part 1
Milind had finally moved back to India after five years of staying in Arab countries expanding his hotel business. He now had people to handle his dealings in foreign countries and he wished to live in Mumbai with his father (whom he called Baba). Baba was asking him only one thing ever since his return-"Beta, woh shaadi ke baarein mein tumne kya socha?" Son, did you think about the wedding?
If Milind were to be the same person he was five years ago, he would blow the roof off arguing with his father. But life had changed him, mellowed down or rather suppressed his vigour. He had been delaying to announce his decision for a month now. He didn't really want to get married moreover the girl Baba was suggesting- he could have never imagined her as his wife. But Baba was persistent. He had made sure his son didn't have a girl of his own choice to marry before he put forward his girl of choice.
Milind was about to turn 28 years old and his father had wanted him to settle down now. He didn't know how to refuse his father. All he wanted to do at this moment was to concentrate on his business, which was expanding at a high rate. His hard work of five years was earning him profits now. He had made his own name from scratch in hotel business. He had always appreciated that Baba had worked hard all his life to feed and educate him and his sister Sukruti. Sukruti was married and lived abroad with her husband and son. Baba had mostly lived alone in the five years Milind was away as he didn't want to leave his home, his city. One of the reasons Milind had wanted to return to India was his father- he didn't want him to live alone at this age. But he also knew the house was dull without Sukruti in it and his mother had died right after Sukruti was born. Now that Milind had rebuilt the house with luxury had only made feel it drier than before. Though Milind respected his father more than anything else, he would hardly communicate with him. That's how it had been from the time he learnt to speak. Father and son would communicate through Sukruti and now that she wasn't with them had made them speak even less though these days Milind was trying to keep his father's company whenever he could.
"Woh ladki mujhse shaadi karna chaahti hain kya?"Does the girl want to marry me? Milind had finally given a reply to Baba.
"Haan beta, ladki hi nahi, ladki ke maa-baap bhi tumhe apna daamad maan chuke hain, bas tumhaari haan ki der hain" Yes, not just the girl, girl's parents too have accepted you as their son in law. It's just you who has to say yes. Baba knew his son would take time, but come around and say yes.
"Theek hain Baaba, jaise aapki ichchcha. mujhe agale maheene Dubai jaana hoga, uske baad shaadi kar sakta hoon" OK, Baaba, as you wish. I have to go to Dubai next month. After that I can marry. . Milind had walked into his room not waiting for his father's answer.
Baba had a huge grin on his face and he had called the girl's father dialling his land line phone. Though Milind had brought a mobile phone for him he had refused to use it. He also had phoned Milind's best friend and business partner Ali who was also given the responsibility of arranging the wedding from groom's side. Ali and his wife Neelam were all excited and had come to meet Milind in an hour.
"Abhe saale, maine bola tha na, tub hi kabhi na kabhi dulha banke rahega" Dude, I had told you, you will be a groom too one day. Ali had hugged his friend and tried to lift him as he hugged him. Milind was way too well built and heavy for Ali to lift.
"Neelam Bhabhi isko aap ek aur baar khana khilao, tab shaayad mujhe utha payega" Neelam Bhabhi, you feed him lunch one more time, may be then he will be able to lift me. Milind had teased Ali. Both Ali and Neelam had then congratulated Milind. Neelam went into the kitchen to cook something for dinner. Baba opened his prayers book and sat in the Pooja room chanting mantras. Ali and Milind sat in the garden and Neelam had brought some tea for them.
"Arey yeh bataa, tu shaadi kis se kar rahaa hain? Main bhi dekhu woh kaun hain jo mere dost ke dil churaaye baithi hain?" Tell me now, whom are you marrying? I want to see who is this girl who stole my friend's heart.Ali was curious to know whom he was going to have as his Bhabhi.
"Tu use jaanta hain yaar" You know her man. Milind puzzled him.
"Main jaanta hoon, ab yeh kaun hain? Zaroor koi office ki ladki hogi phir, saale tu ishq ladaa raha tha aur mujhe pataa bhi nahi chala. Ab bataa bhi de ladki hain kaun?" Do I know her? Is it someone from our office? You were having an affair and I didn't even know? Now tell me who is the girl. Ali was losing his patience.
"Yaar, mere mann mein koi ladki hoti to terey ko nahi bataata main, yeh ladki to Baba ne chuni hain mere liye. Tu jaanta hain na, Sukruti ki shaadi Baba dhoom dham se nahi kar paaye. Main chaahta hoon meri shaadi unki marzi se ho. Main kabhi unko khush nahi kar paaya hoon. Shaayad ab thodi khushi de paao unhe" If I had any girl in my mind, wouldn't I have told you? This girl is chosen by my father (Baaba). You know it, Baaba couldn't get Sukruti married the way he wanted to. I never gave him any happiness too. I guess, I want to see him happy. Milind had spoken not facing Ali.
"Par tu pehle yeh bataa ladki kaun hain?"But tell me first who the girl is. Ali just wanted to know who the girl was.
"Prachi Shah" Milind had turned towards Ali and took the girl's name without blinking his eyes.
Ali's curious eyes had suddenly turned into question marks. He couldn't believe what Milind had just said. Of all the people he wasn't expecting Prachi Shah to be getting married to Milind Mishra.
Milind had waved his hand in front of Ali's eyes as he was lost in deep thoughts and said "Pataa nahi Baba ko kyun lagta hain ki Prachi Shah hi unke liye sabse achchi bahu banegi. Main yeh shaadi nahi karna chahta, par Baba ko manaa bhi nahi kar sakta. Chal, ab dulha ban hi rahaa hoon to tu ghoda tayyar kar mere liye". I don't know why, Baaba thinks Prachi Shah will be the best daughter in law for him. I don't want this marriage. But I can't say No to my father. Anyways, since I am finally going to be a groom, you get a horse ready for me.
Milind and Ali had walked back into the house as it started raining. They all had dinner together. Ali and his wife left to their home later. Baba had gone to sleep and Milind rested on his sofa and closed his tired eyes. A picture came into his eyes without him thinking about it. It was the girl whom he was going to marry- Prachi Shah.
Part 2
Prachi was tossing and turning for an hour now. Sleep was nowhere near her. She got out of her huge bed, switched the lights on and took out some photo albums she had in her room. She wanted to go through them searching for one person's picture. The album she went through first, had some of her childhood photographs. It brought a smile onto her. Though she was never into outdoor games, her only sibling Aalaap and their common friend Neev would always pull her out to play with them. Aalaap and Neev were of the same age while Prachi was two years younger. Neev was the only son of Pranay and Niharika Shergill who lived with Prachi's family. Pranay was Prachi's father Inder Shah's best buddy and business partner. Her mother Premlatha and Niharika shared a sisterly bond. They all lived like one family. Both Pranay and Inder were self-made businessmen who had hailed from a village in Gujrat. They had left their village at the age of 18 to face the big bad world in Mumbai. But the ambition to come up in life had made them climb the ladder of success over the years and now Shah-Shergill group of hotels was reputed internationally.
By the time Prachi was born, Inder had already made it to top 10 businessmen in India. Having gone through hardships in his childhood, Inder had made it sure his children had everything they asked for at their fingertips. Prachi and Aalaap had a protected childhood along with Neev.
As Prachi went through her childhood album, her eyes stopped on one picture that had 5 children in it. Along with Neev, Aalaap and Prachi there was Sukruti who was the youngest of all and Milind who was a couple of years older than Neev and Aalaap. While rest of the four kids had smiled to the camera showing their shiny teeth, Milind wore a grumpy face, while his razor sharp eyes that easily gave out that he was angry. Prachi remembered that day, which had made a 10 year old Milind so furious.
Milind and Sukruti were the children of Dayanad Mishra who was the caretaker of Shah-Shergill's mansion. Dayanad was the most loyal man Inder had ever met with and he had huge respects for him. Though Inder had offered Dayanand financial help to make his life easier, he had refused to take one paisa more than his salary. Dayanand was poor but never wanted any favour from anyone. His wife had died long time ago, but he remained alone not wanting to bring a step mother for his two kids. He had always tried to do his best for the welfare of his children.
It was a Sunday afternoon and the children were playing in the Shah-Shergill mansion garden. Dayanand had brought Milind and Sukruti with him there as it was a school holiday and he had some urgent work as Inder was returning from England. Aalaap and Neev were flying kites, which Pranay had brought for them from the market. Milind and Sukruti had watched from a distance while Prachi was watching the kites in the sky from terrace. Sukruti got tempted to fly kites too and she went by Neev and Aalaap with hope in her eyes. Aalaap had ignored her while Neev had rudely told her to move out of his way. Milind couldn't see his sister being shouted at and he asked her to come back and stay with him. Sukruti had insisted she wanted to fly kites too and Milind had got some news papers and thread from his father and made a kite for Sukruti using sticks.
Sukruti was overjoyed with the newspaper kite that Milind made for her and she happily started flying it helped by her brother.
Meanwhile Aalaap and Neev had lost all their kites in the sky and they saw Sukruti flying a kite. Milind had gone inside to drink some water handing over the thread to Sukruti. Aalaap had asked Sukruti to give the kite to him and she had refused. But Neev had bullied the little girl and snatched thread from her hand and started flying it. Sukruti had stood their crying. Milind saw it as he walked back to the garden and demanded Neev to give the thread back to Sukruti. Neev made fun of him that why is he so worried about a news paper kite and it all had ended up in Milind snatching back the thread from Neev and giving it to Sukruti. This had initiated a fight between the three male kids and Milind single handedly fought both Aalaap and Neev. Prachi who was watching the skies tracing kites had suddenly noticed Milind fighting with her brother and had informed the elders. Dayanad Mishra had stopped the fight and apologized for Milind's behaviour. He made the kids shake hands with each other and it all had calmed down as Inder arrived from England. He had brought a camera with printer and had clicked a picture of the five kids where Milind was burning with anger and unhappy that his father apologized. Inder had always treated Mishra kids like his own kids and it was only Inder whom Milind liked of all the inhabitants of Shah-Shergill mansion.
Prachi was looking at Milind in the photograph. She couldn't look at it for too long. Even a childhood photograph of his had shaken her. She hadn't met him for about five years now but often had heard from her father that he is doing well in business. It was today that Milind's father had called and informed Milind had agreed for the wedding and they should start preparations. Prachi herself had given the consent a month ago but she knew Milind wasn't consulted in this matter and she was for some reason was confident that Milind wouldn't agree to this marriage. But today when her father told her Milind had agreed to marry her, she had trembled. She herself had promised her father who was suffering with severe kidney stones that she would marry any guy he suggested. Her father had come up with Milind's name saying he would be the best husband for her but the decision from Mishras had been awaited.
Prachi knew her father wanted to see her married before he was going to undergo a surgery to get his stones removed, which would hospitalize him for a while. She knew he was long waiting to see his daughter dressed as bride once again and also that he wouldn't want to force his decision on her. That's the reason she had indicated to him that she would marry anyone he suggested. When she had told him so, her father undergoing surgery was more important for her than her own wedding.
Inder had put forward his wish to have Milind as his son in law months ago in front of Dayanand Mishra. Dayanad was more than happy but wasn't sure how his son would take it. He had however assured him that he will talk to his son once he moves back to India. The day Milind's return to India was decided, Inder had made Prachi aware of his wish that he wants her to marry Milind.
Inder had been closely observing Milind. He had seen the same fighting spirit in Milind that would remind him of his own young age. He had often met him in business dealings and conferences and had recognized a successful businessman in the making in him. He had always encouraged him indirectly in the business world which Milind was unaware of.
Prachi had given up her efforts to sleep and had sat in the balcony. Milind hadn't been able to sleep either in the Mishra house. Something struck his mind and he opened one of his old storage suitcases in search of a bracelet.
Part 3
Memories had flooded Prachi's brain as she had sat in the balcony watching the skies. Her eyes filled up thinking about how life had played with her. Right from childhood, she was someone who would plan ahead. She would never delay finishing her home work, she would always finish studying well before exams, and she would even plan what she will wear for a particular occasion with a lot of thought. But today, one life changing decision was taken without much thought. Right from her teens she had wanted the man she will marry to be a certain kind of person. And she was mesmerized when she had realized that certain man was around her, in her home, in her buddy Neev.
Niharika and Premlatha were the best of friends. On a beautiful evening as they had sat on the beach watching the sunset they witnessed a 8 year old Neev running behind a 6 year old Prachi with the background of colours painted by the sun rays on the evening sky. As Niharika tuned to Premlatha in order to say something, Premlatha had understood it all. Nothing could have been better for Premlatha than keeping her daughter with her even after her wedding. Niharika was only happy to build this friendship into a relationship. The women also had expressed their desire with their men who hadn't taken it too seriously at that point. However, Niharika and Premlatha had never left a chance to comment how adorable Neev and Prachi looked together. It had a deep impact on Prachi who started dreaming of her life with Neev in her own little world from a young age.
With Niharika and Premlatha persistent upon making Neev and Prachi a couple, Pranay had announced on Prachi's 18th birthday that his son would marry Inder's daughter as it is everyone's wish. However the wedding hadn't been planned as it was very much reasonable to think that both Neev and Prachi should complete their studies before getting married.
Neev had grown to be a handsome boy with charming looks. He was stylish, sophisticated, witty and confident. He was enjoying his life to the fullest where he was the most popular boy in whole of St. Josesph's college, a posh Christian institution where Prachi and Aalaap also were studying. While Prachi didn't have many friends due to her introvert, shy nature, the whole college was friends with Neev and more particularly girls. Aalaap who was similar to Neev but a bit low key had kept his company most of the time, and they were studying the same course. Neev and Prachi shared a warm friendship where Neev would have always had time for Prachi whenever she needed him.
Even in college, Prachi's friends would tease her with Neev as the most popular boy in the college would dance at one girl's whims. Prachi had secretly enjoyed the attention she would get from Neev though she was never happy about him talking to other girls.
As soon as Prachi finished her undergrad studies, and Neev his masters and started involving in Shah-Shergill business dealings, Pranay had hurried to have Neev and Prachi married. He didn't even want an engagement but had consulted an astrologer and fixed a date for the wedding. Though everyone had felt it all was happening in a hurry, people were only looking forward to it.
Ever since a date had been finalized for the wedding, Neev had gotten aloof. He wouldn't involve in anything he would normally do and would stay away from home as much as he could. Prachi had found it weird and uncomfortable and had tried to question him a couple of times. Neev had tried to laugh it off joking that he had gotten "cold feet" at the thought of marriage. However, Premlatha had assured Prachi that everything would be sorted out post wedding.
With her mother's reassurance Prachi had prepared for the big day of her life. She had gone through 20 different shops to choose wedding outfits for her and Neev and had involved in everything starting from decorations of the house to catering. She had also made sure her favourite beautician Ayesha would be there to dress her up as a bride to make her look perfect for Neev.
Finally the moment had come. Prachi and Neev had sat in the mantap and the Pandit was chanting mantras. It was the time for Sindhoor and Mangalsutra and the Pandit had asked Neev to put the Sindhoor on Prachi's "maang". As Neev followed Pandit's instructions, Prachi had held Neev's hand and stopped him from doing what he was told to do.
"Neev, pyar nahi to dosti ka khayaal to rakha hota. Kya tumne mujhe itna laayak bhi nahi samjha ke apne dil ki baat bataa sako?" Neev, if not love, you should have cared for our friendship. You didn't even think I was worth to share your heart with me. Prachi had questioned Neev with firm words though tears had filled up her eyes.
Neev was startled. He first had tried to act as if he had no idea about what she was talking. But Prachi had called Ayesha by the mantap who was sitting in the audience. Neev was shocked to see Ayesha as much as all the elders were.
"Neev, I am sorry. I know we had made a deal to break our relationship though it was difficult for both of us. But when I saw Prachi today getting ready for you, I felt it was wrong. I couldn't stop myself from telling her you didn't love her", Ayesha had then turned towards Prachi to say "Prachi, I am cursing myself now, you had promised me you will still marry him and give him a chance. But what did you do now?" Ayesha was feeling dizzy and she held a pillar of the mantap to compose herself.
Neev had met Ayesha few months ago in a friend's party. She was an orphan but independent girl who owned a beauty parlour. She was bold, outgoing and killingly beautiful whom Neev had found much more attractive than Prachi. He had fallen for her though his conscious had often reminded him of Prachi. Neev had told Ayesha about his -rather his family's commitment with Prachi but that was only after they had crossed their limits. Neev had always assured Ayesha that he never loved or attracted to Prachi though he considered her one of his best friends. Pranay had found out about Neev's affair with Ayesha and strongly opposed it to the point of telling Neev that he wouldn't let him have any of his business or property if he went ahead with Ayesha. That was one of the reasons why Pranay had hurried for Neev and Prachi's wedding. Neev hadn't wanted to lose out on all the wealth and the company he had just started under his father and Inder's guidelines. His business was more important to him than marriage. He had convinced Ayesha how his family would break apart if he married her. Ayesha had sort of accepted his decision but when she was dressing up Prachi as a bride for Neev, she wasn't able to hide her tears. She had also gathered how much Prachi trusted that Neev loves her and only her and how she had dreamt of a life with him. But just after telling Prachi the truth Ayesha was disgusted with herself that this would shatter Prachi and also break a wedding that is about to take place. She had repeatedly begged Prachi not to take any drastic step and even told her all she said was a lie which Prachi had understood why.
Prachi had her answers to why Neev was aloof these days, why he was disinterested in her ever since the wedding announcement. Her dream of childhood had been shattered the very moment it was to come true. But she hadn't wanted to marry a Neev who didn't love her though he was her dream man. While sitting on the mantap her mind had been going through turmoil and when she had realized Neev was about to fill her forehead with the colour that would make her his husband, she had involuntarily stopped him.
Pranay had begged Prachi to marry Neev, while Inder had told him he didn't want his daughter to marry a man who loves someone else. Inder had supported Prachi with her decision though his heart was crying for his daughter. He had also taken the initiative to get Ayesha married to Neev. Pranay was guilty as he thought he cheated his friend Inder and had handed over most of his business dealings to him and retired to move back to his village with Niharika. Inder had made Neev the owner of a part of his business and also had bought a separate villa for Neev and Ayesha.
Prachi was into a depression with the turnout of events. She had become secluded much more than she already was. She hadn't shown any interest in studying further or doing anything else in life. Inder hadn't asked her any questions or had forced her to anything. After a couple of years, Prachi had slowly come out of her cocoon and had taken up a masters degree in business administration and also had worked with her father on some projects. Like any parents Inder and Premlatha had wanted their daughter to get married and have a family of her own. That had lead to Inder requesting her to marry and she had accepted his request with considerations to his ill health.
"Beta, tum soye nahi?" Daughter, did you not sleep yet? Premlatha had come into Prachi's room as she saw the lights in her daughter's room on in the middle of the night. Prachi had wiped her tears to make sure her mother didn't notice she was crying.
