I can. I've been hitting ever red light in town," Prem greeted.

"She's fine. Don't worry. I called Dad to inform him of the news and he'll be on the next available flight here," Teji answered. "Don't stress Prem she's in good hands. You'll get to witness the birth of your children'just get here safely. That's the most important thing, understand?"

"I understand Mom," Prem said and hung up the phone.

Twenty minutes later Prem pulled into the hospital parking garage and was lucky enough to find an open parking spot near the entrance. He parked and then ran into the hospital heading straight for the maternity ward. From his frantic behavior the nurses at the main service station smiled knowing immediately that he was an expected father. "Name, sir?" one of the nurses asked.

"Juneja. Heer Juneja...my wife," Prem patted breathlessly as he looked at the petite woman with blonde hair. He made out the name of Shelly on her name tag before his vision started to slowly blur.

"She's in room 2380," Shelly answered. "You okay Mr. Juneja. Do you need any water?"

"I took the stairs cause the elevator took too long...I'm going to be a father," Prem rambled as he loosened his tie, "I can't faint while she's giving birth...she'll kill me if I faint...I can't faint..."

Shelly looked over the counter and mumbled, "Oh dear..." and then quickly moved to the other side shouting orders, "We got a fainter over here." Two strong orderlies came to her aid and placed a passed out Prem into a wheelchair. "Mr. Juneja?" she called. Prem made a groggy noise in response. "Let's get him to his wife looks like he's coming too." One of the orderlies followed behind Shelly as he pushed the wheelchair to room 2380. "Mrs. Juneja, I believe he belongs to you?" Shelly greeted as he opened the door to the room.

Heer sighed nodding her head, "Yes, he unfortunately belongs to me."

"Prem?" Gayatri called as she looked at her son still slightly passed out sitting in the wheelchair.

"Well, at least he passed out after he made it here but before you delivered," Teji comforted.

"I'll go get some water," Shelly replied. "He should be coming to soon."

Just as the nurse was leaving the room Aunt Madhuri came walking in holding a drink carrier with three cups of coffee. She took one look at Prem and shook her head, "You know I didn't believe you when you told me but now...wow...he's fainted."

Teji took the coffee from Madhuri, "Let's just hope this is the only fainting spell he has today."

Gayatri gently slapped her son's face, "Prem? Beta, wake up you're needed right now." He slowly opened his eyes and began looking around the room in hazy understanding of his whereabouts. "Prem?" his mother called.

"Haa Ma?" he replied looking at her with confusion but suddenly realized where he was and quickly stood up. He swayed a bit causing the three women to rush to his side to steady him. "Where's Heer?" he asked in panic.

"I'm here Prem," his wife answered. He looked to his left and saw Heer lying in the hospital bed. "Sit down before you hurt yourself." He ignored her command and staggered his way over to her bedside and held her hand. "Sorry," he apologized. Heer caressed his face, "You aren't hurt anywhere, are you?"

"I'll be okay," he replied.

"Sit down," Gayatri ordered as she moved the wheelchair to the bedside.

Prem took the seat and then watched in alarm as Heer closed her eyes in pain as a contraction hit. He felt her grip on his hand tighten for a few seconds before letting go. "Shouldn't the doctor be here?" he asked with worry. "Why isn't she here?"

"She's only four centimeters dilated the last time the doctor checked," Teji said. "She has a ways to go before she reaches ten centimeters."

"I can't believe I'm going to be like this for another few hours," Heer grumbled. "Why can't they just come out now?"

The comment made the three elder women laugh. "If only that were the case but unfortunately you'll have to wait. Your body will tell you when its time," Madhuri replied. "You will feel your body trying to push naturally."

"But I am ready," Heer whined.

"You're not quite there yet. You're only at the beginning phase. Just enjoy this part while it lasts," Teji said.

"Enjoy this while this lasts?" Heer asked in disbelief.

"The last part is the most painful of course," her mother replied. "This is the easy part. All those baby books you were reading and that Lamaze class you took didn't teach you anything?"

"They taught her how to breathe," Prem answered and began demonstrating the breathing method. Heer gave him a stern stare causing him to abruptly stop his demonstration and meekly bow his head. He had heard the stories of wives being moody and upset during deliver. Yelling things at their husbands because of the pain they were experiencing and telling them that they would never allow them to touch them again. He didn't really think Heer would start acting like that so soon with him.

