Fatima's Cozy Corner 3 - Final Update on Pg 114 :) - Page 22

Originally posted by: AASUS

I'm planning to give you a shock Fatima -in my cute weird way 🤣🤬

Originally posted by: Chit15

Thanks for pm

Wow wow it was awesome update

Meher taking care of Preet so his 1st day of office is not ruined

Meet moment's in Preet room so beautifully written and you recreated meet scene was so refreshing

Loved it

Originally posted by: Fatima_Q

Me thinks...I have a FF to update 😆

Word Count: 0

Chapter 32 - The Dress

The next day...(3 days after the engagement)

Kulraj and Heer were in the kitchen supervising dinner preparations, when Veera and Preet strolled in.

"Mmm, you've done it again Heer Bhabi, the aromas coming out of this kitchen are to die for," said Veera as she inhaled deeply and smiled.

"Thanks," smiled Heer. "But the real credit goes to Kulraj Didi tonight."

"Ooo! What did you make Kul Di?" Preet rubbed his hands together. He picked up a lid from a pot and tried to get a peek of what was cooking when Kulraj slapped his hand away. "Ow Didi! Bhabi dekho na (Bhabi look)!"

"What Ow Didi?" said Kulraj. "You keep your nose and over active stomach out of this kitchen until dinner is served. And no sneaking him anything behind my back Heer."

"Aye Aye captain!" Heer chuckled and gave her sister-in-law a salute.

"Veera, how about helping us in the kitchen, for a change?" said Kulraj.

"Me?" said Veera.

"Yeah her?" said Preet. "Our guests are expecting dinner not food poisoning."

"Hmph!" said Veera. She glared at Preet, as he laughed out loud. "I'm not a complete idiot in the kitchen you know!"

"I'm glad you feel that way," said Kulraj. "There is still plenty to do. And every minute you spend here is an opportunity to learn. I don't want to hear Nihal complaining that you're starving him to death in America, or living off take out. Come on, grab an apron and lend us a hand."

"But I still have to get ready?" protested Veera.

"So do Heer and I," said Kulraj. "And there is more than enough time for that."

"Why did I even come here?" Veera complained, as she took the apron Kulraj was holding out. She hit her brother with her elbow. "Why couldn't we have gone out as originally planned?"

"I don't care if we eat in or out as long as I get to see...," Preet stopped in mid-sentence.

"Get to see who?" teased Kulraj. "Ashelsha?"

Preet gave her a weak smile. "Uh...what I meant to say was don't blame me, it was Heer Bhabi's idea. She said she had some big announcement to make."

"Announcement? What announcement?" asked Veera.

Heer and Kulraj exchanged smiled. "You'll find out soon enough," said Heer. "In any case, Prem, Kulraj Didi and I wanted to spend some time with you all too, so what's the big deal?"

Preet walked over to Kulraj and put his arms around her shoulder. "I'm always up for spending time with my Di. She's so sweet. Speaking of sweets..." He reached his hand out toward a plate of sweets on the counter. "How about just one...?"

"Nice try Preet Beta," chuckled Kulraj, as she pushed him out of the kitchen, and stuffed a carrot into his hand. "But you're not getting anything more than this."

Meanwhile...

Meher lay on her bed, following her fingers with her eyes as they pushed a roll of pink bangles back and forth. Preet had bought those for her. The same Preet Juneja, who had left no stone unturned and no opportunity pass by, to make his feeling and intentions towards her very clear. The same Preet Juneja whose chocolate colored eyes sparkled with mischief under lush black eyelashes. The same Preet Juneja with perfect little veins running down his perfectly toned arms. The same arms he had held her so close in, clad in nothing but a bath towel. The same Preet Juneja who could turn her legs into jelly with just a kiss. The same Preet Juneja who was driving her crazy!

She sat up and exhaled loudly. Stop it Meher! She scolded herself. You are engaged to marry someone else! If only she could some how get through tonight. Tomorrow she would be on her way back to Ludhiana...away from Preet...away from everyone, and everything would finally be alright. Until her wedding, that is. Although a date hadn't been fixed yet, Viren had mentioned several times that he was leaving for the U.S. in a few months. That meant their wedding would have to take place soon. Oh God! Would she actually have the nerve to go through with it?! She looked at the ring on her finger and frowned. She hadn't really left herself much of a choice, had she?

Just then her phone rang startling her from her thoughts. It was Viren.

"Hello?" said Meher.

"Hey Meher! How are you?" asked Viren. "Long time no see."

