Meet FF: Aadha Ishq - Page 73

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Posted: 13 years ago

Chapter 54 - A Heavy Price to Pay

Meher ran out of the hall into the hotel's yard. Tears rolled uncontrollably from her eyes as she tried to wipe them off with her hands. Why did this have to happen to her? She wondered. She never hurt anyone in her life. Then why did she always have to get hurt? How could she have been so stupid to believe everything would go smoothly?! But Gaytri Chachee had sent the kangan for her. She had even visited her the following day and given her blessings. And Preet had promised. Promises...easily made easily broken...like all the broken promises from before. She was about to wipe her tears with her hands again, when someone offered her a handkerchief. Meher turned around. It was Daljeet Singh.

"Tsk Tsk Tsk", said Daljeet. "Go on...take it", she said, shaking the handkerchief in front of Meher. When Meher didn't move, she shrugged her shoulders and continued, "No? Suit yourself. Waise...tumhare saat bauhat bura hua (It's really awful what happened with you). I almost feel for you. Really I do. No, wait! Actually...I'm a little disappointed in you Meher. Kya hua agar tum universities se pardi hui nahi ho (So what if you don't have a university education). I always thought you were a smart girl. But when it comes to Preet...you really amaze me with your lack of good judgemnent. Did you really think you would walk away with Preet that easily? After all the hard work I've done to make sure my daughter gets what she wants...Hmpf! Over my dead body! Did you really think I wouldn't find out about you?"

"I don't have to stand here and listen to anything from you", said Meher.

"You're right", said Daljeet. "But what will you do Meher? Go home and cry buckets? Maybe smear that make-up of yours just a little more, so that you can more aptly look the part of the poor tortured damsel in distress when Preet comes looking for you. What will you do, give him a guilt trip and force him to choose between you and his family? That's what it's going to boil down to! Have you no sense of dignity. Don't you get it?!? Lalit Juneja doesn't want you as his bahu? Why do you insist on holding onto Preet when his father doesn't want you to? He has every right to look after his son's well-being. You'll never be accepted into that family. And why should you be considering your lowly connections? Your sister got lucky and made it in by hook or crook. But not you...because you've got me standing in the way. Do you undertand that?!?"

"I already told you, I'm not interested in anything you have to say!" cried Meher as she began to walk away.

"Of course not! Why should you be?!" cried Daljeet. "Why should you care? After all it was Lalit Juneja that gave you your life back by arranging for your operation! And this is the thanks he gets!"

Meher stopped in her tracks. "What?!? What did you say?" she asked in disbelief.

"I said Lalit Juneja arranged for your operation! Picked up all the expenses to the last dime! But why should you care to respect his wishes?!? Ahsaan faramosh ladki (ungrateful girl)!" Cried Daljeet.

I don't believe you!" said Meher. "You're lying! You're up to devising something in that manipulative brain of yours! It's evil what you do to people!"

"I'm not lying Meher", said Daljeet. "I don't have to prove anything to you, but still...if you don't believe me, you can ask Mrs. Malhotra or better yet ask her grandson. He's the one who operated on you".

"Rajveer has nothing to do with the Junejas!" cried Meher. "His practice...every year they donate their services..."

"They do", agreed Daljeet. "But they have a rigorous process of candidate selection. Of all the people in the world they could have helped, do you think you were the most deserving candidate? When did you even submit your case? You don't really believe Mrs. Malhotra came to you on her charity mission on her own accord do you? Why would she come all the way from Toronto to a little known place like Kasauli?

The truth is Lalit knows Mrs. Malhotra quite well. He knew of her grandson and his practice, and arranged for Mrs. Malhotra to step in and take care of everything on the condition of anonimity. I only found out about it after you showed up on Herman and Maya's wedding, else I would never have let it happen.

I never thought we needed to help you, especially after Preet had lost his memory. But Lalit Juneja, the so called shrewd business man apparently went all softie on you behind my back. Perhaps he felt a bit guilty, maybe even a bit responsible after your father passed away. Or perhaps he didn't want Preet's future to be compromised in any way...for a Juneja to forever be blamed or be held responsible for ruining someone else's life.

