Chapter 6 - Love At First Sight
The week passed by quickly and the weekend was here again. Balwant and Kuljeet's home in Ludhiana was full of hustle and bustle. "It's here! It's here!" shouted Vishaka. "It's finally the day of the Juneja Party!"
"Ah yes", said Meher, "the great and fateful day". She and Heer were watching Vishaka mix and match different accessories to go with her outfit.
"Oh I feel like a princess getting ready for a ball!" exclaimed Vishaka. Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Come in", said Heer. The door opened to reveal a neatly dressed young lady, with her hair pulled back in a braid.
"Shampa!" shouted Meher, as she ran over to her friend and hugged her. "How have you been, and why haven't you called?"
Shampa smiled, "Well I've been busy with exams and projects at University, final year's not that easy you know. How are you Heer, Vishaka?"
"Fine", replied the girls in unison. Shampa was Meher's best friend. She was also from Ambala, but she was staying with relatives while studying at the university in Ludhiana. She was older and shorter than Heer and Meher and sort of plain in her appearance, but what she lacked in good looks, she made up with intelligence, a good sense of humor and her golden heart.
"Were you able to check out the university? The campus? The boys?" asked Shampa.
"Ha Ha, I don't know about the boys, but the university was nice", laughed Meher.
"Hmm, nice and expensive", remarked Heer. "They had a good course selection, but it's a little out of our league in terms of tuition. Papaji already works so hard, I would feel ashamed to ask him to foot the bill for the tuition, not to mention boarding and books".
"So, I hear you're all going to a party tonight", said Shampa, trying to change the topic.
"Not just any party!" cried Vishaka. "the Juneja's party! They're filthy rich! I bet they could afford to buy half of Ludhiana!"
"Yes, the miserable half", laughed Meher. "Oh Shampa, please come with us. Heer Di and I won't know anyone there, and I'm sure we'll be so bored caught between snobby rich people and those trying to give the appearance of being one of them, all just to impress the mighty Junejas, in the foolish hopes of luring one of them into the bonds of holy matrimony". Meher ended her speech with a very lady like curtsy.
"Well", said Shampa, laughing at her friend's antics. "I wouldn't mind as long as you're sure it won't be any trouble to your Chacha and Chachee".
"Great! It's settled then", said Meher. "We leave at 7 O'clock sharp, so you'd better go home and get ready".
"I think we all had better get ready", said Heer looking at her watch.
"But what shall I wear?" asked Shampa, as Meher walked her to the door.
"Only the best!" shouted Vishaka. "Remember it's for the Junejas!"
After Shampa left, Heer and Meher went to their room to change as well. Heer picked out a nice green shalwar kameez and dupatta, with matching earrings and bangles, while Meher wore a pretty pink one with small earrings, matching pendant and bangles. Both left their long hair open to frame their pretty faces.
"Well", sighed Heer as she sat in front of the mirror combing her hair, "it's not much, but it's all we have".
"Oh come on Heer Di", said Meher, rolling her eyes, "don't tell me you've succumbed to Kuljeet Chachee's constant banter about catching a rich husband".
"But Meher", said Heer, "you know Chachee is not a vicious person at heart, she really does mean well. And I saw the worry in Papaji's eyes the last time she visited. He wants to give us the best, what father wouldn't, but with the farmland and house entailed away from the female line, and no connections, or fancy degrees or dowries, we have little but our charms to recommend us to a really good suitor".
"Hmm...I see your point", sighed Meher. She looked at Heer's reflection in the mirror. "Di..perhaps you should darken your lipstick a bit, and maybe we can borrow some false eyelashes from Kuljeet Chachee's stockpile".
"What are you talking about Meher?" asked Heer.
"Well", said Meher, as a matter of factly, "If Chachee's theory is correct, and we don't want to be married to the local Manjeet, and spend our days slaving over a hot stove cooking cornbread and bouncing babies on our lap, at least one of us will have to marry very rich. And since you're at least 10 times prettier, perhaps you'll be able to impress one of the Junejas tonight".
"Oh Meher, don't be silly!" cried Heer. "I really wish we didn't have to worry about these things. A good marriage should be based on love, trust and understanding, not finances, just look at Ma and Papaji. I too would like to marry someone I was in love with".
"I'm sure you will", said Meher, kissing her sister on the top of her head. "Just take care to fall in love with a very rich man".
Heer laughed out loud. "And what about you?" she turned to ask her younger sister.
