New FF: Crossroads (Chapter 4B - PG 25 - 16/04) - Page 2

Originally posted by: indiandoll89

I definitely agree Shafaq, this idea has soooo much scope for awesome storylines! 😃

AS for the pm list, I'm glad! 😛

Glad to hear 😃 Meera....it certainly does 😆...

__________________________________________________________________________________

Okay 😃....so its finally here! Its quite long as well.....I'm really proud of myself. I've put my heart and soul 😳 into writing this and the part has required a lot of research beforehand whether its related to San Francisco city or cigarette brands both of which I knew nothing about. Please do comment and remember both positive and negative feedback is more than welcome! One more thing, I'm not encouraging smoking in any way...it was just neccesairy for the essence of the scene. Smoking is bad! It kills!

Anywayz....I'll stop babbling now 😆 and let you get on with it.....hope you like it!!

Shafaq 😊

__________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 1: Ishq Hua, Kya?

"Heer beta....kaisi ho? Theek se khaana toh khaati ho na? Wahaan koi tang toh nahi karta na meri beti ko?" Teji asked question after question eagerly.

Heer sighed ever-so loudly. Her mom would never change even when she was halfway across the world. Especially not then!

"Uff Maa, yahaan sab theek hai. I'm perfectly fine! I've got to go to work now." she lied right through her teeth.

Then as always began her mother's exaggeration "KYA? Saturday ko bhi? They don't over-work you do they? Haaye....meri pyaari phool jaisi bachi...itna kaam kaise kar leti ho Heer?"

Heer prepared herself to lie again "Yes. Work. That too on a Saturday Maa! Its just that my boss wanted me to sort a few cases out before Monday morning."

Teji gave up as she usually would at this point in their conversation "Acha theek hai! Lekin shaam ko phone zaroor karna beta."

"I will.....promise! Give my love to both Meher and Bauji" she said rather genuinely for a change.

"Apna khayaal rakhna Heer....aur Ashlesha ka bhi. Uske bare ehsaan hai hum par" she insisted lovingly.

"Ji main rakhoongi. Okay...bye Maa" she answered desperately wanting to end the conversation by then.

Heer shared an apartment located in the Sunset District, a neighborhood found in the west-central part of San Francisco,with her cousin Ashlesha, who was an extremely successful freelance fashion designer who worked mostly from home if not at what had previously been a local boutique but was recently completely deserted due to unknown reasons and had been bought by none other than Ashlesha and made into what you could perhaps call her office/work-house. Ashlesha had run away from home at the mere age of 19 after her parents, Daljeet and Balwant had tried forcing her into an arranged marriage. Spending all her life's savings Ashlesha had landed up in San Francisco. For the first year, she had rented a studio flat and worked at a local boutique as the designer's PA. That had been a major stepping stone in her career and from then on it had been nothing but happy days for the hard-working girl. Nevertheless, she still missed home no matter how hard she tried to forget. It just wasn't possible! Hence, when Heer phoned her one random day after getting hold of her number from God knows where, Ash jumped at the opportunity. She was a lot more happy than possibly even Heer was about being here. It gave her that sense of family and togetherness.

However, unfortunately Heer hadn't been as lucky as Ash here. For the last three-months since she had shifted here, Heer had been living an absolute lie. Whilst her parents thought their daughter was working at an affluent law firm in San Francisco, Heer was actually laboring away at a local supermarket. Her life couldn't possibly be more complicated than it already was. She had her hands completely full. When Heer had told her parents that she wanted to come to the USA, they had as one would expect, been reluctant, hesitant and whatnot. But soon enough they gave in to their daughter's wishes not knowing what she was getting herself into. Had they known, Heer would never have been here in San Francisco today. At the time, Heer didn't realize what it would entail to get a decent job in America. She had thought things would be even easier with Ash already settled there. But she sure was wrong! Heer knew now. Her on-going struggle for a job in the city wasn't hidden from anyone around at least. She attended various interviews all over the city during the day and worked the evening shifts at the local supermarket. That was how spent her days mostly. Although Ashlesha had never expected her to work like this nor asked her too, Heer had chosen to do so anyway. She didn't want to be a burden on her now did she? And hopefully things would eventually work out. She'd find a better job. At least that's what she wished to believe.

