I'm back! 😃
So if you haven't noticed with my OSs I tend to fast forward time and jump days. Many apologies if I set things up in a way that makes it look like I am going to cover it in the next part.
Anyways, back to the update. Enjoy!
Part 3:
Prem smiled
rather proudly at himself as he looked down at the breakfast tray. There were two eggs fried over medium, potatoes,
turkey bacon, an English muffin, a small bowl of fruit, orange juice, and
coffee. He had made it all and without
waking her up. The weekend seemed to
have flow by. After Friday's night date
Heer started sleeping in his room. It
was nice curling up in bed with each other and cuddling underneath the
covers. There was a comforting factor in
sharing the space with someone you cared about.
Now, it was Sunday morning and Heer would be leaving him to go back
home. He sighed wondering when the next
time they would see each other again. He
lived on the West coast and she lived on the East coast. He knew they would continue to talk but the
thought of not being in physical proximity to each other was beginning weigh
heavily on his mind.
He carefully
held the tray in his hands and silently crept up the stairs to his
bedroom. Ginger walked in front of him
and pushed the door that had been slightly left ajar open. Heer was still snuggled underneath the covers
fast asleep. Prem placed the tray of
food on the dresser and headed towards the bed to wake his sleeping
beauty. He laid on top of the covers and
started to call her name, "Heer...Heer..."
Ginger hopped on the bed and started to nuzzle Prem's forearm. "Let's wake her up together. What do you say?" Ginger barked in agreement and started to
walk on top Heer's legs.
"What?" Heer
whined. "Ginger, why are you barking?"
The dog barked
back in response happy that she had awoken.
"Good girl Ginger," Prem patted and then instructed, "Off." Ginger hopped off the bed and laid down at
the foot of the bed.
Heer groaned as
she turned over and faced Prem. "What is
going on?"
"Stay there,"
Prem pleaded and got the breakfast tray and brought it over to the bed. Heer sat up and blinked a few times before
she looked at him in awe. "Breakfast in
bed my lady," Prem said as he did a slight bow.
"Made the eggs just like you like them...over medium...fried on both sides
but the yolk is still a little runny...we also have some potatoes, turkey bacon,
English muffin, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee."
Heer tucked her
hair behind her ear and grinned, "You made this?"
"Of course I
did," Prem nodded. "Eat up before it
gets cold."
Heer took a
knife and spread some jam on the English muffin and took a bite. She then leaned over and gave Prem a soft
peck. "Didn't want to scare you with my
bad morning breath," she explained and continued chewing. She ate some of her eggs and let out a
pleasing moan. "Thank you. It's really good. Here...have some...you didn't have breakfast yet
did you? There is so much food we can
share."
"You eat first
Heer, I'll be okay," Prem stated and took a sip of her orange juice.
"Where are you
going?" Heer inquired.
"I made myself some scrambled eggs. I'm just going to the kitchen to get
that. I'll be back," Prem replied.
********************************************************
Prem lifted
Heer's suitcase up and placed it into the trunk of his metallic gray Acura
TL. "Ready?" he inquired as he closed
the trunk.
"I think I got
everything," Heer replied thoughtfully pondering.
"If not I can
always mail it to you," Prem stated.
"I guess."
Prem walked to
the driver seat while Heer went to the passenger side and they both climbed
into the car. The drive over to the
airport was pleasant as it could be despite the lingering question in the air
about their relationship. Strangely, it
seemed less pressing to discuss. Perhaps
it was thought that there was implicit understanding that things were good
between them and there really wasn't a need to discuss anything. They could just let this take its natural
course.
Prem rolled his
window down to take the ticket for the short term parking garage and drove
cautiously around the lot looking for a space.
Eventually he found one not too far away from the entrance. They both walked silently up the ramp to the
entrance of the airport and entered through the automatic doors. Because of the security restrictions at the
airport Prem knew he wouldn't be able to walk Heer to her terminal so he stood
in line with her as she waited to check herself into her flight. He sighed missing those days when they
allowed such privileges to walk friends and family to their terminal and send
them off.
After Heer's
luggage was taken away and her tickets marked with her boarding terminal they
walked towards the security checkpoint.
It wasn't very far from the airline check in. Heer turned towards Prem and looked at him
wondering what she should say. Prem gave
a warm grin and placed his hands on her shoulders, "You have a safe flight. Call me when you make it back home?" Heer remained silent and nodded her
head. Prem glanced at the line at the
security check point and sighed, "It looks like it's getting longer. You should probably get in line. You don't want to miss your flight."