Whatever his reasons...I told him he had made a mistake. That it would come back and bite us in the end. That he was resurrecting the very obstacle I...I mean...we...had worked so hard to eliminate. But he assured me that you and Preet would never be allowed to meet. That Preet and Ashlesha would long be married before you could interfere. But it looks like I was right. Because here you are again, trying to force your way into his son's life".

"Obstacle...?" whispered Meher.

"Uppar se Preet ko bhi dekho (And just look at Preet)!" continued Daljeet. Yadasht khone ke baad bhi...ghoom ghuma ke phir se tumhare hi paas wapas aa gaya (Despite having lost his memory, he still found his way back to you)! What does he see in you?!? Kya koi jadoo ka mantar uspe phooka hai tumne? Ya phir kisi jadoo ki door se usko apne aap se band kar rakha hai...takay woh tumhe kabhi na chod sakay (Have you recited some magical chants over him? Or have you tied him to you with some magical bind so that he never leaves you)! Why can't you just leave?! All Lalit and I ask is for you to leave Preet alone. After everything this family has done for you, it's the least you can do in return".

Meher backed away. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rajveer had said to her that his Dadi knew Lalit Juneja quite well. Could Daljeet be telling the truth? Meher didn't know what to think or believe, but for the time being she had to get out of there.

Meanwhile...

Preet made his way through the crowd of guests and over to where Gaurav and Sam stood with Teji.

"What the hell is going on Preet?" asked Gaurav.

"I wish I knew", said Preet. "There's been a big misunderstanding".

"I'll say there has", said Gaurav. "You just got engaged to the wrong girl!

"You think I don't know that!" cried Preet. "Where's Meher? I have to talk to her and explain".

"I don't know", said Sam. "I mean she was standing right here with us just a few minutes ago".

"Maybe she went out to the parking lot", said Preet as he began to take steps in that direction.

"Ruk jao Preet", said Teji in a stern tone. "Jaane do usko (Stop Preet. Let her go). What more can you possibly have to say to her?"

"Chachee Ji...I had no idea this was going to happen. I swear", said Preet.

"That doesn't make a difference now does it", said Teji. "Your father knew. His actions spoke volumes on where he stands on the issue of your marriage. I told you I didn't want my daughter getting hurt. I'm going to go and look for Meher, but I want you to stay away from her". Preet was about to say something, but Teji wasn't interested in anything he had to say.

Just then Prem and Heer joined them. "Ma, I spotted you guys just as the announcement was being made. Where is Meher? Is she okay?" Heer asked worriedly.

"I don't know", replied Teji. "I was just going to look for her myself"

"Ma wait, let me first try calling her", said Heer. She quickly tried Meher's cell phone, but it was going to voicemail. "She's not answering. "I'll try at Shampa's place". Heer dialed Shampa's number. The baby sitter answered the phone, but informed her that no one had come home yet. "She's not there", said Heer. "But I think we should go there because that's where she'll eventually go".

"That's a good idea", said Preet. "Let's go".

"No Preet!" cried Teji. "Didn't I just tell you to stay away from Meher".

"Lekin Chachee ji...", began Preet.

"Bas Preet!" said Teji. "Is kahani ka The End ho chukka hai. Chalo Heer (Enough Preet! This story ends right here)".

Prem watched Heer quietly follow her mother out of the hotel. "Preet I hope you understand. Teji Chachee is just upset", he said. "None of us was expecting what just happened".

"I know PB. But believe me I had nothing to do with it", sighed Preet.

"I know", said Prem, as he placed a reassuring hand on Preet's shoulder. "And I also know that you really love Meher. Just let things calm down a bit, and we'll work everything out. I'm going to go with Heer and her mother to Shampa and Manmeet's place. In the meantime, you look around the hotel's premises. Whoever finds Meher first will call the other. Okay?"

"Okay", said Preet, as watched Prem walk out after Heer and Teji.

"Come on Preet", said Gaurav. "I'll help you look for Meher".

Some time later...

