Chapter 41 - Forget Me not
Meher put her small bag down and looked around the bright hospital room she had just checked into. There was a large vase full of flowers on the bedside table. She went and checked for the sender's name on the card. Rajveer, it read. Meher smiled. Dr. Rajveer Malhotra and his grandmother had been like a God-send. They had insisted that Meher stay in the guest room of their own house. It would be where Meher would stay in between her multiple check-ups and surgeries. Just then there was a knock on the door.
"Hi!" said a pretty young woman, dressed in a white coat. She smiled pleasantly as she extended her hand out to greet Meher. "I'm Dr. Kastur Desai. It's Meher...isn't it?"
"Yes", said Meher, returning the greeting.
"Dr. Malhotra has told me a lot about you", smiled Dr. Desai. "But I suppose he forgot to mention anything about me". Meher nodded. "Typical! These surgeons think they're the only real doctors. Anyway, I'm the clinical psychologist assigned to provide you with counseling, during your treatment".
"Psychologist?" asked Meher. "But Dr. Desai...I'm not crazy".
"I never said you were", laughed Dr. Desai. "But Rajveer thought it would be a good idea for me to be on the case...to help you out. You know...to talk about any issues...concern...fears you may have. You have a long road to recovery ahead of you Meher. I just wanted to let you know that you're not going to be alone. We have regular counseling sessions scheduled together, and you can talk to me about anything". She squeezed Meher's hand warmly.
"Thanks" said Meher. "Dr Desai...I'm going to be alright...aren't I?"
"Of course you'll be alright!" cried Rajveer, walking into the room.
"Well, well...speak of the devil", laughed Dr. Desai.
"Devil? Who me?" asked Rajveer innocently.
"Who else?" said Dr. Desai.
"Kastur", said Rajveer putting an arm around her. "You're just jealous because I sent Meher such a large bouquet of flowers instead of you".
"You wish", cried Dr. Desai, shrugging his arm off. "I'll see you after your first procedure Meher".
"She's a real sweet lady", said Meher, after Dr. Desai left.
"Yes", smiled Rajveer. "Too bad she's not a real doctor".
"What?" asked Meher.
"Well you know...she's a PhD not an MD", remarked Rajveer. "Not that I'd ever throw it in her face or anything. Oh and don't tell dadi, but I think she has a crush on me".
Meher couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Kya?!" cried Rajveer in surprise. "Aap ko hasna bhi aata hai (What? You actually know how to laugh)?"
"Yes", said Meher. "In fact, there was someone who used to make me laugh a lot".
"Oh...competition?" cried Rajveer. "Should I be jealous?"
Meher laughed out loud again. Just then there was a knock on the door as a nurse appeared. "Dr. Malhotra, we're ready to take the patient in for prep", she said.
"Right", said Rajveer. "You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be", said Meher nervously.
3 months later...
"What's wrong Meher?" asked Dr. Desai.
"Everything!" cried Meher. "Everything is taking so long! The doctors all keep smiling and patting themselves on the back over all of their so called progress, but I'm still in bandages! They're keeping something from me! Something is wrong! I just know it!"
"Meher calm down", said Dr. Desai. "We already discussed the extent of your injuries, and how you won't see results overnight, remember".
"I'm sorry doctor", sighed Meher. "I just can't afford for anything to go wrong now".
"And nothing will go wrong", Dr. Desai reassured Meher. "Dr. Malhotra and his team are some of the most capable surgeons I know. What else is bothering you Meher?"
"I finally found my sister's contact number. I tried calling her yesterday, but a servant answered and he wouldn't let me talk to her", sobbed Meher. "He said she wasn't there. But I know he was lying. They've done that before to Heer Didi, you know".
"Did you tell them it was you calling?" asked Dr. Desai.
"No", sighed Meher. "I was afraid. Afraid the wrong person would find out".
"The wrong person?" asked Dr. Desai. You mean Lalit Juneja?"
Meher nodded. "But you know something wonderful happened too", she said, her voice cheering up slightly. "I heard Preet's voice today. It was the same deep beautiful voice. Even after all this time, I'd recognize it anywhere. He was asking the servant who was on the phone. Then he took the phone and said 'Hello?'"
"And what did you do?" asked Dr. Desai.
"I hung up", said Meher bitterly.
"What? But why?" asked Dr. Desai.
Meher walked over to a wall in Dr. Desai's office where a painting was hung. She passed her hand over the bandaged face she saw reflected in the frame's glass and sighed. "I wasn't ready".