"We just saw each other at the mall on Sunday," Meher pointed out.

"Yes, but that was almost 2 days ago," whined Viren. "I've missed you."

"I...uh...I don't know what to say," muttered Meher.

"You're supposed to say you missed me too, silly girl," chuckled Viren. "Don't worry, I know you're the shy reserved type, but hey...you don't have to be like that around me. We're engaged remember?"

"How can I forget?" sighed Meher.

"What?" said Viren.

"Uh...I'm reminded of that fact every time I look at the ring on my finger," said Meher.

"Right right," agreed Viren. "And what a beautiful pair of matching rings Mrs. Rampal got us. Real diamonds too. Must have cost her a lot of money. Better her than me, right?"

"Did you want something Viren?" Meher asked rolling her eyes.

"You mean other than you?" Viren teased her. "Yes, actually. I wanted to make sure you're going to wear one of the dresses I picked out for you the other day."

"Dress?" said Meher. "Actually Viren, I don't feel comfortable in any of those dresses. I told you that when we were at the mall. I was thinking I'd wear a shalwar kameez. I have a really pretty pink one that..."

"No Meher, I told you I wanted see you in one of those dresses tonight," said Viren. "Why do you insist on resisting me on this issue?"

"I'm not resisting...," tried Meher. "It's just that...they're so...short...and...I don't feel very comfortable in a dress."

"Well it's time to step out of your comfort zone. Do you have any idea whose house we've been invited to? The Junejas," Viren reminded her. "The creme de la creme of Delhi's elite. My friends don't even believe me when I tell them that. We may not be on the same level as they are, but we can sure dress like it."

"But Viren...," sighed Meher.

"No buts Meher," Viren said firmly. "In any case, we'll be moving to the U.S. after we're married. You don't think I'm going to let my wife stroll down the streets of Virginia dressed in her baby pink shalwar kameez do you? What will people say? The sooner you get used to wearing western clothes, the better. Oh and uh...wear your hair up. I want you to show off those beautiful shoulders of yours."

Later that evening...

"Aaj mausam bada bayiman hai," Preet hummed as he brushed his hair and checked himself over in the mirror. "Bada...hmm hmm hmm hmm...aaj mausam..." He was going to see Meher again. Of course, they wouldn't be alone. In fact, they would be surrounded by a lot of kabab mein haddis (3^rd wheels), but he didn't care. Any chance to see her was worth it.

Just then he heard the door bell ring. He put his brush down, glanced at his reflection once more then raced out of his room.

"Preet! Kya kar rahe ho (What do you think you're doing)?!" cried Kulraj, as he slid down the banister and almost knocked her over.

"Sorry Kul Di," Preet grinned as he raced to the door. "But I'm in a bit of a hurry." As he reached the foyer, he saw the first set of guests being let in by the servant. "Oh...," he said in a deflated voice, as he saw Gaurav, Sam and Nihal walk towards him. "It's only you."

"Thanks for the warm welcome man," chuckled Gaurav. He came over and threw a playful punch at Preet's shoulder. "It's great to see you too. Or would you rather we leave?"

"I think he was expecting someone else," Sam teased knowingly.

"Don't you listen to anything he says Gaurav Bhaiya," said Veera. She walked over to Nihal, gave him a hug then greeted Sam and Gaurav. "He's been super excited for tonight."

"Yeah man, I'm really glad you guys are here," sighed Preet. "Come on, I'll get you all some cold drinks."

Just then the door bell rang again. Preet's eyes darted toward the door anxiously.

"It's okay Preet, we know where everything is," said Nihal.

"Yeah, we'll help ourselves," smiled Gaurav. "You go get the door."

Preet nodded then rushed to open the door before the servant could. He could barely contain his smile when he saw Meher standing before him. His smile slowly turned into confusion and his mouth fell open as he took in the complete sight of her. "Wha...What have you got on?" he stammered.

"What do you mean? It's...uh...a dress," said Meher. She swallowed hard and wrung her hands nervously, as Preet walked in a slow circle around her, carefully observing her from all sides.

Preet could see it was a dress, and she looked great in it too. The problem was that she looked too good. The swing dress she wore ended 4 inches above her knee showing off her long shapely legs. Its smooth floral fabric not only flattered her figure, it hung to her every curve. The halter-top neckline left her arms, shoulders and back bare, showing off her flawless skin and just enough cleavage to entice anyone for a quick glance. Preet couldn't resist staring at her either.

