"Veer, did you call the delivery truck? We have to deliver the food in 3 hours," Preet shouted from the kitchen while she was packing food in disposable boxes.
"They are on the way! Is everything ready?" he said, coming into the kitchen to see the packed container piled up on the kitchen counter. And found his wife working behind the piles of boxes.
He walked near her and sighed seeing her so stressed. She looks at Veer while her hands rapidly working to close on the lids of boxes.
"Preet sit down let me do it," he said and started helping her.
"Hope everything went well. I am so worried, Veer," she said as she looked at him nervously.
"Don't worry everything will be good," he assured her and then forcefully made her sit on the chair.
They got a very huge order from one of the prestigious colleges of the city for the fest festival. They have to prepare snacks for around 1000 people. It's a big deal for them.
"Yes, Beta everything will be okay," Preet turns to a woman,who is in her early forties, smiles.
"Hope so, Radha Aunty," Preet said.
"When you have to go for the check up, Veer beta?" Roop, who is also in her forties, asked while she was placing tissue papers and cutlery in the box.
"Next week Aunty ji," she nodded as he informed her.
Preet looks around her house which is filled with women and boxes. A grateful smile was there on her face.
"Preet eat this. You didn't eat anything because of work," Preet gave a sheepish smile when a woman, of the same age of others, glared at her, placing a plate of sprouts and juice for her.
"Reema Aunty, she never listens to me. Only you can make her do things. Scold her from my side also," Veer said, placing packed boxes aside.
Preet pout cute when Reema was about to scold but she sigh seeing her innocent face.
"Don't fall for her face, Ma," comes a girly voice before a beautiful girl walks into the kitchen.
Preet narrows her eyes at her, making the girl gulp and smile nervously.
"Ummâ¦ah, Is everything ready ladies? I have to reach college with the food in an hour,"
"Ha, Nikki everything is ready. We are just waiting for the delivery boy to come with the truck," Preet said and about to stand but the woman named Reema glared at her eye the plate and juice.
"Nikki di, see I helped Mumma in stick card," Riddi come running to them while smiling widely as she show them a packed box where she attached a thank you card.
Everyone chuckles at her while Nikki gives her a kiss on her cheek.
"Thank you Piddi!!" Nikki teases, making her pout angrily.
Riddi snapped her head toward Veer who was chuckling hearing Nikki while he and another man, who is Riddhi's father, are sticking numbers in the boxes.
"Angel, I will beat this Veeru Peeru one day then don't scold me," she said in her frustrated baby voice.
"Riddhi!! He is elder to you," Riddhi rolled her eyes when her mother scolded her lightly.
"Yes!! Viddhi di, ask this girl to respect me," Veer said, playing with her to irritate her more.
"Mamma, we will take Angel and her baby with us to our house," She said, which made everyone laugh at her.
Preet was constantly smiling while hearing them and feeling blessed to find a family in these people who were nothing but strangers to her and Veer.
"Then I will also kidnap your baby brother or baby sister when it will come," Veer smirks, making her whine and run to her mother who was sitting on the sofa.
"I won't let you. I will beat you with my sword," she threatened him, hugging her mother with her small palm on her mother's baby bump.
Veer chuckled and shook his head while everyone laughed enjoying the free show.
You all must be wondering who these people are, right? Well they are now part of Preet's startup business which she started almost 5 months ago. They all are their neighbors and very kind and belong to middle class families.
(Flashback)
Almost 1 months ago, Preet got an order for a full meal for 100 people. She got panicked and stressed thinking how she would manage all this work. She was alone at home that day and so she went to the market to buy the groceries to start the preparation as she can't just sit like that in worry. And when she entered her street, she fainted, a few meters away from her house, due to all the stress and exhaustion.
And at the same time Nikk,i who is a college student, was coming behind her ran to her and called her Ma, that is Reema, and other women of the locality also came running hearing Nikki's shout.