Rajveer was getting ready to turn in early, when there was a knock on his door. "Who could that be?" he wondered out loud. To his surprise, it was Meher. "Meher! What are you doing here?"

"Aren't you going to ask me to come in?" Meher asked.

"Of course. Come on in", said Rajveer. He watched Meher take a step back into the hallway and carry a large, covered, rectangular object into the hotel room and place it on one side against the wall. "It's just that I wasn't expecting you here. Weren't you supposed to be at an important party? How did it go? Does Preet know you are here? Of course he must. Is he out parking the car?"

"How did you find me Rajveer?" asked Meher.

"What are you talking about?" asked Rajveer. He knew by her demeanor that something was wrong. "You yourself told me you were going to San Francisco and staying at Shampa's and..."

"In Kasauli...", interrupted Meher. "I knew no one and no one knew me. Even my own family couldn't find me...then how did you? How did you know where to look for me?"

"You were a pro bono case Meher", said Rajveer. "My practice..."

"But I never filed a petition with your practice", said Meher. "I didn't even know you existed".

"Meher, you know about Dadi and her missions", explained Rajveer. "She was the one who found you, and then we met. You know all this, then why are you asking me?"

"And how did Dadi find me?" asked Meher.

"I'm not sure", said Rajveer. "Someone must have told her about you".

"You're lying!" cried Meher.

"I'm not!" protested Rajveer. "Look, I admit you were a special case. Dadi found you. She said you needed help. She said there was a benefactor involved who wanted to take care of all the medical expenses anonymously. It was for your own good, so I went along with it. But that's all I know, I swear. Now do you mind telling me what's going on?"

So Daljeet was right, thought Meher, as she sat down on the sofa and began to sob.

"Meher...what's wrong?" asked Rajveer. "You can tell me. I'm your friend, remember?"

Meher looked up at Rajveer with a defeated expression. "Everything went wrong Rajveer. I lost. In fact I was never even in the running because all this time someone else was holding all the cards and I didn't even know it", said Meher.

"Meher, you're talking in riddles", said Rajveer. "Mujhe saaf saaf batao kya hua hai (Please tell me in plain words what happened). And where is Preet?"

"I don't know where Preet is", sighed Meher. "And I guess after tonight it's none of my business, because he just got engaged to Ashlesha Singh".

"What?!?" cried Rajveer.

"You see, the anonymous benefactor whose help you thought was for my own good, turned out to be Lalit Juneja", said Meher.

"Preet's father?" said Rajveer.

"Yes", sighed Meher. "Only I shouldn't consider it help, but rather his asking price for getting me out of his son's life".

"Meher, I'm sorry...I didn't know...believe me..." said Rajveer.

"It doesn't matter now Rajveer. I guess some things are just not meant to be", said Meher as she got up to leave. "I'll never be able to pay Lalit Juneja back. I'll have to live with that burden for the rest of my life. But I can at least pay you back for your help".

"Meher you don't have to...", said Rajveer.

"Yes I do", Meher insisted. "Dr. Rajveer I have a surprise for you. It's not money. But then again you didn't need that. I mean you've already been compensated. Let's call it a trade off on skills. You finished your work of art, so I've finished mine". Meher carefully unveiled the painting of the temple in Kasauli.

"Meher, why are you doing this?" said Rajveer.

Meher quietly turned and opened the door. "Meher wait...where are you going? Let me at least drop you home", Rajveer offered.

"Home?" Meher asked. "No. I can't go home just yet. I have to take care of something first".

"Lekin Meher...where will you go? I mean...will you be alright?" asked Rajveer.

"I'm fine", sighed Meher. "I just don't believe in happy endings anymore. Good-bye Rajveer".

Meanwhile...

Preet and Gaurav had just walked back into the hotel. They had searched the entire premises for Meher, without any luck. "Let me call PB and see if he has any news", suggested Preet.

"Didn't he say he'd call you if he found Meher?" asked Gaurav.

"Yes", sighed Preet, "but maybe Teji Chachi didn't let him". Just then his phone rang. "Hello?" he answered anxiously.

