Chapter 19 - Looking for Answers
6 months later....
Meher sat making faces at the canvas in front of her. She needed something for inspiration...but what? Just then Heer passed by with a basket of laundry. "Heer Didi!" said Meher, as she ran up to her sister and made her sit down. "Come on I need your help. I seem to have lost my muse. How about if you pose for me and I'll..."
"Sorry Meher", said Heer quietly, "I'm just not in the mood. And anyways, I have work to do".
Meher grabbed Heer's hand as she got up to leave. "It's been six months Di", said Meher turning Heer's face towards her. "How much longer are you going to mourn for him".
"Meher please!" cried Heer "Let's not get into this again!"
"No Di, maybe we should get into this. Prem's gone! He never looked back! We were wrong about him!"
"Enough Meher!" said Heer "You have no idea what I'm going through because you've never been in love. And God-forbid if you should ever lose your love..."
"I'm sorry Di", said Meher, "I didn't mean to hurt you. But I can't see you like this day in and day out...you have to learn to let go and move on with your life".
"I can't", sobbed Heer, "I just can't". Meher watched helplessly as her sister ran crying into the house.
Six months, thought Meher. So much had happened in the last six months. Shampa had left for California after marrying Manmeet. Viren's regiment had shifted from its post in Ludhiana so now he hardly ever came by. Kuljeet Chachee, Chachu, and Vishaka had gone back to Ludhiana. And most importantly the Junejas had left Ambala, as suddenly as they had come.
For six months, Meher had watched her sister waiting for the postman everyday, anxiously running for the phone every time it rang, making excuses to go to the market so she could check her email at the internet cafe, and sitting and staring in the sky on full moon nights. Anything, for a sign of communication from Prem. But for 6 long months there had been nothing.
Meher's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mother's voice telling her to come inside because she had a phone call. Meher went inside to attend the call, it was from Mrs. Saxena. "Namaste Mrs. Saxena", said Meher, "Ji...What?!? Wow! I'll have to ask my parents...Ji...2 passport size photos and application form and fee...got it! Thank you!"
"What was that all about?" asked Teji.
"Oh Ma! I can't believe it! Mrs. Saxena is going to Canada with a delegation of local Indian artists next month, and she wants me to go along with her as her assistant". The mention of Canada made Heer look up from her work. "Airfare and lodging will be paid for and all I have to do is get a passport...Can I go Ma please please pretty please?!?"
"I don't know said Teji, "We're talking about international travel. I've never been on a plane, and I don't know if I want to send my daughter on one".
"Oh Ma come on! I'm a big girl", pleaded Meher.
"Alright", said Teji, "as long as your father has no objection".
"Yes!" squealed Meher. She looked over at her sister who quickly looked back down at the embroidery she was working on. Suddenly she had an idea. "Di...I was thinking...how about if you go to Canada with Mrs Saxena instead of me".
"What?!" cried Heer "Why would I want to go to Canada?"
"Because your fellow moon watcher Prem Juneja is in Canada. Go to him. Find out what went wrong. Maybe some emergency happened and that's why he hasn't been in touch. In any case go and get answers Di and find closure if the answers you get are not the ones you wanted to hear".
"But Mrs. Saxena..." said Heer.
"I'll talk to Mrs Saxena", offered Meher. "She just needs a travel companion slash assistant, and whether I go or you go, it shouldn't make much of a difference".
"Oh my God!" cried Heer, with what appeared to be a hint of the first smile in 6 months crawling up to her lips. "Thank you Meher!" she said hugging her sister with tears rolling down her face.
"Anything for my Di", said Meher.
Later that evening Meher received another phone call, this time from her best friend. "Shampa!" cried Meher, "it's so great to hear from you!"
"Oh really?" said Shampa "Then why haven't you returned my emails? Khair chodo (Anyway)...I have some great news! Main Ma banay wali hoon!" (I'm pregnant!)
"What?!?" cried Meher. "Congratulations! When's the baby due?"
