CHAPTER 29
*The Next Morning*
Heer turned on the shower head and let the water cascade down her naked body. She lifted her face up and let the water soak her face and hair. Just as she was about the reach for the shampoo, the door to the shower flew open. Heer yelped in surprised as Prem walked in, just as naked as her.
"Prem!" Heer squealed and threw her arms over her body, trying to cover herself up.
Prem looked at Heer up and down and gave her an amused look.
"You know I saw everything right?" Prem said and closed the shower door behind him. He looked at Heer's wet, naked form and felt desire punch him in the gut. It was crazy how much he wanted her. He didn't want to let her go. In fact, he wanted to take her back to their bed and never let her leave.
Heer saw the mischievous glint in Prem's eyes and put her hands up in defense when he took a step towards her. "NO! Prem...we're going to be late." Heer protested, knowing exactly what he was planning to do.
Prem pouted like a baby, like he was denied candy. Heer sternly looked at him, not budging. Finally, Prem sighed and gave in, "Fine..." Prem said, defeated.
"Let me get under the shower." He said and got under the shower as Heer stepped back. Prem placed both his hands on the wall in front of him and let the water beat down on his muscles. Heer watched as the water trickled down Prem's muscled back and her throat went dry. How can someone be so good looking? It should be a sin.
"Heer...hand me the soap." Prem said. Heer continued to stare. Oh man they were going to be so late...'' She thought.
"Heer?" Prem asked. His body jerked in response as Heer pressed her naked form to his back and latched her lips onto his neck. He turned around and pushed Heer against the wall, kissing her senseless. It wasn't long before Prem lifted Heer up by her waist and she wrapped her legs around him, connecting them again.
Later, Heer wrapped the large towel around her naked body and wiped the steam away from the bathroom mirror. She looked to the side and saw Prem's reflection, wrapping a towel around his waist.
The memory of what they just did brought a smile to Heer's face. She felt...glorious. You would think she would be tired after the very little sleep she got last night...but she felt glorious. Last night was...unbelievable, Heer thought. Being with Prem was unbelievable. And Heer was surprised at how content she felt this very moment.
Prem turned and saw Heer staring at him through the mirror. As soon as their eyes met, Heer looked away, pretending to be busy drying her wet hair. Prem didn't say anything. He simply went to Heer and stood behind her. He admired her...soaking in her beauty...the dark hair, the soft skin, the slender back. Their eyes met again in the mirror, and Prem wrapped his arms around Heer and placed a gentle kiss right where her neck and shoulder met.
Heer sighed and leaned into Prem's arms. The moment was so tender...so soft...so intimate. Heer felt warmth spread through her. And that's when she realized, her contentment flowed right into happiness...just pure happiness.
*St. Xavier College*
Ashlesha narrowed her eyes as she observed Heer. "You're glowing." Ashlesha said, in a matter of fact tone. Heer and Ashlesha were seating in their usual lunch table. Prem, Preet, and Meher have still not arrived.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Heer replied, feeling her cheeks starting to burn.
Ashlesha observed Heer further and then her eyes widened. "Did you and Prem...?"
"Shh!" Heer shushed Ashlesha, looking around to see if any of the other students heard. When Heer was sure that no one else heard, she turned to Ashelsha, "Yes...we did." Heer replied.
Ashlesha squealed. "Finally! How was it? Is he good?" Ashlesha shot out questions, wanting to know everything.
Heer sipped her juice, building up the anticipation. "He wasn't good." Heer said with a straight face. When Ashlesha's jaw dropped in disbelieve Heer burst out laughing. "He was really good." She finally said, causing Ash to slap Heer's arm, but then ended up giggling.
"What's so funny?" Meher asked, taking her seat at the lunch table.
"Nothing...just something silly." Ashlesha quickly covered up as she saw Prem and Preet approach their table as well.
Preet took his usual seat next to Meher. Harman, a basketball teammate of Prem and Preet's, decided to join them and Ashlesha got busy chatting with him. Prem gave Heer a quick kiss on her temple and sat down next to her.
"Hey freckle face." Prem said affectionately, greeting Heer. Heer smiled at Prem as he sat down next to her, feeling warm and fuzzy instantly by his presence.
"Hello chicken legs." Heer replied, just as affectionately. Heer then got a naughty gleam in her eyes. "You know..." Heer began, her voice low enough so only Prem heard her, "...Kiss yahaan nahin..." she said touching her temple, "...yahaan karte hai..." she said, touching her lips.
