Fatima's Cozy Corner - Page 33

"I don't know what happened, but I just couldn't do it Gaurav", sighed Preet. "I mean at first it seemed like every single member of my family was going to pay us a visit before turning in for the night. And then when I finally got a chance to get really close to her and looked into her eyes...I just froze up. I couldn't speak or do anything. It's crazy right? I mean, how many girls have I asked out in high school or college even? And here I can't say 2 words to my own wife!"

"Well...maybe it's because you weren't in love with all those other girls", said Gaurav.

"So what do I do now?" sighed Preet.

"Well according to the experts the next step is to just give her some flowers", said Gaurav.

"That's it?" asked Preet.

"That's it", said Gaurav. "It doesn't say what kind, but I'm assuming they're talking about roses".

"Roses...of course!" Preet grinned. "Red roses...the universal symbol of love".

Later that evening...

Preet came home with a beautiful bouquet of long-stemmed red roses. He was about to head upstairs, when he saw his brother Herman sitting alone in the living room, with his head in his hands. "Hey Bhaiya, what's up? Why are you sitting all alone down here?" He asked. It was only when he got closer to Herman that Preet noticed the pillow and blanket lying next to him. "Did you and Maya Bhabi have another fight? Do you want to talk about it?"

"What's there to talk about Preet?" sighed Herman. "I never know myself when she's going to explode on me".

"What happened this time?" asked Preet.

"Nothing", sighed Herman. "At least, I thought it was nothing. I mean...all I said was that I wish she'd pack me a lunch tiffin like the one Meher packs for you every day, and she went all ballistic on me...accusing me of regretting having married her instead of Meher".

Preet smiled. "I have a better idea", he said, as he handed his brother the roses he had brought home for Meher. "How about if you go tell Maya Bhabi that you love her and surprise her with these flowers".

"Preet...they're beautiful! Maya will love them", said Herman, his face brightening up suddenly. "Wait a minute. You must have brought these as a surprise for Meher right? No Preet...I couldn't take them. It wouldn't be right?"

"Bhaiya it's okay", insisted Preet. "I'll bring flowers for Meher some other day".

"You sure?" asked Herman.

Preet slumped back on the sofa and exhaled loudly. So much for step 5, he thought. Little did he know that Meher had come down to fill a jug with water and had witnessed the entire scene from the kitchen.

Later...

Preet came downstairs in search of Meher, and found her sitting outside on the garden swing.

"Hi Preet", she smiled as he approached her.

.

"Hi", said Preet, "What are you doing out here all by yourself?"

"Nothing really", said Meher. "It was just such a beautiful night out, I thought I'd get some fresh air".

"Mind if I join you or do you want to be alone?" asked Preet.

"No not at all", smiled Meher. "You were busy talking some business with Prem Jiju and Bauji earlier, so I didn't bother to ask you. But I'm glad you're here now".

Preet joined Meher on the swing. They rocked back and forth in silence for some time, before getting up to take a walk. Meher could sense Preet glancing her way every now and then.

"Um...did you say something Preet?" she asked, finally breaking the silence.

"No", said Preet. "Did you want to say something?"

"Na ha", said Meher, shaking her head. They walked on some more before Meher spoke up again. "It's real nice weather we're having".

"Hmm", agreed Preet.

"How are things going at work?" asked Meher.

"Good", replied Preet. "Bauji is beginning to trust me with more and more responsibilities. He says if the presentation goes fine, the next major contract is all mine".

"Wonderful", smiled Meher. "I always knew you'd prove yourself to him".

"Yeah well...I couldn't have done it without your unwavering support", said Preet. He paused before continuing. "Meher...I was just wondering...are you happy?" He wanted to add the words 'with me' to the question he had just asked, but he dared not.

"Happy? Matlab?" asked Meher.

"Nothing, just forget it", sighed Preet, "let's go back inside". As he turned to go, Preet spotted a rose blooming in one of the bushes nearby. He reached over and plucked it off, then turned to hand it to Meher. "For you".

"Thank you", said Meher. She broke out into a smile, before surprising him with a hug. Preet brought his arms around her, and held her close, wishing the moment would never end. Just then Meher looked up at him and smiled, "Preet...it's getting late...andar chalein?"

"Hey Preet!" said Gaurav, as he entered his friend's office. "How is Operation Meet going?"

"Operation Meet?" replied Preet.

