They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression...
He had seen the poor orphaned girl working around his house or keeping an eye on his father by playing chess with him, but they had never really spoken before. Today she had suddenly donned an expensive suit. His mother's kangan were missing, and he assumed she had stolen them. Where else would she have gotten the money to buy her new clothes?
Her day was already going bad enough. She didn't need a rich, spoiled brat to accuse her of stealing. He threatened to turn her over to the police. Her eyes welled up and he accused her of shedding crocodile tears. How dare he?! She was a poor orphan, but that didn't mean she didn't have any self-respect!That is how Preet Juneja first met Meher Maan. Not off to a very good start. And certainly not the kind one would like, if you were meeting the person you were going to spend the rest of your life with.
To be fair, Preet did offer a half-hearted apology, and Meher was not the type to hold grudges. The next time they met, he was out jogging and made her laugh.
Fate soon threw them together once again in another confrontation. Right before a lavish party, Meher was blamed for ruining his shirt, but she denied doing anything wrong. This time Preet remained quiet. Her accuser wasn't a reliable person, and he didn't want to make the same mistake again. Perhaps he was trying to avoid the scathing lecture her older sister Heer had given him last time. Or perhaps, he had noticed how poorly Daljeet Chachee treated Meher on a daily basis. In any case, he let it go.
This seemingly unlikely pair shared much in common. They both enjoyed eating, cracking jokes, and were fiercely loyal to their families. It wasn't long before their differences were put aside and they had become friends. It also came as no surprise that Preet was on his brother Prem's side, when he found out he was in love with Heer. And, it was no surprise he decided to help Meher, when he learned that she loved Herman. She was right...for his family.
Then all hell broke lose. Prem was declared dead, the Juneja mansion had been mortgaged to pay for Veera's wedding, Herman had abandoned the family and left Meher stranded at the mandap.
Preet stepped in. Marry me, he told Meher, and together we will make everything alright. She was startled by his proposal, but agreed. It was the right thing to do...for the family.
How did love factor into the equation...especially when both had been in love with other people?
It began with little steps that made them stop wondering, worrying and doubting each other and themselves. Little things that reassured them that even though things didn't happen as planned, they would turn out alright...because that's how they were meant to be.
Preet saw how Meher stood by him, at a time when he had nothing to offer her in return. He began to notice the small wisps of hair that fell into her eyes as she sewed a missing button on his shirt...the way she would laugh at his jokes, even the corny ones...the worry lines that formed on her forehead when she was upset by how strangely her sister was behaving...the way she would restore his confidence by promising to always be by his side. She was good for his family...and him.
Much needed relief came with Prem's return. The atmosphere in the Juneja home returned to normal. The old Preet was back making everyone laugh, but he didn't shy away from standing up to Maya when she insulted Meher. How dare this new entry into his family say anything to his wife! His wife. Meher knew that she was his best friend, but suddenly hearing him address her as his wife so determinedly in front of everyone made her heart skip a beat. He was good for his family...and her.
How do you tell your best friend that you've fallen madly in love them?
You catch her, then let her fall on top of you on the sofa, grasp her hand at the breakfast table when no one is looking, hold her close when you're dancing, tell her she's the most beautiful girl at the party...and when all else fails...you freeze yourself out in the snow, then spend the night in Kasauli keeping each other warm...
Fast forward through the years...Meher is expecting their second child and Preet is recording her every move. "Mrs. Meher Juneja Preet Juneja se kitna pyar karti hai?" He throws the million dollar question at her. A mischievous smile appears on her face as she grabs him by the collar and pulls him towards her. "Preet tum meri zindagi ho, meri sansain ho, mera dil ho, meri dhadhkaney ho. Preet...tum meri aatma ho."
First impressions are often misleading.
Edited by DreamyButterfly - 3 years ago
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