You are THE one

Part 1

"She is the one, Gentlemen. What if she doesn't have any previous experience? Her education records are great; she has the right attitude and she will be an asset for our company" Milind announced his decision to the selection committee.

Milind Mishra was choosing the research analyst for his company. He was the co-owner of "M3" (Mishra and Mansoor Mobiles) group of companies, which had its headquarters in Bangalore. Milind and his team had interviewed 12 candidates that day and the last one was Prachi Shah. While everyone in the interviewing committee was impressed with Prachi's educational records and her sharp and foresighted answers, her lack of previous experience had many of them doubt her abilities. But Milind wanted to hire someone who could think beyond the norms and to him she was the best of all candidates. She had a master's degree from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) and being an alumnus of Harvard business school, Milind knew what it meant to graduate from IIMB.

Milind had been a go-getter in his life. He had lost his mother when his sister Sukruti was born. His father, who took care of him and his sister, had died of tuberculosis when Milind was just 18. But hardships had only made Milind stronger and at a very young age he had learnt to multitask and take responsibilities in his hand. Both Milind and Sukruti were good at studies and the scholarships they got awarded reduced the financial burden on them. Sukruti had studied engineering at IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), Delhi, and earned job in a leading software company. She had recently married her colleague Saket Sharma whom she fell in love with. Milind had studied undergraduate education in business management in his hometown Mumbai and worked for a company for a couple of years. Soon his ambitions, will power and focussed hard work had taken him to Harvard Business School. During his MBA, Milind and his classmate Ali Mansoor had planned to open a company in Bangalore. They chose the booming mobile phone market in India to start with financed by Ali's father initially. With two hard working prudent youngsters, the company had gained success and in 5 years it had grown large enough to employ hundreds of people in 5 branches across India. The headquarters remained in Bangalore, which was Ali's native place.

Ali agreed to Milind's decision to hire Prachi Shah and when the two chiefs had agreed the rest of the committee agreed too. Milind asked his secretary to send the appointment letter to Prachi Shah. That day Milind had to pick Sukruti from the airport as she was coming to visit him from Delhi with her husband Saket. As he started to the airport he noticed a woman missing the airport bus as she was late by a few seconds. Soon it registered in his mind that the woman was none other than Prachi Shah. He then had noticed her failed attempts to get an auto rickshaw to take her to the airport.

"Hello, Prachi" Milind had said sliding down the window of his car.

"Hello Sir" Prachi had wished him recognizing him.

"Looks like you have missed your airport bus and autos aren't allowed near the airport. But I am driving to the airport now to receive my sister. I wouldn't mind dropping you there" Milind had offered to drive her to the airport.

Prachi didn't really want to agree to his offer but didn't know how to refuse either. As she didn't say anything clearly for a few seconds Milind himself said "If you fear I am going to kidnap you, I am not going to convince you otherwise. Get in before the signal turns green. If not, I hope your bus arrives soon or you could take a taxi from the corporation circle".

Prachi gave a tiny smile and got into the car thanking him. Milind had smiled too seeing her getting in. He told her he had a sister named Sukruti who works as a software engineer in Delhi and she was coming for Diwali along with her husband. Prachi told that she was going back to her hometown Delhi and she had just come to Bangalore for the interview.

"Do you think you will get this job?" Milind had questioned her.

"To tell you honestly, I am not too confident. I have no previous experience and that would go against me. But if I still get it, I would be really pleased". Prachi had given an honest reply.

Milind didn't want to give away that she had indeed secured the job though he felt like making her happy by breaking her the good news. "I wish you good luck" he had said as he took a turn to enter the highway that lead to the airport.

"Why do you want to find a job in Bangalore while your hometown is Delhi?" Milind seemed to be interviewing her again.

"I have applied for jobs in Delhi too. But when I saw the advert from your company I wanted a give it a try. As I told you in the interview I had researched on your company during my MBA. I would be comfortable working here as I do have some knowledge of how your company has come up and how it functions. Your company would be my first choice" Prachi tried to give him a convincing reason though she had other reasons she didn't want to give away.

Sukruti's airplane had arrived 15 minutes before time and she had given her brother a call which he hadn't received as his mobile was silent. By then, Milind had reached the airport with Prachi and was walking in and saw Sukruti and Saket walking towards them.

"Bhaiya" Sukruti had come running hugging her brother while Saket had shook hands with his brother in law. Prachi had taken their leave then after Milind introduced her to Sukruti and Saket. Milind told Sukruti and Saket that Prachi was going to be offered the job as he drove them home.

"Hmm, you always prefer beautiful women around you. But Bhaiya, when will one of those be honoured as my Bhabhi?" Sukruti asked her brother in one of her 100 different ways when he was to marry as they all sat sipping their coffee.

"Saket, tell your wife not to trap me into the institution of marriage. As if torturing you isn't enough, she wants me to put myself in this prison too" Saket and Milind had a good laugh teasing Sukruti.

"This is why I need another woman in our family. You men always gang up on me" Sukruti had walked off to the kitchen annoyed.

Sukruti had really wanted her brother to marry someone and settle down. She always felt her brother needed someone to take care of him, someone to share his life with. She had often tried to introduce women to him but he never had taken them seriously. There were many women that she knew who would have happily married him but the biggest problem was convincing him. Praying to God to find a nice woman for her brother, Sukruti opened the fridge to check if there were vegetables to cook something for the evening.

By that time, seated in the plane to Delhi, Prachi took a long breath relieving her of all the nervousness she went through during her interview and the drive to the airport.

Part 2

"Bhaiya, why do I always find this fridge empty? Looks like you never bother to cook at home" Sukruti complained.

"Sukku, I will take you guys out for dinner tonight. And we will do some shopping too for Diwali. You can buy all that you want" Milind wanted to distract her attention.

"Saket, did you just hear how my Bhiaya is bribing me? Bhaiya, you eat out all the time and how many times I have told you that's not healthy" Sukruti was always concerned about her brother's eating habits.

Milind was then successful in distracting her by talking about firecrackers and inviting Ali and his wife Neelam for diwali celebrations. They all had then gone out to for some shopping. Milind bought a saree for Sukruti and a pair watches to her and Saket. Saket and Sukruti forced Milind into buying a few shirts. They also shopped for a variety of firecrackers, grocery and sweets.

The next morning, Sukruti had chanted some mantras and offered prayers to Gods and Goddesses. One thing Milind had missed ever since Sukruti had moved out of their house for higher studies and then marriage, was the pooja aarti she would bring him everyday. Later the three of them had prepared some mouth-watering food for the day and by the evening Ali and Neelam had joined them.

After finishing dinner, all of them had reached the garden of the apartment where they were joined by a couple of other families celebrating Diwali. The apartment complex Milind lived belonged to Ali's father and he had rented it out mostly to M3's employees. Milind and Ali had outcompeted each other in showing their bravery off in bursting firecrackers. Saket had joined them too while Sukruti and Neelam kept on asking them to be careful. They finished with their firecrackers by midnight and Ali and Neelam stayed back at Milind's place till the next morning.

The next day Milind had taken off to be with his sister, Ali and Neelam left for their house early in the morning and Saket went out to meet one of his classmates who had settled in Bangalore now. Sukruti and Milind sat chatting, as both had wanted to have a heart to heart talk.

"How are you doing Sukku dear?" Milind had asked lovingly.

"I am very much fine Bhaiya. Saket is a really nice man and cares for me. My in-laws are a bit conservative, but at the same time are very kind too. My job is quite hectic after the recent promotion I got, but it's nothing compared your schedules. But Bhaiya, I miss you a lot. Why don't you shift to Delhi?"

"You might know our company's major departments are in Bangalore. Moreover, Ali's dad is sentimental about his hometown. It's not going to be feasible to shift headquarters. You don't worry; I will visit you often as I get to travel to Delhi every month. But Sukku, I am so happy that you are in a happy family. And more than that I feel so proud to see my little sister making a good life".

"Bhaiya, there is another thing I want to discuss with you. I know that I often keep intruding in your personal life. But I also know that you don't mind it. As you are happy to see me settled, I want to see you settled too. I think it's high time you got married".

Milind took a deep breath as his sister had yet again brought up the issue of his wedding. "Sukku, it's not that I never want to marry or something. It's just that I haven't found a suitable woman yet".

"You are too slow in this matter Bhaiya. I recently met Poornima in Delhi. She has two kids now"

"Who is Poornima?" MIlind had questioned.

"As if you never heard her name. I am talking about the Tamilian girl who was our neighbour in Mumbai. Do you think I didn't know you had feelings for her. Just that she got married before you spoke a word to her."

"Oh you mean Poori. Well, she was pretty. But I gave up on her the day she flunked in her board exams."

"What about Sheetal whom I introduced to you in my reception party- Raichand uncle's daughter. She is really interested in you."

"Sukku, if I marry her I would go bankrupt in a month. I think she should marry Giorgio Armani. All she ever spoke to me was how her branded shoes and dresses looked on her".

"What about the girl we met in the airport day before yesterday? What was her name? Parvathi?"

"Come on Sukku. You see one girl with me for a second and you start building stories. That girl's name is Prachi by the way. And she is probably going to be working for my company. I can't eye on my employees. All women in my company will quit their jobs if I do so"

"Well Prachi looked good with you and do you know for a second I thought you were going to surprise me about her when I saw you walking with her in the airport. Neelam was telling me about your secretary who is head over heels in love with you".

"Stop it Sukku. Enough of trying to hook me up with any woman who comes to your mind. Damn it" Milind had raised his voice.

"I wish Baaba was with us today. I am sure even he would have wanted you to get married and settle down. At least you would have listened to him. Anyways, I am sorry" Sukruti's eyes had filled up as she was hurt with Milind shouting on her.

Milind's temper had come down in a matter of a second to see his sister's face going pale. He had cupped his sister's face in his palms while she looked away. "Sukku, Please don't feel bad over it. It's not that I am not listening to you and I consider you no less than my mother. The day I feel I have found the woman of my life, you will be the first person to know. Tell me one thing, what about your mother in law? I find her really beautiful. Why don't you help me by making your father in law divorce her?"

"Bhaiya" Sukruti had given Milind a whack on his arm and walked away. Milind had relaxed on the sofa thinking about all the women whose name got mentioned in his conversation with his sister. Of all the names Prachi Shah's stood out.


Part 3

Milind had freed himself as much as he could from work and took Saket and Sukruti around the city. After staying with Milind for a total of 4 days, Sukruti and Saket left for Delhi. Before leaving Sukruti had cooked food worth for a few days and filled Milind's fridge and freezer.

Two weeks had passed Milind had received an email from Prachi Shah saying she was delighted to hear she was offered the job and she would like to start as soon as possible. She had enquired if the company could help her finding a place to live in Bangalore. Milind had put the matter in Ali's ears when they were having lunch that afternoon. Ali had pointed out there was an empty flat in the 5th floor of the building where Milind lived. One of the employees of the company had got himself transferred to Delhi branch and vacated the furnished flat he lived in. Milind had put Prachi in touch with Ali's father who owned the building.

Prachi had also emailed Milind a copy of her research project she had carried out during her MBA. Milind was impressed with her meticulous and competent thesis where she had done a great job analyzing the strategies of M3. What struck Milind was the points she had made regarding a few drawbacks of the company which he too had always recognized and wanted to improvise on. Milind and Prachi had then exchanged several emails discussing her job responsibilities and the future plans of the company. He had eagerly waited for her to join the company while she too keenly counted days to start the first job of her life.