"I...I can see cleav...ahem...I mean...uh...I can see that it's a dress," he said. "But it's not appropriate. Take it off!" The words came out a little more forcefully than he had intended.

"What?!" Meher took a step back. Viren and Ashlesha, had already given her so much trouble about what to wear tonight. They had deemed everything she had wanted to wear as being too dowdy. And she in turn had felt their suggestions had been too brash. It was only with great reluctance that she had finally agreed to wear this particular dress. The last thing she needed now was for Preet to begin cross-examining her before she even stepped through the door.

"Not here," Preet rolled his eyes. "I mean, go home and put something else on for God's sake."

"But why?" asked Meher.

Because I don't want anyone else besides me drooling over you, thought Preet. "Because...Because it's not you," he said. "Why are you trying to be something you're not?"

Before Meher could say something, Ashelsha walked in through the door.

"Fashion rule number 1, emphasize your assets and conceal your flaws," smiled Ashelsha, as she struck a pose to show off her own dress. It was even shorter than Meher's. "Hey Preet! How do I look? Great na?" She walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Yeah...just great," frowned Preet. His eyes were still fixed on Meher.

"Tell me something I don't know," laughed Ashlesha. "And Meher, doesn't she look fab? You know she gave me such a hard time getting into this dress. It was almost like pulling teeth. But I promised Viren a totally different Meher tonight and I'm happy to say I delivered on my promise." She looked at Meher and smiled at her accomplishment. "Who knew under all those down market traditional clothes she normally wears, was such a hot body? A little curvy, but hot nonetheless."

"Ashlesha please!" Meher was mortified. So many things were going on in the world and these 2 just couldn't get past the stupid dress she was wearing as a topic of discussion!

"I knew," said Viren, as he walked up behind the girls with a white box in one hand and his other hand tucked behind her back. "I knew it from the moment I first laid eyes on her that inside this Meena Kumari was a Malika Sherawat just waiting to come out."

Hai Rabba! Mainu chak de! Thought Meher. (Oh God! Just take me now!)

Just then Sam and Gaurav, came to the foyer.

"Hey Preet, what's taking you so long?" said Gaurav.

"Oh my God, Meher! Is that really you?" Sam rushed over to her friend, took her hands in hers, and looked her over admiringly. "I haven't seen you in a dress since we were in grade school. You look gorgeous!"

Even Gaurav couldn't help but agree.

"Thanks Sam," blushed Meher.

"Meher, you forgot this in the car." Viren handed her the white cardboard box. "She made something for tonight. So sweet and thoughtful of her. I on the other hand bought this." He held forth a bottle of wine. "Don't worry, it's good, or at least it better be. It cost me an arm and a leg."

Preet frowned at the bottle.

"Viren, why did you bring that?" hissed Meher. She nearly gave herself whiplash as she turned to glare at him. "Preet doesn't drink. No one in his family does. They lost their mother in an alcohol related car accident."

"You're kidding right?" asked Viren. "I saw his old man booze it up at our engagement. Hey Preet, no harm intended, okay?"

Preet took an angry step forward, but Gaurav put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"Uh...how about if we all go in now?" Meher said quickly. She snatched the bottle of wine out of Viren's hand. "I'll go give these things to Heer Didi."

Preet stepped aside as Sam, Viren, Meher and Ashlesha headed inside.

"What a bozo," remarked Gaurav. He came and stood next to Preet.

"That he is...," agreed Preet. "...but did you see Meher?"

"I sure did," grinned Gaurav.

Preet glared at his friend with narrowing eyes.

"What?" Gaurav asked innocently. "She looked nice...uh...nice...as in a purely sisterly sense."

"When have we ever seen Meher dressed like that?" said Preet.

"Never," Gaurav shook his head. "I guess there is a first time for everything."

"She never wears a dress," continued Preet.

"Relax Preet, it's just a dress," said Gaurav. "Sam, Ash, and Veera are all wearing one too."

That was of little comfort to Preet. No wonder she didn't want me to see it last night. "I know, but it's not what she's used to," he remarked.

"She's always had to be so reserved. Maybe she's trying out a new look for herself," suggested Gaurav. He saw the disturbed look on his friend's face. "Come on Preet. So what if she lives it up a little?"

"Little? Correct! That's the problem. Her dress is too short," said Preet.

"We're having warm weather," said Gaurav. "You've got people working out in the yard walking around in shorts."

"It's not the same thing," grumbled Preet. Maali Kaka's hairy male thighs didn't make him break out into a cold sweat. Meher on the other hand...Uff! And if he was bowled over by her new look...then Viren...Grrr!

