Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 48

Originally posted by: ctnabilah

how can Meher didnt knew Preet has lost his memory?

kissi ne usse bataya nahin?

Originally posted by: AASUS

Thanks for showing what's happening in PH world 😆 I thought when Prem left he also left Juneja empire but it looks like he's still there. That was unexpected. hmmm

Heer was cute, I could kind of imagine all that happening except Heer having difficulty accepting Preet.

Originally posted by: ayeshapasta

So preet doesn't remember Meher :(

Chapter 43 - Deja Vu

Meher opened the door and smiled as she saw her friend standing outside with two large black files in her hand.

"Hi Meher", said Neha, as she handed Meher one of the files. "I picked up the prints just like you asked".

"Thanks Neha, come on in. Shampa and I were just about to have some breakfast, would you like to join us?" said Meher.

"No thanks, I already ate", said Neha. "But I will join you for some coffee".

"Coming right up", said Shampa. "What's in the file Meher?"

"Some of the photos I've been taking around town", replied Meher. "Neha was kind enough to pick up the prints this morning on her way to work". Meher carefully spread out the some of the 8X10 photos on the kitchen table. "I thought if they came out good, I can have some of them enlarged even further. What do you think?"

"I already had a peek at them", said Neha, as she walked to the sink and put her coffee cup down. "They're really good. I would never have guessed that you're new at this photography stuff".

"Well, I'm no expert", said Shampa, "but I agree, they are magnificent. They're an expression of you, just like your paintings. I think it's wonderful that you're discovering the artist in you all over again".

"Yes it is", smiled Meher. "The accident changed my life forever, took everything away from me. I was beginning to feel like a stranger to everything, but in these photographs I can see a glimpse of myself again, and it does feel wonderful.

Just then little Harpreet ran into the kitchen. "Oops! Meher, I'm afraid you better put these photographs away before Harry takes a crayon to them", cried Shampa.

"Right", said Meher as she quickly placed the pictures back into the file, pushed it to one side, and then turned to scoop the toddler up into her arms. "Hey big guy! Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Um guys...I better go", said Neha, as she picked up one of the files from the table. "I have to get these designs to the office. I'll see you all later".

Later...

"Sir we took your ideas for the interior and we were thinking something in the line of a fusion look. You know like old world elegance meets contemporary energy and glamour", said the interior decorator.

Preet looked over the designs she handed him. "Go on", he said.

"We're thinking floor to ceiling mirrors on opposite walls to give the infinite effect, furniture in luxurious fabrics like silk, leather,velvets", continued the decorator. "...all in tranquil shades like ivories, greys and lavanders. Of course the private apartments would have original wood panel walls and fireplaces. We'll really take modern luxury to another level. What do you think sir?"

"Sounds good so far", said Preet.

"Yes sir", said the decorator. "Uh...sir...about the artist we wanted to hire..."

Just then there was a knock on the door. Preet's secretary walked in. "Sir, Harry Rogers is here. He's setting up in the conference room".

"Good", said Preet. "Listen Nicole...I have to go to my next meeting, but everything looks fine. I want your office to get as accurate a cost estimate as you can to me as soon as possible. We want to take modern luxury to another level but we still have to work within the confines of our project's budget".

"Diane what's the status on the shops?" Preet asked his secretary as she walked him down to the conference room.

"We've got a waiting list and room for only 5 boutiques. I'll have all the proposals on your desk before the day ends", said Diane. "Everything is set for the restaurant featuring Asian-latin cuisine, but we're still looking for the chef that can cook regional California-style with French cooking techniques".

"Great", said Preet. "This project means everything to me...so get only the best".

A short while later, Preet was carefully studying the miniature model of the new luxury hotel with Harry Rogers, the head of the architectural firm the Junejas had hired.

"It's just like you asked for, and enough to accommodate 363 luxury guest rooms, and 32 executive suites", said Harry as he place a file in front of Preet and rolled out additional floor plans for him to look over. "Here is where we'll have the outdoor roof-top soaking tubs for the spa. And then of course the landscaped terrace on the other side. We've taken operating and lifecycle costs into account, so we'll have a higher performing facade. And then there is..."

"Hey, what's this?" interrupted Preet. The file Harry had given him contained some beautiful photographs.

"They appear to be photographs of San Francisco, sir", replied Harry.

"I can see that", smiled Preet. "But what are they doing in place of your designs?"