6 months (from the date of the accident)...
"How are you feeling today Meher?" asked Dr. Desai.
"Fine", replied Meher.
"Well I must say you're looking great", commented Dr. Desai. She looked over Meher carefully. The bottom half of her face was now entirely free of bandages. "In fact I can finally see your pretty smile. It must be a great relief to be free of at least some of the bandaging, and to be able to eat normally".
"Yes", sighed Meher.
"What's on your mind Meher?" asked Dr. Desai.
"It's my birthday today", said Meher quietly.
"Happy birthday!" said Dr. Desai. "That's a good thing right? So, why are you so tense?"
"I miss my family. I miss Ma's homemade cake, and Papaji's big bear hugs. And Heer Didi reminding me not to stuff my face else I'll get too fat..." Tears welled up in Meher's eyes.
"What else Meher?" asked Dr. Desai.
"Um...Rajveer...I mean Dr. Rajveer gave me some paints as a birthday gift", said Meher. "He insisted that I paint something just for him".
"And?" asked Dr. Desai.
"I refused", said Meher, as she nervously rubbed her thumb against the heart shaped pendant she wore around her neck. "Preet gave me paints on my birthday too. I was painting something very special for him...for us...just before our accident, but I never got to finish it. I mean, I wasn't trying to hurt Rajveer's feeling, but I just couldn't bring myself to do so".
"Did you tell Rajveer this? About Preet?" asked Dr. Desai.
"No", said Meher. "Why should it matter to him?"
One year (from the date of the accident)...
"Hey Meher!" cried Rajveer, as he entered Meher's room followed by a nurse and his dadi. "Today's the big day! The last of the bandages are finally coming off!"
"Are you ready?" asked Mrs. Malhotra.
Meher smiled and nodded. Rajveer carefully cut through the remaining bandages and slowly unwound them from around Meher's face, until she was entirely free from them. He then carefully examined every inch of Meher's face, lifting it by her chin and turning it here and there. Meher looked anxiously at Rajveer trying to read his face for any reaction. Suddenly Rajveer broke out into a wide grin. The nurse assisting him also smiled approvingly.
"Meher Beta, you look beautiful", cried Mrs. Malhotra.
"Not bad if I do say so myself", laughed Rajveer. He motioned for the nurse to hand Meher a mirror. "See for yourself".
Meher looked carefully at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were the same, but her nose was finer, and the babyfat from her face was gone altogether. Someone may not recognize her right away on first glance, but on closer observation it was definitely Meher. A more refined and beautiful Meher.
"What's the matter Meher?" asked Rajveer. "Don't you like my work?"
"No...it's not that", said Meher, as a smile slowly began to appear on her face for what seemed like the first time in ages. "Rajveer...Dadi...I don't know how to thank you. It's like a miracle. I'm almost afraid that this is just some wonderful dream. And if it is, I never want to wake up".
"Congratulations Meher! And I assure you this is no dream", said Dr. Desai, as she walked into Meher's room and joined in the well wishers.
"Oh Kastur look! It's me! It's really me! I'm back!" cried Meher.
Just then Rajveer's cell phone rang. "Hello?" he answered. "Okay I'll be right there. Sorry Meher, I have to go check on another patient. But I'll be back shortly to pick you up. In the meantime, the nurse here will help you get ready for discharge and explain to you some of the precautions you still need to take. Dadi, why don't you come with me and we'll take care of the paperwork to have Meher checked out".
"I hope you'll still come and see me every now and then Meher", said Dr. Desai.
"Of course Kastur", said Meher, offering her a hug. "I know I couldn't have gotten through this ordeal without you".
"So...What's next on your to do list?" asked Dr. Desai.
"I have to get in touch with Heer Didi, Ma, and Preet. Everyone thinks I'm dead. Uff! Preet is going to be so mad at me. I know he's going to hate me for not getting in touch with him sooner, for not letting him share in my pain, for letting him think he was responsible for my death, for letting him think that he lost me...but I'll make it up to him. I promise".
One week later...
"Meher is this really necessary? I mean I could think of a hundred better ways to spend an evening." complained Rajveer. He was driving with Meher in the passenger seat, nervously holding onto a piece of paper with an address written on it.
After 1.2 km take a right onto High Point Road, instructed the GPS.
"Rajveer", sighed Meher. "I've already gone over this a hundred times. They're not taking my calls. So I have no choice but to just show up. I have to see my sister, tell her I'm okay. Plus she's the only one who can tell me of my mother's whereabouts".
