Chapter 31 - Together At Last
The entire Juneja family had arrived in Ludhiana, and full preparations were being made to get the ceremonies related to the wedding completed as soon as possible, so they could take their new bahu (daughter-in-law) back with them to Canada.
It was going to be a quiet affair in India. The Maans had specifically made a request to avoid any fanfare. Their daughter was going to leave the country after marriage, so they wanted to be as personally involved in everything as they could. And they wanted to keep things private. Just the 2 families and some very close friends, and no press. The Junejas had complied. The ceremonies in India would just be formalities, Lalit Juneja had said. The real celebrations would be held back in Canada.
Gaytri, Kulraj and Veera came downstairs all ready to go the Maan's home. Heer and Prem's rishta would be made official by both families today. Then the pundit would be consulted for the shub-mohrat for the engagement and wedding. Preet and Prem were already downstairs, watching the servants carry gifts and luggage out to the car.
"Ma, why do we have to relocate to Ambala for Prem Bhaiya's wedding?" asked Veera.
"Well beta", said Gaytri, "there are so many rasams that have to be completed before, during and after the marriage. It'll be so much practical to stay in Ambala. It'll make things easier for us as well as Heer's family, considering they don't have a car, and it's no small distance to repeatedly cover for us either".
"Yes but why do we have to stay at the Singh Havaili of all places?" complained Preet.
"And what do you have against staying at the Singh Havaili?" asked Kulraj. "I think it was nice of Ash and her mom to make their house available to us."
"But Di...what if Ash decides to cook for us again!" protested Preet. "And of course it will mean that Mrs. Singh and Ashlesha will be at the wedding too".
"So? Isn't that a good thing?" asked Gaytri. She had been so busy making arrangements for Prem's wedding that she hadn't had a chance to talk to Preet or Herman about Daljeet's visit in Canada. She was in no rush though, because she wished her sons' choices had been something better than Ashlesha and Maya.
Preet was quiet. He had worries on his mind other than Ashlesha and Daljeet. Balraaj Maan had spoken to Preet privately and indicated that he wanted to talk to Lalit about Viren and Vishaka. He didn't want problems for Heer later on. But Preet had begged him not to. His father would never agree to the wedding, he had said. And he couldn't bear seeing his brother go on in a miserable state without Heer. He had reminded Balraj of his promise not to disclose his involvement in finding Viren to anyone, even Prem. Balraj had reluctantly agreed.
The wedding was not to take place in Ludhiana. That was good. Balraj Maan had already promised him that he would talk to Kuljeet about keeping her mouth shut. But Preet didn't want to take any chances. He wanted Balwant and Kuljeet's participation in the marriage ceremonies kept to a minimum. News of Vishaka's elopement wasn't widespread in Ambala. Still, he didn't want to take the chance that a guest or anyone they knew might bring up Vishaka and Viren's marriage.
The sword will be hanging over my head until PB is married, thought Preet. After that he didn't care if the cat was let out of the bag. He'd deal with explaining his actions to his father, should the need arise. How? He wasn't sure, but he'd cross that bridge only when and if he had to.
Just then Lalit, Herman, and Kiran came down ready to go.
"Preet", said Lalit, "Sab tyari ho gai hai na (Is everything ready)? I wan't this deal to go down perfectly."
"Deal? Um...Han Bauji", said Preet. "The last of the gifts are being loaded in the cars. Waise Bauji you amaze me. You were so dead set against this marriage, and now...itni sari ( so many) gifts!"
"And why not? My eldest son is getting married", said Lalit. "I want it to be special. And after all, un Maans ko bhi pata chale ke unka rishta Juneja parivaar ke saat jurnay ja raha hai. (Those Maans should also get to know that they are becoming affiliated with the Juneja Family)".
"Kamal hai bauji", scoffed Preet. "Upar se aap baishaq banjar zameen ho, par andar to haryali hi haryali hai. (You amaze me Bauji. You may be all barren on the outside, but on the inside you're all green)".
"Kya?!" exclaimed Lalit. "Baap ko banjar zameen bulata hain? Aaj main tujhe nahin chodoon ga!" He tried to run after Preet. (What?! Did you just call me barren? I'll not leave you today!)