Premlatha had sat by her daughter stroking her head "Prachi, kya tum sach mein Milind se shaadi karna chaahti ho? Maa hone ke naatein mujhe pataa nahi kyun dar lag rahaa hain. Pataa nahi kyon, Milind ke baarein main sochoo to.... tum sirf isliye shaadi mat karo ke Paapa aisa chaahte hain, agar tumhe lagta hain Milind tere liye theek ladka nahi hain to manaa kar do beta.." Prachi, do you really want to marry Milind? As you mother, I am scared. I don't know what to think of Milind. If you are marrying just because your father thinks Milind is the best man for you, say no to this marrige dear.
"Maa, jab maine apne pasand ka saathi chuna to kismat ne meraa saath nahi diya. Ab kismat mere liye jeevan saathi lekar aaya hain, to main ummeed karti hoon ki main kismat ka saath de paaongi"
Mother, when I chose a partner of my choice, destiny wasn't with me. Now destiny has brought it's choice of partner, I hope I will be able to follow my destiny. Prachi had put her head in her mother's lap and had cried her heart. A drop of tear had escaped Premlatha's eyes too as she prayed for her daughter's happiness.
Part 4
Prachi had sent her mother to sleep assuring her she would go to sleep as well. But her sleep for that night had long gone. She switched the lights off and sat on the bed resting her back onto the headboard. Her heart had no rest. She was just tensed about everything. She felt the unrest she had felt for months after her abruptly stalled marriage with Neev. Her mind left Neev behind and got occupied in Milind again. As a little girl, Milind was the boy she was always scared of. Her brother Aalaap and Neev were very approachable to her while she had always kept a distance from Milind. She had known that her brother and Neev often picked up fights with Milind and Milind had never let it go either. She would prefer to stay away from him as much as she could and Aalaap and Neev only had complaints against him that they would share with her and ask her to be away from him or his sister Sukruti.
Milind and Sukruti studied in the Govt. college situated in front St. Joseph's where Prachi had studied. Milind was the secretary of student union that covered several colleges in that particular area of Mumbai. He was never a topper in his class, but he would clear competitive exams, win trophies in inter-college sports and quiz competitions. This had made him very popular among students. During a winter break, he was supposed to organize an event where college students worked for a social cause. He had given it a lot of thought along with his best friend Ali to come up with a plan to help disabled and abandoned children in an orphanage. He had invited the representatives from different colleges and held a meeting at St. Joseph's college to introduce everyone to the agenda.
Though most of the representatives had agreed with and appreciated Milind's plan, Neev and a couple of his friends had a different opinion. Neev had represented St. Joseph's college and he wanted their social cause to be marching with the movie stars in a protest in favour of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) organization. They were supposed to dress up as different animals and walk around the city asking people to be considerate to animals. Milind had rubbished this idea saying "Tum log roz roz murgi ka taang chabaa rahe hote ho aur bade aaye PETA ka saath dene. Aur main jaanta hoon, yeh tum log sirf woh star logon ka autograph lene ke chakkar mein karna chaahte ho. Iski koi zaroorat nahi hain. Hum log Anaath Ashram mein sevaa kar rahe hain, aur yeh mera faisla hain". You guys eat chicken leg pieces every day and come here to suppport PETA. I know this is because you guys want to take autographs of all those movie stars who are going to be there. We don't need this. We will do our service in the orphanage. Neev and Aalaap had tried to convince Milind for half an hour which had lead to heated arguments. But finally they were stopped by one of the lecturers who also had supported Milind's plan.
Prachi and her friends had waited outside the meeting hall to hear what decision had been taken. Neev had told them about the PETA march where the likes of Shahrukh Khan and Hrithick Roshan were to make an appearance and the girls were over cloud nine to meet these stars. Neev had come out of the meeting room and had told Prachi how Milind forced his decision on them and they were not going to meet the movie stars and had left the place as he was too agitated. Prachi's friends were very disheartened but were at the back of Prachi asking her to request Milind to change his decision as she knew him. Though Prachi wouldn't have minded working for deprived children had succumbed to peer pressure and put her guts together in order to face Milind.
A furious Milind was walking out of the meeting hall where he saw Prachi and her friends trying to talk to him. He stopped by and asked them what was the matter. Prachi had her hands shaking, but after she told herself to not lose courage umpteen times, she had finally muttered "Milind, hum sab aapse yeh bolna chaahte the ke hum winter break mein PETA ke liye...."Milind, we wanted to tell you we want to work for PETA in our winter break..
Milind's eyes had went burning again hearing the word 'PETA'. "Terey se aur kya ummeed kar sakta hoon. Tu bhi apne bhai, doston ki tarah woh actors ke saath pose dena chaahti hain na? Terey ko pataa hain, gareebi kya hota hain? anaath hona kya hota hain? Kaise pataa hoga, yeh designer chashme ke andar se jo duniya dekhti hain, usme terey ko kya dikha hoga? Yeh sab tum ameer logon ke chonchlein hain" What else I can expect from you? Like your brother and friends, you too want to pose with those film stats. Do you know what is poverty? Do you know what it is to be an orphan? How would you know? What can you see under these desinger glasses? All this is rich people's atrocities. Saying that Milind had suddenly took her Versace sunglasses off of her and threw it to the ground to put his foot on it. Crushing it into pieces he had said staring into her eyes "Main apna faisla nahi badal rahaa hoon, tum logon ko aana hain to aao nahi to jao apne stars ke saath naachne gaane" I am not going to change my decision. If you want to join me, join, or else go and dance with those stars. Milind had walked away without turning back.
Prachi's eyes had filled up. Milind had come across too rude. She was only requesting him for the sake of her friends. He could have said 'NO' in better words rather than being sarcastic and breaking her new Versace shades. Little had she known about the serious argument that Milind had with Neev just before she had faced him which had made his blood boil.
Prachi hadn't been able to attend the winter break camp due to ill health while Aalaap and Neev had given it a miss.
Milind had sat changing the TV channels in the middle of the night with the bracelet in his hand. It was a beautiful silver ornament with stars, fishes and hearts hung on the braided chain. He had switched the TV off and ran his hand through his hair while the bracelet was entangled in the fingers of his other hand.
He didn't exactly know why he had saved that bracelet for years. It had memories that would bring intense emotions into him.
Sukruti was a conventionally beautiful girl. As she had finished her teens, Aalaap was mesmerized by her beauty while she was attracted to his stylish life. She had made sure to hide her love affair with Aalaap from her brother since she was very much aware of the equations Milind shared with Aalaap. Though Milind had questioned her suspicious activities a couple of times, she had tactfully defended herself.
It was easy for Aalaap to convince an emotional, under-confident 19th year old girl to give him all that he desired who also happened to be in love with him. Aalaap wasn't a flirt but hadn't taken his relationship with Sukruti too seriously yet. He had enjoyed being with her and hadn't thought beyond that. The enjoyment had resulted in Sukruti getting pregnant with Aalaap's baby. It was the time where Aalaap had just finished his undergrad and was about to move to the UK for a masters course. He hadn't wanted to handle the burden of getting married to Sukruti and raising a baby at that point and had demanded her to undergo an abortion. Sukruti had considered killing a baby a huge sin but she didn't know what else could be done either as Aalaap was just not ready to consider marrying her at that point. She had confided her burning problem in her best friend Muneeza who happened to be Ali's sister.
Muneeza though had felt sorry for Sukruti, couldn't allow herself to let her friend undergo an abortion and kill the baby. She had broken her friend's trust when she had revealed the issue in front of Milind and Ali. She knew she was only helping her friend in the long run. It had made Milind's rage reach sky high where he first was terribly disappointed in his sister but also was feeling sad for what she was going through. But then he had gotten extremely furious with Aalaap and had left straight to Shah-Shergill mansion.
Milind would have never wanted his sister to marry Aalaap. But he had understood she was emotionally attached to him and he wouldn't have supported an abortion. He also knew it would never be easy in his society for a woman to be an unwed mother. He had beaten Aalaap black and blue asking him to marry his sister right then. Aalaap had tried to tell him he was going abroad for his studies and it all will be spoiled if he married now and his parents might disown him if they knew the realities. Prachi had heard noises from her brother's room when Milind was beating Aalaap and had walked into see Aalaap on the ground and Milind standing over him holding his collar. Seeing her Milind had quickly moved towards her and had caught her wrist by force while Prachi had tried her best to release herself from his clutch. Aalaap wasn't in a position to get up and help his sister though he had pleaded Milind to leave her.
"Saale, teri bhi ek behen hain na, kal tak tune agar khud apne maa-baap se bolkar mere ghar rishta nahi lekar aaya na, toh main teri behen ko uthaake le jaonga. Chaar logon ke saamne iska chehra dikhane ke laayak nahi chodoonga" Saale (Don't know the translation for it! LOL) You too have a sister right? If you don't tell your parents and come to my home to marry my sister, I will kidnap your sister. I will make her ashamed to show the world her face again. Milind had shouted tightening his hold on Prachi's hand while his other hand held her face forcefully pressing her cheeks. Milind could easily see the fear and pleading in Prachi's eyes which were getting filled with tears but his rage wasn't letting him to react to it. Aalaap had begged Milind to leave his sister but also had assured him he will do all he wanted him to. Milind had loosened his grip on Prachi but her bracelet had gotten entangled in his fingers. He had forcefully taken his hand back and the bracelet had ended up in his hands while Prachi ran to her brother to make sure he was fine. Milind had walked out with the bracelet taking quick steps warning Aalaap for one final time.
Prachi had known about Aalaap-Sukruti's affair. Aalaap had explained her that Milind wanted him to marry Sukruti before he went abroad as he doesn't trust him. He hadn't wanted to tell his sister or anyone about Sukruti's pregnancy. He had also apologized to Prachi for what she just had gone through. After dressing Aalaap's wounds that Milind had caused him Prachi had cried in her room alone as she was terrified not only with how Milind had hurt her physically but also his words.
As he had agreed, Aalaap himself had told his parents he wanted to marry Sukruti before he left for London. All this had come across too sudden but with him insisting, Inder had agreed to it after a lot of questions and arguments. The only good thing was that Inder had held Dayanad Mishra in high regards and bringing his daughter to his home as his daughter in law was a happy thing for him at the end of the day. Premlatha or Dayanad Mishra were also not happy with such a sudden turnout of events but had agreed to the marriage. Milind had convinced his father to agree to this sudden wedding in his own way. No one was aware of Sukruti's pregnancy except Milind and Aalaap and Milind hadn't wanted to make it a news as it would bring bad name to his sister too. The marriage had taken place within a week and Sukruti had left to London with Aalaap soon after that. She had given birth to a baby 7 months after their wedding in London itself and everyone was told it was a premature baby whom they had named Ritwick.
Though Milind had breathed a sigh that his sister got married and the baby had born to the married couple, he was still angry with his sister and his heart hadn't been able to accept Aalaap as his sister's husband. He had stopped talking to Sukruti after her wedding and had left to Dubai along with Ali and had locked his emotions behind to seriously involve himself in business.
Milind had thrown the bracelet in his hand on the table and threw his body on the bed. Prachi's pleading eyes had haunted his thoughts and for the first time he had felt guilty. He was surprised to feel his eyes wet and he had wiped them as he took a deep breath.
Part 5
In the wee hours of morning, Milind finally was blessed with some sleep. He did happen to sleep for 4 hours and when he woke up it was already 8.30 am. He got ready to work in half an hour and saw that his breakfast was ready on the dining table. His Baba had prepared it today too as he did for the last two decades and now even though they could afford a cook he had refused to hire one saying that he didn't want someone else to cook for the family members. Milind had however hired a helper Ramu Kaka for taking care of other household work ever since he had renovated the Mishra house into a bigger, better one.
Finishing his breakfast, Milind had left for work. Driving his car, he had thought about his marriage to Prachi 100 times. He had always respected the institution of marriage and he wondered if it was the right thing for him to marry her. She just wasn't the kind of girl he would choose or may be he hardly knew her to make opinions on her. All his encounters with her he could think of had no good memories. He had an aversion to Shah-Shergill kids right from his childhood and he couldn't see Prachi Shah as his wife at all. He also couldn't figure out the reason why would Prachi want to marry him. Though he didn't know much about the relationship between Prachi and Neev, he did know about her marriage to Neev that had halted on the wedding mantap three years ago. He also knew Neev had married another girl.
Suddenly he took a left turn instead of his normal route to work, and the turn had lead to Shah-Shergill mansion. He had concluded neither Prachi loved him, not he loved her, hence it was probably a better idea to stop this wedding before the elders started arrangements. He wanted to meet Prachi and talk to her. He also had felt in some corner of his heart a need of apologizing to her for the day he had hurt her while beating up Aalaap. It was necessary for him to scare Aalaap that day by making him feel the same pain and concern for his sister that he was feeling for Sukruti. But then Prachi was caught in between for no fault of hers, may be for the fact that she happened to be Aalaap's sister. He clearly knew he wasn't fair to her and that had made him restless. He thought he wouldn't be able to share a life with her with this restlessness. His mind pondered on the question again that if it was right to marry her. But another part of his brain had warned him he would be hurting his Baba if he stopped this wedding.
Not clear in thoughts, Milind had driven into Shah-Shergill mansion and walked into the house. It was the first time he was entering this house in 5 years. After Sukruti got married to Aalaap in that mansion, he had never turned towards its direction. But the house was so familiar to him as it had some strong childhood memories.
As Milind entered the mansion, he was surprised to see his Baba talking to Inder Shah. Inder was the first to notice Milind and had got up from the sofa, though he wasn't physically fit, to welcome him with a hug. His Baba was surprised to see him there and commented "Prachi se milne aaya kya? Pehle kehta to main bhi terey saath hi aata". Did you come to meet Prachi? If you had told me before, I would have come with you rather than coming alone. Milind had just nodded his head as an answer to Baba while Inder was expressing his happiness to meet him after so long. He had also told him that their family Panditji is going to arrive soon with a date for the wedding.
Milind hadn't been able to put forward his apprehensions about this marriage with two elders in front of him, whom he respected. Inder's secretary Karan Sharma had then come to take his boss's signature for a finalized deal and he had introduced himself to Milind saying he appreciates his growth in the hotel business industry where he had made a name for himself without a background. Milind had humbly reasoned all this wouldn't have been possible if his first project hadn't got funded by the hotelier's association four years ago. Karan had replied saying that was one of the best project proposals and he still remembers how impressed Inder was with that proposal.
Milind was surprised to learn Inder knew about his proposal. He had asked him how did that has happened. While Inder had tried to avoid that question, Karna Sharma had blatantly said "Kya Milind Saheb, aap aise pooch rahe hain, Inder Saheb hi to us committe ke chairman the, jis se aapko funding mili. Inhone hi to select kiya tha aapka proposal". What Milind Sir, you are asking like this! Inder Sir was the chairman of the committee that chose to fund you. He was the one to select your proposal. While Milind was taken aback, Inder had said "Milind beta, jab maine woh proposal padha tha, to achcchi tarah samajh gaya tha ke jisne bhi yeh likha hain woh bahut aage jayega. Tumne mujhe sahi saabit kar diya hain aur jitna maine socha tha us se kayi guna zyada tum upar pahunche ho". Milind, when I read your proposal, I was sure that whoever wrote it would make it big. You proved me right raising even better than what I had expected. That had solved one of the biggest questions Milind was dying to know the answer for. Once Milind's proposal had got selected for funding, he had received a letter of encouragement from the chairman of the committee that chose his proposal. The name of the chairman had to be kept anonymous according to the guidelines of the hotelier's association and that's why Inder hadn't revealed his name. The letter had not only given Milind his much required initial confidence but also had been his inspiration all these years. Milind was overwhelmed and had heartily thanked Inder for the letter and the confidence he had showed in him.
Panditji had arrived then while Karan Sharma had left. Panditji said there was a date after 3 days and if they missed it there wouldn't be any date for the next 6 months. Mishraji suggested it would be better to choose the date after three days since Inder can undergo his surgery soon. He had also explained to Milind Inder's wish that he would want to get his kidney stones removed after Prachi is married. Milind had not left with a convincing reason or courage to say no to this wedding anymore. However, his restlessness hadn't left him every time he thought about Prachi.
Premlatha also had warmly welcomed Milind and had informed him Prachi wasn't home and had gone out with Sweety. Premlatha had tried to observe every gesture of Milind and tried to understand him as much as she could. She was seriously doubtful if Milind was the right person for Prachi and was trying to clear her mind. Whenever she had tried to question Inder, he would tell her that there wouldn't be a better man for his daughter than Milind.
Prachi was back by then and had sat in the garden to take some sunshine on that cold day. She was wondering whose car was it that she saw outside the house. She hadn't sat there for a few mintutes, she saw Mishraji uncle followed by the figure that shook her legs. It was Milind she saw, whom Inder had hugged and walked up to the car that was parked outside the house. She hid herself from all of them and went inside the house once she made sure she heard Milind's car driving away.
Premlatha had told her daughter she met with Milind and she actually felt good about him. She also informed her that the wedding had been fixed for the coming Sunday. Prachi just had nodded her head to say everything is fine and had left to her room. She hadn't slept even for a minute the last night. She had gone numb with her thoughts and sleep occupied her very quickly.
Prachi dressed in a beautiful maroon wedding lehenga was made to sit on a huge bed in a large room decorated with flowers. Teasing her over things that didn't transcend her ears, the women who had accompanied her had left the room. She had sat without the tiniest of the movements and anticipated his arrival. Minutes later, he had come dressed in a cream coloured sherwani with a maroon stole. He had closed the door behind him and slowly had walked towards her. She couldn't see him as her 'ghoonghat' had covered her face while her eyes had been watching her intertwined fingers trembling. As she heard his footsteps approaching, her heartbeat had raised. He had sat by her for a second, pushed her down on the bed to make her lay down on her back and had leaned over her pinning her to the bed by locking his fingers in hers. She hadn't dared to open her eyes while her lips had shivered. He had brutally pressed his lips against her soft lips after failing her in her attempt to move her face away from his. She had struggled to escape him, push him aside, but her slender form was no match to his powerful muscles and he had caught her there in his mighty grip not leaving a tiny space between their bodies. He had then switched the lights off and that had cruelly made it clear to her that her silent tears flowing through her eyes remained unnoticed in the dark.
Part 6
Prachi woke up as if she was escaping something desperately. She then touched herself as if to make sure she wasn't in someone 's clutches and she wasn't wearing a wedding lehenga. She took a deep breath and thanked God that what she just saw was a dream. She poured some water on her face in the bathroom. As she saw herself in the mirror, she wondered why couldn't she just tell her father that she is literally dreading this wedding and he wouldn't force her for it. She feared what if her dream was to come true. She had read an article on marital rape in that week's 'woman's era' magazine. But then she thought, it might well be that she is overreacting- Milind is Mishra Uncle's son and he couldn't be such a bad person.
