Chapter 49 - Ladka Ladki Aur Dosti
Meher had just finished giving her class at the community center, when she was informed that there was a visitor waiting for her in the office. It must be Preet, she thought happily. She quickly gathered her things and rushed to greet the young man waiting for her. To her surprise, it wasn't Preet, it was Rajveer.
"Rajveer?!?" cried Meher.
"Hey Meher!" said Rajveer, as he walked over and hugged her.
"I can't believe this! What are you doing here?" asked Meher. "How is Kastur? How is Dadi? Is she here too?"
"Whoa! One question at a time", said Rajveer. "I'm in town for a series of surgical specialties conferences. Kastur is fine, and she said to give you her regards. Dadi is fine too. She sends you her love. She's off on another rescue mission, otherwise she surely would have come. I'm going to be here for a couple of weeks. I'll be lecturing and attending meetings most of the time, but any day or night I have free, I'm booking you in advance. I expect you to show me everything San Francisco has to offer. We can start by having coffee right now. Oh and the most important part...I missed you Meher".
"I missed you and Dadi too", said Meher. "And I'm really sorry for being so bad about keeping in touch. But you won't believe everything that's happened to me since I came here. I've found my family and so much more. Uff! I have so much to tell you".
"Amazing!" said Rajveer. "I can't believe this is the same Meher Maan I found not so long ago at a women's shelter in Kasauli. You seem so happy and so full of life. And whatever the reason behind it, I'm glad...I'm glad you've got your beautiful smile back. So...where can we get a decent cup of coffee?"
"Actually, there is a very nice coffee shop nearby", said Meher, "but it's such a beautiful day, we won't stay indoors. I'll show you a real scenic spot where we can go and enjoy it instead. You can see the whole town from there".
"Sounds like a plan", smiled Rajveer. He walked out of the building with Meher, towards the parking lot. They had almost reached his car when someone pulled up next to them. It was Preet.
"Hi Meher", he said. "I was just coming to see you. If you're done for the day maybe we could..." He stopped short when he spotted Rajveer.
"Hi Preet. Um...this is a friend of mine, Dr. Rajveer Malhotra", said Meher. "Rajveer, this is Preet. Preet Juneja".
"Juneja?" said Rajveer. "Isn't your sister...?"
"Um...Uh...Rajveer is in town for a meeting", interrupted Meher. "We were just going to get some coffee. You're welcome to join us if you like Preet. I'm sure Rajveer wouldn't mind. Right Rajveer?"
"Uh...yeah", said Rajveer. "Meher was just telling me about a scenic spot where you could see the entire city".
Preet looked at Meher in surprise. "Perhaps another time", he said quietly.
"Well it was nice to meet you, Preet", said Rajveer. "Chalo (Let's go) Meher".
Preet's heart sank as he watched Meher walk off with Rajveer. He's just a friend, he reassured himself. Mujhe itna burra kyun lag raha hai (Why am I feeling so bad about it)?
"Nice guy", said Rajveer, as he and Meher seated themselves in his car. "Is he by any chance related to Lalit Juneja?"
"Yes. He's his son", said Meher. "You know him?"
"My schedule doesn't allow me much time to socialize Meher, but I believe Dadi knows Mr. Juneja quite well", said Rajveer. "Your sister is married into that family too right?"
"Yes", said Meher.
"And Preet is...?" asked Rajveer.
"He's my sister's devar (younger brother-in-law)", replied Meher.
"And your friend?" asked Rajveer.
"Yes" said Meher.
"Good friend?" asked Rajveer.
"Yes", said Meher.
"Really really good friend?" asked Rajveer.
"Rajveer! What's wrong with you?" asked Meher. "And what's with all of these questions?"
"Nothing", said Rajveer. "It's just that...well you know what they say...ladka ladki kabhi dost nahin ban sakte (A boy and girl can't ever really be just friends). So I was wondering if..."
"That's not true", said Meher. "We're good friends aren't we?"
"Yes", sighed Rajveer. "We are good...friends".
A few days later...