"Dheyan se Bauji (Becareful Bauji)", cried Preet as he hid behind Prem and then Kiran in an effort to dodge his father's clutches. "Aap ke kaproon ki istri kharab ho jayegi (You'll ruin your well pressed clothes). And then we'll really be late for your deal".
"Uff ho!" cried Gaytri. "Jab dekho aap dono shuroo ho jate hain!" She looked at Lalit and frowned. "Woh to bacha hai, par aap to samajdaar hain na" (Uff Ho! You 2 are always at it. He's a child, but Lalit I expect you to be wiser).
"Lekin (But) Gaytri...", protested Lalit.
"Lekin waikin kuch nahin (No buts)", said Gaytri. "Aaj hum Prem ki shaadi ki baat paki karne ja rahain hain (Today we're going to confirm Prem's marriage plans). I want everything to be perfect."
"Speaking of perfection Ma", said Kulraaj, "I have an idea. Why don't Prem and Heer spend the wedding night up in our log house in Kasauli. It's not too far away from Ambala, and it's beautiful up there this time of year. The temperature is cooler. The views spectacular...it'll be really romantic".
"But no one's been up there in a while", said Gaytri, "It'll probably need a good cleaning and lot's of setting up".
"That's why we have servants Ma", cried Veera. "And Preet Bhaiya and I will help". It'll also be a great way to pull some pranks on Prem Bhaiya and Bhabi, she thought smiling to herself. "Right Preet Bhaiya?"
"Huhn? Oh...yeah" said Preet, only half paying attention.
"What do you think Prem?" asked Gaytri.
"Yes Ma", blushed Prem, "Whatever you decide".
"Then it's settled", smiled Gaytri. "Aab jaldi karo (Now let's hurry), we don't want to be late and give the Maans a poor impression of us".
The Mann household, in the meantime, was bustling with activity. Shouts of Hurry up! Hurry up! were constantly in the air. Teji and her daughters had spent their morning alternating their time between cleaning up and food preparation in the kitchen. Heer had gone upstairs a short while ago to freshen up and get ready and Meher had gone with her to help.
"Heer, Meher", called Teji, as she entered Heer's room, "beta jaldi karo (hurry up children), they'll be here soon".
Heer turned around to face her mother and said, "Han Ma...I'm almost ready. How do I look?"
"Kitni soni lag rahi hai tu (How beautiful you look)", smiled Teji putting a bit of her kajal on Heer. "Kahin nazar na lag jai (To ward off the evil eye)".
"Oh Ma", cried Heer, "I'm so happy! I can't believe this day has finally come!"
"Di", laughed Meher, "Aaj to sirf Prem Jiju ki family baat pakki karne aa rahi hai aur aap itna excited ho (Prem is only coming here today to finalize the marriage plans, and you are this excited)...think of what will happen on the wedding day".
"Meher beta, it's getting late", said Teji, "I'll finish helping Heer. Why don't you also get ready and then come down and see if there is anything else left to do".
"Ji Ma", said Meher. She hugged her sister and retired to her room to get dressed. The entire Juneja family was coming to their house today...that included Preet too, she thought with a smile. She hadn't been able to speak to Preet the last time he was here. In fact, he was so focused on Heer and Prem that he had almost ignored her completely. But she was going to make sure that didn't happen today.
But everyone will be so busy with the engagement, how will I get him to myself? thought Meher. And exactly what will I say? Thank you for saving my family...Um...I hated you a short while back...but now I love you. Oh God! This was going to be so awkward. And wouldn't it seem sort of tacky if I make the first move? After all I'm the girl and he's the guy. Oh God! This was so confusing!
No, smiled Meher, she had a better idea. She was going to take extra special care in getting ready...enough to blow Preet's socks off. And she was going to make an extra special effort to reach out to him. She'd leave him so many hints about her change in sentiments, that he would have to be a duffer not to realize and make a move. But what if he doesn't feel the same anymore? sighed Meher.
A short while later, the convoy of Junejas vehicles was parked at the edge of the field by the Maans' residence, and the two families were busy going through introductions. Meher came downstairs and hugged Kulraj and Veera, as Kulraj's children clammered around her for their turn for hugs. She then turned and touched Gaytri and Lalit's feet as she was introduced to them. Meher watched as one driver after another entered the Maans' home and placed gifts on the table. But there was no sign of Preet. In fact none of the Juneja boys had shown up yet.