"My love story had better be as dramatic as I am", cried Meher, shaking her finger towards the sky, as if complaining to God, "none of that unrealistic love at first sight crap. No...", she paused as if in thought, "I am determined to marry only if I truly and deeply fall in love...And therefore, I'm sure my fate is sealed...I'll end up an old-maid, and teach your 10 children to paint pretty pictures and make burnt makai ki roti". Both sisters burst out laughing. It wasn't long before they heard their Chachee calling them to come down. Ready or not Junejas", said Meher, "here we come!"
Meanwhile...
"Hurry up Preet!" yelled Herman.
"I'm coming, I'm coming", said Preet, "just let me put my jacket on". Preet stopped to check himself in front of a mirror in the hallway. He looked very handsome in the slick suit and tie he was wearing, and his slightly tousled hair added to his boyish good looks. "Wah!" He said, combing his hair with his fingers and blowing himself a kiss. "Kya chehra hai!" (Wow! What a face!)
Herman rolled his eyes, "Come on Preet, we're getting late", he said.
"You forget bhaiya (brother)", said Preet, "that I spent my afternoon picking up Ma, Bauji, Kuldi, Jiju and the kids from the airport, not to mention all of their luggage. Old Yamraaj (The old angel of death) and his surprises...I mean...no warning...no, beta we'll be there next week. Just, 'Preet we're at the airport, pick us up!'"
"Yes", said Herman, "but we're the hosts of the party, how will it look if we're late!"
"You just want to be there before Maya Memsaab gets there don't you?" smiled Preet slyly. "I don't know why you had to invite her and her gal pals anyway. I don't think PB was too happy about it either, he wasn't really interested in Sanjana".
"But I liked Maya", said Herman.
"Come on Bhai", reasoned Preet, "she divorces people for a living!"
"Are you guys ready?" asked Prem. Preet and Herman turned around to see their eldest brother walking up to them. He was looking exceptionally handsome in his black suit, purple shirt and tie.
"Phew!" whistled Preet. "PB, if I was a girl, you would be in serious trouble!"
"I think you're already in serious trouble Preet", said Prem, "everybody is already downstairs and all set to leave for the hotel. Bauji sent me to see what was holding you two up".
"You see that Preet", said Herman with a frown.
The three brothers hurried downstairs. "Ma, you're a vision of loveliness", said Preet kissing his mom on the cheek. "And Bauji you're just sparkling tonight...did you have that thing polished or something" said Preet pointing to his father's head.
"Shut up Preet!" said Lalit sternly, "Na baap ki qadar hai na waqt ki!" (He values neither his father or time!)
"Umm...Bauji", Prem interrupted in an effort to save Preet, "Nihal just called and said the guests have started to arrive, we should get going too".
"Han Prem beta", said Lalit, "this party was a great idea. Inviting the management and important staff is a great way to connect with them...that connection will lead to greater loyalty...and greater loyalty means better production and that means..."
"For the time being it means we're getting late...chalain?" asked Preet.
A short while later...
Meher, Heer and Shampa followed Chacha, Chachee and Vishaka to the grand hall of the Juneja's luxury hotel. Everything was so huge, fancy and expensive looking, certainly nothing like they had seen before. "Oh my Rabs", said Kuljeet Chachee, "Is that Mrs. Chatterjee? You girls stay here and I'll be right back", she said.
"It certainly is impressive", said Shampa, admiring the decor. The girls shook their heads 'No' to a waiter who stopped to offer them drinks. "I wonder which of these young men are the famous Junejas".
"Girls! Girls!" exclaimed Chachee, walking back towards them as fast as she could. "They're not here yet. Apparently the entire Juneja family is coming and they're being joined by some special guests too. Come on let's all find a spot with a good view!"
Meanwhile in the lobby, the Juneja family had just arrived. They were greeted by Rishap Rampal who had just reached there himself along with Sanjana and her friends. "Lalit, Mrs. Juneja!" What a wonderful surprise!" said Rishap. "Please allow me to present to you my sister Sanjana and her friends Maya and Ashlesha".
After the greetings and formalities were over with, the entire group moved towards the large hall. The entire gathering came to an immediate silence as soon as they entered.
"That must be Mr and Mrs Juneja and some friend of theirs", said Chachee, motioning towards Lalit, Gaytri and Rishap, "Oh and look there's 4 young ladies and 4 young men behind them".
"Too many ladies", whispered Meher to a giggling Shampa.