"Preet Bhaiya it's me", whispered Veera. "Where are you? Bauji is looking for you. I have to warn you he's not in a good mood".

Just then a voice sounded in the background. "Veera! Is that Preet you're talking to?! Give me that phone!" Before Preet could say anything his father was on the phone with him. "Preet! Where the hell are you? I want you up here ASAP!" Then the phone went dead.

"What happened?" asked Gaurav.

"Kuch nahin", sighed Preet. "Bas Bauji ka bulava aya hai (Nothing. Except that my father just summoned me)".

"O-oh. Good Luck", said Gaurav. "Listen Preet, I think Sam and I will head home now, but keep me posted. And if you need a place to crash...don't hesitate. Our door is always open for you".

"Thanks Gaurav", said Preet as he hugged his friend good-bye. He then took a deep breath and headed for the elevators.

Minutes later, Preet was standing at the door of the penthouse suite. His father's angry voice could be heard through the door. Preet braced himself for the battle that was about to take place and knocked on the door. A very somber looking Gaytri answered the door.

"Oh! So my son decides to grace us with his presence", cried Lalit. "Thank you so much for showing up, and remembering that you have a family waiting for you".

"Lalit please...", said Gaytri.

"No Gaytri!" roared Lalit. "You stay out of this! Your son's insolent behavior may be alright to you but it is certainly not acceptable to me! What were you thinking Preet? Itne sare log, hamare important dost, associates and clients...tumne sab ke samne apne parivaar ka...Ashlesha ka...tamasha bana diya (You made a spectacle of our family and Ashlesha in front of so many people...our important friends, associates and clients). I'm sure you derived great pleasure in so blatantly embarrassing your parents in front of everyone tonight...all for that girl".

"Meher, Bauji...her name is Meher", Preet said calmly. "And I had no plans of bringing shame to anyone. Balke aap ne mujhe dhoka diya (In fact you deceived me)".

"Hmph! That's a good one!" scoffed Lalit. "Place the blame on someone else for your own actions".

"It's true", said Preet. "You led me to believe that you were going to announce my engagement tonight".

"And I did", interrupted Lalit.

"But I wanted to marry Meher, not Ashlesha", said Preet. "You knew that very well. I'm sure you did, and yet you tried to deceive me".

"I did it for your own good Preet!" cried Lalit. "You don't know that girl. How could you? You lost your memory in the accident, but let me fill you in. Her family...they betrayed us. You remember Viren? What he tried to do with your sister? He's a part of their family and they tried to hide this from us. They fooled you into footing the bill for his mistakes and setting him up for life. It was a matter of minutes...just minutes I tell you and I could have saved Prem from their clutches. They broke our family apart Preet and I'll be damned if I let them fool me again".

"You're wrong Bauji", said Preet. "Someone has made a fool out of you, but it's not Meher or her family. They're nothing but good, honest people. Whatever happened with Viren was an unfortunate situation that they got caught up in. You know Viren as well as I do. He's not afraid to use anyone, and he used the Maans for his own paltry gains. How could you possibly think anything else? And as far as Prem Bhaiya is concerned, it may surprise you to know that he and Heer Bhabi are very happy".

"Preet! I won't stand here and listen to you contradict me!" cried Lalit. "I've always tried my best to look out for my children's welfare. Is this what I get in return? Have you no respect for your father?"

"Believe it or not Bauji, I do respect you", said Preet. "But that doesn't mean I have to go along with everything you say, especially when I know you're wrong".

"What?!?" cried Lalit. "How dare you?!"

"You knew Meher was alive after the accident didn't you?" asked Preet. "Yet you never said anything to anyone. Her family was shattered. And she was injured and left alone to fend for herself. Her father got sick and died for God's sake! If anyone has the right to be bitter it should be the Maans, and yet, they never threw this in my face. In fact, whenever I spoke to Meher...complained to her about the differences between me and you, she never failed to remind me that you were my father. That you loved me".