Heer looked at
the line and then turned back towards him.
"Prem..."
"I know what you
are going to say. When I get a break
from work I'll come and visit you," he smirked.
He raised his right hand and continued, "I, Prem Juenja swear in this
crowded airport on this Sunday the 14th of March will come and visit
you soon."
"Prem..." Heer
replied rolling her eyes at him and gave him a playful push on the chest.
"You smiled
didn't you? I want to see you leaving
with a smile on your face," Prem simply stated.
Heer widen her lips and showed her teeth giving him a cheesy smile
making them both break out in laughter.
"See...a lot better. You know I
don't do well with goodbyes. So, phir
milenge chalte chalte."
Heer chortled at
his comment and nodded, "Haan. I'll talk
to you soon."
Prem gave a
satisfied grin and then gave her a tight hug.
Heer smiled at the bear hug she was receiving from him. When they broke apart she felt him place a
tender kiss on her forehead. "Go..."
Heer nodded and
got in line for the security check point.
She shuffled along with the crowd as everyone waited for their turn in
line to place their shoes and things on the conveyer belt to be x-rayed and
walk through the metal detectors. Just
as her turn came she heard her cell phone go off. "Hello?"
"You there yet?"
"Yea, just made
it." She could feel everyone staring at
her wondering what she was doing talking on her cell phone. She was holding up the line. "I have to go Prem. I'll call you when I get home."
"Okay. I was wondering how much longer I had to wait
here."
"You're still
here in the airport?" Heer inquired.
"Well yeah...I'm
seeing you off aren't I? Have to make
sure you walk through security and are on your way to the terminal."
Heer smiled and
felt a happiness in her heart. "Hey lady
are you done chit-chatting?" She looked
up in alarm and gave an apologetic look.
"Sorry," returning to the phone, "I have to go."
"You got yelled
at didn't you?"
"Talk to you
later, Prem," Heer answered.
"Later then," he
replied and hung up.
********************************************************
Prem
looked about him seeing the happy faces of friends and family watching Heer as
she enter the wedding ceremony from the grand staircase. It was a blessed and joyous occasion. There wasn't any room for doubt or
worry. It was a time of
celebration. His eyes suddenly dimmed as
a cloud of thoughts rushed through his head.
This was it. From this moment
onward their relationship would be different.
She was going to be someone's wife.
He wouldn't be able to call her up at 2am when he felt lonely or ask
advice on what color couch he should get to match his living room. She wouldn't be there to bug him to eat his
vegetables and make sure he wasn't spending his entire weekend in front of the
TV playing video games. He knew she
wouldn't stop caring about him but it would be different. She would have new responsibilities and
issues to deal with. Her time would be
spent with her husband and his family.
He felt his hand gently clench as he knew he was to blame for all of
this. He was guilty and regretful for
his actions.
Prem
was broken from his thoughts when he saw a flask being thrust in front of his
face. His eyebrows furrowed as he turned
to look at the person. "You looked like
you needed some."
"Preet,
put that away. You want us to get in
trouble?" Prem hissed as he pulled his cousin's hand down trying to hide the
liquor. "We're at a wedding."
"They
drink at weddings," Preet replied.
"After
the ceremony...during the reception...don't get wasted before hand," Prem warned.
"I
wouldn't do that. I brought this for
you," Preet stated. "If anyone needs a
drink right now it's you. How can you
just stand here like this?"
"First
you convinced me that I needed to come and now that I am here you want to taunt
me like this? What do you want from me?"
muttering, "I should have just stayed in London."
"You
know you would have regretted it even more if you had stayed away," Preet
simply replied. He then opened the flask
and took a quick sip.
"Preet!"
Prem whispered fiercely.
"Ahhh..."
he sighed in pleasure. "Talking to you
is really tiring sometimes you know that?
I needed that one for all I had to deal with since the news."
"Don't
remind me," Prem said in a low tone.
Preet suddenly grabbed his arm making him look at him with alarm. "What are you doing now?"
"It's
Meher...she's a strict one...here hide it," Preet said as he handed the flask over
to him. "If she catches me with it I'm
dead. She's a feisty one."
"I
thought you liked feisty woman," Prem teased.
Preet
narrowed his eyes, "Don't even go there.
She's not my type."
"I
thought you said you didn't have a type," Prem replied.
Preet
grimaced but then glanced towards the doorway.