Reema when saw unconscious Preet, she asked her son to take her inside their house. All the ladies also come inside, worried for Preet and also curious to know about the new residence in their colony.
Nikki brought water which Reema asked for and sprinkled water on Preet's face.
After spraying water a few more times, when Preet finally moved her eyelashes, everyone's face lit up as they sigh in relief.
Preet slowly opens her tired eyes and blink a few times before the blurriness slowly disappears. Preet frowns seeing various new faces that she never saw and blink her eyes again.
"Isn't she so beautiful!"
"She is, Radha. She shifted in that old house few months ago with a young handsome man,"
"Boyfriend hai kya? She isn't looking like a married woman to me,"
"Arre, Seems like you are getting old, Uma? Can't you see her mangalsutra, huh?"
"Or nahi toh kya, see how wrinkles are visible on her face. Aren't you using that face mask I gave you?"
"Are bahen ab kya batau ghar ke kaam-"
"Arre chup karo sabâ¦beta are you okay," the whispers quiet down as Reema said when she saw Preet closing her eyes tightly and holding her head.
"Bachchi dara gyi lagta hai hum sab ko dekh kr," someone whispered looking at Preet who is now looking at her surroundings in confusion and fear.
"Hum itne daravne toh nhi lagte hai, kyu Reema," Reema rolled her eyes at them then looking at Preet.
Preet suddenly sat up but then she remembered about her baby making her place her palm on her belly protectively.
"Are you okay, beta Ji? You fainted in front of my house," Reema softly said, making Preet light calm, then she looked at other women who smiled at her lovingly.
She remembered she was coming back from the market and then when she entered the locality she suddenly blacked out.
She looked at everyone nervously, they were staring at her amusingly and gave them a nervous smile.
"I am sorry Aunty. I unnecessarily troubled you all," she said, feeling guilty for troubling them.
Reema smiled shaking her head,
"No dear, don't be sorry when you are not at fault. How are you feeling now? "
"I am better now. Thank you Aunty. I think I should go now," she said and about to stand when one of the lady stop and made her sit again,
"You shifted in that old house a few months ago, right?" The lady named Radha asked, wanted to talk with her.
"Ji," Preet politely said with a small smile.
"We never saw you, how?" Uma asked with a frown.
"Iâ¦um,"
"Arre gossip queens, let her breath and what's with this interrogation, huh? Instead of asking for juice or tea, you guys start investigating her like she is some criminal," Nikki said, coming there with tea for everyone. She smiled at Preet.
"Please don't mind them. We all are from the same locality as you. They all get excited really soon. And they love talking and gossiping about anything and everything, â¦" Nikki's words offended them and one of them lightly smacked her head. Nikki whines which make Preet giggle.
"Would you like some tea?" Nikki asked her as she poured tea in a cup.
Preet felt nauseous as the smell of tea hit her nose making her cover her nose to stop the urge to throw up. Everyone notices her covering her nose and frowns at her behavior.
"Please take it awayâ¦," Preet said, making Nikki confused but she still placed the tray away from her.
"What happened? Is there any problem, dear?" Reema asked, noticing her slightly pale face.
"I feel nauseous because of the tea's fragrance. I can't handle it," she said in a whisper, hoping they would not know about her pregnancy, which is quite impossible.
Few ladies grasp while others frown hearing them grasp.
"Are you by chance pregnant, dear," Radha whispered to her in a gentle voice while their eyes went to her in surprise.
Preet felt nervous yet she is feeling relaxed in their presence. They all seem very nice and kind to her.
Preet nodded slowly and smiled a little.
"What?! Really!!" they exclaim in surprise making Preet look at them while Reema smiles.
"Bless you and your baby, beta ji," Uma said and patted her head to which Preet smiled widely and felt tears in her eyes. She sniffed softly, making everyone scared.
"Arre, why are you crying sweetheart? Sorry if we offend you dearâ¦." Preet shook her head and wiped her tears before looking at them.