A shortwhile later...

Meher walked into the Juneja's kitchen, but there was no sign of Heer. "Excuse me," she said to one of the servants. "Do you know where Heer Didi is?"

"Bibi Ji apne kamre mein hai (She's in her room)," replied the servant. "She hasn't come down yet."

"Oh," sighed Meher. Perhaps Heer Didi was still getting ready. "Can you please give these to her when she does come down?" The servant nodded as he took the white box and bottle of wine from her. I guess I better go join everyone else, she thought.

As she walked back to the room where everyone was gathered, she found Sam, Ashlesha and Veera engrossed in conversation. Preet on the other hand was across the room leaning one arm against a chair chuckling to himself. Gaurav stood next to him looking equally amused. The object of their amusement was Viren. Of course, she rolled her eyes. I wonder what he's done or said now? She took a deep breath and decided to join him. He was after all her fiance. Any face saving that was required, therefore, rested on her shoulders.

"Ah Meher! Glad you could join us," smiled Prem.

"Prem Ji, I don't see Heer Didi anywhere," said Meher.

"She's been feeling a little under the weather," Prem exchanged a smile with Kulraj. "But she'll be down shortly. I was just getting to know Viru."

"Uh...actually Mr. Juneja, it's Viren," he corrected him.

"I thought Preet said your name was Viru," said Prem. He saw his younger brother chuckling in the background and realized his mischief. "...uh...never mind. I'm glad you both could make it tonight."

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world," smiled Viren. "It's not every day I get an invitation to the Juneja mansion. Do you mind if I take a selfie to show my friends?"

"A selfie?" Prem asked in surprise, as Viren quickly snapped a picture of them together.

"You have an amazingly beautiful house," said Viren. "I've never seen anything like it." He smiled apologetically at Ashlesha as she scowled at his words. "I mean, don't get me wrong, the Rampals have a great place too, but everything here is on a much grander scale."

"Uh...thanks," Prem gave him a small smile, but Viren wasn't done yet.

"The curtains in this room alone must cost more than what some people make in a year," remarked Viren.

"Curtains?" said Prem. "I guess I never thought about it. Heer usually takes care of..."

"And are those leather shoes you're wearing?" asked Viren.

Oh no, thought Meher. Not the leather shoes again!

Prem looked down at his shoes worriedly. "You're not some kind of animal rights activist are you?" he asked.

"You mean, am I going to taunt you about killing innocent animals and wearing their skins?" chuckled Viren. "Nah! I love the stuff myself."

"So, I hear you're a doctor," Kulraj said trying to change the topic. "What's your specialty?"

"Looking for free medical advice, eh?" chuckled Viren.

"Viren!" Meher hissed.

"Actually I was just trying to make some small talk," Kulraj rolled her eyes. Just then she spotted Heer walking into the room. "Ah! Heer, thank goodness you're here. Aa-o apne mehmano ko sambhalo (come take care of your guests)."

Heer greeted everyone with a smile. "Hi guys! Sorry to keep you waiting, and thanks for rearranging your plans to spend the evening with us."

"How are you Heer Didi?" Meher asked with concern. "Prem Ji said you were unwell."

"Oh no. It's nothing to worry about," smiled Heer. "But look at you! You look so different, so..."

"Modern?" Viren spoke up. "It wasn't easy getting her to agree to try something different, but Ashlesha and I persevered. A few more tweaks and Meher will be a changed person."

Meher glanced over to a small statue of cupid on one side of the room. She wished she could grow wings and fly away somewhere.

"Why does she need to change?" Preet asked as he and Gaurav came up next to Meher. "She's perfect the way she is."

"Well of course she's perfect," nodded Viren. "I'm talking about her fashion sense needing an upgrade. Her tastes are too simple. Ashlesha offered her a beautiful diamond necklace to wear tonight, but she chose to wear that plain gold chain and pendant instead."

"That plain chain and pendant as you put it, belonged to her mother," Preet said grimly.

He remembers! Meher looked up at him, surprised but grateful.

"So?" Viren shrugged his shoulders. "Does that mean she can't wear anything else? Doctor ki biwi bane wali hai (She's going to be a doctor's wife)."

"Uh...this must be your...fiance Viru," Heer said to Meher.

"Uh...it's Viren," Meher gave her a weak smile.

"Oh sorry, Viren...," Heer corrected herself, and gave a slight shake of her head to Preet. "It's very nice to meet you."

