Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 70

Ah yes...so the cat is out of the bag...😆...

Originally posted by: bonnefille

Read three chapters back to back and all of them are wonderful.

Loved the banner for the 50th update. Meet look beautiful together.

The proposal was sp mushy and filmy ☺️...so Preet, so Meher...so you!!! 😆

I am sure Lalit is assuming Preet to be in love with Ash; Daljeet as usual got him first.

You mentioned in Sushant's FC that this was your second last update. How will I now get to enjoy my Friday blockbusters? 😭

Thanks for the comments Athisda..😛...Good guessing as to what Lalit has in mind...Preet will be forced to go along? But will he?

i know there's a plan.. that ashjeet jodi will not keep quiet..

Chapter 53 - Golmaal

"Hi Preet", said Shampa, as she answered the door. "What's up?"

"Hi Shampa, where's Meher?" Preet asked excitedly.

"She's in her room, but why are you so...", said Shampa.

"No time to talk right now", cried Preet, as he dashed up the stairs and headed straight for Meher's room.

Meher had been painting, when she heard Preet's voice coming from downstairs. She began to walk towards the door, when she remembered she still had paint on her hands. She quickly wiped her hands clean just as Preet entered the room. "Ha Ha!" he cried as he grabbed her and spun her around.

"Preet! Put me down. Have you gone crazy?" Cried Meher.

"Yes!" Cried Preet happily. "And you'll go crazy too, once you hear what I have to tell you. He said yes, Meher!"

"What are you talking about?" Meher asked. "Who said yes?"

"Bauji! Bauji said yes to you and me! I mean...to us getting married!" cried Preet. "We don't have to worry about anything now!"

"Preet Juneja if you're pulling my leg...I am not amused", said Meher.

"I'm not! Dharti Ma ki kasam!" said Preet.

"But how?" Wondered Meher. "I mean...just like that?"

"I don't know. I was talking to Ma about you, and he overheard our conversation", explained Preet. "He had just come from the new hotel site and was in a really good mood. He gave his stamp of approval...even told me he was proud of me for all the work I did. I guess PB was right. Once Bauji saw that I could really stand on my own 2 feet and do something well, he'd trust me on my judgment".

"But what about Ashlesha and her mother?" asked Meher.

"Bauji said he'd take care of them", replied Preet, "after all he was the one who brought them into the picture in the first place".

"Sounds incredible", said Meher. There was uncertainty in her voice. "Almost...too good to believe.

"Well believe it", said Preet, happily tweaking her cheeks. "His only condition was that we wait until the hotel is up and running before we have the actual wedding. But that's okay, because that's what we wanted anyway, right?"

"Right", said Meher quietly.

"What's the matter Meher?" asked Preet. "Are you still not convinced?"

"No Preet, it's not that...", said Meher.

"Maybe this will help", smiled Preet. He made Meher sit on her bed, pulled out a red box from his pocket, and opened it to reveal 2 beautiful kangan. "Ye Ma ne bhaije hain...dhair sare pyar ke saat (Ma sent these for you...with loads of love)".

Meher gasped. "Preet...they're beautiful", she said.

"Oh...it's right here", said Meher, as she walked over to her dresser and brought back her trinket box. "I was painting earlier and I took it off so I wouldn't get any paint on it". Preet watched her pick up the ring and slide it back on her left hand.

"And what's this?" asked Preet, picking up a heart shaped diamond pendant. "Don't tell me it was a gift from the good doctor".

"Preet!" said Meher, smacking his arm.

"Okay okay...just kidding", laughed Preet. "It's just that it looks awfully familiar, even though I don't remember having seen you wear it".

"Maybe that's because you gave it to me", explained Meher

"I did?" Asked Preet. Meher nodded and smiled. "Well then let me put it on you", he said as he carefully pushed Meher's hair to one side and fastened the necklace around her neck. He then kissed her behind her ear making her giggle. "What about these?" Preet asked pointing to a set of beautiful green bangles.

"These are from you too", smiled Meher.

"Wow...I have remarkably good taste", said Preet.

"Yes", laughed Meher. "But don't expect me to put them on right now too. I mean you're turning me into a jewelry shop".

"Nope", said Preet. "Just making sure the world knows you're already taken. Speaking of which Meher...I was just wondering...have you seen Rajveer lately?"

"No", said Meher. "He's called me a few times, but I've been busy".

