Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 49

Preet picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Hello? Mrs. Mathews, how are you?" he said.

"Mr. Juneja, I was just about to call you and thank you for helping the center. How can I ever repay you?

"Oh no...it was the least I could do. Uh...Mrs. Mathews, may I please speak with Meher?" asked Preet.

"I'm afraid she's not here today", replied Mrs. Mathews.

"Oh", said Preet. "Would you by any chance have any contact information for her...an address...a phone number?"

"I'm afraid I can't share that information without Meher's permission", said Mrs. Mathews, "but I'll be sure to let her know you wanted to speak to her".

"Thanks", sighed Preet. He hung up the phone and tried to focus on the papers lying neglected on his desk, but his thoughts kept on drifting to Meher. He needed an excuse to see her again. But how was he going to do that if he didn't know where she was? Just then his secretary buzzed him.

"Sir, a Miss Neha Saxena from Harry Rogers' office is here", said Diane. "She doesn't have an appointment, but she says she's brought over some new designs that need to be discussed with you".

"Send her in", said Preet. Another boring meeting, he thought, but his face suddenly brightened on seeing the girl who had just walked into his office. It was Meher's friend. The one who had been with her at the museum.

"Good morning sir, I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important", smiled Neha.

"Mr. Rogers would like your OK on these", said Neha as she handed Preet a file and then took a seat.

Preet quickly scanned through the file. "These look fine for now", he said. "But I'll need sometime to give them a thorough review...uh...Miss?"

"Neha", said Neha.

"Neha...", smiled Preet. "Waise...I believe I've seen you before. That day at the museum...you were with your friend Meher, I believe".

"Oh yes", smiled Neha. "I handed over some designs to you that day too. And my friend fell on top of you. So sorry about that".

"That's okay. Girls fall for me all the time", said Preet, as both he and Neha shared a laugh.

"Wow Mr. Juneja! You're really funny and down to earth. My boss never cracks a joke", laughed Neha.

"Call me Preet. Um...Neha...about this friend of yours", said Preet.

"I have something of hers?" asked Preet.

"Yes, it's a file with a lot of photographs", explained Neha. "I took it by mistake and it got mixed up with office files. Mr. Rogers said he gave it to you. If you still have the file, may I have it? I'm sure Meher would appreciate it if she could have her lost photos back".

"Meher shot these?" asked Preet, as he pulled out the file. "They're very good".

"She's really a painter at heart, and has taken up photography only recently. But what can I say...she's a natural" smiled Neha.

"Neha...if you don't mind, I'd like to hang onto these", said Preet. "We're looking for a new aspiring talent to come up with the art design for the main lobby...it could be a mural, photo, mosaic, digital...something unique. Meher's work is really good. I'd like to return these photographs to her myself and offer her the opportunity. But for that I need some contact information".

"Oh wow!" cried Neha. "I'm sure anyone would kill for the opportunity. But I'm afraid Meher would also kill me if I gave anyone her phone number without her permission. She's a very private person".

"Yes apparently", sighed Preet. "I mean I don't even know her last name". He looked at Neha for help.

"Sorry", Neha said shrugging her shoulders. "Hey! I know what you can do. Meher and I are meeting for dinner tonight. Perhaps you can join us and make your offer then".

"Sounds like a plan", said Preet. "But can we keep it between the 2 of us? As it is I'm afraid your friend doesn't like me too much".

Later that evening...

Meher walked into the restaurant and looked about nervously. I wonder why Neha wanted to meet up at such a fancy place instead of our usual hangout, she thought. Everything looked very expensive and she had never eaten French food before, but she had read somewhere that they ate snails. Yuck! "Hi. I'm meeting a friend of mine here, Neha Saxena", she told the man at reception.

"Yes ma'am. I'm afraid she isn't here yet", said the man. "I believe you're a bit early for your reservation. Would you please be kind enough to be seated at the bar and enjoy a complimentary drink while we get your table ready?"

"Thanks", said Meher as she quietly made her way to the bar. She had just sat down when someone tapped her on her shoulder.