"Well, I'm already almost 6 months along. I didn't tell anyone before because...well you know how my mother gets hysterical about everything. Anyway I want my mom to come and spend the last trimester with me...but she's hesitating...You know, no English...Never been on a plane...So I was hoping my best friend could accompany her. Mannie and I will send the tickets...you'll just have to get your and my mom's passports ready...So, what do you say?"
"I say yes!" cried Meher.
One month later both sisters were standing at Delhi airport ready to board their respective flights. "Call me as soon as you get there", both said simultaneously.
"I'm so nervous about the possibility of seeing Prem again", admitted Heer.
"I feel a little awkward about seeing Manmeet too", said Meher. "I hope he's forgotten about the 'fork incident". Flight announcements were coming over the PA. "I guess this is it", said Meher hugging her sister good-bye. "I'll see you in 2 months".
At San Francisco International airport, Manmeet and Shampa were there to receive their guests. Meher was not sure how Manmeet was going to react to her, but was pleasantly surprised to see a visible change in him. Marriage and impending fatherhood seemed to have actually matured him. He was cordial towards Meher and she was glad to see him being genuinely affectionate and caring towards Shampa.
Later that night Shampa was helping Meher unpack and get settled into her room. "I'm so glad you came with Mama", said Shampa.
"Yeah, I still can't believe I'm here", said Meher.
"How's Heer?" asked Shampa.
"As good as can be expected", said Meher, "You know Heer Didi, she always tries to hide her feelings. But she's in Canada now and is going to look up Prem as soon as the delegates' tour reaches Toronto. Let's keep our fingers crossed. But let me look at you Mama to be".
"Almost seven months and counting", said Shampa proudly patting her tummy.
"Shampa!" called Manmeet.
"Oops, I almost forgot. Mannie likes to have some herbal tea before bed. Decaffeinated, of course. I'll see you in the morning Meher. I've got so much planned for us. I want you to meet all of my friends here. One of them, Sam, is even getting married, so you can see how we do weddings here".
"Goodnight Shampa", smiled Meher.
The next few weeks passed by in a blur of jet lag, shopping and sightseeing. Meher really hit it off well with Shampa's friend Sam, and promised to fill in for Shampa in all of her wedding festivities.
"Come on Meher! This is supposed to be a surprise bridal shower. We're supposed to get there before the bride", complained Shampa. They had just arrived at a luxury hotel near San Francisco's beautiful waterfront.
"Okay, okay", said Meher. She was fishing through her purse. "You know what Shampa, you go on ahead. I think I left my cell phone in the car".
"We can get it later", said Shampa.
"No", said Meher shaking her head "I want to have it with me. What if Heer Di calls? You go on ahead with Auntie ji, I'll catch up soon".
"Are you sure you won't get lost?" asked Shampa. "Come on Shampa, I know how to ask for directions", said Meher as she ran back to the parking lot.
But once back inside the hotel lobby, Meher was confused. This hotel was huge. Certainly not like anything she had seen in Ambala or Ludhiana even. "Where to go? Where to go?" she thought. "If Sam get's to the venue before I do, Shampa will kill me. Let's go this way", said Meher as she rushed down the hall towards the right. She was walking so fast that she ran right into a person just exiting a conference room.
Before Meher knew it papers were flying everywhere, and items from her purse were scattered in the hallway, and she found herself on top of someone dressed in casual business attire with his shirt only half-buttoned.
"Oh my God! I am so sorry!" cried Meher as she pushed her hair back from her eyes, "I was running late and...Tum (You)?!" A stunned Meher found herself looking into the face of a smiling Preet.
"Han main (Yes it's me)...", laughed Preet. "Tumhari ye girnay ki adat nahi gayi. (I see that you haven't broken your habit of falling down). Here let me help you up", he said offering Meher his hand. Meher just glared at him.
"Oh sorry, I forgot...you never need my help", said Preet as he stuck his hands in his pant's pockets.
"I don't believe this!" cried Meher as she got up. "Of all the people and all the places in the world, I have to run into you here!"
"Small world isn't it?" grinned Preet .
"Hmm, too small", said Meher sarcastically.
"Waise tumhe nahin lagta ke tum pehle se ziyada bhari ho gayi ho?" asked Preet. (I think you've put on a little weight).
