Chapter 50 - Filling in the Blanks
Preet sat on the hood of his car with both arms wrapped around Meher. He had just confessed his feelings to her. And much to his relief, she had reciprocated.
"Meher is there someone I should speak to?" asked Preet. "I mean...about us. Your cousin Manmeet perhaps?"
"Preet" said Meher, as she broke away from his hold and turned to face him. "I think we need to talk. Remember how you always said, you got the impression that I was keeping something from you? Well...I was".
"I already know Meher", smiled Preet. "I know all about your secret".
"You do?" Meher asked in surprise.
"Yes. You want to tell me that we knew each other before my accident", said Preet. "And that we were in love even then. Right?"
"Tumhe kaise pata chala (How did you find out)?" Meher asked in surprise. "Tumhe to kuch yaad nahin hai (I thought you didn't remember anything)".
"You were a real puzzle for me when I first met you Meher", explained Preet. "I didn't know who you were or where you came from, and yet our interactions...they were too comfortable...too familiar. You knew me...understood me so well...and you would flare up every time any talk of my engagement came up. It was driving me nuts. Then, believe it or not, Gaurav shed some light on the situation. He happened to mention that I was interested in someone before my accident. He couldn't remember the name, but didn't have to because she happened to be an artist and had left her mark on the painting she had gifted him and Sam for their wedding...Meher..." Preet smiled, lost in his thoughts for a moment. "I can't even begin to explain to you how I felt when I read your signature on that painting. After that, it really wasn't difficult to put 2 and 2 together you know".
"Yes", said Meher, "but do you know that Heer Didi and her mom..."
"Are really your sister and mother?" chuckled Preet.
"Now how did you find out about that?" Meher asked in surprise.
"Lets see...I distinctly remember a young lady named Meher Maan, standing on the Golden Gate Bridge, demanding I tell her where her sister was", explained Preet. "The same young lady shows up at my brother's house, one fine day, claiming she grew up in Ambala with my Bhabi, whose maiden name happens to be Heer Maan. Teji Maan...Heer Maan...Meher Maan".
"Smart boy", giggled Meher.
"Of course", said Preet.
"Wait a minute!" cried Meher. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you didn't tell me anything. Besides would that have made a difference?" asked Preet.
"Yes", said Meher. "I mean, I wouldn't have felt so guilty about keeping things from you. Nor would I have been so tense about my mom finding out about us".
"Okay then...I'm sorry" said Preet, holding his ears. "I guess I was having too much fun falling in love with you all over again. But what I don't understand is why everyone was keeping this from me? And if we were in love with each other...how does Ash fit into the picture?"
"I'm afraid your father wasn't happy with or accepting of our relationship", said Meher. "and it was more than just the class difference". She explained to Preet about Viren and her cousin Vishaka, and how he had helped rescue her. And how Daljeet Singh had used Viren's connection to the Maan family to fuel all sorts of misunderstandings in Lalit Juneja's head, all so her daughter could marry the boy she loved. Hearing Viren's name made Preet's blood boil. He knew instantly that Meher was telling the truth...about everything.
"It's a miracle that Prem Jiju and Heer Didi got married", sighed Meher. "If Viren had shown up just a few minutes earlier...it may very well have been a different story for them as well. I don't even want to think about it. Things went downhill pretty fast after that. Lalit Uncle refused to give his blessings for our marriage. In fact he declared his having arranged for you to marry Ashlesha instead. My parents too retracted any support. Didi had just gotten married. They didn't want to create any more problems for her. And then...the accident happened".
Meher told Preet about the devastating extent of her injuries, her road to recovery, and how Rajveer and his Dadi had helped her. "After that...you and I met at Herman and Maya's wedding", she said, "and the rest as they say...is history".
"Of course", sighed Preet. "Everything is beginning to make sense now. The discord between Ma, Prem Bhaiya,Veera and Bauji...your anger towards me...Heer Bhabi and Teji Chachee's discomfort around me. No...in fact they hated me...because they saw me as the person responsible for your death. And everything changed the day you showed up at Prem Bhaiya's house...because you had found your family".
"Yes", said Meher as she gently passed her hand over the small scar above Preet's right brow. "That's also the day I found out about your memory loss".
"That still doesn't explain why no one said anything to me", said Preet. "I mean what if I had married Ash?"
"They didn't know I was alive Preet", said Meher. "Everyone thought I died in the accident. Maybe they thought it was best if you could move on in your life. I mean you didn't remember anything anyway. Or maybe they were just doing what your father wanted".