A knock on her room's door got her out of her flow of thoughts. It was her father Inder who wanted to have a little chat with her. He had expressed how satisfied he was that Milind was going to be his son in law. Prachi had just sat numb and listened to all that he had to say. Finally when he kissed her forehead and was about to leave, Prachi had called out "Paapa". Inder had turned and put his hand on her head lovingly to say "Beta main jaanta hoon, tumhaare mann mein Milind ko lekar kayi sawaal honge. Par mujhpe bharosa karo beta, us ladke ka mann nirmal hain, woh nek insaan hain, woh tumhaara poora khayaal rakhega. Isliye mujhe tumhe uske ghar bhejne ka koi darr ya chintaa nahi hain" I know my daughter, you have your doubts over Milind. But trust me, that boy has a pure heart. He is a good person. He will take care of you well. That's why I am not scared of worried to send you to his home. Prachi had hugged Inder and he had patted her head lovingly. Prachi had felt a little better assured by her father's confidence in Milind and had decided to face whatever that comes her way with courage.
Neither Mishras nor Shahs realized how time flew. Ali and Neelam had been Mishraji's right hand with wedding preparations. Ali had taken Milind out for shopping to buy him clothes for the wedding. Milind was very reluctant when it came to shopping and had agreed to whatever Ali had suggested. Finally a day was left for the wedding, and that night Milind in his room had suddenly realized Prachi will be there in that room with him from tomorrow. He knew clearly it wouldn't be comfortable for Prachi and him to live in the same room or to sleep on the same bed. He also knew he couldn't live in another room as Baaba would question it. His eyes fell on the large convertible sofa bed that he had recently bought. He decided he could sleep on it.
Prachi had kept her emotions at bay and involved in the mehendi and sangeet ceremonies with a smile on her face though it wasn't real. Because it was a short notice, not many guests could make it to the wedding and not many were invited either as Inder hadn't wanted to invite those other than the close circle. When Neev and Prachi's wedding had been arranged there had been over a couple of thousand guests but this time it was only about a hundred. Aalaap and Sukruti were informed too but they could only arrive from London on the day of the wedding. Aalaap was working as a software engineer in the UK while Sukruti was a homemaker. He hadn't showed any interest in continuing his father's business and was happy to continue as an engineer. However, he was planning to move back to India considering his father's health issues.
The big day had finally arrived. Before the arrival of Mishras, Alaap and Sukruti had arrived with their 4 year old son Ritwick. While Sukruti for one was happy that her brother had agreed to marry finally, Aalaap was surprised to learn his sister was marrying Milind. Since Prachi was busy getting ready, he couldn't clear his mind by talking to her though he wouldn't have wanted to create any obstacle to this wedding. He just had met with her for a minute and the concerned hug he had given her had made her understand what was in his mind.
Sukruti had left for the Mishra house with Ritwick as she wanted to participate in the wedding from groom's side rather than bride's side and more than that was her desire to meet her brother and father as soon as possible. It had been over 2 years she had met them and Milind wasn't even in talking terms with her ever since her wedding. She was determined to make peace with her brother this time.
Sukruti had first met Mishraji and the father-daughter had told each other how they had missed each other with their wet eyes. Ritwick had instantly bonded with his grand father with whom he spoke over the phone often. Sukruti had wondered where her brother was and Mishraji had pointed Ali was dressing him up in his room. She went to see her brother and took Ritwick as her shield with her.
Ali was teasing Milind over his 'sehra' and Sukruti had stood watching her dear brother dressed as a groom. The tiny smile playing on Milind's face had disappeared seeing Sukruti but at the same moment Ritwick had run to him saying "Milind Maama..." and held onto his legs. Milind couldn't be rude to a four year old and had lifted the child in his arms, walked up to Sukruti to say "Tu theek hain?." Are you alright? Sukruti had happy tears in her eyes and before she replied him anything, he had walked out along with Ritwick while Ali had consoled Sukruti.
After a few minutes Mishras had left to the Shah-Shergill mansion where they were warmly welcomed. Milind had sat in the mantap while Prachi was brought in there after a while. Milind had worn the most serious face, but it was covered with his "sehra" and people hardly noticed it. Prachi had her eyes looking the ground most of the time. When Panditji had asked Milind to fill Prachi's maang and tie the mangalsutra, Prachi had silently prayed though she didn't know what she was praying for. Milind had done it all mechanically but his heart bore a heaviness he couldn't interpret.
Prachi had cried buckets as it was time for her to leave her home she had lived in for 24 years. Mishraji had lovingly spoken to his daughter in law and had brought a tiny smile on her face. Sukruti had taken care of Prachi then along with Ritwick who had enriched her tiny smile. Ali, who had been watching the bride smile had commented in Milind's ears "jo bhi hain yaar, teri biwi hain badi khoobsoorat". Whatever it is, your wife is very beautiful.
"Make up lagaakar Kareena Kapoor bhi khoobsoorat lagti hain" Even Kareena Kapoor looks beautiful with make up.Milind had sharply replied which had left Ali perplexed.
Sukruti had left with Ritwick and Neelam to the Mishra house before hand to arrange for the Milind and Prachi's wedding night. Ali was going to drive the car that took the bride and he groom to Mishra house. Mishraji had sat in the front seat while Milind and Prachi had sat in the back seat.
Premlatha was consoling a sobbing Prachi as she stood by the window. Prachi had asked her mother if Sweety could go with her to the Mishra house. Hearing this Mishraji had turned back and said "Kyun nahi Beta, Sweety to tumhaari best friend hain na, woh bhi ab hamaare saath hi rahegi". Why not? Sweety is your best friend right? She will stay with us now. Milind had wondered now who was this Sweety that was going to come with Prachi as if his one burden was not enough. Premlatha had asked Sweety to go with Prachi and Sweety had come running to Prachi, while Milind had looked at her furiously.
Part 7
Sweety, a 3 year old pomeranian female dog had been Prachi's companion through her bad times. Inder had got it for her as a birthday gift after her marriage with Neev was broken at the mantap and she had gone into a depression. Sweety was a naughty dog, who had a huge role in making Prachi smile again.
Sweety who had been missing Prachi, had run into Prachi's lap in fraction of second when Premlatha had opened the car's door. Prachi had cuddled her as if she was her baby. Milind, who wasn't expecting to see a dog in the name of Sweety was taken by surprise. Sweety was surprised to see Milind and had tried to make friends with him instantly. With raised ears, and shiny eyes she was wagging her tail rapidly and looking at Milind with a hope that he would pat her. Milind wasn't impressed with the dog's sudden show of affection, he had stared furiously at her which made her understand he was angry. Her face went dull and she had moved back into Prachi's lap to find comfort and security.
Prachi was busy with Sweety as Ali drove to Mishra house. Ritwick who already had become friends with Sweety by then, had took her to play with him. Prachi was warmly welcomed into the house by Sukruti and Neelam, who also performed all the rituals. Prachi was shown the whole house by Sukruti. Milind was sitting in the drawing room with Ali Sweety had come running to there followed by Ritwick.
"Milind Maama, Sweety kitna cute doggy hain na?" Milind Uncle, Isn't Sweety such a cute dog? Ritwick wanted a confirmation of his thoughts from his Uncle.
"Ise kutta kehte hain? Yeh to chuha hain. Jab hum Ali Uncle ke ghar jayenge, main terey ko dikhata hoon, kutta kya hota hain".Is this called a dog? This is actually a rat. When we go to Ali uncle's house, I will show you what is called a dog. Milind had said pulling Ritwick on to his lap. Sweety had given a weird look to Milind as if she understood what he meant and had run out of that room. Prachi had heard Milind calling her Sweety a rat and was angry at his insensitivity towards her dog.
Ali had owned a "Great Dane" dog that Milind was a fan of. Milind loved large dogs and big cats and had considered Pomeranians and Chihuahuas as just show case dogs. He was irritated with the fact that a tiny Pomeranian is going to be a part of his family and he has to bare with it.
Sukruti had had taken Prachi into Milind's room and came down to break her son's conversation with his uncle. She told her son it was sleep time and asked him to tell his Milind Maama to go to sleep too. Ali realized what Sukruti was hinting at and he started yawning and told Milind it was time he shall leave to his house. Sukruti had then gone in search of Sweety as she had promised Prachi that she will take care of her dog.
Milind was thinking of plans how he could delay or avoid going to his room. He knew Prachi would be there and he had no will to spend the night in the same room. He had felt so uncomfortable that his room which was the best place in his house for him had to be shared with someone else that too Prachi. But Ali had made sure to send Milind to his room before he left for his house with Neelam.
Prachi was tense as she anticipated Milind's arrival sitting on his bed. She was praying for her dream to not come true. Milind had walked into his room and for a moment wondered if it was really his room. Sukruti had changed the curtains, bed sheets and every little thing and decorated the room with a few flowers and a lot of scented candles. Prachi was sitting in the centre of the bed with her "ghoonghat" covering her face. The whole atmosphere had sent currents through Milind's body and he had stood mesmerized for a while. He had closed the doors behind and walked towards the bed. Prachi's hearbeat had reached its maximum and suddenly she felt something touch her hands. She had shivered with anxiety and gasped. When she lifted her head out of her 'ghoonghat' to face the terrible thing she was imagining, all she found was a bracelet that Milind had left on her intertwined hands. Prachi was taken by a pleasant shock as she watched Milind then pull a comforter off of the wardrobe and walked towards the sofa to lay himself on it. Prachi had taken the bracelet in her hand and had realized it was her own bracelet that had got broken when Milind had forcefully held her hands years ago. She never knew that it had remained with Milind. She had wondered how that had happened and why he had kept it for so long.
Prachi didn't know what to ask Milind though she had wanted to talk something. She had watched his 6 foot body trying to fit in on to the sofa. Milind hadn't bothered to open the sofa into a bed and hence wasn't fitting in properly. Prachi though felt like telling him they could exchange their sleeping places, didn't have the guts to open her mouth. After sitting in the same position and for a while and having watched Milind go to sleep on the sofa, she hadn't realized when she went into sleep on the bed as her fear that Milind would force himself on her had subdued.
Milind hadn't gone to sleep though he had tried. The candlelight and the scent were irritating him. He always slept in complete darkness and now too wanted to blow off all the candles. Cursing the person who lit so many candles in his room, he had gone to blow them off one by one. As he had moved towards the bed to blow the final four candles off, his eyes fell on Prachi who by then had gone to a deep sleep. His heart had felt something he couldn't interpret well. As he finally blew all the candles off, went back to the sofa, he took a deep breath thinking he is married now and the woman sleeping on his bed is his wife. He had wondered how life would move on from here.
Prachi woke up with Sukruti knocking the door. Prachi was supposed to visit their family temple at sunrise which was a tradition followed in the Mishra family. When Prachi opened the door, Sukruti wondered why Prachi was still fully dressed with her wedding lehenga and jewels. She asked Prachi to get ready to go to the temple, which was just a quarter kilometre away. Prachi had taken shower quickly and dressed in a dark green salwar. She thought she should have worn a saree but it would have taken her an hr if she tried it. She hardly had worn sarees in her life as she always dressed in Jeans and Tees or salwars. Baaba had also walked with Sukruti and Prachi as he had decided to take Sweety for a walk in the morning.
After they returned from the temple, Sukruti prepared tea for everyone and told Prachi that she was going to wake her brother up with a cup of tea. Prachi realized if Sukruti saw Milind sleeping on the sofa, it would create problems. Prachi grabbed the tea mug from her hand saying she herself would give him tea and had walked upstairs. Sukruti had smiled in her mind thinking her Bhabhi was too eager to see her Bhaiya.
Milind had his comforter covering his face and Prachi wasn't sure how to wake him up. She said "Milind", "excuse me" and even tried to raise her voice as if she was clearing her throat. Nothing could bring Milind out of his sleep. Wondering for a minute how to wake him up she noticed that the tea would go cold if he didn't drink it in time. Finally she dared to pull the comforter off of his face, which got him out of his sleep abruptly. Milind had seen Prachi the very moment he half-opened his eyes. For a few seconds his eyes had stalled on the angelic beauty in front of him in a simple salwar, with loosely hung hair and a little bindi on her forehead with an unexplained joy occupying him in that half-awaken state. Prachi had looked away not being able to withstand his sharp gaze, which had awaken him fully. "Aapke liye chai"Tea for you Prachi had said still looking away.
"Terey ko yeh sab karne ki zaroorat nahi hain" You don't need to do all this. Milind had said looking away too. Prachi had left the tea mug on the table and walked out of the room. Milind's had studied her movement from a corner of his eyes.
Shah family had invited the Mishras to their house for lunch and dinner. Aalaap had driven to the Mishras to join them for breakfast and also to later accompany them to Shah-Shergill mansion. Prachi had tried helping Sukruti with preparing the breakfast. Sukruti had made sure to make Prachi know how Mishra house functions. Prachi was a bit surprised to learn that Mishraji cooked everyday. Prachi never had cooked before but she didn't want to have Mishraji cook for her too but wondered how she was going to manage.
After having breakfast, everyone was ready to leave to the Mishra house. Milind had taken a break from work that day with his father forcing him to do so. Sukruti, Ritwick and Baba had gotten into Aalaap's car leaving Milind and Prachi alone in Milind's car. However, Prachi had taken Sweety with her.
Silence had occupied the car that Milind drove. But Prachi was trying to think of the right words to ask him several questions including why he married her, why had he saved the bracelet and many more such questions. However, Sweety as if trying to take revenge from Milind for calling her a rat, had started barking at him while she had sat protected on her owner Prachi's lap. Milind had once again got furious at the dog for barking at him and he had raised his voice to say "chup". His voice had frightened Sweety and the scared dog had brought her ears down turning towards the window. Prachi was equally frightened too and she had joined her doggy in seeing through the window.
After lunch, Aalaap had found Prachi alone in the garden and had asked her how this marriage happened. Prachi had replied him "Paapa ko lagta hain ke Milind merey liye sabse achcha ladka hain. Tum jaante ho bhaiya, merey liye Paapa ki baatein kitne maayne rakhti hain."Dad thinks Milind is the best boy for me. You know it brother, how much dad's words matter to me.
Aalaap had been trying to talk to Milind too ever since he had heard about him getting married to his sister. Finally after lunch, he had taken Milind to his room saying he had to show him some important thing on his computer. Milind though had not wanted to talk to Aalaap had followed him as per his request not wanting to say something in front of the elders.
"Milind, main tumse do baatein kehna chahta tha. Pehli baat yeh hain ki, main tumhaara shukriya adaa karna chaahta hoon. Kyunki tumne mujhe paanch saal pehle sahi raasta dikhaya tha. Doosri baat yeh hain ki, ab meri behen tumhaari patni hain, meri galati ki sazaa use mat dena, woh bahut seedhi saadhi ladki hain, uska dil mat todna".Milind, I want to tell you two things, First, I want to thank you. Because you showed me the right way five years ago. Second thing is that now my sister is your wife. Don't punish her for my mistakes. She is a very innocent girl. Don't break her heart. Aalaap had requested Milind in a pleading tone.
Milind hadn't wanted to say anything. Ritwick had come running to the room in which they were to take them down to watch a video played on TV. Milind had lifted Ritwick in his arms and went down. Aalaap was happy to see Milind's affection for the kid and had smiled.
Sukruti was playing their homemade videos from their life in London. It had moments that Aalaap had recorded from Sukruti's pregnancy, little Ritwick, his first steps etc including a clip where Sukruti had went through a family album showing her son everyone's picture from Shah and Mishra families. It all had given an impression of a sweet little family of Aalaap and Sukruti with Ritwick. Premlatha, Inder and Mishraji were overwhelmed with joy to see their children and especially their grandson's happy moments. Milind for the first time had appreciated that his sister was truly happy with Aalaap and they had formed a loving family. He couldn't help silently blessing his sister and wishing her such happiness forever.
Mishras had said goodbye to Shahs and were on their way back to Mishra house. Sukruti stayed back at the Shahs and Milind drove Prachi and his Baaba back along with Sweety. On the way Baaba had remarked how Prachi will fill Sukruti's place in their house. He also had expressed his wish to see another grandson or a granddaughter playing around in his house too, which had made Milind and Prachi feel awkward.
After Prachi had realized Milind wasn't going to force himself on her, she had felt much comfortable in the Mishra house and wasn't scared to go to Milind's room anymore. But her apprehensions and questions weren't allowing her to take one calm breath. She wasn't sure what she wanted to know but was sure that she wanted to talk to Milind. Determined to get some answers to ease her restlessness, she had walked into Milind's room who was spreading the sofa bed to go to sleep.
"Milind, main aapse kuch poochna chaahti thi. Woh.... Hmm.. Aapne mujhse shaadi kyon kiya?" I want to ask you something Milind. Why did you marry me? Prachi's voice was shivering.
"Usee vajah se jiske liye tune merey se shaadi kii. Sach boloo to main nahi jaanta ke aage kya hoga. Rok sakta to yeh shaadi rok letaa. Par rok nahi paaya. Magar itna jaanta hoon ke is shaadi se mere Baaba aur teraa parivaar khush hain. Itna keh sakta hoon, ke unko khush dekhkar main bhi khush hoon. Is se zyada main kuch nahi soch rahaa hoon, na sochna chaahta hoon." For the same reason you married me. To tell you the truth, I don't know what's going to happen in the future. If I could stop I would have stopped this marriage. I couldn't. But I do know, my dad and your family are happy with this marraige. They are so happy that I am happy too seeing them happy. I am not thinking anything else more than this, don't want to think either. Milind had slept on the sofa and turned away from Prachi pulling the comforter over him. It was his turn to go restless while Prachi had felt better in some corner of her heart.
Part 8
Milind had hid himself under the comforter and pretended to sleep. But his head was overworking. He wasn't comfortable with himself. He thought he had just answered Prachi very rude. But then he also felt he had said the truth. He hadn't wanted to marry her out of his choice. He married her for his dad and in a way for her father. It was better to tell the truth than make some other excuse. A part of his brain interrogated him for being rude to her from the day he married her. He hadn't wanted to acknowledge she is beautiful, he hadn't thanked her for the tea she had got for him, he had been particularly rude to her dog. He wondered if he really had to be like that. It was Aalaap he had issues with, for playing with Sukruti's life. But today he himself had seen Aalaap and Sukruti had formed a happy family with their son. Prachi might not even be aware of what Aalaap had done. As he thought about Aalaap, he also thought about that bracelet. He had intended to apologize to her for the day he had broken her bracelet. But last night he just had put it in her hands and walked off. He just hadn't been able to say anything and that too had bothered him. The thought that he was going to leave for Dubai the next morning had made him feel much better. He had wanted to spend some time alone and clear his brain.
The next morning, Milind had informed Prachi and Baaba at the breakfast table that he was going to Dubai for a week. Baaba was aware of his plan well before but had suggested he could take Prachi with him. Milind had politely rejected the suggestion saying he had no free-time as the workload was overwhelming. Prachi hadn't wanted to go with him either as she knew it wouldn't be comfortable for both of them.