Prachi was to start her job from the beginning of the coming month and a day before that she had flown to Bangalore with her people. Her flight got delayed by a few hours and by the time she reached the address for her flat it was roughly 10 pm. Milind had asked her to collect the keys for her flat from him and he had given her his address. Milind lived in the ground floor of the building and his house was bigger and better furnished than the rest of the flats. Ali's father had it decorated specially for him though Milind wasn't particular about living in a luxurious apartment.

Prachi dialled his house number at the front gate. Milind who was expecting her had asked her to come in telling the security person to let her in. Milind came out of his flat with keys for her flat in his hand and he intended to show her around. Prachi greeted him with a smile as he handed over the keys to her. Prachi then went out of the gate to get her luggage and people in. Seeing her struggling with her heavy suitcases, Milind offered to help her while the security person also had joined hands. Milind had then seen an elderly woman getting out of the taxi with a baby in her hand.

"Sir, this is my mother Premlatha. Maa this is my boss, Mr. Milind Mishra"

"Namastey" Milind had joined his palms.

"Namastey beta" Premlatha too had greeted Milind.

Taking the baby out of Premlatha's hand, Prachi said "This is my daughter Rashmi. Rashhu baby say hello".

The two year old girl had turned around and gave a lazy look to Milind. She then had hid her face in Prachi's shoulder tightly hugging her.

"She is sleepy. Sorry about it" Prachi had clarified why her daughter didn't say hello.

"That's alright. She is cute" Milind had remarked. Rashmi took her head out of her mother's shoulder wanting to notice the person who called her cute. No one noticed her studying Milind as everybody pulled a luggage bag.

Milind had shown the way to the elevators and they all got into the 5th floor of the building. He briefed them about the facilities and asked them if they had any food. When Prachi said she would go out and look around for an eating place, Milind offered them he could order meals from a nearby restaurant so that the food is delivered home. Though Prachi initially hesitated, Milind had convinced her and ordered food for them.

Leaving the women in their new apartment, Milind took the stairs to go down to his flat. He was feeling an unsounded disappointment. His heart felt heavy and he had taken one step at a time slowly. As he opened his door, he heard his landline phone ringing.

"Hello" Milind had received the call.

"Hello Bhaiya, how are you? I have been trying to call you for the last 15 minutes"

"I was upstairs Sukku. Had I told you my new research analyst Prachi was shifting to my building? She had just arrived with her mother and her daughter".

"Oh No, is she married Bhaiya?" Sukruti sounded disillusioned.

"Well, she must be. But why should that matter to me?"

"I didn't mean it should matter to you Bhaiya. I just felt a bit disappointed I couldn't get picture of you walking with her out of my mind. I am pathetic. You should have told me she is married beforehand "

"As if I knew" Milind had sounded grumpy.

Sukruti had then conversed with him for a while about random things and somehow she knew her brother was affected by the news that Prachi was married. Wondering who would be Milind's lucky lady and when would she come to his life Sukruti had called it a day.

Milind found himself feeling restless, uncomfortable that night. The thought that Prachi was married was irritating a corner of his heart. After going through wandering thoughts for a while, he dictated himself that Prachi is just another employee in his company and he shouldn't be thinking about her personal life. He thought it's all because of Sukruti he is thinking this way. He then engaged himself in browsing websites for a while before his eyes dropped into a sleep.

Five floors over, Prachi too slept a good night sleep hugging Rashmi after what it seemed like eons. After all she had desperately waited for this day. Premlatha had prayed to her God to bless her daughter in her new venture as she joined her next two generations in sleep.

Part 4

Prachi had reported for her job the next day. Milind himself had introduced her to everyone and showed her the cabin in which she would work. Within few days she had got herself thoroughly familiarized with her responsibilities. Milind, Ali or anyone hardly had any complaints though she was a newcomer. She had come across as an intelligent and equally dignified employee who wouldn't speak a word more than required. Though she didn't get too friendly with her colleagues or chitchat in the free time, she would assist them with a smile when required. Most women in the office always looked at her with a pinch of salt as she would neither mingle with them in gossips nor share anything about herself. The men in the office had an impression that she wasn't a woman to be taken for granted.

Prachi used to come dressed generally in simple but elegant cotton sarees with minimal make up. Her saree pleats would be neat; her small earings would match the colour of her saree, and she would wear a lone bangle and a watch. Occasionally she would wear a salwar kameez or long skirts. One thing that remained constant irrespective of her attire was her kohl rimmed bright, brown eyes that beamed a mutiny in her though none could interpret it and she didn't give anyone a chance.

While Prachi had gotten comfortable at her work place, Milind had the opposite impact. While he had greatly appreciated Prachi's professional skills, he found himself conscious of her presence whenever he had to deal with her at workplace. He would be happy that he only had meetings with her two or three times a week but then he would also long for a sight of her the rest of the days. His eyes would want to be fixed on her if he knew she was around him. But his brain would stop his eyes denying him a glance of her. He had bumped into her a few times at home too in the garden or entering or exiting his building where they would exchange a few words. Sometimes he would see her waiting for the bus or the auto and want to offer her a lift but then something in him would stop him. However, when he did accidentally made eye contact with her, there would be a deep silence for a second where his eyes would question her and her eyes would break the contact in the very next moment only making him all the more inquisitive, all the more conscious. He couldn't justify to himself why and what he was feeling for her. He had a private struggle in his mind where on one side he wanted to know everything about her and get close to her but his other mind would completely rubbish that idea thinking that it was all wrong and he might put himself in an awkward situation if he did so. He had recognized a fort she had built around her and something in him told him he wouldn't allow anyone inside it and no matter what he wanted to respect that boundary.

Milind had went through Prachi's job application to and figured out she had ticked married in the tick box. He had often wondered who and where her husband was but never wanted to ask her thinking it wasn't in his right to do so. He communicated better with Premlatha and Rashmi whom he would frequently find in the common garden of his building where there were swings and slides for children. Premlatha would talk to him lovingly whenever he met her and often invite him for dinner, which he had kept on postponing.

That evening, Milind had returned home from work and sat working on his laptop in his patio. Rashmi was playing with a kid from neighbouring flat named Chintu. Milind had noticed the kids playing but then got back to his work. Few minutes later, he heard a child crying and noticed that it was Rashmi. She was persuading her grandmother to throw her in the air and catch her. Chintu's father had just arrived from work and he had swung and threw his son in air for a few times before he took him home. Rashmi had watched her friend enjoying and had wanted the same thing to be done to her too. Premlatha had tried doing it a couple of times but with her health not at its best wasn't able to do so. Little Rashmi was persistent and had started crying demanding her grandmother to grant her demands. Milind understood Premlatha was helpless and also that how desperately the child was pleading her. He had walked out of his patio and opened his arms inviting Rashmi to run into them. Rashmi was hesistant but then Milind himself had lifted her in his hands in a fraction of a second, before the child could react he had thrown her in air and caught her. Rashmi was thrilled as she in was in air for seconds and had chuckled in amusement and Milind had repeated it several times. Milind had told her he would do it for her everyday if she wanted. And Rashmi had giggled once again looking at her grandmother to share her joy.

Premlatha thanked Milind for making the child happy and Milind had said there was nothing he did worth thanking. Premlatha had taken Rashmi off of Milind's hands telling her it was time to go home, and as they turned around they saw Prachi who had stood leaning on to a pillar watching them. Prachi had noticed from her balcony that Rashmi was demanding something from her grandmother and was coming down to sort out the matter. When she reached the garden, she had seen Rashmi in Milind's hands and there she had stood transfixed watching her child in merriment. Milind's eyes had met with Prachi's, and even though it was dusky, Milind had noticed a layer of tears in Prachi's eyes that she forcefully held onto her eyeballs.

"Prachi, Milind ko khaane pe bulaa lo na aaj (Prachi, invite Milind for dinner tonight)" Premlatha had said in her daughter's ears and Prachi had nodded her head in agreement.

"Sir, would you like to join us for dinner tonight? My mother has cooked some tasty paneer" Prachi had invited Milind.

"I love paneer. I will join you on one condition that you don't address me as Sir. I often tell my employees not to call me Sir but take my name" Milind had smiled.

"Sure, Milind. I am glad you are eating with us tonight. The dinner is ready. You could join us right now" Prachi had turned around to the elevator where Premlatha had waited with Rashmi. Milind had followed them.

"Milind, Milind" Rashmi had giggled taking his name which was quite a tongue twister for her. Prachi had stopped her daughter saying Milind wasn't her age for her to call him by his name.

"It's alright Prachi. Rashmi is my friend. She can call me Milind. Isn't it Rashmi?" Milind had pulled Rashmi's pigtails. The little girl had responded with a huge grin for she was still all excited.

Prachi picked Rashmi's teddy bears and toys lying on the floor as Milind entered her flat. Premlatha and Prachi got busy in arranging the dining table with plates and cutlery while Milind sat playing with Rashmi on the sofa. As Rashmi got busy with her new Barbie doll, Milind had looked around the living room. His eyes stopped on the framed photograph of a man in uniform whom he seemed to recognize.

Part 5

Milind tried to dig his memories to remember where he had seen that face in the photograph. He thought of asking Premlatha or Prachi but then hesitated. Just then the landline phone rang and Prachi came out of the kitchen to pick it up.

"Hello.....How are you?" Prachi had said receiving the phone.

"I am alright. And I am sorry. My job was to start from the beginning of this month and I had to leave. I will come to Delhi when I can afford some holidays. And you are welcome to come and stay with me whenever you want" Prachi had said on the phone.

She then had heard to the speaker on the other end of the phone for a while and seemed perturbed. "Can I call you tomorrow? I have to feed Rashmi now". Prachi had disconnected the phone saying a good night.

Prachi bit her lower lip and took a deep breath. She then asked Milind to come to the dinner table. Premlatha served food and Milind hadn't eaten such tasty food for ages. Prachi had Rashmi sit on her lap and was feeding her some mashed vegetables mixed with rice.

"Wow, Paneer, daal... and specially these dhoklas- the food is just awesome. Thank you very much. You are such a good cook Maa". Milind said with gratitude.

"Beta, Prachi prepared these dhoklas. It was her father's favourite food. He used to love dhoklas prepared by her hand. Though we had moved out of Gujarat even before Prachi was born, we never lost taste for our food". Premlatha had got emotional.

"Maa, don't make me feel emotional now. Sir, sorry....Milind, would you like to have some ice cream?" Prachi tried to lighten the moods.

"Ice scheeem, ice scheeem.. Mamma Ice Scheemmm" Rashmi had requested her mother sweetly to give her ice cream.

Milind had smiled at the child. "I will also have some with Rashmi" he had said.

"So, did you live in Delhi before this Maa?" Milind questioned Premlatha as Prachi went to the kitchen to fetch some ice cream for everyone. Rashmi ran to the kitchen following her mother.

"Yes Beta. Prachi's father was a businessman. When I was pregnant with Prachi, we moved to Delhi where he opened a garment shop. After Prachi's sister Ayesha was born, I also started working as a teacher in a govt. high school. We built our house in Delhi and settled there. I thought of moving back to Gujarat after Inder died, and Prachi and Ayesha got married. But destiny had other plans. What about you beta?". Premlatha had asked Milind.

"Maa, we are from Orissa. But my sister and I were born and brought up in Mumbai. And we can't even speak good Oriya. After we lost our parents, I went abroad for studies and came back to start a company here in Bangalore. My sister actually lives in Delhi with her husband" Milind has briefed his family background.