"Yes but what about PB?" asked Preet. "He never told me the truth, even after he found out you were alive".
"Prem Jiju was never in favor of keeping anything from you Preet. But what could he do? Ma ne unko mana kar diya tha (Mother forbade him from saying anything)", said Meher. "She was afraid she'd somehow lose me again, especially since she found out that Lalit Uncle and Daljeet Singh knew I was alive and never told anyone".
"Bauji knew?" Preet asked in surprise. "And he never said anything? Just so I would do his bidding and marry Ash. Hmph! Why am I not surprised? I guess he was hoping to pass his nincompoop of a son off to the highest bidder".
"Preet, he's your father", said Meher. "He was probably only doing what he thought was best".
"How can you say that?" asked Preet. "I bet he never even once stopped to consider what would make me happy. No...He was more than likely consoling his hurt pride after the Viren fiasco. Well...I'm afraid he's going to be in for a surprise. I'm sorry Meher. I'm so sorry...about the accident...about everything you've had to go through".
"It's alright Preet. It wasn't your fault", sighed Meher. "I'm just glad you found out everything before Ma took me back to Ambala".
"Ambala? Why does she want to do that?" asked Preet.
"Well...for one, she said that since you lost your memory, you didn't have any feelings for me anymore, so she didn't want to see me get hurt", explained Meher "Also, she feels for your mom and wants Prem Jiju and Heer Didi's baby to grow up knowing her grandparents. She thinks they would be able to move back home if she is no longer living with them".
"But what about us?" asked Preet.
"As long as Lalit Uncle doesn't approve, there is no 'us' as far as Ma is concerned", said Meher. "When she found out we knew each other, she probably thought it best she and I leave before...I don't know...before something happened".
"I'm afraid it's a little too late for that", smiled Preet, as he put his arms around Meher again and leaned back on the windshield. "Don't worry Meher. Things are going to be different this time around. I promise".
On hearing his reassuring words, Meher let herself relax. She snuggled up next to Preet, and stared at the beautiful night sky. Not realizing how exhausted she had become, it wasn't long before she fell asleep.
The next morning...
Preet covered his eyes with his left hand to shield him from the sun's rays that were making him squint. He turned his head to his right and smiled as he saw Meher still asleep cuddled peacefully in his arms. It had been quite a night, one full of revelations for him. They had sat in silence staring at the starry night sky, when he discovered that Meher had fallen asleep. He had not wanted to disturb her peace. Nor had he wanted to give up the wonderful feeling of holding her so close to him. He himself had fallen asleep listening to the sound of her gentle breathing and taking in the subtle fragrance of the lilacs that was her signature. But now the glass of the windshield was feeling cold against his back.
"Meher", he said, as he kissed her forehead and gently nudged her to wake up. "Meher...uttho. Subha ho gayi hai (wake up...it's morning)".
Meher slowly opened her eyes and smiled at Preet. Slowly she became aware of her surroundings and sat up with a jolt. "Oh my God! Preet! Where are we?" She cried. "Were we here all night?"
"Yes", said Preet. "I'm afraid you fell asleep".
"And you didn't wake me?! What time is it?" She asked as she grabbed his wrist and peered at the time in his watch. "Hai Rabba! Quick! Take me home before Shampa and Manmeet find out that I'm missing".
Preet drove Meher home. Once there, she made a dash for the door. Preet followed her, picking up the morning paper from the drive way along his way.
Shampa and Manmeet must be at the breakfast table, thought Meher. What should I say to them? I was watering the plants...or...I went for an early morning walk...or... She looked down at her clothes and shook her head. Uff! Why did I have to be in my night gown?!? Just then she realized that Preet was standing next to her. "Preet! What are you doing here?" asked Meher.
"I walked you to the door, like I always do", said Preet. "What's wrong with that?"
Meher slapped her forehead. "What's wrong is...it's almost 8 in the morning. We've been gone all night, and you're in your...pajamas!"
"So? Oh! I get it...you're a girl...and you're worried about what everyone will think", chuckled Preet.
"That's not funny!" said Meher.
"Yes it is", said Preet.
"Oh yeah...I'm sure you wouldn't find it half as funny if we were standing in front of your Bauji's house", said Meher as she smacked his arm.
"Ouch! Touche", said Preet. "Okay look, don't worry. I don't see why we have to sneak around. Let me just come in and tell Manmeet and Shampa what happened and...".
"No no! Please...just go", insisted Meher.
"Okay", said Preet, as he leaned against the door with one hand. "But you used my arm as a pillow all night long. Don't I at least get a kiss good-bye?"