It was going to be Mishraji and Prachi in the house for that one week. Prachi hadn't wanted to leave Mishraji alone and stay with her parents though her mother had suggested so considering Aalaap and his family were there too. Instead Prachi had joined Mishraji in cooking and gardening, and not only had learnt cooking but had wanted to retire Mishraji from it. However, Baaba had insisted they should share the work in the kitchen. Sukruti had stayed over with them for a couple of days along with Ritwick. She was balancing her stay in her father's and in-laws houses. Sukruti had observed that Prachi hardly talked about Milind and Milind hardly called Prachi. She had wondered why she couldn't see the warmth of a newly wed couple in Milind and Prachi but hadn't dared to ask Prachi though they would talk like friends. Nevertheless she was happy that Prachi was a good hearted, sweet person who was taking care of her father. Prachi did visit her parents a couple of times and made sure that Inder's operation date got fixed in the coming month.
It was Rakhi festival on that Saturday. Milind was to be back from Dubai on Sunday morning and Sukruti was sad about it. Prachi had advised her to call him and ask him to come on Saturday itself but Sukruti had refused saying he would be busy. Prachi had wondered why could Milind not come back a day early considering it was weekend. In the past five years, Sukruti had sent him rakhis from London but he had never responded. She knew her brother was still angry with her and had prayed to God that he would come around.
Mishraji had invited Shahs and a few other friends for dinner that night. Aalaap had come in the morning itself and Prachi had tied him her rakhi. He had gifted his sister with a silk saree and Prachi had loved it. Sukruti was happy that at least Prachi got to tie rakhi to her brother and had suggested she could wear that saree in the evening. Prachi had told her she is not good with wearing sarees but Sukruti promised to help her.
Mishraji, Sukruti and Prachi had cooked mouth watering dinner and the guests had enjoyed it. After the dinner some of the young members had decided to play a game involving everyone. The game had each person picking a chit and doing as suggested in it. Someone had to sing while someone had to crack a joke. Finally when it was Mishraji's turn, the chit read that he had to dance with a partner. Mishraji was very embarrassed with it and refused to perform. Prachi had understood his embarrassment and got up from where she was sitting and walked upto him. "Mishraji Uncle, hum donon milke dance karenge, aayiye na" Mishraji Uncle, come, let's dance together
, Prachi had extended her hands. "Beta, main kahan yeh dance wance" Daughter, me and dance.. Mishraji had resisted. By then Sukruti had played an old song, which also happened to be her father's favourite.
Dil ki nazar se,
nazaron ki dil se,
yeh baat kya hain,
yeh raaz kya hain,
koi hame bataaye
(this is an old/sweet Nutan-Raj Kapoor number-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7_iVQOUTBE)
The song had somehow motivated Mishraji to get up and he had walked to the centre of the hall with Prachi. The father in law-daughter in law duo had swayed to the lovely romantic number and Mishraji had even sang along while Prachi had laughed wholeheartedly. All guests had started clapping in joy and Sukruti who had turned towards the door accidentally was surprised to see her brother leaned to the wall filling the scene into his eyes.
Milind had entered the house right when Prachi had walked to Mishraji asking him to dance with her. He had wondered what was going to happen next and was totally taken by surprise to see his father dancing as well as happily singing with Prachi. He had never seen his father so happy and carefree and the sight had filled his heart with a joy. He just had stood there watching them.
The dance was over by then and Milind had walked in where people greeted him.
"Dubai mein maine do teen Indian ladkiyon ko rakhi ke baarein mein baat karte hue sunaa, to main kal ki jagah aaj ka flight pakadkar chalaa aaya. Kyun Chutki, rakhi nahi bandhegi mujhe?" I heard a couple od Indian girls talking about Rakhi in Dubai. So I caught tonight's flight instead of tomorrows and came here. Chutki, will you not tie me the rakhi?
Milind had stood in front of Sukruti smiling lightly.
"Abhi aayi Bhaiya" I will just be back in a minute brother. Sukruti's eyes had filled up and she had run into Milind's room where she had kept his rakhi thinking that she won't be able to tie it to him this year either. And the way he addressed her as Chukti kept on ringing in her ears. It had been ages since he called her so. He was the one who had lovingly named her Chutki and after she was married, not once he had called her so. She brought the rakhi down while Premlatha had got the aarti plate ready for her. Sukruti had done aarti to her brother, put tilak and had tied rakhi to him. Right after she tied him the rakhi, he had kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. All was fine between the brother and sister that moment. Prachi, Mishraji, Aalaap and everyone had been very happy for Sukruti.
"Merey saath chal", Come with me Milind had taken Sukruti into his room. First he took out a silver box out of his pocket and gave her as the rakhi gift. While Sukruti was opening the box that had diamond studs, Milind opened his wardrobe to take out a few gift wrapped things and gave them to Sukruti.
"Yeh 2003 ka hain, yeh 2004 ka" This is 2003s, this is 2004s. Milind went on explaining to his sister which gift was for which year. He also had got a number of rakhis with them, which he asked her to tie into his hand. Sukruti had choked in joy and had hurriedly tied all the rakhis and hid her head in his broad chest.
"Bhaiya, zingadi mein kabhi mujhse phir naaraaz mat hona, mujhse sehen nahi hota" Brother, never be angry with me again in life. Sukruti had sobbed.
"Pagli, terey se baat na karke main kya khush tha, maine meri Chukti ko bahut miss kiya". Stupid girl, do you think I was happy not talking to you. I missed my Chukti a lot.Milind had kissed her head again.
After chatting for a while Milind had made Sukruti laugh by reminding her a foolish thing she used to do in her childhood. Prachi had walked into the room to ask if Milind wanted to have dinner. Milind had said he will come down in a bit.
The guests had left and Aalaap had come to Milind's room to ask Sukruti if they could leave to Shah house. He needed to leave to London the next day and he couldn't have packed his stuff without his wife. Milind told Aalaap that he would pick him from his house and drop him to the airport the next day and noted his flight time. Sukruti said she will leave with him and told her brother she will be back tomorrow. Ritwick and her were going to stay for a bit more in India this time. After seeing off Sukruti and Shahs, Milind had sat on the dining table.
Prachi was walking towards the dining table to serve food to Milind and Mishraji had stopped her to ask if she took the dessert to the table. Milind had lifted his head and the sight of Prachi right in front of him had caught him. His eyes had cherished what they were seeing. Dressed in a purple silk saree with silver border Prachi had looked breathtakingly beautiful. This was the first time he was seeing her in a saree and the feminine figure of Prachi was enhanced as the saree had highlighted her curves. The purple colour had contrasted her fair complexion and the man in Milind couldn't escape feeling being pulled.
As Prachi turned, Milind had quickly moved his eyes off of her and stared his plate. Prachi served him dinner and he ate quickly. Mishraji who was saddened by the silence he had witnessed all these years between his son and his daughter was extremely satisfied that they had made peace. He had sat on the sofa and watched his son eating. Milind had talked to his father and told him he got all the rakhis tied today. Prachi had sat by Milind and had hooked her eyes onto his rakhis. She was moved by what she had seen between Milind and Sukruti today but her mind couldn't understand why Milind was angry with his sister all these years. After Milind's dinner, Mishraji and Milind had continued their conversations while Prachi had left to Milind's room. Mishraji had told him how Prachi had filled in Sukruti's place in their house and he doesn't feel the absence of his daughter anymore.
Milind entering his room, noticed that Prachi was reading a novel sitting on the bed wearing a night gown. He was confusingly sad and happy that she wasn't wearing the saree anymore. As he was setting his sofa bed, Prachi had told him she would sleep on the sofa while he can sleep on the bed. But Milind had refused her offer saying he was fine on the sofa without looking at her. Prachi had returned to the bed switching the lights off while Milind had went under his comforter yet again and closed his eyes. Prachi in the purple saree kept coming into his eyes again and again.
Part 9
Milind had been very tired with his business and travel and gave up to sleep quickly. His alarm had rung at 3 am and he got ready and left to Prachi's house. It was 3.45 am by the time he reached Shah mansion where Aalaap was ready to leave. Sukruti was going to go with Milind to the airport to see off Aalaap and then she was to go to Mishra house. Inder and Premlatha didn't go to the airport as Ritwick was still sleeping who would have demanded his father to stay back if awake.
Aalaap had guessed why Milind had come all the way from his house to drop him off to the airport. Sukruti or his father could have driven him or their driver would have done the job. As he had heard from his wife on how Milind finally had come around and had spoken to her lovingly had indicated that he finally accepted him too. It was a huge relief for Aalaap.
Milind drove to the international airport, which was kilometres away from the city. Just to start conversation, he had enquired Aalaap about his job and why he wouldn't want to take up his father's business. Inder had complained to Milind about 10 times so far how Aalaap didn't want to continue his business. Aalaap had replied he was happy with his 9-5 job as an engineer and didn't have the courage or interest to involve in his father's business and mentioned that Prachi would be more interested than him in these matters. Conversations than had picked up and the three of them had remembered some of their childhood memories. Most of those memories had Milind and Aalaap ending up in a fight and they all had laughed over it. Before anyone realized they were at the airport and it was time for Aalaap to go in. "Meri behen tumhaare saath bahut khush hain, tum donon hamesha aise khush raho. Isi mein meri khushi hain. Aur haan, tum apne behen ki chinta mat karna", My sister is very happy with you. You both be happy like this always. My happiness lies in it too. And yes, you don't worry about your sister. Milind had hugged Aalaap as an assurance. Aalaap was one content man and he had always known Milind does what he says. He had then bid a good bye to his wife and had left with a relieved heart.
Milind and Sukruti had started to Mishra house after Aalaap went inside the airport. "Bhaiya, acchcha hua aapki shaadi Prachi sey ho gayi. Kitni sundar aur achchi ladki hain woh. Baaba ka woh kitna khayaal rakhti hain aur Baaba bhi us se bahut pyar karte hain. Waise kya aapko pataa hain, shaadi mein sab keh rahe the ke aap donon ek dusre ke saath kitne achche lag rahe the." Brother, good that you married Prachi. She is such a beautiful and nice girl. She takes care of Baaba so much. And Baaba loves her too. Do you know everyone was saying in your wedding that you and her looked so good together. Milind had agreed in his mind at least to the point that Prachi was really good to Baaba but didn't know what to answer to his sister. Sukruti had continued "Bhaiya aap honeymoon ke liye London kyun nahi aa jaatein? Phir aap aur bhabhi Scotland jaa sakte hain. Bahut sundar isles hain wahan par".Why don't you come to London for honeymoon, Then you and Bhabhi can go to Scotland. There are some really beautiful isles in there. Milind wasn't comfortable with this and had changed the topic by saying "Merey ko lagta hain ab main terey to Chutki nahi Moti bulaaunga. Kya khati hain tu London mein, itni moti hokar aayi hain?" I guess I will call you Moti (fat girl) and not Chutki (little girl) from now on. What do you eat in London, you have become so fat. Milind had pulled her leg. Sukruti had turned red with anger, but later had burst into laughter and the brother-sister reached home teasing each other.
Sukruti had asked Milind if he wanted some tea, and he had replied he will have it later and would like to sleep now. He was feeling very sleepy and as soon as he hit the sofa, sleep had occupied him. Sukruti too attempted sleeping but she couldn't. After tossing and turning in the bed for half an hour she had got up to prepare some tea. Meanwhile Prachi had woken up and took her dog out for a morning walk along with Baaba. Prachi and Baaba weren't aware that Sukruti had come home.
Sukruti wanted to check if her brother was up and ready for some tea. She saw that his bedroom's door was open and walked into it with a cup of tea. Saying "Bhaiya" she had looked for him and was surprised to find him sleeping on the sofa while it seemed like Prachi had slept on the bed. As she figured out Milind was still asleep she was about to walk out of the room Prachi had come back from her morning walk and she stopped at the door of that room seeing Sukruti in it.
"Woh, Prachi Bhabhi, main Bhaiya ko chai dene aayi thi, woh uthe nahi hain, yeh aap le lijiye"I had come to give tea to my brother. He is still asleep. You have it. Sukruti handed in the tea to Prachi and had walked out not wanting to make it more uncomfortable for her. She had understood that Prachi was very nervous to see her there. Prachi had wondered what she would tell Sukruti if she enquires about Milind sleeping on the sofa.
Preparing another cup of tea for her father, Sukruti had found herself bothered with why her brother was sleeping separate on the sofa. First she rubbished it off thinking it might be as simple as they had a fight. But then her gut feeling told her she hadn't once felt Milind and Prachi behaving like a husband and wife. MIlind hadn't wanted to talk about his honeymoon. Leave alone loving each other, she hadn't even seen them talking to each other. She had just wanted her Bhaiya and Bhabhi to be happy and genuinely intended to help them if she could.
Premlatha had come to leave Ritwick with Sukruti in the afternoon as he was demanding for his parents. In the evening Sukruti had suggested they go out as she needed to buy a few things. Milind had wanted to buy things for her as he knew how much she loved shopping and today he was in a position to buy her all that she would ask for. Sukruti had dragged Prachi along too. Except Baaba who stayed back saying he was going to Hare Krishna temple, everyone else had left for shopping. In the shopping mall they entered, Ritwick started demanding a pizza. Sukruti was trying to convince him that they should do shopping before eating pizza as the shops would close but little boy was persistent. Sukruti needed to attend nature's call, so had gone to the restroom leaving Ritwick in Prachi's hands.
"Sun, meri ek madad karegi?" Listen, would you do me a favour? Milind had asked Prachi looking at Ritwick.
"Jee zaroor, boliye" Sure, tell me. Prachi had politely replied.
"Tu mera yeh wallet ley le aur Sukruti jo khareedgi uske liye isme sey pay karna. Main Ritwick ko pizza khilaane le jaata hoon" You take my wallet and pay for whatever Sukruti is going to buy. I will take Ritwick to eat pizza. he had said taking a couple of notes out of his wallet. "Aur tujhe jo khareedna hain, woh bhi khareed lena. Chahe to credit card use karna. Mera pin number 3777 hain, saare cards ke liye". And you also buy whatever you want. If you want use my credit cards. My pin number is 3777 for all the cards.
As Prachi nodded her head to what he said, Milind had taken Ritwick to the Pizza Hut. Sukruti had come out of the restroom then and Prachi had informed her about Milind and Ritwick. Complaining how stubborn her son has become Sukruti had walked with Prachi into a huge saree shop. Sukruti had a bought a few sarees asking Prachi to choose them for her. Prachi didn't feel like buying anything for her and once they were done with shopping Prachi had paid the money with Milind's card though Sukruti had insisted she would herself pay.
After shopping they were in a hurry to reach home as they knew it was dinner time and Baaba would be waiting for them. Baaba had cooked food and was waiting by the dining table. After they all had dinner, Sukruti had gone to put Ritwick to sleep. Prachi had sat talking to Mishraji for a while and then had went to Milind's room. Not feeling Milind's presence there, she had taken her clothes to change and had walked towards the bathroom humming a song.
When she was about to open the bathroom door, the door had opened itself and she had bumped into a bare chest wet with water droplets. Too embarrassed by what she had done Prachi had lowered her head and moved aside quickly to leave way for Milind to come out. Her heartbeat had gone high and her legs were shaking. "Sorry" she had mumbled in a shaking voice. Milind who was in just a track pant had quickly walked out wearing his T shirt that was in his hands not wanting to make her feel more tensed.
Prachi had quickly finished taking shower while Milind had sat in the balcony watching the sky. Prachi looking for her lip balm in her bag had found Milind's purse in it and again her heartbeat that had come to control a few minutes ago had raised high. She had forgotten to return it to him as Ritwick had kept her busy talking to her on their way back from the shopping complex. Finding Milind in the balcony, she had walked there and said " I am sorry...."
"Ek baar takraaya to kitni baar sorry bolegi?" For bumping onto me once, how many times will you say sorry? Milind had stopped her sentence in between. He was sitting there thinking about her bumping onto him, her lowered gaze and her sorry.
"Uske liye nahi, woh aapka wallet mere paas reh gaya tha" Not for that, your wallet was left with me. Prachi had looked at him meekly but sincerely.
"Hahaaha" something had brought out a huge smile on Milind's face and he had taken the wallet from her hand. Prachi's eyes had lit up seeing his bright smile and she too had managed to bring a soft smile onto herself.
"Tune kuch khareeda?" Did you buy anything?he had enquired. Prachi had nodded her head for a NO and Milind was disappointed with that.
Taking out a couple of cards from his wallet Milind had asked Prachi to keep them with her. Prachi had told him she didn't need them. Milind had replied to her as "Is ghar mein tera bhi utna hi haq hain jitna hum sabka. Isliye main terey ko yeh cards dey rahaa hoon. Terey Paapa terey ko paise detey honge. Par yeh bhi tumhaare paise hain. Apne secretary se keh kar tumhaare naam ke cards banwaaunga. Tab tak tu merey cards use kar ley. PIN number tujhe pataa hi hain". You have the same right in this house as all of us have. That's why I am giving you these cards. Your dad might be giving you money. But this is also your money. I will ask my secretary to get cards made for you. Until then use my cards. And you know the PIN numbers.
Milind had walked into the room and put the cards on table as if an order to her that she has to be using them.
They had heard a knock and Milind had asked the person knocking to come in. It was Sukruti who had came with a packet and she gave it to Prachi saying "Bhabhi yeh do saadiya aapke liye. Aapko jo sabse pasand aaye the na, woh wale saadiya hain isme." Bhabhi, these to sarees are for you. The ones you had liked the best.
"Par Sukruti, yeh" But Sukruti. this...Prachi had tried to say NO to the sarees.
"Bhabhi, aapko lena hi padega. Hain na Bhaiya?" You have to take it. Right Brother? Sukruti had stood beside her brother who had approved what she had just said.
Prachi's heart had filled with joy with the gestures she witnessed from Milind and Sukruti in the last few minutes. Milind who had felt disappointed that Prachi didn't buy anything was very relieved now and was proud of his sister for planning it this way.
Part 10
Milind had left for work early the next day. Ritwick was running around not wanting to drink his milk and Sukruti was running behind trying to catch him. "Bua Maami open the door, I want to hide" the child had knocked Milind's room door. Hearing the little boy's voice, Prachi had opened the door and he had ran into the room trying to find a place to hide. Not able to find a suitable place he had stood behind Prachi asking her to tell his mother he didn't come here. Sukruti had reached there with a glass of milk right then and Prachi had lifted Ritwick in her arms indicating Sukruti to be quiet for a while. She sat on the bed with the boy on her lap and told him an elaborate story of how she had refused to drink milk and had become ill. She had concluded with the moral of the story that milk makes you strong. "Agar main doodh piyunga to main bhi strong banunga kya? Milind Maama ki tarah?" If I drink milk, will I be strong like Milind uncle? the child had questioned the two women. When both Sukruti and Prachi had said yes in unison, Ritwick had finished his milk in a minute and had ran out of Prachi's lap to play with Sweety. Sukruti had tried to stop him asking him to have his bath before starting playing, but the boy had escaped his mother's clutches.
