Chapter 38 - I Will Always Love You
It was still early in the morning when Meher walked out into the yard with paints and canvas in hand. Prem and Heer were coming home later tonight to see them once more before leaving for Canada, and her mother had had the house up and running earlier than usual. But she had dutifully finished all her chores, and was now finally going to get some time to start her new painting.
It had been 5 days since Prem and Heer's wedding, and except for a brief phone call from her sister, letting them know she was okay, Meher had no clue as to what had gone on in the Juneja house. She herself had already spoken to her parents about Preet a few days after the wedding. They were surprised, happy, but also apprehensive, considering the sharp words Lalit Juneja had uttered before leaving. They encouraged Meher to be patient until Preet had settled the matter with his family, then they would have no objections. So now it was a matter of wait and see. She had waited anxiously every day for Preet to call or visit, but there had been no communication from his end. He's probably busy with the rest of the family in getting ready to go back home. But I'm sure he won't leave without saying good-bye, she reassured herself.
Meher turned her attention towards the things she was holding in her hand. She carefully set up the easel and canvas, and then took out a folded paper with something sketched on it. She then closed her eyes and thought for a few minutes, before picking up her brush and applying the first few strokes. Soon she became so engrossed in her canvas and paints, that she forgot all her troubles.
A short time had passed, when Meher decided to take a break. She took a step back to admire the progress of her painting and smiled. It maybe a small scale project for a famous future artist, she thought, but it was definitely going to be the most special one. Meher looked from her hand drawn sketch to the painting she had started...Hmm...something in the detail was missing. She'd have to ask Preet, she thought.
"Meher", Preet called out, as if on cue.
"Preet!" squealed Meher as she ran over and gave him a hug. "Badi lambi umar hai tumhari (May you live long)! I was just thinking about you. You don't know how happy I am to see you! When did you get here? Are Prem Jiju and Heer Didi with you? How long have you been standing there? Tum kuch boltay kyun nahin (Why aren't you saying anything)?"
"Meher tum chup hogi to main boloon ga na (I'll speak if you give me a chance)", sighed Preet. "No, Prem Bhaiya and Bhabi are not with me. They're coming down separately. I just got here about 10 minutes ago. You were so into your painting that I didn't want to disturb your concentration. Besides I was enjoying just watching you work...I missed you Meher".
"I missed you too", smiled Meher. "No...wait...mujhe toh tumse bauhat naraz hona chahiye (I should be really upset with you). Five whole days and no communication! Aise koi karta hai kya (Is that any way to behave)?"
"Sorry", said Preet holding his ears.
"Aray Preet", said Meher, taking his hands down. "It's okay...I was just joking. I know you all are getting ready to go back home. You probably have tons of stuff to take care of. Tum jaane se pehle mujhse milnay aye...main toh bas issi mein khush hoon (You came to see me before going back...that's more than enough for me). Here let me show you something", smiled Meher as she led him back to her canvas. "I wanted it to be a surprise, but now that you're here, I just have to show it to you".
Preet looked at the work in progress and smiled.
"I just started it, but can you recognize it?" asked Meher anxiously. "It's going to be the view of the mandir from the log house in Kasauli...where we tied our beads...remember?"
Preet nodded and smiled.
"I don't know how perfect it's going to be considering that I'm relying on memory and the sketch I made of the mandir when we were out there, but I'm sure it's going to be pretty close", said Meher. "I just wish I could go up there once more to be sure. Anyways...what do you think? I mean I know I'm still working on it, but I thought it would make a perfect wedding gift from me to both of us. We can hang it in our room after we get married...sort of like a permanent record of a beautiful memory".
Preet's smile faded as he looked down at Meher smiling so sweetly at him. What was he going to tell her? He thought. How were they going to get over the hurdle his Bauji had created?
Kya hua Preet (What happened Preet)?" asked Meher worriedly. She suddenly became aware of how quiet Preet was. "Tum mujhe aise kyun dekh rahay ho? Uss raat...Viren aur Vishaka ko le kar tumhare Ma aur Bauji bauhat gussa huay thay na? (Why are you looking at me like? That night...your father must have been furious about Viren and Vishaka right?) Is that why you didn't call?"