"So we had another fainting spell?" Dr. Davidson greeted warmly as she entered the room. Shelly followed behind the doctor carrying some cups and a pitcher of water and placed them on the table. Prem sheepishly grinned in response. Dr. Davidson checked Heer and smiled, "Six centimeters...still some time. How are we doing?"

Heer made a face and asked, "Only six?"

"You're almost there. It's been about an hour. Everyone has different birthing times...it's not an exact science. I'll be back to check on you again in another thirty minutes," Dr. Davidson replied. She then looked at Prem, "You sir, remain calm and let's try not to faint again."

Prem nodded his head while everyone in the room smirked at the doctor's remark.

********************************************

Warm chocolate brown eyes stared down at the little pink fingers clutching onto his index finger. He marveled at how large his single finger compared to the delicate ten digits of his sons. Prem stood over the basket still wearing the medical gown the staff had given him when he went into the delivery room with Heer. He thanked God that he didn't falter and faint during the actual birth of his children. It was 8:00pm in the evening and Heer had successfully given birth to a healthy baby girl and baby boy. Prem smiled at the way his son was looking up at him taking in the new sights and sounds he was experiencing of the outside world. Prem gently placed a kiss on his forehead. "This is your Daddy...I'm the one who would go to the store and buy you and your sister ice cream, pickles, fruit, pizza...everything you ate. Welcome to the world son." The little baby gurgled in acknowledgement and then placed his mouth on the tip of Prem's finger gnawing on it gently. "I know you're hungry but you have to wait until your big sister's finished." Prem turned around to see Heer cradling their daughter in her arms breastfeeding. He tenderly gazed at the interaction between mother and child and felt an overwhelming sense of joy and love. Despite her damped hair and the stray strands of hair sticking to the side of her face she still looked beautiful to him. There was a definite motherly glow about her that was simply intoxicating to him.

Sensing that her husband was staring at her she lifted her head allowing their eyes to lock. There was no need for words as Prem's eyes told her everything. She looked down at the tiny being in her arms and smiled. "Done yet? Your brother's waiting," she softly spoke. As if understanding her mother's words the baby girl let go and giggled. Heer rested her on her shoulder and patted her lightly on the back for a few minutes before her daughter gave a gentle burp. "What a good girl you are. Now go and see your Daddy."

Prem carefully took his daughter into his arms and smiled brightly, "How's my baby girl doing? I'm going to put you back in your bed for a few minutes and then we're going to go out and meet some family members." He placed her back into her crib and then took his son into his arms and gently handled him over to his mother. Prem placed a kiss on Heer's forehead. "I'll be back they are probably anxious to meet one of the newest Juneja members."

"Don't take too long," Heer replied. "She'll probably be fussy and want to sleep."

"Of course we won't play too long," Prem replied childishly looking at his daughter in his arms. "Because you're a good girl who listens to her Mommy, right?" The baby gurgled at her father's question and he smiled. Heer grinned at the father and daughter interaction. "Go Prem before she falls asleep." Prem held his daughter's hand up and waved, "Say bye-bye. We'll be back Mommy. Love you."

"Love you too," Heer answered.

********************************************

Heer yawned sleepily and stared at the rolling baskets in the room in complete amazement that they were cradling the two living beings that had once been inside her body. She had felt so overwhelmed during the delivery that she was only now able to process everything that had happened. Tears began to well up behind her eyes and with one simply blink they rolled down her face. Heer wiped them off her cheeks when she heard Prem come out of the private bathroom. His white dress shirt had the two top buttons undone and his sleeves were rolled back showing off his muscular forearms. He carried in his hand a damp face towel and walked over to his wife with a smile. "Here," Prem said.

"Thanks," she replied and wiped the cool cloth around her face and neck. "Just what I needed."

Prem tenderly tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Soar and tired," Heer replied.

"You should rest then," Prem said kissing her forehead. "The doctor said once the blood tests for the kids come back and they are cleared we may be able to go home by tomorrow afternoon at the earliest. I sent Ma and them home to rest. Your Mom will come and stay with you for a few hours in the evening and then I'll be back here at midnight."

"Prem did you eat? I haven't seen you eat anything all day," Heer asked.

"Yes, I did. When I stepped outside to make a few calls I went to the hospital cafeteria and got myself a sandwich. How was your dinner?" Prem asked.