"Har cheez ki jaldi rehti hain isey" He is in a hurry for everything. Sukruti had complained about her son to Prachi.
"Hmm, saat mahine mein jo paida hua hain." He was born in 7 months, that's why. Prachi had laughed it off trying to say that because Ritwick was born premature, he was in a hurry for everything.
"Toh bhabhi aapko...." So Bhabhi you.. Sukruti had looked at Prachi with a question while Prachi had stared at her as she didn't know what she was asking. Sukruti trying to frame her sentences in her mind had turned and her eyes fell on the sofa again, which had been made into a bed with a comforter lying haphazardly on it. Milind had forgotten to undo the sofa bed as he left in a hurry in the morning and Prachi hadn't noticed it either with her being busy making breakfast. Sukruti having decided to talk to Prachi sat besides her and had asked "Prachi bhabhi, shaayad mera koi haq nahi banta aapki zindagi ke baarein mein poochne ka, par main mehsoon kar rahi hoon ke aapke aur Milind bhaiya ke beech sab kuch theek nahi hain. Agar aapko lagta hain ke main kuch kar sakti hoon to aap mujhse problem share kar sakte ho". I don't have any rights to ask you about your life. But I have a feeling that not everything is fine between you and Milind Bhaiya. If you think I can be of any you could share your problem with me, Sukruti had put her hand on Prachi's and Prachi had pressed her hands lightly and taken a deep breath. Prachi knew Sukruti was sure of what she was saying and if she had said everything between Milind and her was fine, it would have sounded a lie. She didn't know what to complain about either.
Silence had prevailed for minutes and Sukruti had broken it saying "Bhabhi, aapko pataa hain, main kitni khush hoon. Aakhir mein Milind Bhaiya ne mujhe aur Aalaap ko maaf kar diya. Achcha hua, Aalaap ne bhi Bhaiya se maafi maangi".You don't know how happy I am that Milind Bhaiya forgave Aalaap and me. Good that Aalaap apologised to Milind Bhaiya.
"Aalaap ne Milind se maafi maangi? Kyon? Maafi toh" Did Aalaap apologise to Milind? Why? It should have been.. Prachi had expressed her disbelief that Aalaap had apologised to Milind.
"Toh, Aalaap aur main theek soch rahein the. Bhaiya ne aapko hamaare baarein kuch nahi bataaya hoga. Kahi isiliye toh aap Bhaiya se naaraz hain?" So, Aalaap and I were right, Bhaiya hasn't told you anything about us. Is this why you are angry with Bhaiya? Sukruti had said holding Prachi's hands.
Prachi's eyes had turned into questions and Sukruti had understood them.
"Aalaap ne mujhe bataaya tha ke aapke ghar mein kya hua tha. Milind Bhaiya jab Aalaap ko maar peet rahe the aur aap beech mein aayi thi, toh Bhaiya ne aapko gusse mein galat kahaa tha na. Uski wajah Bhaiya nahi, main aur Aalaap the. Us waqt Ritwick merey pet mein tha aur Aalaap nahi chaahta tha ke hum usi waqt shaadi karein. Woh abortion ka soch rahaa tha. Bhaiya ko yeh baat pataa chali aur unhone Aalaap ko shaadi karne ke liye majboor kiya. Bhabhi Ritwick ko Bhaiya ne bachaaya. Nahi toh main aur Aalaap apne hi nazaron mein gir jaatein" Aalaap had told me what had happened when Bhaiya had come to your house to beat him up. When you had come in between, Bhaiya had said wrong thigns to you. But it was not his fault. The fault was mine and Aalaap's. I was pregnant with Ritwick then and Aalaap didn't want to marry right then. He was thinking of an abortion. When Bhaiya got to know this, he forced Aalaap to marry me. He saved Ritwick. Or else, Aalaap and I would have been ashamed of ourselves.Sukruti had broken into tears and had hidden her face in her hands crying.
Prachi had tried to console Sukruti, while she herself was in a shock to hear what she had just heard. Sukruti, wiping her tears had continued "Bhabhi Ritwick premature baby nahi hain. Woh poore nau maheene hone par hi paida hua tha. Hum kisi ko yeh baat us waqt bataana nahi chaahte the. Par ab shaayad farq nahi padta, kyonki main aur Aalaap ab ek parivaar hain, Aalaap ek zimmedar pita hain. Bhabhi, aap Bhaiya ke baarein mein galat mat sochiye. Unhone jo bhi kiya, merey bhalaai ke liye kiya". Ritwick isn't a premature baby. He was born in 9 months. We didn't tell this to anyone. But now it probably doesn't matter. Aalaap and I are a family now. And Aalaap is a responsibile father. Please don't think wrong of Milind Bhaiya. He did everything only for my good.
Suddenly both women had heard Mishraji calling out for Sukruti. Ritwick had been demanding something that Mishraji hadn't understood and the desperate grandfather had wanted his daughter to help him with it. Sukruti had wiped her tears with her duppatta and ran down to attend her father.
Prachi's eyes had filled with tears too and she had closed the doors of the room and had cried hiding her face in the pillow. She felt ashamed of herself for thinking all that she had thought about Milind. He wasn't exactly the man she had assumed. Reality was very different from what she had seen, what she had imagined and experienced. Prachi had taken the credit cards Milind had left on the table into her hands. Her fingers had run through the name on them "Mr. Milind Mishra". She had dreamt that he would force himself on her, in reality he hadn't even come close to touch her all these days though they slept in the same room. He was a dutiful and caring man. Prachi had taken out her bracelet he had given back to her on their wedding night. Admiration for the man who had preserved it all these days had flown through Prachi and she had kept on thinking about every moment she had spent with Milind ever since their wedding.
Milind had come home after a hectic day at work and had gone inside his room. Sweety, who was sleeping on the bed had woken up hearing the slight noise Milind's steps had made and had sat startled on the bed. The dog had watched him keeping the laptop on the table, changing clothes and his entry to and exit from the bathroom. Wondering about the guts of the dog to sleep on his bed while he himself slept on sofa Milind had burnt with jealousy and decided to drive Sweety away from his room. Sweety had stood up while he walked towards the bed and then she had moved back. "Chal nikal yahan se"Get out of here. Milind had shouted at her while she had jumped onto the table before he reached her. Milind had followed her there to catch her but she had escaped and jumped onto the sofa. Milind had followed her there too but she had jumped off of it while Milind ran behind it now. A 3 year old sweety's swift movements were no match to a tired Milind's efforts and he was out of breath in minutes running around her in the room. Wanting to make one final attempt Milind had tried to jump and catch her who had sat on the sofa with her tongue out as if making fun of him. But she had jumped out seconds before he reached there and she had run into Prachi who just had entered the room. Prachi lifted her dog and patted her while she couldn't avoid a slight smile on her face as she had just watched Milind's futile attempt to get hold of Sweety. Milind had stood there running his fingers through his hair not knowing what to say.
"Sorry" Prachi had wanted to apologise on the behalf of her dog.
"Tu sorry ke alaawa kuch aur bhi bol sakti hain?" Can you say anything other than sorry? Milind had made it easy for her to laugh it out and Prachi had flashed a huge smile, which in turn had Milind smiling too. Asking him to come down for some tea and snacks Prachi walked out with Sweety still smiling. Sweety had looked back at Milind with pride, who gave a 'I will kick you right now' look back and she had turned her face away. Milind had smiled to himself again thinking about the smile that Prachi had just flashed.
After dinner, Milind had slept early. Prachi who had been pondering if she should talk to Milind about all that she had heard from Sukruti and apologise to him for thinking of him otherwise saw him sleeping and decided to talk the next day. As she was getting ready to sleep, she had heard Milind's mobile ringing. She called out Milind's name softly but he seemed not to wake up though he moved his head a bit. Thinking the call would go unanswered, she had attended the call herself. "Hello, This is Prachi, Milind's wife" Prachi had said on the phone and Milind's personal assistant on the other side had introduced himself to her. She had told him his boss was asleep and he could tell the matter to her and she would pass on the message when he is up. The assistant had told her about the crisis they were having with their human resource head leaving the company abruptly and them having deadlines to be finished. Milind had got out of his sleep suddenly and Prachi had handed the phone over to him. His assistant had explained him everything and Milind was furious and had yelled at him for telling this to him at the last moment as the assistant had spoken as if the human resource manager's leaving was expected. Throwing the phone on the sofa Milind had sat on it with his hands holding his head.
"Milind, Paapa ke company mein jab main kaam karti thi, to Human Resources Dept. mein hi thi. Mera MBA bhi HR mein hi specialized hain. If you don't mind, I probably can help you with the problem" When I worked for my father's company, I was in Human Resources Dept. My MBA specialization is also in HR. Milind had looked up to Prachi and had nodded his head, which she understood as a Yes. Wishing each other a good night Milind and Prachi had slept in their respective places.
Part 11
Aalaap had called Prachi and apologized to her for not telling her about the things she had heard from Sukruti. Prachi though a bit crossed with her brother had forgiven him as things hadn't ended up in a debacle. She had then got ready for work obeying Sukruti's suggestion that she could wear a saree. Dressed in a beautiful blue cotton saree with black border, she had walked towards Milind who had waited for her in his car. Sweety had noticed Prachi leaving and had jumped over her wanting to go out with her. Baaba had held Sweety's chain allowing Prachi to walk away from her dog. Milind had secretly enjoyed watching Sweety's failed struggle and disappointment to see Prachi going away from her. Then his eyes had halted on the lady who had walked elegantly towards his car. He had bent over to open the door for her and she had got in. Milind had watched her getting her saree together so that it didn't come in the way of her closing the door and had taken a deep breath to inhaling the intoxicating fragrance of her woody perfume. As he started the car, Prachi had worn her seatbelt and asked him if he didn't wear it. Milind who never had the habit of wearing seatbelts, had worn it without any protest.
Surprised at himself that he had worn the seatbelt at her suggestion, Milind had wanted to distract himself from the sensations Prachi was generating in him. He had briefed her about what they do in their business and what were the responsibilities of his previous HR manager on the way to his office. As they reached his office, his staff had greeted them. Most of the staff hadn't been invited to their hurried wedding and Prachi had felt everyone's stare at her as she walked along with Milind. Milind had asked Prachi to attend a meeting he was going to head that morning. Prachi had sat in the meeting as a silent observer and was impressed with Milind's ability to command people, his out of the box ideas and foresighted thinking. She had seen glimpses of her father in her husband though the latter seemed more aggressive and ambitious.
Milind had Prachi shadow him for most of the day and the last couple of hours he had his secretary introduce her to the specific responsibilities she were to handle. Though Prachi had worked before for her father, she was very nervous and had found her work quite challenging. She had taken it with utmost seriousness and had gone through a lot of previous files to make sure she understood how they worked in that office, who their clients were and their background, and the reputation of the company. She had taken files home too as she was overwhelmed by the workload. It was going to be a real hectic week for both Milind and Prachi.
Initially it was difficult for Prachi to get things streamlined but in a week's time she was up to the mark. Milind had patiently helped her adjust and learn and the two had developed a great rapport at work and comfort with each other. At home, most of their conversations had turned out to be work related as Milind was stressed out about the project. With the help of able staff, Prachi had assisted Milind to finish the project within the deadline.
Prachi was immersed in work that day and had heard her door knocked. Thinking that it would be Milind who would normally come to remind her of lunch at that time, she had got out of her chair to open the door.
"Prachi, tum yahan?"Prachi, you here? Neev was surprised to meet Prachi there.
Prachi was surprised too to see Neev there but had welcomed him with a smile and told him that she had taken up previous HR manager's role in Milind's company.
"Suna tha ke tumhaari shaadi Milind Mishra se hui. Milind se zaraa kaam tha, isliye aaya. Had heard you got married to Milind Mishra. Had some work with him, that's why I came. I am very happy for you that you too got married. I was a bit guilty you know. So, how are things? Are you happy?" Neev had asked with a pinch of hidden sarcasm.
"Haan Neev. I am really happy to be Milind Mishra's wife, he is true gentleman. Couldn't have asked for a better husband" Prachi had replied sharply.
Milind had entered Prachi's cabin and was pleasantly surprised to hear that comment from Prachi. Prachi was embarrassed that he had heard what she said but her heart sang a happy song too.
"Hello Milind, how are you? Congratulations for your marriage" Neev had greeted Milind.
"Thanks Neev. Kaise aana hua?" Thanks Neev, how come you are here? Milind had questioned him formally.
Milind and Neev were in the same business and had often crossed paths. Milind was climbing the ladder of success over the past 5 years steadily while Neev was going down. Both of them had different ideologies and dealt with each other professionally though had never enjoyed meeting each other.
"I came here for a bit of business. But was surprised to see Prachi here. Tum apni nayi dulhan se kaam karwa rahe ho yaar. Not fair Prachi, tumhaara husband tumhe ghar mein aish nahi karne dey rahaa hain" You are making your new bride work! Not fair Prachi. your husband isn't allowing you to enjoy at home. Neev had laughed thinking he had cut a joke.
"Ghar mein hi bithaana tha to langdi se shaadi karta. Ab biwi itni qaabil hain to kyun na merey saath kaam karey. Ab chal merey cabin mein. Bataa kya kaam tha terey ko". I would have married a lame (cripple) person if I were to make her sit at home. When my wife is so capable, why shouldn't she work with me? Now, come to my cabin and tell me what you need. Milind had taken Neev into his cabin.
Prachi was stunned with Milind's quirky answer to Neev. She had understood Milind and Neev were pulling each other's leg deliberately.
Neev had come to defend his building contractor and friend Vikas Raane. Milind had sacked him off of his hotel project and he had requested Neev to talk to Milind to put him back on that project. Milind's project was the biggest project Vikas ever had in hand and losing it would have collapsed his construction company. Neev had quite a bit of business dealings with Vikas and his company's collapse would have affected his business badly. Moreover Vikas had figured out Neev and Milind knew each other from childhood and he was expecting Neev to talk to Milind and convince him.
When Neev had put forward the purpose of his visit to Milind's office, Milind had refused directly that he couldn't even consider hiring Vikas Raane back. Vikas had been using low quality cement but had shown in records that he had used superior quality materials. Neev had asked Milind why couldn't he ignore it as the hotel being built was for a foreign company and Milind was only going to handover it to them at the end of the day. Neev had even suggested Milind could have had a share of the money being saved by using second grade quality cement along with Vikas. This suggestion had gotten Milind furious.
"Mr. Neev Shergill. Mujhe apni company ki reputation paise se zyada pyaari hain. You better get out of here" Mr. Neev Shergill, My company's reputation is more important for me than money. Milind had said in firm words and Neev had walked out slamming the door without looking back. Prachi had seen Neev walking out as she came out of her cabin and had known something wasn't right.
While having lunch with Milind after a while, Prachi had known Milind was quite angry. She just kept silent and waited for him to speak. Eating his food hurriedly Milind had said "Terey ko pataa hi hoga, meraa Neev ke saath bachpan se nahi banta. Kaise soch liya usne ke main woh Vikas Raane ko contract de dunga. Shifaris karne aaya tha uska." You know it right. Neev and I never got along well from childhood. How could he think that I would give the contract to Vikas Raane. He had come to recommend him.
"Neev thoda aisa hi hain Milind. Aaapko shaayad pataa hi hoga, uski aur meri shaadi ruk gayi thi" Neev is a bit like that. You know that my wedding with him had been called off. Prachi had replied burying her gaze into the plate she was eating from.
"Jaanta hoon. Shaadi terey se karna chahta tha aur chakkar kisi aur ladki se chalaa rahaa tha. Hain na? Kya tu jaanti hain, pichle do saal mein Shergill industries ka kya haal hua hain. Achcha hua terey Paapa se usne apna business alag kar liya. Nahi to Shah industries bhi doob jaati" I know. He wanted to marry you but was having an affair with another girl. Do you know what has happened to Shergill industries in the past 2 years? It's good that he separated his business from your dad's. Or else Shah industries would have sunk. saying that Milind had noticed Prachi's face had gone dull as they discussed about Neev. He had understood she hadn't liked talking about him.
"Achcha sun, yeh restaurant ka sambhar achcha hain na. Terey woh kal ki cheeniwali sambhar se zyada" Listen, the sambhar in this restaurant is nice. Better than your sugared sambhar. Milind had teased Prachi remembering her last night's cooking diaster where she had put sugar in the sambhar instead of salt.
"Milind" Prachi had lifted her head and laughed as she saw Milind's face.
"Apna munh to saaf kijiye, chaawal lagaa hua hain" Clean your mouth, there are rice grains sticking. Prachi had said noticing a couple of grains of rice that had stuck to Milind's moustache as he had eaten hurriedly.
"Main nahi saaf karta, Sher kabhi munh saaf karte hain?" I won't clean. Do lions ever clean their mouth? Milind had questioned looking into her eyes.
"Sheher ke sheron ko saaf karna padta hain" Lions of the city need to clean their mouth. Prachi had lifted her hand towards him while Milind had bent back resisting her attempt to rub off the rice grains. But in a second he had brought his face forward with a naughty smile playing on his lips. Prachi had cleared the pieces of rice and her fingers had touched his lips slightly and the freshly trimmed hairs in his moustache had pricked her. Prachi had closed her eyes for a second as shivers had passed through her body and Milind had fixed his gaze on her reddening cheeks. The next moment Prachi had retrieved her hand form his mouth quickly and they had finished their food in a hurry as it was time to get back to work.
Part 12
Prachi was involving herself more and more in Milind's office as well as life. She had found herself wanting to know his likes and dislikes and she would be concerned about everything that mattered to him. He was enjoying the attention she gave him while he was losing himself to her beauty, elegance and pleasant nature.