Kulraj and Gaytri busied themselves by mingling with the guests. And Herman had already walked off to one side with Maya, both quickly became engrossed in conversation. Preet, Prem and Kiran were joined by Nihal, who began introducing them to all the staff members coming up to them one by one. Preet nodded, smiled and shook hands like the rest were doing, but noticed something perhaps the others had missed. "Hey Jiju", he whispered, "is it just me or is every auntie in the room staring at us?"
"That's cause you're prime meat", laughed Kiran.
"What?" asked Preet.
"You, Prem, Herman", said Kiran, "every auntie with an eligible daughter is eyeing you guys right now".
"Hritik Roshan falling for these junior artists...You've got to be kidding!" said Preet. Just then he saw Ashlesha, she was batting her eyelashes at him again. "Ah.. Jiju let's get something to drink."
Prem had walked on further with Nihal, and that's when he saw her. She was standing by the pillar with some other young ladies. Prem couldn't take her eyes off of her. She was decidedly the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. "Nihal", he said, "Who is that beautiful girl over there by the pillar?"
"I don't know, said Nihal smiling at Prem, "but let's find out.
Chapter 7 - Only Tolerable
Prem and Nihal had not gotten far, when they were intercepted by Sanjana Rampal. "Prem Darling!" she exclaimed, "you're not avoiding me are you?"
"Why no", Prem lied, "I was just trying to meet..."
"The little people, I know", said Sanjana, "but that can wait...come, I must have you dance with me". As Sanjana dragged Prem off to the dance floor, he kept looking back at the girl he had just seen. Please don't go anywhere, he begged silently.
Dancing with Sanjana was the last place Prem wanted to be, he kept on staring towards the pillar. "What's wrong with you Prem?" asked Sanjana, "You haven't said a word and you seem so distracted".
"Yes...well, uh...", Prem was trying to think of an excuse, when he saw Preet. "I'm sorry Sanjana, will you excuse me for just a minute?" Prem walked over to Preet as fast as he could and said, "Preet, I need your help!"
"What is it PB?" asked Preet.
Prem didn't know where to begin, he was desperate, "There was this girl", he said. "I mean she was an angel, I mean..."
"Prem Bhaiya, relax, take a deep breath...now what seems to be the problem?" asked Preet.
"I need you to get rid of Sanjana for me. I mean...keep her busy or something until I find out who she is", said Prem.
"Who who is?" asked Preet.
"That's what I want to find out", said Prem. He patted Preet on the back and walked off in the direction of the pillar by which he had seen 'Her'.
"What's gotten into PB?" thought Preet. "Oh well...Operation Get Rid of Sanjana, here I come".
Prem walked back to the main hall, checking each pillar, until finally, there she was, just as he had left her. She was dressed simply, yet neatly, in a green salwar kameez, but her big beautiful eyes, long flowing hair and that soft smile on her lips had Prem mesmerized. Kuljeet Chachee saw him coming first. "Oh my Rabs! I think that's one of the Juneja boys coming straight for us!" she exclaimed. "Girls! Girls! Stand up straight. Vishaka, there's some perspiration on your nose, wipe it up quick! Shampa try to sparkle a little. Heer..."
"Yes Chachee?" said Heer. "Well of course you're quite perfect, if only your clothes were a little fancier! And Meher, stop laughing, you can be so appealing when you want to be you know."
Prem walked up to the Mann family and introduced himself. "Good evening sir, I'm Prem Juneja", he said shaking Balwant Mann's hand. "I hope you and your family are enjoying yourselves".
"Why yes sir", replied Balwant, "I am Balwant Mann, manager of one of your production plants here in Ludhiana. And this is my wife Kuljeet".
"Sir, you are very welcome to Ludhiana!" said Chachee with great enthusiasm".
"And these must be your lovely daughters", said Prem.
"Actually", corrected Chachee, " Vishaka here is my daughter, and Heer and Meher are our nieces, visiting from Ambala. And Shampa over here is a family friend". But Prem was only looking at Heer.
"Beautiful", he said, "Uh..I mean..wonderful...Um...Sir, if you don't mind, may I invite Ms. Heer to dance?"
"Why would we mind?!" exclaimed Kuljeet Chachee, "Go on Heer beta, dance with the nice gentleman".
"Well, I don't know", said Heer nervously, "I've never really danced before".