"It's okay", said Preet. "They're really good actually. If you don't mind I'd like to hold onto them".

"Of course", said Harry. "Uh...sir...your opinion on our layout?"

"Harry", said Preet. "I admit you did a good job on it. All the fountains and everything are in the right place, but we're in San Francisco, the Pacific Ocean is only a mile away. Don't you think somebody might want to see it?"

The older gentleman smiled as if he knew exactly what was on Preet's mind. "What would you like? A wall of windows?" he asked.

"Yes", cried Preet.

"And who is going to pay for the heating bills?" asked Harry. "We can't just design hotels for functions anymore. We have to keep abreast of the current ecological changes".

"Well you're the architect...come up with something", said Preet.

"I'm afraid sir, it just wouldn't be feasible", said Harry.

"Oh come on Harry don't be so rigid. You're beginning to sound like old Chandni", said Preet.

"Chan...ni? I'm sorry sir, I don't understand?" said the architect.

"Chandni...its hindi...sort of like a nickname for my dad cause he's...", Preet looked at the balding man sitting in front of him. "Never mind. I'm sure you'll think of something. Just take a deep breath and reach out to the inner artist in you".

"Mr. Juneja", said Diane as she walked into the room. "Sorry to interrupt, but the real estate agent just called with a problem at the proposed construction site".

"What?!" cried Preet. "I thought we already sealed the deal on the land".

"There's some community center in the way", said Nancy. "They're asking for more time to relocate".

"No way Diane", said Preet. "You tell who ever runs the show over there that we're sticking to our schedule. I don't care if I have to go down there and help them move myself". Preet looked at Harry. He was looking over his designs and muttering to himself. "Harry, I think we'll take a break for today, but think about what I said about the ocean". Preet handed Diane the photographs. "Diane, find out who shot these and then pass them onto Nicole. I think we just found our artist. Oh and I'm going out. I've been stuck in meetings all morning, and I need a break".

Later...

Meher stood on the walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge breathing in the salty air and taking in the incredible sight before her. She pulled the hood of her jacket over her head to keep her hair from flying, as the cool wind slapped her cheeks. She snapped a few shots on her camera, and then bent over the railing to peer down. She swallowed hard at the distance between her and the water. No wonder it's the world's number one suicide point, she thought. Suddenly she felt someone yank her backwards.

"Are you crazy?! What were you doing, trying to get yourself killed or something?" cried Preet. His mouth fell open in surprise when he saw the person standing before him.

"Tum?!" Preet and Meher cried in surprise.

"Oh man!" said Preet. "You really took me seriously about the bridge thing didn't you". He looked at the girl glaring back at him angrily and promptly began to take steps away from her, after remembering her threat about pushing him off the ramp at the museum.

"Wait!" said Meher. "Where's my sister?"

"How am I supposed to know?" asked Preet.

"Don't lie to me Preet Juneja!" cried Meher.

"I'm not lying. Dharti Ma ki Qasam", said Preet. "I mean I don't know what my sisters are up to half the time, so how would I know about yours?"

Would Preet really not know where Prem Jiju is? wondered Meher. Has Prem Jiju broken off ties from his family? Maybe it was because of Ma. She gave Preet another hard look.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" he asked nervously. "Nazar lagane ka irada hai kya (Trying to give me the evil eye)?"

"Nazar? Aur woh bhi tumhe! Hmpf! Shakal dekhi hai apni (Evil eye...you...have you ever even looked at your face)?" scoffed Meher.

"Han...Aaj subha shave karte hue dekhi thi. Muah! Kya baal thay, Kya ankhein thi, Kya smile (Yes...today while shaving. Mwah! What hair...what eyes...what smile)! I mean it's not my fault God made me so beautiful", said Preet with a nervous laugh. Meher didn't laugh. "Ahem...I was joking. Can't you take a joke?"

Meher rolled her eyes. "I can't believe it. You crack jokes and go on as if nothing has happened. Nothing matters. I don't have time for this nonsense", she said walking away. "You ruined my life and now you ever so conveniently ruined my shot".

"What are you talking about? I just saved your life", said Preet. Meher walked on ignoring him. "Hey! Wait!" said Preet as he caught up to Meher and grabbed her by the arm. "You keep throwing these accusations at me and I have no clue where you're coming from. I think you owe me an explanation".