"Maa, do you have to bore my boss with your story? Milind here is your ice cream" Prachi had given Milind his bowl.

"Thanks" Milind had said taking the bowl in his hand.

"Sthawwberrie?" Rashmi had enquired Milind if he was eating the same flavour as hers.

"Me and you same same. Strawberry. Do you love strawberries?" Milind questioned Rashmi who was busy eating her ice cream sitting on her mother's lap.

"She loves strawberries. She can eat a kilogram of them in a day". Prachi had spoken for her daughter.

Milind had smiled at Prachi and Prachi too had reciprocated with a smile. Milind felt a magic spell run through him as he saw Prachi's face brightened with her gorgeous smile. Soon they both had averted their gazes feeling uncomfortable. Milind finished his ice cream quickly while Prachi got busy feeding Rashmi the ice cream, which she had spread on her cheeks and fingers in an attempt to eat it herself.

Milind thanked Prachi and Premlatha for the dinner and got up to leave for his flat. Premlatha had invited him to join them for dinner whenever he felt like. As he turned to leave he heard Rashmi saying "Milllinddd". He had turned back and Rashmi had giggled triumphant that she made him turn back. Milind had pulled her pigtails again making the child scream in annoyance. "Bye baby" Milind said to Rashmi and got out of Prachi's flat.

Reaching his flat Milind collapsed on a chair and put ran his fingers through his hair. He was feeling several emotions at a time. He knew he was mesmerized by Prachi's smile. He couldn't believe he was falling for Prachi but he knew it was the truth- a truth that had become a constant for a while now. His conscience reprimanded him that he wasn't right in falling for a married woman who was also his employee. He contemplated how Prachi would feel if she ever knows what he feels for her and he might lose all the goodwill she has for him. He thought he would never let her know that he ever felt this way for her and impose restraint on himself.

Soon his mind reminded him of the photograph he saw in Prachi's flat. He questioned himself why that face came across familiar to him. He thought it couldn't have been Prachi's father as Premlatha had mentioned he was a businessman. The man he saw in the photograph was wearing a uniform, which he had recognized as belonging to the Indian Navy. He then remembered he had seen that face probably on television or in a news piece. He switched his laptop on and opened google. He typed several different search words and looked for newspapers and pictures. He finally read a news piece that had the same photograph, and titled- "A young Indian Navy officer died in toxic gas leak".

The 3 year old news piece had read 'Lieutenant Commander Neev Shergill died saving his fellowmen. There was a toxic gas leak in a cabin of the warship and Commander Shergill entered the cabin to save his men who were struck in there. After dragging them out, Shergill fell unconscious in the cabin. He was soon taken to the army hospital by the rescue team, but efforts to revive him went futile. Lt. Commander Neev Shergill was the first son of former Navy officer Captain Pranay Shergill. He is survived by his parents, younger brother Ranvir and his pregnant wife Prachi.'

Part 6

Milind couldn't go into a good night sleep that night for his mind dilly-dallied on indecision. He didn't know how he should deal with his mind in Prachi's matter. He was sure of one thing that he was pulled towards Prachi. He wondered if it all started the day he interviewed her for he had appreciated her intelligence and conviction that very day. After interacting with her over emails, he had grown to be fond of her for she was his idea of an ideal woman, beauty with brains and elegance. He remembered the sharp prick he had felt when he saw her with her daughter. But that hadn't stopped his heart from beating for her. Now after knowing she is a widow, Milind was deeply agitated and saddened for her, but somewhere in the corner of his heart a ray of hope had shined. But the very next moment he felt disgusted with himself thinking that he was being opportunistic and mean. By the wee hours of morning, Milind had come to some sort of conclusion that what matters is what Prachi wants and he granted himself the liberties to only help her with her career and make her happy if he can as her employer and as a well wisher.

The next few days Milind got himself extremely busy at work trying to find a reason to distract his mind whenever he realized he was losing himself thinking about Prachi. However, he had done his best encouraging her in his meetings with her and guiding her with his experience in the field. At home, he had bumped into Premlatha and Rashmi a couple of times, with Premlatha witnessing the other two growing increasingly fond of each other.

One of the responsibilities Prachi had been assigned with was market research of non-film music CDs. After monopolising the mobile phone industry for a few years now, Milind and Ali had wanted to broaden M3's horizons and planned to venture the music industry. Prachi had done thorough research on the subject and came up with the strategies they could employ to sell their products better than others. Prachi in one of her meetings with Milind and Ali had also suggested signing the likes of Mallika Raichand for M3's initial music album. Ali more than Milind was impressed with Prachi's idea of signing Mallika for he was sure the model turned singer was going to create a buzz. Milind though vaguely suggested some other singer he knew that Ali was bent on giving Mallika a chance considering her popularity her bring a good singer.

"I am sure this will work. Let's go ahead with Mallika Raichand. We will have a party launching our venture next month. Prachi, I am totally impressed with your homework on this and I announce a bonus for you this month" Ali had said being more than happy with Prachi's ideas.

Milind though not happy with Mallika, knew that signing her would only be profitable to their company. He didn't want to antagonize Ali either for his personal reservation against Mallika and there he had nodded his head approving Ali's decision.

Prachi was extremely happy that not only her first project impressed her bosses but also got her a bonus. "Ali Sir, thank you so much. It's only because of your encouragement and confidence in me I could do this".

"Prachi, if you really want to thank someone, thank Milind. He was the one who chose you over all those experienced candidates in the interview. I always trust his decisions. He is never wrong". Ali expressed his confidence in his friend. Prachi was overwhelmed and didn't have enough words to thank Milind. She had looked at him with gratitude while Milind got uncomfortable that Ali announced it in front of her. Prachi wondered if she will ever be able to tell Milind what difference he had made in her life but hadn't been able to speak a word, as she felt choked.

That evening as Milind returned home late and Prachi looking through her window saw his car entering the building. She thought of giving him a few minutes to relax before she went down to knock his door.

As Milind changed his clothes and sat watching TV, he had heard his doorbell ring. He was surprised to see Prachi and Rashmi at his door and he took them inside. It wasn't the first time Rashmi had come inside Milind's flat for Premlatha had took her inside a couple of times when she sat talking to Milind. Rashmi herself had guided Prachi to sit on the sofa. Milind hurriedly cleared his coat and bag that were haphazardly lying on the sofa.

"Milllinddd, giftthhh" Rashmi had handed over a small box to Milind while Milind had looked at Prachi questioning.

"Milind, I don't really know how to thank you. I wouldn't have got a prestigious job like this if you hadn't shown trust in me. This job means a lot to my life. It has opened new doors for me. This is a small gift to say thanks though I would always be grateful to you. Please accept it" Prachi sounded sincere.

"It was a mutual deal Prachi. M3 needed an analyst like you and you had the right attitude among all those people who got interviewed that day. I am glad that this job means a lot to you and I want you to know you too are as important for M3. Thanks for choosing to work for us. Well.. I will accept this gift. Now does that mean I have to give you a gift as well?" Milind had made Prachi laugh.

"Of course not. This is no mutual deal Milind. The day I got this job I was both happy and nervous. I was worried if I can really do justice to your company. But with your cooperation, I feel so much more comfortable. I appreciate it very much Milind" Prachi's eyes spoke of nothing but gratitude saying so.

Rashmi had diverted their attention then as she tried to lift a huge flower vase on the corner table. Prachi had run to her to stop her from breaking it but Rashmi resisted. Milind interfered between the mother and the daughter telling Rashmi they could feed the fishes in his aquarium if she stopped playing with the vase. Rashmi got excited hearing about the fishes and she was soon in Milind's hands as he walked to his study where he had his aquarium.

Rashmi and Milind fed the fishes while Milind introduced Rashmi to each and every fish telling her each one's characteristics in her childhood language. Prachi had sat on a chair watching them.

After they were done with feeding the fishes, Prachi told Rashmi it was time to go back to their flat. Rashmi was reluctant to leave for she still sat watching the vibrant movements of fishes in the aquarium. Telling her she could sit there for five more minutes Prachi thought of asking Milind about something that bothered her from the afternoon.

"Milind, I think you were not happy with my idea of signing Mallika Raichand"

"Hahaaa, how did you guess that?" Milind had asked laughingly.

"I felt so during the meeting. But why did you not really stop us?" Prachi questioned.

"Well, it's not a serious matter. Mallika is a pretty good singer and as you pointed out signing someone as popular as her would only work for our profits. I have no hard issues over it. But you will know why I am a little bit unhappy when you see her at the launch party". Milind explained.

"But she is yet to accept our offer, right? Who knows she might not consider us, as we are a new company in this business. We could have Priya Merchant as a second choice" Prachi had suggested.

"Don't worry about Mallika at all. I am more than sure she would accept the offer at the first instance" Milind said confidently.

Wondering what was it with Mallika and Milind, Prachi left for her flat forcing Rashmi to go with her and wishing Milind a good night. Closing the door after she left Milind had stood composing himself as his heart was beating high when Prachi was around. Feeling proud of himself that he could converse with Prachi normally, he couldn't wait to open his gift given by her. Milind had a pleasant surprise as he opened the little box to find a pair of silver cufflinks in it. Wondering at the coincidence on how Prachi decided to gift him cufflinks without him telling her he had a penchant for them, Milind went to bed with a feeling of happiness he couldn't describe to himself.


Part 7

"Rashmi, don't climb on the chair. You will fall down baby" Prachi warned Rashmi from the kitchen as the little girl was climbing on a cane chair, which was her newfound skill. It was a Monday morning. Rashmi had woken up early; Premlatha had given her a bath and was taking bath herself. Premlatha normally prepared breakfast in the mornings but as Rashmi was up early today, Prachi thought of preparing the breakfast herself knowing that her daughter would keep her mother busy.

Prachi noticed Rashmi wasn't listening to her but continued with constantly climbing the chairs one by one. She left her work in the kitchen in between in order to stop her daughter from putting herself into danger. Prachi got terrified to see her daughter standing on the arms of a chair trying to keep balance. As Prachi briskly ran to hold her, Rashmi had put all her weight on one arm of the chair as it fell to its side with Rashmi falling down on her face. In the process Rashmi's forehead had collided with the corner of the wall. Prachi ran with skipped heartbeats, picked her child up in her arms and felt dizzy to see blood oozing out of Rashmi's forehead. "Rashmi.. Maa... Rashmi gir gayi.. (Rashmi fell down)" Prachi had screamed but Premlatha hadn't heard anything clearly to respond. Rashmi was crying loudly both with the shock and the burning sensation she was feeling where she got wounded.

Prachi recovered from panic and she found her first aid kit and wrapped a bandage around Rashmi's head. But the bleeding didn't seem to stop and Prachi decided Rashmi should be taken to the hospital. She picked Rashmi in her hands, grabbed her purse and ran out of the house. Premlatha just had come out of the bathroom drying her hair and had seen Prachi running out of the house carrying Rashmi. Prachi ran down the stairs as the elevator would waste time and Premlatha had followed her. While running towards the gate, Prachi almost bumped into Milind's car, who was leaving for work.

"Prachi, what happened? Rashmi.." Milind asked in shock stopping his car and getting out of it. Premlatha too had reached there by then she too had wanted to ask Prachi the same thing.

"Milind I need to take her to the hospital" Prachi said in one breath.