Before Meher could say anything, the door opened, and both she and Preet once again found themselves lying at Shampa's feet. Shampa looked from Preet to Meher, an eyebrow raised in surprise at seeing them together, so early, in their night clothes.
"Shampa...has the paper come?" asked Manmeet as he joined his wife at the door. He too glanced from Preet to Meher in surprise.
"Uff! Preet Uttho!" hissed Meher. Both she and Preet quickly scrambled to their feet. Meher's face turned red from embarrassment. Pata nahin ye dono kya soch rahe hoon ge, she thought. Ma ko pata chala toh main toh gayi (God knows what these 2 must be thinking. If Ma finds out I'm a goner). She glared at Preet, quickly excused herself, and ran up to her room, leaving Preet to fend for himself.
"Um...we were just...uh...your paper", Preet said handing the newspaper to Manmeet. "Well...it was nice seeing you both again...I think I better go".
"You never told me Preet Juneja was our paper boy", Manmeet remarked to Shampa, after Preet left. "Just what is going on here?"
"That's what I'd like to know", said Shampa.
A short while later...
Meher showered, changed and came down for breakfast. To her relief Manmeet had left for his office. But Shampa was waiting for her.
"So...?" said Shampa, as she looked at her friend questioningly with her arms folded.
"What?" Meher asked innocently.
"That's what I'd like to know. What?" asked Shampa. "I had gone to check on Harpreet last night, when I saw you and Preet sneak out of the house, so don't pretend like nothing happened Meher Maan. I won't bother asking you how he got into the house...just get to the good stuff".
"Really, Shampa you're reading too much into this. Nothing happened", said Meher as she took a bite of her toast. "except that...he told me that he loved me".
"Eeek!" cried Shampa. "I knew it! Oh Meher, I am so happy for you. Shaddi kab (When's the wedding)?"
"Well...we didn't exactly set a date last night", giggled Meher.
"But he did propose right?" asked Shampa.
"Not officially. I mean, we spent a good part of last night just talking about everything that happened. There were so many things he wanted to know. And I told him everything".
"Well good", said Shampa. "It's about time. I'm sure you're relieved".
"Yes I am", said Meher, "and the best part of it is that he loves me...and no matter what happens down the road...no one can ever take that away from me".
"Exactly. And from what I know of Preet, it won't be long before he makes sure you're his forever. I mean he better, because I'm almost afraid to open the front door now", laughed Shampa. "And we can't have him sneaking you out of the house all the time now can we".
"I'm sorry Shampa. I promise it won't happen again. Please don't tell Ma", said Meher.
"Don't worry", smiled Shampa. "I'm not going to stir up any problems for you. Waise bhi...is prem kahani mein zaroorat se ziyada lamba interval already ho chukka hai (In anycase, there has already been a longer than necessary interval in this love story). I'm ready for the finale".
"Me too" smiled Meher. "But the hotel is not finished yet. And we still have a lot of people to convince. Like Ma and his Bauji. Oh God! Sometimes it seems almost next to impossible".
"Tum chinta mat karo Meher", Shama reassured her. "Is bar sab theek hi hoga (Don't you worry about a thing Meher. This time things will work out right). Preet will make sure of it".
"I hope you're right Shampa", sighed Meher. "I really hope so".
A short while later...
Meher and Neha were unpacking supplies at the community center. "So, I called your house this morning to see if you needed a ride over, but Shampa said you had already left. She also told me about your little outing last night", giggled Neha. "I can't believe it. You were out the whole night...with a billionaire!"
"Preet", Meher corrected her.
"Did he fly you to Paris in his private jet?" asked Neha.
"We got coffee from the local gas station", said Meher, "and we just talked...okay".
"Sure...if you say so", said Neha shrugging her shoulders. "But did the talk involve those 3 little words that every girl wants to hear? Shampa already told me, so don't deny it".
"Yes...he told me that he loved me", smiled Meher.
"I knew it! I always knew he had a thing for you", cried Neha. "You're so lucky. When's the wedding?"
"I don't know. We still have to get our parents' permission and...", said Meher.
"But he did propose right?" asked Neha.
"Well...not in so many words", said Meher.
"But he will right?" asked Neha. "And when he does, I bet it will be super romantic...I'm thinking a bed of roses...him on one knee...a ring with a rock the size of Gibraltar...and him carrying you away on a white horse after you say yes. You are going to say yes aren't you?"
"Neha...you've been reading way too many romance novels", laughed Meher. "Preet and I knew each other from before. We just got separated because of our accident and..."
