Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 66

Originally posted by: -salma-

hey Fatima !!

just read the chapters 31 & 32 they are awesome ..

Meet scenes were so dorable 😍 loved the hug ... .. i love this FF

you're great writer dear !! keep it up

Thanks Fatima for the PMs 😊

Originally posted by: ummesulaiman

First or last...it doesn't matter Vrushika...😆...I still love to read everyone's comments...

Thanks for the encouraging remarks...means a lot coming from a fellow writer...by the way...I'm still waiting for your PM...weren't we supposed to like get an update from you around the 15th...🤔

Originally posted by: sushantfan

lil late but i think its a year fr this MEET FF😳

Originally posted by: ummesulaiman

Thanks Sneha...Yes...it has been a year now...I can hardly believe it my self...😆

Chapter 51 - Filmy and Cliched

"Hi Preet!" Meher spoke into her phone. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Meher", replied Preet. "Just a little busy".

"Oh...well I won't keep you then", said Meher. "Listen I was wondering if we can meet later today. I've got a surprise for you. I mean I guess its not going to be a surprise if I tell you what it is over the phone, but remember how you kept on asking me if I would handle the art deisgn for your hotel's lobby...well, I have some ideas and..."

"That's nice Meher", interrupted Preet, "and I really want to see what you've come up with, but I'm in the middle of something really important right now. I'll catch you later".

"Lekin Preet..." said Meher. But the line had disconnected.

Sorry Meher, thought Preet, as he turned his attention to the man standing in front of him. "Okay", he said. "Let's go for something not too big, not too small, simple, yet elegant...I don't know...I guess I'll know it's the right one as soon as I see it".

The next day...

"Oh...Hi Meher", replied Preet. "How are you?"

"I'm fine", said Meher, "but you've become scarce all of a sudden. Are you at the construction site? Do you want to meet later today?"

"Actually Meher, I'm sort of out of town", said Preet.

"Sir...would you follow us outside, so we can roll out the sign?" someone said in the background.

"Um Meher...I'm really sorry...but I've got to go", said Preet as he disconnected the line and followed the man who had just spoken to him outside. He watched as 2 other men unrolled a large sign with red writing on it for his approval. "Hmm...and you're sure it can be seen from that high up?" He asked.

"We've been in business since 1984, and haven't had a complaint yet", smiled the man. "Trust me it'll be perfect".

Later that night...

Meher fingered her food lazily. Eating was the least of her concerns right now. Even Harpreet's messy attempts at feeding himself did not seem amusing to her tonight.

"What happened Meher? Did I over do it with the salt?" asked Shampa.

"No", smiled Meher. "Everything is really good Shampa. I guess I'm just not very hungry right now". She excused herself from the table and went to her room. Once there, she called Heer.

"Hello Didi, How are you?" she said.

"I'm fine Meher. What's up?" asked Heer.

"Nothing much...um...Didi...is Preet around?" asked Meher.

"No", said Heer. "Actually, now that you mention it, I haven't seen him much for the past few days, but then I just figured he was busy with work. The hotel is coming into the home-stretch you know. Did you need to ask him something?"

"No", said Meher. "It's nothing really. Tell Ma I said Hi. I'll speak to you later".

A short while later...

Shampa came up to check on Meher, and found her sitting in front of a canvas, with a blank stare on her face. "Meher...you didn't eat dinner, so I thought I'd bring up some dessert. It's gajar ka halwa. I know you like it and...", said Shampa as she handed Meher a bowl, "...hey, isn't that the painting I brought back from Ambala? It's almost finished. And it looks beautiful".

"Thanks", Meher said quietly.

"So...should I make room for it on the living room wall?" asked Shampa.

"Actually Shampa...it was meant to be a gift for someone", said Meher.

"Hmm...then it must be for someone really special", said Shampa. "What's the matter Meher? You haven't been yourself lately. Is anything wrong?"

"That's what I'd like to know", sighed Meher. "It's Preet. I haven't seen him for 2 days in a row. Nor has he been answering my calls properly. It's almost like he's trying to avoid me. It's so unlike him. Something is wrong, I'm sure of it".

"Oh ho! And here I thought the love bug had bitten Preet pretty badly", joked Shampa. "Yahan toh is side pe bhi maamla kaafi kharab hai (But it's gotten you pretty bad too). Meher...relax. He's probably just busy at work. He does have a hotel to finish you know".