"It was okay...it's hospital food...it isn't exactly gourmet. The only thing I really enjoyed was the Jell-O," Heer replied.

"Should I get you more Jell-O then?" Prem asked with a smile.

"Um, maybe later," Heer said with a tiny grin and then yawned.

"Take a nap," Prem ordered with a yawn and turned towards the wall where three chairs were lined up next to each other. "I'll be lying down over there." He felt his arm being grabbed causing him to turn around, "What's the matter?" Heer gently moved herself to the side of the bed. "No, you're still recovering," Prem said shaking his head.

"There is room enough for both of us. I'm finally able to sleep more comfortably and I really want to cuddle with my husband who was so supportive in the delivery room," Heer explained.

Prem smiled, "I guess I can't refuse that request." He slipped his shoes off and lowered the railing on the hospital bed and crawled on top. He then pulled the railing back up so he wouldn't roll off and rested on his side. Heer titled her head towards him and placed his left arm around her waist. She then gave him a peck on the lips, "I love you."

"Love you too," Prem replied. He then smirked, "I won the bet today."

"Yes, you did," Heer said. "So what names did you come up with?"

"You tell me your list first and then I'll tell you mine," Prem said.

"Well, for girls I liked the names Chahat, Diya, Khushi, Leher, and Payal. For boys I liked the name Harshad, Akshay, Arun, Ranveer, and Sekar," Heer said.

"Nice names...I think you choose better girl names. I came up with Aditi, Chandni, Hema, Jaya, and Jyoti. For boys I liked Dev, Akshit, Ishaan, Nahar, and Aakash," Prem said.

"You won the bet so what have you decided?" Heer replied.

Prem gave a reflected look, "Well, I really like the girl names you picked so I'm going to steal one of your choices. It's between Leher and Chahat." Heer noticed the naughty glint in his eyes and gave him a questioning look. "Leher for now...we can use Chahat for later."

"And what makes you so sure we will have a girl again?" Heer asked as a warm chortle left her lips.

"I won the bet didn't I? I know these things," Prem said with confident smirk.

"You were just lucky this time," Heer replied. "But I think that's a conversation to have later. So, what are you naming our son then?"

"Ishaan," Prem answered.

"Leher and Ishaan...I like that," Heer smiled.

"Leher is going to grow up beautiful and be just as spunky as her mother," Prem said.

"Spunky? A polite way of saying I'm crazy and demanding?" Heer asked arching her eyebrow.

"No," Prem answered.

"Don't lie," Heer said. Prem inched his face closer, "But I love your feistiness. It's what attracted me to you in the first place." Heer felt herself melt as he tenderly kissed her. She grinned against his lips. "And Ishaan will be handsome and just as smart and capable as his father." Prem sighed happily as Heer brushed her fingers through his hair. She then closed her eyes and breathed in the sweetness of the moment; his body cuddled close to her providing a soothing energy after a long day. She felt him tighten his hold on her as he whispered, "Let's try to get some sleep before our kids wake us up. Who knows when we will be able to sleep properly?" The young parents soon drifted off sleeping just as peacefully as their children resting in their beds a few feet away.

********************************************

Prem rested the garment bag on top of his rolling suitcase as he fished inside his jacket pocket for his keys. He was tired and worn out from the traveling he had down in the past 48 hours but he was glad to be finally home. As soon as he opened the door and rolled his suitcase into the house he heard the rumbling of two pairs of feet heading towards his direction. Prem crouched down with a huge smile and was nearly knocked to the ground when his children ran into his arms. "Daddy!" they yelled. "How are my munchkins doing?" Prem heartily greeted. He then realized there was a slight puff of white smokiness in the air around him. He looked down and inspected his children. Ishaan's thick brown hair was covered with flour and his hands were sticky with some type of batter. He was wearing a small red apron over his blue strip Polo shirt and khaki shorts. Leher's pigtails were flour free but her nose and cheeks had white smudges. Her purple shirt and jeans were protected by her red apron that had splotches of some sort of chocolaty brown sugary substance across it. His children gave him a kiss on each cheek and then clamored about receiving a gift.

"Daddy did you bring me something?" Ishaan asked.

"You said we had a surprise," Leher added.

Prem looked up sensing his wife's presence. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and she was wearing a red apron that covered her red and white Nike three-fourths length sleeve shirt and black yoga pants. Her eyes were twinkling with happiness at seeing him after such a long time. Prem stood up ignoring his children's requests for gifts and reached out to gently wipe away the flour on her right cheek. "Baking something?" he asked.

