Chapter 48 - The Way You Make Me Feel
Preet held Meher's hand and carefully led her through the construction site of his new hotel, until he found a safe place for her to sit and view it all. "Well, what do you think?" He asked as he sat down next to her. Meher looked around. Men in hard hats walked about doing various tasks. Noise from jack hammers, bulldozers, cement mixers and cranes filled the air. Things were already starting to take shape nicely.
"It's fantastic", said Meher, "and so huge. I guess I forgot what a grand scale your luxury hotels are on. You must be very proud of your progress".
"I've sure put in my best", said Preet. "But in the end it doesn't matter what I think. I have to finish the hotel on time and show at least a first quarter profit to my Bauji. Even then I'm not sure if he'll approve".
"You're being a little hard on yourself aren't you?" said Meher. "You're doing your best. I'm sure everything will work out in the end".
"I'm afraid my best has never really been good enough for my Bauji, Meher", sighed Preet. "Making money, building the Juneja Empire, business, reputation...that has always been his priority. He's always been very distant emotionally from the rest of my family, perhaps because he never wanted to seem vulnerable.
Anyway, he and I have never ever connected on the same level. In fact, I've always had to struggle to create an identity for myself. I never felt there was anything special about me. To top it all off, Bauji would tell me I'd never amount to much, because I was never as serious as my brothers. I was not the 'good son' like Prem Bhaiya or the 'smart one' like Harman Bhaiya. I wasted so many years of my life feeling like a misfit.
I remember when I was younger I'd sometimes misbehave or get into trouble just to get my father's attention, but that only led him to further the distance between us. I even used to resent Bauji, because he never took the time out to get to know me personally, to really find out who I am or what motivates me.
Even today, in all my interactions with him I always feel used. No matter how nice the interaction starts out, it always seems like he wants something. If it weren't for Prem Bhaiya and my mother, I'd be one screwed up soul".
Preet looked at Meher and smiled. She had been listening patiently to his venting session. "I'm sorry Meher", he said. "I didn't mean to go all emotionally heavy on you all of a sudden. I guess I just needed someone to vent on".
Meher smiled. Preet may not remember it, but he had discussed his issues regarding his father with her many times before their accident. "I'm more than happy to lend you an ear", she said. "Although my own relationship with my father was very different from yours, I can understand how you must feel. My own Papaji is no longer in this world, but I know he loved me very much. I'm sure your Bauji is a very good father, and loves you very much too. He probably just doesn't know how to show it. But once he sees all the effort you've put in this project, he is sure to be proud of you".
"I love your optimism Meher", sighed Preet. "But I doubt if I can ever live up to my Bauji's expectations".
"Well then", said Meher. "Maybe you should live up to the values he taught you...but... rise to your own heights".
"Rise to my own heights. You know what? I actually like the sound of that. Do you have any idea how good you make me feel?" Preet asked as he slid his arm around Meher and hugged her.
"Just call me Deepak Chopra", laughed Meher.
"Okay Deepak", said Preet, "let's go get something to eat".
A few days later...
"Hello PB . What's up?" Preet answered his phone.
"Preet, I need a favor", said Prem. "I'm stuck in a meeting with some international clients. Heer is about to get done with her appointment. I'm afraid I won't be able to pick her up".
"Say no more Bhaiya", said Preet. "I'm on my way".
Meanwhile...in a doctor's office's waiting room...
"I can't believe we actually got to see the baby!" Meher cried excitedly. She was still looking through the shadowy pictures they had gotten from the doctor's office in amazement. "Too bad Prem Jiju, couldn't be here". Oops! She thought. She regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth.
"I guess it just wasn't important enough for him", said Heer grudgingly. "International clients ke saat meeting jo thi (The meeting with international clients took priority)".
"Didi, that's not fair. Jiju ne aaj tak koi appointment miss ki hai (Has he ever missed an appointment before)? Nahin na (No right))? I'm sure it was something that couldn't be avoided", Meher reassured her. "And I'm sure he's feeling really bad about it. He'll be really happy to see these pictures".