"So she told you I knew about her, did she?" said Lalit. "What a convenient way to turn you against me, by playing the I've been wronged and deserve sympathy card. Well fine! You can sympathize with Meher all you want, but you are not going to marry her. Why don't you see that I'm trying to save you damn it! I want you to be happy. I want your wife to fit into our family. I promised Daljeet that you'll marry her daughter, and I'm not going to go back on my word".

"I'm sorry Bauji", said Preet, "but you have a twisted sense of logic and a twisted sense of righteousness. You expect everyone to just do as they're told and focus on everyone's needs except their own. You say that you're doing things for my happiness, but when have you ever taken the time to get to know me? You've always based your decisions on assumptions or our interactions, which aren't any good. The truth is you've never cared for my happiness. If you had then you'd realize that my happiness lies in being with Meher. Her family hates me right now. She must hate me. She's gone and I have no idea where!"

"Good!" said Lalit. "Then the matter is settled to the satisfaction of both families".

"I don't believe you!" Preet cried, shaking his head in disbelief. "You actually think I'm going to give up on her, just like that. I'm afraid you're in for a surprise. Uff! Why do I even bother talking to you?"

"So it comes to this", said Lalit. "You see that Gaytri...he has decided to choose that girl over his family...over even his father's wishes. Don't think I'll be sanctioning your decision in any way Preet".

"That's your choice Bauji", said Preet. "Actually ye sab aashirvaad lene ka idea toh Meher ka tha. Woh bechari samajhti thi ke...khair chodiye. As far as I'm concerned, lots of marriages take place every day without anyone's blessings, this one can too. Mujhe to sirf afsos is baat ka hai, ke main ek aise tang dil baap ka beta hoon jis ke liye uske bete ki khushiyoon se ziyada usko apni akard aur garoor pyara hai. Jis ke paas apne bete ko ashirvaad tak dene ke liye nahin hai (The only thing I'm sorry about is that I'm the son of such a calculated and heartless man, who values his own pride above his son's happiness. A man so miserly that he doesn't even have blessings to spare for his own son) ".

"Preet!" cried Lalit.

"Lalit...Preet! Please!" cried Gaytri. "You both are very angry. Just stop before you both say something you'll regret". Preet turned and walked towards the door. "Preet where are you going?"

"I have to go Ma", explained Preet. "I have to find her".

"Han han...jane do isko (Oh sure...let him go)", cried Lalit as he watched Preet walk out the door. "But don't expect to find my door open for you! It's over Preet! It's all over for you!"

A short while later...

Shampa opened the door and found Preet standing there alone. "Preet? Where's Meher? Have you found her?" she asked anxiously.

"No", said Preet, "I thought maybe she had come home". He walked in to see Prem, Heer, Teji, and Manmeet in the living room.

"What are you doing here?" asked Teji.

"Chachee ji. I'm sorry about everything that happened tonight", said Preet. "But believe me I had nothing to do with it".

"That's irrelevant", cried Teji. "My daughter is gone. I have no idea where she is".

"Mom please", said Heer. "We're all concerned about Meher".

"Um...I already checked the hotel after you guys left and any other place we used to hang out at on my way over", said Preet. "So...she hasn't come home at all?"

"Actually the sitter said Meher did come by for a few minutes, but that was before any of us got here", said Shampa. "The sitter was putting Harry to bed when she heard the door close. Meher left without saying anything to her".

"Maybe we should call the police", suggested Manmeet.

"Don't you have to wait 24 hours before filing a missing person's report?" asked Shampa.

"Only on TV", said Preet. "Did you check with Neha?"

"She's out of town", said Shampa.

"Her room. Did you check her room? Is anything missing?" asked Preet as he darted up the stairs. Prem and Shampa followed him.

"Preet, we already checked in here", said Prem.

"Yes", said Shampa. "Her clothes are all here. At least I think they are. Nothing seems to be missing".

"Wait a minute", said Preet, as if remembering something. "There was a painting over in this corner. She was working on it a few days ago. Where is it?"

"I don't know...I didn't think of it", said Shampa as she checked the closet. "It's not here".

Just then Preet's gaze fell on the dressing table. Meher's little, wooden trinket box lay open. He walked over and looked inside. Sure enough, the ring he had given her was there. He picked it up and clasped it tightly in his hand. Damn it Meher! Where are you?!