Preet slammed the phone down in frustration. He hadn't seen Meher for almost a week. He wouldn't be seeing her tonight either, and he was in a bad mood because of it. She had plans, with Rajveer...again. Between the community center, household chores, photography, and now her new friend, she just hadn't had time for Preet. Why? He wondered. She never had a problem making time for me before...before her new friend had shown up that is. He hadn't realized when it had become like a habit to have Meher around him, but for the time being she had become someone elses, and it bothered him to no end.
Preet picked up his jacket and walked out of his office. The work lying unattended on his desk would have to wait until tomorrow. Right now he just needed to get out.
A short while later....
Meher looked around the nightclub, Rajveer had asked her to meet him at. The place was full of loud music, colored lights, alcohol flowing freely, and too many people, wearing too little clothing. She always felt out of her element in places like this.
Meher, made her way to the bar and sat down. What she really wanted to do was go home. Why did I agree to come down here? And what is taking Rajveer so long? She wondered. Unbeknownst to her, Rajveer had made several attempts to call her to let her know that an unexpected meeting had come up and he wouldn't be able to make it. But the ringing of her phone had gone unheard in the noise of her surroundings.
"Well if it isn't my desi girl!" said a young man suddenly pulling into the seat next to her. "Can I buy you a drink?"
"No thanks", Meher said politely.
"Hey it'll be my pleasure, really", said the young man. "I've been watching you from over there for some time now".
Meher looked at the man. The way he was looking at her made her feel uncomfortable. "I don't drink. And I think you've had one too many too", she said getting up to go.
"That's okay", said the man following her. "How about a dance instead?"
"No thanks", said Meher.
"Hey!" said the man grabbing her by the arm. "I'm talking to you. Don't just ignore me and walk away!"
"Let go of me!" cried Meher as she struggled to get free. When she saw that he wouldn't listen, she slapped him hard across his face.
For a minute the young man looked stunned. "You slapped me! Why you little bitch!" he cried as he grabbed hold of Meher's wrist again and proceeded to drag her towards the exit. "I'll teach you not to mess with me!" Meher was still struggling to get free, when someone suddenly grabbed the young man's arm and stopped him. Both looked up to see who it was.
"Let her go", said Preet.
"Hey hero...why don't you mind your own business!" said the man giving Preet a slight push.
Preet shook his head and put his hand on the man's shoulder. "I said...let her go", he said gritting his teeth.
"Kyun?" said the man. "Tumhari kuch lagti hai kya (Why? Does she mean something to you)?"
Preet looked at Meher and then jerked the man's arm hard, causing him to release Meher from his grip. "Han (Yes)", he said stepping in between Meher and the young man, "lagti hai (she does)". The man was about to say something, when Preet raised a finger in warning to him. The serious look on Preet's face and anger flashing in his eyes frightened the man and he decided it would be better for him to back off. He gave Meher a disgusted look and walked away.
"Preet shukr hai tum... (Preet thank you for...)", Meher began, but quickly stopped mid sentence, when she saw Preet glaring angrily at her. He suddenly grabbed her hand and dragged her out of the club and to the lot where his car was parked.
"Get in", he ordered.
Meher gulped, quickly got in the car and fastened her seatbelt. She had never seen Preet this upset before. No...not upset...he was angry. Preet sped through the entire drive, without saying a single word. Meher wasn't in the mood to talk either. She closed her eyes, and held on for dear life, half wishing a police officer would stop Preet for speeding and half wishing she would just make it home alive. After what seemed like an eternity to Meher, Preet brought the car to a screeching halt in front of her house.
"Are you crazy or something?!" Meher cried. "What's gotten into you?!"
"Me?! What about you?! Tum wahan akaili kya kar rahi thi (Why were you there alone)?!" demanded Preet. "Tumhara woh dost kahan tha?! Tumhe kuch ho jata toh (Where was that so called friend of yours? What if something had happened to you)?!"
"Mujhe kuch hua nahin (Oh! Nothing happened to me)...so you decide to finish the job by scaring me to death during the drive over?!" said Meher. "Makes perfect sense!"
"Well excuse me!" said Preet. "This is what I get for saving your butt tonight?!" He got out of the car and opened the door for Meher. "Out!"
"What?!" cried Meher.
"You heard me...out!" said Preet. "You may have nothing better planned but another day out with the good doctor, but I have a busy day tomorrow!"