"I think she's coming over here.
Um, I'll be back. You watch that okay? She won't suspect you of sneaking in boozes."
"Preet...Preet..."
Prem called but it was too late he had wandered off into the crowd. Prem sighed and looked down staring at the
silver flask in his hand. It felt cold
and he could hear the liquid splashing around inside. His eyes lifted upward and saw Heer make her
way down to the final step of the stairs.
She looked so beautiful. So
beautiful that it was making his heart ache.
********************************************************
Prem opened the
front door of his townhouse and smiled as he was greeted by his dog. He slipped off his shoes and made his way to
the couch where he could sit down and pet his dog to his heart's content. It had only been a few minutes when the house
phone started to ring. He picked up the
cordless phone and arched his eyebrows wondering why Heer was calling him on
the main houseline. She usually called
on his cell phone as that was the best way to get in touch with him.
"Hey, what's
up?" Prem greeted with a grin.
"Did you turn
off your cell phone?" Heer inquired.
"No..." then
realizing, "Oh, I had it turned on silent cause of the meetings today. We had a lot of meetings," Prem replied. "Sorry about that."
"No, it's okay."
He could hear
something in her voice and knew she wasn't her usual cheerful self. "What's the matter Heer? Everything okay?"
There was a
moment of silence before he heard her say, "My parents have accepted an
engagement proposal from Viren's parents."
His eyes widened
in surprise by her announcement. He knew
that Heer and Viren had been talking again but she never let on that things had
gotten to this point. In fact he thought
they were just being nothing more than friends.
She spent most of her time hanging out with her good friend Meher or
with her cousins and brother. "Oh..." He
was left relatively speechless and didn't know how or what he should say to
such news. "Um, congrats."
"Congrats?"
"Well yeah, isn't
that the customary thing to say when someone tells them that they have gotten
engaged?" Prem replied. "Your parents
must be happy. They like Viren."
There was
another moment of silence on the phone making Prem break out in a cold
sweat. He knew Heer's family well. If they accepted the proposal that meant they
thought highly of Viren and wanted him to be a part of the family. Balraaj Maan was a man of great principal and
he thought things out thoroughly before making his decisions. Heer respected her parents and their
wishes. She generally followed what they
wanted her to do. Not that they controlled
every aspect in her life, but when it came down to the bigger decisions Heer
always sought her parent's advice.
Marriage was a huge step and he knew Heer would follow her parent's
wishes.
"So, when's the
engagement?"
"I don't know
yet. They just sent the proposal
yesterday," Heer answered.
"Oh..."
Silence.
"So, you'll
probably go to India to get things for the wedding, huh?" Prem inquired.
He heard her
sigh and then softly reply, "Are we really going to do this?"
"What do you
mean?"
"You know very
well what I mean." And he knew what she
was alluding to but he found himself unable to say anything. He felt it was somehow beyond his control
now. The things he wanted to say just
wouldn't form on his lips. He had never
directly heard from her that she was ever interested in starting something with
him. She was still talking to Viren,
which meant there was still something there.
He didn't want to put her in a position in which she would have to
choose. He didn't want to cause her any
pain. He wanted her to be happy because
she deserved it. The one thing that scared him the most was to
have their friendship break. He would
never allow that to happen. It was
something he would fight till the end for.
"Don't worry I
won't give you a shopping list when you go.
I know everyone will be asking you to bring them back something," Prem
replied.
"Seriously?"
getting frustrated, "I-I can't do this..."
"Heer? Heer?" His eyes dulled when he thought he
heard her sniffle. "Are you crying?"
"No...just
something got in my eye...I'll-I'll talk to you later. My Mom is calling..."
"Heer?" Prem
repeated with concern.
"Bye."
Prem held the cordless phone in his hand
listening to the silence. It wasn't long
before the dial tone went busy. The
sound snapped him from his trance and without thinking twice he flung the phone
onto the ground. It bounced over itself
a few times before the battery cover flew off and left seam of the phone
cracked open. Her reaction had confirmed
what he thought; she was crying. And he had been the cause of her
distress. He lowered his head into his
hands and cursed, "Sh*t..."
********************************************************
Prem
recalled the weeks after that conversation.
He had felt ashamed and guilty for the way he had acted. But he was too weak willed to stop anything
because he was afraid to make things worse.
His relationship with Heer was at an odd place. They talked but not as often and very
short. So he threw himself into his work
and buried his attention on projects.