"You didn't, Aunty Ji. I just get overwhelmed very easily these days," she said, making all of them smile at her cuteness and politeness.
"It's normal in Pregnancy. I also used to get overwhelmed and started crying when I was carrying my first child. My husband used to get so frustrated but poor him can't even show it because that would again make me cry," One of the women named Roop said then giggled to herself which made others laugh.
Preet giggled at this. She remembers how Veer got panicked whenever she started tearing up without any reason.
They all stop laughing when suddenly Preet's phone rings in her purse. She pulled out her phone and her eyes immediately brightened up seeing Veer's number.
She looked up at the ladies who got busy with themselves maybe after seeing her blushing.
"You can talk, we won't disturb," One of them teased her, making her cheeks redder.
Preet picked up the call and before she could say anything Veer asked her,
"Preet, did you have your lunch?"
"Not yet, I went to market-"
"Preet! Why did you go alone? You can tell me I would have brought whatever you needed. You shouldn't go alone. Think about you health love, " Veer said worriedly
"Why do you worry so much? I am fine, baba," Nikki looked at her dreamily as she was talking like a kid, so cutely with Veer. While other women awed at their bond without even seeing them.
"Stop stressing and focus on your work. Bye," Preet said.
"How can I not stress for my wife and baby, huh? Don't exhaust yourself too much, okay? Do you want to eat anything I will bring in my way," he softly said.
"Choco lava cake," she said sheepishly, earning a chuckle from him.
"Okay then. Bye. Love you and don't tire my baby," Preet smiled.
"I won't. Bye. Love you too," She said and cut the call.
She froze as she looked up with a smile and realized she was sitting between 6 women. She had completely forgotten about their presence.
Seeing her red flushed face, everyone let out a chuckle.
"Don't feel shy, dear," Radha said, chuckling a little.
"So love marriage?" Uma asked curiously, seeing the love in her eyes.
Preet shook her head with a shy smile and said,
"It's arranged,.."
"Really! You both seem in so much love. I can say that by looking at your face. So love after marriage, huh?" Roop teases, wiggling her eyes at her, making her nod her head.
"Chalo Bhai! Finally a young and newly wedded couple comes into our colony. It was so boring looking at the same old couples fighting over silly things. Now we get to see young romance and lovey dovey moments. At least now I get to taunt my husband for not being romantic anymore, heheheâ¦" The ladies shake their heads at her while Preet and Nikki giggle with her.
"You can join us sometimes, â¦umm, Hey Ramâ¦see we didn't even ask your name," Reema said mentally slapping her forehead.
"My name is Preet," Preet said.
"You got a really cute name," one of them said lovingly. Preet smiled and felt so happy talking with them. It's been a while since she talked to anyone except Veer and Riddhi. She sometimes talks with Riddhi's mother but she most of the time stays outside the house because of her job.
"We would like it if you would sometimes join us for evening gossip. Trust me it really helps to relieve stress," Radha said seriously. Preet smile and nodded,
"I would love to. Please you all also someday come to my home for lunch or dinner. I would like to have you all," Preet invited them, making everyone smile.
"Sure, beta Ji. I heard your husband is really handsome and cute. We would love to meet him," Preet smiled shyly when Roop said in a teasing way.
"Do you work..like in company,"
"I have my small online food service startup. I am also a professional chef. I work from home only,"
"That's really nice," The ladies nodded giving an impressed look.
They then kept her busy with their gossip for one more hour after which Nikki saw her off to her house.
Preet told Veer about them happily. Veer felt happy seeing her so excitedly talking about their neighbor. He is relieved that know she won't feel alone in the house.
"Preet please take a rest. You are not in a condition to even move," Veer said, wiping Preet's face, who was totally out of her energy after throwing up four times since early morning.
"But we have orders to complete and deliver by evening. Veer, ..what should I do now? We can't miss such a big deal and also how can we ditch our customer at the moment," Preet murmured in her weak and broken voice while tears flowed down from her face.