Prem raised his eyebrows, amused. "Challenge kar rahi ho? Tumhe kya lagta hai..." Prem said, getting a hold of Heer's arm and pulling her closer to him, "...Sabke saamne mein tumhe kiss nahin karunga?" Prem replied wickedly.
Heer opened her mouth to retaliated, but got cut off. "You've got to be kidding me." Someone said.
Prem and Heer turned to see Ashlesha, jaw dropped, as she stared at the cafeteria entrance. When Heer followed Ashlesha's gaze, she paled at the sight before her.
Manmeet stood at the entrance. He was back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CHAPTER 30
Heer stood by the bedroom window and look out, lost in her thoughts. She was back in Juneja mansion and she stood in her and Prem's bedroom at the moment. No one spoke when they saw Manmeet enter the cafeteria. Heer and Manmeet locked eyes and then he sat at a different table with some of his other friends. The car ride back was extremely quiet and now Heer stood by the windor, lost in her thoughts. Of course Manmeet would return. He was only gone for a training camp...and that camp had to end sometime. Heer closed her eyes.
*Flashback Start*
As Heer walked out of her last class for the day, Manmeet's voice stopped her. "Heer." He simply said.
Heer stopped and turned to stare at him. Was he really standing in front of her? Was this real? Heer felt a sharp pain shoot through her heart...yea...this was real.
"What do want Manmeet?" Heer asked.
"I want to talk...please...to explain myself." Manmeet asked, his eyes emotional.
"Not right now...I have something I need to do." Heer didn't wait for Manmeet's response as Heer made her exit has quick as possible.
*Flashback End*
Should she hear Manmeet out?'' Heer contemplated the idea. What would that achieve? She was married now...it's not like she would jump back into Manmeet's arms. He broke her heart...but Manmeet was also her first love. Can she ever get over him? Heer rubbed a hand over her face as her heartache returned. She suddenly felt extremely tired.
She didn't even hear Prem approach her until he was standing next to her by the window. He didn't ask any questions, he simply waited.
"He wants to talk to me..." Heer murmured.
"Do you want to talk to him?" Prem asked, trying to control his own emotions. She looked sad again...and he hated that.
"I don't know..." Heer replied. There was an uncomfortable silence between them.
"Do you still love him?" Prem asked, a little afraid of the answer. Heer closed her eyes, feeling utterly confused.
"I don't know..." Heer replied again honestly. She didn't realize that those words broke Prem's heart.
He looked away, making sure that Heer didn't see his sad face. "What do you want to do?" Prem asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
Completely oblivious to Prem's inner turmoil, Heer replied, "I think...I'll stay with maa and papa for a few days...clear my head?" Heer suggested.
Prem felt the dagger in his heart. "Yes...that is a good idea...I'll drop you off." With that said, Prem turned around and left the room.
A little stunned at Prem's abrupt response, Heer looked on at Prem's retreating back. He was so quick to agree. He didn't even ask her to stay back. Was it really that easy for Prem to let Heer go? Feeling all kinds of emotions, Heer turned and started packing her bag.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You let her go!?" Preet yelped, a ridiculous look on his face as he stared at Prem. "And you actually dropped her off yourself...WHAT!?" Preet shrieked again, trying to make sense of the situation.
Prem didn't respond. He simply stood by the window and looked out. Preet turned to Meher, who was sitting next to him. "He just let her go!?" Preet repeated, in a high pitched voice.
After Prem dropped off Heer at their parents' house, Heer went straight to her room and closed the door. When Meher tried to talk to Heer, Heer simply said she needed time to think. Prem didn't say much either and left. Knowing that damage control was needed, Meher decided to go to Juneja mansion and walked in when Prem was telling Preet that he dropped off Heer at Mann mansion.
Meher placed a hand on Preet's shoulder, indicating that she will try. Meher walked up to Prem and stood next to him. "Prem bhaiya...aisa kyon kiya?" Meher asked gently.
Prem didn't respond. He continued to look out the window, lost in his thoughts. That dagger he felt in his heart remained...and it twisted with each moment he was away from Heer. It was hard to put into words what he was feeling. Heartbreak was usually very hard to describe. It felt like...his heart had an open wound that won't stop bleeding.
Meher placed a hand on Prem's arm, "Jiju...aisa kyon kiya?" Meher asked, this time more firmly.
That got Prem's attention. Jiju...he turned to look at Meher, his eyes expressing his broken heart. "Kyon ki mein usse deewano ki tarah mohabat karta hoon." Prem confessed, "...aur agar uski kushi Manmeet ke saath hai...toh yahin sahi." Prem murmured, his voice filled with emotion.
Meher and Preet exchanged a look. Meher then turned her attention to prem again, "Jiju...why don't you tell didi how you feel?"