"Hai!" said Neha, as she clasped her hands together, "star-crossed lovers determined to overcome tragic circumstances and be united as one...how utterly romantic".
Meher rolled her eyes. "Right...well, as I was saying, we're really just trying to fix things that went wrong for us", she said.
"Meaning?" asked Neha.
"Meaning...I don't expect or need Preet to get down on one knee and propose", said Meher . "In fact I don't think it even crossed his mind".
"But of course he has to propose!" insisted Neha. "Every girl wants to be proposed to by her one true love. In fact he should make double the effort this time around to make sure everything is extra special for you. You know...um...something you can tell your grandchildren about when you get older".
"Neha you're really too much...", said Meher.
"Who's going to be proposed to?" asked Mrs. Mathews, as she popped her head into the room. "Sorry girls, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just passing by and I heard the good news".
"It's our very own Meher, Mrs. Mathews", said Neha, ignoring the glaring looks Meher was giving her, "and by none other than Preet Juneja".
"Oh my! Such wonderful news", cried Mrs. Mathews. "You know I must say, I had my suspicions about you 2 ever since the day you locked yourselves in the closet".
"Mrs. Mathews that was an accident", said Meher.
"Of course it was my dear", smiled Mrs. Mathews. "And so was him serenading you with that hideous song". Meher shook her head helplessly. "I remember when Mr. Mathews first asked me to marry him. We were both very young, and had no money. I had to settle for one of those toy rings from a box of Cracker Jacks. It only fit my pinky finger, but I didn't care, because the one person I loved most in the entire world had just asked me to be his. I hope your moment is just as special Meher. You'll cherish it for the rest of your life. Oh! I almost forgot what I came down here for...Neha...I need some help in my office please".
"Sure, I'll be there in a minute", said Neha. "See", she said after Mrs. Mathews had left, "even she understands the importance of a proposal".
Meher shook her head as she watched her friend leave. What's with everyone today? She thought. Shampa, Neha, and now even Mrs. Mathews. Preet loved her. They were going to have a happy ending this time around. That's all that mattered. Right?
Meher thought of the first time Preet had proposed to her. It had sounded more like an insult, and then they had had an awful fight. The second time he was in his pajamas and she had been surrounded by chickens. It hadn't been a real proposal, just their confession of love for one another. The third time was in front of the mandir in Kasauli, just before the accident...but it was more out of frustration from not getting support from either of their parents. And now...No..., she thought. She didn't need to be all filmy and have an official proposal. Did she? No...of course not...still...it would be nice.
Later...
Meher was in a class room absorbed in her work. She had a crafting session soon and she was busy setting up various materials they would need. Suddenly someone grabbed her from behind and spun her around. "Gotcha!" cried Preet. "Ha Ha! Meher...tumhe apni shakal dekhni chahiye (You should have seen your face)".
"Uff Preet!" Meher cried as she smacked him on his arm. "You almost gave me a heart attack! What are you doing here?"
"Well...I've been up to my elbows in boring meetings all morning and I was missing you like crazy...so as soon as I got a break I decided to hop on over and see you", said Preet.
"You just saw me this morning", giggled Meher.
"Yes, but that was almost 4 hours ago. And now I'm ready for a recharge", smiled Preet as he leaned in close to her. "What say we cut out of here?"
"I wish I could Preet", said Meher, as she gently pushed him back, and continued with her work. "But I'm expecting a group of senior citizens to show up for a class any minute now. It wouldn't be fair if they came down here and found me gone now, would it?"
Preet made a face. "Great! So now I'm competing for your time with a bunch of grannies?" He asked. "Well then...how about a walk to nearest supply closet".
"Ha ha...very funny", said Meher.
"Who said I was trying to be funny?" said Preet as he hugged Meher from behind and nuzzled her in the crook of her neck.
"Preet...koi dekh lega (someone will see us)", said Meher.
"So?" said Preet.
"So...I've already had my dose of embarrassment this morning", Meher reminded him as she broke away from his hold. "Thank you very much".
"Your cousin didn't say anything to you did he?" chuckled Preet.
"Thankfully no", said Meher. "He left for the office before I came down for breakfast. Actually I won't mind even if he does say something, as long as it's not to Ma. I spoke with Shampa this morning, so hopefully she'll make sure that doesn't happen".
"Hmm...Well then perhaps we should go and speak to your mother", Preet suggested, "before she hears it from someone else and whisks you away to some undisclosed location".
"Ambala", Meher corrected him.
"Right...Ambala", said Preet.
"Are you sure?" asked Meher.