"Ye Prem, Herman aur Preet kahan reh gaye (Where are Prem, Herman and Preet)?" asked Gaytri.
"Maybe they're still getting stuff out of the car", said Kulraj, "I'll go and check".
"Oh no Kulraj Didi!" cried Meher. "You must be tired from your trip. I'll go and check", she offered as she ran excitedly out the door. She had just made it to the edge of the field and was about to turn the corner when she collided with someone, sending several packages up in the air.
Meher looked down and smiled, sure enough, she had fallen and Preet had cushioned her fall. All of a sudden Preet grabbed her and rolled her over so that he was on top. Meher was stunned. What was he doing?!
"Ouch! Ouch! Ah! Ouch!" Preet yelled as the parcels he had been carrying fell one by one on his back and head. After a brief pause, he finally got up from shielding her and asked, "Are you okay Meher?"
Meher shook her head. "Han (Yes)...I'm so sorry Preet", she said. "Pata nahin mera dheyan kahan (I don't know where my focus was)...".
"Good", interrupted Preet. He shook the dirt off his clothes, collected the fallen parcels and walked on towards the house.
Meher's mouth fell open. Preet had always offered her his hand when they had collided, but today when she was most willing to accept it, he had not done so. What's wrong? She wondered. It was Prem and Herman approaching her that brought her back from her thoughts.
"Hey Meher, you okay?" asked Herman. "Here let me help you up". He offered her his hand and helped her straighten up.
"Woh Preet bhi na, kabhi bhi nahin sudray ga. Subha se ajeeb se mood mein hai (That Preet will never change. He's been in a strange mood all morning)", said Prem apologetically.
Back inside the house Balraj and Teji welcomed Prem and Herman and asked Meher to bring Heer down. Meher glanced disappointingly towards Preet, before nodding and going upstairs.
It was only when he was sure she wasn't looking his way that Preet raised his eyes to watch Meher go upstairs. He longed to tell her that she looked beautiful, but he dared not. He sighed and turned to his right only to come face to face with Veera, who was giving him a quizzical look. He gave her a weak smile and quickly straightened up.
Soon Meher returned with Heer. Heer greeted everyone with a quiet "Namaste" and then proceeded to touch Lalit and Gaytri's feet. Gaytri kissed Heer on her forehead and made her sit next to her. Everyone was immediately awed by how beautiful she looked. Prem glanced towards her shyly and beamed with happiness and pride.
Gaytri gently slid shagun ke kangan onto Heer's wrists, and asked Kulraj to start passing out the gifts they had brought. There was something there for each member of the Maan family, and lots of presents for Heer. Balraaj and Teji also reciprocated by giving the Juneja family gifts, of course they were less in comparison to what the Junejas had brought.
"I'm afraid it's so very little...", began Teji.
"What little?" cried Gaytri. "You are giving us Heer. And as far as I'm concerned, she's priceless. Ab aap bas jaldi se sab ka moon meetha karaiye (Now just quickly offer everyone some sweets)".
Teji and Balraj were overwhelmed with Gaytri's kindness and warmth. And happily passed out sweets to everyone. After refreshments were served, Prem, Kiran, Balraj and Lalit left to see the Pandit about a shub muhrat (auspicious day) for the upcoming ceremonies. Gaytri and Veera continued to chat with Heer in an effort to get to know her better, while Kulraj and Teji discussed plans for the upcoming wedding.
Meher was bored. She turned to look over at Preet. Wait a minute! She thought excitedly. Was it her imagination or had he just been looking at her admiringly? Maybe this is my chance to talk to him, she thought. Making sure that no one was paying attention, she quietly made her way over and sat next to Preet.
"Preet", she said. "I was wondering if we could talk..."
"Meher Didi! Meher Didi!" cried Tanu running over suddenly. "Please come with us! We want to see the chickens!"
"Well I...", said Meher thinking quickly, "Okay. But why don't we ask your Preet Mamu to join us?"
Preet looked up in surprise. "Why would I want to look at a bunch of chickens?" he asked.
"I'll go with you Meher", offered Herman. "There's nothing to do here until Bauji gets back anyway".
"Great!" said Meher gritting her teeth. Preet could really be dense sometimes. Why wasn't he realizing, that she wanted to talk to him? But right now she had no choice but to be led out of the house by Kulraj's children.