"Hi Meher", said Preet.

"Tum?!?" cried Meher. "Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho (You? What are you doing here)?"

"Are you going to ask me that everytime we meet", smiled Preet. "It's dinner time, and we're in a restaurant. The answer to your question is pretty obvious isn't it? Par tum yahan kya kar rahi ho (But what are you doing here)?"

"Kyun (Why)?" asked Meher.

"I don't know", said Preet shrugging his shoulders. "You just don't seem like the type of person who'd be into French cuisine".

"You think you know me so well don't you?" said Meher.

"No, I..." said Preet.

"But I'll have you know, that I've learned how to eat with a knife and fork", said Meher.

"Aray tum toh khamakha naraz ho gayi ho (You're getting upset for no reason)", said Preet.

"Just because I panicked that day we got stuck in the closet and hugged you, doesn't mean everything is okay between us", said Meher. "Lehaza mera peecha karna bas karo (So stop following me around)!"

"Hey wait a minute", said Preet. "I was here first, so I could say that about you too. Besides, I'll have you know, that I'm waiting for someone".

"Oh yeah...well so am I", said Meher looking towards the entrance of the restaurant.

"Really? Who? Boyfriend? Husband? Ya woh takla (Or that baldie)?!" Preet asked pointing towards an older, balding man who had just entered. "Let me guess, you're his third wife".

"What?!" cried Meher.

"Nahin? You mean pehli shaadi mein hi sare baal udd gaye (No? You mean the stress of being married just to you made him lose all his hair)", Preet joked.

"Oh shut up!" exclaimed Meher. Just then Neha walked in. Meher quickly got up and went to join her friend. "Thank God you're here! I think we should go someplace else. You'll never believe who's here..."

"Neha! How nice to see you again", cried Preet. "Mind if I join you?"

"No", said Neha.

"Yes!" said Meher.

"Uff! Mr. Juneja, please ignore her", smiled Neha.

"Please call me Preet", said Preet.

"Neha doesn't know anything", Meher whispered to Preet. "And you better keep it that way".

I don't know anything either, thought Preet, as he pulled out a chair for Neha. Meher thought he was going to pull out a chair for her and was getting ready to protest, when Preet sat down ignoring her completely. Meher's mouth fell open. She quickly sat down, picked up a menu and hid her red face behind it.

Dinner was a disaster. Meher was afraid to order anything. Everything sounded like it had snails in it. Preet offered to order something for everyone, but Meher refused. She finally ended up ordering clear soup and a salad. She hated soup and she hated salad. And now, she hated the French.

Meher glanced disapprovingly from Preet to Neha. They were chatting non-stop about the stupid hotel project. Preet was flashing Neha his stupid smile. And she was laughing at all of his stupid jokes. Why is she twirling her hair and grinning like a teenager standing in line for an autograph? Meher wondered. Her stomach was growling. She picked up her fork, stabbed her salad and placed a bite in her mouth. Rabbit food, she thought grudgingly.

"It'll taste better if you use the dressing", offered Preet. Meher ignored him and stabbed her salad again.

"That's an interesting style of using a fork", Preet said smiling.

"Tumhara chehra imagine kar rahi hoon ( I was imagining your face)", replied Meher.

"Oh", said Preet. "So Neha, tell me...was your friend like born in Germany or something?"

"What?" said Meher.

"No", laughed Neha, "Why do you ask?"

"No, it's just that Hitler was from Germany too", said Preet.

"Oh Preet you're so funny!" Neha giggled, but she stopped abruptly when she saw Meher glaring at her.

Just then Preet's phone rang. "Would you both please excuse me? I'll just take this call and be right back", he said.

"Neha, what do you think you're doing?" hissed Meher, as soon as Preet stepped away.

"Flirting with one of the most eligible bachelors in town!" cried Neha. "Oh my God! I still can't believe we're having dinner with Preet Juneja! He's filthy rich!"

"He's also a cheat!" cried Meher. "He's engaged you know".