"Why not?" said Preet. "I've already said I don't want to have to sneak around in order to see you. Actually, there is a whole list of people I need to talk to, starting with Teji Chachee".
"Aur (and)?" asked Meher.
"Prem Bhaiya and Heer Bhabi", said Preet. "In fact, maybe I should give them a heads up before I talk to your mother".
"Aur?" asked Meher.
Ma and Bauji", said Preet.
"Aur?" asked Meher.
"I don't know...Veera maybe. I mean sab se baat toh karni parde gi (I'll have to speak to everyone). Granted I don't remember anything, but we've already been on hold for like 2 years now. The new hotel will be up and running in a few more months, and that'll give everyone just enough time to plan and prepare for our wedding. Besides...I don't want to wait". Preet smiled as he pulled her into a hug again.
Kamal hai, thought Meher, pouting. Hamari shaadi ke bare mein sab se poochne ka iraada hai, siwaye mujhse. (Amazing. He wants to ask everyone about marrying me except me).
"Kya hua Meher. Mujhe aise kyun lag raha hai ke hamari shaadi ki baat soon ker sirf main khush ho raha hoon (What hapened Meher? Why do I get the impression that I'm the only one who is excited about our marriage)?" asked Preet.
"Nahin Preet...aisi koi baat nahin hai (No Preet. It's not like that)", muttered Meher.
"Toh phir kya baat hai (Then what's bothering you)?" asked Preet.
"It's nothing really", said Meher. "I mean it's probably of no significance...but..." Just then some people began to walk into the room. "Oops! Preet, I'm afraid you'll have to go. My class has begun to arrive. I'll talk to you later", said Meher as she nudged Preet towards the door.
"Lekin (But) Meher...", said Preet.
"Later Preet...please", said Meher.
Later that evening...
"Hi Preet", said Shampa as she answered the door. "Come on in".
"Hi", said Preet. "Is Meher around?"
"She just went to the neighbor's house. We baked cookies earlier and they have kids so we decided to share", explained Shampa. "She'll be back in a few minutes. Why don't you have a seat? Better yet, why don't you stay for dinner? I'm sure Meher would like that".
"Actually...I didn't really get a chance to spend anytime with her today, so I thought maybe I could take her out for dinner or something", said Preet.
"Oh my God! I'm so excited" said Shampa. "Is this the big moment?"
"The big moment?" asked Preet.
"Come on Preet. I'm Meher's Bhabi and best friend", said Shampa. "you didn't expect Meher to keep things from me did you? I know you confessed to her last night. So when are you going to ask her to marry you?"
"Ask her to marry me?" said Preet.
You do plan to marry her don't you?" asked Shampa.
"Yes, but why do I have to ask her?" said Preet. "Aren't we like going the traditional route of talking to our parents and letting them handle things from there. I mean I just assumed we were going to pick up from where we left off, and..."
"You don't have to bunk tradition in order to make Meher feel special Preet", said Shampa. "Besides don't you think she deserves something, considering everything she's been through?"
"What do you want me to do be all filmy and cliched and get down on one knee and propose to her like they do in the movies?" asked Preet.
"Yes", said Shampa.
"Meher likes filmy and cliched?" asked Preet.
"Come on Preet. DDLJ is Meher's favorite movie", said Shampa.
"I know...but...that's just not my style", said Preet.
"Oh really", said Shampa. "That's how you did it the first time she rejected you".
"She rejected me?!?" cried Preet.
"In the rain", said Shampa.
"Are you serious?!?" asked Preet. "Uh...Just how many times did I have to ask?"
"Let's just say...It was much easier for you this time around", chuckled Shampa.
"Preet?" said Meher as she walked into the room. "Tum kab aye (When did you come)?"
"Hi Meher", said Preet. "I...uh...was just passing by and thought I'd stop and see you".
"Great", smiled Meher, "would you like to stay for dinner?"
"No", said Preet getting up. "I'm afraid I just remembered something I need to take care of and won't be able to stay". Preet smiled and nodded at Shampa and walked towards the door.
"Is everything alright?" Meher asked as she walked him to the door.
Preet turned and smiled at Meher. He reached out and gently tucked her hair behind her ears and kissed her on her forehead. "Everything is just fine Meher. In fact...everything is going to be just perfect".
Yay!!! We've made it to 50 chapters of Aadha Ishq. 😃.
Hope you all liked today's update as well. Please don't forget to leave your comments or at least hit the like button. Thanks again for your support.
Special thanks to Athisda 🤗 for coming up with the banner idea, and to Neha 🤗 for her creation.
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 51 Preview: Preet proposes to Meher...in his own style...😆
Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
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