"Thought I could use them as helpers...though it didn't turn out exactly like that but we had fun...the kitchen is a mess," Heer explained holding his arm as he continued to caress her cheek.

"Let me put my things upstairs and I'll come and help," Prem replied.

"It's all right you go and rest...you had a long flight," Heer said shaking her head.

"No, I'll come and help. I miss being with my family...my two rambunctious munchkins and my beautiful wife," Prem said.

Heer gave a half grinned at his compliment, "But I look horrible. My hair is a mess...I didn't get to straighten it properly this morning---"

"But you look beautiful to me," Prem said interrupting her. He closed the distance between them and gave her a tender kiss. He had been away in London for three weeks working on an international project that the firm had secured. Needless to say he had missed his family badly during those weeks. He made sure to set aside some time everyday to talk to them on Skype. He usually called just before it was bedtime for the twins so he could read them a story and tuck them in at night. He would then call back later at night to talk to Heer and find out how her day went. The young parents were lost in their own world oblivious to their surroundings and were simply enjoying the warm feeling of being together again. Prem felt a hard tug on his jeans and then heard the loud complaints of his children.

"Ewww, they're kissing again!" Ishaan groaned.

"Daddy is always kissing Mommy," Leher replied. "It's because Daddy loves Mommy a lot!"

"But I want my gift," Ishaan said. "He can kiss Mommy later."

"I want mine too," Leher replied with a pout.

Ishaan frowned and started tugging on his father's jeans, "Daddy! You promised us a surprise."

"We promise to be good if you give us our surprise," Leher pleaded.

Heer grinned pulling away from her husband and gave him a gently pat on his chest, "Your children are demanding their gifts."

Prem looked down at his two kids and smiled, "Okay, I'll give you your gift only after you do two things. The first, is to help Mommy clean the kitchen. The second, is to take a bath afterwards. Understand?" Leher and Ishaan nodded their heads eagerly.

"Don't worry Daddy. We won't let Mommy clean up the kitchen alone," Leher said.

Ishaan puffed his chest out and raised his arms up clenching his fists tightly as he flexed his muscles. "I'll handle all the heavy things," he said. "Mommy says I'm getting stronger everyday...and one day I'll be just like you."

Prem grinned at his son and patted his cheek. "All right I'm going to put my things up stairs and I'll be back to check on your work." The minute he finished his sentence his children ran back into the kitchen ready to start cleaning. Heer turned to go but was held in place by Prem's hand on her wrist. She gave a knowing smile as he pulled her back towards him. "I love you," he whispered into her ear.

"Love you too," she replied with a soft giggle feeling ticklish as he gently nuzzled his lips against her ear. "Prem, our children are going destroy the kitchen if you don't let me go."

********************************************

Two pairs of feet where resting comfortably on the coffee table. The larger set leaned towards the smaller set and affectionately tapped it. "Yes?" Heer asked. Her head was resting on Prem's shoulder while she held Leher who was in her pink pajamas fast asleep.

"Think we should go to sleep?" Prem asked. He was holding Ishaan who was lying passed out on top of his chest.

"Let's wait a few more minutes," Heer said. "It's nice just sitting here with the kids."

"Dinner was great...I loved the curry you made...even better than Ma's curry," Prem complimented.

"But its Ma's recipe," Heer replied.

"Even still I liked it better," Prem said. "By the way who's idea was it to add peanut butter to the chocolate muffins?"

"Ishaan," Heer said. "He loves peanut butter...all those nights I was craving peanut butter was because of him." They both gently chuckled at the memory of her food cravings during her pregnancy. "Leher loves ice cream...Ishaan adores peanut butter...and thankfully they both eat their fruits and vegetables without any fuss."

"It's a good thing they don't eat pickles with everything," Prem joked. "Pickles and peanut butter ice cream...mmm...sounds delicious."

"I was pregnant at the time...it was what I was craving," Heer defended with a pout.

"Hey, since when did our kids like eating spicy?" Prem asked. "I thought you made a separate curry for them but I noticed there was only one pot when I was cleaning up."