"Engaged doesn't mean married", giggled Neha.

"Neha! You have a boyfriend", Meher reminded her friend.

"Uff ho Meher! Stop acting like my grandmother", complained Neha. "I'm just having some fun. It's nothing to get agitated about".

"Neha?" someone called.

Meher smiled as she saw a young man approaching their table. It was Neha's boyfriend Arjun.

"Arjun? What are you doing here?" asked Neha.

"I just finished up a meeting with a client", said Arjun.

Just then Preet returned. Neha introduced him to Arjun, and Preet promptly invited him to join them for dessert.

"Actually, I got done a little early. If Neha's done too, maybe we can cut out of here", suggested Arjun.

"That's a good idea", said Meher, "I'm done too".

"Actually Meher", said Neha, "I think Arjun was talking about just the 2 of us. Preet, you had something to discuss with Meher didn't you? Why don't go ahead and do that and then perhaps you can drop her home afterwards."

"No!" cried Meher.

"Sure" said Preet ignoring the protests and angry looks Meher was giving him. "I don't mind. You guys go ahead".

Meher watched helplessly as her so called friend walked away with her boyfriend. I am never speaking to her again, thought Meher.

"So...what would you like for dessert?" Preet asked Meher as the waiter approached their table.

"Nothing", said Meher.

"The clafoutis here is really good" continued Preet, ignoring her remark. He looked at Meher's confused expression and smiled. "Riz au lait for both of us", he instructed the waiter.

"I told you I didn't want anything", said Meher.

"Relax, you'll like this", said Preet. "Besides, you hardly ate anything. You must be hungry".

"I'm surprised you noticed", said Meher grudgingly. "You were so busy flirting with Neha".

"Correction", said Preet. "Your friend was flirting with me. Tumhe bura laga (Did you mind that)?"

Preet, in the meantime, had been watching Meher happily devour the kheer. She looks beautiful when she smiles, he thought. He saw her expression change as soon as she caught him staring at her.

"Waiter! Bill please", Meher said.

"Meher, its okay I'll take care of it", said Preet.

"No, I'll pay for my own", insisted Meher. "Make 2 bills please", she instructed the waiter. "One for the soup, salad and kheer...I mean the rice pudding, and another for the rest".

"Please ignore her", said Preet as he handed the waiter his credit card. "She's a little crazy". The waiter nodded as if he understood. Meher's mouth fell open. She picked up her purse and headed out the restaurant. Preet smiled and shook his head. No, she's totally crazy.

"Hey Meher, wait up!" cried Preet as he also exited the restaurant. A valet brought his car out and handed the keys to him. "I'm supposed to drive you home remember". Preet walked over to the passenger side and opened the door for Meher.

"Aap ki driving pe ab mujhe bharosa nahin raha, Mr. Preet Juneja (I don't trust your driving anymore Mr. Preet Juneja)", said Meher, as she slammed the door shut and began to walk off.

"Oh come on Meher!" cried Preet. "Itni raat ko tum akaili ghar kaise jao gi (It's so late. How will you get home by yourself?"

"Bus, train, plane. Tumhe kya farak parta hai (What difference does it make to you)?" Meher asked.

"Farak parta hai Meher. Itni raat ko phir se koi uncle mil gaya toh (It makes a difference Meher. What if you run into some uncle again)?" asked Preet. Meher suddenly stopped. Preet wasn't sure why he just said what he had. But it didn't matter. Meher had done an about turn, and quietly sat down in his car.

They drove in silence for a while with Preet occasionally glancing over at Meher and smiling to himself.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Meher finally broke her silence and asked.

"Main soch raha hoon ke itni perfect si naak pe itna ghussa har waqt kyun betha rehta hai (I'm wondering why you carry so much anger on that perfect little nose of yours)", said Preet.

"You should of thought of that before you got engaged", muttered Meher.

"There you go bringing up my engagement again. What is your problem with that? What are you jealous or something?" asked Preet

"Jealous?!? Ha! Why should I care? It doesn't make a difference to me anymore!" cried Meher.