"It's really not so difficult, and I'll show you how...please", said Prem offering Heer his hand. After slight hesitation, Heer gently took hold of Prem's hand and walked off to the dance floor.
"To think, he's an heir to an empire worth at least 25 billion dollars", said Chachee. "Don't you think he's the most handsome young man you've ever seen?"
"I bet he wouldn't be so handsome if he wasn't so rich", Meher whispered to Shampa.
"To think, if Heer could be settled with the Junejas, that would throw the rest of the girls into the path of other rich young men. What connections we shall have!" continued Kuljeet Chachee.
"She'll be pricing wedding gowns tomorrow", said Meher.
"Meher, you're too much", laughed Shampa,
"Come on Shampa", continued Meher, "Let's check out the buffet table and see how the rich eat."
Prem and Heer were dancing, when Heer accidently stepped on Prem's foot for the second time. "I'm so sorry, cried Heer, "maybe this wasn't such a good idea, I told you I've never danced like this before".
"Hey Heer, relax", said Prem, "we don't have to dance, maybe we could just take a walk, come on, I'll get you some juice and you can tell me about your life in Ambala".
Prem was guiding Heer towards the garden at the back of the hotel when they ran into Preet.
"Hey PB, mission accomplished...well Hello!" said Preet looking at Heer. No wonder he wanted me to get rid of Sanjana, thought Preet.
"Heer, this is my younger brother Preet. Preet this is Heer, she's from Ambala, her uncle works for us", said Prem.
"Ambala?", said Preet, "We were just over there last weekend. So...you two heading out to the garden? There's a beautiful moon out tonight, perfect for a romantic moonlit walk. Saat Chaloon?" (Shall I accompany you?)
"Preet!" said Prem glaring at his younger brother.
"Okay, okay, I was going to get myself something to eat anyway. Nice meeting you Heer", said Preet.
"I'm sorry", said Prem, "Preet bhi na".
"It's okay", smiled Heer shyly, "actually, he sort of reminds me of my sister Meher.
Preet was walking towards the buffet table when he stopped in his tracks. Two young ladies laughing and chatting by the buffet table had caught his eye. One of them was looking especially beautiful. There was something very contagious about her smile that was drawing Preet to her. Is it? No it couldn't be, he thought. Well, she cleaned up real nice, he thought looking appreciatively at one of the young ladies. Perhaps it wasn't going to be a dull evening after all, he thought rubbing his hands together, and walking over to someone dressed in pink. "Excuse me, do you recommend the chicken?" he asked. Meher and Shampa turned around only to come face to face with Preet.
"Tum?!" cried Meher.
"Why...if it isn't Ms. Bhainsllo (buffalo), what a pleasant surprise!" smiled Preet mischieviously.
"Tum yahan kya kar rahay ho?!" asked Meher in utter shock. (What are you doing here?)
"Well", said Preet, "I could as you the same question, I mean, I don't remember your name being on our payroll last time I checked. But then again I don't know your real name."
"Your payroll?!" exclaimed Meher.
"That's right...Preet Juneja, one-fifth heir to the Juneja empire at your service", said Preet with a slight bow.
"I don't believe this! Come on Shampa", said Meher grabbing Shampa by the arm.
"Oh don't go", Preet called after them, "You haven't advised me about the chicken yet!"
Why does this have to happen to me, thought Meher.
"Meher!" said Shampa. "Where are we going?"
"To find Heer Didi, I want to go home!" replied Meher. "Oh Shampa!, He's the same stupid NRI boy, who embarrassed me! No wonder his brother looked familiar. Why didn't I realize it before".
"Meher...Meher stop!" cried Shampa. Just look at Heer, she seems to be enjoying herself with Prem. Don't spoil it for her".
Shampa was right, thought Meher. She loved Heer, and she would do anything for her, even if it meant putting up with that stupid, what was his name...Preet Juneja, Hmpf.
Prem and Heer were walking back inside. "You know Heer", said Prem, "you've just done a remarkable thing. You've told me about all of your family and friends without saying a single bad thing about any of them".
"But they're all such kind and agreeable people", replied Heer.
"I'd really like you to meet my mother and sister", said Prem.
"Oh look", interrupted Heer, "there's Meher my younger sister".
Prem happily followed Heer, but his eyes widened as he got a closer look at Meher. He had been so focused on Heer, that he hadn't realized that he had met Meher before tonight. Oh No! He thought. I'm doomed. Heer went up to Meher and hugged her. "Prem you met Meher and our friend Shampa earlier tonight, right?" said Heer.