"I know", sighed Meher, "but 2 days...in a row? And that too right after he said he was going to speak to Ma about us. You don't think he's changed his mind do you?"

The following day...

Meher had just returned from the community center. Shampa was waiting for her. Meher looked at her friend carefully. She had a big grin on her face. "What are you so happy about?" she asked.

"Go up to your room and you'll find out", smiled Shampa.

Meher quickly went up the stairs. She gasped as she entered her room. She couldn't believe her eyes. Every inch of space seemed to be covered with red roses. Heart shaped balloons floated about. And teddy bears holding up I love you signs sat on her bed, dresser and chair.

"What on earth...", smiled Meher.

"Don't bother reading the card", chuckled Shampa. "They're all from Preet. Oh God! How sweet and romantic! He must have bought out every florist shop in town". Just then Meher's phone rang. "I bet I know who that is. I'll leave you alone to talk to Romeo in peace".

"Hello", said Meher.

"Hi Meher", said Preet. "Mera surprise kaisa laga (How did you like my surprise)?"

"Everything is so beautiful Preet", said Meher. "Per itna sab...mere liye (But all this...just for me)?"

"Nahin Meher...it's for the fat guy who lives across the street. The delivery boy made a mistake...Of course yeh sab tumhare liye hai (it's all for you)", said Preet. "That's to make up for not being able to see you for the last few days. I even had the florist remove all the thorns".

"Wow. Thanks Preet. I don't know what to say", smiled Meher. "I wish you were here with me, so I could thank you in person".

"Just hold that thought until tomorrow. You and I have a date", said Preet. "Be ready...I'll pick you up at 4 sharp".

"Are we going to go out for coffee?" asked Meher. "Why don't you just come over for dinner?"

"Meher, I'm talking about 4 am", said Preet. "So be sure to let Shampa and Manmeet know".

"4 in the morning!" cried Meher. "What are we going to do that early?"

"You'll see", smiled Preet. "Just wear comfortable shoes, and something warm. Oh and bring your camera".

The next morning...

Meher quietly closed the door behind her, and walked towards Preet's car. It was still dark, and all the houses on her street were still asleep, but Preet was waiting for her.

"Preet", she said as they began to drive off. "I don't understand why you wanted to meet so early in the morning".

"What? No hello? No...Hi Preet, I missed you?" teased Preet.

"Hi Preet! I missed you", said Meher, "Now will you tell me why we're meeting so early in the morning?"

"Well it's been a while since I last fed chickens Preet", said Meher. "Besides you didn't answer my question. And it's cold. Why do you have the top down?"

"So we can enjoy the view", said Preet.

"Its 4'o clock in the morning and still dark outside...what view?" cried Meher.

"Okay then...so I can watch your lovely hair blow about in the wind", laughed Preet.

"What's gotten into you?" asked Meher.

"Nothing Meher...just stop complaining", said Preet. "This will be fun. I promise. Just you and me. And we don't even have Veera to bother us this time..."

Meher looked at Preet. "Why did you just say that?"

"I'm not sure", Preet said shrugging his shoulder.

"Do you remember something?" asked Meher.

"No", said Preet. "Anyway, there is a blanket on the back seat. We'll be on the road for about an hour so get comfortable".

Preet checked his watch and took the highway going north towards Napa Valley. Thankfully the weather was good...now his timing had to be perfect. He looked over at Meher and smiled. She was still groggy from lack of sleep, and was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. Preet reached over and touched her cheek lovingly. Meher opened her eyes and smiled back at him, but it wasn't long before she fell asleep.

"Looks like she's up", said one of the guys, smiling in Meher's direction.

"Well hello 'lil lady", said the other guy as he opened the door for Meher. "Ready to come with us?"

Meher's eyes widened in fear. "P...P...PREET!!!" she screamed.

"Yeow!" cried one of the guys, covering his ears. "Hey lady relax. You're going to wake up the rest of the guests".

"Meher?" said Preet suddenly appearing with a 3rd guy in tow. "What's wrong?"

Meher ran through the space in between the 2 men standing near her and hugged Preet, almost making him drop the drinks he was holding. "Preet, where were you?! How could you leave me alone like this?! Yeh kaun hain?! Aur yeh kahan aa gaye hain hum (Who are they? And where are we)?!" she asked worriedly.