Meanwhile...In an isolated corner of the Juneja's hotel's now empty banquet hall...

"So you mean she was alive all this time and you never told me?!" cried Ashlesha.

"Oh stop your whining Ashlesha and think about what we have to do next!" said Daljeet.

"What's left to do mom?" sighed Ashlesha. "Preet stranded me in front of an entire banquet hall full of people. He doesn't love me. He never did. I mean...I've bent over backwards all this time and he's still in love with Meher".

"He only thinks he is", said Daljeet. "He lost his memory remember? But don't you worry. His father will make him see the light".

"He wasn't able to before, so what makes you think he'll be able to now?" asked Ashlesha.
"What do you mean? Ab maidaan chod ke jaana chahti ho kya (You want to abandon the playing field and run)?" asked Daljeet.
"Maidan (playing field)? Is this all you think it is? A game?" asked Ashlesha. "It's my life we're talking about, mom! And I'm...tired! Tired of playing second fiddle! Tired of waiting for something that's not going to happen! I think it's about time we throw in the towel".
"Stupid girl!" cried Daljeet. "Sometimes I have to wonder if I really gave birth to you! First, you decide to pick that nautanki baaz (joker)Preet over more reasonable prospects like Prem or Herman, and now you want to just give up and walk away?!? Tumhe andaaza bhi hai ke maine tumhari khushiyoon ke khatir kitne papad belay hain (Do you have any idea everything I've done for you)? Including dealing with that loathesome scounderal Viren.
I paid him good money to run away with that stupid cousin of Meher's. Even then the idiot was easily tracked down by Preet. Then I leaked information about Veera's failed elopement to the press and arrange for them to show up at Prem's wedding along with Viren. But the fool showed up 10 minutes too late. Thankfully Lalit bought my story about the Maans trying to deceive him, otherwise all of my efforts would have gone to waste.
Even now nothing is lost. And to make sure, I played my final card tonight. I told Meher about Lalit Juneja funding her operation. I gave her the impression that he wanted her to leave Preet in return. The burden of this favor was too much for her to bear. I'm sure it's the last we'll see of her. And as far as Preet is concerned...Lalit will throw him out if he refuses to marry you. He'll come running back then...I'm sure of it".

"But I'm not so sure of it", said Lalit in a stern voice as he and Gaytri suddenly appeared.

"L...La...Lalit Prahji...Parjahiji? Aap? Aap kab aye (when did you come)?" stammered Daljeet.

"Bilkul sahi waqt pe (at the right time it seems)", said Lalit.

"Lalit Prahji...I can explain everything", stammered Daljeet.

"Forget it Daljeet!" cried Lalit. "Tumhari asliyat to main tumhare hi moon se sun chukka hoon (I've already seen your real face). And to think Gaytri and I were coming to look for you so we could apologize to you for tonight. To give you my reassurances that everything will be just as we planned. Aur yahan aake mujhe pata chala ke tumhari toh alag se hi planning chal rahi hai (And now I learn that you've been playing a game with me all this time)".

"You don't understand. I..." began Daljeet.

"Oh I understand very well Daljeet", said Lalit. "I understand that you are a devious and selfish woman. For the sake of giving your spoiled brat of a daughter everything, you ruined young Vishaka Maan's life. You brought the press, whose minds you had already filled with juicy bites of Viren's attempted elopement with Veera. You tried to ruin Prem and Heer's life and now...Preet. I don't know if I can ever face my son again. But one thing is for sure...I'll not leave you! I'll sue you for slander, defamation, fraud, and anything else my lawyers can come up with. By the time I'm done...tum kissi ko moon dikhane laik nahi raho gi (You won't ever be able to show your face anywhere again)! Now...before I call security and have you thrown out of my hotel...Get out!"

"But...", said Daljeet.

"I said get out!!" screamed Lalit, as Daljeet and Ashlesha made a mad dash for the exit. Lalit pulled a chair from a nearby table and sat down. "What have I done Gaytri?" he cried. "What have I done?

Later that night...

