Chapter 39 - The First To Arrive
"Uff Ho!" cried Ashlesha walking into the living room of the Singh Havaili in Ambala. "Where is this boy?!"
"What are you up to Ashlehsa?" asked Daljeet, looking up from her file.
"I'm trying to contact Preet", replied Ashlesha. "After all...Lalit Uncle has sanctioned our marriage. I just want to congratulate him and see what his schedule is in terms of a date for our engagement. And of course we'll have to do so much shopping together".
Daljeet rolled her eyes. "Meri challan...kabhi kabhi toh mujhe shak hota hai ke maine hi tujhe janam diya tha (Silly girl...sometimes I have to wonder if you're really my daughter)", she said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Ashlesha.
"Meaning...Preet has not accepted his father's decision...not yet anyway", said Daljeet, her eyes narrowing in thought. "Thodi planning abhi baaki hai (I have a little more planning to do)...So I suggest you not bother him".
"No mom!" protested Ashlesha as she redialed Preet's number. "I have to speak to him before he leaves for Canada".
"Hello? Hello? Who is this?" someone suddenly asked on the other line.
"Hello?" asked Ashlesha, not recognizing the voice. "Who are you and why are you answering Preet's phone? Preet ko forun uska phone wapas do (Give Preet his phone back right away)!"
But all Ashlehsa heard was, "Hello madam! Can you help us identify this person? I'm speaking from the accident sight in Kasauli...Hello?...". Then the phone went dead.
"That's wierd", said Ashlesha. "Some stranger answered Preet's phone. He said he was at an accident sight in Kasauli". Daljeet looked up from her work, as Ashlesha's eyes widened with fear. "Mom you don't think Preet's been in an accident, do you? I have to call his family right away and find out".
"Ashlesha wait!" said Daljeet. "What would Preet be doing up in Kasauli?"
"I don't know", said Ashlesha, "but his family does have a log house up there. Prem and Heer were supposed to go there after the wedding. Maybe they forgot something and sent Preet to get it".
"Yes, but Prem could have sent some staff over to do that", thought Daljeet.
"Well I'm really upset with Preet", said Ashlesha pouting. "I mean, he would have had to pass through Ambala to go to Kasauli. The least he could have done was come and seen me".
"Perhaps he did come to Ambala to see someone", said Daljeet, as if suddenly understanding things. "And if he's really in trouble...come on Ashlesha let's go...time to showcase our sympathetic side".
"Where?" asked Ashelsha.
"Where else?" remarked Daljeet. "Kasauli".
A shortwhile later at the Juneja Mansion in Ludhiana....
"Hey has anyone seen Preet?" asked Prem, as he and Heer came downstairs. "Heer and I are about to leave for Ambala. I thought I'd ask him if he wanted to join us".
"I saw him go out really early this morning", replied Herman. "He said he had something to take care of".
"Well he's not going to get a chance to give it to her if he keeps up this disappearing act", sighed Prem. "Heer is already going to have so little time with her parents as it is. I'm afraid we're not going to be able to wait for him much longer".
"Did you try calling him?" asked Kulraj.
"Yes", replied Prem. "But he's not answering his phone".
"It's just as well", said Lalit, walking into the room. "There's no need to take Preet with you to Ambala just so that he can meet that girl. I'm fed up of arguing with him, over her, day in and day out!"
Prem looked at Heer. She had obviously been saddened to hear her sister being referred to as 'that girl'. "Bauji...Preet loves Meher and...", said Prem.
"Enough Prem!" cried Lalit glaring angrily at Heer. "Lalit Juneja never makes the same mistake twice!"
Prem was about to say something, when he felt Heer's hand on his shoulder. "We should get going", she said quietly.
Just then the phone rang and Prem went to attend it. "Namaste Ma-ji. We were just about to leave. No, he's not here. I see. When? Did they say where they went? Aap chinta mat kijiye...main uska pata laga ke aap ko call back karta hoon (Don't worry...I'll find out what's going on and then call you back)".