"Are you sure this is the right address?" asked Rajveer, as he pulled up in front of 9 High Point Road. There was a line of cars at the gate waiting for entry and everything was decorated in colored lights as if a party was going on.
"Yes...according to my information, this is where the Junejas live", said Meher.
"Junejas? I thought you said your last name was Maan. So your sister is Heer Maan right?" asked Rajveer.
"That was her maiden name", replied Meher. "Her married name is Heer Juneja".
"Your invitation card sir", a security guard walked up to the driver's side and asked.
"I'm afraid we don't have one, but I'm Dr. Malhotra and...", said Rajveer.
"Look you're holding up the line", said the guard. "You're a doctor, right? You got any ID?" Rajveer quietly handed him his driver's license. The guard looked Rajveer and Meher over, and after deciding they were harmless enough, let them through.
Inside the Juneja Mansion...
"Uff ho! Preet! How much longer are you going to take to change your clothes? Shaadi ho gayi hain aur ab tum donoo ko mehmano se milana hai. Pandit ji keh rehe hai ke muhrat ka samay ho gaya hai jaldi karo na" complained Kuldi (The wedding is over and now you 3 have to be introduced to the guests. The Pandit is saying that the auspicious time is here. Please hurry).
"Bas Kuldi, almost ready", said Preet as he put his tie on. "By the way is Prem Bhaiya here yet?"
"Nahin", sighed Kuldi. "Par Ashlesha tumhara pooch rahi thi (No. But Ashlesha is asking about you). I told her not to worry...abhi toh saari zindagi saat guzaarne ke liye baaki hai, per phir bhi tumse milne ke liye kaafi bechain ho rahi thi (I mean, you 2 have the rest of your lives to spend together, still, she seems restless)."
"Did I just hear my name?" cried Ashlesha, as she strode into the room and went straight to Preet, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "I missed you darling".
Preet shot a glance at his sister that was part embarrassment and part discomfort, before removing Ashlesha's arms from around his neck. "Ash please..."
"You look handsome as usual", commented Ashlesha, ignoring his rebuff. She adjusted Preet's collar for him. "But you haven't told me how I look". She did a little cat walk, showing off the very short white dress with a plunging neckline that she was wearing.
"*Cough*Cough*...Um...Ash...Tum ye kapde pehan ke mere Ma, Bauji, aur mehmano ke saamne jao gi (Are you going to wear that in front of my parents and their guests)?" asked Preet worriedly.
"Why? What's wrong with my clothes?" asked Ashlesha innocently. "I mean they're the latest fashion".
"Han...per...itne thode hain (Yes but there is so little of them)", explained Preet.
"Oh Preet you're so funny! Everyone's waiting for you downstairs, so don't be long", said Ashlesha as she walked out.
"She sure is something", sighed Kuldi, shaking her head. "And what are you smiling about Preet Juneja?"
"Oh I was just thinking about what Ma and Bauji's reaction is going to be when she bends down to take aashirvaad from them", remarked Preet, as both he and his sister burst out laughing. "Would someone please remind me again why I agreed to marry her?"
"Ab ye sab baatein chodo...aur jaldi se neechay pohncho (Enough talking...just get ready and come down quickly)", laughed Kulraj as she also left Preet to finish getting ready.
Meanwhile...
"Excuse me...sorry...excuse me...", said Meher, as she made it through the crowd of guests gathered at the Juneja's mansion. I wonder what this party is for, she thought. I wish Rajveer would have come inside with me. How am I ever going to find Heer Didi or Preet in this crowd? "Um...Excuse me", said Meher to a man serving drinks. "Do you know where I can find Heer Didi or Prem Jiju?
"Woh toh yahan nahin hain (She's not here)", replied the man.
"What about Preet? Is he here?" she asked.
"Woh abhi tak neechay nahin aye. Shahid apne kamre mein hoon ge (He hasn't come down yet. Perhaps he's still in his room)", replied the man before moving on.
Meher bit her lip as she stared at the large staircase leading to the rooms in the upper storey of the house. She took a deep breath and proceeded to find her way upstairs.
Lalit Juneja was talking to a circle of friends when he motioned for his servant to come and serve them drinks. "Saab...koi ladki thi (Sir there was a girl here)", whispered the servant. "Heer Madam or Prem Saab ko dhoond rahi thi. Maine usko bola ke woh yahan nahin hain toh woh Preet baba ka pooch rahi thi (She asking for Heer Madam and Prem Sir. When I told her they weren't here she began to ask about Preet) ".