"No Meher." Prem argued, "Heer needs to figure out her own feelings first. If she finds out that I love her...she may feel obligated to come back to me. Tum dono jaante ho ke humara shaadi kis halaat mein hui. I don't want Heer to settle with me because she feels obligated...I want her to choose me. Mein chaata hoon ke woh meri mohabat ko pehchane." Prem looked at Meher with pleading eyes, "Meher...please...don't tell Heer anything."
Meher's own eyes were wet. Only a fool would not see the love Prem had for Heer. "Shaq tha...aaj yakeen ho gaya." Meher said, her voice cracking a little as she fought her tears.
"Kya?" Prem asked.
"Ke Heer didi ko pyaar aap se zyaada aur koi nahin kar sakta." Meher said, "Fikar mat kijiye...Heer didi aap hi ke paas wapas ayegi." Meher said in a soothing tone, which caused Prem to give Meher a small smile.
When Preet and Meher exited Prem's room to give him some privacy, Meher turned to Preet with concerned eyes.
"Preet...I know that no one is better for Heer didi than Prem jiju...but what if Heer didi chooses Manmeet?" She voiced her fear.
"That won't happen." Preet said, getting a determined look on his face. Meher knew that look, "Preet...Jiju said not to do anything." Meher warned, knowing her fianc's every move.
Preet had a naughty glint in his eyes, "PB told you not to say anything...he didn't tell me anything." Preet reasoned.
"Preet..." Meher said in a warning tone.
"Arre don't worry." Preet said in a comforting tone, "You trust me right?" When Meher nodded, Preet continued, "Look, we promised that if PB and babhi ever lost their way you and I would help them find each other right? I won't tell Heer babhi anything about PB's feelings...I'll just nudge her in the right direction." Preet said, pulling Meher into his arms for a comforting hug as the wheels in his head started turning.
A few days passed since Heer came to live in Mann mansion. Her parents and Meher gave her space and didn't question her. They knew that Heer needed time to sort out her thoughts and feelings. Lalit and Gayatri called her on occasion just to check up on her, but they didn't question her about Manmeet either.
The only person that didn't call was Prem. Heer felt a pinch in her heart. Why did it bother her so much that Prem hasn't contacted her? It was her decision to come to her parents' house right? She was the one that was confused right? What did she expect? That Prem will act as a loving husband while she pined over her ex? Heer let out a frustrated breath and paced her bedroom.
When her phone started ringing, Heer half heartedly answered without even looking at the caller's name.
"Hello" Heer answered.
"Heer..." a deep voice replied.
Heer's heart gave a loud thud as her mind went into full alert. "Prem..." Heer breathed. She didn't need Prem to confirm that it was him...she would recognize his voice anywhere.
Her heart beat quickened as silence fell between them. Neither said anything to each other for a few moments...their silence clashing with each other. There was so much that needed to be said...come back to me...don't leave me...I love you...so many emotions not being said.
"There is an important event in Juneja Hotels tonight..." Prem began. "It's the first event after I was declared CEO...a lot of our business partners will be there with their spouses...
"I'll be ready." Heer cut in, not letting Prem finish.
"Ok...I'll pick you up at 6pm." Prem replied and the phone line went dead.
Heer felt another pinch in her heart. This one more prominent that the one she felt before the phone call. She missed him. Hearing his voice made her realize how much she missed him. Heer felt the first few tears escape her eyes until they started rolling down her cheeks more freely. She sank onto her bed.
At first...her heart ached seeing Manmeet again. She left because she needed to clear her head and decide if she should meet with Manmeet...if she should listen to his side of the story. Did she still love Manmeet? Would she go back to him? These are questions she needed to sort out. But now...after hearing Prem's voice...Heer felt her heart shattering. She was feeling lost...and she was feeling like she was losing something very precious.
Not knowing what to do...Heer buried her face in her pillow and cried.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
That evening, Heer dressed in a sheer black sari. She applied her makeup, careful to cover up her tired eyes from when she was crying. She looked at herself in the mirror. She knew Prem liked it when she wore saris...and without thinking, Heer felt herself reaching for a sari when she was figuring out what to wear.
Honestly, Heer felt a little nervous. Just the thought of seeing Prem again...it made her feel giddy. Heer gave some final touches to her look and her senses went into full alert when her phone started ringing. He was here.
When Heer walked out to the drive way, Prem was leaning on his Lamborghini waiting for her. He looked...breathtakingly handsome...wearing an all black tuxedo tailor made for him.