"Get into my car" Milind opened the back door. Prachi and Premlatha got into car Milind started driving to a nearby hospital. Prachi sat hugging Rashmi who sat whimpering on her lap. Milind repeatedly assured the women that everything would be all right. When they reached the hospital Milind got out quickly, opened the door for Prachi while Premlatha got out from the other door. Milind took Rashmi off of Prachi's hands and ran inside the hospital followed by the two women. He had walked into the emergency where nurses took Rashmi inside. Prachi too had entered the room while the nurse had looked at Milind implying to him to stop her. Milind ended up following Prachi inside in an attempt to stop her from going inside. The doctor understood Prachi's anxiety and he asked her to sit showing her a chair. Milind stood by Prachi and she looked at him helplessly while Milind's eyes reassured her in silence. The doctor cleaned Rashmi's wound and examined it. The child was verbally calm but her eyes were still filled with shock and fear as she looked at her mother. The doctor kept on talking to Rashmi asking her if she liked chocolates or ice creams. Rashmi had relaxed a little bit then and said "sthaawberrie". The doctor told Milind and Prachi that the injury isn't serious but it needs a couple of stitches. He applied a topical anesthetic on the wound and washed it and started stitching it. While Rashmi was still unbelievably calm, Prachi couldn't see her little daughter like that. She tightly held Milind's hand and leaned her face onto it silently crying. Milind though himself too was pained to see Rashmi getting stitches, he clearly knew that it wasn't a serious wound as he too had often hurt himself and got several stitches in his childhood. He had stroked Prachi's head hoping that would make help her feel better. The doctor finished his job in the next few minutes and told Rashmi with action "the wound is gone" and kissed her on her cheek. Rashmi looked at Prachi and gave away a huge smile showing her shiny white baby teeth and Prachi too had finally relaxed to some extent seeing her daughter smiling. The doctor had then confirmed with Prachi that Rashmi had had her tetanus shots.

Prachi had carried her daughter out of the hospital then. She had slowly come out of her shock after assured by the doctor that there was nothing to worry regarding Rashmi's wound. As she heard Milind making a phone call to Ali, she remembered he had a meeting with the music CD manufacturing company. She had then heard Milind canceling the meeting.

"Milind, I am sorry. You had to cancel your meeting because of us. You could leave to office from here. I will take off today".

"Come on Prachi, don't be apologetic. I will drop you all home and leave for work" said Milind.

"It's alright Milind. We will take an auto home" said Prachi searching for an auto stand with her eyes.

"If the auto driver sees your blood stained clothes, he will faint. 10 minutes more isn't a big deal. You guys wait for a couple of minutes here. I will buy these medicines and we will leave". Milind left for the medical stores nearby to buy the medicines prescribed for Rashmi.

Milind dropped them home and had left for work. He had called Prachi a couple of times from work to make sure Rashmi was doing fine. On his way back from work, he bought some strawberries for Rashmi. Dropping his bag in his flat, he went upstairs to see Rashmi. Premlatha opened the door for him and said Rashmi was in the room with Prachi. Rashmi had just got out of a sleep and was explaining to Prachi how she fell from the chair and how scared she was. Prachi was intently listening to her daughter while Milind stood watching them at the door.

"Milinnddd, chair bad" Rashmi had suddenly noticed Milind and had shown her fingers towards the living room where the cane chairs were located.

"Yes baby. Chair bad. But you are good. That's why you get the strawberries and chairs no strawberry" Milind had given the pack of strawberries to Rashmi and the little girl's eyes had brightened with joy. Milind sat by Rashmi on the bed and asked Prachi to wash the strawberries. Prachi walked out of the room with strawberries in hand while Rashmi narrated her morning trauma story to Milind as well.

Prachi got strawberries in a plate for Rashmi while Premlatha got some tea for the adults. Prachi sat on the other side of the bed and started feeding strawberries to Rashmi who was eager to eat them. Prachi's mobile rang and Milind told her he would feed Rashmi the strawberries while she attends her call. Milind went to wash his hands before he fed Rashmi.

"I told you before, I do know our company has a branch in Delhi. But the job I have been given needs me to work in Bangalore. Maa please... for God's sake please understand. I too am very sad for what happened to Rashmi today. But that has nothing to with my job. I was at home when it happened. She fell in front of my eyes" Milind heard Prachi talking over the phone washing his hands.

Milind then had heard Prachi sobbing in another room. He came back to the room where Rashmi and Premlatha were and asked Premlatha what was the matter and if Prachi needs to work in Delhi, he could arrange it.

"It's all my fault beta" Premlatha's eyes filled with tears as Milind questioned her. Milind felt guilty of making Premlatha cry and he had tried to console her.

"Beta, sometimes I feel I am responsible for shattering my daughter's life. I got her married in a hurry. Her sister Ayesha was in love with Varun and his parents wanted them to get married right then as Varun was to go abroad for a job. I didn't want Ayesha to marry before Prachi as Prachi was the elder one. One of my friends suggested this Shergill family and Neev agreed to marry Prachi just by seeing her photograph. Prachi was finishing her MBA in Bangalore here at that point and I asked her to get married though I knew she didn't want to marry so early and doing a job was her priority. But as a widow mother I was too impatient to see my daughters settled and I made Prachi marry Neev within two months after that. Ayesha got married to Varun the same day and now she lives in Canada. But nothing good happened in Prachi's life after that. Neev was a good husband for Prachi. But he died in a mishap just 3 months after the marriage making my pregnant daughter a widow too. His father became bedridden with a stroke after that. His brother Ranveer forgetting that a sister in law is equal to a mother in relation eyed on Prachi. Though Prachi confided it in her mother in law, she turned a blind eye for she was always biased towards her second son. It had become a hell for Prachi to live in that house. They weren't even letting her stay in my house. After a terrible struggle with the help of her father in law, Prachi got out of that house in the name of a job and found some solace in her life here finally. Now they have found out your company has a branch in Delhi too and they want her to shift to Delhi or find another job there. Today after they came to know Rashmi hurt herself, her mother in law is holding Prachi's job responsible for it. She called her 4 times today already saying the same thing. Beta, please don't transfer Prachi even if she requests you to do so. I don't want my daughter to go back to that hell again". Premlatha had sobbed.

"I am not going anywhere Maa. I am not a slave to my mother in law that I have to live in her terms. Milind, please don't bother about my personal issues. I will sort them out myself. And I promise I won't let my personal front affect my job" Prachi had said firmly as she understood her mother probably had told Milind about everything.

Milind understood Prachi didn't like Premlatha telling about her personal life to him. He thought it was the best thing for him to leave then. He had kissed Rashmi on both of her cheeks and had taken their leave. Prachi had confronted her mother then saying what was the necessity for her to describe her life as a sympathetic story to Milind for she didn't want anyone's sympathy in her life not even her mother's. On the other hand, Milind wondered if it could get any worse for Prachi in life and sincerely prayed for her happiness.

The next morning, Milind went for his routine jog and he met with Prachi who had gone to the temple early in the morning. She had been there to pray for her daughter who had gone through trauma the previous day.

After wishing each other a good morning, Prachi had asked Milind if he could give her a few minutes as she wanted to talk to him. She had thought of talking to him for the whole night. Milind agreed and suggested they could sit in the park and talk. It was a cold morning and as they found a steel bench to sit Milind sat on it first asking Prachi to wait for a minute before she sat.

"Sit here now" Milind said getting up from where he had sat. "I thought it would be too cold for you."

Though Prachi sat where Milind had sat before, she felt vaguely awkward. Milind too felt equally embarrassed though it was his heart's innermost desire to protect her and that was displayed on its own before he realized. After they sat in silence for a few seconds, Prachi had broken it saying "Milind, I had to talk to you now since I knew you are leaving for Delhi later today. As you heard from my mother yesterday, life has been a bit hard for me for the last few years. But believe me I am not complaining. Everyone has a bad time in life, so am I. I don't want you to do things for me out of sympathy. I would be ashamed of myself if I know people helped me because they pitied me. I know you are a genuinely good human being with a big heart. But please, don't do anything out of your way for me. I hope you understand what I mean"

Milind was admiring her all the more at that moment for her courage and self-respect. "Prachi I very much understand what you mean. Even I never wanted anyone's pity for my sister and me when we lost our parents at a young age. I have done nothing out of sympathy for you. I have offered a job to a deserving candidate. And if you are thinking about yesterday, it was just my responsibility as a fellow human being that I came to the hospital with you guys. I don't consider you weak because you are a woman or a single mother or a widow. Please don't think I am sympathizing with you. I think I rather respect you for your guts."

There was again silence for a few moments, as Prachi seemed lost in thoughts.

"Let's go now. Or else I will be late to catch my flight. My sister will kill me if I miss my flight" Milind had said and Prachi too got up to go.

As they walked together towards their building, Milind pondered on the thought that how he would ever be able to tell her about all those things he wants to do for her just because he loves her.
Part 8

"It has got to be her or your mother in law. The choice is yours" Milind put an end to his argument with his sister Sukruti.

"Stop eying on my mother in law who is double your age. I would prefer Prachi. Go and confess now" Sukruti finally made peace with the idea of her brother in love with a widow.

Sukruti's mother in law Mrs. Sharma had walked in to the living room just then making Sukruti worry if she heard anything she was just saying. Milind got up to leave and he first hugged Sukruti and then her mother in law too. He didn't forget to wink at Sukruti as he hugged Mrs. Sharma only to see a fume in his sister's eyes.

Milind had finally declared in front of Sukruti that he was in love and told her about Prachi's story and the present situation. Sukruti though was a bit apprehensive about her brother falling for a mother of a child hadn't yet been able to get the picture of Prachi walking with Milind out of her mind. At the end of the day, all she wanted was her brother to be happy.

Milind had mulled over the idea of confessing his love for Prachi in front of her. He imagined several scenarios of how she would take it. Though he started with her accepting his proposal happily, the last scenario he imagined dreaded him. He wondered what if she takes it all as sympathy, resigns from her job and walks away from him. That would indeed be destroying her world she has built after combating her fate. Milind didn't want even giving a tiny chance to something of that sort to happen. He deduced it to leave it to fate and time.

After Milind was back from Delhi, M3's music venture was the top priority for the company. Prachi had involved herself in every step as she concentrated on making it a success. Mallika Raichand had gladly agreed to sign the contract with them. Milind had often cruelly hid his heart's desires and dreams in an attempt to give Prachi no clue about what his emotions for her were. On the home front, Rashmi lovingly bonded with Milind in an innocent connection.

Finally after a month of hard work, M3 was all set to launch its music company. Ali had organized a lavish party and it had turned glamorous too with celebrities form Bollywood getting invitations. Milind arrived to the party dressed in a black suit and had looked breathtakingly attractive giving a strong competition to the men of the glam world. Prachi had worn a black saree with zardosi work gifted by her mother recently. Milind and Ali were welcoming the guests and Prachi had joined them.

"Hey Milind, how have you been darling? So good to see you. You look so hot" a tall slender woman dressed in a pink Gucci gown had hugged Milind and kissed him on his cheek. Prachi had moved aside as she gave space to the woman who had ran to Milind not noticing people around him.

"Welcome Mallika" Milind had greeted her while he looked at Prachi and Ali as if he was embarrassed.

"Baby, why did you not tell me you had come to Delhi? I was missing you so much" Mallika had held Milind's hands and commented "Oh baby, beautiful cufflinks"

"Prachi, this is the best thing about being a bachelor. The beauties don't even look at married men" Ali had teased Mallika.

"Oh Ali, my dear, how can I forget you? How are you? Is this your wife?" Mallika had asked noticing Prachi.