"Oh yeah! Well it was nice meeting you again too!" Preet called after her. He quietly watched Meher walk away until she disappeared in the distance. He was now more confused than ever.

A few days later...

Everyone at the community center was nervously going about doing their work. The land and building which housed the center had been bought by some developer, and they had yet to find another location to rehouse them. Mrs. Mathews, the director of the community center had invited the developer to visit in hopes that seeing the citizens it served, especially the elderly and the children, would melt his heart and encourage him to give them more time to move.

"Are we not going to work on our project today Meher?" asked a little girl.

"Of course we are sweetie", smiled Meher. "Mrs. Mathews said she has every reason to believe that the developer will listen to reason. So we're all going to pretend like nothing's wrong and go about our business normally. Just remember to be on your best behavior in front of the jerk. Come on now who still hasn't finished painting their tiles?"

Class was almost over when Meher heard footsteps approaching her classroom. "This is where the after school children learn art", she heard Mrs. Mathews explain. Meher quickly turned her back to the door and picked up a can of red paint and tried to look busy. "Okay we're almost done for the day. Who needs red?" she asked.

"Our instructor is a very capable young artist herself", continued Mrs. Mathews. "Um Meher, I'd like you to meet Mr. Juneja. He's developing the new hotel here".

Meher was stunned. She turned around to look at an equally surprised Preet.

"Tum?!?" they both cried.

"Unbelievable", said Preet shaking his head. "Tum mera peecha karte karte yahan bhi aa gayi (You followed me here too)?"

"Excuse me?" said Meher. "Yahan main nahin tum aye ho (You're the one who came here). I work here remember".

"Looks like you both have already met", interrupted Mrs. Matthews. From the looks of it, she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or bad.

"So", smiled Preet, as he walked in a circle around Meher. "You're an artist...no wonder you're so moody".

"Moody!" cried Meher. "How dare you!" She cried raising an accusing finger at Preet.

Suddenly Meher felt someone tugging her arm. "Meher, I thought we were supposed to behave in front of the jerk", said a little girl.

Mrs. Mathews and Preet looked at Meher with raised eyebrows.

"Heh Heh", Meher giggled. "Why don't you finish up your work Lisa?"

"No", said the little girl. She tugged on Preet's jacket. "Mr. Jerk, are you going to throw us out?"

Preet pulled up a chair and sat down next to Lisa and smiled, "Actually it's Mr. Juneja, but you can call me Preet". He looked up at Meher, who promptly looked the other way. "And despite the rumors...I'm not looking to throw you all out. But I do have a project to complete and a deadline that I have to try and stick to. I'm sure Mrs. Matthews and I will work something out to everyone's benefit. So don't you worry".

"Um...Uh...Mr. Juneja, I'm so sorry. I don't know what got into this child?" Mrs. Mathews said apologetically.

"Misguided?" gasped Meher.

"In fact, I'm amazed at the kind of people you let volunteer in your center. This one for example, tried to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge a few days ago, and I stopped her", Preet said pointing at Meher.

Mrs. Mathews gasped. "What?!" cried Meher. "Liar!"

"You really ought to be more careful about who you let near such impressionable young minds", Preet continued as he ruffled Lisa's hair.

That's it, thought Meher. She let the paint can she was holding slip from her hand just as Preet was about to stand up. Before he knew what was happening Preet felt the thick red liquid dripping down his jacket, onto his white shirt. He quickly took off his jacket, only to have his hands covered with paint. Instinctively he wiped his hands on his shirt only making things worse.

"Meher! What do you think you're doing?" cried Mrs. Mathews.

"Oops! I'm such a klutz", Meher lied.

"Mr Juneja, you look like the Canadian flag", laughed Lisa. Preet looked at the little girl, surprised at her remark. Biqul Canada ka jhanda lag raha hai, hai na (He looks exactly like the Canadian flag now, doesn't he)? A voice echoed in his mind. Who had said that to him? He wondered.

Mrs. Mathews looked horrified as the children snickered. Meher also tried unsuccessfully to stifle a giggle. "Enough!" cried Mrs. Mathews, as she ordered the class into silence. "Meher, please show Mr. Juneja to the washroom and help him clean up".

Meher offered Preet a fake smile and motioned for him to follow.

"What makes you say that?" Meher asked innocently. "Anyway it serves you right. You lied about me!"

"And you called me a jerk behind my back", Preet countered. "Besides...I didn't lie...I just exaggerated...a little...I mean, you were leaning over the bridge", said Preet.