"What's wrong Prem?" asked Gaytri as Prem hung up.
"That was Mrs. Maan", said Prem worriedly. "Preet visited them earlier this morning. She said he took Meher out for a drive. Meher called them several hours ago saying they were on their way back but they haven't returned yet. Unfortunately she didn't mention where they were".
"Nahin Bauji" cried Heer. "Meher would never do such a thing". Lalit just scoffed.
Prem tried repeatedly to contact Preet on his cell phone but to no avail.
"Prem mujhe toh dar lag raha hai (Prem...I feeling anxious)", said Gaytri. "What if something has happened? You don't think they've really run away...do you?"
"Ma", said Prem, "you're fretting over nothing. You know how Preet is. He probably wanted to spend some time with Meher, because we're all leaving, and lost track of time. I'm sure by the time we reach Ambala they'll be back. I'll bring him back with me, okay?"
Meanwhile...
"Oh yes", replied the attendant, "that was a nasty one. I'm surprised they both made it. Are you here to identify the patients?"
"Both?" asked Ashlesha. "I thought it was just Preet. Who is the other one?"
"A male and female were recovered from the accident site ma'am", interrupted the attendant. "Are you here to identify them?"
"Yes", said Daljeet. So...my suspicions were correct. Preet was in Kasauli with a girl. Who? Meher... who else, she thought as a look of disgust appeared on her face. Even after everything his father said to him...this boy was not going to learn so easily. Or rather, that girl is not going to let him go so easily is she?
The attendant asked a nurse to take Daljeet and Ashlesha with her. The nurse ushered them to the ICU ward and led them to the window of a room. Preet could be seen lying unconscious in the bed, bandages wrapped around his head and chest, tubes connecting him to various monitors.
"Preet!" screamed Ashlesha. "Mom! Look its Preet! Nurse what's wrong with my Preet? Preet!"
"Nurse", said Daljeet calmly. "I'm Daljeet Singh and that is my future son-in-law Preet Juneja. This is my daughter Ashlesha, his fiance. Please...what can you tell us about his condition?"
"He's unconscious right now, but we have every reason to believe he'll be alright. Why don't I take you to Dr. Khanna's office? Your son-in-law is under his care", offered the nurse. "He's checking on another patient right now, but I'll let him know you're here and have him come and speak to you and give you further details".
"Thank you nurse. Ashlesha...you stay here and watch Preet. I'll go and speak to the doctor...once we know what the situation is we'll contact Preet's family", instructed Daljeet as she followed the nurse down the hall.
It wasn't long before Dr. Khanna came to meet Daljeet. After introductions were over, Daljeet got down to business. "What's wrong with Preet doctor? Why is he unconscious? He'll be alright won't he?" she asked. "I want the best care possible for him...No expenses spared. Do I make myself clear?"
"Your son-in-law is in a coma Mrs Singh", replied Dr. Khanna. "He's suffered some trauma to the head as well as some broken ribs. Initial scan reports don't indicate any blod clots in the brain...so we expect him to regain consciousness soon. Other than that, we're running some more tests. We're not exactly state of the art here so everything is going to take some time. By the way...do you know who Mr. Juneja's companion in the accident was? Is there any family we should notify in her case?"
"I don't want to hear anything about that girl!" said Daljeet gritting her teeth. "She means nothing to me. I'm sure this accident was entirely her fault".
"She's no one of significance", retorted Daljeet. "I don't care if she lives or dies".
"Well...perhaps it would have been better if she had died", Dr. Khanna sighed.
"Why do you say that doctor?" asked Daljeet out of curiosity. "What's happened to her?"
"The poor girl went head first into the windshield of the car. Shards of the windshield's glass cut off the entire mass of her face and now nothing remains...eyes, lips, ears...nothing. She no longer has a face. I shudder to think of what will become of her?" sighed Dr. Khanna. "Even if someone could afford the extent of plastic surgery a case like her's would require...I couldn't imagine a doctor skillful enough to handle the case. We're a small hospital Mrs. Singh, we've certainly never seen or have the resources to handle something of this magnitude".