"Bas pictures mein hi dekhte reh jaye gain (Will he always make do with just pictures)", cried Heer. "Oh Meher! What if he never has time for me and the baby? What if...What if he misses the delivery?"
"Heer Didi, you know very well Prem Jiju is going to be the best father" cried Meher. "Now stop with these ridiculous thoughts of your's. You're already crazy, but now you're going to drive me crazy too".
"Mrs. Juneja", a receptionist interrupted, "Your ride is here".
"Lo...aa gaye Jiju (See...Jiju is here)", said Meher. Heer and Meher thanked the receptionist, and walked out of the office. But to their surprise, it was Preet who had come to pick them up. Preet was equally surprised to see Meher with Heer.
"Preet tum?" said Heer.
"Han Bhabi...woh PB meeting mein thay toh unno ne mujhe kaha ke main aap ko pick karloon", explained Preet. "Per Meher tum yahan kya kar rahi ho (Yes Bhabi. PB was stuck in a meeting so he asked me to pick you up. But what is Meher doing here)?"
"I asked her to come", said Heer. "Woh...Prem nahin aa sakta tha. Aur waise bhi maine kitne dinno se isko dekha nahin tha. Isliye (Um...Prem couldn't come. Plus I hadn't seen her for so many days...that's why)".
"So this is why you couldn't see me today?" Preet asked Meher. "That's really nice of you Meher. Well! It must be my lucky day. I was missing not being able to see you, and now you're coming home with us and staying for dinner".
He was missing her! Preet and Meher have been seeing each other?!? Heer thought in surprise.
"It's okay Preet, perhaps another time", Meher said worriedly. She could see Heer giving her questioning looks. "Heer must be tired. Tum inko ghar le jao. Main khud apne ghar chali jaoon gi (You go ahead and take her home. I'll go home by myself)".
"Nothing doing", said Preet. "You always avoid coming over. But not today. And trust me Teji Chachee is a brilliant cook".
"But Preet...", said Meher.
"No no, I insist", said Preet. "Right Heer Bhabi?"
"Right", Heer said quietly. She needed to find out just what her younger sister had been up to.
At home, Teji was surprised but happy to see Meher. Although she spoke with her almost daily, it had been a few days since she had seen her. Heer bringing her home, as a thanks for accompanying her to the doctor's, seemed like a reasonable excuse.
"How have you been Meher?" Teji asked after Preet left for his room to change.
"I'm fine Ma", said Meher.
"And Shampa, Manmeet and the baby? They're all fine too?" asked Teji.
"Yes Ma. Everyone is fine", said Meher.
"Manmeet said he would look into the rental agreement of our house in Ambala. Did he say anything about the how soon we could have it back?" asked Teji.
"No", said Meher. "To be quite honest. He's been really busy at work lately, and I never brought it up".
"Well bring it up", insisted Teji.
"Ma...can't we stay...at least for Heer Didi's baby?" Meher asked.
"I don't know", sighed Teji. "I spoke with Gaytri the other day. It's not her first grandchild, but she was so excited because it is her Prem's first child. She wants to enjoy every minute. And she wants Prem and Heer back with her as soon as possible. I don't want to deprive her any longer, but I don't see how that's possible as long as I'm here. Anyway, we can talk about this later. Go wash up for dinner. Chicken to tayar hai, per sabzi banani baaki hai. Palak ki sabzi chale gi (The chicken is ready but I still have to make some vegetable on the side. Will spinach do)?"
"Nahin Ma. Preet ko palak bilkul pasand nahin hai (No Ma. Preet hates spinach)", said Meher. Heer and Teji looked at her in surprise. "Heh heh...", Meher gulped, "then again...it's good for health...uh...Didi where can I wash up?"
Heer motioned for Meher to follow her, and took her to her room. "Alright Meher spill the beans! What is going on between you and Preet?" Heer demanded, as she closed the door and grabbed a hold of Meher's ear.
"Ow Didi!" cried Meher. "Didi not fair! You were being so nice to me in front of everyone else".