As Teji and Heer got up to clear the dishes, Kulraj walked over to the window. She smiled as she watched Herman and Meher play with her children. "Ma", she said motioning for her mother to join her. "Look at this", she said pointing out the window, as Gaytri and Veera joined her. "Don't they look nice together?" Gaytri smiled knowingly at Kulraj's suggestion. She and Kulraj quickly went to sit down as Meher and Herman returned with the children. Veera came and sat next to Preet.
"What's going on?" asked Preet as he took a sip of sherbet. He was wondering why Kulraj and his mother were all smiles.
"Oh nothing", said Veera nonchalantly, "Ma and Kuldi just think Meher and Herman Bhaiya look cute together".
Preet spat out his drink and began to choke loudly.
"Preet Bhaiya, are you alright?" asked Veera.
"No!" cried Preet. "*cough*cough*...I mean yes."
Preet watched in horror as Meher and Herman came inside the house and continued to conversate as his mother and Kulraj watched them admiringly.
"Hey Meher", said Herman pointing to a painting, "Is this your work? It's really good".
"Yeah", said Veera as she and Kulraj joined them, "I thought you said you were an amateur".
Meher is such a sweet girl and talented too, thought Gaytri. She loves children and is so respectful of her elders. I think I may just have found the perfect replacement for Maya. Her thoughts were interrupted by Preet, who had just come and sat next to her.
"What's the matter Ma?" he asked nervously. "Why all the smiles?"
"Preet", whispered Gaytri. "I was just looking at Meher and Herman. Don't they look nice together..."
"Ma!" hissed Preet. "What are you talking about?! Have you lost your mind? We're here for Prem Bhaiya remember...Prem Bhaiya...your eldest son...ye Herman Bhaiya beech mein se kahan aa tapke (Where did Herman come from all of a sudden)?"
"But Preet...", said Gaytri.
"And out of the entire female population, you had to pick this girl!" whined Preet.
"Why? What's wrong with Meher?" asked Gaytri.
"What's wrong with her?! Everything!" cried Preet. "She can barely walk without knocking people over. She can't cook! I mean Kul Di is witness to the fact that I nearly died eating one of her pakoras. And I've spent time with her Ma, believe me, pyar se baat toh usko karni hi nahin aati. Aur gussa...gussa toh har waqt uski naak pe rehta hai. Aur Harman bahiya ko dekhein. (She doesn't know how to speak sweetly to anyone. And anger...Anger sits at the tip of her nose. And just look at Herman...)He's so tall and thin and she's a little...well...you know...moti (fat)."
"Moti?!" cried Gaytri.
"Aray hamare Herman Bhaiya ki lardki ko to atom bomb honi chahiye atom bomb (Our Herman's girl should be an atom bomb)", continued Preet.
"Uff ho Preet! Yeh filmi dialogue marna bas karo (Give me a break Preet. And enough with the filmy dialogues)" said Gaytri. Before Preet could say anything further, Prem and the others returned from seeing the pundit.
"Congratualtions everyone", cried Lalit. "The engagement is set for next week and the wedding to follow exactly one week after that".
Cheers rang out in the Maans' house and sweets were passed around once again. Preet who was sulking in a corner got up and excused himself. He needed some fresh air.
"Preet", said Herman, "If you're going out, can you get my cell phone from the car? I have to make an important call and forgot it there". Preet nodded and left quietly.
Meher saw Preet leave. She quickly finished serving up the sweets she was carrying and decided to go after him. She was stopped by Herman just as she reached the door.
"Hey Meher, you going out?" he asked. "I'll come with you. I had asked Preet to get my cell phone from the car. Pata nahin woh abhi tak wapas kyun nahin aya (Don't know why he hasn't returned yet)?"
Great! sighed Meher. Ye aaj Herman mere saat glue ki tarah chipak kyun gya hai (Why is Herman sticking to me like glue today)? But she again had no choice.
Preet had just located Herman's cell phone and was turning to go when he saw Meher and Herman approach him. That was the last straw! He slammed the car door in anger, not realizing he hadn't moved his other hand completely out of the way. "Yeow!" He yelled in pain as the door caught some of his fingers.