And before he knew it six months had passed. Preet tried his best to persuade him to
actually talk to Heer and sort things out but he was too stubborn to listen. Prem consoled himself thinking she would be
happier with Viren. He didn't want to
bring unnecessary strife to her family.
They were happy with their future son-in-law. And if they were happy, Heer would be happy
too because he knew how important her family was to her. In the end that was all that mattered.
He
didn't know what possessed him to finally agree to Preet's request to attend
the wedding. Perhaps it was his personal
plead as he had flown to London to strictly talk to him about the issue. Or the fact that he had hounded him day and
night and refused to leave him alone until he agreed to fly back to the States. Now that he was here he felt so strange and
out of place. He was trying so hard to
play his part as a friend but he was finding it hard to keep himself together.
Prem's
eyes watched the groom's elder cousin walked towards Heer and her parents. Viren's father soon approached them and
pulled Heer's father to the side to talk.
Soft whispers and murmurs began to fill the room as guest wondered what
was taking so long. Why hadn't the
ceremony started yet? Prem started to
slowly make his way forward curious to what was going on. His ears perked when he heard his name being
called. Preet was soon by his side with
a look of great urgency. "They can't
find him."
"What
do you mean?" Prem replied his eyes were narrowed in complete focus of what he
was trying to tell him.
Preet
could see the fire in his cousin's eyes and he placed his hand on his shoulder
to try to calm him. "You worry about
her. Let me take care of tracking him
down."
Their
conversation was soon interrupted when Meher came bounding up. "Prem..." she simply stated. The look on her face confirmed what he
thought Preet was telling him. Viren had
run away.
Without
a word he left them and made his way towards the staircase. He didn't care who was watching or what
people were going to think because it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was making
things right. He was met by surprised
eyes when he walked in on the conversation going on between Heer's mother, Teji
and Viren's cousin. "Prem?" Teji uttered
unsure why he was there. He ignored her
words and reached out and grabbed a hold of Heer's hand. Heer's eyes widened in alarm at his actions,
"Prem..." she said nervously as she tried to pull her hand away, "What are..."
"Marry
me."
"What?"
Heer asked. Her eyes looked at him in
disbelief that he had seriously just said that to her. And of all the times to ask that question he
had to do that now in front of guests at her own wedding.
"Marry
me," Prem repeated.
"You're
crazy," she replied as she forcefully twisted her hand away from his grip.
"Everyone
is talking...he isn't here...I won't let your honor to be questioned..."
"Now,
what a minute," Viren's cousin angrily interrupted.
"Are
you saying he is here? Then where is
he? Bring him out...it is his
wedding. We all know the truth. What kind of man walks out of his own
wedding?" Prem snarled.
"Prem!"
Heer snapped.
Teji
looked on in horror as she saw her daughter drag Prem away from the stairs
towards the study. "Heer, what are you
doing?"
"I
can't have this conversation out here.
Things are already messed up enough," she replied.
Teji
placed her hand on the side of her face bewildered beyond belief. Her husband Balraaj had stopped arguing with
Viren's father and gave his wife a look.
"Teji?"
"I
don't know," she replied shaking her head.
Soon
their friends Lalit and Gayatri Juneja were walking towards them with concern
looks. "What is going on here?" Lalit
inquired. "Where is Prem going?"
"I
should ask that same question," Viren's father replied with annoyance.
"I
don't think you are in any position to speak," Balraaj reprimanded causing
Viren's father to lower his eyes.
********************************************************
Prem
was dragged into the study room and had barely had the chance to close the door
when Heer turned around and started in on him.
"What was that? Marry you? So you can save my honor and respect? What old fashion values you have kind sir to
take pity on me...an innocent and naive girl that I am. Thank you for trying to salvage my reputation
and the reputation of my family," bowing down in a mocking manner, "I owe you
so much. How can I ever repay your
kindness?"
Prem's
jaw tightened as he felt her anger. It
wasn't unjustified. She had ever right
to be upset with him but a part of him was starting to feel upset with her. "Heer..."
"Don't,"
she replied interrupting him. "Where
were you when I needed you? Where were
you? And now, you finally decided to
show up...the friend I needed left me six months ago...hiding in his work...the big
project in London. I didn't think you
were going to come. Part of me wishes
now that you didn't. You should have
just stayed away...stayed away from---"
"I
can't stay away from you," Prem firmly stated as he looked into her moistened
hazel eyes. "I could never stay away
from you. And believe me...I've tried...I've
tried really hard to not think about you...to not wonder if you were doing all
right," sighing, "I know it was my fault.