Heer, Prem, and Preet entered into their home. Teji had insisted she'd stay at Shampa's place in case Meher returned there. Everyone had agreed that if Meher hadn't shown up by morning, they'd call the police. Preet quietly walked off to his room and shut the door behind him.

"I can't believe it", sighed Prem. "They were so happy. How could everything go so wrong?"

"I don't know", said Heer. "But I knew something was up as soon as I saw Ashlesha and Daljeet. I wouldn't put it past them to be behind this entire golmaal (mixup)".

"I guess it doesn't matter now", said Prem. "What does matter is that Meher is found as soon as possible. Where could she be?"

"I wish I knew", said Heer. "I'm so worried for her".

"Heer, maybe you should get some rest", said Prem.

Just then the doorbell rang. "Maybe that's her", said Heer as she rushed to the door. To her surprise, it was Lalit and Gaytri.

"I hope we're not bothering you too late", said Lalit. "We were just over at your cousin's house. Your mother told us you and Prem had gone home".

"Ma...Bauji...please come in", said Prem as he joined Heer at the door.

"PB is that Meher?" said Preet as he came out of his room. There was an awkward silence as he watched Lalit and Gaytri come in and settle in the living room.

"Maybe I should go set some water for tea", offered Heer.

"That won't be necessary Heer", said Lalit quietly. He looked at Gaytri who gave him an encouraging nod. "I...I just wanted to stop by and say I'm sorry. Sorry for the way I've treated you and your family. Sorry for causing all of you pain". He looked at Preet before continuing. "Sorry for the mess I created tonight".

"You're sorry?" Heer asked in surprise.

Prem smiled and came and sat next to his father. "Thank you Bauji", said Prem. "I know we can't change whatever happened, but we can put it behind us. Everything will be alright, if we all just come together and..."

"Wait a minute PB", said Preet. "How do we know this isn't just one of Bauji's tricks?"

"Preet!" said Prem.

"It's okay Prem", sighed Lalit. "I don't blame you mistrusting me Preet. I've given you reason enough to do so. I've been so blinded by my own arrogance...that I couldn't recognize who was telling me the truth and who was lying. Badi badi business deals kaise handle karte hain...woh to mujhe aata hai...per main apne hi bachoon ko samajh nahin saka (I've cracked many major business deals in my life...but I failed to understand my own children). I'm not trying to offer excuses for my behavior, only apologizing for it. I'm sorry...I'm so sorry", cried Lalit, his voice cracked as he began to break down.

Preet had never seen his father like this. He didn't quite know how to react. "It's a bit too little too late isn't it Bauji?" He said grudgingly. "I mean Meher's gone!"

"Preet", sighed Gaytri, "I know you're upset, and I don't blame you. But your Bauji is truly sorry. I think the important thing now is that we find Meher. Teji was so worried, when we spoke to her earlier. I can't imagine what she's going through. It's like she's lost Meher all over again".

"She's not lost Gaytri, just wandering somewhere all upset", said Lalit. "And I don't blame her. But don't anyone worry. We'll put all of our resources together to find her. I'll be damned if I let Daljeet succeed in hurting my family again".

"Daljeet?" asked Preet.

"She was apparently the last one to speak to Meher", explained Lalit. "She knew that I paid for Meher's operations. She used that information to give Meher the impression that I wanted her to get out of Preet's life in return".

"You paid for Meher's treatment?!" asked Heer in surprise.

"Yes", said Lalit, "but Daljeet lied. I never used this fact as means to exploit Meher in anyway. I swear".

But Preet wasn't listening. Meher's treatment...of course...why didn't I think of it before? he wondered. To everyone's surprise, Preet suddenly sprang to his feet and rushed towards the door.

"Where are you going son?" asked Gaytri.

"To bring your bahu home", smiled Preet.

Hope you all liked today's update. Please don't forget to leave your comments or at least hit the like button. Thanks again for your support.