"Preet!" cried Meher, running up to him with concern. She gently cradled his throbbing hand in hers. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine", grumbled Preet.
"No you're not!" cried Meher. Leaving Herman behind, she led Preet back home and straight into to the kitchen. Preet was in too much pain to complain. "Tum bhi na Preet (You amaze me Preet)", said Meher, as she dumped ice cubes in a bowl. "Tumhara dheyan kahan tha (Where was your focus)?" She took a hold of Preet's injured hand only to have him pull it back.
"There's no need to make a fuss Meher", he said angrily. "I told you I was fine!"
Meher was confused for a minute. Why was Preet speaking to her in an angry tone? It's probably because of the pain, she thought. "Bachoon ki tarah zidh mat karo Preet! (Don't behave like a child Preet)" said Meher as she firmly took hold of Preet's hand and put it in ice.
"Ow!" cried Preet, pulling his hand back again. "I told you I'm fine! I don't need your help!"
"Preet!" cried Meher, confused by Preet's behavior. "What's the matter with you?"
"That's what I'd like to know Meher. What's the matter with you?!" cried Preet. "Since when did you and Herman Bhaiya become inseparable? And...And why are you looking so beautiful today? Ma Heer Bhabi se milne aayee hai tumse nahin (Ma came to see Heer not you)!"
Meher watched in surprise as Preet stormed back to the living room. A small smile crept up to her face as she realized what he had just said. He said I looked beautiful.
Ashlesha was waiting for the Junejas when they returned from visiting the Maans. She informed them that her mother would be joining them later that evening too.
Several hours later the havaili was still buzzing with talk of the wedding. Ashlesha had no interest in the wedding plans Gaytri and Kulraj were discussing. So she went in search of Preet. He was in his room. He had just come out of the shower and was drying his hair with a towel, when Ashlesha grabbed him in a hug from behind.
"Oh Preet! I missed you so much!" she sighed.
"What do you think you're doing?!" cried Preet, pushing her away. "And how dare you come into my room without even knocking".
"The door was open", replied Ashlesha. "Waise bhi Preet Juneja...humse kya sharmana...ab toh hum dono aik honay ja rahain hain (There is no need to feel shy around me Preet. In any case we'll be one soon enough)".
"Hello?!" cried Preet. "The sooner you come back from La La Land the better. Prem Bhaiya is the one getting married, not me...and certainly not to you".
"But mom said...This is all that gawar (illiterate) girl Meher's fault isn't it? You saw her today, and she filled your head with nonsense against me again, didn't she?" demanded Ashlesha.
Preet rolled his eyes and walked over to the door and motioned for Ashlesha to leave. "Out!"
"But Preet", said Ashlesha.
"I said out!" shouted Preet. He shut the door as Ashlesha stormed out. His day had gone bad enough. He didn't need Ashlesha to make it even worse.
Ash was pacing in the hallway outside Preet's room. "Preet sirf mera hai...sirf mera (Preet is mine...only mine)", she fumed. She took out her cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello Mom...", she whined.
Later that night...
Meher and Heer were clearing the dinner dishes when they were surprised by a knock on their door.
"Perhaps it's Prem. Maybe he forgot something", cried Heer excitedly as she ran to answer the door. She was surprised to see a well dressed but stern looking woman standing before her.
"You must be Heer Maan", said the woman. "I'm Daljeet Singh. I'm Ashlesha's mother".
"Please, won't you come in?" offered Heer.
Daljeet entered the home, passing a cold eye over everything before her. "This must be your mother", continued Daljeet, as Meher and Teji came to see who had come. "Namaste, Mrs. Maan. I'm Daljeet Singh. The Junejas are my guests in Ambala. I just wanted to stop by and congratulate you on you elder daughter's upcoming nuptuals".
"Thank you", said Teji, "Won't you come in?"
"Perhaps another time", said Daljeet. "It's been a long trip, and I have to get to the havaili. But if I can be of any service during the upcoming events, please don't hesitate to ask. Uh...would you mind if your younger daughter walks me back to my car?"
Meher looked up in surprise. What could this woman possibly want from me? She wondered. Teji nodded towards Meher, who followed Daljeet outside. They walked quietly for a few minutes before Daljeet finally broke the silence.