"Yeah, you know I thought we should have a code name for our plan. Aur Meher aur Preet ka milan to Meet hota hai na?" smiled Gaurav.

"Right", said Preet. "Believe it or not, I think we actually made some progress last night. She hugged me".

"Oh...first hug?" asked Gaurav.

"No", smiled Preet, "but this one felt different. Anyway, what do your experts say to do now?"

Gaurav quickly pulled out his magazine, and flipped it open to the right page. "Let's see, after the flowers, it says here to get her to relax after a long hard day by giving her a massage".

"A massage?" said Preet. "I don't know if Meher would go for that. What else does it say?

"Well...step 7 is to get close to her to by asking her to sew a button on your shirt, while you're still wearing it", read Gaurav.

"Ha! That'll never work", laughed Preet.

"Sure it will", insisted Gaurav. "Every single Ekta Kapoor drama has one of those button sewing scenes with some heavy duty eyelocks going on in them. Women love that stuff".

"But Meher is way too practical", said Preet, "she'll just ask me to take my shirt off".

"And that's supposed to be a bad thing?" asked Gaurav. "I mean you've been working out right? Either you guys will get close, or you'll have a chance to flaunt that well chiseled body of yours. Seems to me to be a win-win situation".

Preet wasn't sure how chiseled his body had become in only 1 week's time, but he agreed to try out his friend's suggestions.

Meher was in her room ironing when Preet came home.

"Meher!" he cried, almost startling her. "What are you doing?"

"I'm ironing Preet", said Meher.

"I can see that", smiled Preet. "But you must be tired from a hard day's work...first slaving over a hot stove and now this". He carefully took the iron from Meher's hand and placed it back on the ironing board. "I think what you need...is a massage". He made her sit down on the bed and began to press her shoulders.

"Ow! Preet that hurts", said Meher.

"Okay then...how about a foot massage?" said Preet. He suddenly lifted her foot, making her fall back slightly, and began to rub his fingers against it.

"Preet, would you please stop...that tickles", giggled Meher as she pulled her foot back. "What's gotten into you today?"

"I just thought you'd be tired and...", said Preet.

"I'm actually quite fine. And I'd like to finish up with the ironing if it's okay with you", said Meher. She shook her head and returned to her work.

Preet thought for a minute, before reaching for one of his shirt's buttons, but the button refused to budge no matter how hard he tugged at it. Oh for crying out loud! He thought.

"No not at all", said Meher, "just leave your shirt on the bed and I'll get to it as soon as I finish ironing".

"Actually I was hoping you'd do it now", said Preet.

"But you have to change your clothes anyway. So what difference does it make if I do it now or later?" asked Meher.

"Well maybe I don't want to change...so...I need that button fixed now...and...", said Preet.

"Don't worry, I'm trying my best to get it off, as we speak", answered Meher.

"What are you talking about?" asked Preet.

"The mustard stain on your pants", replied Meher. "Why? What were you talking about?"

"Nothing", whimpered Preet. "Absolutely nothing".

The next day....

"My love life sucks", complained Preet.

"Actually you don't really have a love life", Gaurav corrected him.

"Thanks for reminding me", scoffed Preet.

"But don't worry...we still have 3 more steps to try", Gaurav reassured him.

"I've pretty much had it with these steps of yours", sighed Preet.

"But the next one is really simple", insisted Gaurav. "Step 8, says to make her feel special by offering her plenty of compliments. You know like tell her you love her intelligence or that she looks beautiful. Women love to be told that they're beautiful".

Later that evening...

"Hi beta", said Gaytri, as she welcomed Preet. "You're home late this evening".

"Yeah mom", sighed Preet, "I'm afraid it's going to be like this until my presentation is over".

"Do you want me to heat up some dinner for you?" asked Gaytri.

"No I'm fine", said Preet. "If I need something, I'll ask Meher later on. Where is she by the way?"

"She's upstairs resting", said Gaytri. "The poor thing went out shopping with Veera earlier today. They had some Chinese food for lunch and Meher apparently became unwell after that".

"Oh my God, is she alright?" Preet asked worriedly.

"Yes. The doctor already stopped by and checked her. She apparently had an allergic reaction to something she ate. We couldn't quite figure out what though", explained Gaytri. "It'll take a day or 2, but she'll be fine".

Preet went upstairs, and found Meher sulking on her bed.

"Meher?" said Preet. "Ma told me what happened. Are you alright?"