"I didn't tell you?" Heer replied. Prem shook his head. "I thought I told you already. Well, two weeks ago I was cooking...for some reason that day it was ringing off the hook...all sorts of people were calling...I got distracted forgetting what I had done...I thought I had cooked a mild version for the kids but ended up cooking a spicier version for them." She chuckled softly as she recalled their reactions, "The kids were stunned at first...they kept asking for water which I thought was strange. But when I saw Leher sticking out her tongue fanning herself I realized what had happened. I asked her why Ishaan and her didn't say anything to me and they said they didn't want to hurt my feelings because I had been busy all day working...they didn't want to make me cook again because I was tired. They said the more they ate the more they liked it even though it was spicy."

"They can be so cute sometimes," Prem chuckled. "Well, now we don't have to make two versions or eat less spicy."

"We still can't make it flaming hot Prem," Heer replied. "Yogurt is only going to help them to an extent."

"I know Sweetheart...we'll just build it up slowly," Prem said. They sat there for a few minutes in silence watching TV. When the show went to its commercial break Prem switched the television off and thoughtfully said, "I've been thinking lately...what do you think about looking for a new house?"

"A new house?" Heer repeated.

"I know the kids are only four now but they are growing up so fast. They will be turning five soon and eventually they will need more room. And if we have a third child we need another room," Prem explained.

"That's true...right now neither of us have an office since we changed that into Ishaan's room. Working in the back corner of the living room isn't the most ideal for either of us. Should we look for a 4 or 5 bedroom then?" Heer asked.

"Let's see what we can find. Ideally a fifth bedroom so when your parents come and visit they have a comfortable place to stay," Prem said.

"We're going to moving away from the neighborhood?" Heer asked. "I would prefer if we can stay here or at least some place near here. The school district here is quite good...where ever we move to we have to look at the schools in the area."

"Don't worry we will definitely look at the school district," Prem said.

Heer pouted, "Meher and Preet are going be sad when we tell them we are moving away."

"I know how you and Meher like being able to walk to and from each other's houses," Prem said. "We'll start our search here and then slowly move out to the surrounding neighborhoods before leaving this entire area. How's that sound to you?"

"I'd be fine with that. Just hope we can find a place...I know it's a long shot," Heer sighed.

"If we can't find what we need I'll build us a house," Prem suggested. "This property is ours and I can tear this place down and build from scratch. That way you don't have to move away from Meher and the kids can stay in this school district."

"Prem, that's too much stress on you. It's not necessary...it isn't like I'm going to die if we move away," Heer said.

"No, actually I like this idea of building our own house," Prem said. "I know people who can help us find the best way to arrange everything and make the needed modifications. We can build an office on the first floor. Maybe even add a master bedroom for your parents to use. We can fix up the basement and make it into an entertainment play area for the kids. We can also add another room down there with a bathroom. We can build a nice new proper master bedroom and build three bigger bedrooms for Leher, Ishaan, and our little Chahat."

"Our little Chahat?" Heer replied with a soft chortle. "Mr. Juneja are we that eager to start again?"

"Why so apprehensive Mrs. Juneja? Don't want to have another with me?" Prem asked.

"You complain that you don't get enough of my attention now...what will you do when a third one joins our family?" Heer inquired.

"I don't complain. I just feel there are times when we adults should get some time of our own...no interruptions," Prem explained.

Heer rolled her eyes at his last comment. "We're parents Prem we will always get interrupted."

"Not if they are taught properly," Prem said. Heer looked at her husband and gave him a you're so hopeless stare. He just replied with a simply smirk.

"I think it's time to put the kids into bed," Heer said and got up from the couch heading upstairs. She gently lay Leher down on her bed and tucked the covers up around her. Heer lovingly brushed her fingers through her daughter's thick hair. Even after four and half years, she was still in awe that she had carried the two walking talking living beings now running about in their house in her womb for nine months. They drove her crazy sometimes but she loved them nonetheless. Besides her husband, her children were the most important thing in the world to her. She could never imagine a time in which she could live without either of them. Every day she was discovering how much Leher and Ishaan where taking on qualities that her and Prem possessed. Leher could be a bit temperamental while Ishaan was stubborn like his father. They both had a balance mixture of their parents' features. They inherited their father's thick hair, long eye lashes, and nose and their mother's eyes, mouth, and chin. Heer placed a kiss on her forehead and turned to see Prem leaning on the doorway with a smile.

"Ishaan's all tucked in," he simply stated.

"Let me go and give him a kiss goodnight," Heer said.

Prem went to his daughter's bedside and gave her a gently kiss on the forehead, "Sweet dreams," he whispered. He then silently closed the door behind him and went to the master bedroom to get ready for bed.