I should have said something that week.
We should have talked but I didn't want to ruin it. I was afraid because I didn't want to ruin
our friendship. Our friendship means
everything to me. And you could have
said something too. It wasn't like you
didn't have a say in all of this. When
you told me and didn't say anything I thought okay...she's made her choice. And at the time I knew Viren to be a decent
guy...sure you guys had problems but what relationship doesn't have
problems? Your parents accepted the
proposal and I know you respect your parents' decisions...and you would never do
anything to hurt them. If they were
happy then you were happy. And if you
are happy then I was happy," turning his head slightly to the side, "Your
happiness means everything to me. I
tried to console myself to that fact that he would take good care of you...someone
you could trust and build a life with. I
could be happy with that." Heer's eyes
softened at his words, but were taken aback when they met his gaze again. She could hear her heart beating in her ears.
There was a sudden change in his
demeanor. "But the truth is I can't be
happy," walking steadily towards her, "I can't be happy knowing you're with
someone else...building a life together...because it should be me..." grabbing a hold
of her hand and holding to his chest, "You should be with me." Heer stared speechlessly into his eyes as he began
to confess his feelings for her, "During middle school I had the biggest crush
on you...then in high school I fell in love...and in college...I wanted to be with
you but I knew you only thought of me as a friend. So I just hid my feelings...pushed them
away...and that night..." softening his voice, "that week...it was like a dream...I
didn't want to ruin it...it was perfect...and then you left and then a few days
later you told me you were talking to Viren again," giving a sad smirk, "Destiny
is quite cruel. And when you told me
over the phone about the proposal...I couldn't face the fact that I could have
had a chance...that I almost had you...it torn me up inside," letting go of her
hand, "Anyways, it doesn't matter...if you don't feel this way about me..." stepping
back but then suddenly rising his voice again, "But I won't allow anyone who
isn't worthy of your love to come near you.
When I find him and I will...he's going to wished he had died. I won't let anyone hurt you..." Prem was silenced as Heer suddenly cupped his
face and placed a tender kiss on his lips.
She
had seen the fire burning in his eyes and the anger in his voice that he had
hurt her. He was shouldering all the
burden on himself for things that she was just as equally responsible for. She was shocked and awed at the fact that he
had been in love with her for so long.
She felt stupid for her blindness and hated that she had caused him so
much pain. But deep down inside she had
always known that their relationship was special. She had suspected something but never had the
guts to speak with him directly about it.
Now that his feelings were out in the open she felt as if a weight had
been lifted and it was time to take their relationship to the next level. Prem opened his eyes and saw to his amazement
Heer looking at him with such warmth.
"Ask me properly," she simply stated.
Understanding
her meaning he took her hands into his and went down on one knee, "Mai tumse
pyar karta hu and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And I know there are going to be tests in
this road of life, but I promise you Heer I will never give up on us. You are everything to me and I will do my
best to provide for you and our family...give you all the love and happiness you
deserve...because you deserve so much.
Will you marry me?"
Heer
gave a teary nod and hugged him tightly.
"Yes Prem I will. I love you
too." He grinned brightly and closed his
eyes relishing the moment they were sharing.
There was a part of him that couldn't believe this was actually
happening. He pulled back and began to
slowly caress her cheek. His eyes sadden
at the tears that were trickling down.
He shook his head and tenderly wiped her tears away with the pads of his
thumbs before he gave her a sweet but passionate kiss. Heer felt herself swoon and her knees go
weak. When they broke apart she gently
pushed her fist against his chest, "Why couldn't you have told me this sooner
instead of having all this drama now?"
"It
makes it more exciting doesn't it? So Hindi
film like or serial like don't you think?
The hero comes in at the last second to declare his undying love for his
girl...stop the wedding and take her away...Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge." Heer chortled at his joke. "So, we should probably tell them of our
decision? The priest is probably getting
a little impatient he was booked to perform a wedding."
"Right
now?"
"No,
a year from now," Prem replied. "Of
course right now...your family is here and at least my immediate family is
here...Kulraj and Kiran just flew in with the kids yesterday. They can be here in no time."
"But
Prem, we don't have a mangalsutra," Heer stated with worry.