"Is she aware of her condition?" asked Daljeet.
"No", said Dr. Khanna. "She regained consciousness a short while ago, but I didn't have the heart to tell her. We're basically taking pain management measures with her. I was hoping some family members would come and identify her. Maybe with their support she could handle the news".
Daljeet thought for a moment then said, "I'd like to see her doctor...if I may...perhaps I may be able to help after all".
Meher had just come to a short while ago. What happened? Where am I? She thought. The last thing she remembered, she was in the car with... "Preet!" she called out as she felt the sting of pain from her own wounds returning. Where was Preet? She wondered, as she slowly familiarized herself with her surroundings and became aware of someone's presence in her room.
"Hello Meher", said Daljeet as sweetly as she could.
"Mrs. Singh?" asked Meher. Why is she here? Thought Meher. "Where am I?"
"I'm afraid your in the hospital in Kasauli", replied Daljeet. "You and Preet had an accident...remember".
"Preet! Where is Preet?!" cried Meher.
"Relax", said Daljeet. "Preet will be alright. They're taking good care of him. I'm making sure of that. In fact...you'll be alright too. But perhaps it would have been better for you and for Preet as well, if you had died. Um...Uh...yeh mera nahin, doctor ka kehna hai (That no mine...but the doctor's opinion). Look Meher, I don't believe in beating about the bush, but the doctors are keeping something from you. Your face..."
"What wrong with my face?" asked Meher, panicking as she felt her head and found it entirely wrapped in bandages.
"You no longer have a face Meher. You went head first into the windshield of the car. The glass cut the entire mass of your face off. Nothing remains...you're nothing but a monster, Meher. If someone...if Preet was to see you he'd be frightened", said Daljeet.
"Nahin!!!" screamed Meher. "You're lying! This is some new trick of yours! It really amazes me to think that you could sink so low Mrs. Singh".
"You're talking as if I had a hand in your accident", scoffed Daljeet. "But no Meher, I mean I'll admit I'm good, but not that good. Ye toh Bhagwan ki taraf se ek gift tha (This is a gift from God). A gift for Preet and Ashlesha's wedding. A marriage that has been sanctioned by both's parents. Jiski sirf tum ek rukawat ho (of which you are the lone obstacle)...Oops!...I mean thi (were)."
"Kya bakwas kar rahin hain aap (What nonsense are you talking)?" asked Meher.
"Bakwas nahin...haqeekat (Not nonsense...reality)", replied Daljeet. "After the Viren fiasco at Prem's wedding, Lalit Juneja has given his blessing for Preet and Ashlesha's marriage. He wants nothing to do with your family. He doesn't even want to hear your name let alone entertain the idea of you as his Bahu. I'm surprised he didn't throw Heer out".
"All your doing!" cried Meher.
"Whatever!" said Daljeet rolling her eyes. "The main thing is...Lalit Juneja will never accept you Meher. So let's see...what are your options?
a) Take your bandaged face and beg Lalit Juneja to accept you as his bahu, because after all, his son is responsible for your condition.
b) Expect Preet to spend the rest of his life being reminded of the fact that the girl he once loved is now nothing but a monster, and it's all his doing.
c) Get plastic surgery and then beg for Preet's hand. Of course there's a catch 22...Dr Khanna said he's never seen a case as severe as yours. He's not even sure if there would be a doctor skilled enough to handle your case. And anyways how could you ever afford it? Oh wait a minute! Let me guess! You expect the Juneja's to foot the bill for your plastic surgery, after all Preet got you into this mess. Sure, why not? They already think your family is a bunch of gold diggers...go ahead and hand them the bill. So what if they continue to treat Heer like dirt and you with contempt because of it.
d) Take the noble route. Not take a penny's worth of help from anyone and walk out of Preet's life forever . Go home to your parents, and be a burden on them for the rest of their lives.