"Meher...we need to talk. Maybe we can go for a drive?" asked Preet
Just then Balraj came out of the house. "Preet Beta? When did you come?" he asked. "Are Prem and Heer with you?"
"Namaste Balraj Sir", said Preet. "No, I didn't come with Bhaiya and Bhabi. They'll be here later this evening. I was actually...uh...passing through Ambala on an errand and thought I'd stop by and see Meher...I mean...you all. I mean I leave for Canada soon and..."
"I see", said Balraj, sensing that Preet was troubled. "Why don't you come inside son, and we'll talk".
Once inside, Meher quickly prepared some tea, and she and her mother joined her father and Preet in the living room.
"How's Heer beta?" asked Balraj. "After the surprise Viren and Vishaka gave everyone at the wedding...We were all very concerned about how she would be affected by all of this. Your father especially was very upset".
"She's fine", said Preet reassuringly. "She and Prem Bhaiya just returned from Kasauli 2 days ago. Ma, PB, Kuldi, Veera, Herman Bhaiya, even the kids...everyone just adores her. But then she's so sweet that you can't help but like Heer Bhabi. She and Prem Bhaiya are going to be very happy together".
"And your father?" asked Balraj.
"Mere Bauji kuch alag mitti ke banay huay hain Balraj Sir", sighed Preet. "Unhay sirf business aur sauda karna aata hai...chahe woh kissi factory ka ho...ya phir apne betay ka (My father is made of some other material Balraj Sir. He only knows how to make business deals, whether it is for some factory or his own son)".
Meher looked at Preet questioningly. "Are you alright Preet?" she asked. She had never seen Preet in such a quiet or serious mood.
"Yes", said Preet. "I guess I'm just a little tired".
"Or stressed out?" asked Balraj. "Anything else on your mind son?"
"Uh...yes...I...I wanted to speak to you both about Meher and myself", said Preet. "God! I had this day so well planned out in my head. PB and Heer Bhabi's wedding would go off without a hitch and then I would come and ask both of you for your permission to marry Meher. I'd promise to take good care of her and keep her very happy. You'd say yes and we'd all live happily ever after".
Meher's heart sank as her father asked, "And now things have changed?"
"Yes and No?" replied Preet, swallowing hard before continuing. "I love your daughter very much Sir. And I still would very much like to marry her, but I don't have my father's backing, nor do I ever expect to get it". Everyone became silent. Then Preet spoke up again. "The recent revelation of your family's ties to Viren coupled with nonsense Daljeet Singh has filled his head with has turned him against your family".
Meher covered her mouth with her hand as tears welled up in her eyes.
"He refuses to hear any mention of you all", continued Preet. "Any effort to reason with him is like banging your head against a brick wall. Look sir...I've given it a lot of thought. And quite honestly, what my father thinks at this point doesn't really make a difference to me. As long as I have your's and Teji Chachee's blessings, I'd like to marry Meher. I'm sure my mother will eventually support me, but as far as my father is concerned, either he'll have to accept my decision or worse come worse he'll cut me off. But don't you worry sir...granted I'll have to start from scratch, but I promise I'll work very hard and take very good care of Meher and keep her very happy".
Balraj and Teji exchanged worried glances with each other. After what seemed to Meher and Preet to be an eternal silence, Balraj finally spoke.
"Preet Beta...don't get me wrong", said Balraj. "I really like and respect you. You helped our family when we needed it most. And I have no doubt that you love my daughter and are quite capable of taking good care of her. But going through with a marriage without your parents' blessing...have you thought of the repercussions?"
"Repercussions?" asked Preet.
"Try and see things from your father's point of view Preet", said Balraj. "He feels betrayed by all of us in regards to our dealings with Viren. He doesn't trust us and I can understand".
"But...", said Preet.
Balraj raised a hand as if to indicate for Preet to let him finish. "No matter how angry he may be right now...he is after all your father. Give him some time and I'm sure after a while his anger will subside and you can raise the question of marrying Meher before him then".
"You don't understand", argued Preet. "My father never forgets...and he certainly doesn't forgive that easily".
"Beta with time...", began Teji.
"I don't have time Chachee Ji!" cried Preet. "My father has already announced to me that he's arranged my marriage to Daljeet Singh's daughter Ashlesha! He doesn't even want to hear Meher's name! That's his final verdict on this matter...but there's no way I'm going to let that happen!"