"That was before I learned you were keeping things from me", said Heer. "You've been seeing Preet haven't you? Even after Ma told you to keep your distance...Meher how could you?"
"Main aur kya karti Didi? Woh mera peecha hi nahin chodta (What else could I do? He doesn't stop pursuing me)", sighed Meher. "And to be quite honest...I don't want him to either. I love him Didi. No matter how much I try and convince myself of it otherwise, I just can't change that fact".
"Does he know how you feel?" asked Heer.
"No. At least I don't think so. I mean I never told him", said Meher.
"And how does he feel?" asked Heer.
"I don't know. He doesn't remember the past. And for Ma's sake, I've done my best not to encourage him", said Meher.
"But you didn't discourage him either", said Heer, with a raised brow.
Meher shook her head in guilt. "I wish there was a way out of this whole mess", she sighed.
"And I wish there was something I could do to help you", Heer said, as she hugged her younger sister.
"I do too. I mean I don't want to be unrealistic, or chase after dreams that aren't going to come true. But for the time being I've stopped worrying about what will happen tomorrow", said Meher. "I've come to terms with the fact that Lalit Uncle will never accept another Mann into his family. Main toh bas issi mein khush hoon ke Preet mujhe apna ek acha dost samajhta hai (I'm just happy that Preet considers me to be a good friend)".
"Yes but for how long?" said Heer.
"Matlab (Meaning)?" asked Meher.
"Matlab ye ke (Meaning that)...how long do you think you can remain just friends...if you're in love with him?" said Heer.
A short while later...
Heer and Meher were helping Teji set the table for dinner, when Prem came home. He was surprised but happy to see Meher. The fact that Preet was behaving chirpier than usual also didn't escape his notice. He'd have to find out what was going on from Heer later, he thought.
"Mmm, everything smells real good", said Prem as he joined his family at the table. He sat down and patiently waited for Heer to pass him the bowl of chicken curry, but she ignored him completely, focusing her attention on Preet instead. Meher attempted to pass him the plate of rotis, but Heer intercepted it, and piled a few onto Preet's already full plate.
"Preet tum kuch kha kyun nahin rahe? Aur lo na (Preet why aren't you eating? Have some more)", said Heer.
"Bhabi aur kitna khilayein gi?" said Preet. "PB ko bhi dijye na (Bhabi how much more are you going to feed me. Give some to PB please)."
Heer looked at Prem and his empty plate with narrowed eyes. "Oh, sorry, I just assumed that he had already eaten...you know...with the international clients". Prem smiled at his wife's antics, he knew she was angry, but he'd make it up to her.
"Heer ye kya bachpana hai (Heer stop behaving like a child)" demanded Teji. "Let the poor boy eat".
"Thanks Ma ji", said Prem.
"Mama's boy", Heer hissed under her breath.
After dinner Preet got ready to take Meher home. Teji protested, but Preet wouldn't have it any other way.
"Heer", said Prem walking into their room. "Do you know what's going on between Preet and Meher? And how on earth did you convince your mother to let her stay for dinner with Preet around?"
"Well according to Meher they've become good friends...that's all", said Heer.
"Friends? chuckled Prem. "I distinctly remember my conversations with Preet. He may have lost his memory, but he never lost his connection with Meher. Just friends...No...it won't be long before it becomes more than that, if it hasn't already."
"Of course", said Heer. "Meher's either lying to me or to herself. And as far as Ma is concerned, she doesn't stand a chance in front of Preet. He refuses to take 'No' for an answer as far as anything to do with Meher is concerned. You saw how he insisted he would drop her home just now. So, what could Ma do?"
"Hmm...and poor Meher is caught in the dilemma of choosing between Preet and her mother", remarked Prem.
"What can she do?" sighed Heer. "On one hand, she's in love with a guy who doesn't remember that he's supposed to be in love with her, and on the other side she has Ma breathing down her neck if she so much as even looks in Preet's direction".
"Well I hope she goes with her heart", said Prem. "I was never in favor of all this hiding the truth business. I still think we should tell Preet everything and let him decide what he wants to do from here on end".