"You're sister has managed to find herself quiet a catch Meher", said Daljeet. "Ladka heera hai heera (The boy is a gem)".
"Yes, thank you", said Meher quietly.
"I hear you intend to follow in your sister's footsteps", said Daljeet dryly, catching Meher off guard. "Oh come now don't look so surprised", cried Daljeet mocking Meher for her surprised expression. "You know very well I'm talking about Preet Juneja".
"His brother is marrying my sister", said Meher. "There are a lot of things to be done. We both..."
"Don't try to be smart with me young lady", Daljeet scolded Meher. "You know exactly what I'm referring to. You gawar girls are so easy to read. The wedding is just an excuse to spend time with him and lure him in with your charms isn't it? But it's not going to work. I'll have you know that Preet Juneja is going to marry my daughter Ashlesha!"
Meher was shocked. Preet was going to marry Ashlesha! When was this decided? And is that why he was behaving so coldly with her? She wondered.
"His family plans to make the announcement of his and Herman's engagements after Prem's wedding ceremony is over." said Daljeet.
Meher shook her head in disbelief. "Why are you telling me this?" asked Meher.
"Because I don't want any interference from you!" said Daljeet. "Preet is young and impressionable. Yahan tum apna jaal beechao aur kahin who phisal gaya toh? (What if you throw yourself at him and he falls for your charms?) Well, my daughter won't have it. And that means I won't have it either! Preet aur Ashlesha ki shaadi ho ke hi reh gi (Preet and Ashlesha will be married)! What do you have to say to that?!" demanded Daljeet.
Meher recomposed herself and replied, "Only this...that if that be the case...you should have nothing to fear from me".
"Don't waste my time young lady!" cried Daljeet. "I demand to know, has Preet Juneja come here and made an offer of marriage to you?!"
Meher hesitated before replying. "No he has not".
Daljeet felt reassured. "And do you promise not to accept should he ask you to marry him?" she probed.
"No I will not!" Said Meher.
"So you do have designs on him!" cried Daljeet.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Singh, but who I choose to marry is none of your business!" answered Meher.
"Insolent girl!" roared Daljeet. "Do you think Preet's marriage to my daughter can be prevented by the meaningless charms of a penniless farm girl! Whose own father is running against time to make ends meet on a property that'll be snatched away from you the moment he dies. Whose younger cousin-sister ran away with a scoundrel like Viren. Are you so greedy that you're willing to pollute the shades of the Juneja family tree for your own selfish gains?!"
"You have said quite enough Mrs. Singh!" cried Meher. "And before I forget my manners, I think its best that you leave!"
"You've messed with the bull young lady", cried Daljeet, shaking an angry finger at Meher. "And you'll end up getting the horns! When I'm finished with you...you'll regret that you ever met me!"
A short while later, Daljeet stormed into the Singh Havaili, where Ashlesha was waiting for her...
"Did you see her mom? What did she say?" asked Ashlesha.
"Oh stop whining Ashlesha and let me enjoy my dinner in peace!" cried Daljeet. It was late. Everyone had already retired for the evening. She was hungry and tired from her long trip. And she hated when a deal slipped through her fingers.
"You should have offered her money", whined Ashlesha.
"No", said Daljeet thoughtfully. "Not to this one. I'm afraid she's genuinely in love with Preet. She wouldn't have sold herself out for any amount I would have offered. Maine usko Juneja Khandaan ki izzat ka vasta bhi diya (I even pleaded with her for the dignity of the Juneja family), but she refused."
"You mean she refused you?" asked Ashlesha.
"She simply refused to refuse to marry Preet should he ask her", replied Daljeet. Daljeet rolled her eyes as she watched her daughter try and figure out what she had just said. "Don't trouble yourself my dear", she said. "You just wait and see. There is a time and place for everything...and our time will come".
Unbeknownst to Daljeet and Ashlesha, someone had heard their entire conversation. Preet had come down looking for something to eat when he overheard Ashlehsa and Daljeet talking. He quietly made it back to his room and closed the door.
Oh No! he thought. Daljeet had gone to see Meher. God knows what she must have said to her. As if it wasn't bad enough that I messed up things between us already. And why would Ashlesha want to offer Meher money to stay away from me? That girl needs to see a psychiatrist. But Preet didn't care about Ashlesha. He began to focus on what Daljeet had said...