"Just don't ask him for free medical advice," Kulraj muttered under her breath.

"You are very fortunate in your choice of a life partner," said Heer. "Meher is a wonderful girl."

"Thanks Mrs. Juneja, I certainly do feel that way," Viren smiled at Meher. "We both are very lucky that Mrs. Rampal thought about us and our future. She's the one who brought us together."

And I bet your future was her only concern, thought Preet.

"Hey Meher," said Sam, as she and the others joined the conversation. "Veera just told me something wonderful. She's going to join university once she gets settled in California, so she can finish up her final year. Maybe you can do the same when you get to Virginia."

"Well...I don't know...," said Meher.

"You haven't finished university?" asked Kulraj.

"No," blushed Meher. "I had to quit in order to help my family out."

"You definitely should go back to school," said Prem. "Heer finished her education after we got married. A lot of young women do."

"You were working on a degree in education, right?" said Preet. "Kul Di you should see her with kids, she's amazing."

"Thanks. I would love to complete my studies," Meher looked at Viren hopefully. "I...I only have a year left and..."

"I don't know Meher," frowned Viren. "Veera is a Juneja. They can foot the bill for her education. The first few years of our marriage, I'll just be doing a residency on a modest income. I don't know how wise it would be to take out a student loan or something just so you can finish school. It'll take a few years, but we'll have soon have enough for our own house in the suburbs with the white picket fence and kids...you know the American dream. I don't see your schooling fitting in anywhere." He put his arm around Meher's shoulders. "Besides, darling you're going to be a doctor's wife...you should relax, look pretty for me when I get home and enjoy yourself. Aqal istimal karne ki koi zaroorat nahin hai (you don't need to use your brain)."

Meher's mouth fell open, but she quickly closed it.

Preet glanced over at her and smiled. He could swear there was steam coming out of her ears. He didn't need anyone's help making Viren look bad, the guy could look like an idiot all by himself!

"Um...uh...you know, this is really nice...all of us getting together like this. Veera tried to change the topic. "I have so little time left with you guys as it is. I wish we could have some more time together."

"Veera we're moving to the U.S., not the moon," laughed Nihal. "You can call everyone whenever you want."

"I know, but it won't be the same as seeing them," sighed Veera. "You know, the weather's been really nice of late. How about if we get together this weekend for a picnic? We could go up to our summer house in Kasauli."

"Ooo, that's a 5 hour drive," winced Heer.

"Imagine driving 5 hours with 4 little kids in the back," sighed Kulraj.

"Why do we have to take the kids?" asked Ashlesha.

"Because they're my nieces and nephews, and I won't see them for long time after I move to the U.S.," frowned Veera.

"Well yeah...but that's a good thing, right?" said Ashlesha.

"Meher and I will help with the children," offered Sam.

"Actually, I have to head back to Ludhiana," said Meher. "I don't think I'll be able to join you guys. Besides Sam, I think Veera wants to spend time with her family."

"Well we're not exactly outsiders," smiled Gaurav.

"Of course not, you guys are family," smiled Heer. "Kasauli sounds wonderful, but still, it's a 5 hour drive. I don't know if I'll be up to it."

"I have an idea," Preet spoke up. "How about if we go to Ambala instead? It's only 2...maybe 2 and half hours away."

"Yeah...but what's in Ambala?" asked Viren.

"Meher's family farm," smiled Preet.

Meher looked up in surprise. Why would Preet suddenly want to visit her family's farm?

"I've always heard so much about it, but never had a chance to see it," continued Preet.

"That's such a great idea Preet," smiled Sam. "Meher's farm is actually a very nice place to have a country picnic."

"No...," Meher shook her head. "It's kind of bare bones. You wouldn't like it. I mean, there is no air conditioning."

"So?" said Preet. "The weather is pretty decent. I think we can manage a weekend without air conditioning."

"You know Preet, I think you've come up with a great idea," smiled Prem. "Heer, we haven't seen your parents in while, I'm sure they'd love to see us and Chahat. We can surprise them...in more ways than one."

Heer nodded and smiled.

"It's settled then," said Preet. "Ambala it is. Bhabi will be able to see her folks and we can all have a good time too."

"You're forgetting one thing," said Meher. "I'm going back home tomorrow."

"Oh come on Meher," said Veera. "You can't leave before my wedding."

"I'm sorry Veera, but I...," tried Meher.

"Veera's right Meher," Viren spoke up. "You can't rush back to Ludhiana before her wedding. I'll have to call in a few favors, but I think I can free up my schedule for this weekend. And we can have a chance to spend more time together."