"Okay okayâ¦first relax, Jaan. I will make the food, you just tell me what to do, okay? Just don't stress yourself. Think about our baby, Preet," he softly said, caressing her cheek while his other hand rubs her 3 month baby bump.
Preet leaned her head against his chest and sniffed lightly, feeling pathetic on her helplessness.
"Let me make a green tea for you then I will start the work okay," Veer lovingly said, kissing her temple and smiling at her.
"I am sorry for troubling you. You have to miss your office because of me," Preet again sob feeling like a burden on him.
"It's my duty, my heart. You and our baby are my foremost priority. Don't worry about anything. I am always there for you," he said, cupping her face and pecking her lips deeply.
Their attention went to the door when the doorbell rang. Veer stood and went to open the door. As he opened the door, he frowned seeing 5-6 women in the entrance.
"Ji?" He asked in confusion but politely.
"So he is Preet's husband," he heard a whisper among the women.
"Son, we all live in your neighborhood and are here for Preet," Veer nodded and opened the door for them, letting them in.
Preet stood up from the sofa seeing them and gave them a tired smile.
"Aap sabhi, please sit na," Preet welcomed them while Veer also came and stood beside her.
"What would you all like tea, coffee, juice or anything?" Preet asked them, making Radha smile at her.
Reema shook her head and said,
"It's okay beta. We are fine. Sorry for the trouble you guys,"
"It's okay Aunty. First let me bring something for you all," Preet said and about to go when Veer stopped her.
"You sit, Preet. I will bring snacks for them," He said but Uma stopped him.
"Arre, beta there is no need. We are not here to trouble you. By the way, you are a really charming boy, I must say, " She said, pulling his leg but his ears turned red and felt shy seeing all the women looking at him in amusement.
Preet grinned at his reaction, he looked so adorable. If only she could kiss him right now.
"Lo ji, Munda toh sharma gaya, Preet" they tease him more, making Preet laugh.
"Don't worry, son. Don't mind us, we are just a little crazy due to our age," Radha said, finally making him sigh. He smiles, assuring him it's fine.
"I don't mind, Aunty ji," he said, giving his charming smile.
"Haye Bada hi pyara baccha. You both look so cute and beautiful together, god bless you baccho," Reema said looking at the cute duo.
"You all talkâ¦" he said then look at Preet and whispered softly,
"I am in the kitchen. Don't stress okay,"
Preet's face fell seeing him going inside the kitchen. She felt so useless right now.
"Preet, are you okay, dear? You are looking sick," Roop asked, seeing her dull and pale face.
Preet give them weak smile and said,
"Nothing Aunty, just morning sickness. This little bean is troubling me so much today," she smiled looking at her small baby bump.
"How many months?" Reema asked and smiled at her baby bump, which was visible from her Kurta.
"4 months," she replied, making her nod.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine," Preet nodded.
Suddenly they heard a voice of something falling from the kitchen. Preet turned her head toward the kitchen in worry and stood up.
"I am coming," saying she walked inside and gasped seeing Veer holding his leg standing on the other leg while hissing in pain.
"Veer!! What happened?" She panicked and rushed to him.
"Nothing just hit my feet due to this stool," He Said glaring at the stools placed in the middle of the kitchen.
Hearing Preet shout, the ladies also came running here and saw Preet sobbing in Veer's arms while he tried to console her.
"What happened? Is she okay?" Reema asked looking at sobbing Preet and worried Veer.
Veer told them about the order they got and how Preet was stressing herself.
Reema and other women look at each then look at them.
Radha walked to them and pat Preet 's head lovingly making her cry more.
"Arre Pagal ladki, you should tell us. We are like a family. You both are like our children. Don't stress yourself, dear, we are here na. We will help you," Veer felt love and care in her tone. He looked down at Preet who had her face hidden in his chest while she was hiccuping like a baby. His heart breaks seeing her like this.