"Meher calm down", said Preet. "I just went to get us some breakfast. This is Bob and his crew mates, Steve and Kenny".

"Crew?" said Meher.

"I'll explain later", said Preet. "Look, there are restrooms inside. Why don't you go and freshen up, then we'll have something to eat." Meher was still confused about just what Preet was up to, but nodded and did as he asked her to. Preet passed out bagles and orange juice to Bob and his crew. "Sorry guys", he said. "This is all a surprise for her".

It wasn't long before Meher returned. She followed Preet and the other men into a van. Preet handed Meher her breakfast as soon as she was seated. "You've got about 15 minutes to finish up", he urged her.

"No coffee or tea?" Meher asked.

"Well I was hoping to avoid the caffeine", chuckled Preet. "There aren't exactly bathrooms where we're going".

A short while later the van came to a stop. Meher peered through the window and was surprised to see that they had come to what looked like an airfield.

"Come on Meher", said Preet excitedly, "let's go".

Meher exited the van cautiously and looked around. She was indeed at an airfield. Except, there weren't any airplanes around. Rather she saw groups of about 12 to 15 people waiting on one side while different crew members readied hot air balloons for flight. Bob and his crew members climbed out of their van and began to do the same.

"Preet!" cried Meher. "Would you mind telling me what is going on?"

"Isn't it obvious?" smiled Preet. "We're going for a ride".

"In a hot air balloon?!" cried Meher, her eyes widening. "I don't think so".

"What?" cried Preet. "Don't tell me you're afraid of flying".

"I'm not afraid of flying Preet", said Meher nervously. "I've just never hung above hundreds of feet in the air in a wicker basket before!"

Just then Steve walked up to them with some papers. "Mr. Juneja", he said, "we need you both to sign these papers before you take off".

"Sure", said Preet, as he quickly looked over the papers and signed them.

"What are these for?" asked Meher when it was her turn to sign.

"They're a life and death contract", said Steve. Meher's eyes widened with fear. "Just kidding. It's just standard papers all our customers have to sign. It pretty much says we won't be held liable if anything happens".

"If anything like what happens?" asked Meher worriedly.

"Like we run into a flock of birds, lightening strikes, or an act of God happens. I mean, you can't really blame us for that. Or if you know, we land on someone's property and you get arrested for trespassing. Or if you get hurt..." explained Steve.

"We can get hurt?" gulped Meher.

"Thanks Steve", said Preet dryly. "Meher relax, it's just a formality. They make everyone sign these papers as a safety requirement in keeping with their business license. Now hurry up and sign, we have to get airborne soon".

Meher reluctantly signed the papers and was promptly dragged by Preet over to a waiting hot air balloon. "Wh...why aren't we going with the other people, in the other balloon with the larger basket?" she asked as she climbed into the basket Preet had led her to.

"Are you kidding?" said Preet. "They must have at least 15 people squeezed into that one basket. Don't you get claustrophobic in tight spaces?"

"Ready for take off guys?" asked Bob as he climbed in and fired up the gas burner. The sudden roaring sound made Meher scream with fright.

"...and Bob", sighed Preet. Oh well...almost perfect, he thought.

A photographer on the ground clicked pictures of a nervous looking Meher clinging to Preet, for dear life, at take off. Before she knew what was happening, they were already 10 feet off the ground and rising. Preet encouraged Meher to look around, but she refused. As the balloon gained altitude it became colder. Meher pulled her sweater around her tightly and hugged Preet for further warmth.

"Meher...will you please open your eyes", pleaded Preet as he carefully peeled Meher's fingers off him and forced her to turn and face the view. She was about to protest when she saw the most amazing sight. The sun was coming up from the east. "Oh my God! Preet...It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

"Meher your camera", Preet reminded her. Meher nodded and quickly turned her camera on just in time to capture the beautiful sunrise coming over the hazy Napa Valley. Soon she became so engrossed in the captivating view that she forgot all about her fright.

The hour long flight was peaceful and quiet, and continued to provide awesome views through out. Bob periodically gave them information about their altitude and as well as bits of information on the land and wineries they were sailing over, and pretty much any thing else they wanted to know. He maintained the balloon at about 2000 ft most of the time, but brought it down several times to test the lower altitude winds. Meher was almost tempted to reach out and touch the sunflowers growing in the fields below...almost.