"Yes, but Ma doesn't agree", Heer reminded him. "In fact she was badgering Meher about why she wasn't pushing the issue about the house in Ambala with Cousin Manmeet. And what about your Bauji? It's a convoluted mess I tell you. But I guess that's what you get for falling in love with a Juneja".
"Abhi tak naraz ho (Are you still upset)?" asked Prem. "Would it help if I said I'm sorry and promise not to let it happen again?" He held both ears with his hands and tried to give his wife the most innocent smile he could conjure up.
"Shouldn't I be angry?" asked Heer. "You missed the ultrasound appointment today. Tomorrow you'll miss the baby's first-steps, or the first word. How many times are you going to ask for forgiveness, and expect me to get over it, because it was business?"
"Heer I'm really sorry", said Prem. "Okay let's change the topic. Why don't you show me the ultrasound pictures and tell me everything I missed".
Heer thought about it for a minute, before giving in. She showed Prem the pictures she had gotten from the doctor's office. And told him they were expecting a little girl. And how incredible it felt to see her move her little hands and feet. Prem relished every detail and after she was done, he slowly pulled his wife close to him, letting his hand rest on her slightly bulging tummy so he could hug both his wife and daughter at the same time.
"Thank you Heer", he said. "You know why this baby is so special? Because it's a little piece of you and a little piece of me all rolled up into one. Hamari Chahat (Our wish)".
"What did you say?" asked Heer.
"Hamari Chahat. Naam kaisa laga (How do you like the name)?" asked Prem.
"Wait a minute", said Heer. "I do all the hard work and you get to decide the name of the baby? No way!"
Prem smiled and kissed his moody but beautiful wife on the forehead. "Acha baba tum decide kar lena (Alright, then you decide)", he offered.
Heer allowed herself to fall back into her husband's comforting arms and smiled. "Well...maybe Chahat is not such a bad name after all".
Meanwhile...
Preet drove Meher back to Shampa and Manmeet's house. "What's the matter Meher?" He asked. "You're awfully quite. In fact, you've hardly said anything since I picked you and Heer Bhabi up from the doctor's office. Anything wrong?"
"No", said Meher.
"Nahin Meher. Kuch toh hai (No Meher. Something is up). You were super tense all through out dinner. Why do I get the feeling every now and then that you're keeping something from me?" Preet was going to prod further when he saw a road closed sign blocking the street they were driving on. "Why is this here?"
"There's like a block party-cum-barbeque-cum-garage sale going on tomorrow", explained Meher. "They've probably sealed off the street because of that. You can just drop me off here. I'll walk the rest of the way".
"Fine", said Preet, as he parked his car. "I'll walk with you".
"No Preet its okay", said Meher. "It's only a couple of blocks. I'll be fine".
"Okay then I'll walk a couple of blocks with you", insisted Preet. "In any case...um...PB has a rule that says a girl shouldn't be out unaccompanied late at night. Especially a pretty girl. Now what would he say if he found out that I broke his rule?"
"Wow...what chivalry...what courtesy...what manners", said Meher.
"Thanks", smiled Preet.
"Tumhare PB mein (In your brother)", giggled Meher as she began to walk off.
"Uh...right", said Preet, his smile fading. He walked along with Meher and watched her fish through her purse and pull out an umbrella. "What's the umbrella for?" he asked.
"I think they said on the weather forcast that it was going to rain tonight", said Meher. "In fact I think I just felt a drop or two". She tried to open her umbrella but it was stuck.
"Here let me open it for you", offered Preet.
"Preet I'm not a baby. I can open an umbrella", said Meher. "It's just stuck".
Preet watched Meher struggle with the umbrella, before he finally took it from her hands. "Allow me. It's simple really", he explained. "You just hold it from here...push this button...and voila!" To his surprise, the top part of the umbrella popped open with such force that it separated from the bottom half.
"Heh heh...I must not know my own strength", said Preet. "Well at least it's not raining". Just then, as if on cue, it began to rain very hard. Preet frowned at the broken umbrella, before tossing it to one side. "Sorry", he said, as he put his hand over Meher's head and offered her a weak smile.