Meher was stunned. She got out and watched as Preet's car pulled out and sped away into the night. Damn it! She thought. He was upset as it is. Why did I have to make him angrier? He's probably speeding down the highway right now. What if he gets into an accident? No! I don't even want to think about that.
Meher went inside, and straight up to her room. She looked at her clock, and went and changed into her night clothes, then looked at the clock again. Why had time suddenly come to a standstill? Meher continued to pace in her room for another half-an-hour. Finally she picked up her phone and called Heer.
"Hello Didi? I'm sorry to be calling so late. Preet ghar aa gaya kya (Has Preet gotten home yet)?" she asked.
"Yes", said Heer. "But he was in a very bad mood. Tum doono ke beech mein koi jhagda hua kya (Did you 2 have an argument)?"
"Nahin (No)", Meher lied. "I just wanted to know if he got home alright. Good-night Didi". Meher breathed a sigh of relief. At least Preet was safe.
The next morning...
"Hey Meher!" said Shampa. "Something smells good!"
"I'm making gobi ke parathe (cauliflower stuffed bread)" said Meher. "Would you like some?"
"Thanks", said Shampa, taking a bite. "Mmm...they're really good".
"You think so?" asked Meher. "Gobi is Preet's favorite sabzi. We sort of had an argument last night and I thought I'd make some for him and take it to the office. Sort of like a peace offering".
"Meher", said Shampa. "I've been meaning to talk to you. Teji Chachee called yesterday. She obviously had no clue about how much time you and Preet have been spending together lately".
"You didn't say anything did you?" Meher asked.
"No", said Shampa. "But she was asking about the farm house again. I spoke with Manmeet last night and he thinks we can have it available for her as early as next month. But what I'd like to know is, if she wants to go back to Ambala as soon as possible so you can forget about Preet, why are you standing here making parathe for him? What's going on?"
"I don't know", sighed Meher. "I'm not going to lie to you and say nothing. I love him, Shampa. Nothing Ma will do can ever change that. But as long as she feels Preet's parents will not accept me, nothing I say convinces her to change her mind about leaving".
"Have you spoken to Preet about this?" asked Shampa.
"What's the point? He doesn't remember anything about us, because of the accident" said Meher.
"So what! Talk to him and find out how he feels now", said Shampa. "I've seen the way he looks at you Meher. I'm sure he has feelings for you. I mean...he must. Look how he's always running around after you".
"And what about his father?" asked Meher.
"Let Preet take care of him", suggested Shampa. "If you just walk away without ever saying anything, you'll never know what could have happened. And you'll be left wondering 'what if' for the rest of your life".
"I don't know", sighed Meher. "Mera dil kehta hain (My heart says)...I should tell Preet everything. Then I remind myself of everything that's happened in the past. Aur phir mera demaag kehta hai...sapne dekhna chod do. Isse koi farak nahin padne waala. Ma naraz ho jaye gi. Preet ke Bauji mujhe kabool nahin kareinge (And then my brain says to stop dreaming. It won't change anything. Ma will get angry. Preet's father will never accept me). And then the dream will once again be shattered. So you see...it's a hopeless case. Anyway, I don't want to think about anything but the present, for now. And for the time being, all I know is that Preet and I have had a little misunderstanding and I'd like for us to get back to being friends again".
"You and Preet...just friends?" chuckled Shampa.
"Yes. What is so incredible about that?" asked Meher.
"Nothing", smiled Shampa. "It's just that I always thought ladka ladki kabhi dost nahin ban sakte (a boy and girl can never be just friends)...especially if they're in love with each other".
A short while later...
"I was pretty rough with her last night, Gaurav", said Preet. "She must have been so scared at the club last night. Then to top it all off I drive her home like a maniac. I shouldn't have done that. I mean she's been in a car accident before you know. I couldn't get any sleep last night, just thinking about it. Maybe I should just call her and apologize".
"Don't call her Preet. I mean, she ditched you for a doctor." said Gaurav.
"She didn't ditch me", protested Preet.
"Right...because you guys were... just friends anyway", scoffed Gaurav. "So...how long has she known this doctor? I mean he didn't just fall from the sky. They must have had a past".
"How am I supposed to know?!?" cried Preet.
"Well at least you know she wasn't after your money", said Gaurav. "So...um...was he better looking than you?"