"Good", said Preet. "I mean...I don't have a problem with you seeing him anymore, but I think you should talk to him, as soon as you get the chance and make sure he knows about us".

"Preet, I already told you, Rajveer and I are just good friends", insisted Meher. "It's not at all like you're thinking".

"You think so Meher, because you've always seen him as just a friend", explained Preet. "But trust me...it's not the same the other way around. Tum ho hi itni pyari ke kisi ka bhi dil tum pe aa sakta hai (You are so sweet and lovable that anyone could easily fall for you)".

"Preet, I'm sure you're wrong", interrupted Meher.

"Look Meher", said Preet, "if I am wrong, then as a friend, you should share your good news with him and he'll be happy for you. But if I'm not wrong...well...from what you've told me...Rajveer is a nice guy. He's helped you out a lot. The last thing you'd want is for him to be misled or get hurt".

"Alright Preet", sighed Meher. "I'll tell him about us the next time I see him, happy? It'll just seem a bit strange since I've never shared matters pertaining to my personal life with him before".

"Good", said Preet, getting up. "Okay...let's change the topic. You said you were painting. Let me see what it is".

"No Preet!" cried Meher as she ran to her canvas and quickly turned it to face away. "You can't see it just yet".

"Why not?" asked Preet.

"For me?" asked Preet.

"For us", smiled Meher.

"Chalo theek hai...fil haal ke liye maaf kiya (Okay...I'll let it go this time)", said Preet, as he slid his arm around Meher's waist and pulled her close to him. "Let's talk about Saturday. Ma and Bauji are having their anniversary party. All of their important friends are going to be there, not to mention a lot of our important business associates. Now these parties are usually a bore, but Bauji wants to announce our engagement there, in front of everyone".

"Really?" asked Meher.

"Yes really, so be ready", smiled Preet.

"Right", said Meher, as she took a nervous step towards her closet. "What should I wear? I mean, what would be suitable enough for your parents' party? Maybe I should go shopping..."

"Aray Meher, I didn't mean be ready in terms of dressing up", laughed Preet, "I meant be ready because everything we wanted is finally coming true". He looked at Meher and saw a look of uncertainty creeping up on her face again. He took her into his arms again and reassured her. "Don't worry...everything will be just perfect".

A few days later...

Meher was waiting for Rajveer in the outdoor seating area of the restaurant they had decided to have lunch at.

"Hi Meher", said Rajveer as he took his seat in front of her. "I hope I'm not too late".

"Doctors are always running late", laughed Meher. "How have you been?"

"Busy", said Rajveer. "We're down to the last set of meetings and lectures in the conference series. But it must be my lucky day. I mean usually it's me calling to see if you're free, but today you took the initiative".

"Yes, well I...uh...wanted to invite you to a party on Saturday evening", said Meher.

"Sounds like fun", said Rajveer. "My last presentation ends on Saturday morning. If you'd like I can even come over earlier and help you set up".

"No that's alright", smiled Meher. "Actually the party is for Mr. and Mrs. Juneja. It's their wedding anniversary and it's going to be held at their waterfront hotel. But Preet said we could invite our friends too since there is going to be an announcement about Preet and me...".

"Preet and you?" asked Rajveer.

"Preet asked me to marry him", explained Meher, "and..."

"...and you said yes", said Rajveer finishing her sentence for her. He passed his hand over his face and sighed. "Well...I guess I can't really say I'm surprised. That day I met Preet, he didn't exactly seem too happy about you and me going off together. I sort of suspected there may be something going on between you 2 that was more than what meets the eye...but perhaps I was hoping against hope that I was wrong".

"What?" Meher asked in surprise.

"You have no idea do you?" asked Rajveer looking Meher straight in the eyes. "...about how I feel".

"I...I thought...you were my friend", Meher stammered. "I thought you'd be happy for me".

Meher looked up at Rajveer in surprise. These had been the exact words Preet had used. "I'm sorry Rajveer", she interrupted, "but I've always only loved Preet. If it weren't for the accident..."

"Yes...the accident...the same accident which brought us together. I helped you get your life back Meher, after Preet had left you for dead and never looked back", said Rajveer grudgingly. "How can you trust him again? Why are you setting yourself up for another fall?"

"I'm not!" cried Meher. "And Preet would never have intentionally done anything to hurt me. He didn't look for me because he didn't remember anything. He lost his memory in the accident Rajveer...else he would never have abandoned me like that. I know you and Dadi have done a lot for me, and I will forever be indebted, but if this is something you expected in return...then I'm sorry".