Soon they were nearing the open field where they were scheduled to land. Bob had been communicating with his crew through walkie talkies and they were already at the anticipated landing site to receive them. Meher's hands were freezing from all of the pictures she was taking. I should have worn gloves, she thought. Just then something in her camera's lens caught her eye and made her smile. It was Kenny and Steve. They were standing in the distance below, and had just unrolled a large sign with red writing on it, that read 'Will you marry me?'

"Well", smiled Preet, as he put his arm around Meher's shoulders, "I know it's not as romantic as they make it seem in the movies because we've got the gas burner roaring over our heads and Bob giving his running commentary...but...will you?"

"Preet", said Meher, "you took me 2000 ft up in the air, just so you could propose to me?"

"Well yes", said Preet, "you didn't think I was going to take a chance and risk rejection, did you? This balloon doesn't touch down unless you say 'Yes' young lady".

"In that case I better say yes", laughed Meher, as she gave Preet a hug. "Wait a minute Preet. What about Ma and your Bauji?"

"Meher, shaddi hamne karni hai...hamare Ma Bauji ne nahin. We don't need their permission, just their blessings", said Preet. "Now don't spoil this moment by worrying about anything. I'll take care of everything. I promise. Okay?"

"Okay", smiled Meher.

"Good" said Preet. He smiled and was about to hug Meher, when he stopped himself. "Ek minute. I almost forgot...I got something for you". He reached into his pocket, took out a small box, and opened it to show Meher.

Meher gasped. Inside the little box was a beautiful pear shaped diamond solitare ring, with 4 smaller square stones in a channel setting on both sides. "Preet" whispered Meher, "it's beautiful..." She watched as Preet took the ring out of the box and carefully slid it onto the ring finger on her left hand.

"There", said Preet. "It's now official".

"It's perfect", said Meher, "but you didn't have to..."

"Yes I did", smiled Preet. "Now you know what I've been up to for the last few days". He turned to Bob and signaled for him to take the balloon down, then pulled Meher into a hug. He was about to kiss her when she stopped him. "What...no kiss?" he asked disappointedly.

"Preet", whispered Meher. "You're forgetting about Bob".

"You want to kiss Bob?" asked Preet.

"Preet!" cried Meher as she smacked his arm and broke out into a laugh.

"Just kidding", laughed Preet as he hugged her again.

Later on the ground...

Bob drove Preet and Meher back to the bed-and-breakfast where their car was parked. They thanked him for helping to make their special moment such an incredible experience. Preet then went inside to pick up some drinks for their ride back, while Meher looked over the pictures she had captured in her camera.

"Your chai latte madam", said Preet as he handed Meher her drink.

"Thanks", said Meher.

"So...how did your pictures come out?" asked Preet.

"Fantastic!" Meher said happily. "I still can't believe you did all of this. Just how did you come up with the idea?"

"Let's just say I channeled the Shah Rukh Khan inside me", said Preet, as he took a deep breath and extended his arms out in SRK style.

Meher giggled at Preet's antics. "I can't wait to go back and tell Shampa and Heer Didi everything...and show them all the pictures I took", she said.

"Asli photos toh mere paas hain Meher (The real photos are in my possession Meher)", Preet said smiling mischievously. He pulled out an envelope with pictures the ground photographer had taken of them at the launch site during take off, and showed them to Meher.

Meher's mouth fell open. "Preet you're not going to show these to anyone are you?"

"Of course I am", said Preet, as he snatched the pictures from her hand and began to back away.

"But...I look like a scared cat! Give them back!" protested Meher, as she chased him around the car.

"No way", laughed Preet as he held the pictures out of reach above her head. "These are for prosterity's sake, Meher. I want our grandchildren to see them".

"Preet Juneja!" hissed Meher, as she managed to catch a hold of his jacket and pull him towards her. She looked into Preet's mischief filled eyes and couldn't help but break out into a smile herself. "I love you Preet", She said.

Preet smiled, pulled her into a hug, and kissed her on the top of her head. "I love you too Meher", he said. "And I always will".

Originally posted by: BrunoMars

And you told me that my story was good?!

This was freakin'awesome!