"Don't
worry we'll figure that out. I'm sure Ma
will know what to do." He reached out
his hand and gave a reassuring nod. Heer
looked at his out stretched hand and then up at him. She could see the conviction on his face
making her feel more confident. She
slipped her hand into his and they both gave each other giddy grins. "Ready?"
"Ready."
When
they emerged from the room they were met with their parents' anxious eyes. Lalit was the first to speak to try and
understand what was going on. He along
with the rest of the parental group had seen their intertwined hands, "Prem?"
"We
want to get married Bauji," then looking at the Maans, "Forgive me for asking
in this manner," letting go of Heer's hand so he could claps his hands together
in forgiveness, "I love your daughter and I promise to take care good care of
her. I will never walk away or give
up. Her happiness means the most to me
and I will do my up most best to keep her happy. May I have permission to make Heer my wife?"
Heer
bite her lower lip waiting for her parents' response. She was slightly startled when her father
started to speak to her. "Heer? You want to marry Prem?"
She
nodded her head, "Yes Papa. I want to
marry Prem. I love him."
Balraaj's
eyes widened at his daughter's confession.
"Then why didn't you tell me? Why
did you agree to marry Viren?"
"So
she was playing with my son's heart?" Viren's father barked. "No wonder he left...he must have found out her
sultry past. I never thought she was
that kind of girl. But now I see her
true colors..."
"Mr.Vikram
Singhania my daughter is not type of girl.
How dare you insinuate such a thing," Teji fumed. "Just a few weeks ago you were singing her
praises and looking forward to having her as your daughter-in-law."
"Obviously
something made Viren leave," Vikram argued.
"If
I may," Prem interrupted. "Heer had no
idea how I felt about her...she was going to marry Viren. She wasn't going to let her parents' word
mean nothing. Your son left on his own
accord."
"My
Viren would never do that."
"Heer? You were marrying Viren because of us?"
Balraaj questioned.
Heer
gently lowered her gaze. "I know you
give your word. And I didn't want to
disappoint you or Mama...you both looked so happy. I never knew how Prem felt about
me...honest. I'm sorry Papa."
Balraaj
and Teji both looked at each other and frowned that their daughter had forgo
her happiness to make them happy. "If
you didn't want to get married you should have told us," Balraaj said. "I'm sorry if we put this much pressure on
you."
"A
very likely story...all of this is...how do I know you didn't plan this...this some
trick?" Vikram inquired looking at Prem.
"What
exactly are you suggesting?" Lalit asked trying to defend his son. "I think it is very clear what the two young
people are saying."
"Is
it? They played this drama and in the
end my Viren got hurt. This was suppose
to be his wedding day," Vikram angrily said.
"No
Dad. They did nothing wrong." Everyone turned their heads to see Viren standing
behind them with an apologetic face.
Preet and Heer's brother Nihaal
were standing behind him like guards preventing him from running away. It was clear they had found him and dragged
him back to the wedding to face the consequences and straighten things out
between the families.
"Viren?"
"I
left. I didn't know how to tell
anyone...especially since you and Mom wanted this wedding to happen so
badly. I'm really sorry," looking at
Heer, "I'm really sorry Heer. I should
have said something to you...things were happening so fast...we hardly talked about
this decision. I think you and I can
both agree that it was something made without our consent."
"What
are you saying?" Vikram inquired confusedly at his son.
"I
know you and Mom really wanted Heer as the daughter-in-law of the family, but
we weren't there yet in our relationship in fact we had broken up and decided
it was best to be just friends. I know
you did this to try to save our relationship but there isn't anything to
save. We just don't love each other like
that." He looked over at Heer and saw
how close she was standing next to Prem.
He nodded his head in understanding and addressed Prem, "You take care
of her the way I never could."
Prem
acknowledged his words with a look. "I
will."
"Come
on Dad we should probably leave," Viren said putting his hand on his shoulder. Virkam
was at a loss for words and just silently followed his son out of the wedding
venue; the rest of Singhania family and guests soon followed suit.
"So then?" Balraaj inquired looking at his
friend Lalit Juneja.
"Once
neighbors now in-laws?" Lalit replied.
The two men broke out into smiles and laughter. Lalit looked at his wife and simply said,
"Gayatri?"
"Do
you even have to ask?" she grinned. "Of
course we would be delighted to have Heer as the daughter-in-law in our family." Teji warmly clasped hands with her and
smiled.
"Well
then I guess you have our answers," Balraaj said as he looked at Prem and
Heer. "Welcome to the family
son-in-law." Prem beamed as he received
a hug from his future father-in-law.