"I was taking pictures, not trying to jump!" snapped Meher. "Despite your efforts, I'm not that desperate yet".

"There you go again. Just what do you have against me?" asked Preet.

"Just why are you after the community center?" demanded Meher. "Does this have to do with my working here?"

"Sorry to down play your importance", said Preet, "but I don't have anything against you or the community center. I've bought it and the surrounding land. I want to start construction as soon as possible and it just happens to be in the way".

"This center is very important to all the people it services", said Meher.

"And my project is very important to me. It has to be a success. It's nothing personal...just business", said Preet.

"I can't believe how much you've changed", said Meher, as she became teary-eyed.

"What are you talking about?" asked Preet.

"You want to evaluate your success strictly in terms of dollars and cents", said Meher. "But perhaps you should measure it by what you had to give up in order to get it".

Meher pointed to the sign that read Men's and remarked, "Sorry Mr. Juneja, aapka aur mera safar bas yahin tak ka tha (Sorry Mr. Juneja...our journey together ends here)".

Preet smiled quietly at Meher's retreating figure. I've got to get to the bottom of this, he thought. If she doesn't kill me first that is.

A short while later...

Preet walked into Mrs. Mathews' office drying his hands with a paper towel.

"Oh dear", said Mrs. Mathews, "your hands are still very red".

"I'm afraid it's going to take a little more than soap and water to get this paint off", smiled Preet.

Just then Meher walked into the office. She rolled her eyes when she saw Preet offer her a smile. "Mrs. Mathews, all the children are gone for the day. I've checked all the rooms, turned off the lights, and locked all the doors. If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way".

"I was just getting ready to leave myself", said Mrs. Mathews. "Um...Meher, there is one thing you can do for me. Mr. Juneja here can't get the paint off. Maybe you can help him with some paint remover".

Meher glared angrily at Preet. "Uh...It's okay...really", said Preet.

"Oh nonsense", cried Mrs. Mathews, "We can't have you walking around town with red hands. Meher won't mind helping. Will you Meher? She's a very sweet girl".

"Stay here", said Meher. "I'll get some paint remover from the supplies closet".

Preet waited patiently for Mrs. Mathews to collect her things and leave, and then got up to look for Meher. He was finally going to get answers to all of his questions today, he thought. He quietly walked down the hall until he came to what looked like a closet. The door was open and sounds were coming from inside. She must be in here, thought Preet. He took a deep breath and walked into the closet. "Alright Meher...You owe me some answers..."

Meher turned around to face Preet, her eyes widening in fear as she saw the door closing behind him. "Oh No! Oh No! Oh No!" she cried in a panic.

"What's wrong?" Asked Preet.

"This door automatically locks when shut. You've locked us in!" cried Meher.

"What?!" cried Preet.

"Mrs. Mathews! Mrs. Mathews!" yelled Meher as she banged on the door.

"I'm afraid she's gone", said Preet.

"Oh my God, Preet do something!" cried Meher.

"What do you want me to do?" Preet asked.

"I don't know. You're a man. Break down the door or something", cried Meher.

"It's a steel door Meher. I think I'll wind up breaking some bones before I can even make a dent in it", said Preet. "I know...I'll call Mrs. Mathews, she'll come back and let us out". Preet quickly dialed the number, but it was going straight to voicemail. "She's not answering", he said.

"Oh my God!" cried Meher. The small dark space was making her feel claustrophobic. "We're locked in! What are we going to do? What if we run out of oxygen?"

"Hey Meher, relax. It'll be alright, I'll just call...", said Preet. Suddenly Meher hugged Preet.

"I don't want to die Preet", she sobbed. "I don't want to go through anymore pain".

"Nothing's going to happen to you", said Preet. "I promise". He slowly brought his arms around Meher. It felt good to hold her so close...she fit so perfectly into his arms...her touch was all too familiar...and her scent...Lilacs, he thought. She smelled like lilacs...fresh, clean, sweet and innocent.

"Chodo mujhe (Let go of me)", said Meher, as she quickly broke away from Preet's hold, and grabbed his phone. "Mrs. Mathews? Thank God you called", she said. "We need your help".

Later that evening...

Preet lay awake in his bed, one hand on the base of the lamp at his bedside table. He absent-mindedly turned the lamp on and off, on and off. He was so lost in thought that he didn't even notice Prem walk into his room.