"Meher, I'm sorry. I know how I must have just sounded to you, but that's not what I meant", said Rajveer.

"I'm sorry too Rajveer", said Meher, getting up. "But believe me...never in my wildest dreams did I ever want to hurt you or give you the impression that there could ever be anything between us. Perhaps I should go".

"Meher wait...", said Rajveer.

"Good-bye Rajveer", said Meher. Damn! She thought, as she walked away. Why did Preet have to be right about this?

Saturday...

"Meher, are you sure you won't go to the hotel with us?" asked Heer, as she and Prem readied themselves to leave.

"I can't Didi", said Meher. "Shampa and Manmeet had an important dinner to attend with some clients, and Harpreet's baby-sitter is running a bit late. But it's okay. I spoke to Preet and he said he'll pick me and Ma up in a little while. Waise bhi...He wanted us to make our entry together. You 2 go on ahead. There's no point in your being late. We'll join you at the hotel soon".

"Alright", said Heer as she hugged Meher.

Just then Prem's phone rang. "What's up Preet?" he said.

"Well...Harman Bhaiya and Kiran Jiju are busy discussing a deal with some business associates. Ma and Kul Di are busy with their respective circle of friends exchanging their favorite kid stories,Veera's got her ears plugged into her Ipod, and I think Maya Bhabi just found her next client. So basically...I'm dying out here. Where are you?" complained Preet.

"We just dropped Teji Chachee at Manmeet's house, and are leaving for the hotel" said Prem.

"Good", said Preet. "Ma has been asking for you. And Bauji is not letting me out of his sight. Every time I take a step towards the door, he finds some new business associate he wants to introduce me to. At this rate I'll never be able to swing by and pick up Meher".

"Don't worry", said Prem. "We'll be there soon to relieve you".

A short while later...

Prem and Heer walked into the banquet hall of the Juneja's waterfront hotel. They were immediately spotted by Gaytri.

"Prem...Heer...I'm so happy you're here", she beamed.

"Happy Anniversary Ma", smiled Prem as he and Heer hugged his mother in turn.

"Thank you Beta", said Gaytri. "Meher and Teji didn't come with you?"

"Meher had something to take care of", said Heer. "But don't worry, they'll be here soon. Preet will..." Heer stopped in mid-sentence. Lalit Juneja was walking towards them. "Namaste Bauji...and Happy Anniversary", she said politely.

"Hmm...toh aap ne hamari khushiyon me shareek hone ka faisla akhir kar kar liya (So you decided to join us in our moment of happiness after all)", said Lalit.

"Huhn?" said Heer.

"Of course we had to change the entire venue to San Francisco in order to make that happen. I mean, we couldn't take a chance after you didn't let Prem attend his own brother's wedding..." scoffed Lalit.

"Bauji...that's not fair", said Prem.

"Lalit! Everyone is here for a celebration. Please don't dig up old skeletons", pleaded Gaytri. "I want tonight to be a new beginning for our family, especially now with the baby coming...".

"Ah yes the baby", smiled Lalit. "Congratulations Prem. Your mother and I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary present. You're about to enter into the age old fraternity known as fatherhood. I'm proud of you son. Come...let's go greet some of our clients".

Heer's mouth fell open as she watched Lalit drag a reluctant Prem away with him. Her father-in-law had blatantly ignored to congratulate or acknowledge her for the baby. Gaytri noticed the look of hurt on Heer's face and tried to cover for her husband's behavior. "Bura mat manana Heer (Don't feel bad Heer)", sighed Gaytri. "Lalit didn't mean...I'm sorry beta. I know it's of little comfort, but that's just the way he is". Heer offered her a weak smile in response. "Men! Who needs them anyway?" asked Gaytri in a chirpy voice.

"Especially businessmen", added Heer.

"Exactly!" cried Gaytri. "Come on Heer, I have so many people I want you to meet".

In another part of the room, Preet was staring impatiently at his watch and trying his best to offer genuine smiles to the guests strolling about. Just then he saw Prem. "Thank God you're here PB", he said walking up to him.

"Hi Prem Bhaiya!" cried Veera joining them. "Where are Heer Bhabi and Meher?"

"Heer is with Ma. But Meher is still at home with Teji Chachee. Her cousin had a meeting and their baby's sitter was late, so they stayed behind", explained Prem.