Their eyes met...and electricity flew. It's like the atmosphere always sparked whenever they were together. Prem's eyes scanned Heer from head to toe...and he felt like someone punched him in the gut. Qaatil...'' It was all that came to mind.
Heer's fingers fidgeted with each other as she walked up to Prem. She felt herself flush at the way Prem was looking at her. Her heartbeat quickened at the mere sight of him.
"Hi..." Heer whispered, once she stood about a foot away from Prem.
"Hi..." Prem replied back. Not knowing what else to say, Prem opened the car door for Heer so they could be on their way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Juneja Hotel's event lobby was decorated in grandeur. It was an important event. After all, it was the first event being held since Prem Juneja was declared CEO. Every share holder, executive, manager, board member...anyone of importance in the Juneja chain of hotels was present to meet the new CEO.
Once Prem and Heer arrived, they got busy in mingling with the guests. It was easy for them to be in this environment. Being born into elite families, Prem and Heer were conditioned since birth to be in business events. What to say...what topics to discuss...how to hold a conversation with other posh business partners.
The rest of crowd had no idea the turmoil that Heer and Prem were facing in their personal life. Tonight was all business.
Prem and Heer stood with a group, which also included Preet. One of the younger managers looked at Prem and Heer and gushed at them. "Wow! You both look so amazing tonight!" The female manager from the Dehli branch complimented.
Another person in the group agreed. "Yes...tum dono sach mein ek doosre ko takkar de rahe ho."
Prem and Heer shared a look and politely thanked the group. The wheels in Preet's head were turning as he watched the scene take place before him. He looked at Prem and Heer...and then at the dance floor. An idea formed in his mischievous head "You know...enough talking...I'm going to instruct the manager to organize for some music...set the mood a bit." Preet said and left the group.
As Preet left the group, Prem and Heer continued conversation to keep the group engaged. When music started playing, a few couples went to the dance floor. And as Preet anticipated, the group Prem and Heer were standing with encouraged them to dance as well.
"Common Prem Sir...Heer ma'am...you guys have to dance! This event is in your honor" Someone in the group tried to convince them.
Both Prem and Heer protested. "No...we still have to speak to a few more people..." Prem tried to reason.
"Common Sir! Just one dance!" Another co-worker pushed.
Sighing, Prem looked at Heer and held out his hand to her. Heer hesitated, just for a moment, and placed her hand in Prem's, letting him lead her to the dance floor. The lights dimmed as the beginning chords started.
~Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho...~
Prem pulled Heer close to him and placed his free hand on her waist. Heer took a sharp intake of breath as skin met skin. Her body collided with his...and she fit perfectly.
~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho
Lag Jaa Gale ...~
Heer avoided eye contact. She knew that Prem was looking at her, but she tried to focus on anything else but him. Because she knew...that she was afraid. She was afraid of what she might see in his eyes.
Prem twirled Heer effortlessly, bringing her back into his arms. His fingers skimmed her bare back, sending shivers down Heer's spine. He studied every inch of her face. He wanted to remember every curve, every detail.
~Ham Ko Mili Hain Aaj, Ye Ghadiyaan Nasib Se
Ji Bhar Ke Dekh Lijiye Ham Ko Karib Se...~
It was at this moment that Heer looked up and her eyes connected with Prem's. They held so much intensity in them...so much passion. She didn't know if it was because of the song that was playing...but Prem was looking at her like it was going to be for the last time.
~Phir Aap Ke Nasib Mein Ye Baat Ho Na Ho...~
There was pain in his eyes...Heer saw it clearly that behind this calm faade...there was pain.
Prem felt his self control break a little. These last few days have been miserable for him. He kept his distance from Heer because he wanted Heer to sort out her feelings. He didn't want Heer to return to him because they were married. He wanted Heer to return to him because she loved him.
~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~
Prem's fingers tightened on Heer and he lowered his forehead to hers. He closed his eyes...simply soaking in her presence. He doesn't know if he will be able to do this again. His heart ached at the thought that this might be the last time he is able to hold her like this. So he simply cherished this moment.
~Lag Jaa Gale ...~
Heer felt tears creeping up behind her eyes. She swallowed hard, trying to fight them back. It was getting hard for her to breath. Heer stepped away, a little abruptly.
She looked at Prem and her heart squeezed. Not being able to take it, Heer turned and walked off the dance floor. She kept walking until she found herself on the balcony. She inhaled the fresh air hungrily, trying to catch her breath.
Her heart was pounding, her breath was uneven, and she just needed to breathe. What was this feeling? What was her heart trying to tell her? Why was she feeling like this?
Heer's heart knew before her senses realized that she wasn't alone. Her heart gave a loud thud right before she felt a presence next to her. Prem...