Hmph! Is se behtar hota ke tum mar jaati (It would have been better if you had died)!!"
"Please stop!!" sobbed Meher.
"There is another option Meher", said Daljeet thoughtfully. "Walk out of everyone's life forever...We can make it look like you didn't survive the accident. I can make it worth your while. You can spend your remaining days in quiet comfort and dignity, and never feel like you're a burden on anyone. Come on Meher. Name your price...What do you say?"
"Please...stop", sobbed Meher. "I beg of you...Go away...Leave me alone...Please".
"What's going on here?" asked a nurse, who had just come in to check on Meher.
Daljeet walked quietly back to Preet's room, and smiled as she saw her daughter.
"Mom. Where did you disappear to?" asked Ashlesha. "Did you tell the doctor we want the best possible care for Preet at any cost? In fact, I think we should have him moved out of here as soon as possible".
"Preet...at any cost", said Daljeet thoughtfully. "He really means that much to you, doesn't he?"
"What?" asked Ashlesha.
"Oh nothing", said Daljeet. "I was just thinking how easily things can be reduced to dollars and cents. Everything has a price. Bas khareednay wale mein dum hona chahiye (The buyer should have guts). Um...Ashlesha, call Preet's family, but don't get all hyper or anything. We don't want to be giving anyone a heart attack just yet. In the meantime, I need to speak to Dr. Khanna again".
A few hours later...
The Juneja family entered Kasauli hospital, surrounded by a small group of press reporters, snapping pictures and throwing questions at them.
"Sir, your youngest son was involved in a car accident. Do you wish to issue a statement to the press?"
"Sir, was it indeed your son driving the vehicle or was he a passenger?"
"Was alcohol involved in the accident Mr. Juneja?"
"Sir, a source indicates that Preet Juneja was with someone when the accident occurred. Any comments?"
"Look...Please...this is a very difficult time for our family. We don't have any concrete information, and will issue an official statement as soon as we can. In the mean time I ask that you please respect our privacy", said Herman. He then left to join his family who had walked up ahead to meet with the doctor and Daljeet.
"Oh! Prahji...Parjhayiji...Thank God you made it here!" cried Daljeet.
"Mr. Juneja? I'm Dr. Khanna. Your son is under my care" said Dr. Khanna.
"Doctor, can we see Preet?" asked Lalit.
"Certainly. You got here in good time. He's just regained consciousness. Follow me, I'll take you to him myself", said Dr. Khanna.
Lalit, Gaytri and Herman were led to Preet's room. They saw Ashlesha standing outside by the room's window.
"She's been keeping a steady vigil by Preet's room ever since we got here", sighed Daljeet. "She loves your son very much".
Gaytri only smiled weakly as she followed her husband and Herman into Preet's room.
"How are you feeling Beta?" asked Gaytri.
"Not as bad as I look Ma...so don't start going all emotionally wet on me...please", said Preet in a weak voice. "Where am I? How did I get here?"
"You're in Kasauli", said Herman.
"Kasauli? You mean like in India?!" asked Preet.
"You were in an accident Preet", said Lalit. "But don't worry we'll have you transported out of this little hospital and get you into a nice private suite in Delhi's finest. You can recover there in peace son. Everything is going to be just fine".
Just then Prem, Heer and her parents entered the room.
Teji ran to Preet's bed and began to sob, "Preet! Preet Beta! Meri bachee kahan hai (Where is my daughter)?!"
"For crying out loud! What is wrong with you people?" cried Lalit. "Can't you see our son's delicate condition?! Do you have to come and barge in here like this and get him all upset?"
"I'm sorry Samdhiji", said Balraj, "But we don't know of Meher's whereabouts. We just wanted to know if Preet..."
"Papaji please", said Heer, "Aap Ma ko sambhaliye (You take care of Ma)". Balraj pulled his sobbing wife away as Heer approached Preet's bed along with Prem.
"Hey PB", said Preet weakly. "Looks like I really did it this time".