Lalit looked up in surprise, nodded at the servant and then excused himself from his guests.
"Uff Ho!" cried Meher. "How am I going to find anyone in this gigantic maze of a house?" She politely knocked on a door, before carefully opening it and peeking inside. It was empty. Disappointed but not deterred, she proceeded to check the next room. No one was in it either. She had just knocked on the third door and was about to open it when someone yanked the door open making her fall forward.
Preet had no idea what had hit him, but suddenly found himself on the floor of his room surrounded by long brown tresses. He reached out and gently pushed back the hair only to look into an equally stunned Meher's face.
"Preet...", whispered Meher. She couldn't believe her luck. Tears filled her eyes as she was run over by a wave of emotions. Not sure whether she should laugh or cry, she passed her hand lovingly over his face before whispering his name again, "Preet".
"Sorry", said Preet. "I didn't mean to...Um...Uh...hum uthain? I mean...Bauji ne humay is tarah dekh liya toh...(Shall we get up. I mean if Dad sees us like this...)"
"Oh yes...I'm so sorry", said Meher.
"Here let me help", said Preet as he offered Meher his hand and pulled her up. "Aray aap toh roh rahi hain (You're crying). Did you get hurt or something?" Meher shook her head and smiled. "You sure you're okay na?" Meher nodded. "Good! Enjoy the party then".
Meher stared at Preet in disbelief as he walked off leaving her behind. Unable to comprehend his reaction at seeing her after so long, she turned to run after him, only to freeze in her tracks.
"My my...look what the cat dragged in", said Daljeet. "I almost didn't recognize you without the healthy wad of bandages around your face". She walked in a circle around Meher, carefully observing her. "Not bad", she scoffed, "How did you manage it?"
"Excuse me", said Meher as she tried to leave.
"Oh no! You're not leaving so soon are you?" said Daljeet sarcastically. "I mean you've missed Herman and Maya's wedding, but the real fun is just about to begin". She grabbed Meher by the hand and led her downstairs, just in time to see Lalit and Gaytri Juneja come up on the stage where the mandap had been.
"Ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming and sharing in our moment of happiness. We all wish Herman and Maya all the best for their future", said Lalit. "And now I'd like to officially announce another upcoming happy event for our our family. The marriage of my youngest son Preet Juneja to Ashlesha Singh".
Meher watched in horror as Preet walked up onto the stage as Ashlesha joined him and hugged him excitedly.
"You didn't think our lives came to a stand still just because you weren't a part of it, did you Meher?" said Daljeet with a chuckle. "Ashlesha was there every step of the way with Preet, since the day of the accident. She very easily filled your shoes, and Preet let her. He's moved on. You're nothing but a bitter memory from his past. One he doesn't even want to remember anymore".
Meher couldn't believe what was happening. Certainly her eyes and ears were playing tricks on her, she thought. Daljeet is lying. She always lies. But then why did Preet walk away from me like that? And how could he get engaged to Ashlesha, when he always swore that he would never do so? One year?! One year was all it took for him to forget all about me? Meher began to feel lightheaded. She pushed past Daljeet and the other guests and found her way outside. She was still trying to figure out what was going on when she heard a familiar voice.
"What are you doing here?" asked Lalit Juneja sternly. "And how did you manage to get in? Hmpf! Kissi aur ameer ladke ko phasa ke saat layi ho? Itne arsay baad yahan kya kar rahhi ho? Kya chahti ho tum? Bade dinno baad is ghar mein khushiyan ayi hai. Unko phir se barbaad karne ayi ho kya?" (Hmpf! Let me guess, you rode in here on the coattails of some other rich young man did you? Why are you here after all this time? It's been a long while since happiness has come to this house. Are you here to ruin everything for us again?)
"Uncle ji...main toh...Heer Didi...", stuttered Meher.
"She's not here!" screamed Lalit. "She snatched our son away from us and left! The servant told you as much didn't he? Then why did you stay? Don't tell me...you were looking to follow in your sister's footsteps and take Preet away from us! Don't you even dare think about it! Preet is going to marry Ashlesha. How dare you think you can waltz back into his life and ruin his future! You were supposed to be dead! And you should have stayed that way! Now...before I have you arrested for trespassing...leave! And stay away from Preet!
He glared threateningly at Meher as she stumbled backwards and ran off.