"No, that's Prachi Shah, our new research analyst. In fact she is the one who came up with the idea of signing you for our first album. She gifted me these cufflinks by the way" Milind had explained.

Mallika then greeted Prachi hugging her too. "Thank you so much Prachi. I was thinking Milind chose me" Mallika said with a pinch of sadness.

"It's very nice to meet you and I am glad you accepted our offer Mallika. I will catch up with you later. I need to take care of the stage" Prachi had excused herself.

Milind too had excused himself then following Prachi. Mallika had her eye fixed on Milind as he walked behind Prachi.

As Prachi arranged flowers on the stage, Milind too reached there. Prachi smiled naughtily at him as she had figured out he was running away from Mallika.

"Now you know why I avoid her. The funny thing is I have told her 100 times that I have no feelings for her. But it doesn't make any difference." said Milind.

"Why do you not like her?" Prachi asked.

"Well, I like her. She is a friendly and sweet girl. But I don't love her. I don't think I ever can. Now that I am in love with some one else...." Milind had stopped there as he realized what he was saying.

"Who is it Milind? If you don't mind telling me'" Prachi sounded curious.

"Milind had turned and looked into Prachi's eyes as if complaining to her why she doesn't see that it is her who is in his heart. Soon looking away he said "I will tell you when I tell her. I haven't yet told her that I love her you see". Prachi smiled a sweet smile.

It was time for the launch of M3 musics. Milind had taken the centre stage and spoke a few words about the company. He had invited Ali, Ali's father and owners of a couple of music companies onto the stage. He then invited Mallika Raichand and finally Prachi Shah. Prachi was surprised that she was called upon to the stage too. Milind had acknowledged everyone along with Prach for their ideas and efforts in making M3 musics come alive.

There were performances by a few singers in the background as the party proceeded. Mallika's eyes had followed Milind every moment while Milind's eyes were fixed somewhere else. Finally Mallika caught hold of Milind and confronted him.

"Milind is it just the cufflinks or the girl too?" she had asked Milind.

"What do you mean Mallika?" Milind was puzzled.

"Let's be serious tonight. You know I love you Milind. I have told you 100 times. And I know you always said you didn't love me. I never accepted it. You know why? Because I knew some day I will win over you. But did I lose it today or what Milind? Today I see love in your eyes- not for me- but for her. Is she the one Milind? What's her name- your research analyst? Tell me Milind" Mallika's eyes filled with tears.

"Mallika please... don't cry" Milind tried consoling her.

"Milind admit it. It will help me get out of my craze for you. Please". Mallika was persistent.

"Mallika, I am no luckier than you when it comes to love. I think my love is one sided too like yours" Milind said with a sad note.

"How can she not love you? Is she a fool? No, I won't let it happen. Wait a minute" Mallika looked for Prachi.

"Mallika listen" Milind tried to stop her. There was an announcement from the singers asking the couples to join the stage for a dance, as they were to sing a super romantic number.

"Kabhie kabhie merey dil mein, khayaal aata hain"

The whole party had welcomed the song with applauds. Men and women had made couples among them and started swaying the music. Mallika found Prachi and took her hand and dragged her. Prachi wondered what she was doing but before she said anything she had got her in front of Milind.

"You guys are going to dance right and Mallika will watch" announcing it loud Mallika walked aside.
Some people had stopped dancing and stared at Milind and Prachi "Prachi I will explain later. I am really sorry. Can we dance for a bit? Please" Milind had whispered and Prachi nodded her head in agreement.

Milind came closer and put his hand slowly around Prachi's waist. Prachi extended her hand, which was soon caught in his as their fingers intertwined. Prachi put her other hand on his shoulder and as they started swaying, the rest of the couples continued with dancing too.

Milind's gaze got lost in Prachi's eyes- the eyes that seemed like an ocean to him. Before he realized he was sinking in them not knowing the depth. He had slowly pulled her a bit closer. It all had seemed like a dream to him as he forgot his surroundings. Prachi was frozen in that moment, in his proximity. His fingers had tightened their grip on hers. He then had subtly traced her tendrils, eye-brows, eyes, nose, cheeks and lips with his eyes. She had shivered, but hadn't tried to break free. As he pulled her even closer she had closed her eyes. He had found her angelic, with his heart telling him it was the moment of his life. Milind wondered why did he feel she was his.

"Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein khayaal aata hai
Ki ye badan ye nigaahein meri amaanat hain
Ye gesuon ki ghani chhaon hain meri khatir
Ye honth aur ye baahein meri amaanat hain"

The song was over. Most couples had broken free but not Milind and Prachi. Soon there was a loud announcement and a peppy dance number replaced the soft song. The fast music had got Milind and Prachi out of their respective worlds. Prachi had looked into Milind's eyes inquisitively while there was a panic in Milind's eyes. Ali had come looking for Milind then and took him out with him saying the owner of Sony music company had just arrived and was waiting to meet with him.

Mallika had sat watching Milind and Prachi dance. She had smirked as she felt she got to know a secret no one knew. She saw Milind walking out of the dance stage and Prachi left alone. She went to the stage and got Prachi with her. Prachi seemed numb and she had followed Mallika.

"Babes, you are lucky. You got what I didn't get. I am happy for you babes" said Mallika who was intoxicated with alcohol to some extent more than that she was intoxicated by emotions. Prachi was still in her own world to reply something.

"Babes, I want to buy a drink for you. Waiter, get madam a tequila cocktail" Mallika had ordered.

"Mallika I don't drink alcohol" Prachi finally was able to say something.

"No babes, you have to drink, cocktail, not that much alcohol, for my sake. Today Mallika lost. But Milind won. I want to celebrate his victory. You will celebrate with me, wouldn't you darling?" Mallika had tears in her eyes speaking.

Prachi didn't know what to say to Mallika. Mallika had then told Prachi how she waited for Milind who was never going to be hers. By then the waiter had got the drink for Prachi.

"Prachi, drink it for me. We will do cheers. Please drink it hun" Mallika had literally cried.

Prachi took a sip of the cocktail. It didn't taste as bad as she was expecting. Mallika was narrating her the stories of her meetings with Milind, how he avoided her but how she still hoped he might give in some day. Prachi had finished her drink listening to Mallika's sad story, which sounded more tragic with her narration of it. Alcohol had gotten into Prachi's blood slowly.

"Is it the saree babe? How did you hook up with him? I would have worn sarees everyday if he had told me. But I am happy for you both. He loves you. And you love him. Mallika is happy" shouted Mallika.

Most of the guests had left by then. Milind had finished his meeting and came looking for Prachi and Mallika, worried about what if Mallika might have told something to Prachi. He saw the two women he was looking for seated by the bar chatting.

"I love you Milind" said Prachi in slightly inebriated voice as she saw Milind walking towards her. "I love you Milind.. I really really love you" Prachi had got up from her seat walking up to Milind, but had collapsed in the midway.


Part 9

Milind was stunned to hear Prachi saying it loud that she loves him. For a moment he wondered if it was him who was drunk and imagining things since he did have his glass of champagne during the launch. He reached out to Prachi to get her up from the floor while Mallika said, "She fell in your love Milind. Mallika is happy".

Milind lifted Prachi off the floor and made her sit on a chair. She was still muttering unclear words. Ali had reached the scene too behind Milind.

"What's wrong with these women?" Ali had questioned, as he saw Prachi helped by Milind to sit upright while Mallika kept on saying she is happy. The waiter who had come to clear the table told Ali that the women had quite a few tequila shots.

"I am surprised Prachi drank alcohol. Anyways, we need to take them home Ali" said Milind. Ali suggested he would drop Mallika to her hotel since he knew where she stayed, as he had booked it for her. He asked Milind to take Prachi home.

Ali and Milind walked Mallika and Prachi respectively to their cars and also carried their purses. By the time Milind reached his car Prachi had dozed off. Milind got her into his passenger seat. By the time he started the car he heard his mobile ringing. It was premlatha who had already dialed Prachi's number several times but she hadn't received her calls as her mobile was silent. Milind had understood Premlatha wouldn't appreciate if he told her Prachi was intoxicated but instrad told her Prachi's mobile was silent and he will reach home with her in a little while.

Driving his car Milind wondered if it was all real- 'had he really heard Prachi saying she loved him? Was it love he saw in her eyes though she never allowed him to read them? If she really loved him why did she not respond to him? Why did she not like sharing her thoughts or troubles with him? Did she not trust him?' With his brain working heavily, Milind had turned to have a glance of Prachi who looked naive and beautiful in a deep slumber seated by him in his car. He wished if she could be there forever by his side in his life. In no time he had reached his building and parked his car in the parking lot. He knew he had to face Prachi's mother now and she wouldn't appreciate her daughter drunk and unconscious like this. He also wondered how to carry Prachi upstairs and what if neighbours saw her in his arms. Premlatha had seen Milind's car entering the building. She was going through anxiety, as it never happened that her daughter hadn't come home until late night or wouldn't receive her calls. She also wondered why Milind didn't make Prachi talk to her when she called him if Prachi was with him. Sensing some trouble Premlatha had come down the elevator as Prachi didn't come home though it was a few a few minutes since she saw Milind's car. As the doors of the elevator opened she was shocked to see Prachi in Milind's arms as he had stood waiting for the elevator.

Before Premlatha questioned Milind explained that someone from the office played pranks with Prachi and got her drunk without telling her knowledge. Premlatha though shocked to hear it had asked Milind if Prachi was all right. Milind had said Prachi is just asleep and will be fine in the morning.

Milind had carried Prachi inside her flat with Premlatha opening the door for him. He laid her besides Rashmi who was fast asleep long time ago.

Finally retiring to his bed after what he felt was an implausible turnout of events Milind had decided he will sort it out all with Prachi once she is back to her senses. His heart was beating in joy for his dearest dream seemed to come true. He felt like his wait was over and he had got his answers. He couldn't wait for the morning sun to lighten his life, ignite his hidden hopes. With an excitement that life was going to change from tomorrow in his way, Milind had forced himself to sleep.

Milind had got up early in the morning at about 4 am. He found it hard to spend time. He thought of going to the gym but the gym was to open only at 6. He watched TV to kill time where every moment seemed like an hour as he awaited to confront Prachi with bated breath. Finally he went to the gym at 6, worked out for almost an hour and came back.

Finishing his shower and breakfast, Milind sat in his patio checking emails wondering if Prachi had woken up. He was giving her a bit of time to sleep for the alcohol to disappear from her system. It was a routine for Premlatha and Rashmi to grace the garden with other kids of the building on Sunday mornings. But today there was no sign of Rashmi though all other kids slowly had gathered in the garden. Wondering what was the issue, Milind rang Prachi's home number, which no one received. Milind also tried Prachi's cell phone number that didn't get answered either.

Half an hour later Prachi replied through a text message saying she had taken Rashmi and Premlatha to Cubbon park and later they were going to visit Lal Bagh too. Milind was extremely disappointed that he wasn't going to see Prachi for a few hours. He also wondered if Prachi remembered at all what she was talking the last night.

Milind normally played tennis with Ali on Sundays or met with his other friends. He had received a call from one of his friends that they had arranged to play a cricket match that day. Milind had joined them, as it seemed impossible for him to pass time.

Milind ended up spending the whole day with his friends, as they planned to go out for a dinner in a far off dhaba. Milind though was dying to meet Prachi hadn't been able to pull off a reason to convince his friends. By the time he returned home it was late night and he thought he would meet Prachi at work in the morning anyway.