"Thank
you. I promise I'll take good care of
her."
"I
have full faith you will," Balraaj said.
He then looked at his son, "Nihaal, make arrangements with the hotel...we
need to fix the sign outside. This is
the Juneja and Maan wedding now. And
make sure the suite is properly taken care of."
"Yes
Papa," Nihaal answered and hurried left to complete his task.
"Ma,
we don't have a mangalsutra," Prem said voicing his concern.
"Don't
worry," Gayatri replied as she held her cell phone to her ear. "I'll tell Kulraj to bring it here. I have one that I picked out for when you
were to get married. I purchased it
about a month ago."
"Ma? You were looking for me?"
"Actually
no I wasn't. I had faith you would find
someone without our assistance. I just
thought I be prepared. And it always
pays to be prepared...as you can see. I
think it's going to look gorgeous on Heer," smiling warmly at her future
daughter-in-law. "Hello Kulraj? Where are you and Kiran?"
While
Gayatri worked on getting the mangalsutra, Balraaj and Lalit went to speak to
the Priest to discuss the wedding ceremony and the new situation that had
arisen. Prem glance over to his future
wife to be and grinned. "See, things are
working out. And by the end of the night
you will be Mrs. Heer Juneja," moving closer so he could whisper softly into
her ear, "By the way you look really beautiful today. I'm d*mn glad you are coming home with me
tonight."
Heer
opened her mouth slightly in shock at his last words. She gave him a playful push on the shoulder,
"Prem..."
"What? I'm just saying you'll be my wife and the
only person you should be going home with is me."
"So,
you're saying I belong to you?" Heer said lifting her eyes seductively at him.
"Of
course," Prem matter-of-factly stated.
"But I belong to you as well.
Unless you're telling me I can go home with other people."
"Prem
Juneja," Heer fumed as she grabbed his collar.
His
eyes widened in surprise by her possessiveness.
"Just joking...just joking..."
"You
better be," she added before she let go.
"Wow,"
Prem uttered with a smirk as he straightened his outfit. "I have a jealous wife."
"I'm
not. You're suppose to be faithful to
me," Heer defended.
"This
is up there like the time you thought Ginger was my girlfriend...streaming coming
from the ears...ahhh---w-why are you hitting me?" Prem complained while he
hunched his shoulders.
"Because
you deserve it," Heer said as she slapped her hand on his shoulder.
"You're
not suppose to beat the groom," Prem protested.
"Only
when he's being stupid," Heer snapped.
"Hey
lovebirds!" Prem and Heer both stopped
what they were doing and turned to see Preet and Meher smiling at both of
them.
"So
who do you need to thank?" Preet inquired looking at Prem. "Don't play dumb. Who's the one who dragged you back to the
States, huh?"
"He
was dragged?" Heer asked arching her eyebrow looking at Prem.
"I
wasn't dragged. I came on my own accord..."
"Ha!"
Preet said crossing his arms.
"I
did. Heer is the most important person
in the world to me," Prem defended.
"Ah
so sweet," Meher gushed and pinched his cheek, "You'll take good care of Heer
won't you?" Prem winced when he realized
how hard she was pinching his cheek.
"Won't you?" her voice sounding increasingly demanding.
He
nodded and replied, "Of course...of course...top priority."
"Good," Meher smiled and let go. Prem
backed away and rubbed his sore skin. He
was feeling uneasy and slightly frighten by her protectiveness.
"Meher..."
Heer voiced with concern.
"Oh,
he'll live. Just a little reminder
considering things that have happened recently," she defended.
"Well,
if you will excuse us ladies," Preet said and signaled with his eyes to
Meher. She nodded and held Heer's arm.
"Wh-what
are you doing?" Prem complained as Preet started to drag him away from Heer. "Let me go."
"You
can't be chit-chatting with her."
"Why
not? She's going to be my wife," Prem exclaimed. He tried turning around only to have Preet
grab him by the back of his suit preventing him from walking forward.
Heer
looked on helplessly as Meher started directing her to go back to the
study. "Meher..."
"We
need to get you ready."
"I
am ready. I'm wearing my wedding sari,"
Heer replied. "What else do I need to do?"
"We
need to touch up your makeup. Come on,"
Meher said dragging her friend backwards.
"Preet,
let me go," Prem ordered.
"No. We have to get you ready. The ceremony is about to start and we need
you to go to the other side," Preet explained.