Meher looked at her father, but he only shook his head sadly. "Preet try and understand...", said Balraj.
"I only need your blessing sir", said Preet quietly.
"I wish...I'm afraid son...that we can't give you our permission at this time," said Balraj quietly.
"But why not?!" asked Preet getting angry.
"Preet, please try and understand", said Balraj. "Our eldest daughter is married to your brother. Any step we take against your father's wishes is bound to have a detrimental effect on her. We can't jeopardize the happiness of one daughter for the sake of another's. I hope you can understand".
Preet stood up to leave. He was visibly upset. "I'm sorry Meher", he said looking at Meher sadly. Meher swallowed hard as she watched Preet leave. A tear trickled down her cheek. Suddenly Preet stopped. "Balraj Sir, do you mind if I take Meher...uh...I mean for a little drive", he turned and asked.
"Well...", thought Balraj.
"I don't know when I'll see her again", said Preet quietly.
"Papaji please", Meher pleaded.
"Alright", sighed Balraj. "But don't be too long".
Preet smiled for the first time since he had come. He and Meher walked quietly back to the car, and drove off. They drove in silence for some time before Meher realized they were heading outside of Ambala's city limits.
"Preet, where are we going?" asked Meher.
"Kasauli", said Preet.
"What?! Why?" cried Meher. "Ma and Papaji will be worried".
"They gave us permission to go", said Preet.
"Yes...but all the way to Kasauli? Itni dair lag jaye gi (it'll take too long)", said Meher.
"It's only an hour and half each way. Look Meher...I leave for Canada in 2 days. I don't know when I'll see you again. I'm sure they'll understand", said Preet. "Besides, didn't you want to see the Mandir again?"
Meher sat back down quietly not sure what to make of things. She too was hurt by the turn of events, but she had never seen Preet in such a mood before.
A short while later Preet was navigating up the narrow winding roads of Kasauli. He finally brought the car to a stop at the base of the hill where the Mandir stood. Meher smiled as she took in the familiar sights.
"Come on Preet", she cried. "Let's go inside".
"No thanks", said Preet flatly. "Waise bhi Bhagwan aaj kal humari kahan sunte hain (In any case, God is not listening to us these days)".
"Woh sunne ge Preet...zaroor sunne ge (He will listen Preet...he will)", said Meher with conviction. "Please".
"No!" cried Preet. "Not unless...Meher Maan...will you marry me?"
"Yes", smiled Meher, "And No. Come on Preet", sighed Meher. "I would never expect you to go against your parents' wishes. Nor, I'm sure, would you want me to go against mine. Perhaps we're being a bit selfish, like Papaji said. Please try and understand".
"I'm sorry Meher", said Preet. "I understand but I don't necessarily agree. Believe me the last thing I want to do is create problems for Prem Bhaiya and Heer Bhabi. But what no one seems to realize is that my Bauji is not going to change his mind!
"Preet please...", cried Meher.
"What do you want me to do?!" cried Preet. "Marry Ashlesha?! That's what he wants! That'll be the only way for me to redeem myself in front of my Bauji! Is that what you want?!"
"No", said Meher softly, as she locked arms with Preet. "I want you to go back to Canada like a good boy. Work hard and prove yourself in whatever business project your Bauji hands you. Make him proud and win him over. Time will pass and so will his anger. Heer Bhabi will live up to be an examplery bahu, and prove that the Maans are not so bad after all. And then...when the time is right...you'll bring up the topic of our marriage again...and...".
Preet rolled his eyes. "Stop living in a dream world Meher, it's not as simple as that! Nothing will have changed a year or even 10 years from now! Viren will still be married to Vishaka, Daljeet and Ashlesha will still be on my case, Bauji will still believe we tried to pull a fast one on him, and to him you'll still be a gold digging Maan. We're only putting off the inevitable! And...I...I don't want to lose you Meher. I...I have a sinking feeling that I'm going to lose you..."
"I'm afraid you'll not get rid of me that easily Mr. Preet Juneja", laughed Meher. "At least not as long as our beads are tied up in that Mandir". Preet rolled his eyes again. "Preet...we'll get through this...I promise", Meher said reassuringly. But Preet just shook his head, pushed her arm away and started to walk down the street towards the shops and restaurants. Music and the sound of drums and horns blaring could be heard in the distance. A crowd had apparently gathered for some sort of a celebration.