That day Milind and Prachi were driving home after a long day at work. As the car was struck in a traffic jam, Prachi had seen colourful balloons being sold in the park nearby. She suddenly remembered that Sukruti was returning form Shah house and going to stay with them for the weekend. She had suggested Milind that they could buy balloons for Ritwick and the child would be delighted. Milind had liked the idea and had taken a turn in a nearby road and parked the car there. They had walked into the park and the unpredictable Mumbai monsoon had brought its sudden showers and in a minute it had started to pour heavily. Prachi was excited as she smelt the wet soil and had walked through the rain drenching herself. Milind had merrily watched her childlike excitement but soon had become aware of the surrounding people who were taking shelter under the trees. He noticed them strangely gawking at Prachi who had stretched her arms in the rain. Prachi's thin salwar had got wet in a minute in the heavy rains. Milind couldn't let Prachi drench in the rains more and had walked behind her and dragged her by holding her hand towards a tree to take shelter. The rain had increased its intensity and Milind had stood as a shield protecting Prachi from it. Prachi had then realized she wasn't in her garden but in a public park. She also had relaized her clothes were completely wet and her thin salwar kameez had stuck to her revealing her body. She felt very awkward at that moment and had tried to cover herself with her dupatta. Milind had watched her doing so and had removed his coat and put it on her body. As mintues passed, they both had become crushingly aware of each other. Prachi had fixed her gaze on his chest that was visible through his shirt while Milind who was nearly a foot taller than her had taken advantage of his height to gaze her facial features intently. Her eye brows, eye lashes, closed eyes, cheeks, ears, lips, chin- all her features were getting solidly registered in his brain. Prachi had suddenly lifted her eyes and had caught Milind's eyes fixed on her. They couldn't look away they had felt a longing in each other's eyes. Before they could lose themselves to what they were feeling, rains had suddenly stopped and people were getting back to their business. The balloon seller also had put up his sales again. Prachi and Milind had broken their eye lock. Milind had walked towards the balloon seller, closely followed by Prachi.
"Bua Maami" Ritwick was super excited to see the colourful balloons in Prachi's hand as Milind and Prachi walked inside their house. Prachi had given the little boy all the balloons and herself had gone inside her room to quickly change her wet clothes. Milind who was drying his hair with the towel that Sukruti brought for him had his mobile ringing. It was Ali on the other side of the call, and he had told Milind he was going to come for a tea and discuss a few things regarding the upcoming project which if came into their hands, was going to be the biggest project Milind's company ever handled.
Ali was incharge of the marketing division of Milind's company. He was Milind's right hand when he built his business and owned quite a few shares of the company. The project he was going to discuss with Milind was to build the most luxurious hotel in Mumbai on the Arabian coast analogous to the lavish hotels in Dubai. A British company had this idea to build it in Mumbai and they were going to choose an Indian company as a partner. They were going to take care of the finances while the Indian company was expected to deal with the building, organization and running of the hotel. Milind's company along with several other companies were on a race to get this contract and they all were to propose their plans in a meeting to be held in Delhi in the coming week.
Mishraji had decided to make some pakoras for the evening and when he put forward the idea, Milind was so excited that he decided to help him preparing them. Sukruti and Prachi were dragged out the kitchen as the two Mishra men took responsibility of pakoras and chai for that evening. Baaba had enjoyed his son's company in the kitchen while Milind had remembered his school days where Baaba would help him with his homework. It had been a long time since the father and son spent some time like this with each other. Sukruti had sat chatting with Prachi, Ritwick played with his balloons and Sweety had rested on Prachi's lap.
By the time Milind and Mishraji finished with their work in the kitchen Ali had arrived commenting on the nice smell of pakoras that had lingered in the house. Ali hadn't come alone, he had also brought his Great Dane with him whom his wife had named Sikandar. Seeing a magnanimous hound dog, Sweety was scared to death and had slowly made an exit from Prachi's lap and ran away while Prachi was welcoming Ali. Sikandar was the friendliest dog on earth and he had greeted everyone. Ritwick was scared of the dog, which was as tall as him and hid behind Sukruti but Ali had taken the boy in his arms and was trying to get the fear out of him by introducing him to the dog. Milind had come out of the kitchen with the plate of pakoras in his hand while Mishraji had walked behind him with tea tray. Milind had first hugged his beloved Sikandar and later his friend and sat petting the dog along with Ritwick who had instantly befriended the dog.
Everyone had enjoyed the hot and tasty pakoras along with tea, which was an absolute pleasure on that rainy day. Prachi had wondered where Sweety was and she had found her hiding under her bed after searching the whole house. She tried making her come out but the dog hadn't obliged. Prachi had come to the drawing room complaining that Ali's Sikandar had scared her Sweety off. Ali had tried defending his dog by saying how friendly he was while Milind had laughed using his vocal cords to their highest capacity.
Prachi was pretty disappointed that Milind had laughed at her dog's plight and she almost had tears in her eyes. She had walked back to her room with a pale face. Milind who had followed her expressions from a corner of his eye had realized his laughter didn't go well with his wife. He had walked behind her and saw that she had sat on the bed and he could tell from her face that she was about to cry.
"Tu bura maan gayi?" Did you feel bad? Milind had questioned her though he knew she was feeling bad. Prachi didn't reply back but had tried not to meet his eyes.
"Tu fikar mat kar, Sweety ko main sambhaal lunga" Don't worry. I will take care of Sweety. Milind had patted Prachi's cheek. "Waise woh hain kahan?" BTW, Where is she (Sweety)? he had looked around to find Sweety.
"Bed ke neeche chupi hui hain" She is hiding under the bed Prachi had said meekly. Milind bent down to see under the bed and hiding his laughter he had asked Prachi to get up from the bed. He had moved the bed to make space so that he could catch Sweety. His plan had worked and he could reach Sweety. But the poor dog had crawled away from him to the corner trying her best to hide. Milind had never seen her scared and Sweety for one had stirred all weak parts in his heart at that moment filling it with compassion. He had taken the dog in his arms and petted her. Sweety had snuggled into a ball in his hands. But he had caressed her with love and saying "Oye Sweety tu kyun dar gayi. Tu chuha thodi hain, tu to sher hain" Hey Sweety, why are you scared? You are not a rat. You are a lion. reassuring the dog he had walked out to the drawing room followed by Prachi.
Prachi had wanted to stop Milind from taking her near Sikandar but before she called out his name, Milind had sat by Sikandar who had started licking him. He had smelled Sweety too while Sweety had slowly looked at him. The friendship angel of the dog heaven had connected the two dogs in that moment and Sweety had responded to Sikandar's friendly gestures. Milind had further helped the two dogs to play with each other. The two dogs had smelled and licked each other and Milind let Sweety go off of his lap and she started playing with Sikandar. Everyone was surprised while Prachi was relieved and she had looked at Milind with gratitude while Milind had flashed a huge smile at her.
Ali and Milind had moved to the study to discuss their plans for the upcoming project while Milind had called in Prachi too in the middle. After an hour of discussion Ali had left with Sikandar and it seemed like Sweety was sad to see him off. Prachi had understood Milind was highly charged up for this project and had worked hard for it from a long time.
That night Prachi and Milind had slept in their respective beds discussing Sweety and Milind had also explained to her why he had held her hand forcefully and pulled her under the tree in the park. Prachi heart had sung its happy song again realizing Milind hadn't liked other men in the park seeing her body and she had slept through the night recollecting the moments that had connected them in the rains. Milind was remembering his wife's beautiful features he had strongly registered in his brain.
It was only on Sundays Milind would get to complete his sleep and he woke up at around 10 am that Sunday morning. As he came out of the bathroom after brushing his teeth he remembered it was the final cricket match of the Asia cup between India and Pakistan that day and had switched the TV on in the drawing room. Finishing his breakfast that Prachi served him, he had sat watching the match along with Prachi. He then had called out for Sukruti "Oh meri Chutki, zaraa tel lagaao mere sir mein, aaj Sunday hain" Oh my dear sister, oil my hair today. It's Sunday.. Sukruti had come running "Haan Bhaiya, kitne saal ho gaye hain na maine aapko tel lagaaye hue. Main abhi tel garam karti hoon" Yes Bhaiya. It has been so many years since I oiled your hair. I will just warm some oil.. Sukruti had went into to kitchen to warm some oil. She used to oil her brother's hair every Sunday before her marriage. "Haan London jo chali gayi hamein chorke. Mera to sir hi sookh gaya tel ke bina" Yes. You left for London leaving us. My head got dry without oil. Milind had sweetly complained that his sister had left his house for her husband.
Sukruti came with a small bowl of warm hair oil and Milind sat down on the floor while Sukruti sat on the sofa. As soon as she started oiling Milind's hair, they had heard Ritwick crying. Seeing that Sukruti was busy Prachi went to Sukruti's room and picked up the child who had just come out of his sleep. The boy had demanded for his mother. He hadn't eaten well the last night and didn't have a sound sleep either. Sukruti was expecting her son to be cranky in the morning and that had just started. Prachi had tried to calm down the boy and had tried to give him a bath. But he demanded for his mother and Sukruti had to give up oiling her brother's hair in between to attend her son. Prachi had told Sukruti she will finish with oiling Milind's hair. Sukruti was only happy that her Bhaiya and Bhabhi shared this level of comfort and had given the bowl of oil to her and took Ritiwck from her hands.
Milind had bent forward to allow Prachi to sit behind him on the sofa. Taking some oil from the bowl Prachi had started oiling Milind's slightly longer curly hair. She hadn't really thought he had such nice thick hair and had just loved the feel of touching them. Milind was smiling inside him as his heart had thanked Ritwick because of whom Prachi was oiling his hair. He had closed his eyes cherishing the closeness watching Prachi's toes. He couldn't resist himself from touching her cute little toes for too long and his fingers had reached out her toes drawing lines around them. Prachi had felt tickled and had goosebumps all over and she had stopped massaging his head, lost in that moment. Milind had bent his head backwards wanting to see her face resting his head on her lap. Prachi had opened her eyes while his hand has softly pressed her foot. "MIlind Maama" Ritwick had come running breaking the spell that had caught Milind and Prachi and asked Milind if he was the smartest looking person in the house. Milind had smiled at his innocent question and had replied "Haan beta, tum hi sabse sundar ho. Par saadi pehenkar teri bua maami sabse khoobsoorat lagti hain" Yes little boy. You are the most handsome. But your aunty looks the most beautiful wearing sarees.. Milind had turned towards Prachi for a second and had walked away picking up Ritwick in his arms. Prachi had felt as if he had winked at her. Turning into a deeper shade of red she had realized why her husband looked at her in a different way whenever she wore sarees.
Part 13
"Achcha Bhabhi, Bhaiya aapko saadi mein pasand karte hain" So Bhabhi, my bother likes to see you in sarees. Sukruti who had heard Milind hinting that he loved to see Prachi in sarees had teased her. "Sukruti" Prachi had covered her face with her hands feeling absolutely shy. Sukruti had then told her she needed to feed her son and had gone out looking for him. She saw that Milind and Ritwick had planned to play cricket as if to compensate for the match between India and Pakistan, which had been temporarily halted due to rains. Milind had helped Sukruti to feed her son and the boy for a change had drunk his milk without a complaint. Leaving her son with her brother to play, Sukruti had called Aalaap, as a part of her morning routine and had he had told her about his work related trip to the US.
Mishraji was back from meeting his friend and Ritwick had forced his grandfather to join him in playing cricket. Mishraji had taken up bowling, Milind fielding and little Ritwick was the batsman. Sweety too had helped Milind with fielding, as she was good with the ball. Sukruti and Prachi had sat in the drawing room discussing random things and Prachi had mentioned to Sukruti she didn't have many sarees. Sukruti suggested they could go shopping and buy some more sarees for Prachi. Sukruti herself had wanted to shop quite a few things before she left for London in two days.
The match had restarted and all had sat watching it. Milind's favorite batsman Sachin Tendulkar was in full form. Milind had enjoyed the match clapping and whistling as Sachin hit boundaries and sixes. Even Sukruti and Mishraji had sat watching TV along with Ritwick. Amused at the involvement of her whole family in cricket Prachi had walked into the kitchen thinking of cooking lunch for the afternoon. A few mintues later, Milind had felt thirsty and he too had walked towards the kitchen to get some water for himself. Prachi had stood snipping beans and Milind had stopped at the door watching her. Her slender waist defined by her skin-tight tunic had generated a yearning in him to hold her in his arms. He had slowly walked upto her without making the slightest of noise. Before Prachi realized someone was standing behind her, Milind had held her waist with both his hands for a fraction of a second. Prachi had turned around in shock and was about to scream when Milind had sealed her mouth with his hand. His proximity and his hand pressed on her lips had Prachi euphoric, leaving her spellbound. Milind had slowly taken his hand off of her mouth with his thumb brushing her lips and chin gently. "Darr gayi?" Did you get scared? he had whispered with a naughty smile while Prachi had watched his lips move. Milind had moved back to grab a glass and had filled it water from the water filter. Before leaving the kitchen he had turned back to look at Prachi who had shyly lowered her gaze. With a tiny smile decorating his lips Milind had walked to the drawing room gluing himself back to the TV. Prachi had closed her eyes and touched her lips and chin following the pattern Milind's thumb had travelled. As she revelled in the feeling he had left behind, she had heard Sukruti coming to the kitchen saying she would help her with the cooking.
Prachi and Sukruti had finished cooking beans and chapatis quickly and the family ate lunch together. During lunch, Milind and Prachi's eyes had met several times with naughtiness and coyness playing on their faces.
After lunch, Sukruti and Prachi had told everyone they were to go shopping and had asked Milind if he wanted to join them. Milind had wanted to follow the match and also told them he had a meeting in the evening with a British hotelier. He also had asked them if they will be back by the evening and Sukruti had said they should be back in a couple of hours. India and Pakistan were going neck to neck and Sukruti knew there was no way to drag Milind out with them unless the match ended. Ritwick had gone to sleep after lunch.
The match was over by the evening and Milind had left for his meeting with the British hotelier. After the meeting he had dropped him off to the airport too as he was flying to London. While driving he had thought about taking Prachi out for a dinner that night to thank her for helping him with his work. More than that he had desperately wanted spend some time with her as she had taken over his thoughts hopelessly. He had remembered her saying she loved Italian cuisine and had booked a table in the beachside "bella Italia" though he never liked non-Indian food. He planned it to be a surprise for her and thought of asking her to join him to drop the British hotelier to the airport but actually take her to the restaurant.
Sukruti and Prachi had happily shopped around for sarees and all that they had planned to buy. Sukruti knew a good tailor and she had taken Prachi there to get her saree blouses stitched. Prachi had asked the tailor what was the earliest he could give have her blouses stitched and the tailor had said he could do it in few hours provided they paid him more money. Prachi had agreed considering she had too few sarees and it was very important for her to have her sarees ready to wear them as soon as possible.
Milind had called Prachi on her mobile asking her to accompany him in driving the British hotelier to the airport. Prachi had told him she was still busy with shopping and she wouldn't be able to make it. She hadn't wanted to tell him about getting her blouses stitched wanting to surprise him wearing new sarees. Milind too didn't want to give away his dinner surprise and had again explained to her he wanted her to meet this hotelier who was going to be important in their future business ventures. "Tu aayegi to achcha rahega" It will be nice if you come. saying so Milind had ended the conversation. Getting her saree-blouses ready was more important for Prachi and she had decided against meeting the British hotelier after discussing with Sukruti who had suggested the same.
As Milind waited for Prachi at "bella Italia" Prachi had sent him a text message apologizing that she wouldn't be able to make it as she still had a lot of shopping to be done. Milind was displeased that his dinner plan with her had to be abandoned and had left for home. The tailor had finally finished stitching the blouses half an hour later than what he had promised. Prachi and Sukruti had finally reached home at 9 pm. Mishraji had prepared dinner and Prachi had noticed Milind seemed upset with her and was ignoring her. She tried talking to him on several occasions and he had replied in monosyllables.
Later that night Milind had sat working on his laptop. Prachi had wanted to show him all that she shopped but he declared he was busy and he shouldn't be disturbed.
The next couple of days passed with a weird silence growing between Milind and Prachi. Sukruti had left for London with Ritwick and the house was busy seeing them off too. Prachi had made umpteen attempts to talk to Milind but his replies had been dry making her feel for sure that he was upset with her. Prachi had also worn her new sarees but it seemed like it all went unnoticed by him. In reality Milind was secretly enjoying all the extra attention she was giving him with him sulking. He had loved to see that craving in her to break the ice between them. At work, things were the same between Milind and Prachi but Milind was immersed in the new project and Prachi also had a huge share of workload. One of the aspects she was supposed to handle was the copyrights of the new architecture softwares they were using in their presentation. The architect they had hired was the best in the country and the designs he had created for them were novel. That was going to be the best part of Milind's upcoming presentation in Delhi where he was to propose his company's ideas to build the lavish hotel on Arabian coast.
Prachi had finished meeting with the architect that afternoon and was working on revising the proposal according to his suggestions. She had heard her door knocking and it was Neev yet again whom she hadn't expected. "Hello Prachi" Neev had greeted her. Prachi too had greeted him and asked him how come he was here. He had told her he came to meet Milind. Prachi had told him Milind was away for a meeting and he would be back in a half an hour and he could wait in her cabin until then. Neev had enquired what she was working on these days and she had told him the whole office was busy with this new proposal for the lavish hotel. She had asked him if his company was participating. Neev had replied her in negative. Prachi had then walked out of her cabin to meet Ali while Neev had waited there.
Prachi had come back to her cabin after meeting Ali and Neev had left a note there saying Milind hadn't yet arrived and he was late for another meeting of his and hence he will meet him some other time. Prachi had got back to her huge workload.
It was about 6 pm by the time Milind and Prachi finished their work that day. Today they were going to Shah mansion first as Milind had wanted to show his presentation to Inder and take his opinion before he finalized it. On the way, Milind had enquired Prachi about her meeting with the architect and Prachi had explained him the details. Prachi was annoyed and hurt with him just talking about work all the time and sulk with her otherwise. It was again that weird silence between them through the drive. Prachi had switched the radio on and a Jagjit Singh ghazal had played.
Pyar ka pehla khat likhne mein waqt to lagta hain
Naye parindon ko udne mein waqt to lagta hain
It take time for the first love letter to be written
It takes time for the new birds to fly..
She was a huge fan of Jagjit Singh while Milind wasn't fond of music in particular. She preferred hearing to soft music in low volume and Milind had known it as she always played radio seated in his car. Deliberately wanting to bother her, he raised the volume to its maximum and Prachi wondering why he did so had reduced it. He had again increased the volume and she had done the opposite. The volume knob got turned both ways for quite a few times and when Prachi attempted turning it down this time Milind had held her hand in his tight grip. Prachi had looked at him with tears filling up in her eyes while she also tried to get out of his clutch. Milind had let Prachi's hand go as he recognized the bracelet she was wearing and had stopped the car near the beach from where Shah mansion was just a mintue's drive. Prachi had got out of the car, ran towards the rocks by the beach and had sat there resting her chin on her hand looking towards the colours that decorated the sky as the sun was setting.
Unsure of how to start a conversation Milind had sat besides her taking his coat off. After a couple of minutes of silence Milind had broken it saying "I am sorry".
As if waiting to burst out Prachi had said "Aap mere saath aisa bartaav kyun kar rahe hain?" Why are you behaving like this with me?
"Tujhe pataa nahi chala? Main apna gussa dikha rahaa tha. Tu Sunday shaam mujhse milne kyun nahi aayi?" Did you not get it? I was showing my anger on you. Why did you not come to meet me on Sunday evening?
"Main saariyan khareed rahi thi. Aur woh merey liye us Britisher se milne se zyada important tha" I was buying sarees. And that was more important for me than meeting the Britisher.