"If you want to get married to her..."
Prem
immediately stopped fussing and turned around.
"Well, why didn't you say so?" straightening out his sherwani so he
looked proper, "Come on...let's go," walking quickly past Preet. His cousin just smirked shaking his head in
complete amusement.
********************************************************
The
wedding ceremony went off without a hitch despite the unorthodox way things had
started. Family members and friends
smiled in happiness and gave hearty congratulatory wishes to the bride and
groom. It was unfortunate that Prem's
side of the family was not fully present to enjoy the festivities, but Preet
had secured a video camera. He recorded
the wedding and some of the ritual games that proceeded afterwards.
The
music was rowdy in a good head bopping and foot stomping manner at the
reception hall. The DJ played all the
latest Bollywood hits. The buffet food
was delicious and the liquor flowed freely as guest enjoyed themselves. Prem grinned as he and Heer danced and
grooved with everyone else on the dance floor to Chammak Challo.
"Surely
I'm gonna get you? You know I'm gonna
get you," Prem sang as he pulled Heer close to him. She laughed and pushed him away. He smirked and continued dancing in front of
her, "Maybe I'll even let you be my chammak chammak challo. Kaisa sharmaana aaja nach ke dikha [Let's see
you move.] Aa meri hove aaja parda gira de [Don't be shy.] Aa meri akhiyon se
akhiyan mila le [Look me in the eyes.] Ab tu na nakhre dikhaa [Don't say no.]
"Wanna
be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my
chammak challo, o o o...Wanna
be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my
chammak challo, o o o.." Preet sang as he twisted his hips and bumped shoulders
with Meher.
She
smiled and started singing along, "Unnai thottal unnullathai norukka
maattiyo. Ennai pola pennai parthu
mayanga maattiyo. Kannil kannai pootti
vittaal sirikka maattiyo. Ennai unnil
serththu vittaal ottikka maattiyo."
Prem, Heer, and Preet all looked at her in surprise when she belted out
the line making her suddenly turn self conscious like she had done something
wrong. They all shook their heads and
broke out into bright grins.
Heer
turned towards her husband and tugged at his collar, "Kasisa sharmaana tujhe
nach ke dikha doon [Let me show you how to dance.] Mera ho jaaye jo main pardah gira doon
[You'll be mine if I say so.] Aa tujhe
akhiyon mein apne basa loon [Look in my eyes].
Aa tu na nakjre dikha [I won't say no.]"
Prem
simply replied, "Wanna be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be
my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my
chammak challo, o o o..."
"Wanna
be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my
chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my chammak challo, o o o... Wanna be my chammak challo, o o o..." Preet .
The
two men exchanged glances at each other and then started chasing after the
girls making them squeal in laughter as they continued to sing, "Wanna be my
chammak challo... Wanna be my chammak
challo... Wanna be my chammak challo...
Wanna be my chammak challo, o o o..."
The
dance party in the reception hall continued to rage on until 1am. If it wasn't for the time limit on the hall
booking the party would have kept going and going. Heer laughed as Prem showed the inside of his
empty wallet to a few of her younger cousins who were demanding cash before
they would let them enter the elevator to go to their room. "Sorry kids.
Out of luck. Gave all the cash I
had away," Prem said. They all groaned
in disappointment and moved to the side.
"Didi,
next time we see you...you'll have a baby, right?" Heer's eyes grew wide at such a statement
from the eight year old boy. The rest of
the kids giggled at his question. "Mommy
says after you get married you have babies."
Heer was left relatively speechless at his words.
"Rohan,
I think you're Mom's calling you," Prem said.
"No
she isn't," he replied.
"Um,
what I meant to say was...I think Uncle Preet has chocolates and," hitting his
hand to his forehead, "I forgot he was holding some of my money for me. Why don't you guys go find him? I think he's..." smiling as he saw Preet
walking through the hotel lobby, "right there," waving his hands so that Preet
would see and wave back. The kids became
excited and started running across the lobby screaming, "Uncle Preet...Preet
Uncle...Preet Uncle!"
Prem
smirked that his trick worked. "That was
wrong."
"Was
it?" Prem inquired as he arched his eyebrows.
"Babies?"
Heer
sighed, "Okay, I guess you're right," and hit the elevator button.
********************************************************
To Be Continued in Part Four ❤️
Credits
Lyrics Kumaran Ragunathan on Youtube and Translations from my RA.One DVD
Edited by iheartChai - 11 years ago
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