"Do I look alright to you Preet?!" Meher cried as she turned to face him.

Preet's eyes widened upon seeing his wife's condition.

"My face, lips, arms and legs are all so red and swollen. I feel like a blimp, and I'm itching all over, and you want to know if I'm alright?" sobbed Meher.

Just then Veera walked into the room. "Meher, I brought some more ice and that face pack I told you about", she said. "We'll have you back to normal in no time".

Meher gratefully took the ice pack from Veera and pressed it against her face, then sat back and allowed her to apply a thick blue paste to her face. Almost half of her face had been covered by the paste, when she happened to glance over at Preet. He seemed to be mumbling to himself.

"What what?" Preet asked nervously.

"What are you mumbling under your breath?!" demanded Meher.

"Nothing", replied Preet.

"Don't lie to me Preet Juneja!" cried Meher. "You think I look hideous, don't you?!"

Preet looked at his wife's swollen blue and red face and stuttered, "No! I mean...not really".

"Not really?!" exclaimed Meher. "What is that supposed to mean?!"

"Well...do you want me to lie to you?" asked Preet meekly.

"This is so not going in a good direction", chuckled Veera.

"Preet Juneja!" hissed Meher. "I never thought you'd be so insensitive!"

"You know this is not fair!" Protested Preet. "Can't we discuss your intelligence instead?"

The Next Day...

"So you had to sleep on the couch?" asked Gaurav.

Preet nodded as he watched his friend double over in laughter. "With friends like you, who needs enemies?" He scoffed.

"Okay okay...I'm sorry", said Gaurav. "Look, I think it's time to pull out the big guns...steps 9 & 10".

"And just what are steps 9 & 10?" Preet asked hesitantly.

"We're going shopping", smiled Gaurav.

A shortwhile later...

Gaurav and Preet were in the lingerie section of a department store.

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this", grumbled Preet. "What if someone I know sees me here? What will they think?"

Just then a sales clerk walked up to them. "Can I help you gentlemen find something?" she asked.

"Yes", smiled Gaurav, "We're interested in buying some lingerie...".

"For my wife", Preet quickly added.

"Yes. It's a surprise", said Gaurav.

I'll be surprised if she wears it, thought Preet.

"Did you have anything particular in mind?" asked the sales clerk.

"Something short, sexy and revealing", said Gaurav.

"But not too short, sexy and revealing", said Preet.

Gaurav glared at Preet.

"What?" whispered Preet. "I've never seen Meher reveal anything more than her calf before. I already spent last night on the couch. I don't want to give her something for which she'll return my head on a platter".

"You're hopeless you know that?" sighed Gaurav.

Before Preet could answer his phone rang. "Hello?" he answered.

"Hey Preet it's me", replied Kulraj. "I'm at the airport. I just wanted to let you know that our flight got in an hour earlier than expected. Do you want me to take a cab home?"

"No no", said Preet. "I'm not too far away. You still have to claim your baggage and clear customs and immigration right? So don't worry. I'll leave right now and be there in no time".

"Okay Preet", said Kulraj. "We'll wait for you so no need for speeding. And give me a call once you get here so we can coordinate a pick up spot.

"Okay Di", said Preet. He turned to Gaurav and said "Kul Di's flight landed early, I have to leave right now".

"But what about your wife's gift?" asked the sales-lady.

Preet randomly picked up an item and handed it along with his credit card to her. "Just pack this up quickly please".

A short while later, Preet was driving towards the airport, with Meher's gift in the trunk. He had no idea how or when he was going to give it to her, but he'd have to worry about that later. Right now he had to pick up Kulraj and her children. They had flown in from Toronto, and would be spending the next few weeks with the Juneja family in Ludhiana.

The entire family was waiting for Kulraj and the kids when they got home. Hugs, greetings and gifts were exchanged, and Heer and talk of the arrival of the latest addition to the Juneja family took center stage. Kulraj's 6 year old daughter Tanu seemed most in awe of her pregnant aunt. She also took great pleasure in the fact that there would finally be someone younger than her in the family to boss around.

"Heer Mami, can I touch the baby?" she asked.

"Sure", smiled Heer, as she guided Tanu's little hands and placed them on her bulging stomach.

Tanu squealed in delight when she felt the baby move, "Wow! I can feel it moving", she cried. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"We don't know", said Heer. "Your Prem Mamu and I decided it would be best to be surprised".