"Pataa hain. Tabhi to tu roz nayi sadiyan pehen rahi hain na. Par maine to terey liye us din surprise plan kiya tha. Maine Italian restaurant mein table for two book kiya tha." I know. That's why you were wearing new sarees every day. But I had planned a surprise for you. I had booked a table in an Italian restaurant.
"Kya?"What? Prachi's status had suddenly changed from hurt and angry to happy and pleasantly surprised.
"Aapne pehle kyun nahi bataaya?" Why did you not tell me beforehand?. Prachi had questioned him.
"Pehle bataata to surprise thoda rehta? Waise terey ko tang karna achcha lag rahaa tha." If I had told you before, it wouldn't have been a surprise. Well, I was enjoying irritating you. Milind had admitted the reason for his odd behaviour.
Prachi had hit his knee cap with her fist showing off her fake anger. Milind had caught her hand again and played with her bracelet with his other hand "Aur yeh bracelet... iske liye bhi mujhe terey se maafi maangna hain."And this bracelet. I need to apologize for this too.
"Milind aap galat nahi the. Sukruti se mujhe saari sachchai pataa chali. Galati to Aalaap ki thi. Maafi mujhe maangna chahiye Milind. Main aapko galat samajhti thi. I am really sorry Milind". Milind you weren't wrong. Sukruti has told me the truth. The fault was Aalaap's. I should be apologizing to you. I had misunderstood you. Prachi had given him the details of her conversation with Sukruti.
Milind hadn't expected Prachi would know everything. He hadn't planned to tell her the secret about his sister either. He had just wanted to apologise for his rude behaviour with her. But somewhere he was also relieved that Prachi had understood it all correctly. He had got up from there and walked towards the beach. He had stood watching the waves travelling towards him with his hands secured in his pockets. Prachi had followed him and slowly took out his hand from his pocket. Holding it softly she had said "Milind, Aalaap ke liye main aapse maafi maangti hoon. Par mujhe is baat ki khusi hain ki ab sab kuch theek ho gaya hain."Milind I apologize to you on Aalaap's behalf. But I am glad that things have settled now.
Milind took a deep breath and turned towards her. "Haan tu theek keh rahi hain" Yes you are right. He had twined his fingers in hers. Prachi had sweetly smiled at him and her smile had shined like the moon in the darkness that was surrounding them. He had responded with a tiny smile effortlessly. They had looked into each other's eyes and his hands had encircled her waist pulling her into an embrace. Prachi's hands had held him tightly meeting at his back. It had felt like a gap in their heart had filled, a cry of loneliness had been answered. Milind's hands had softly moved around caressing her back. Both had their eyes closed and lost themselves in each other's warmth. After a while they had broken their hug, Milind's hands went down her hips and he had lifted her and whirled around slowly. Prachi was elated at first she had held on to his shoulders but then had stretched her arms looked upto the sky with a huge grin on her face. Milind had slowly brought her down to earth still holding her tightly to him. It was completely dark now and Prachi's face had shined even more in gloat. Milind had traced her eye brows and cheeks with his fingers and Prachi had closed her eyes. Her lips had parted inviting his lips towards them. As Milind bent down to reach out for her lips, his mobile in his coat had rung making them aware of what they were doing. Both had moved away from each other though unwillingly. Finding his mobile in his coat Milind had said "Teri maa ka call hain" It's your mother calling.. He called the number back as he had missed the call.
Part 14
Milind had dialled Premlatha's mobile number as Prachi and him walked back to their car. Prachi's mobile was left in her purse in the car and she had taken it out and got worried to see 4 missed calls from her home number. When she expressed her concern Milind had asked her not to worry as they will be in Shah mansion in a couple of minutes and they can find out what was the matter.
Premlatha's number had rung Milind's mobile again but by then they had reached Shah mansion and they had walked in hurriedly. Premlatha was in tears and had come running to hug Prachi "Tumhaare Paapa ki tabiyat bahut kharaab ho gayi hain" Your father's health has gone very bad.. Hearing that Prachi and Milind had run to see Inder who was wincing in severe abdominal twinge and was not in a position to talk. Inder had urinated blood and that had worried everyone even more. Premlatha had informed she had just called for an ambulance but Milind suggested they better take him to the hospital themselves than wait for the ambulance. Milind had carefully lifted Inder in his arms and placed him in the back seat of Inder's Tata Safari. He had then driven to the hospital as soon as he could. Inder was taken inside the hospital in a stretcher for examination. Prachi and Premlatha were both in tears and had sat in the waiting room while Milind had gone to talk to the doctors. Premlatha had called Aalaap too but Sukruti had informed them he was in the US and he couldn't be contacted at that moment. Sukruti had told she will keep trying to reach him. Prachi had told Sukruti not to worry about flying to India immediately as Milind and her will take care of things.
Milind too had come and sat with the two women as doctors examined Inder. The doctors had informed them that Inder's kidney stones had moved into his ureter blocking the urinary flow and also damaging a part of his kidney. He needed to be surgically operated for stones as soon as possible but they needed to control his blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which had severely drifted from normal.
As doctors worked on bringing Inder's body to stability and prepared for surgery, Premlatha had sat with a blank face. She had never seen her husband in the hospital so helpless and that had deeply pained her. Not able to see her father in the operation theatre and her mother distraught Prachi had gone to the prayer room in the hospital. Milind had sat by Premlatha assuring her everything will be alright and to keep her faith in God. He then had looked for Prachi who was nowhere to be seen. Searching for her everywhere he had reached the prayer room and his heart sank to see Prachi whimpering sitting on the floor in a corner of the room hiding her face in her knees. Milind had sat by her and had gently stroked her head. She had let her tears flow with her head crashing onto his shoulder. Milind had let her cry for a minute and then had cupped her face in his hands wiping her tears with his thumb and asked her to stop crying.
"Milind, mujhse yeh sab sehen nahi ho rahaa. Paapa aur Mamaa donon ki haalat dekhi nahi jaati mujhse" Milind, I can't bear with all this. I can't see my father and mother in this condition. Prachi had cried all the more hiding her face in her hands.
Milind had forcefully taken her hands off of her face and had spoken looking into her eyes "Tu mujhe yeh bataa, ab terey rone se kya hoga? Tu aise himmat haarke baith jayegi to Maa ko kaun sambhaalega? Paapa ko kuch nahi hoga. Yahan ke doctors qaabil hain. Sab theek ho jayega. Par terey ko hi Maa ko sambhaalna hai. Unko himmat dena hain. Tune poocha bhi unhone kuch khaya ke nahi? Main khana lekar aata hoon. Tu chal unke paas baith". You tell me now, what are you going to achieve with your crying. If you lose courage and sit like this, who will take care of your mother? Nothing will happen to your father. There are able doctors over here. Everything will be alright. But you have to take care of your mother and give her courage. Did you ask her if she ate anything. I will get some food. You go and sit with her.
Milind had wiped her tears again and had walked her to Premlatha. He then had bought some food and given it to Prachi asking her to feed her mother and eat herself too. Prachi had held her tears and made Premlatha eat a couple of spoons after a lot of effort. Meanwhile, Milind had phoned his Baaba to inform him about everything. He had told him there was nothing to be worried as he knew his Baaba would run to the hospital with anxiety in the middle of the night. He also had spoken to Sukruti and had told her not to come to India in haste and he would take care of everything.
Milind had spoken to the doctors yet again and they were ready to operate the stones now. He came back and sat with Prachi and Premlatha. Prachi told him that they both had eaten and he should be eating some food too. "Yeh hui na baat. Bas thodi der aur. Operation ho jayega aur Paapa theek ho jayenge" That's the way to go. Operation will be over in a little time and your father will be fine Milind had said eating what Prachi gave him.
A few hours later doctors had finished with removing the stones off of Inder's excretory system. Due to heavy bleeding and altering blood sugar levels Inder still needed to be kept in an intensive care unit (ICU). Everyone had a trace of relief as the surgery had been successful. They could also have a glance of Inder through the glass window of the ICU. As the morning dawned, Mishraji had come to the hospital to pay a visit to his boss. Inder was declared to be out of danger by the doctors and Milind had asked his father to stay in the hospital for a while while he took Premlatha and Prachi home to provide them with some rest.
Milind had paid a short visit to his office and had postponed some of his meetings asking Ali to take care of important matters. Prachi by that time had reached the hospital back and sent Mishraji home. Milind had went to see Premlatha at Shah mansion and she had insisted she would go to the hospital with him and he had brought her along. Inder had been moved out of the ICU by then and had gained consciousness. Meanwhile Sukruti had got in touch with Aalaap and he was going to arrive in India straight from the US while Sukruti too was going to fly the next day with Ritwick.
Prachi was the first to talk to her father after he regained consciousness. She had briefed him about what all had happened. Milind and Premlatha too had reached the hospital by then.
"Kaise hain Sir" How are you Sir? Milind had greeted Inder. Inder had smiled at his son in law to say "Ab theek hoon beta, maaf karna tumhaara presentation dekh nahi paaya. Tum mujhe ab dikha sakte ho" I am fine now. I couldn't see your presentation. I apologize for it. You can show it to me now.. Milind had told him the presentation wasn't important and he was glad that his surgery had been successful.
"Milind, pataa nahi tumhaara shukriya kaise adaa karu. Tumne hum sabko is museebat mein sambhala" Milind, I don't know how to thank you. You took care of all of us in this trouble. Premalatha had folded her palms together. Milind had held her palms saying "Maine kuch nahi kiya Maa. Bas Bhagwaan ne hamaara saath diya" I didn't do anything mother. God was with us. . Milind had told Prachi he needed to make a couple of important phone calls and walked out of the room.
Prachi who had been watching Milind with her parents, had then sat by her father and held his hands in hers. "Paapa, aapne theek kahaa tha. Milind se achcha pati merey liye nahi mil sakta tha" Father, you were right. I couldn't have had a better husband than Milind. . Prachi had placed her head on his father's chest while Premlatha had stroked her daugher's back. Inder and Premlatha had looked at each other with a satisfaction that their daughter was happy with her marriage and her husband.
Inder needed to stay in the hospital for two more days. Milind had stayed with him in the nights not allowing Prachi or Premlatha to stay there. Aalaap and Sukruti had arrived too and Inder finally had been discharged from the hospital. A nurse was arranged to take care of him at home.
Milind had accomapanied Inder to Shah mansion as he was taken home. Premlatha had served breakfast for everyone and Milind was then ready to leave for work. Prachi had followed him walking out of the door and asked him to stop for a second. "Milind, thank you very much for everything. Aapne merey parivaar ka itna khayaal rakha" you took so much care of my family.. Prachi had wanted to express her gratefulness for his support. "Kyon? tera aur mera parivaar alag hain kya?" Why? Are your family and my family different? Milind had questioned her. Prachi's heart had filled up and she touched his cheek and then leaned her head into his chest. Milind had caressed her lovingly. "Milind aapka kaam kaise chal rahaa hain. Kal aapko Delhi bhi jaana hain. Hospital ghoomte ghoomte aapka kaam safar kiya hoga na? Main aapke saath office aao? taaki main kuch madad kar sakoon" Milind, how is your work going? Tomorrow you need to leave for Delhi. Your work has suffered with your trips to the hospital. Can I come to the office with you if I can help with something? Prachi had enquired still immersed in his arms. Milind had told her not to worry about work and he will manage it and it would be better for her to stay with her father. He finally took her leave saying he was going to come in the evening to show Inder his presentation. Mishraji was going to be with Inder for the whole day taking care of pending matters.
As promised, Milind had come to the Shah mansion in the evening along with Ali. Milind had requested Ali to drive him there, as he wanted to work on the presentation during the drive. Both had sat discussing with Inder the presentation and Inder had given some valuable suggestions. Juggling between hospital and work Milind hadn't been able to sleep well or eat proper food for the past 3 days and had developed a headache. Prachi could perceive that he wasn't well and wanted to accompany him to the Mishra house that night and also help with his departure to Delhi the next morning. Though Milind had suggested she could stay in her father's house, rest of the Shahs had supported Prachi's decision. Ali had driven Mishraji along with Milind and Prachi that night to Mishra house in Milind's car. Milind's headache had severed and he sat in the car holding his head. Prachi had made him sleep on her lap so that he would be comfortable and had pressed his throbbing head softly. Milind had felt much better and had held her hand in his, kissed it as he went into a light sleep. Prachi had felt great contentment as she had lightly stroked his sleeping form.
As they reached home, Milind had asked for a cup of tea to relieve his headache. Prachi had prepared some tea with ginger and elaichi but when she took it to their room she had seen Milind asleep on his sofa bed with snoring lightly. Though Prachi had wanted him to sleep on the bed comfortably, she didn't want to disturb his sleep. She had sat on the floor near his head and had fondled his forehead tenderly moving his curls away. Milind had slightly moved in his sleep but his snoring had stopped. Kissing his forehead gently, Prachi had got a grey business suit ready for him for the morning and packed his bag for the journey.
Prachi had woken up too early the next morning. Thinking that she could leave for work after Milind left for Delhi and then go to her father's house, she had got ready quickly. She then had gone to the kitchen to prepare some tea and breakfast for Milind as she thought he wouldn't appreciate flight or airport food. Milind too had woken up with his alarm ringing by then. He had set his alarm for 4 am in order to allow some time for himself to pack his things. He saw that his bag had been already packed and even his suit was ready. Thanking Prachi in his heart for doing all this for him and also thinking she must be in the kitchen preparing his tea he had gone to take a shower. The warm water had refreshed him clearing his head of all leftovers of his last night's headache if there was any. Wrapping himself with a towel he had come out of the bathroom and had remembered he needed to email a client he had forgotten. Sitting on the bed, he opened up his laptop and had written the email and had sat revising his presentation.
Prachi had entered the room with his breakfast and tea. Milind immersed in his computer, hadn't noticed her but she had noticed that water was dripping from his head and he hadn't dried his hair. She had asked him to dry his hair throwing a towel at him but it seemed like he didn't hear it.
Not wanting to let him catch cold or get a headache, Prachi herself took the towel in her hands and started drying his hair. Milind closed his laptop and planked it aside permitting his wife to dry his hair to her satisfaction. Prachi had a tingling sensation all over her as Milind's half naked form registered in her brain. Milind was trying hard to distract himself form the covet to touch her slender waist that was just a few inches away from him, exposed by her saree. It wasn't in Milind's capacities to resist the temptation for too long, for he was being strongly pulled into a whirlwind of passion. It had made him touch her bare skin with his hand gently first and then he had pressed in softly. Prachi had dropped the towel off of her hand carried over by the sensation that touch had caused in her. Milind had pulled her close to him burying his head into her bosom. Prachi's fingers had moved in his half wet hair and Milind's hands had explored her back. Milind had then made her sit on his lap and they had looked into each other's eyes. Prachi's face had gone red recognizing the raw desire in Milind's eyes. She had closed her eyes while her expressions seemed to reciprocate to his intentions. Milind had slowly pulled her face to his with his hand while taking his lips to hers. First softly, then passionately he had kissed her lips causing her the ecstasy she had never felt before. Prachi's nails had buried into his bare back as she responded to his kiss with equal passion. A minute later, Milind had laid her on the bed with himself besides her. His hands had invaded into her saree, with her hands resisting him but her body inviting him. He had madly kissed her all over her soft body taking her desire for him to the highest order. With her lost herself for him, he had made her completely his. Prachi's fingers had squeezed the pillow by her with force but soon they were captured by Milind's hands. In the moment of his ultimate pleasure he had crashed his lips into hers guiding her to the cloud nine while she had softly moaned his name.
Part 15
Milind had hidden his face by Prachi's neck as his breathing was coming back to normal. Prachi was slowly returning to reality too after having lost herself to the peak of exhilaration. Milind had nuzzled from her ear to shoulder and bit her neck causing her to huff in sweet pain. Trailing kisses around her neck Milind had suddenly become aware that he had a flight to catch and had whispered in her ear "mujhe jaana hoga" I need to leave now.. Hearing that Prachi had unwillingly loosened her hands that had tightly wrapped around him. Their gazes had met followed by their lips in a soft kiss.
Milind's mobile went ringing making it a little easier for him to move out of the bed. While getting up he had found himself trapped in her saree. Prachi had shyly helped him to free himself from it allowing him to receive his call. It was Ali on the other side of the call, who had said he started for Milind's house in his car and they could drive to the airport in it then. He had also told him he thought Milind's car he drove last night needed some service. Milind then had gone to take a quick shower, while Prachi hurriedly had wrapped her saree back onto her. Feeling reverie Prachi had rested herself on the bed and Milind had come out of the shower to get ready as soon as possible. Prachi had watched him getting dressed up in a demure manner.
Prachi had got out of the bed as she realized Milind was ready to leave. Ali had given Milind a missed call just then indicating he had reached his house. "Chalu?" Shall I leave? Milind had asked Prachi who had stood leaning onto the wall near the door. "All the best Milind" Prachi had said softly. Milind had walked to her leaving his bag on the floor he had pulled her to him encircling her hips. Prachi had gasped and he had bent his face to take a bite of her slightly swollen lower lip in his mouth reminding both of them the elation they just had shared. He had then rubbed his mouth onto her blouse to get his lips dry. "Shaam ko milte hain" We shall meet in the evening. Milind had said in her ears and had walked out of the room without turning back as he knew he would be pulled back to her if he turned.
Mishraji had waited in the drawing room to wish his son the best before he left for the biggest presentation of his life. Touching his father's feet and taking his blessings Milind had joined his best friend, who had waited outside the house for him in his car. "Subah subha itne khush nazar aa rahe ho Milind. Shukar hain kal ka tera sirdard khatam ho gaya" You look so happy early in the morning Milind. Good that your yesterday's headache seems to have gone. had commented Ali seeing a new found joy in his friend's face. "Abhe, gaadi to start kar" Dude, start the car. Milind had asked his friend to start driving not wanting to disclose the reason for his happiness.
It was Prachi's turn to get another shower now. As she had stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom, she had blushed all the more. Watching herself in the mirror, she had outlined the small bruises Milind had caused her and her swollen lips reminding of his passionate kisses. As she rubbed her shower gel onto her body she had felt his hands on her generating in her a yearn for him. There was a feeling of fulfillment and bliss that she never had experienced. She had felt complete and she knew it was because of him. As she came out of the shower she had noticed Milind had left without having breakfast or tea. Feeling a bit guilty over not reminding him of it she had got ready for work thinking of him every other moment.
Seated in the airplane, Milind and Ali had discussed their presentation. Ali had told him he hardly knew much about the technical aspects but he had complete trust in Milind's meticulous preparation. Milind though quite pleased with the way proposal was primed, wasn't overconfident.
"Sharma and Co. walon ne interiors pe zyada dhyan diya hoga aur Reco. Ltd. service par. Baaki logon ka pataa nahi. Par merey khayal se yehi donon hain jo apne raste mein aayenge"
Sharma and Co. would have more paid attention to interiors and Reco. Ltd to service. I don't know about the others, but these two will be competing with us. Milind had given his thoughts about his competitors.