When he reached his office the next morning, Milind saw Prachi busy talking to a client. Later when they had bumped into each other, she just had said a hello and walked off as if nothing had happened two nights ago. Later Milind had joined Prachi in the canteen for lunch and Prachi talked about work related matters. Milind could see that Prachi was avoiding eye contact though she seemed to be trying to behave as normal as she could.

Later that evening Premlatha had come with Rashmi to Milind's flat inviting him for the small birthday party that she planned for Prachi. Prachi's birthday was on the coming Saturday and Milind was extremely disappointed as he needed to go to Mumbai for a meeting where he was the chief guest. This was the annual meeting of mobile service providers of the country and he couldn't afford to miss this, for it was going to be attended by not only all the mobile service companies but also the telecom minister of the country.

Milind thought Prachi's birthday would be the best occasion to confess his love for her and get her to speak the truth. He contemplated Prachi was probably embarrassed with what had happened at the launch party and that's the reason she was avoiding him. He also thought it could be that she loved him but thought he doesn't love her and that must be the reason for her secluded behaviour. The other thought that crossed Milind's mind was that Prachi might be inhibiting herself for she was married before and has a child.

The next couple of days had been the same where Prachi had excused herself with some or the other reason whenever Milind tried to talk to her only driving Milind's annoyance to its threshold. On one moment Milind even thought of confronting her directly but then he didn't want to spoil her upcoming birthday. After breaking his head with thoughts he finally decided to propose to her on her birthday but since he was not going to be there for the occasion, he thought of writing a letter. As he wasn't particularly good at writing letters, he couldn't get himself to do so. He then thought of buying a greeting card and proposing to her that way. He went to buy a greeting card on Thursday evening at Sapna book house. As he came out of the book house, his eyes fell on the Kanjeevaram silk house nearby and it flashed his mind that he could also buy Prachi a red saree, which would symbolically mean that he wanted to marry her.

Milind bought a heavy silk saree and got it packed in a gift wrap. At home he filled in the card in simple words "Dear Prachi, It's time for me to let you know the woman I am in love with. Slowly but truly, my heart said it aloud- You are the one. Yes Prachi, you are the one I am in love with. Will you marry me? - Milind".

On Friday morning, after Prachi left for work, Milind went to Prachi's flat. He handed over the gift packet to Premlatha to which he also had stuck the greeting card. He asked her to keep it in Prachi's room somewhere she would find it. He also apologized for not being able to attend her birthday the next day.

On Friday evening Ali, Milind and Prachi had a meeting, which went up to 6 pm. After the meeting Ali had left quickly as he had promised to take his wife for a movie that evening. Milind got tempted to take Prachi for a coffee or an ice cream and wish her happy birthday before he left for Mumbai the next morning. As Prachi gathered her files to leave, Milind said "I am going home too. I can take you in my car".

"No, thanks" said Prachi not even meeting his eyes which came across rude.

"Come on Prachi, We live in the same building" Milind said irritated by her rude reply.

"Yes. But, it's fine. I would prefer taking a bus or an auto" Prachi still was looking away.

"Why are you doing this to me Prachi? Why are you playing like this? Now don't act as if you don't know anything. The way you are avoiding my gaze itself says you do remember and acknowledge what happened on Saturday night" Milind had come to the point though he hadn't planned to.

Prachi had anticipated it. She knew this would come her way one day or the other. "I should have apologized for it. When alcohol goes in, strange things come out. I have no idea why did I behave like that. Yes I was avoiding you, as I was ashamed of it. Let me apologize. I hope you forgive and forget about it".

Milind was surprised to see Prachi replying so cold. "What do you mean by that? Do you want to say all that was a lie? Do you want to say what I see in your eyes is also a lie?"

"Milind you have misunderstood. I am getting late. Let me go and please close this chapter" Prachi had turned to leave. Milind stood in front of her as a wall.

"Prachi, I will not let you go before I make things clear. You say I have misunderstood. Have you not seen the same in my eyes? Reply me Prachi. Reply looking into my eyes. Why are you looking away? Look at me!" Milind's voice had raised its pitch.

Prachi had turned to face him "Listen Milind. I don't see anything in your eyes. I don't want you to see anything in my eyes too" a film of tears had formed in Prachi's eyes and her lips trembled.

"If that is the case, why did you say I love Milind that night? Why did you not say I love Ali, I love some XYZ? People speak the truth when intoxicated" Milind asked Prachi looking into her eyes.

"Whatever it is Milind. I don't want anything in my life to change. I am happy with my life and would like to live like this. Please don't interfere". Prachi had turned her back to Milind to hide the tears that flew out of her eyes.

"Do you not want some love in life Prachi? Do you not want a father for your baby?" Milind had asked her going in front of her.

Prachi had turned away again and said "No, I don't want to burden anyone's life with myself or my daughter".

"How dare you call that little thing a burden?" Milind had shouted. Soon he calmed down and held Prachi's arms in his hands "Listen Prachi'"

"Take your hands off of me Milind. I have told you I don't want anything from you in my life. If you don't want me to work here, I will find a job somewhere else. Please let me live as I am living. Please don't force all this on me" Prachi had said firmly.

Milind took his hands off of her and took a few steps back. "Prachi, I am not forcing you. I am loving you. Do you not see my love Prachi?"

"Milind it's not love. It's your sympathy for a widow with a child. Or may be that you are just attracted to me. Both can't sustain for a lifetime. You better get out of it. It's good for both of us. Please for God's sake stop all this and let me live in peace" Prachi said sounding inconsiderate.

Milind had clenched his fist. "Damn it" he had hit the table with his fist and walked out of the office room slamming the door. Driving his car home he went to Prachi's flat straight. Prachi's door was slightly open and as he entered Premlatha had given a shout thinking that it was Prachi. Milind had said he had come to take his gift back as there was some confusion and also informed that Prachi might be on her way back. Though it felt weird Premlatha had asked Milind to take the pack himself as her hands were oily massaging Rashmi. She had told him the gift was in Prachi's book shelf. Milind had entered Prachi's room and looked around for the packet. Finding his gift, he extended his hand to reach out for it, making a couple of files fall on the ground due to his force. Picking the files up to put them back onto the shelf, he got surprised to see a photograph that peeped out of one of the files.

Part 10A

21 Feb 2003
Hello Mr. Milind Mishra,
My name is Prachi Shah. I am a student of Bachelor of Business management at the University of Delhi. I recently read about you in "Student" magazine. First of all let me congratulate you for getting one of the most prestigious scholarships to pursue studies at Harvard. Your story is motivating. The way you have come up in life has become an inspirational journey for me. It's my dream too to study at the Harvard Business School......

"My father didn't tell me how to live, he lived, and let me watch him do it"- isn't that what you said about your late father? My father too is with me as an example in every step I take thought he left me years ago........

23 Aug 2003
Dear Milind,
I haven't even posted my last letter to you. Here I am writing one more. I read you are coming back to India and starting a company- that too in Bangalore! I am going to Bangalore next week. I have got admission to the Indian Institute of Management over there. I couldn't get into Harvard, but IIMB is not bad right?
You are going to venture the mobile market in India! I think it's a great idea.......

12 Dec 2003
OMG!!!! You had me floored today! First- I can't believe my luck that I saw you today. Second- you are a genius or what? Even the likes of Azim Premji couldn't argue with you! Let me tell you one more thing. You have got killer looks. My classmates were drooling over you rather than listening to your talk. Well, I admit I too drooled over you, but I also carefully listened to every word you spoke for you were sending brainwaves around. Thanks to our head of the department who invited you too for our annual symposium. I wish I could have a photograph with you. Anyways I hope the photographer has clicked one when I had come to the stage to hand over the bouquet to the chief guests. I know you wouldn't have seen me.........

14 Jan 2004
You have driven me crazy. Why do I search for your interviews in every business magazine? Why do search your name on Internet every day to know more about you? Why have you occupied my thoughts like this? I have become your bona fide stalker while you are blissfully unaware of me :-(........

15 Feb 2004
What was this gossip all about? I am sure that Rekha Sawant is a bitch. I think she is pissed off that you didn't choose her for your company's ad campaign. But how dare she go public to defame you and say you ditched her? I don't think you would ever have an affair with such a nasty woman.......

27 Feb 2004
I know it now. I am so glad you cleared it out in front of the media. I saw your interview on TV today. What an answer you gave when you were asked about that bitch. "Why would I date a woman who has had 10 boyfriends already. I would go for someone who would be just mine and mine only". Yes your girlfriend would just be yours. And that will be me someday!!! You know what, no man has ever impressed me like you have done. I never even had a crush on anyone, not even a cinema star or a cricketer. My best friend teases me for my crush on you. She thinks you look rugged. She has a hopeless crush on Aamir Khan who is married with kids. At least I am not eyeing on a married man. You are single and me too!! I hope we will meet someday and we fall in love (am I not in love already? Hahaa)........

30 Jul 2004
Happy birthday to you. Can you believe I bought a cake. cut it and eat it too- all in your name. I thought of sending a card to you. But then somehow I can't get myself to post the letters I write to you. I am stocking them up in this folder.. I have named it as "To Milind, with Love". If I ever meet you (I really really pray I will)- I will show you how truly madly deeply I am in love with you. I am sorry I didn't buy any gifts for you. I remember you saying in that interview with Simi Garewal that you love have inkling for cufflinks. I saw a nice pair of silver cufflinks the other day in MG road. But I don't have enough money to buy them. I will buy them when I earn my first salary......

7 Sep 2004
My sister Ayesha is in love!!!! She had called me today and she narrated her love story. I have seen that guy Varun, he was studying with her. Nice guy. I am happy for her. I didn't tell her I am in love too....how do I? She will laugh at me......

10 January 2005
Hey I saw you again today on TV. Your company has made it to the top. Congratulations!!! And you should congratulate me too. I convinced my professor to allow me to research on your company for my thesis. I am going to come and meet you sometime next week. I am so excited. My hands are shaking in excitement as I write this letter.......

12 Feb 2005
I hate you. You are in the US for the next 4 months. I hate you hate you hate you. I come to your company a few times in the next two months and you are in the US. I am so unlucky. Damn.....

30 June 2005
Finally my exams are over. I will be leaving for Delhi. I will apply for a job in your company after I leave for Delhi. You can't escape anymore. Ok Mr. Mishra?.......

7 Jul 2005
I hate my life. My mother is asking me to marry a navy officer. My sister is begging me to say yes to this rishta. I don't want to marry someone else when I have you in my heart. But how can I ever going to convince anyone or you that I love you. You don't even know me. You might be in love with someone else......

My mother has sweated her blood to raise Ayesha and me. This is the first time she has asked me to do something for her. How do I get out of this situation? If I don't marry, my sister can't marry. My sister's family wants her marriage to happen before the end of this month at any cost. Is this the end of my relationship with you Milind? Is it all going to die in my dreams? .......

2 Aug 2005
What an unfortunate coincidence that I became Mrs. Shergill on your birthday. I wanted to be Mrs. Mishra, Mrs. Prachi Milind Mishra. But destiny has played cruel games on me. Neev is my husband. He is a nice person. But I can't accept him as my husband.......

12 Sep 2005
Milind, I am sorry. I feel I lost everything. Yesterday night, I lost my virginity to Neev. I didn't want it and he didn't notice my silent tears. But I had no reason to stop him for it was his right. But I feel like I cheated him. You are in my heart and I slept with him.....