"Kya?! Tumne mujhe moti kaha!" cried Meher. (What? Did you just call me fat?)
"Nahin to (No)...", said Preet raising his hands in defense, "I just said you felt a little heavier than before, although I could be wrong, since it has been a while since you last fell on me". Meher's mouth fell open. "Hey relax", said Preet smiling . "I was just kidding. But it's great to see you after all this time. What are you doing here in San Francisco?"
Meher wasn't sure she wanted to continue talking to Preet, but then it struck her, that maybe Prem was here too, or at least she could get some information from Preet as to why they had left Ambala. "I'm here visiting some family", she said. "And right now I'm late for a bridal shower, not to mention hopelessly lost".
"You're looking for Sam's party?" asked Preet.
"Yes", said Meher in surprise. "But how did you know?"
"Come on, I'll take you to the right hall myself", said Preet. "Sam's marrying my best buddy from college Gaurav Sherma. You remember he was at the Mela in Ambala, where I last saw you..." Preet's voice trailed off as he stopped and smiled softly at Meher. Meher looked into Preet's eyes questioningly. "Um...uh...this way", said Preet trying to regain his composure.
"We made the booking at this hotel because Sam wanted a wedding with the waterfront in the backdrop, and I personally came down to attend the wedding, and make sure every ceremony runs smoothly", said Preet.
"So your family owns this hotel?" asked Meher. Preet nodded his head. "Impressive", said Meher. "You know my sister's been in Canada these past few weeks. Have you or your family maybe seen or spoken to her or something?" asked Meher.
"No", said Preet. He was becoming a little uncomfortable with Meher's line of questioning. "I mean...Everyone's been so busy..."
"Is the rest of your family coming down for the wedding?" asked Meher.
"No!" said Preet stopping abruptly. "This is the right hall", he said motioning to a door on the right. "Um...Listen Meher, I've got a lot of work to do...It was nice seeing you again...Have fun on your visit."
Meher watched as Preet walked away from her quickly. I'll never understand him, she thought.
Preet walked as quickly as he could back to his office and told his receptionist he didn't want to be disturbed. Stupid, stupid, stupid, he thought, as he paced in his office. What was I thinking getting all friendly with her?
Flashback (Ambala, India - 6 months ago):
"What's going on Prem? Why have you called this emergency family meeting?" asked Kulraj as she Preet and Herman walked into Prem's room. "Are you alright?"
"Yes! Everything is just wonderful!" cried Prem, smiling widely. "It's just that...Well...I think it's high time I let you all know that...well..I'm in love Di!"
"Really!" cried Kulraj in mock shock. "I wonder who the lucky girl is?" she said winking at Preet. Preet only smiled back weakly.
"Alright, alright", said Prem smiling at his sister's teasing. "You know very well I'm talking about Heer. I'm going to ask her to marry me. I'm going to get Ma and Bauji on skype and let them know about my decision. And I thought I'd let you all in first so that you can all support me, just in case Bauji brings up Sanjana or something".
Prem opened his laptop, only to have it shut by a solemn looking Preet. "PB, I think we need to talk", he said.
"Han, we will talk", said Prem, just let me get Ma and Bauji...".
"No PB", said Preet, "I think we need to talk, before you get Ma and Bauji involved".
"Is everything alright Preet?" asked Prem.
"I don't know", said Preet, walking around the room nervously, "but after what I saw and heard at the Mela I don't know if everything can be alright. I'm sorry PB, but this has to do with Heer. I know you've gotten awfully close to her and are thinking of asking her to marry you, but I have some information that may make you change your mind".
"Preet will you stop pacing, you're making me nervous", cried Prem.
"What information are you talking about Preet?" asked Kulraj.
"Kul Di, did you see Heer's family at the Mela?" asked Preet "They were behaving like fools! Her uncle and father were drunk! Her cousin was shamelessly running after some guy, and that chachee of hers!"
"It's not the chachee, I'm interested in", chuckled Prem. "Besides it was a fun event that comes around only once a year for them. So what if they let loose for once".