"I like surprises", smiled Tanu. "When is it going to come out?"

"Well, I'm ready for it to come out already", laughed Heer, "but hopefully it'll be here before your vacations are up".

"There is one thing I don't understand", said Tanu scratching her head. "How did it get inside there in the first place?"

Heer's face went red as she stared at Kulraj for help.

"Ask me that in another 20 years", chuckled Kulraj. "Now be a good girl and go play with your dolls.

Tanu shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the other side of the living room where Herman and Lalit were engrossed in a business like conversation. Just then she saw Preet walk into the room munching on an apple. "Hey Preet Mamu", she said, as she ran up to him, "got a minute?"

"Sure, what's up?" smiled Preet, as he bent down to hear his niece.

"I just felt Heer Mami's baby move", said Tanu.

"That's pretty neat huhn?" said Preet.

"Yeah...but I was just wondering...how did it get inside her?" asked Tanu.

"Oh that...uh...well...", said Preet. "'maybe you should ask your mom that question".

"I already did", explained Tanu, "and she said I should ask you".

"She did?!?" gasped Preet. "Um...well...you see...how should I put this? There's this big bird called a stork and...Wait a minute! Kul Di didn't really tell you to ask me did she?"

"You don't know either, do you?" Tanu sympathized with her uncle.

"I do too!" protested Preet.

"Preet...there you are...", said Herman, "...you know what Bauji was just telling me?"

"No Herman Bhaiya I don't know!" interrupted Preet. "I apparently don't even know where babies come from!" He got up and walked away, leaving a very confused looking Herman and Lalit behind.

Preet was in bed looking over a file when Tanu walked into his room.

"Hi Preet Mamu", she said.

"Hey Tanu, what's up?" asked Preet, eyeing his niece suspiciously. "Shouldn't you be in bed by now?"

"I still have to brush my teeth", giggled Tanu, "but I have to wait for Vikas Bhaiya to come out of the bathroom first. Being the youngest in the family really sucks sometimes".

"Tell me about it", sighed Preet.

"So...you want to help me finish coloring this page while I wait?" Tanu asked, holding up a coloring book and some crayons.

"Sure", smiled Preet. He patted the space next to him on the bed. "Hop on".

Tanu climbed onto the bed and handed Preet some crayons. Both were busy coloring when Meher walked into the room.

"Hi sweetie", she said smiling at Tanu.

"Hi Meher Mami", said Tanu. "Preet Mamu and I are coloring. Want to join us?"

"It's okay", said Meher, "you guys have fun, and I'll just get ready for bed".

"Hey Mamu, you're supposed to stay in the lines", complained Tanu.

"Sorry", said Preet, "I guess I'm sort of out of practice".

Tanu looked at Preet carefully. His gaze was fixed on Meher. "Meher Mami sure is pretty isn't she?" she said in a low voice.

"Huhn? Oh...yeah", Preet smiled shyly.

"And she has such beautiful hair", added Tanu.

"She does, doesn't she?" agreed Preet.

"So...", continued Tanu. "Are you going to sleep here tonight?

"Yes Tanu", chuckled Preet. "Is that alright with you?"

"Sure", said Tanu, shrugging her shoulders. "I was just wondering because I heard Herman Mamu tell mom how relieved he was that he's not the only Juneja who has to sleep on the couch every now and then. He was saying that Meher Mami threw you out of the room the other night for being mean to her".

"What?! I was not being mean to her", protested Preet. "And she did not throw me out. I...uh...fell asleep on the couch while watching a game".

"We did not have a fight", said Preet. "Meher...will you please help me out here? Tanu thinks we had a fight".

"We did not have a fight Tanu", said Meher. She joined the pair on the bed, not quite sure what the conversation they had been having was about.

"That's good", smiled Tanu. "So...are you going to be nice to each other now?"

"We are nice to each other", said Preet.

"Are you in love?" asked Tanu. "Because mommy said you have to be in love before God puts a baby in someone's tummy. I want you 2 to have a baby just like Prem Mamu and Heer Mami. I just love babies".

Meher's face went red.

Preet quickly covered his niece's mouth with his hand. "Okay! That's enough out of you young lady! Let's go and see if that bathroom is free now". He carried Tanu out of his room, and back to where his sister was staying. When he came back to his room he found a very red faced Meher still sitting on their bed as if in a daze. "Bache bhi na...kuch bhi bol dete hain", he said apologetically.