29 Sep 2005
I told Neev about you. But he laughed it off. He said he too had a crush on Preity Zinta. He is leaving to Visakhapatnam tomorrow. He said he will take me there too after two months. I feel guilty about being happy that he is leaving. But then, I don't want to live in this house. My father in law is a nice man, but my mother in law hates me. She doesn't like me, for I am not from a rich background. My brother in law Ranvir comes across as a jerk. He doesn't even call me Bhabhi.....

18 Nov 2005
My husband died saving his fellowmen. When I finally forced my mind to lock you in a corner and try to accept him as my life partner, he left me for good. He didn't even give me a chance. I think I never gave him any happiness, never gave him any love. I want to kill myself. I can't bear with this life. But I have another life inside me.....

June 8 2006
I have found a reason to live. My angel daughter- I will name her Rashmi- because she is my ray of light, my ray of hope. I have to live for her. And I have you to confide all my agony in......

Dec 8 2006
I am back to my in laws house. I wish they allowed me to live in my mother's house forever. But I am happy that my brother in law is in Kolkata....

July 30 2007
How are you? Happy birthday my dear. I can't believe I still haven't got over this invisible relationship with you. Pouring my heart down writing letters to you is the only solace in my life. You may not exist in my real world my heart knows you are my inner strength. I couldn't have pulled off my life without you. I am sorry, still haven't bought cufflinks for you. I hope I can convince my in laws and start working soon. My daughter wishes you on your birthday.......

2 Mar 2008
It's becoming intolerable for me to live in this house. Ever since Ranvir has returned from Kolkata he is trying one of the other way to get close to me. Today he had the audacity to hold my hand. If my father in law hadn't walked in, I don't know what would have happened. My mother in law doesn't believe me for she hates me even more thinking that I brought death to her son and bad luck to their house.....

30 July 2008
Your birthday brought good luck to me. I applied for jobs today and one of them in your company too. My heart says you are the solution to all my wounds though I know our lives can never go together. Happy birthday my dear....

25 Oct 2008
You were there in front of me Milind. Seeing you I felt my life coming back to me. Though I think I did well in the interview I am not hoping to get this job. But a mere sight of you has filled me with enough courage to fight my way out of my hell. And you dropped me to the airport today. Was I fulfilling my dream of sitting by you in your car or what? Life is weird- dreams do come true but in their own time. Your sister Sukruti is sweet....

29 Nov 2008
I still can't believe I have got this job. I am going to be working for you. Yes, I have TOLD my mother in law I am going and she can't stop me. I am thankful to God that my father in law is with me in my decision. I have to leave this house before Ranvir comes back to Delhi.....

Dec 2 2008
I got my first salary in advance and I finally bought cufflinks for you. Not the same ones I had seen years ago- but similar ones. Now I have to find a reason to gift them to you. I hope the day comes soon and I hope you will like them.....

17 Dec 2008
I saw another dream of mine coming true today. My daughter was in your arms. I wish it could be real. I wish you were my little angel's father. Do you know how many times I used to day dream of my little family with you. How cruel the destiny is- my dreams are in front of my eyes but I can't hold them. My hands are tied. Look at how my mother doesn't mind opening her heart in front of you. But I never can as I know I never should. I hope she doesn't tell you about my past. I don't want to tell you my tragic story and pain your heart for I know you are a kind soul and you will try doing all you can to help me.
Milind, I am surprised I still haven't given up my dreaming. Today when you looked at me eating ice cream, I felt as if you were in love with me.....

24 Dec 2008
Finally I found an excuse to gift you the cufflinks. I hope you will like them. Why do you always make me long for a father for Rashmi whenever I see her with you? Why do you build dreams in me for something that can never happen?.........

29 Dec 2008
Thanks a ton for being with me when I was distraught seeing my bleeding daughter. You are such a big hearted man. You are a greater human being than I had imagined.....

30 Dec 2008
I might have come across rude to you this morning. But I don't want you to sympathize with me. I also don't want you to feel that I am in pain as I feel that might pain you too.....

17 Jan 2009
Did I declare it aloud? Did I admit I am in love with you? How could I do that? Oh God, Why did I drink alcohol? I wasn't in my senses - probably even before I got intoxicated. Mallika had made my dream of dreams come true. I was in your arms. It had felt like the moment of my life. I had lived the happiest moment of life when you touched me, when your hands held mine, when your eyes met mine. Was that love I saw in your eyes? Did I saw a longing for me in your eyes? Oh God, Oh God, I wish all this had happened before I was my real self.....

22 Jan 2009
No, I can't let it go on. I can't let you love me. I don't deserve you. I know it's not just sympathy you have for me. I can see in your eyes the same feeling I have in me. One part of me is dancing with elation that you are in love with me. But my realities shun me down. I can't be the woman of your life who would be just yours and only yours for I have lived with Neev. I know you would accept me as I am and my daughter too. But that's not fair on you. I shouldn't burden you with my past and with my daughter. I don't want you to lose the bliss of being the first man in a woman's life. I might come across cruel to you. But I have to cut it all off before it's too late. I wish it had all happened 3 years ago......

Part 10B

Milind closed the folder and took a deep breath. Sitting in his room for the last one hour, he had gone through the numerous letters that were piled in that folder. His eyes were wet and his heart overwhelmed. His traced the letters of "To Milind, with Love" written by Prachi in her beautiful handwriting. He put the photograph of Prachi with him in the background inside the folder. Wiping his tears with both his hands, he got out of his flat along with the folder.

Milind bumped into Premlatha and Rashmi as he came out of his door. He asked Premlatha if Prachi was home and she had said she just came a few minutes ago. She also informed him that they were going to buy a surprise cake for Prachi. Rashmi had said "seccet cake" to Milind as warning him not to tell anything to Prachi.

Prachi had opened her door thinking her mother might have forgotten something as she heard her doorbell ring. Her heart skipped a beat to face Milind at her door whose stare had pierced her. She had taken a couple of steps back while Milind made his way inside the flat. Closing the door behind him Milind had held the folder in front of her. She felt dizzy and had sweat drops forming on her forehead seeing that. Milind had taken steps towards her while she had walked back. With in a few steps, her back had hit the wall while Milind had moved even closer without blinking his eyes which were fixed on her. Throwing the folder off of his hand on a chair nearby Milind had stabbed her eyes with his further. With great effort Prachi had gathered herself and tried to say something. Before she said anything, Milind had cupped her face in his palms to say "You know what Prachi, you love me and I love you. Nothing else matters". The very next moment Milind had pressed his lips against hers not allowing Prachi to react to what he had just said. He had sucked her lips in his mouth as if he was going to dry them off of their wetness. Prachi had tears flow through her eyes while she had lost herself to the moment that was beyond her.

A minute later Milind had pulled back allowing her to breath. He had then kissed her tears away and caged her in his arms placing his chin on her head. "You can't convince me not to fall in love with you. I may not love you as much as you have loved me all these years. But I have loved you more than I loved anyone else in my life. I need you Prachi I need you"

"No, Milind, I don't'" Prachi had whimpered against his chest.

"You don't need to say anything. When you yourself can travel the depth of love, why are you underestimating my love? It would be a shame on my love if it accepts defeat just because you had a past. Prachi, I consider myself lucky that I have found you now. You are my love. I will not let you go for I can find no one who would love me as you have loved me. I know have decided to live without me. But I need you Prachi. I want to live with you in your present, in your future" Milind had hugged her even more tighter. Prachi had cried her pain of years burying her head in his chest.

Before Prachi could say anything, the doorbell had rung. Milind had released Prachi from his arms and opened the door himself. Seeing Milind in her house Rashmi had joyously said "Millinddd". "No Milind" Milind had sharply told Rashmi as he lifted her in his arms while the child watched him afraid. "Call me Paapa. Mamma and Paapa" he had said looking at Prachi. Prachi was too numb to say anything while Premlatha was pleasantly surprised and trying to understand what was happening. "Maa, I would like to marry your daughter and your daughter has agreed to marry me too" saying so Milind had gone down stairs with Rashmi in his hand.

Premlatha had taken the folder lying on the chair in her hand. Prachi slid down the wall to crash on to the floor. Premlatha sat by Prachi stroking her head. "Maa, I love him. I have always loved him" Prachi hid her face in her mother's lap sobbing.

One month later...

"Welcome home Bhabhi" Sukruti had said finishing aarti to the newly wed couple.

Milind and Prachi had married in the court. They had a small party in a hotel later, which was attended by their near and dear ones. Ayesha and Varun had flown down from Canada with their son Avinash. Sukruti was there too with her in laws and husband. A couple of Milind's close friends were present for the occasion along with Ali and his family. Rashmi dressed in a black and red frock was in Milind's hands for most of the day.

"Prachi beta, your saree is gorgeous and you look so pretty today" Mrs. Sharma as they all sat in Milind's living room. Prachi had worn the Kanjeevaram saree that Milind had bought her for her birthday.

"My Bhabhi is beautiful. Hain na Bhaiya?" Sukruti wanted her brother to ascertain her statement.

"Yes she is. But not as beautiful as you know what I mean Sukku" Milind had titled his eyes for a fraction of a second towards Mrs. Sharma which was only understood by Sukruti. Prachi too had wondered what he meant.

"Yes I know Bhaiya. You mean not Bhabhi as beautiful as your sweet little daughter. Right Bhaiya?" Sukruti and Milind had laughed out loud letting others think these brother and sister are a crazy duo.

After a while, Sukruti had shown everyone their place to sleep for the night. Rashmi had still played with her cousin brother Avinash. Ayesha was trying to get the two children sleep while Rashmi insisted she will sleep with her mother as she normally did. Milind took Rashmi in his arms and told her she will sleep with her mommy and daddy tonight while Sukruti said "Bhaiya, if you make her sleep in your room tonight, she will demand you to arrange it with flowers every night. You better don't take her to your room tonight".

"Did you decorate my room? Who asked you to do that?" Milind had questioned his sister in whispers since he wasn't comfortable with the idea of decorating bed for the wedding night.

"I had to Bhaiya as I will never get this chance again. Now you give Rashmi in my hands and join Bhabhi in your room. Good night" Sukruti had taken Rashmi from his hands tempting her she will show her stars and the moon in the night sky along with Avinash. The two excited children had gone out with Sukruti to see the night sky.

"Beta, thank you very much for everything. You have brought life back to my daughter and eased the deepest pain of my heart" Premlatha had said to Milind who was waiting to thank him.

"Maa, if you call me your son, why are you thanking me? You will never say thanks to your son again" Milind had hugged Premlatha.

Prachi waited for Milind in his room, which was lavishly decorated with flowers. The past month had been the best time of her life. Milind had tenderly relieved her heavy heart making her open it to him, making her also realize how much he loved her. She couldn't still believe life had brought Milind to her. She had thanked her Almighty for granting her with all the happiness she could ever ask for. Her heartbeat rose as she realized Milind entering the room. Closing the door behind him, Milind sat near Prachi on the bed. They both had smiled at each other when their gazes met.

"Rashmi is with Sukruti" Milind said to break the silence.

"I know. Sukruti had told me" Prachi replied looking down.

"Ali invited us for a dinner next Sunday. Would you like to go?" said Milind.

"Why not? We will go for sure" said Prachi.

"Will Ayesha stay with us for a while? Her husband said he is leaving day after"

"She will be here with us for two weeks. What about Sukruti? It will be nice if she stays too"

"She is leaving on Saturday. She doesn't have many holidays"

After a few more random questions and answers Milind finally said what he was dying to say.