"You hear that Meher?" asked Preet. "You're fiance wants to spend time with you. If not for Veera's sake, at least take Viru's feelings into consideration."

"Uh...it's Viren," Viren corrected him.

Preet ignored him. "What say Meher?" he grinned. "Are you willing to have us over for a visit?"

"How can I possibly refuse?" Meher said through gritted teeth.

Just then a servant walked over to Heer and said something to her.

"Right then," said Heer. "Dinner is served."

Everyone walked over to the dining room. Once there, both Preet and Viren held out a chair for Meher to sit in.

"Woah there buddy," Viren patted Preet on the shoulder. "You've got the wrong fiance." He took Meher's hand and helped her into the chair he had pulled out for her.

Preet shrugged his shoulders and reluctantly looked for Ashlesha. She was busy talking to Veera and had already taken a seat next to her. He pushed the empty chair back in and went to sit next to Gaurav almost directly across from Meher.

A short while later...

"So Preet, how was your first day at work?" asked Sam.

"It was good,"" smiled Preet.

"Oh you finally started working for a living just like the rest of us, eh?" teased Viren.

"No," frowned Preet. "It was my first day joining the office here in Delhi. I was working on a project in Ludiana before this. That's where I first met Meher." He glanced in her direction and smiled.

"And your fiance Ashlesha too?" added Viren.

"Uh...yeah...her too," said Preet.

"Ah Meher! Have some more chicken dear," said Kulraj, as she tried to serve her another piece.

"It's delicious Kulraj Didi," said Meher as she covered her plate protectively with her hand. "But I'm quite full thank you."

"But you've done nothing but push food around on your plate," Kulraj pointed out. "How about some dumplings?"

"I promise you Kulraj Didi, I really couldn't eat another bite," said Meher.

"Come on Kul Di, give the poor girl a break," chuckled Prem. "You'll have to excuse our sister Meher, she's a feeder."

"Yeah," laughed Preet. "Chahat and her kids are at a friend's house having a sleepover. You happened to sit next to her, so you'll have to put up with her now."

"Look who's talking," scowled Kulraj. "You're on your 4^th helping and you don't want us to feed our guests properly?"

Meher gave her a weak smile, but in reality, she was miserable. Miserable and hungry! Oh sure, there was plenty of food being shoveled around right under her nose, but she wasn't being able to eat or enjoy any of it. And the stupid dress she was wearing was to blame! She hadn't taken more than a few sips of soup, before realizing that her leaning over the bowl was making a wonderful display of her cleavage. That too right in front of Preet! When she tried to eat in a completely upright position, soup had dribbled down her chin and at other times had landed in her lap. The napkin she had placed in her lap had saved her dress. Not that she wanted to save the dress! She had only worn it because Ashlehsa and Viren had both insisted that she needed to project a more exciting image. She, however, wasn't comfortable showing off so much of her shoulders, or her cleavage. So, here she sat at the Juneja's dining table, surrounded by Preet and his relatives, not daring to lean forward. And because of her ramrod posture crumbs, rice, peas, and God knows what else from the rest of her meal had dropped down her front.

"Maybe she's leaving room for these eclairs," smiled Heer. She had a servant clear the plates in front of Meher and replace them with another one with a beautiful eclair sitting in the middle of it.

Meher licked her lips and eyed the pastry before her greedily. She had worked very hard to prepare the delicious chocolate covered pastry and wasn't going to pass up a chance to eat it. She blew away the wisps of hair falling in her eyes and bravely picked up a fork. She cut into the eclair and raised a piece to her mouth. Sure enough, flaky pieces of pastry fell down her front. Meher cursed her bad luck again. A 2 year old would probably have better eating skills than she had tonight. There was so much food lodged down the front of her dress that she was sure she could feed an entire flock of birds with it. And now, she was beginning to itch. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair and pushed her plate away. She looked up to find Preet watching her from across the table.

"Another eclair?" he asked politely. "Maybe there is something wrong with that one."

Meher recognized that half smile at the corner of his mouth. He knew, didn't he? He had been watching her be miserable the whole time and was having fun at her expense again. "No thanks," she hissed.

Preet broke out into a full grin. "Waise Kul Di, did I ever tell you what a great cook you are? And these eclairs are heavenly. Dil karta hai aap ke haath choom loon (I want to kiss your hands)."

Meher's face turned red.

"Actually, Meher brought the eclairs," smiled Kulraj.