Meher smiled and nodded. "Maybe we should just turn in", she said. She turned the lamp off and slid into bed, pulling the covers up under her chin.

Preet stared at Meher's figure lying next to him in the dark. How embarrassing! He thought. God knows what she must be thinking! Maybe I should talk to her. But what will I say? Just when I think I've taken one step forward, I get pushed 2 steps back. He shook his head and slipped into bed. He was leaving for Mumbai tomorrow. He'd have to talk to Meher when he got back.

The next day...

"Then it's the perfect time for step 10", Gaurav said encouragingly. "Take her on a romantic get away, just the 2 of you. You know...like a second honeymoon".

"We never even had a first honeymoon", complained Preet. "Anyway, it's no use. Prem Bhaiya and I leave for Mumbai tonight, and Meher is going to Ambala for a few days. An old school friend of hers is getting married. I won't see her until Saturday, when I go to pick her up. Operation Meet will have to wait until then. I've already failed miserably in the romance department, so I better just focus on my presentation, otherwise Bauji will have me sleeping in the doghouse.

Meanwhile...

Meher was sitting on the bed looking over a small suitcase when Kulraj stopped by her room. She was holding a box in her hands.

"Hey Meher, all set for your friend's wedding?" asked Kulraj.

"Yes Di", smiled Meher. "My own bag is ready. I was just looking over Preet's stuff. He's nervous enough about the presentation as it is. I want to make sure everything he needs is packed too".

"That's really sweet of you", smiled Kulraj. "It's really wonderful how you take such good care of Preet. I used to worry so much for him. And I'm glad to see that things are going well between you 2...given the circumstances..."

"What circumstances?" asked Meher.

"Well...I mean...Herman and Maya moved back into the house. That's got to be so awkward for you and Preet, right?" asked Kulraj.

"Why do you say that?" asked Meher.

"Well, you were in love with Herman, weren't you?" asked Kulraj.

"That's all in the past now", said Meher. "I'm very happy with Preet".

"Really?" asked Kulraj.

"Yes really", said Meher, "and I don't have to prove myself to anyone".

"Okay okay", said Kulraj, raising her hands in defense. "So you love Preet now...I believe you. And he loves you too right?"

Meher blushed.

"Confess?" said Meher shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

"Yes. You have told each other how you feel haven't you?" asked Kulraj.

"Well...we're not quite there yet", said Meher. "I mean we've become really good friends and..."

"Friends? You and Preet are just friends?" Kulraj asked with concern.

"Not just friends Kulraj Di. I love Preet. And I'm pretty sure that he loves me too", said Meher. "You should see how he insists on seeing my face first thing, when he comes home. The way he sits through a boring chick flick, just for me. The way he glances at me when he thinks I'm not watching. The way he makes me laugh. He's so sweet and caring. I don't need him to verbally confess his love to me, because I see it in every single gesture of his. And I'm sure he must see my love in all that I do for him too".

"But neither one of you has made a move, so to speak", said Kulraj.

"No", said Meher. "And I'll admit that he has been acting a bit strange lately".

"Well maybe Herman and Maya's moving back has affected him more than you think", said Kulraj.

"Matlab?" asked Meher.

"I can't do that!" said Meher.

"Why not?" asked Kulraj.

"I don't know, but...I just can't", Meher said shyly. She could feel the color rising in her face again.

"Perhaps it's because despite everything you just said, there's a small part of you that is afraid he may still have feelings for Ashlesha", said Kulraj..

"Maybe", admitted Meher.

"I highly doubt that's the case" said Kulraj.

"Well then...he's the guy, shouldn't he make the first move?" asked Meher.

"Meher, did you ever stop to think that the same doubts that are holding you back might be plaguing Preet too. Maybe he's waiting for you to give him the green light", chuckled Kulraj.

"Geen light?" asked Meher.

"Uff! Meri bholi bhali Meher", sighed Kulraj, as she handed Meher the box she was holding. "Here...maybe this will help. Preet was out shopping just before he came to pick me up from the airport. I accidently took his package in with the rest of my luggage. But it's just as well, because God knows when he would have worked up the nerve to give it to you".

"Well...if he got it for me or Ma, I think I'd definitely be worried", laughed Kulraj. "Think about what I just said". She patted Meher's cheek lovingly before leaving her to her thoughts.