As for the apartment, it was rather spacious and consisted of two bedrooms both with en-sutie bathrooms, a kitchen that was hardly ever used and finally a living room with a beautiful and equally enormous balcony onlooking the public garden cum park below that had been reserved just for those living in their building. The neighbors were all exceptionally nice and predominantly Asian. However, as per Ashlesha's advice, Heer kept as far away as possible. According to her far more experienced cousin in living alone, they were all after something or the other, whether it was a bride for their good for nothing sons or free outfits to wear at the next wedding.

Heer hurriedly gathered her things whilst rushing to the door.

"Are Heer di, where are you off to so early in the morning?" Ashlesha who had just come out of the shower asked casually.

Heer turned to face her beautiful cousin "Oh Ash, you're out already huh? Mera ek job interview hai. Its about an hour away on the bus. I thought I'd leave early!"

"Job interview? You never told me di?" she asked confused.

"Haan woh mujhe laga, kya faida hai. I never actually get the job do I now?" Heer stated negatively.

Ashlesha frowned "Ugh Heer di!!! You'll definitely get the job this time. Good luck! Oh and don't forget to call me okay?"

"Acha baba....theek hai. I'll let you know straight away. Ab main jaoon?" she agreed.

"Haan bilkul. We don't want you to be late, now do we? By the way, we're having dinner tonight at the new restaurant I was telling you about. Meet me there after work and that's an order!" she declared authoritatively.

Heer started refusing "But Ashlesha...why.." only to be interrupted by her cousin "No buts di! You know why we don't cook. Now go already. Meri bhi ek meeting hai....and I'm going to be late if I don't leave soon."

"Okay....okay, I'm leaving. Bye!" she said waving.

Ashlesha waved back "Bye di!"

__________________________________________________________________________________

Heer sighed in relief. She had been stacking cereal boxes efficiently for the last hour now and that had just been the last of them. Finally, she could take her place at the till which was one task she didn't totally detest. Her day had been relatively boring. She didn't get the job. Surprise.....surprise. Who in the world was going to give her a job anyway? She hadn't done something extraordinary. Her major had been in something as simple as Human Resources Management. She hadn't even done her masters let alone have any experience beforehand. For now she'd have to make do with what she had.

"Ms Mann! Counter 4 now." the duty manager yelled out bringing her out of her trance.

"Huh...? Oh....yes sir! Right away" she answered back eventually.

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Are suniye....yahaan rokenge zara" Prem asked his driver.

"Ji saab" he responded as he brought the car to a halt and parked it in the first available spot.

"Mere cigarettes khatam horahe hain. Get me a pack of Marlboro Reds" Prem explained.

The driver nodded in agreement and left at once.

Prem Juneja was the man of every girl's dreams. But who was he after? This was a question no one knew the answer to! Not even THE Prem Juneja himself. He had dated occasionally but never before had he shared a serious relationship with a woman. He lived alone, ate alone and worked alone. By the very young and dynamic age of 27, he had managed to set up a successful business empire. That too on his own. His personal life was hardly ever the talk of the season yet people were still in awe of him. No one knew whom his parents were and whether he had any siblings. The only thing everyone was aware of was the fact that he was of Indian origin and that he had made his country proud!

Prem was lost deep in thought when all of a sudden he heard a loud tap on his window. It was his driver for the past 6 years. He pulled the window down and questioned the old man who was now soaking wet due to the rain.

"Woh saab, cigarettes nayi miley. I didn't know what other brand you would want. Isliye poochne agaya" he revealed.

"Sune....aap car me behtiye. I'll go get them" Prem announced.

This shocked the driver "Lekin saab...aap kaise?"

Prem Juneja had never before set foot in the supermarket. What could have possibly initiated this action today?

"Kuch nahi hota. Just stay in the car okay?" he reassured.

"Ji acha theek hai" the driver accepted his boss's decision immediately.

__________________________________________________________________________________

"Welcome to Joe's Cash & Carry! How may I help you?" Heer inquired without looking up even once.

"Hi, can I have a pack of Djarium Black." he said in his deep husky voice.