"Yeh Manmeet bhi na...aaj ke din hi meeting rakhni thi (Uff that Manmeet...of all days to set a meeting for he had to pick today)", complained Preet.

"Preet, people do have their own lives", chuckled Prem. "How was he supposed to know it would interfere with your big night. Anyway, just give Meher a call. The sitter must have come by now I think you should go and pick her up".

"Right", said Preet.

"Wrong", said Veera. "They're about to bring the cake out. Bauji said he wants all of us front and center".

"What?! I better go and speak to him", said Preet. He went and quickly located his father.

"Ah Preet...you're here...good. Where is Prem? I thought I told Veera to have everyone gather up front", said Lalit.

"Everyone is coming Bauji", said Preet, "but do you have to do the cake cutting right now. I mean..."

"You want me to wait, because she's not here yet?" asked Lalit. "Preet, you know I have no patience for tardiness".

"Well I was sort of supposed to pick her up", said Preet.

"Well why haven't you done so already?" asked Lalit. "I just announced to all of the guests that we're going to cut the cake. Do you want me to go back on my word now?"

"No Bauji, but I...", said Preet.

"What's the big deal Preet?" demanded Lalit. "Your mother and father are about to cut their anniversary cake. Isn't that important for you? Besides, her mother is with her isn't she? And she's not a little girl. Just send one of the cars to pick them up. But you're not going anywhere".

Preet passed his hand through his hair in frustration. He didn't want to get into an argument with his father and spoil the rest of the evening. After all Bauji had agreed to the one thing he wanted the most. He had to think of something else. Just then he saw Gaurav and Sam. "Hey guys", he said walking up to them. "I need your help". Preet explained to them about Meher and both readily agreed to go and get her. Finally, I can relax, thought Preet, as he watched them leave. Suddenly a familiar voice brought him back from his thoughts.

"Preet Juneja...how could you?" cried Ashlesha.

"Ash...tum...yahan kya kar rahi ho (Ash...what are you doing here)?" Preet asked in surprise.

"I told you mom and I were going to attend your parents' anniversary party", said Ashlesha.

"Yes but I thought Bauji would have spoken to your mother about us and...", said Preet.

"Ashlesha, try and understand...I...", began Preet.

"Oh never mind...look they're bringing out the cake", said Ashlesha as she left Preet to join in the circle of well-wishers beginning to surround Lalit and Gaytri. Preet was surprised at Ashlesha having gotten over him so quickly, but he was relieved nonetheless. He too walked over and joined his family, just as a spotlight turned on Lalit Juneja.

"Ladies and gentlemen", said Lalit, "I want to thank you for joining my family and me tonight to celebrate a very special occasion. They say behind every successful man stands a woman. And for the past 27 years, my beautiful wife has been my constant companion, through good times and bad, highs and lows. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for her. Thank You Gaytri. May the next 27 years be equally grand".

Gaytri beamed as the guests clapped. "And tonight", continued Lalit, "is extra special, because my entire family is here to celebrate. A family that is complete today after a long time because of the presence of my eldest son Prem and his beautiful wife and proud mother to be Heer Juneja".

Heer and Prem, who were standing next to Gaytri, looked at each other in surprise. Everyone clapped as Lalit and Gaytri cut the cake and fed pieces to each other and their children, before the waiters took the cake away and began to serve it to the guests. Shortly thereafter music began to play as Lalit led Gaytri to the dance floor.

Preet smiled as he saw his brothers follow their parents' lead and take their wives to the dance floor. When were Sam and Gaurav going to get back with Meher? he thought.

Meanwhile...

"I wonder what's keeping Preet", said Teji, looking at the time. The baby-sitter had arrived and there was no sign of Preet. Just then there was a knock on the door.

"Maybe that's him now", said Meher, as she ran to answer the door. To her surprise it was Rajveer.

"Hi", said Rajveer giving Meher a weak smile. "I wasn't sure if you had left already or not. Can I come in for a few minutes?"

Meher thought for a moment, before motioning for him to come inside. She introduced him to her mother. Teji was especially pleased to finally meet the person who had helped Meher out so much in her hour of need.

"I know you have to go Meher, so I won't keep you", sighed Rajveer. "I'm leaving for Toronto tomorrow, and I just had to see you once more before I left. I mean...I didn't want to end things on a sour note between us. I wish you all the very best Meher. I mean...you and Preet. And I wish we could still be friends".

"Thanks Rajveer", smiled Meher. "That means a lot to me".