"Can I kiss you Prachi?"

Prachi bit her lower lip as she had prepared herself to answer one more of his casual questions. Her cheeks flamed and her face had lowered more than it already was. Not hearing anything from her side for a minute, Milind questioned her again. "Prachi, I asked you something."

Prachi knew she had to answer now. Shyly she lifted her head and said looking at him from a corner of her eyes "You don't need to ask my permission"

A smile played on Milind's lips and he had moved closer to her. Prachi closed her eyes and he lifted her chin with his thumb. His lips had soon reached her quivering ones while his other hand travelled from her shoulder to her neck. Prachi had gasped as he claimed her lips with passion. As he kissed her deeper, Prachi's hands had automatically clasped around his neck pulling him closer. Still kissing her Milind had laid her slowly on the bed. He had trailed kisses along her neck, her bosom and then along stomach making it unbearable for her. Soon she had held his face in her hands bringing it near her face making their lips had meet again in longing. Milind's hands had undone the pleats of her saree to reach out for her legs while she pressed her body to him in desire. Their craving for each other had reached its maximum making Milind undress both of them completely. Both were not in their senses at that point and that had led to Milind entering her while she had arched herself to reach out for him. They both had taken each other to the euphoric world of their love and Milind had whispered in her ear "I love you Prachi" pressing his lips to her ears, as she panted. Hearing the words that mattered the most to Prachi, her eyes had filled up and the tears travelled down her eye wetting Milind's cheeks.

"Prachi" Milind had called her name with love uniting their foreheads "I love you too Milind" Prachi had hiccupped. Milind had kissed her on her lips and when he pulled back Prachi asked him "Is this a dream or reality?". Milind had claimed her lips again and biting them harsh making her moan in pain. "It's all real Prachi. I am yours and you are mine. We are a family". Milind had hid his face by her shoulder. As the night progressed Milind and Prachi had given in to sleep and a life full of togetherness awaited them.

Epilogue- 10 years later

"Mannu, why did you do this? Do I ever tear your storybooks? Mom, ask this girl not to touch my things. I had bought this book with my prize money and she tore it" Rashmi had howled as she saw the first page of her new book-Chicken soup for the teenage soul- torn.

Mansi (Mannu) was born after 4 years of Milind and Prachi's marriage. Seeing a new book on Rashmi's study table, 6 year old Mansi had opened it in a hurry tearing the first page. As she wondered how to fix the damage, Rashmi had entered the room and was totally in tears to see her new book torn. Rashmi had won Rs.1000 as prize money from an interschool debate competition and Prachi had taken her to the Sapna book house and bought books with that money.

"I didn't do it intentionally Mom. I was just looking at it and it got torn" Mansi had tried to defend herself.

"What's the matter girls? Mom is busy in the kitchen" Prachi had shouted from the kitchen as she prepared dhoklas that Sunday evening.

Rashmi took the book from Mansi's hands and ran into the kitchen. "Mom, look at it. See what happened to the book we got this morning. Mannu tore it. Why does she have to touch my stuff? Ask her never go near my things. The other day, she stained my white skirt too"

"Mom, I didn't tear it. And I didn't stain your skirt either. Monty was chasing me as I refused to give him my colour palette. Who asked you to stand in my way when I was running?" Mansi had explained herself for what had happened three days ago when the neighbour's kid Monty had chased her in the garden.

Before Rashmi said anything more as an answer to her baby sister's explanation, Prachi had finished seasoning dhoklas. Keeping them aside, she took her two girls out of the kitchen and made them sit on the sofa in the living room.

"Mannu, you shouldn't tear your sister's books. You shouldn't tear any book. Now say sorry to your sister" Prachi asked her younger daughter to say sorry.

Mansi turned her face and didn't speak a word.

"Rashshu, she is your baby sister right? She is 6 years younger than you. She doesn't understand things as much as you do darling. Please forgive her this time. She won't do it again" Prachi tried to convince her elder daughter now.

"I know Mom. I always have to say sorry. She is always this little innocent baby" Rashmi had said mockingly.

"Why do I have to say sorry? I am not saying sorry" Mansi had ran out of the house into the garden and sat on the swing. Prachi had followed her to bring her back.

"Prachi, get me some water dear" Milind had then came back from finishing his tennis game with Ali.

"I will get you water. Mom is in the garden with her baby daughter" Rashmi said wiping her tears.

Milind was shocked to see Rashmi crying sitting on the sofa in the living room. "Rashshu, why are you crying darling? Tell your Paapa what's the matter?" Rashmi had narrated what had happened with her book to her father.

"Rasshu, wait a minute. I will set it right" Milind had got some special glue he had from his study table drawer. He masterfully stuck the torn parts of the book with the glue making it look almost not torn.

"Paapa, one can still see it was torn. This was the book bought with my prize money" Rashmi still had tears in her eyes.

Milind had wiped the tears off of her eyes and said "My darling daughter, please don't cry. It breaks your father's heart to see you crying. Let's go and buy the same book again. And I will also buy you a book shelf with doors. You can lock it so that your mischievous litter sister can't reach them".

"It's ok Paapa. You don't need to buy me a new book. It's just one page that's torn" Rashmi said as her tears stopped filling her eyes.

"No baby. This is your hard earned prize. Do you know how proud I was that it was my daughter who won among 100s of students? If it were to be some other book, I wouldn't have said it", said Milind.

"No, Paapa. You only say that one shouldn't waste money. I am fine with this book. And after the glue has dried you hardly see any damage" Rashmi held the repaired page into sunlight to show her father it was fine.

"OK, but get ready I want to take you somewhere" said Milind.

Rashmi got some water for Milind and changed into a jeans and T shirt. Milind too changed his clothes and got ready. As Rashmi and Milind were about to leave, Prachi came back from the garden after cheering up Mansi and leaving her in the garden to play with other kids.

"Prachi we will be back in a bit" Milind told Prachi taking his car keys.

"Where are you guys going? I have cooked dhoklas. Eat them and go" Prachi had tried to stop them but Milind and Rashmi left saying bye to her. Angry with her husband and daughter for walking out on her dhoklas Prachi sat watching TV.

Milind took Rashmi to a book house nearby and bought her a couple of "Archie comics" that she had recently fallen in love with. Rashmi was jumping with joy that her father gifted her with the comics she loved more than anything in her adolescent age. Milind also took her to an ice cream parlour where the father and daughter sat enjoying strawberry ice cream.

"You still love strawberry ice cream. All we needed to please you when you were a child was strawberries. But I still haven't figured out how to please your little sister" Milind had remembered Rashmi's childhood and compared it with Mansi's. Mansi was more stubborn compared to Rashmi.

"Paapa, don't you know? She has a weakness for Barbie doll accessories. Whenever I have to get something done from her, I give her my old Barbie accessories" Rashmi had proudly said that she knew her sister's weakness.

"Oh really?" Milind had wondered why Barbie dolls have accessories too.

Rashmi then seemed to be lost in some thought as she ate her ice cream. Milind tried to make her laugh a couple of times but she seemed unimpressed. Finally when Milind said they should be going home to eat dhoklas now Rashmi had stopped him to say "Paapa, I need to tell you something. I have been hiding it from you from a long time. I don't want to tell you but I feel guilty about it too"

Milind was surprised thinking what his daughter was talking about.

"Paapa, You are the best dad in the world. Even if my navy officer dad were to be alive, I would still have wanted to be your daughter. I love you Paapa" Rashmi had got up from her seat and hugged Milind who was still seated in his chair.

Milind hadn't known Rashmi knew about Neev. He had kissed her on her forehead, pulled her chair closer and asked her to sit there still stroking her head.

"When we were in Canada during my summer break last year, I overheard Naani telling Ayesha Mausi that Milind loves Rashmi as much as he loves his own daughter Mansi. I also knew you married Mom when I was two years old. I asked Naani to confirm the truth. Naani told me about my navy officer father. She asked me not to tell you or Mom that I know about this. But Paapa, I can never hide anything from you. I had started feeling I was cheating you by not telling you the truth. But I love you Paapa. I never felt you were not my real dad. I love you the most Paapa" Rashmi had said hiccupping.

"Rasshu baby, my darling. I love you too my dear. You are my angel daughter" Milind hugged Rashmi again. Prachi had called Milind's mobile then asking them to come home to eat dhoklas. Milind and Rashmi left for home then buying some ice cream for Mansi too.

As soon as they entered the house, Mansi came running to Rashmi and hugged her to say "Di, I am sorry".

"See Paapa. Now she is saying sorry as she wants me to read her Vikram Betaal" Rashmi teased her little sister.

"No di, Mom told me how important that book was for you. I am really sorry di" Mansi held her ears.

"Awww, it's ok my little baby sister" Rashmi tried to lift her sister in her arms. Milind had tickled Mansi then and Rashmi had joined him as the little girl laughed loud.

"Why don't you be all like this always?" Prachi said as she came out of the kitchen after reheating dhoklas. Mannu ate her ice cream and then started her kissing spree where she gave at least 100 kisses to everyone in her family going round and round.

"It would have been nice if Maa was with us too. When is she coming back? It feels like ages" Milind had commented as Premlatha had stayed back in Canada to be with Ayesha after Milind and his family holidayed there last summer.

"I will book her return tickets Milind. If not anything she will come back for the Bangalore weather" Prachi had replied.

Both children had requested their parents to get their grandmother back soon for they always shared a comfort with her that they didn't share with anyone else.

After dinner that night, Mansi had gone to sleep with Rashmi as Rashmi narrated her the story of a recent movie she had seen. Prachi sat reading a novel in her room while Milind worked on his laptop. After finishing checking his emails, Milind got into the bed while Prachi placed the bookmark on the page she was reading and closed her novel. As Prachi put her head on Milind's chest, Milind took a deep breath and said "Prachi, I need to tell you something. My daughter took a huge fear off of my heart today".

"I didn't understand Milind. What are you talking about?" Prachi was puzzled.

"I always feared the day Rashmi will come to know that I wasn't her genetic father. I knew we couldn't and shouldn't hide it from her forever. But today she told me she would want to be my daughter even if Neev was alive" Milind had said looking at the ceiling.

"But Milind how did she come to know about it?" Prachi asked feeling uneasy.

"She overheard some conversation between your sister and Maa. But Maa had told her not to tell us. Today my baby poured her heart in front of me as she couldn't hide it in her little heart anymore" Milind had a film of tears in his eyes while tears were dropping from Prachi's already.
Prachi got out of the bed and walked into the room where her children slept. She had gently fondled Rashmi's forehead and kept watching her for a while. Milind too had stood by the door watching Prachi. Prachi had kissed both of her children's foreheads and walked back to her room with Milind.

"Milind, Rashmi gets along much better with you than me. I can't thank you enough for giving her so much love" said Prachi with tears.

Why wouldn't I love my daughter? " said Milind pulling Prachi into an embrace and continued to say "By the way Prachi you are thanking me again. Don't you remember your punishment you have to go through whenever you say thanks."

A shy smile decorated Prachi's lips as she thought about her punishment. Milind had made it a rule that she will need to kiss him on his lips whenever she said thanks to him.

Prachi stood on her toes making herself tall enough to reach her husband's lips with hers. Soon, Milind had slid his hands under her nightgown pulling her closer to him. The kiss had turned into a passionate one with Milind taking control of her lips. After they broke free, Milind lifted her in his arms to carry her to the bed. "You seem to enjoy your punishment" he had teased her as he pulled the sheet over them kissing her again.