"They're only after your money PB!" blurted Preet.
"What?!" exclaimed Prem and Kulraj in unison.
Preet recounted how he had overheard Kuljeet Chachee and Teji discuss their plan to trap Prem into marrying Heer. How they had schemed to have Heer stay at the Haviali, and how Chachee kept on bringing up how rich Prem was. "It was all a well thought out plan PB, and you fell for it hook line and sinker".
"I can't believe it", said a stunned Prem. "I can't believe Heer would be party to such a plan. She's so sweet and innocent".
"But PB just think about it. Has she ever told you that she loves you, or even hinted at it. I've seen both of you together, and some how I get the feeling that your involvement in this relationship is much deeper than hers".
"Yeah, I've noticed that too", said Herman, "but then again maybe she's just shy".
"Or maybe she's just doing what her family is telling her to do. Aur unki niyat main to definitely khot hai (and her family definitely has devious intentions)", said Preet. "I'm sorry PB, but this is a decision that will effect the rest of your life. Not to mention our entire family's life, so don't rush into anything. Think about it some more. Give yourself some time and space. I mean...I just don't want to see you get hurt", sighed Preet.
Prem just stared at the floor. "I think I need sometime alone to think", he said quietly. Preet, Herman and Kulraj left him alone to think. Prem couldn't believe this was happening. Heer a gold digger?! No...his heart couldn't accept it.
He recalled all their meetings. Heer had always been polite, and cordial, but never as excited as he had been. Did she feel the same way about him, or was she just following her family's plan? Suddenly Prem began to feel uncertain about the one thing he had been most sure of in his life.
He took out his phone and dialed a number. I have to speak to her, he thought. She'll make everything alright. "Hello?" said a voice on the other end. "Hello Ma? It's me Prem".
Prem quietly relayed the discussion he had had with Preet to his mother. "I don't know what to think", he cried in frustration.
"Hmm...I don't know what to say Beta, except that kisi rishtay ki buniyad main zara si bhi shak ki gunja-ish nahin hai. (No relationship can be built on a foundation of doubt). Look Prem, your work in Ambala is almost done. Delegate responsibilities to the local management, that's what they are there for, aur tu ghar aaja beta. Shahid Preet sahi keh raha hai (and just come home. Maybe Preet is right). A little time and space, will help you sort out your feelings on this matter".
Preet ran his hand through his hair nervously as he thought about his little run in with Meher. Just when I thought all the events in India were behind us, she had to show up and land on me again.
Preet chuckled to himself at his last thought. He remembered all the times Meher had collided with him. A sign from God maybe. Preet pulled his sleeve slightly up to reveal the colorful beads he had won at the Mela, wrapped around his wrist. He shook his head. No way, he thought and picked up his phone to make a call.
"Juneja's residence", said a servant's voice on the other end. "Kishan, it's me, Preet", said Preet. "Listen carefully. There's a young lady named Heer Maan, whose coming into town. Under no circumstance is she to be allowed into the house to meet Prem Bhaiya or any other family member. Disregard any phone calls or messages she may try to leave too. These are strict orders, straight from Bauji. Do I make myself clear?"
"Ji sir", replied Kishan. "Good", said Preet with a sigh of relief. He hung up the phone, only to pick it up again and dial another number.
"Hey PB, what's going on? You still in London?" asked Preet.
"Han Preet", said Prem. "My work here is almost wrapped up so I'm going to spend the day with Veera tomorrow. I should be back home in a few days. What's new on your end?"
"Nothing!" lied Preet. "Absolutely nothing".
"Well...have fun at the wedding", said Prem. "And don't get carried away with the bachelor party thing. Yeh na ho ke Gaurav ki shaddi se pehle hi Sam uski chutti kara de".
"I'll keep that in mind", laughed Preet as he hung up the phone. I'm doing the right thing, he thought.
Hope you all liked it. Please leave your feedback, or at least hit the like button 😛.
Chapter 20 Preview: Meher jumps out of a cake at a Bachelor Party!
Edited by ummesulaiman - 10 years ago
Anupamaa