Hulcul hui zara shor hua
Dil chor hua teri aor hua

Hulcul hui zara shor hua
Dil chor hua teri aor hua

It was then that Heer looked up for the first time only to find before her the most good-looking man she had ever seen. He had wavy lustrous chestnut-brown hair and relatively tanned skin making it very obvious that he too was Asian. There was something about his mesmerizing almond-shaped brown eyes and the way he gazed at her. Moreover he had long, thick, curly lashes that made it even more difficult for her to take her eyes of this Greek God. He appeared to be quite tall and wore a black suit through which it was clearly evident that he had a comparatively muscular built. Heer would give absolutely anything to have those strong arms wrapped around her and those full lips of his kiss her.

Esi chale jab hawa
Ishq hua hi hua

Esi chale jab hawa
Ishq hua hi hua

Eventually Prem lost his patience "Hey! Excuse me" he said and brought her out of her trance.

Even so, Heer wasn't the only one pondering about him and his unexpected visit to the supermarket. "Are yeh toh Prem Juneja hai, the famous business tycoon!", "But what's he doing here?" and "OH he's so handsome!" Yet she was the only who till now didn't know who this man was. It seemed as if she had been living in her own world all this time. Everyone surrounding her looked as though they knew exactly who this striking figure was!

"Huh? Oh sorry sir! Just a second" she uttered rather difficultly as she attempted to gather herself.

"Um....yeah sure" he retorted ignoring the soft murmurs of those around him.

Heer reached behind the counter and picked up a pack of the brand of cigarettes concerned which she then handed to Mr Juneja being careful to not drop it as she did "There you go!"

"Thanks.....keep the change sweetie" he finally said, handing her the money not knowing what effect his words had, had on her.

Prem left and Heer returned to her day dreaming. What a day it had been? She had heard of love at sight but never thought she'd actually be experiencing it one day herself. Was it really possible to fall in love with a man you knew nothing about. But at the moment none of that seemed to matter. All she could think of was the drop-dead gorgeous man who had left her in a reverie.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Ashlesha glanced at the restaurant entrance for the tenth time that evening. Heer was supposed to meet her here an hour ago! Ash had called the supermarket already and according to one of her co-workers Heer had supposedly left at 7:30pm as soon as her shift had ended like she usually did. Moreover, Heer was even answering her cell phone. A frantic Ashlesha was on the verge of phoning the police, when Heer finally made an appearance.

"Oh my God! Heer di!! Aap kahaan reh gayi thi?" she interrogated as relief overcame her and she was able to envelope her into a hug.

Heer apologized describing what had happened briefly "I'm so sorry Ash! Meri aankh lag gayi thi bus par and when I woke up I had missed my stop."

Ashlesha hadn't expected this of Heer "Kya? Aap kahaan khoyi vi thi di? How could you have been so careless?"

"Pata nahi Ash. Chalo ab ye sab choro. Let's eat! I've kept you waiting haven't I?" she lied. Heer knew very well who had invaded her thoughts but was in denial. She'd accept it sooner or later.

"Koi baat nahi di. Aisa kabhi kabhi hojata hai. Come lets sit." she invited fairly understandingly.

Soon enough the waiter whom Ashlesha had shooed away earlier arrived to take their order "Are you ready to order now Ma'am?"

"Yes we are as a matter of fact. Kya khayengi Heer di?" she asked turning to face her.

"Why don't you order for me as always?" Heer insisted.

"Okay fine! Um I'll have the grilled fish with rice on the side and she'll have the lamp chops and rice as well" she finished ordering proudly.

"And to drink?" he added.

"Sparkling water for me and a fruit cocktail for her" she stated smilingly.

The waiter asserted "Very well Ma'am."

He left the two alone allowing them too chat away.

"I'm guessing the interview didn't go too well today eh?" Ashlesha probed.

Heer snapped back "Spot on. Like always. Kaha tha na maine!"

"Don't be so pessimistic di! Listen, a friend of mine told me about an opening at the head office of PJ Companies. The salary's practical and so are the working hours. Its a PA job but hey its better than nothing right?" she informed.

"Yeah I guess" she consented.

"Great! You have an interview on Monday morning, 9:30AM sharp. I'm sure there will be nothing stopping you this time di! Opportunity doesn't knock twice" she advised.

Heer chuckled "How did I know this was coming?"

"I suppose you know me too well di?" she suggested.