"Yes," nodded Heer. "They were in the white box she brought. I spoke to her on the phone this morning and happen to mention in passing that I was having a craving for eclairs and she went and made them herself. Wasn't that sweet of her?"

"Very sweet," smiled Preet.

"They're really very good?" said Veera. "I bet it took you all day to make them."

"Not really," said Meher. She fidgeted in her chair again. She had to clear out the bits of food stuck in her dress somehow. She looked back at Preet and found him studying her carefully. Oh God! Why did he always have to stare at her like that? She didn't know what he was thinking, but the way he was watching her just now, was quite unsettling.

The way Preet was looking at Meher didn't escape Viren's notice either. He cleared his throat to draw her attention to himself. "Kulraj is right Meher," he leaned over and said to her. "You hardly ate. Are you sure you won't have anything else?"

"I'm fine," sighed Meher. She watched Heer head to the kitchen. "Uh...I think I'll help Heer Didi clear the dishes. Excuse me." She pushed her chair back, picked up her plate with the uneaten eclair and made a hasty retreat to the kitchen.

Preet pushed his own empty plate away. With elbows resting on the edge of the table, he folded his hands together and hid his smile behind the fist they made. He hadn't missed Meher's efforts to keep the wisps from her bangs from falling into her eyes. Or the sweet way she chewed on her lower lip when she was thinking something over. Or how patiently she had listened to his family's stories during dinner. And he certainly had not missed the discomfort she had felt with both the praise for her eclairs and the food crumbs that had kept falling down the front of her dress. Ah that dress! Did she have any idea how beautiful she looked in it? Preet leaned back in his chair and grinned, before deciding to go after her.

Meanwhile...

"Meher, why did you bring your dishes?" smiled Heer. "The servants will do it." She motioned to 2 servants and they quickly headed to the dining area.

"It's okay, Heer Didi," said Meher. "I...uh...I just needed something to do."

"Okay," Heer shrugged her shoulders. "I'm going to see if anyone else needs something. Hurry back. I have some important news to share with everyone."

Meher nodded. She waited until Heer left, then walked over to the trash bin. "Stupid dress!" she cried. Using her napkin, she leaned over the trash bin and tried to dislodge the crumbs in her cleavage. She was so focused on her task, she didn't hear Preet walk in.

He quietly stood on one side and watched her.

"Stupid stupid dress!" Meher cried in frustration. She threw her napkin down on the counter, and eyed the uneaten eclair on her plate. Why not?, she thought. No one was watching, and she was hungry! She broke off a large piece of the pastry and quickly stuffed it in her mouth. Mmm!

Just then Preet cleared his throat.

Meher jumped back as if she had been caught stealing the silverware. Preet! What was he doing here? And how long had he been standing there? He was clearly doing his best to hold back his laughter. She swallowed hard. The soft morsel in her mouth suddenly felt like lead. "Woh...I was just...uh...," Meher stopped herself. What was she going to tell him, that she still had a a kilo worth of crumbs lodged in her bra? Or that she was starving and had been savoring the pastry as if it was her last meal. "Wh...wh...why are you here?"

"It's my house, I can go anywhere I like," Preet pointed out. He gave her a soft smile. "Actually, I thought I'd check on you."

"Yeah well...you startled me," Meher said accusingly. "And just what do you think you were trying to prove by setting up a get together at my family's farm? I know you're up to something Preet."

"I'm not," chuckled Preet. "I genuinely wanted to see it, that's all. I...uh...was also thinking about you."

"Oh really?" said Meher with narrowing eyes. "How so?"

"Ambala is midway between Delhi and Ludhiana," said Preet. "If you want, you can easily go home after this weekend."

"Oh...yes...," whispered Meher. "You're right." She looked up just as Preet took a step towards her. She started to take slow steps backward as he moved towards her.

"Of course I'm right," smiled Preet. "And you know what else was right? Those eclairs. They were delicious." He continued to walk slowly towards her until he had cornered her at the sink. "I always knew you were a woman of many talents."

He was doing it again, thought Meher. Cornering her. Staring at her. Making her a nervous wreck. "I should help get the rest of the dishes," she whispered. She pushed past Preet and tried to leave, but he took her by the arm and brought her back. Then he slowly began to lean forward. Meher gasped. "Wha...what are you doing?" Oh my God! Was he going to kiss her again? With everyone right outside?!

Preet didn't answer her. With his cheek barely brushing against hers, he reached out for the roll of paper towels on the counter behind her, forcing her to lean back in the process. "You have something on your nose," he said.