A special thanks to Nikita, for being my sounding board on this chapter. 😛
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 (#11), 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 55 Preview: Happy ending
Edited by Fatima_Q - 10 years ago
MeraCheekuVirat thumbnail
15th Anniversary Thumbnail Rocker Thumbnail + 3
Posted: 13 years ago
"To bring your bahu home", smiled Preet. Loved this line <3 Awsum Update DJ's truth out :P thnx a ton for the pm. =D
Fatima_Q thumbnail
14th Anniversary Thumbnail Sparkler Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 13 years ago

Originally posted by: Divya4Srk-Barun

"To bring your bahu home", smiled Preet. Loved this line <3 Awsum Update DJ's truth out :P thnx a ton for the pm. =D

Thanks Divya...🤗
Long time no see...hope all your exams went well for you. 😛
lunza thumbnail
19th Anniversary Thumbnail Visit Streak 90 Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 13 years ago
loved the update .
but I am feeling a bit sad that it is ending ...
i am going to miss this FF ..
--Minks-- thumbnail
16th Anniversary Thumbnail Navigator Thumbnail
Posted: 13 years ago
Wow.. nice update, glad to know that Lalil Juneja is not the maha khadoos he was supposed to be.. I am glad that he took care of Meher, and not just left her to die... despite trying everything to keep her away from Preet... also, finally everything is coming out in the open... and all before the happy end !!!!

I can't wait for the happy ending... so, Preet will go find his bride and get her home... in happy DDLJ style... yippie to that @!!!!
bhagyashree2011 thumbnail
Explorer Thumbnail
Posted: 13 years ago
hey fatima
thanks for the pm
awesome update i really not even in my wildest dream thought that lalit will turn out this way
its really great that the story turned out this way
now i am just looking forward how meet come together again
but one thing that is going in my mind that you will end this story at their wedding or something but i would love to read their post mairraige romance and their comedy just like they show in the serial
Fatima_Q thumbnail
14th Anniversary Thumbnail Sparkler Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 13 years ago

Originally posted by: lunza

loved the update .

but I am feeling a bit sad that it is ending ...
i am going to miss this FF ..

Thanks Lunza...really appreciate you sticking through it. But you've got me going all nostalgic now...I don't want to cry before the happy ending.
Fatima_Q thumbnail
14th Anniversary Thumbnail Sparkler Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 13 years ago

Originally posted by: --Minks--

Wow.. nice update, glad to know that Lalil Juneja is not the maha khadoos he was supposed to be.. I am glad that he took care of Meher, and not just left her to die... despite trying everything to keep her away from Preet... also, finally everything is coming out in the open... and all before the happy end !!!!

Yeah...I mean he's Preet's father so I had to let him redeem himself somehow. 😆 It's same as he was in Kis Desh...maha khadoos...to maha nice.

I can't wait for the happy ending... so, Preet will go find his bride and get her home... in happy DDLJ style... yippie to that @!!!!

I love being filmy...and I love happy endings 😃

Edited by ummesulaiman - 13 years ago
Fatima_Q thumbnail
14th Anniversary Thumbnail Sparkler Thumbnail + 4
Posted: 13 years ago

Originally posted by: bhagyashree2011

hey fatima

thanks for the pm
awesome update i really not even in my wildest dream thought that lalit will turn out this way
Surprised you didn't I? 😆
its really great that the story turned out this way
It is nice that the Maans's and Junejas will be able to make peace. 😛
now i am just looking forward how meet come together again
but one thing that is going in my mind that you will end this story at their wedding or something but i would love to read their post mairraige romance and their comedy just like they show in the serial
I personally would love to continue this FF until Meet have great grand kids 😆...but that wasn't the scope I had in mind for this particular FF. I don't think a good story should be stretched unnecessarily...it would just wind up getting spoiled.
But I am humbled by your appreciation and I'm sure my love for MEET will bring me back to write something more...something new...something like you suggest. Let's see...😃.

bhagyashree2011 thumbnail
Explorer Thumbnail
Posted: 13 years ago
ya i do understand but you see we all are into this FF so much that we do not want it to end
but anyways i am glad you will be back soon
and you have to be fatima because i really want a brand new story from your side
i am really waiting for all the romance to start again between our very own meet in a brand new style i.e the fatima style

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