Heer looked at him and gave him an awkward smile. Prem smiled back, trying to ease the tension between them a little.
"Are you ok?" Prem asked, trying to sound casual.
"Yea..." Heer replied. "...It's just a little stuffy inside...saans lena mushkil ho gaya tha..." she murmured.
"Saansein chura loon...toh baat hai..." Prem replied back.
Heer's eyes flew to Prem's at that. The night Prem said those words to her flashed through her mind. Those words were so intimate...like it was a secret between them.
They stared at each other and Prem couldn't help himself. He raised a hand and cupped Heer's face, softly caressing the skin under her eyes. "You've been crying." Prem whispered. She may have hid the signs well with makeup, but nothing hid from Prem when it came to Heer.
Heer closed her eyes and lost herself to his touch. She leaned her face into his hands a little bit. Her own hands wrapped around Prem's wrists as he held her face. She missed this...the realization hit her that she missed this about him too. It wasn't just his companionship that she missed...it was also his touch.
It was such a tender moment. They automatically leaned towards each other. Heer tilted her face up...waiting. The kiss never came, however.
Prem let go of Heer and took a step back. He turned away from her when he saw Heer's eyes widen in surprise. "We should head back. It's getting late." With that said, Prem walked back into the hotel to say his goodbyes to the guests.
Heer felt the slap of the rejection as she watched Prem walk away. Fresh new tears stung her eyes as Heer leaned onto the railing. She felt a heavy sensation in her chest and she suddenly felt so tired. Heer placed her face in her hands, trying to control her emotions.
"Babhi..."
When Heer looked up, she saw Preet approach her cautiously. His face was somber. When Heer gave him a miserable look, Preet simply wrapped his arms around Heer and hugged her tight. Heer hugged him back, letting a few drops of tears escape her eyes.
"I'm so confused Preet...I just don't know what to do..." Heer said in a muffled voice.
Preet guided Heer to a nearby bench and sat her down. He knelt in front Heer and studied Heer's sad face.
"Babhi...mujhse baat kijiye..." Preet encouraged.
"When Manmeet left...I was so heartbroken. He was the first man I loved. I learned to live without him...I accepted it that it wasn't meant to be. But now that he is back...I should be happy right? I should be happy that we can maybe have a second chance." Heer then turned her confused eyes to Preet, "...Then why am I not happy? Why do I feel like I'm losing something..." She asked, the question rhetorical.
Heer looked away...getting a distant look in her gaze, "Patha nahin...yeh kaunsi becheyni hai...Prem aur mein bahut ache dost hai...lekin uske door jaane se mujhe itna dard kyon ho raha hai? Woh mujhe apne aap se kyon door kar raha hai?" Heer asked, still feeling the sting of rejection, "...Aur yeh kaisa dor hai...jiski waja se mein uski taraf keechi chali jaa rahi hoon..." Heer murmured, trying to figure out what to do from here on out.
Preet took Heer's hand in his and gave her a comforting squeeze. "Babhi...aap aur Prem bhai kabhi bhi sirf dost nahin teh. Aap ghar jahiye...aur taande dimaag se sochiye ke PB aisa kyon kar rahe hai. Iss sab ke peeche waja hai bhabi...lekin iss waja ko aapko khud pehchaan ni hogi." Preet comforted, trying to guide Heer in the right direction without revealing too much.
Heer loved Prem. It was clear that Heer loved Prem. Preet wasn't sure until this very moment. But Prem bhai was right...Heer needed to realize this on her own. She was feeling everything...she just needed to recognize it now.
"Come Bhabi...you should go home...get some rest." Preet said gently, pulling Heer up from the bench and walking her inside.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heer sat in the passenger seat of Prem's car as he drove her home. Neither said a word to each other. The silence was deafening. Heer stole glances at Prem and admired his side profile...his strong jaw line...the look of concentration on his face as he focused on the road.
She wanted to say something...maybe ask how Lalit uncle and Gayatri maa were doing. Have some sort of small talk to kill the silence...but nothing came to mind. Not knowing what else to do, Heer reached out and turned on the radio.
~Paas Aaiye Ki Ham Nahin Aaenge Baar-Baar...~
Prem and Heer looked at each other the moment the beautiful tune broadcasted through the radio. Their eyes locked...only for a moment before Prem looked back to the road.
~Baahen Gale Mein Daal Ke Ham Ro Le Zaar-Zaar...~
Heer felt that pressure in her chest again. Why did she feel so terrible every time Prem distance himself? Even something as simple as him looking away hurt her...why? Why did it hurt so much?