Meher gave Preet an 'I give up' look before bursting out into a giggle. They walked together a little further before Preet spoke up again.
"Um...Meher...one minute...tum ye pehan lo (wear this)", Preet said as he took off his jacket and offered it to Meher.
.
"It's just a little rain Preet. I won't catch a cold. Main itni bhi nazuk nahin hoon (I'm not that delicate)", said Meher.
"Lekin transparent toh ho (But you've become transparent)", chuckled Preet.
Meher gasped as she looked down at her wet clothes clinging to her. Her face turned red, as Preet gently placed the jacket around her shoulders. White + Wet = See Through. When would she ever learn, she thought as she kicked herself mentally. To her relief, it wasn't long before they reached her house.
Meher walked up the steps to her door. She turned around to thank Preet and was surprised to find that he was standing right behind her. Close. Too close. His eyes were fixed on her face. Meher gulped and took a step back. Preet also advanced his steps, until he had cornered her against the door.
Visions of her mother looking down angrily at her flashed in her mind. "Preet...", she managed to utter. But he wasn't listening. To make matters worse Preet put one hand on the door and leaned in close to her.
"Meher...", he whispered. "Ab dey bhi doh (Will you please give me...)".
"K-k-kya (What)?" Meher asked. Her eyes widened and she could feel the goosebumps rising on her flesh and her face turning red all over again.
Preet smiled mischievously before he leaned in close to her ear and whispered. "My jacket".
Meher's mouth fell open, but before she could say anything, someone opened the door from inside.
"Meher is that you?" asked Shampa as she opened the door. To her surprise Preet and Meher landed at her feet. Both looked up at her equally stunned.
"Preet", Meher hissed as she hit him on his chest. "Get off me!"
"Uh...right!" said Preet, as he quickly stood up and helped Meher up as well. "Hi Shampa", he said offering her a weak smile.
"Hi Preet", said Shampa, not quite knowing what to make of things. "Are you coming in?"
"No...um...actually, I just came by to drop Meher home", said Preet. Shampa nodded as her gaze passed from Preet to Meher. Both were wet. And both were looking like they had just been caught doing something they shouldn't have been doing.
"Yes...thanks", Meher said as she handed his jacket back to him and pushed him out the door.
"Anytime", he smiled. "Nice to see you again Shampa".
Meher closed the door after Preet left. She knew Shampa was probably giving her questioning looks behind her back, but she wasn't in a mood to talk right now. She quickly walked past her friend to her room and straight to her window, so that she could watch Preet walk away in peace. To her surprise he hadn't gone far. A hopscotch board painted on the other side of the street had caught his eye, and he was trying his luck at it. He hopped confidently on the numbers, but on the return back to the start space, he happened to look up and saw Meher watching him. He immediately straightened up, embarrassed at being caught enjoying such a childish and girlish game. He motioned towards Meher, as if to ask if she wanted to come down and join him. Meher smiled and shook her head. Preet returned her smile, nodded in understanding, then stuck his hands in his pockets and walked away.
Bilkul pagal hain (He's absolutely crazy), thought Meher. She smiled as she sat on her bed and began to towel her hair dry. Then as if remembering something, she walked over to her closet and pulled out an easel and canvas covered in cloth. She carefully removed the cloth to reveal her unfinished painting of the Mandir in Kasauli. Tonight...after such a long time...she felt like painting again.
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.
Credit: Preet and Meher's walk home in the rain is adapted from Phir Bi Dil Hai Hindustani.
Also a special mention. As most of us know...Sushant is soon going to be making his bollywood debut in Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che, a film based on a Chetan Bhagat novel. I'd like to encourage everyone interested, to join other Sushant fans at his Fan Club (#8), for the latest up to date news and discussions. The link is below:
A seperate post dedicated to Sushant's involvement in this debut film is also available in the Kis Desh forum at the following link:
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 49 Preview: Kya ladka ladki kabhi dost ban sakte hain?
Link to next chapter: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/57405043
Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
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