"Preet!" cried Meher catching up to him. "Look down there! It seems to be like a block party or something. Come on let's go!"
"What?! Aw come on Meher!" protested Preet. "I'm not in the mood".
"That's exactly why we should go down there. I want my Preet back...Come on!" smiled Meher as she dragged a reluctant Preet down to the celebrating crowd.
{Song Credit: Gun Gun Guna ye Gaana Re from Agneepath}
{Meher tries to get Preet to clap along with the music, but he refuses and frowns at her instead.}
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna ye gaana re (x5)
{Meher playfully hits Preet in the stomach with her elbow, then passes her hand over his frowning face and sings}:
Ho...Maayusion ke chonge utaar ke phenk de na saare
{As they pass a restaurant with outdoor seating, Meher snatches a lighter from a man about to light his cigarette as well as a piece of cake a waiter was about to place before him. She lights the lighter in front of Preet and then blows out the flame.}
Candle ye shaam ka phoonk
{She tries to stuff the cake in Preet's mouth, but he just pushes her hand away}
Raat ka cake kaat pyaare
{She waves a finger at Preet}
Seekha na tune aur hamne magar sikhaya re
Dumdaar nuska yaar humne jo aazmaaya re
{She pretends to flick a tear off her cheek}
Aasuoon ka chooran chaba ke humne dakaar maara re
{She begins to do a jig in the celebrating crowd.}
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna ye gaana re (x2)
Gun.. gun..gun...
{Meher pulls a reluctant Preet into the partying crowd. Horns blare loudly and Preet holds his head in his hands as if he has a headache.}
{Meher blows a kiss at Preet, but he turns to face the other way. She runs to the other side and bats her eyelashes. Preet rolls his eyes. Meher yanks him towards her and lifts her hand as if she wants to hit him. Preet raises an eyebrow and Meher takes a step back holding her ears.}
{Meher pulls Preet to one side and forces him to sit in a chair and begins to energetically massage his hair with both hands}
Hmm... Hai sar pe tere uljhanoon ke jo ye tokre
{She holds her hand out as if she's asking Preet to hand her something}
La humko dede halka hoja re tu chokre
{She leans on him bringing her arms forward from behind and shows him her nails}
Jo teri neende apne naakhun se noch le
Woh dard saare jalte choolhe mein tu jhonk re
{She puts her arm around his shoulder and winks at him}
Zindagi ke raashan pein gham ka quota ziyada hai
Black mein kharidenge khushiyon ka pitara re
{Meher throws both her arms back, accidently hitting Preet and making his rickety old chair flip over and break. She looks back and mouths Oops! She smiles apologetically at Preet and backs into the dancing crowd almost disappearing into it.}
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna ye gaana re (x2 times)
Gun.. gun..gun...
{Preet walks into the crowd looking for Meher. Horns & drums again blare loudly irritating him further.}
{Someone taps Preet on his shoulder. He turns around to see that it's Meher}
Ho...Ae...Ho
{Meher puffs her cheeks up and frowns at Preet}
Tu munh phulaa de toh ye sooraj bhi dhalne lage
{She tweeks his cheeks and shows him a light bulb and smiles widely}
Aray tu muskura de chand ka bulb jalne lage
{She puts a finger on her lips}
Tu chup rahe toh maano behri lage zindagi
{She covers then uncovers her ears with her hands}
Tu bol de toh parde kaano ke khulne lage
{Meher shows Preet a bottle of Coke, which she has shaken till it's ready to explode.}
Ek bandh bottle ke jaisa kahe betha hai
{She waves it smiling mischieviously and threatens to unleash it on him if he doesn't join her in the dance.}
Khali dil se bhar de na glass ye hamara re
{Preet raises a warning finger at her and then turns to walk away.}
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna ye gaana re (x2 times)
Gun.. gun..gun...
{Meher tries to get Preet to dance with her again, but Preet pushes past her in the crowd and walks away.}
"Preet! Preet wait! Where are you going?" cried Meher.