"I do?" Meher asked in surprise. A pink tint colored her cheeks. Way to go Meher! She scolded herself. You probably looked like a fool with pastry cream on your nose. He was just trying to help and your mind immediately fell in the gutter! Her hand automatically sprang up, but he caught it in his. She closed her eyes as he reached out to wipe her nose trembling at his touch.

Preet couldn't help but smile at her nervousness. Nor could he help but admire her. She looked beautiful when she blushed.

"Um...maybe I should wash my face," Meher suggested hesitantly, and he realized he had been stroking her nose for too long.

Preet cleared his throat and quickly wiped the smile off his face. "It's all gone now," he said, but he didn't move from his position.

"Then why...why are you still staring at me?" stammered Meher.

"Because you're beautiful Meher," smiled Preet. "I like looking at you."

Nervous butterflies took up residence in Meher's stomach. How was she supposed to reply to that? She didn't have to. To her relief, Heer called Preet's name out. "Heer Didi...is calling you," she stammered. She exhaled a sigh of relief as he nodded and headed back to the dining room.

Moments later...

"Ah! Preet, I'm glad you're back," smiled Heer. "Where's Meher?"

"She's in the kitchen," said Preet. "I'm sure she'll be out any minute."

"Oh...okay," said Heer. "I was just telling everyone here that Prem and I have a very special announcement to make. In fact, it's the reason why I asked you all to join us for dinner tonight."

"Special announcement? What could it be?" Sam whispered to Veera.

Veera shrugged her shoulders.

"I know!" cried Ashlesha, she glanced shyly towards Preet. "You guys have set a date for Preet and my wedding!"

"Huhn?!" Preet looked up in surprise.

"Uh...not quite...," sighed Heer. "Prem and I are...well...we're going to have a baby!"

"What?!" grinned Preet. "You mean I'm going to be a Chachu again! Main bhi kahun Heer Bhabi aaj kal thodi hari bhari si lag rahi hai (No wonder Heer Bhabi was looking a little plump these days)."

"Preet!" Prem shot his brother a warning.

"And that's what you meant by surprising her parents in more ways than one. Way to go PB!" Preet gave his brother a high-5 and hugged him. "And congratz...you're officially in the safe zone again."

"Safe zone?" said Prem.

"Yeah...," nodded Preet. "For the next few months every time HB asks you if she's fat...you can safely lie to her and tell her...No Baby...you're just pregnant."

Heer's mouth fell open. "Preet!" She reached out to pull his ear but he ducked behind Prem then ran over to Kulraj.

The girls all gathered around Heer to congratulate her.

"How far are you along?" Sam asked.

"5 months and counting," smiled Heer.

"Bhabi this is such a great surprise!" smiled Veera.

Just then Heer spotted Meher. "Hey Meher, glad you're back."

"Yeah," smiled Sam. "Guess what we just found out?"

Meher was confused by the excited looks on everyone's faces. She saw the grin on Preet's face and immediately grew tense. What was he up to now? "Wha...what did you find out? She asked warily.

"Heer Bhabi is going to have a baby!" smiled Preet.

"What??! Oh my God!" Meher cried excitedly. "I am so happy for you Heer Didi!" She clasped Heer's hands and smiled. "This is so exciting. A baby! You must be over the moon!"

"I am," admitted Heer.

"And Chahat? Does she know?" asked Meher.

"Not yet," smiled Heer. "How do you think she'll take the news?"

"She'll be so happy!" said Meher. "And she'll make a wonderful older sister. And I'll be an honorary Maasi! This is the best news I've heard in such a long time!" She turned to Veera and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Veera you're going to be a bua again!"

"I know right!" Veera hugged her excitedly.

Meher then turned to Kulraj and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Congratz Di! You must be so happy! And Tanu, Vikas, Ketan...just wait until they find out!"

Kulraj nodded and laughed out loud.

Without thinking, Meher turned to Preet, who was standing next in line and kissed him on the cheek too. "Preet you're going to be a ...!" She immediately stopped in her tracks. Her face turned beet red and her hands flew to her face. Oh My God! What did I just do?! She closed her eyes and winced as the expression on her face quickly turned from one of happiness to one of extreme embarrassment. "I'm...I'm sorry," she whispered. Afraid to look around and see anyone else's reaction, she kept her eyes glued to the floor.

An uncomfortable silence settled in the room before Heer finally spoke up. "Uh...heh heh...right...uh...let's all go back to the living room and have some coffee."