"I am afraid she's genuinely in love with Preet..."
"She wouldn't have sold herself for any amount..."
"She simply refused to refuse to marry Preet should he ask her..."
A smile crept up to Preet's lips. Could it be possible? Had Meher's feelings for him changed?
The next few hours dragged on, as Preet lay tossing and turning in his bed. Finally he couldn't take it anymore and headed out the door. He had to see Meher.
Meher too had tossed and turned all night. Daljeet's visit had left her with so many unanswered question. How had she found out about Vishaka and Viren? Would she use that information against her family? Was Preet really going to be engaged to Ashlesha? How come his parents had not mentioned it? And why then was he still wearing those beads? The ones he had won for her at the Mela. She had gotten a glimpse of them when she had put his hand in ice. Mrs. Singh was lying for sure, thought Meher, but there was something about her threat that frightened her.
Meher checked her clock. It was 5:00am. I'm not going to get any sleep, she thought, so I may as well start my chores. She quietly dressed and found her way downstairs. Once outside, she picked up the pail of chicken feed and proceeded towards the chicken coop area. She had just started to toss the feed around, when she saw a tall figure in the distance, walking towards her. Her initial fright gave way to surprise when she realized that it was none other than Preet!
Preet too was surprised to see Meher out and about so early in the morning. He stood before her in T-shirt and pajamas, his hair tousled from tossing and turning all night. "I couldn't sleep", he said, finally breaking the silence.
"Neither could I", said Meher.
"Mrs. Singh...", began Preet.
"Yes, she was here", sighed Meher.
"God Meher!" cried Preet. "I'm so sorry, I had no clue she'd show up like this...Dharti Ma ki Qasam! God knows what she must have said to you. I'm really really sorry".
"Sorry to mujhe bolna chahiye Preet...aur thanks bhi (I should be the one saying sorry Preet, as well as thanks)", said Meher quietly. "After all you've done for my family".
Preet looked at Meher in surprise.
"I know about what you did for Vishaka and Viren", explained Meher. You musn't blame my Papaji, he didn't mean to betray your trust. It was Vishaka who told me first. I only went to him for confirmation. And Prem Jiju's return, his proposal...It's no secret you had a hand in that too".
"You know...don't you?" asked Preet. "Surely you must know...that I did it all for you".
"No you duffer I didn't know!" cried Meher. "I mean how could I? Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you to feel obligated to change your feelings towards me just because I helped your family", said Preet.
"And what about how you behaved all day yesterday. What was wrong with you?" asked Meher.
"Oh that...", said Preet smiling shyly. "I was a little...you know...jealous, because Ma and Kuldi were playing match maker for you and Herman Bhaiya".
"What?!" cried Meher in surprise.
"Besides", continued Preet, "After everything you said to me back in San Francisco...I wasn't sure about anything to do with you and me any more."
"Oh God! Please don't remind me!" cried Meher. "I wish that had never happened".
"You do?" asked Preet.
"Toh phir koi baat nahin senorita (It's okay senorita)", chuckled Preet. "Bade bade desho mein aisi choti choti batein ho jati hain (Such small incidents happen in big places)". He paused, took a deep breath and looked intently into Meher's eyes before continuing. "I still love you Meher. And I always will".
Meher smiled. "I love you too Preet...More than anything else in this world." With that she closed the distance between them, and melted into his arms.
How long they stood like that in each others arms, neither one could remember, but it was sounds coming from the house that brought them back to reality. Meher's family was waking up. Her father would be out soon.
"I better go, said Preet.
"Yeah", sighed Meher, as Preet turned to go.
"Preet wait!" She cried as if suddenly remembering something. "Um...Preet...Mujhe mere beads nahin do gay (Aren't you going to give me my beads)?"
Preet smiled widely as he removed the beads he had carried around his wrist for so long and lovingly placed them around Meher's neck, where they rightfully belonged. He then surprised Meher by kissing her on her forehead ever so softly, as if she'd break. He looked at her longingly just once more...and then he was gone.
Season's Greetings and Happy New Year Everyone 🥳
Hope you all enjoyed the update. Please remember to leave your comments, or at least hit the like button. 😛
Chapter 32 Preview: More Meet Masti at Premeer engagement.
Edited by ummesulaiman - 10 years ago