"I think I do Ash and the same goes for you dear. I can't thank you enough for all that you've done and continue to do!" Heer divulged.

Ashlesha wrinkled her nose "Please don't get all emotional with me Heer di! I love having you around. I honestly don't even think you need to work at that tacky supermarket. Don't you trust me? My monthly income is sufficient enough to support the two of us, is it not?"

"I know I know....but I can't possibly sit idle at home. I trust you more than I trust myself. Main waqaai khush hoon Ash and I'll go for the interview if it makes you happy although I doubt I'll get the job" she justified.

"Don't say that!" her cousin insisted.

A while later their food ultimately turned up and they dug in without delay. Perhaps Ashlesha was right, maybe the time had truly come for Heer's luck to change. Could this job interview possibly be the chance of a lifetime? Only God knew.

__________________________________________________________________________________

mine! 😃😳

*unreserved*

You never apologize about it being long Shafaq, unspoken rule! 😛😆😆 I like the little warning related to smoking!😉😆😆 ah yes, there are SOO MANY different brands, it hurts my head, and no I don't smoke, my uncle owns a convenience store so i help him out every now and then!😆

The whole bit with Teji calling Heer, I loved it, the feelings were so real, my mom used to do that when I went on vacaton anywhere!😆 And aww yay Ash is positive! 😃 ohhh freelance fashion designer, sounds cool!😳😃

The apartment sounds "wow" Shafaq, I loved the way you described it! 😛 And the neighbours!😆

Awww the whole convo between Ash and Heer was so shweet, Ash is so positive thinking ish! 😃 And then there's our Heer! *shakes head* But I wish she got the job, except that's a lie, if she got the job your story wouldn't work now would it?😆😆

Teehee, HE'S getting his cigs himself? In a local supermarket? Shocking!😆 But can I tell you, that description of him...had me swooning!😳😳😳 *hides face* not that it's all that hard to do but still!😆😆😆 and it's okay since Heer got a little lost too!😳

Awww people are already wondering about him!😆 Sw---swee----sweetie??? *squeals* That's too....😳 I should stop freaking out now, it's not like he's saying it to me!😆😆 *hits head* Back to the story!😆

I loved how concerned Ash was for Heer, that shows their bond! 😳😃 I loved it, and aww Ash orders for Heer? cute!😆😆😆 ohh Heer got snappish!😆

I love Ash! 😃 She gets to step her own di with the man of her dreams! 😳

Seriously Shafaq, AMAZING first chapter!!!👏👏👏 So detailed, it was like a movie flashing in front of my eyes! 😃😳

Can't wait for more! 😃

Love you,

Meera😳



😆

salsa! =)

wow !! nice concept !!

i said i wasn't gonna come on today but..mi spot!! Heyla!!!

woah!! i liked it..and I know the answer to the last question!!! YES!!😳 i'm not god but i have a feeling that the answer is eventually gonna be yes😆...

k anyhways loved the way u described Prem..and thanks so much for putting in all that effort into researching and all..it all paid off! this chapter was beautiful with all its details and what not!

Ash is such a sweet heart and Prem seems like a decent guy too!!! but smoking BAD🤢 bad smoking bad!!! 😆

Anyways, great job!! do continue!!!

Really loved part one! Poor Heer, working in the supermarket. I loved when Heer was day dreaming about Prem. It was so cute. I'm sure that Prem will give Heer a job.

Originally posted by: sabzz

wow !! nice concept !!

and well written too !!
you are a good writer !!

btw in that poll what more choices were there !!
i havent seen the poll can you give me the link !

Thank you!!! That means a lot to me 😳 dear. I PM'd you the link. Would you like me to add you to the PM list?? Do keep reading!

As for the rest of you.....edit your posts asap!!! 😆 nah you can take your time. I'm just really impatient to know what you all thought.

Originally posted by: -Anza-

Really loved part one! Poor Heer, working in the supermarket. I loved when Heer was day dreaming about Prem. It was so cute. I'm sure that Prem will give Heer a job.

continue soon 😃

Thanks 😊Anza! I know....poor Heer! That was my favorite part as well....the whole dream sequence and Premeer scene at the supermarket. Let's hope so! I'm glad 😃 you liked it. Do keep reading!

updated mi comment on page 1!!!!