"Stop crying, Preet Baccha. Tell us what to do? Come on lady, get on with your work," Uma said, clapping her hand.
Veer looked at them with surprise while Preet raised her teary red face and stared at them, blinking her eyelashes.
Veer and Preet shared a surprise look.
"Preet, you just tell us what we have to prepare. Rest we will manage," Reema said while other women nodded smiling at her.
They all prepared the food and did everything while Preet instructed them. Veer looks after the packaging and after-delivery processes.
Preet felt overwhelmed after they finally delivered the order. Veer smiles, shaking his head at his crybaby wife and side hugs her. He kisses her side of head and wipe her tears gently while shaking his head telling her not to cry.
"Aww!! Are they so cute and romantic?" Roop whispered in a dreamy tone. While others look at them awed from the kitchen as they are arranging things in their places.
Veer walked inside the kitchen and said,
"I don't know how to thank you all. Thank you so much for helping us. I will always be grateful for all of you. I will do the rest, you all please sit in the living room," he said sincerely feeling grateful.
"We are family, beta. Families don't say sorry and thank you. Never hesitate to ask for help from us. We will always be there for you and Preet," he smiled feeling emotional as Reema said that.
He never felt the care and love of a family. This is very new for him but a very heartwarming feeling. Is this what it feels like to have a family?
"Where is Preet?" Radha asked, not finding Preet in the living room.
"I made her sleep. She was unable to sleep last night due to tension and morning sickness," He told them as his heart tells him he can trust these people.
"Good thing, let her sleep. Poor girl, seems like your little one loves troubling his mother, huh?" Roop said grinning, making him chuckle. While others also laugh.
Preet treated everyone with an amazing and delicious lunch after she received 2 lakh as the payment of that order. It was like a small get together for everyone.
Slowly everyone in the locality knows about them and they become famous and the most loved couple among them. Everyone adores them like their own children and cares for them.
That's how Preet and Veer made a very loving family and enjoyed the loving treatment they got from everyone.
And the same month Veer took a big decision and left his job to help Preet with her business to grow and expand it. On the side, he works as a freelancer from home. By this he can help her by sharing the burden of her work and also take care of her and her health.
After sending the order everyone were sitting in the Preet and Veer's living room, looking tired.
Preet stood up from the sofa and walked into the kitchen. She was serving samosa and pastry for everyone in the tray when Reema entered inside and shook her head at her.
"Preet dear, you should rest. From morning you are running around," Preet just smiled at her and was about to take the tray when Reema took it from her hands.
"Don't worry, Aunty. I will rest later. Everyone must be hungry," Preet said as they walked out of the kitchen.
Reema ask her to sat and place the tray in the middle so everyone could eat the snacks.
Veer sat beside Preet and hug her gently from the side to which she grinned.
"Preet beta ji, tomorrow I call henna artist. You know na day after tomorrow is Karwa Chauth. We all ladies will apply mehendi at my house and you will also come there with Veer, okay," Preet nodded while Veer frown and look at her.
"You are not fasting right?" he asked narrowing his eyes. She gulp slightly and sheepishly look at him making him angry.
"Veer-" He glared at her.
"Arre nhi Veer beta she is not fasting. Don't worry. She wanted to apply mehendi that's why I said that. But you can keep the fast in place of her if you want," Roop said and chuckle in the end to which Preet give him a tight smile. He give her sorry smile.
Pulling her more to himself and wrapped his arm around her waist and softly caressed her waist.
"It's okay Aunty. Let it be," Preet said as she relaxed in his arms.
While Veer stared at her chubby face as she was talking with everyone and laughing and giggling at their gossip.
_____________________________________
Thank you so much for reading.
This is for those who want more chapters. Here you go, sweethearts!!
Also, my lovely readers who want me to wrap up the story, please don't mind. I assure you, I won't drag the story unnecessarily. Hopefully, you all love the chapters.
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Bye bye
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