{Preet suddenly turns around, takes off his jacket and hangs it on someone's shoulder. To Meher's delight, he begins to sing}:
Ho...Bindaas hoke har gham ko yaar khoonti pe taang dunga
{A waiter brings him a bill for the cake and broken chair. A store owner hands him a bill for the bulb and soda. Meher winces. Preet shakes his head and gives them both some money}
Thoda udhaar main itminaan tum se hi maang lunga'Hey
{He comes and looks Meher in the eyes and smiles}
Seekha hai maine yaar jo tumne sikhaya re
Dumdaar nuskha yaar maine bhi aazmaaya re
{He pretends to wipe a tear and toss it off}
Aasuoon ka chooran chaba ke maine dakaar maara re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna re
Gun Gun Guna ye gaana re (x4 times)
{Preet looks at Meher his smile waning again. She gives him a hug and together they walk back to the car.}
Back at the car, Preet pulled out a small box and handed it to Meher. "I almost forgot, but here, I got you something", he said.
"For me? What is it?" asked Meher.
"Open it and see", said Preet, shrugging his shoulders.
Meher eagerly tore the box open to reveal a new cell phone. "Oh Wow! It's one of those really fancy smart phones. I've seen an ad for it in a magazine or something" said Meher. "For me? Preet you shouldn't have."
"Actually it's for us. Or my peace of mind at least", said Preet. "It's how we're going to keep in touch after I leave for Canada. Ab kabhi bhi aur kahin bhi hum donoo ko aik doosray ki yaad aye toh hum apas mein call ya text kar sakte hain (Now whenever anyone of us wants to talk to the other we can just call or text each other)."
"Hmm...sounds like a plan", smiled Meher.
"In the mean time", said Preet, "you can snap a few pictures of the Mandir to help with your painting".
Preet showed Meher how to switch on the phone and use the camera. Meher quickly took a few snaps and Preet showed her how to review them and then return to the main screen. Meher's eyes widened as she got a glimpse of the time on the phone's screen.
"Hai Rabba! Preet! Jaldi karo (Hurry)!" cried Meher as she quickly sat in the car. "I totally lost track of the time...itni dair ho gayi hai (It's so late)...Ma and Papaji must be sick with worry!"
"Meher relax", said Preet as he started the car. "You have your own phone now, just give them a call and let them know we're on our way back".
"Right", said Meher worriedly as she nervously placed the first call on her new phone. Preet smiled as Meher got an earful from Teji about being late. "Sorry Ma...woh hum thodi door nikal gaye thay (We drove a bit too far out). But don't worry we're on our way back...maybe half-an hour?" Preet shook his head. "I mean one hour?"
Preet smiled as Meher received another earful from her mother before hanging up. "Preet Juneja! This is all your fault!" cried Meher. "Tum to mazay se Canada chale jao gay...par peechay se mujhe musibat mein dal diya (You'll leave for Canada...but now you've gotten me in trouble). I'll be cleaning out the stables for the rest of eternity", said Meher pouting.
Preet threw his back and laughed heartily. "Don't worry I'll drive fast", he said.
Seeing him finally laugh made Meher forget all her anger. "Okay now, show me how to text message on this phone", she said.
"The instructions are in the box", laughed Preet.
"I know", giggled Meher, "but who reads instructions. Besides it'll be more fun if you teach me".
"You want me to concentrate on driving or give you instructions on how to use the phone?" asked Preet.
"Both", said Meher, "after all it's the age of multi-tasking. Come on show me, please".
Preet carefully maneuvered his car down the winding roads of Kasauli's hills giving an instruction to Meher every now and then. Meher composed a small 'I Luv U' message and sent it to Preet. He fished around for his phone as it began to beep, and smiled as he read the message.
"Come on...ab tum mujhe text back karo (Now you text something back to me)", pleaded Meher.
'I Luv U Meher & I always will', Preet texted back to her.
"Preet!" Meher suddenly screamed. Preet looked up a little too late to see 2 large trucks coming their way. One was trying to overtake the other and had moved into the lane right in front of them.
There was a loud crash as their car rammed into the truck...then silence.
Hope you all liked it 😛. I know I know...there is not much to like here 😭.
Please remember to leave your comments, tomatoes, chappals, etc, or at least hit the like button.
Chapter 39 Preview: Daljeet gets there first.
Link to next chapter:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/54165771 Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
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