Heer felt her eyes start to sting.
~Aankhon Se Phir Ye Pyaar Ki Barsaat Ho Na Ho...~
A small tear escaped and rolled down Heer's cheek. She closed her eyes and took in a steadying breath, trying to control her emotions. Heer looked out the window, hiding her face from Prem. She quickly wiped the tear away so he didn't see it.
~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~
When Prem pulled up in front of Mann Mansion, Heer gave Prem a polite smile, hiding her emotions. When Prem reached for his door, his intentions to walk Heer to the door, Heer stopped him.
"It's ok...I'll manage." Heer said., and stepped out of the car herself. Heer politely said good night and started walking towards the door.
She prayed that Prem stopped her. She wanted him to pull her back...she wanted him to embrace her...she wanted him to kiss her and make her forget about everything else.
~Lag Jaa Gale Ki Phir Ye Haseen Raat Ho Na Ho...~
He wanted to grab her and never let her go. Prem's fingers tightened on the steering wheel as he watched Heer walk away. To hell with waiting...he just wanted to march up to her and tell her that he loved her...madly...completely...truly...
And that is why he grabbed onto the steering wheel tighter and controlled his emotions. He has been distant with Heer because he wanted her to realize her feelings. He didn't want his presence to confuse her. He wanted her to choose him, on her own, even with Manmeet back in the picture. That's when he will know that she loves him too...just as much as he loves her.
~Shaayad Phir Is Janam Mein Mulaaqaat Ho Na Ho...~
When Heer reached the door, she quietly slipped inside without looking back. When she closed the door, Heer leaned her back to it and let her tears flow freely. Why was her heart breaking? Everything she was feeling at this moment...was all for Prem...only him...and no one else.
Outside, Prem placed his forehead on the steering wheel. It killed him to know that Heer was crying...he couldn't see her...but he felt it. He just knew. They were connected to each other...he knew her heartbeat...and no matter how much Heer tried to hide her tears...he would always be able to tell.
Unable to take it anymore, Prem shifted gears and drove his car out the Mann driveway. He needed to get away...
~Lag Jaa Gale ... ~
CHAPTER 32
Heer tossed and turned in bed. After she heard Prem's car pull out of the drive way, Heer ran to her bedroom and cried...she cried until she could cry no more. She now lay in bed trying to catch some sleep...but it wasn't coming. Heer looked at the clock on the wall...2:30am...
Frustrated, Heer pushed the blanket off her and sat up. She was restless and sleep was not going to happen. Wrapping a robe around her slim form, Heer walked out of her bedroom and let her feet carry her to her destination.
The mansion was quiet, indicating that everyone was sound asleep in their chambers. Heer walked down the dark hallways until she reached her destination...the music room. When Heer entered and turned on the lights in the room, her eyes automatically fell on the grand black piano...a birthday from her father when she turned 15 years old.
If there was one thing that eased her mind, it was playing the piano. Heer sat down and traced her fingers over a few chords. The sweet sound easing her troubled mind. She felt exhausted, but despite that, sleep was not coming to her. And she knew why. She knew that she was not able to sleep because her heart was confused.
Did she want to go back to Manmeet? The question loomed over her as she started playing various tunes. She knew that Manmeet loved her...but he broke under pressure. He had to make that decision for his mother's health and Heer couldn't blame Manmeet for trying to be a good son. Would she go back to him if he asked? Heer wondered as she swiftly went into the beginning tunes of her favorite song.
~Heere moti main na chaahoo
Main toh chaaho sangam tera...~
She loved playing this song. It was such a beautiful composition...with even more beautiful lyrics. It spoke about unconditional love...the kind of love you have for your soulmate...for the one made for you. Heer felt the tension on her shoulders release...knot by knot...as the music overtook her.
~Main toh teri saiyyan
Tu hai mera, Saiyyan...Saiyyan...~
Her mind started to clear, as she played the soothing tune. A small smile adorned her lips as she got lost in the chords. She remembered the first time she realized it was love she felt for Manmeet. It was the first time she felt like this...and it felt wonderful. It felt even more wonderful when he reciprocated. She played this song countless times...but that evening when she played this song...she understood the true meaning of it. Heer closed her eyes, remembering the memory.
*Flashback*
Heer saw it then...there was something new in this room. Something she was sure was never there before...it was an all white grand piano. It stood next to the glass wall, the fire dancing off its color.
"You like it?" Prem asked, his voice low...his question gentle.
Stunned, Heer turned to stare at Prem. Her mouth opened to say something...when no words came out...she closed it.