"Gaurav!" Preet cried out in frustration. "Would you kindly remind me how we became such good friends?"
Just then Preet's secretary buzzed him. "Sir, a Miss Meher Mann is here to see you".
"Great! Please send her in Diane", said Preet. Meher had come to see him. What a relief! I'll just apologize for last night and we can start all over again, he thought smiling to himself.
"Oh good she's here!" cried Gaurav. "Now remember, you're the man. Don't cave in so easily. And for God's sake wipe that stupid smile off your face and look busy!"
A few minutes later, the door opened and Meher walked in. "Hi!" she said smiling at Preet and nodding at Gaurav.
"Hi", said Preet.
"I know you're probably very busy, so I'll make this really quick. I come in peace and with an offering", Meher said holding out a plate wrapped in aluminum foil.
Preet opened the foil from one side and the delicious aroma of the parathe filled his cabin. "Gobi ke parathe?" he said.
"Gobi ke parathe!" echoed Gaurav as he reached out for the plate.
Preet smacked his hand. "For me!" he warned his friend. "Thanks Meher. You shouldn't have".
"Yes I should have", said Meher. "It's the least I could do considering you 'saved my butt' last night".
"Meher, I'm sorry", smiled Preet. "I was rude to you last night, and it was incredibly insensitive of me to frighten you with my driving. I promise it won't happen again. I guess I was just upset that you had been ignoring me because of your new...friend".
"Boy...friend", Gaurav piped in.
"Preet, I wasn't trying to ignore you. And he's just a friend", said Meher, giving Gaurav a look.
"Hmpf! Who happens to be a boy", said Gaurav.
"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Meher. "Rajveer is a very sweet person. He was there for me at a very difficult time in my life".
"Ahhh...So you 2 share a history together", Gaurav said, as he gave Preet a look. "See...I told you".
"What? What did you tell him?" asked Meher.
"Meher, forget him", Preet said, as he glared at his friend. "It's almost lunch time. How about if we take these parathe and go down to the docks? Maybe pick up something to drink along the way".
"I'd like to Preet", said Meher. "But I can't. I'm..."
"...meeting Rajveer", Preet finished her sentence for her.
"Preet...try and understand. He's only in town for a short time", said Meher. "I'm the only friend he has here".
"Girl...friend", said Gaurav.
"Friend", said Meher.
"Who happens to be a girl. How convenient!" remarked Gaurav. "Meher, didn't anyone ever tell you ke ladka ladki kabhi dost nahin ban sakte (that a boy and girl can never be just friends) ?"
"Uff!" cried Meher. "If I hear that line one more time...I'm going to explode!"
"Well its true", insisted Gaurav, "especially with a pretty girl. Inevitably the sexual attraction get's in the way".
Meher's mouth fell open. "So by your account, Preet and I can't be friends either", she said.
"Right!" said Gaurav.
"Wrong!" cried Preet. "Ignore him! You and I are different."
"Oh really", cried Meher. "How?
"Yeah. How?" asked Gaurav.
"Because...we just are!" insisted Preet.
"I don't have time for this nonsense", said Meher, as she turned to leave. "You know, you both really need to grow up. Oh and Preet...I wouldn't really take relationship advice from your boy...friend."
Preet watched helplessly as Meher walked out of his office. He turned and whacked his friend on the head.
"What?!?" asked Gaurav innocently.
Later that night...
Meher was asleep in her bed, when she heard a noise. {Klink Klink}. She rubbed her eyes and looked around, but there was nothing. Shaking her head, she turned and went back to sleep. It wasn't long before she heard another sound. {Tap Tap Tap} {Tap Tap Tap}. It was coming from the window. She turned the light on and glanced at her clock. It was 2:00 am. Just then she saw a head appear at her window. Meher gasped. She would have screamed too, except that she recognized that unruly head of hair.
"Meher" {Tap Tap Tap} "Meher open up", hissed Preet.
Oh No! Ab kya ho gaya (What happened now)? Meher wondered as she ran to the window and opened it. "Preet?"
"Hi Meher", smiled Preet. "Are you awake?"
"I am now", Meher sighed. "Per tum yahan kya kar rahe ho (But what are you doing here)?"