"Preet...Ye tu kya kar raha hai (What are you doing)?" asked Prem.

"Oh...Hey PB, what's up?"

"That's what I'd like to know", said Prem. "You hardly said a word at dinner tonight. Heer ne kuch kaha, kya? Listen Preet, she's going through a hard time right now and..."

"Toh phir is bechare bulb ka fuse udanay pe kyun tulay huay ho (So why are you hell bent on blowing that poor bulb's fuse)? Any problem's at work? Diane was saying something about some community center people giving you a hard time".

"Nahin", said Preet. "Woh bechare kya kar sakte hain (No. What can they do). Worst come worst we'll throw them out. But I was thinking...what good can come from that? I've called the real estate broker and asked him to help find a new rental space for the center. He's pretty sure he'll be able to do so in time. And if he can't...well, then we'll just have to wait a little bit longer to start construction. I know Bauji wants this project completed ASAP, but...I don't want to hurt anyone along the way. I mean not everything is about dollars and cents".

Prem smiled. "I'm really proud of you Preet. I know it's not how Bauji operates, but I always felt that it's better in the long run to get people's blessings rather than ill will".

"Thanks", Preet said quietly. "Um...PB...I was just wondering...have you like ever experienced deja vu?"

"Deja vu?" asked Prem. "What are you talking about?"

"Well you see, I met this girl not too long ago...and...well...she seems awfully familiar. I can almost swear we have some sort of connection", said Preet.

"Preet we meet a lot of people in our line of work", said Prem shrugging his shoulders. "So what's the big deal in that?"

"No. This is different", insisted Preet. "I mean..."

"Prem", said Heer, as she poked her head in the room. "If you're done solving your baby brother's problems...can we head up to bed? I have an appointment tomorrow remember".

"Forget it PB it's nothing important", sighed Preet. "Heer Bhabi is waiting for you, so go on and get some rest".

"You sure?" asked Prem.

"Yes I'm sure", said Preet, as he got up and nudged his brother out the door. He then went back and sat on his bed exhaling loudly. "Main aapko kya samjhaoon PB, jab ke mujhe khud kuch samajh nahin aa raha (How can I explain something to you that I don't understand myself)".

"Heer!" cried Prem, as he walked into their bedroom. "Was that really necessary?"

"What was?" Heer asked innocently.

"You know very well I'm talking about the snide remark you just passed in Preet's room", said Prem. "You've been doing this ever since he came here. Just because he doesn't say anything, doesn't mean it doesn't make him feel uncomfortable. He leaves for the office before breakfast. Falls asleep there half the time, and then makes the excuse that he was working late. And when he does come home, you behave like this. It's not fair Heer. You know he doesn't remember anything".

"Then maybe you should remind him", said Heer.

"What? I thought we agreed...", protested Prem.

"No. You agreed!" cried Heer. "You agreed to your father's demand that no one tell Preet about Meher's death".

"Because he was recovering!" explained Prem. "It was hard enough for him to try to put the pieces of his life back together. We didn't want to shock him with the news that the accident took someone's life".

"And then that Daljeet Singh, started pronouncing her daughter to be the love of Preet's life...as if Meher never mattered", Heer said angrily.

"I never agreed to that Heer and you know it", Prem said softly, as he put his hands on his wife's shoulders to calm her down. "Veera and I both told Bauji we didn't want any part of her lies. We left home because of this. I didn't even attend Herman's wedding for God's sake!"

"And Preet's engagement too?" asked Heer. Prem looked at Heer in surprise. "Ma called", Heer explained. "She wanted to know how we were. How Preet was. I told her our good news. She was elated. She mentioned that Bauji made the announcement about Preet and Ashlesha at Herman's wedding, and that they'll try and have the engagement before it becomes difficult for me to travel".

"Heer I'm sorry. I know how you must have felt", said Prem.

"It's alright. But maybe it's time to tell Preet the truth", Heer sighed. "It's been over a year since the accident Prem...enough time to recover. Let him grow up. Tell him the truth. I know it was an accident, but tell him about Meher's death. I mean how much longer are we supposed to pretend like she never existed? It's just not fair! And God forbid if Preet marries Ashlesha and then somehow learns the truth. He'll hate you...me...everyone!"

Prem sat down on the bed letting Heer's words sink in. He knew she was right. He had to talk to Preet before it was too late.