"Ah! So it did make a difference to you at one point", said Preet.

"Uff!" cried Meher. "Tumse to behas karna fazool hai (It's pointless to argue with you)!"

"Toh mat karo! Chalo kaam ki baat karte hain (So don't argue...Let's talk about work)", said Preet. "I have something that belongs to you". He pulled out a black file and handed it to Meher.

"My photographs!" cried Meher. "But how did you..."

"Neha accidently mixed them up with some office files and they landed on my desk", explained Preet. "I have to say they're very good. I'd even be willing to buy them".

"Really? In that case, here", Meher said, as she handed Preet 3 photos.

"What's this?" smiled Preet.

"This is for the soup, salad and kheer", explained Meher. "Now we're even. Feel free to use them in any way you like".

"Actually I was thinking more in line of hiring you for my project", smiled Preet. "I'd like to make you an offer..."

"No", stated Meher.

"But you haven't even heard what the offer is", protested Preet.

"Whatever it is, my answer is still no", said Meher

"But...", said Preet. Suddenly Meher screamed. Preet looked up to see a large truck pass them in the oncoming lane. He looked back at Meher, but she had fainted. Preet pulled his car to the side of the road. "Meher! Meher!" he cried as he gently slapped her cheeks in an effort to revive her. Damn it! He thought. What do I do now? Preet called Neha. Luckily her house was nearby, and she instructed him to bring Meher over.

A shortwhile later, Preet carried a still unconscious Meher, into Neha's house and laid her on the sofa.

"Oh God! Meher wake up please! Shampa is going to kill me", fretted Neha. "I should never have left her".

"I don't understand what happened", said Preet. "We were driving along just fine. A truck was coming towards us in the oncoming lane. It was not like we were in any danger, but she screamed and then passed out".

"I'm afraid Meher's been in a car accident before", Neha explained. "I don't know all the details. I mean she doesn't like to talk about it, but from what little I know, it was very tragic. She's had a very hard time putting her life back together and moving on. I guess that's why she's so irritable all the time too".

Preet passed his hand over the small scar above his right eye. Meher had been in an accident just like he had. Another connection they shared.

"Um...I think we should just let her rest", suggested Neha. "I'll call her family and let her know she's with me".

"Right", said Preet. He reached over and gently pushed Meher's hair away from her face, gave her one last look and then left.

2 Days Later...

Meher was out by the docks, taking pictures, when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around and saw Preet.

"You're a difficult person to find", he said smiling. "I went by your house but no one was home. There was a note on the door, saying that you'd be here. I hope it was for me".

"It was not", Meher replied, as she cleaned her camera's lens.

"How are you feeling Meher?" asked Preet.

"I'm fine", said Meher, quietly.

"Good" smiled Preet. He grabbed hold of Meher's hand and pulled her along. "Come on. I have to show you something. And don't worry we're walking this time". Ignoring her protests, Preet held onto Meher's hand tightly until, they were out of the docks area, and onto a cross section. "There", he said pointing to a bill board.

Meher was stunned to see a bill board size picture of one of the photos she had given Preet.

Preet watched as a smile appeared on Meher's face. "If you think that's good", he said, "just imagine...That's just one wall, in one building, in one city. Now imagine leaving your artistic mark on several such buildings in 3 cities or 10 cities. This could be the launching pad for your career".

Meher's smile disappeared suddenly. "Why are you doing this?" She asked. "Does your father know you want to hire me?"

"What does my father have to do with this?" asked Preet.

"He's been your guiding force of late hasn't he? Don't you have to do everything he says?" asked Meher. "I doubt he'd approve of me".

"You're wrong Meher. And anyway, this new hotel is my project. I can do whatever I want. Hire whoever I want", said Preet. He took Meher's hand in his. "There's a connection between us Meher. I don't know how to explain it to you, but it would mean so much to me if you said yes".

"Oh Preet...", Meher sighed, as she gently ran her fingertips over the scar above his right eye.