"Right..we actually met in Ambala", said Prem scratching his head.
"You remember my little accident", Meher whispered to Heer.
Heer's eyes widened, " You mean you're the stupid...I mean you're the NRI?" she asked.
"Oh No!" corrected Prem, "That was Preet. Look, I'm really sorry about that Meher, I hope you won't hold that against me".
Meher looked at Heer and then at Shampa. "No, of course not", she said with a smile. "Good", said Prem. "Have you ladies had anything to eat, I'm starved, come on let's go in".
After leading the ladies to the buffet table, Prem went in search of his mother, but she was no where in sight. He saw Preet standing by a pillar and thought to ask him if he knew where Ma was. On his way he ran into Sanjana. "Oh...Sanjana, I hope you're enjoying yourself", he asked, trying to be polite.
"You stay away from me Prem Juneja!" exclaimed Sanjana. "I know all about you and your primeval plans!"
"What?" asked Prem. "Preet told me everything! If you think I'm going to serve you parathas every morning and give birth to 10 children, while you blow my money away on that secret mistress of yours in L.A., you're out of your mind!"
"But..", said Prem.
"No!" cried Sanjana, raising her hand as if to stop him. "It's over between you and me!" Sanjana walked off leaving Prem wondering when was there anything between them.
Prem walked over to Preet, who was quietly chuckling to himself. "What did you say to poor Sanjana?" he asked.
"Oh..I just shared with her your vision for your future marital life".
"Oh", said Prem, "Well thanks".
"Anytime", said Preet. "Listen Preet, have you seen Ma?" asked Prem. "I really wanted her to meet Heer".
"Sorry PB", said Preet, "Ma, Bauji, Di and Jiju went home already...jet lag, I think. In fact, it's kind of getting boring, I was about to head home myself".
"Boring?!" cried Prem. "I've never met more pleasant people or seen prettier girls in all my life!"
"Hmm...correction", said Preet, "you've spent the evening with a pretty girl, while I've spent the evening trying to get rid of Sanjana and dodging Ashlesha at the same time."
"Yes, she is an angel", said Prem referring to Heer, "But then, there's her sister...You remember we met her on the truck last week in Ambala".
"You mean Ms. Bhainsllo is Heer's sister?!" asked Preet in surprise.
"Meher, Preet...her name is Meher. She's a very pretty girl, and she has a lively wit. Why don't you invite her to dance or something?"
"Hmm...she's tolerable I suppose, but PB what if she steps on my foot. I mean she almost put my back out of commission last time we met"
"Preet!", said Prem.
"No PB, I'm in no mood right now to entertain a country hick with a lively wit", said Preet walking away. Prem rolled his eyes and followed his brother. Little did they know that their entire conversation had been overheard by Meher and Shampa, who had been standing on the other side of the large pillar.
"What a charming young man!" cried Meher. "I guess these rich people think they can afford to go around insulting whom ever they like".
"But Meher", said Shampa, "He didn't know we were listening".
"What difference would it have made even if he had, he would have said it anyway. And to think we were so looking forward to meeting the Junejas. Who does he think he is! Why he's nothing at all like his brother Prem. Bighra ra-ees kahin ka!"
Later that night at home Prem was sitting in the living room lost in thoughts of Heer. Gaytri came in and turned on the lights. "Prem beta", she said, "what are you doing sitting in the dark?"
"Ma, I thought you had gone to sleep", Prem said.
"Han, I just got up for a glass of water, are you alright?" asked Gaytri.
"I don't know, I mean, yes...I mean...Ma...I think I'm in love", said Prem.
"You mean Sanjana?" asked Gaytri.
"No, not Sanjana", said Prem, "Heer".
"Who is Heer?" asked Gaytri.
"Heer Maan...Her uncle is a manager at one of our production plants in Ludhiana. Ma she's absolutely the most beautiful girl I've ever met. And she's so sweet, not a single bitter word ever crosses her lips. I mean she's just...perfect", sighed Prem.
"Well", said Gaytri, "what seems to be the problem then?"
"Bauji for one", said Prem. "Plus she 's from Ambala, and I don't know when or if I'll ever see her again.
Hope you all liked it. Please leave your comments, or at least hit the like button so I can get some feedback. Thanks.
Chapter 8 Preview : A Surprise Visit - Meet and Premeer together again in Ambala.
Edited by ummesulaiman - 10 years ago
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