"I had to talk to you, but your phone's switched off", explained Preet. "I didn't know what else to do".
"Han per itni raat ko (Yes but at this time of the night)? Is everything alright?" asked Meher.
"It won't be if you don't let me in", said Preet. "I mean...I don't know how much longer this drainpipe will hold me up. Help me in will you?"
Meher nodded. A few minutes later Preet was standing in her room, dressed in his pajamas, leaning against the wall, watching her look for her robe.
"Okay Preet...ab batao (now tell me)", said Meher as she put on her robe. "Tum theek toh ho na (Are you alright)?"
"Yes. Well...no actually. I mean...coffee peenay chalein (you want to go grab some coffee)?" asked Preet.
"Abhi (Now)? Aur is tarah (And like this)?" asked Meher, pointing to their clothes.
"Mujhe neend nahin aa rahi (I can't sleep)...Please", Preet pleaded.
"Okay...either you've totally lost it or this is a really bad joke", said Meher.
"Kya Meher...main tumse baat karne ke liye pipe ke uppar chada hoon. Aur tum mere liye itna bhi nahin kar sakti (Come on Meher. I climbed the drain pipe just to speak with you. Can't you at least do this much for me)?" asked Preet.
Meher wasn't sure what to make of Preet's behavior, but she nodded and gave in, lest he make a scene. They quietly tip-toed downstairs and out of the house, picked up coffee from the local 24 hour gas station and drove to the same scenic spot they had come to once before.
Meher sat on the hood of the car. Her legs dangled to one side, while her foot moved impatiently in circles, as she waited for Preet to say something. He stood in the distance studying the sleepy city scene before him and sipped his coffee in silence.
"Preet", she said, finally breaking the silence. "Do you mind telling me what was so important that you insisted on taking me out...in my robe...at 2 in the morning for?"
"I just wanted to see you Meher", said Preet.
"At 2 in the morning?" asked Meher.
"Sorry. I guess I just wasn't thinking", said Preet. "But I wanted a chance to spend some time with you before you were booked for the rest of the day, by your...friend".
"Rajveer", said Meher.
"Whatever..." said Preet. He took a deep breath before proceeding. "Meher...I've given it a lot of thought and...I don't want you to see him again".
"Excuse me?" Meher said in disbelief. "Why not?"
"What do you mean why not? I just don't want you to", said Preet. "Have you seen the way he looks at you? I don't like it".
"Preet you only met him once", said Meher getting annoyed.
"Yes. But I sized him up in that one meeting", explained Preet. "Besides...I'm a guy. I know how guys' minds work. And I...didn't like the vibes I got from him".
"Uff!! Don't tell me you brought me out here, at 2 in the morning, just to give me a lecture on why people of the opposite sex can't be friends, because I'm not interested!" Said Meher. "Really Preet...I never thought you'd be so narrow-minded, old-fashioned and chauvenistic!"
"Me...narrow-minded and chauvenistic?!" cried Preet. "Meher...tum samajhne ki kosish kyun nahin kar rahi ho (why aren't you trying to understand)?"
"No! You don't understand", said Meher. "Rajveer is a good friend of mine. I owe him and his family a lot. He doesn't know anyone else here...I'm just trying to be nice...and right now, I want to go home".
"But Meher'", said Preet.
"No Preet! I want to go home", insisted Meher. "Waise bhi (in any case)...by your standards...I shouldn't even be here with you right now".
"That's different!" insisted Preet.
"How?" demanded Meher. "Why the double standard? Come on tell me!"
"Because I love you damn it!" Preet blurted out. His tone softened on seeing the startled look on Meher's face. "I love you. And I don't want to share you with anyone else".
Before she could say anything, Preet slid his arm around her waist, pulled her close to him and kissed her. He kissed her not softly or gently, but possessively...a long and possessive kiss. Meher slowly felt herself melt, as he made her forget just how annoyed she had been with him only a few moments ago. Her arms snaked around his neck as he pulled her closer, trying to express all he felt for her. Then she felt him smiling, and it made her smile too. She pulled away just enough so she could gaze into his deep brown eyes and smiled. He moved in closer again leaning his forehead against hers and whispered, "Mine".
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 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 (#9), 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 50: Preet learns the truth about his past with Meher
Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
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