"Preet", said Heer calmly. "Ma said Meher was with you". Preet looked from Prem to Heer.
"We just want to know where she is. I mean...that she's okay...please", continued Heer.
But Preet only stared at Heer blankly. "I'm sorry", he finally said, "But do I know you?
A short while later...
"Um...uh...what's the matter with you Gaytri?" said Lalit defensively. "This is Kasauli not Toronto. Everything takes time...Dr. Khanna and I were just taking care of some details...to get Preet's life back on track. I mean...his transfer to a better hospital. The sooner the better".
"Dr. Khanna, mera beta theek toh hai na (Is my son alright)?" asked Gaytri.
"Waise toh woh theek hai...lekin.. (On the surface he's alright...but).", said Dr. Khanna
"Lekin kya (But what) Doctor?" asked Gaytri.
"Well, according to the scan reports, he's suffered trauma to the temporal lobe, leading to retrograde amnesia", said Dr. Khanna.
"Which means?" asked Gaytri.
"Which means, that due to lack of oxygen reaching the brain, he's suffered partial memory loss. In such cases a patient may completely forget events or even a few years of his life just prior to the accident. So, although he may recognize his parents and family, he may forget people and events that he recently encountered. That maybe why he recognizes his brother Prem, but not his Bhabi Heer".
"Is this going to be a permanent thing?" asked Prem.
"Well...the extent of the amnesia, and whether it is permanent or temporary, depends on the degree of injury a patient has suffered. More severe extent of damage can actually destroy brain centers that are responsible for retaining long-term memories. Thankfully, that's not the case with Preet. To be quite honest, only time will tell what will happen in his case.
There have been studies on whether retrograde amnesia is reversible or not. Although most of them are inconclusive, some suggest that there were noticeable improvements with memory exercises. Others show that by jogging a patient's memory by exposing them to significant articles or people from their past may in fact result in or speed up the rate of recall.
As I was just telling your husband outside...You're very fortunate Preet is alive, Mrs. Juneja. An accident such as this...Khair chodiye (Well let's just be grateful). You'll have your son back, but he'll just be a little different Preet than before. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to speak with the Maans. Prem, will you join me?"
"Sure doctor", said Prem quietly.
"Hai main mar jawan (I could die and go to heaven)!" cried Daljeet as she pulled Lalit out into the hall with her. "What a stroke of luck!"
"What nonsense Daljeet!" said Lalit. "My son is in the hospital, and you're calling it luck".
"Oh broken bones will heal in good time Prahji. But don't you see? Our biggest worry is over. Preet was rebelling against you because of Meher. And now, she's no longer an issue, because he doesn't even remember her!" said Daljeet.
Lalit smiled as Daljeet's words began to sink in. Just then he and Daljeet heard Dr. Khanna speak to the Maans, who were waiting a little further down the hall.
"Mr. and Mrs. Maan", sighed Dr. Khanna, "I don't know how to tell you this, but your daughter did not survive the accident. Her body was nearly cremated in the accident. No one had come by to identify her, so a staff member took the liberty of disposing of her remains. Believe me they are being reprimanded for this gross error. I'm so sorry for your loss".
Lalit quickly walked over to the Maans and stood next to Prem. He watched quietly as Balraj sank to the ground in shock, while Heer tried her best to console her sobbing mother.
"I'm extremely sorry for your loss", said Lalit quietly. "If there is anything at all I can do, please don't hesitate to ask".
"Leave", hissed Heer, as tears flowed uncontrollably from her eyes.
"What?!" cried Lalit.
"With all due respect Bauji", said Heer bitterly. "You could never see us happy. At least let us mourn in peace..."
Daljeet was watching all of this with quiet amusement. Who would have thought things would work out this well, she thought. It really is just as people say...jab Bahgwan dene pe aatein hai to chapar phaar ker dete hain. Ab toh Preet aur Meher ki kahani ka 'The End' ho hi gaya (When God gives he doesn't hold anything back. Now Preet and Meher's story has come to The End).
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