Prem smiled and pulled her to the piano. "Common...test it out...play something..." Prem urged.
*Flashback End*
Heer's eyes flew open. She wasn't expecting that memory to enter her mind. It was when Prem gifted her the grand piano. She realized now that it was this moment...that she felt peace for the first time after Manmeet left. She remembered wanting to smile at Prem's gesture...and the trouble he went through to get that piano for her. It was so selfless...everything Prem did for her was so selfless. Heer closed her eyes again.
~Tu jo chhoo le pyaar se
Aaraam se mar jau
Aaja chanda bahoo mein
Tujh mein hi gum ho jau...~
*Flashback*
Prem reached around her and picked up her pallu. He then put it over her shoulder, his strong arms circled around her. Taking the pallu, Prem then wrapped it around Heer, securing it and covering her exposed body.
He took her breath away...what he did was so extremely sweet...that he took her breath away. When Heer felt Prem take a step back, she turned to face him. She half expected Prem to pass some snide comment...look at her differently...say something vulgar to make light of the situation. But he remained quite. What Heer did notice, was that Prem stared into her eyes and didn't wonder down to her body. Not saying anything, Prem turned around and walked away.
The moon peaked out of the clouds and shone her light into the dark balcony. Heer stared after Prem. That simple gesture was worth more than a thousand words. In that moment...Prem gave her so much respect...and in that moment...she felt beautiful.
*Flashback End*
~Main tere naam mein kho jau
Saiyyan... Saiyyan...~
Heer's eyes started glistening as she remembered. There was so much understanding between them. Prem did things so freely...and he somehow always managed to do what she needed. No one seemed to understand her as well as Prem. That moment on the balcony was so intimate...nothing happened between them...and yet it was so intimate.
~Heere moti main na chaahoo
Main toh chaahoo samgam tera...~
*Flashback*
"For the first time...I don't know who I am" Prem whispered, "Mein raat bar sochta raha...mein kahan se aaya hoon...mera asli naam kya hai? Pehli baar...mein khud ko pehchaan nahi pah raha hoon..." Prem went on. The pain he felt in his chest was unbearable. "Mein kaun hoon Heer?" He asked.
Heer's own eyes were wet. She didn't have an answer for him and she has never seen Prem like this. Prem was always so confident, always so good at everything he did. But the man standing before her now was lost...and he was broken.
Heer couldn't see Prem like this. All she wanted to do was take his pain away...like he did with her.
*Flashback End*
It hurt her seeing Prem like that. Her heart was aching because his was aching. She couldn't see him in pain...which is why she took it upon herself to bring the family together...her family.
~Mein na jaanu...Tu hi jaane...~
*Flashback*
It was at this moment that Heer looked up and her eyes connected with Prem's. They held so much intensity in them...so much passion. She didn't know if it was because of the song that was playing...but Prem was looking at her like it was going to be for the last time.
There was pain in his eyes...Heer saw it clearly that behind this calm faade...there was pain.
*Flashback End*
~Mein toh teri...Tu hai mera...~
Heer finished the last tunes of the song the memory of them dancing was fresh in her mind, and realized that her face was wet with tears. She loved him...she loved Prem Juneja. Heer let out a long breath as the realization of it hit her. God...she has been so stupid.
Prem hasn't been pushing her away. He kept his distance because he wanted her to realize her feelings. That pain she saw in Prem's eyes as they danced earlier...it was because he loved her too. Prem was hurting because he knew that he might lose her to Manmeet. Everything Prem did for her...he did out of love. That's why all of his acts were so selfless. He never expected anything in return...and that's why he never professed his love to her either. He wanted Heer to make her own decision...without any pressure...without any obligations. She has been so stupid...
Heer pushed back from the piano and stood up. She wiped the tears from her face...her eyes clear and her heartbeat steady. She felt the rush in her veins as she picked up her cell phone.
"Hello?" The male voice said in the other end of the line.
"Manmeet?" Heer spoke, "Can you meet me tomorrow?" she asked.
There was a pause on the other side before Manmeet spoke, "Yes...11:00am at the coffee house?"
"That's perfect." With that said, Heer hung up the phone. She looked at the clock and saw that it was 3:00am. Knowing that she will not be sleeping anymore tonight, Heer went up to her room and waited for the sun to rise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Manmeet entered the coffee shop and saw Heer sitting in a corner table. He approached her cautiously and sat on the seat right across from her.
"Hi..." Manmeet said awkwardly.
Heer simply smiled at him and greeted him in return. It felt nice to see Manmeet. It was comfortable. And the best part was that it no longer hurt.