"Hmm...but if he ever hurts you again...", Rajveer began, but stopped as soon as Meher looked up at him questioningly. "Um...Uh...Where is Preet by the way?" he asked.

"He should be here soon", said Meher. "He was supposed to pick me and Ma up". Just then the doorbell rang. "Oh...that must be him". Meher answered the door, but was surprised to find Gaurav and Sam standing outside instead. "Sam? What are you guys doing here?" she asked.

"We came to pick you up", said Sam.

"Why didn't Preet come to pick Meher up himself?" asked Rajveer joining them at the door.

"Who are you?" asked Gaurav.

"Gaurav, this is my friend Rajveer", said Meher.

"Gaurav please", said Meher. "Rajveer just came by to wish Preet and me well. You are welcome to join us you know", she said to Rajveer.

"It's alright", smiled Rajveer. "I've got to get back to my hotel and finish packing. Good luck Meher".

Later...

Preet looked at his watch. Gaurav had phoned a short while ago to let him know they were about to reach the hotel. Preet watched as waiters began to serve dinner to the guest. Just then Lalit walked onto the stage again.

"Ladies and gentlemen...may I have your attention please? I wanted to thank all of you once again for joining Gaytri and me and sharing in our special evening", said Lalit. "I hope you all are enjoying yourselves, because I have another surprise for you all. Would my family please join me up here on stage?"

"What's going on?" Prem asked as he walked up to Preet. "Is Bauji going to make the announcement about your engagement? Is Meher here yet?"

"I'm not sure", whispered Preet. "Gaurav called a little while ago saying they're almost here. Maybe she came in and Bauji has her waiting in the back".

"Well then let's go", smiled Prem as he and Preet joined the rest of the family.

Lalit motioned for Preet to come and stand next to him. "I'm sure all of you know my youngest son Preet Juneja", he said. "He's been working very hard out here in San Francisco for the past few months. And we're soon going to see the fruits of his labor. But tonight is very special night, not just for Gaytri and me, but for my son too. I am proud to officially announce to you my son Preet Juneja's engagement to Ashlesha Singh!"

"What?!" Preet cried in surprise, as he watched Ashlesha walk onto stage. The rest of the family looked equally surprised.

"Lalit...ye aap kya kar rahein hain (Lalit...what are you doing)?" asked Gaytri.

"Not now Gaytri", whispered Lalit. "Everyone is watching". He motioned to Herman, who handed him two boxes with rings in them. Before Preet knew what was happening, Ashlesha happily took hold of his hand and slid one of the rings onto it. The guests clapped as Ashlesha held her hand out for Preet to do the same.

Preet froze. His head was spinning. His Bauji had pulled a fast one on him. Everyone was watching and he didn't know how to react.

"Preet", whispered Herman. "What's holding you up?"

"Preet", whispered Kiran. "It's okay to get cold feet, but everyone is watching. Put the ring on her finger already".

Preet glanced over at Prem. He and Heer too stood helplessly frozen in shock.

"Preet! Everyone is watching!" hissed Lalit. "All my friends. All of our important associates and clients. Do as you're told and put the ring on Ashlesha's finger. Think of our family's reputation. Or will you disappoint your father as always?"

Preet glared angrily at his father for his biting remark. He was about to say something, when his mother stopped him.

"Preet Beta...please don't create a scene", Gaytri pleaded with him. "Not here. Not in front of the guests. We'll sort things out later. I promise".

"Preet! Put the ring on Ashlesha's finger", hissed Lalit.

Preet's heart sank. "Meher...", he whispered.

Fatima superb update..
Love love the MEET romance in the beginning.. They are oh so in love again truout these updates.. U surely capture the meet romance like one of the best in the business..
Lalit showed his true colours.. Wt to say.. M sure preet isn't goina spare him this tym around so is prem..
N rajveer.. Nice man.. Bt I somehw don't like him as he is kabab mein haddi types.. I really hope he isn't there in nxt update..
Preet is oh so innocent n in love nt to c malice of his father.. I liked the 'dharti ma ki kasam' n nice choice thin.. Dumbo that's y he chose meher..
Meher gud she was cautious of lalit bt to no anvil.. Wonder if u are r goinna include her telin preet he is bang on on rajveer..

Preet will hv lil though tym to calm meher.. Bt MEET woll win tru this m sure..


Lookin frwrd to nxt update..

thank you so much ...very interesting up date

Originally posted by: love-piya-abhay

thank you so much ...very interesting up date