Preet took her hand in his again and smiled. There it was again...her touch, all too familiar. "It's nothing", he remarked. "just a remnant of a little accident".

"I think it was more than just a little accident", Meher said grimly.

"It's nothing...nothing important", insisted Preet. "I've forgotten all about it. And you should forget about yours too".

Anger flashed across Meher's face. "I hate you!" she said, before turning and walking away.

"Hey this has got to stop!" Preet cried as Meher walked on. "Why do you keep doing this? You owe me an explanation!"

"I owe you nothing!" said Meher.

"What do you have against me?!?" Preet demanded as he blocked her way.

"As if you don't know! Now get out of my way or...I'll find a policeman and...and...have you arrested for harassment!" Meher cried, as she pushed past Preet.

"Well, good!" cried Preet. "I'll go with you. It'll be the first thing we'll do together!" He passed his hand over his face in frustration. "Meher wait! I think I have a right to know what you have against me".

"Don't get me started!" Meher cried, as she raised her hand to hail a taxi cab.

"It's not the assignment! It's not our company! So it must be me!" cried Preet. "What do you have against me? Why don't you like me? I mean what have I ever done to you? You don't even know me!"

"Oh I know you very well", said Meher, "and you know what I see? I see...broken promises, no commitment, nothing held sacred, and most of all I see no loyalty!"

"Who do you think you are?" demanded Preet. "And who gave you the right to talk to me like that?"

"Well you asked for it!" exclaimed Meher, as she sat in the cab that had stopped for her. "Now leave me alone!"

"You know you're a lousy judge of character!" Preet called after her. "I don't know how you manage to take such good pictures!"

Later that evening...

Prem knocked on Preet's door. "Hey Preet! You got a minute? I needed to talk to you about something".

"Sorry PB, I'll apologize to Heer Bhabi, first thing in the morning", Preet said absentmindedly.

"Preet, I didn't come here to talk about Heer", said Prem.

"You didn't? Sorry. I guess I just assumed. I seem to be # 1 on everyone's hate list these days anyway", said Preet dejectedly.

"Preet, what are you talking about?" asked Prem.

"You remember that girl I told you about? The one I keep running into", said Preet.

"The deja vu one? Asked Prem.

"Yes", said Preet. "I just can't get her out of my mind. I mean at first we just ran into each other by coincidence. But now I find myself, trying to think of excuses to meet her. You'll think I've totally lost it when I tell you this, but there's something so familiar about her. The way she smiles, the way she scrunches up her nose when she doesn't like something, the perfume she wears, her touch...everything! It's driving me crazy!

You know PB, for a long time since my accident I've been walking around as if in a daze. I lost names. I lost where people came from and how they fit into my life. People would come up to me and tell me what we did together, and I'd just have to trust them on it. I mean someone could walk up to me and say I owe them a 100 bucks and I'd be like okay, because I didn't remember anything.

Everyday life is sort of like putting the pieces of a puzzle back together. You don't really care where the pieces are coming from...you're just glad to have them.

And then out of the blue I meet this girl and somehow, I just know she's a part of the puzzle. I feel connected to her, even feel responsible for her pain. I mean...I've done nothing wrong, and yet I feel a certain desperation to some how make her happy. I even offered her a job, but she refused".

"Hmm...That is odd", said Prem. "But don't worry about it Preet. I'm sure it's just some mix up. The more you think about it, the more your mind will continue to play games on you. Just forget about her. And as far as the hotel project is concerned, I'm sure you'll find someone else".

"But I don't want anyone else", said Preet.

"Alright then...if it means that much to you, give me her contact information. I'll go and talk to her", offered Prem.

"It's no use PB", Preet shook his head. "Meher just won't have anything to do with me".

Prem did a double take. "What did you just say?" he asked.

"I said, Meher won't have anything to do with me", repeated Preet.

Prem couldn't believe his ears. His mind was racing. Meher?!? Was it our Meher? Was she alive? Was she here in San Francisco? Could it be true? I have to find out.