Seeing the genuine greeting on Heer's face, Manmeet felt himself relax. There was an awkward silence between them, until Heer finally decided to speak, "How are you?"
"Good..." Manmeet replied, "I'm in town for another 2 weeks before I go back for the start of the basketball season."
"Congratulations by the way..." Heer said genuinely, "It's always been your dream to play professional basketball. The elephant in the room returned. That was the reason Manmeet left Heer on their wedding day. Given that the decision was made for his mother's health, but it still didn't change the fact that Manmeet left without telling Heer what was going on.
"Ummm...Sorry for calling you so late last night. I didn't realize the time until I got off the phone with you." Heer said.
Manmeet said, "It's ok...I wasn't sleeping..." there was another awkward pause, "...I was actually thinking about us...about you...neend churana koi tumse seekhe." Manmeet said.
Heer's eyes shot to Manmeet. She didn't respond, so Manmeet took this opportunity to place his hand over Heer's on the table. "Heer...I'm so sorry for what I did. But I was helpless...Maa needed me and I saw no other option. Please give me another chance? Finance will never be a problem for me anymore...I can take care of my family...and I want you to be a part of that family." Manmeet voiced.
Heer listened intently and the only words that left her was, "Neend churana koi bari baath nahin hai Manmeet...saansein chura loon...toh baat hai." Heer pulled away her hand from Manmeet, "...dhadak te dil ki betaabiyaan chura loon...toh baat hai..." when Manmeet gave Heer a confused look, Heer simply continued to repeat the words Prem said to her, "...rooh ki tapish chura loon...toh baat hai..." Heer took a sip of her coffee, "...Yeh baat tum nahin samjo ge..." Heer finished cryptically.
Heer then gave Manmeet a sweet smile, "I never wanted wealth from you Manmeet...I was happy. Meine tumse sache dil se pyaar kiya...aur mein kabhi tumhara bura nahin chahungi...tumne mujhe pyaar karna sikaya...lekin pyaar ko nibhaana?...meine Prem se seekha." Heer said.
She saw the hurt look on Manmeet's face, and placed her hand over his now in a comforting gesture. "Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not saying this to hurt you...or to take revenge on you for leaving me on our wedding day. Yes...it hurt...but I understand why you did it. I can't blame you for being a good son. You are a good son." Heer comforted, "...But I learned that loving someone isn't enough to be someone's life partner. There has to be respect. I know you love me...but you lacked the strength to tell me the truth when it mattered most. You didn't give me the respect by telling me the truth. I'm sorry Manmeet...but I'm staying with Prem." Heer said, her voice steady. It felt amazing to say those words...to say it without any doubts...and with such clarity.
"Pyaar karti ho usse?" Manmeet asked.
Heer's face blossomed with a smile, her eyes sparkling, "Sabse zyaada." She replied without hesitation.
Manmeet smiled back at her, knowing that he lost his chance with her, but genuinely happy that Heer found love again. "Sunn kar accha laga...I wish you all the best Heer...you deserve it." Manmeet said, a kind look on his face, "...He really is a great guy."
Heer nodded in agreement, "He is the best."
After they parted ways, Heer stepped outside and breathed in the fresh air. It's like the weight she has been carrying lifted...and she was finally free. Heer smiled and lifted her face up at the beautiful sky. So this is what it felt like...to have her heart beating again.
In the remote village, Jugni felt the air shift around as she spun around in joy. "Arre Jugni tu pagal ho gayi hai kya!?" an elder lady yelled seeing her friend spinning and laughing.
"Haan haan mein pagal ho gayi hoon!" Jugni said. She went up to her friend and took her by the arms. "Usska dil phirse dhadak ne laga hai! Woh phirse pyaar karne lagi hai...aur iss bhar sacha wala pyaar!" Jugni laughed and spun her friend around with her.
The smile still plastered on her face, Heer got into her car and drove to her next destination...Juneja Mansion.
"Woh prem deewani samaj gayi hai...ke uski saiyyan humesha se uske saamne tha..woh bas iss baath ko dekh nahin paa rahi thi." Jungi said, her voice strong, her words clear.
Heer felt the air brush her air as she drove to Prem...as she drove to her soulmate. Another smile bloomed on her pretty face as the excitement bubbled in her heart.
"Woh pagli toh pehle bhi pyaar karti thi...lekin iss bar...woh pagalo wali mohabat kare gi...iss bhar...woh behintaa...bepannaah mohabat kare gi... aisi mohabat...jiske baare mein likha jaate hai...aisi mohabat..jo ithehaas ban jaata hai..." Jugni said as her words were carried away by the winds. She laughed and spun around again in joy.
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