{Song credit: Jag mujhe suna suna lage from Main aur Mrs. Khanna}
Jaane iss safar main
Aisa kya hua hai
Mere hain kadam
Aur tera rasta hai
Dard judai ka
Iss dil mein bhar ke
Dhondein ge tujhko
Rahon mein phir se
Tere bin suna suna lage
Jag mujhe suna suna lage
Tujhko Dhondengi yeh aankhein
Na Ja Zindagi mein aake
"Meher! What's wrong?" cried Rajveer as he saw Meher run to the car in tears.
"Mujhe yahan se le chalo Rajveer (Take me away from here Rajveer)...please", sobbed Meher.
Later that night in Preet's room...
"I don't understand why you couldn't get engaged today! Muhrat bhi achee thi, mehmaan bhi aye huay thay, sab kuch theek tha (The time was auspicious, all the guests were present, everything was perfect), but in the end...we just wound up making an announcement!" cried Lalit.
"Sab kuch theek tha Bauji", said Preet. "Lekin Prem Bhaiya nahin thay (Everything was perfect Dad, but Prem Bhaiya wasn't here). And I already told you I wouldn't go through with the engagement if he wasn't going to be a part of it".
"Uff! Gaytri! Yeh ladka itna ziddhi kyun hai (Why is this boy so stubborn)? Talk some sense into him will you?" cried Lalit.
"Preet beta", sighed Gaytri. "I already told you...Prem nahi aye ga (Prem won't come)".
"But why?" asked Preet. Gaytri fell silent. "Look Bauji...I agreed to marry Ashlesha, because you insisted upon it. Because you told me how much we were in love with each other and were going to be married before the accident. But I don't remember any of it! And try as I might I just can't bring myself to make a connection with her. We're talking about the rest of my life here, so I can't just rush into anything. It wouldn't be right.. One things for sure though...I'm not going ahead with anything until I have PB's approval. Aur phir Veera bhi to nahin aa saki (And then Veera couldn't make it either). Anyway, I don't see what the rush is all about. The engagement can wait a few more days. It's not like Ash and I are going to get married tomorrow. I mean I'm starting my project, remember. In fact, I leave in a week".
"Leave?" asked Lalit. "Just where are you planning to go?"
"San Francisco", stated Preet. "The real estate broker called. He already has an excellent location in mind for the new hotel. And Harry Rogers is already working on the designs. They just need me to come down and give them the go ahead. And then we'll go from there".
"Yes, but damn it! Of all the places in the world, why San Fransico?" asked Lalit.
"Because Prem Bhaiya is there", replied Preet.
Meanwhile...
Rajveer was pacing in Meher's room as he watched her silently pack her things. "I don't understand Meher. What happened? {Silence} Why the sudden decision to leave? {Silence} Did anyone say anything to you? {Silence} Why won't you tell me anything?!?"
"Rajveer", sighed Meher, "you've been a very good friend. You and dadi have helped me through the worst time of my life, and I can never repay you. But I can't keep on holding to you like crutches. You want to know what happened tonight? Someone shook me hard and told me to wake up and smell the coffee. Told me to stop clinging to the past and move on, just like everyone else has".
"You're talking in riddles Meher!" cried Rajveer. "After all this time I feel as if I still don't know anything about you!"
"I can't stay here anymore. I have to go," said Meher firmly. "And please, I'm not in the mood to answer any more questions".
.
"As a friend do I at least have the right to know just where you're headed?" asked Rajveer.
"San Francisco", said Meher.
"Why San Francisco?" asked Rajveer.
"Shampa lives there", explained Meher. "She and Manmeet are all the family I have to turn to right now. And perhaps they've learned something of Heer Didi or Ma's whereabouts.
"But...What about us? Uh...I mean Dadi and me. We're going to miss you", said Rajveer.
"I'll miss you both too", said Meher. But I promised Shampa that I'd come to her once the treatment was over. We'll keep in touch on the phone. But right now I need to get out of Toronto...some place where at least I won't run into another Juneja".
Hope you all liked it 😛. Please don't forget to leave your comments or at least hit the like button. Thanks again for your support.
Also a special mention. As most of us know...Sushant is soon going to be making his bollywood debut in Abhishek Kapoor's next project based on a Chetan Bhagat novel. I'd like to encourage everyone interested, to join other Sushant fans at his Fan Club, for the latest up to date news and discussions. The link is below:
Also for all those who loved Preet, Meher & the rest of the KDMHMD gang...please help increase their rank by taking the time out to comment on their profiles. Again no compulsion but a humble request...the choice is yours. Thanks again. 😃
Chapter 42 Preview: Preet and Meher meet again, this time in San Francisco.
Link to next chapter:
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/55129366Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
Celebrity Fan Clubs