********************************************

Heer had only closed her eyes for a few minutes when she felt Prem's body hug her from behind. His right leg rested on top of her legs while his arm held her waist. There was a low rumbling in the distance as rain water sprinkled down from above. Heer grinned as she felt him nuzzle her cheek. "Prem, what are you doing? I thought you were tired," she asked.

"It's thundering outside...aren't you scared?" he replied. "I just thought you needed me here."

Heer could sense the smirk on his face. "I was trying to sleep. And I know you're right beside me why would I be scared?"

There was another low rumble in the distance and Prem grinned as he felt Heer's body tense slightly. "Oh really?" he teased.

"Prem, let's just go to sleep," Heer replied.

"What if I don't want to?" Prem asked. "Remember that night your car broke down and I rescued you from the pouring rain?"

"Rescue me? I did not need any rescuing. I would have been able to make it back to my apartment without any problems," Heer defended.

"Heh, so you say," Prem replied causing him to receive a sharp elbow to the gut. He ignored the action and softly whispered into her ear, "It was thundering a lot that night...you were sticking to me like glue following me around...scared out of your mind. Remember what happened next?"

"Yes, you somehow got me involved in a love triangle that night," Heer answered. "Of all the memories to recall why must you talk about that one?"

"What's wrong with that memory?" Prem inquired.

Heer turned around and eyed him with disbelief, "You're serious? A one night stand is not exactly the most romantic thing to talk about."

"It wasn't that and you know it," Prem replied. He brushed his lips gently against her lips. "Let me love you again like that." Heer grinned but pushed his face away with her hand causing him to pout. "Can we find a house first before our Chahat comes?"

Prem nodded, "Of course. One time isn't going to do anything Heer, especially since you're back on birth control." Heer turned her back towards him again but giggled as he nuzzled her neck and leaned his leg tightly on top her body. There was a loud thunderous roar from above that caused Heer to shudder. "See, you need me," Prem smirked. But before he could capture his wife's lips there was another rolling applause from above and the sound of little feet running towards their room. Prem rolled away from Heer as soon as their bedroom door opened and the voices of Leher and Ishaan yelling. "No, no...you guys can't come running in like this," Prem whined as he got up from the bed.

"Prem, your children are afraid of the thunder," Heer reprimanded.

"They know the rules...what they have to do," Prem replied.

"We knock before we come in," Leher answered.

"That's correct. Go back and do it again," Prem ordered.

"Prem, seriously," Heer sighed shaking her head as she saw her children walk back into the hallway and close the door.

"They tend to interrupt...you want an interruption by knock or by door?" Prem whispered looking at his wife. Heer just sighed. "That's what I thought." Prem then looked at the door as the sound of small fists knocked against the door. "Who is it?"

"It's Leher and Ishaan your children!" Leher and Ishaan yelled. "May we come in?!"

"Yes, you may," Prem answered.

The door swung open and the twins ran past their father and climbed onto bed with their mother. "Mommy I'm scared of the thunder can I sleep here tonight?" Leher asked.

"Of course," Heer said.

"I-I'm not here because I'm scared," Ishaan said. "I knew Leher would be scared and just wanted to make sure you weren't scared Mommy." There was a loud clap of thunder causing Ishaan to jump a little and his sister to scream. "But can I sleep here tonight?" Ishaan asked his mother.

Heer smiled and nodded inviting her other child to join them in bed. Prem climbed into bed and the family arranged themselves accordingly. Ishaan slept between his parents while Leher slept on the end with her mother holding her in a cuddling embrace. There was a round of goodnights before everyone settled down and drifted off into a peaceful slumber. Prem awoke in the middle of the night wondering what was pushing his face. He found much to his surprise his son's right foot resting on his cheek. Ishaan was lying vertically in bed with his head nestled on Heer's pillow while his left leg lay across Prem's chest. Heer was sleeping with her back facing them as she cradled Leher making sure she wouldn't fall off the bed. Prem grinned and gently pulled his son's feet from his face. He then properly placed him vertically into bed and kissed his forehead. Prem closed his eyes again feeling the warmth of being with his family knowing there was no other place he'd rather be at this moment.

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Thanks for reading!

I'll probably have one or two more Parts left to write and then it's the end of Pee Loon.

Comments Greatly Welcomed! 😃

---Grace