"Milind apna kaam apun ne zabardast kiya hain na. Tu doosron ka kyun soch rahaa hain?" We have done our job well Milind. Why are you thinking about others? Ali had questioned his friend.
"Woh kya kehte hain, 'know your enemy'. Dushman ki khabar rakhna zaroori hain bhai. Saamnewale ki taaqat ka andaaza ho tabhi tum use haraane ka soch sakte ho" You know what they say "know your enemy". It's important to keep track of your enemy. If you know their capacities then only you can think of defeating them. Milind had described his strategies to Ali who had nodded his head in agreement.
Prachi, the early morning happening with her, indeed everything about her were haunting Milind every second moment. He had told himself umpteen times how important it was for him to strike the deal that day and had tried his best to distract his mind from thinking about what it desired to think.
Milind and Ali had reached the luxurious hotel wherein the British company had arranged the meeting. As they walked into the conference hall to collect their badges for the event, Milind had noticed a mannequin draped in a maroon saree in the hotel's boutique. Prachi's form wearing that saree had flashed in Milind's mind instantly and he had decided to buy it for her. After collecting the badges and signing up for the meeting, Ali had gone to refresh himself, while Milind went to the boutique to buy that saree. The salesgirl had asked him what sized blouse he wanted to buy with that saree and Milind had replied his wife looked the same as the mannequin. The salesgirl had commented his wife must be very pretty and Milind had reinforced her statement saying, "haan, woh bahut khoobsoorat hain, is putle se kayi guna zyada" Yes she is very beautiful, much more than this mannequin. as his eyes shined. Ali who had followed Milind wondering what he was doing in the boutique had just heard his statement. "Kya suna maine? Kaun itni khoobsoorat hain bhai? Kareena Kapoor? Ya Aishwarya Rai?" What did I hear? Who is so beautiful? Kareena Kapoor? Or Aishwarya Rai? Ali hadn't left a chance to pull Milind's leg. Milind had exactly known what his friend was hinting at. But he had tried playing smart by saying "Abhe, Kareena kya, Aishwarya kya? Terey bhabhi jaisi haseen aaj tak nahi dekha" What Aishwarya, Kareena? I haven't seen someone more beautiful than your sister in law (Prachi). Milind had surprised Ali who had planned to tease him further. Patting Milind's back Ali had commented "toh Bhabhi par lattoo ho hi gaya aakhir. Tabhi itni khushi jhalak rahi hain chehre par. Chal yaar, tu khush hain, aur kya chahiye?" So, you have fallen for Prachi. That's why so much happiness is shining on your face. Whatever, when you are happy, what else is needed.. Ali had hugged Milind and they both had left for lunch collecting the saree.
Ali and Milind had an early lunch in the hotel. Ali had left for meeting a business acquaintance. Milind had given his presentation one final touch and he still had a while to go before the presentation. Nothing could have come to his mind other than Prachi in the free time he had and he couldn't resist calling her. As he took his mobile out to call her, he had seen a text message from her wishing him all the best yet again and apologizing for not reminding him of his breakfast.
Milind was never pampered and cared so much by anyone in his life. His Baaba had done all that he could do for him but he had never shared a warm relation with him. His relationship with Sukruti had a sense of duty tagged to it. He always had great friends but with all of them he was the one who had carried burden of responsibility on his shoulder and was the dependable one. But the warmth, ease and comfort he had found with Prachi wasn't comparable to anything he had felt before. He had felt cared, loved and had been made to feel special.
Milind had dialed Prachi's number with a smiling heart. "Hello Milind" Prachi's sweet voice had heard on the receiving end of his mobile. "Prachi" Milind had whispered, a bit louder than a whisper. Prachi's heart had sung its happiest song hearing her name from his mouth. She couldn't think of him taking her name anytime before this. Her name had sounded beautiful to her for the first time. "Haan Milind" Yes, Milind she had responded.
"Hmmm.. kya kar rahi thi?" Hmmm.. What were you doing?Milind had asked a random question that he hadn't at all planned to ask.
"Office mein hoon. Aapki meeting shuru nahi hui abhi?" I am in the office. Hasn't your meeting started yet? Prachi too had asked a random question as she was nervous too.
After a few minutes of chatting about what they didn't want to talk about Milind had finally gathered courage to say something else "woh jo subah..."The thing in the morning...
"Milind...hm.." Prachi had blushed. Silence had pervaded only interrupted by a few interjections from both ends.
"Prachi, jab terey se shaadi kiya tha, to bilkul nahi socha tha ke meri zindagi itni badal jayegi. Teri wajah se aaj sab kuch achcha lag rahaa hain. Sab khoobsurat lag rahaa hain. Main jo kehna chahta hoon use shabdon mein nahi bayaan kar sakta. Par itna jaanta hoon ke tu merey dil aur dimag mein bas gayi hain" Prachi, when I married you, I hadn't thought my life would change like this. Everything feels nice because of you. Everything looks beautiful. I can't say it in words, but all I can say is you have filled my heart and mind.
Milind had confessed what she was to him.
"Milind, aapka saath paane ke liye main bahut khush kismat hoon" Milind, I am so lucky to have you in my life.. A layer of tears had formed in Prachi's eyes as she had felt a mixture of emotions together.
"Ab main chalu, merey meeting ka waqt ho rahaa hain" Shall I leave now? It's time for my meeting. Milind had noticed the time in his watch.
Prachi had come back to the practical world and had wished him for his presentation one more time and had showed her confidence in him that he will be the one to win this deal.
"Ab presentation to dena hi padega. Par merey dimag mein tu hi tu chaayi hui hain. Kya subah subah aise merey baal sukhaana zaroori tha?" Now I have to give the presentation. But you have occupied my mind. Was it necessary for you to dry my hair like that in the morning? Milind couldn't help himself from being playful with her before ending the conversation.
Prachi had reddened at his accusation that she was responsible for what had transcended between them this morning. "Milind, maine thoda kuch kiya.. aap hi.." Milind, I didn't do anything. It was you.. She had tried to revolt.
"Maine kya kiya? Bolo na.." What did I do? Tell me.. Milind had wickedly utilized the opportunity to flirt with her.
Not able to bear with blushing anymore Prachi had wanted to end the call with saying "Jaldi aa jayiye. Main aapka intezaar karungi". Come back soon. I will wait for you.
Milind had smiled disconnecting the phone delighted with the thought that someone waited for him. He had got up to walk towards the conference hall and he had seen Ali talking to someone he wasn't expecting to see there.
Part 16
Though Milind was surprised to see the person Ali was talking to, he wasn't surprised at the way Ali was warning him that he better not bring his twisted plans in front of him. It was Vikas Raane, the building contractor, who was trying to pursue Ali to convince Milind to change his mind. Milind had joined Ali in telling Vikas not to show his face again. But Vikas had warned them that till now he had been begging but now they will see the consequences of what he can do. Milind and Ali were least bothered at his threat and had entered the conference hall.
There were 8 companies presenting their proposals, aspiring to strike a deal with the British company. Milind had been informed his presentation would be the last and he was only happy about it. As the businessmen were taking seats, one of the organizers had asked Milind to come to the stage as they had a little change in the schedules. The organizer had informed there was a wild card entry and the company in question doesn't want to be the last one to present. Milind hadn't minded allowing that company to present before him, as he wanted to be the last one to present anyway.
Wondering which one that new company was, Milind had gone back to his seat. The starting presentation was by Reco. Ltd and then had followed 6 more companies trying to do their best to impress the British company by going through what they could offer. After hearing the proposals of 7 companies Milind had gained more confidence in his proposal as none of those companies had offered anything novel compared to what Milind had planned to proffer.
The organizer had then got up to announce the next company presenting. "The next company that's going to present is Shergill industries. Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Mr. Neev Shergill" the hall had gone clapping welcoming Neev. Milind and Ali had looked at each other in surprise, as they hadn't expected Neev to be competing in this event.
Vikas Raane had been putting pressure on Neev to pursue Milind to hire him back. As Neev had realized Milind wouldn't compromise on quality, he had then come to pursue him with requests and promises that Vikas would work the way Milind wanted from now on. If Neev had disagreed to talk to Milind, Vikas would have backed off from all his projects drowning his company deeper than it already was. A helpless Neev had come to meet Milind in his office, but had found out he was away. He then had entered Prachi's cabin to wait for Milind. Prachi and him had talked about the upcoming big project Milind's company was working on. Neev had heard about that deal, but hadn't considered competing, as he had known he wasn't in a position to be able to do that and his company had a bad reputation for the last two years. When Prachi had left her cabin to meet Ali, Neev had gone through the papers lying on her desk, most of them being a part of the new proposal. Reading through those pages, Neev had realized what a strong proposal that was and then had looked through Prachi's desktop filled with folders regarding the project. He had copied most of those folders into his memory stick as soon as he could and a plan cooked up in his brain that he could design a proposal similar to this and obtain some projects. When he finished with copying folders, he had sat back and gone through the designs Milind's architect had made. Neev had never seen such designs before and he was smart enough to predict those were going to make it big in the hotel business. His brain had worked even faster and he had thought of participating in the competition to strike a deal with the British company to build the most lavish hotel in Mumbai.
Neev had left a note for Prachi that he was leaving and had left before she came back to her cabin. He hadn't wanted to meet with Milind or beg him to consider Vikas Raane anymore. He had met with Vikas then and had promised he would get the biggest contract ever as he will win his British company's project. He then had modified Milind's ideas slightly to write his presentation. The next task was to present it before Milind presented in the conference in order to make it look Milind wasn't the only one with new designs and ideas. He had bribed an organizer to allow him to present before Milind. It all had worked fine for him, as Milind himself had wanted to present in the end. Vikas Raane didn't have a lot of faith in Neev that he would win this deal and that was the reason he had still tried to get back with Milind via Ali.
Neev had presented pretty much a similar presentation to what Milind was going to present. Milind and Ali were taken by shock as Neev had come up with the same plans as them that too out of the blue. Milind had realized Neev must have stolen his ideas by some crooked way and had walked to the organizers asking them to stop Neev's presentation. The organizers had asked Milind to keep his cool and the security had made him go back to his seat. Milind's head was burning in wrath as his fingers clenched into a fist and he had hit his chair's armrest. Ali had tried his best to keep his friend at cool telling him they will sort out the matter and make Neev repent for doing this.
Neev's presentation had created waves in the conference. Though Neev had stolen Milind's ideas, he had the confidence to present it as if it was all his genuine original work. People had applauded truly blown over by the novelty of the proposal and the next announcement had called for Milind's name as his company was next in line to present.
Milind had walked up to the organizers and had told them he was backing off from presenting and there was an issue he needed to discuss with the selection committee. He had seen no use in presenting the same thing Neev had presented and make it look as if he plagiarized Neev's ideas. He rather had wanted to bring the truth out and convince the committee his ideas were authentic by showing them all the work he had done for months. Though it was not allowed for the participants to discuss anything with the selection committee, Milind had been given a chance as people were aware of his reputation and he was able to convince them that there was a serious problem because of which he had backed off from presenting. Milind was given an appointment half an hour later to meet with the selection committee.
The conference attendees had then left the conference hall to the reception area for drinks and snacks. Milind had looked for Neev around and had found him shutting down his laptop as Vikas patted his back.
"Saaley, tu apne aapko samajhta kya hain? Tu chori karega aur kisi ko pataa nahi chalega? Yeh mat samajhna ke tu kaamiyab ho gaya. Main teri sachchai saamne laakar hi chorunga" What do you think of yourself? You steal and think no one will know? Don't assume that you will be successful. I won't let it go until I bring the truth out. Milind had spoken with rage.
"Ab tu kuch nahi kar payega Milind. Maine apna homework kiya hain. Aur terey liye koi raasta nahi chora hain mujhe chor saabit karne ke liye. Khair, jab tu mujhe chori karne se nahi rok paaya toh ab kya kareyga?" You can't do anything now Milind. I have done my homework. And I haven't left any way to you where in you can prove I have stolen something. Well, when you couldn't stop me from stealing, what you will do now?
Neev had a smirk on his face.
"Woh to main dhoond hi lunga ke merey company mein gaddar kaun hain. Par tu yeh samajh lena main tujhe aur terey is chele Raane ko kahin chehra dikhaane ki laayak nahi chorunga" I will soon findout who is the traitor in my company. But you understand one thing- I will make sure you and Vikaas Raane won't be able to show your faces to anyone. Milind had said in stiff words.
"Main tera kaam aasaan kar deta hoon Milind. Apna waqt barbaad mat kar us gaddar ko dhoondne mein. Tujhe zyada door sochne ki zaroorat nahi hain. Tu sirf yeh yaad kar teri pyari biwi kabhi meri mehbooba hua karti thi" I will make it easy for you Milind. Don't waste your time finding out who is the traitor. You don't have to think far. You just remember that your wife was my lover at some point. Neev had enjoyed himself in making it more miserable for Milind.
"Kameeney" bas***d (is it the right translation???Confused), Milind had held Neev's collar and was about to smack him on his face when Ali had tried to pull him back and the securities had came to help Ali. As people held on to Milind stopping him from hitting Neev, Neev had straightened his collar and walked out with Vikas Raane swearing at Milind. Ali had walked Milind out profusely asking him to calm down.
Prachi had gone to her father's house after work and was happy to learn his surgical wound was healing very quickly and he will be back to his normal health very soon. She had played with Ritwick for a while and had left for Mishra house as she knew Milind would be back in a couple of hours. As she reached the Mishra house, she had called Milind to know how the presentation went but his mobile seemed to be switched off. Drinking the tea that Mishraji gave her, she had gone to her bedroom and found Sweety sleeping on Milind's sofa bed. Milind's 6-foot frame fitting on the sofa had come to her mind and she had felt a bit sad and funny at the same time thinking about it. She had sat on the sofa by Sweety while the dog had woken up and she had wagged her tail happy to see Prachi. "Sweety jaani, ab se tu is sofey pe aaraam se so sakti hain. Milind abse yahaan nahi soyenge" Sweety dear, you can sleep on this sofa freely from now on. Milind won't be sleeping here anymore. Prachi had blushed sharing her happiness with her dog.
Prachi had again tried to call Milind, only to again hear the message that the mobile she was calling was switched off. Meanwhile she had heard Mishraji saying he was going to Hare Krishna temple and will be late as there were some special bhajans that day. Prachi had walked out of her room with Sweety in her hand to say bye to her father in law. Closing the main door Prachi had walked back to her bedroom singing a song and whirling around Sweety. Sweety had licked her hands acknowledging her joy.
An announcement went on calling out for Milind in the conference hall. The selection committee was ready to meet with Milind but Milind hadn't come to the meeting. Ali had looked around everywhere for his friend and tried calling his mobile only to be unsuccessful. There was another announcement to say committee's meeting with Milind will be called off as the committee members needed to leave to Mumbai. Ali had sat wondering not being able to make sense of anything that had happened in the last one hour from Neev presenting out to the blue to Milind disappearing without telling him.
Part 17
Milind had told Ali to leave him alone for sometime. Ali had left Milind in the lounge and after sometime, he had looked for his friend everywhere as he heard the announcements. Milind was nowhere to be seen.
Milind's thoughts were driving him crazy as the sudden turn out of unexpected events hovered his mind. He had walked out of the hotel and called for a taxi. He had asked the cab driver to take him to somewhere peaceful. The taxi driver though confused, had understood that his customer was going through some serious stress and dropped him at the India Gate. Handing over a note of Rs. 500 to the taxi driver though the meter had read just Rs. 200, Milind had thanked him.
Milind had looked around standing in front of the India Gate, as blood in his head was still rushing. His mind had registered the shrine of immortal warriors, then the children playing in the nearby garden and the cool evening breeze had helped him to calm down at least a trace of his boiling emotions. He then had sat on a bench nearby as his thoughts started clearing up.
As he looked up the sky, he saw kites being flown by children, reminding him of the day he had made a newspaper kite for his sister. Neev had snatched the kite, leaving the little girl crying, all ending in him fighting Neev and Aalaap. There had been many other events which had similar consequences. He had detested Neev from his childhood. And even today Neev had done it yet again, stealing his hard work, his best presentation till date, and also had the audacity to call it his own. It wasn't surprising to Milind that Neev would stoop so low, but what shocked Milind was the fact that Neev had successfully had lifted every information about his proposal without his notice. How that had been possible Milind couldn't interpret. Had it been really through what Neev had pointed out? The question haunted him. And that question had bothered him more than him not striking the deal today. He was confident that he would be able show Neev his place very soon. He was a self-made businessman and he had gone through several ups and downs, and struggles in the last five years. People like Neev weren't new to him. He very well had known how to handle such matters and also how to get this project in his hands foiling Neev's plan.
Having known Neev and his traits for about two decades, Milind couldn't take all that Neev had blurted out without a pinch of salt. Neev had accused Prachi of betraying Milind. Those words themselves had cut Milind's heart into pieces. Even to think that his wife Prachi, with whom he had been building a dream of what is called life, had betrayed him didn't let him take a comfortable breath. Had Prachi really betrayed him? Again, the same question had been posed by his brain in different words.
It was just Milind and Prachi who had all the data regarding this proposal. Ali had known some aspects of it but Milind had known his friend from childhood and he knew Ali too well to suspect him. Moreover Ali wasn't even aware of the exact details of new designs that Neev had shown in his presentation. The architect wasn't aware of anything more than his designs regarding the proposal and the same was true for all others who had done their bits for the proposal. At the end of the day, it was just Milind and Prachi who had handled every bit of the proposal. And it was just Prachi who had a connection to Neev in the past. If someone had leaked the information to Neev, Prachi would be the prime suspect.
'Teri pyari biwi kabhi meri mehbooba hua karti thi' Your loving wife used to be my lover. Neev's words were drumming in Milind's ears. Milind was in Dubai when Neev and Prachi's wedding had been called off. He had read about it in the newspapers, heard about it from friends. All had left an impression that Neev had an affair with a beautician and when that truth had come out the wedding was cancelled. Along with others Milind too had some sympathy for Prachi at that time that she had suffered in Neev's hands. But then Milind had also wondered why had it taken so long for all of them to understand Neev's true colours.
Milind hadn't ever thought Prachi and Neev shared a romantic relation. In college days, he had known Neev had several girlfriends, while he had always noticed Prachi as a loner or being with her girl friends. After marrying her, he had often spotted her feeling unpleasant if Neev's issue ever came up.
Milind had then thought about the moments he had spent with Prachi. To his understanding, they had married each other as circumstances forced them to, but soon he had seen in her a loving girl who cared for his father like a daughter, who had become a friend to his sister. He had slowly lost himself to her beauty, her grace, and her kind and caring nature. As he got drawn to her, he had sensed a similar response from her too. The way she had worked for him in his previous project, the way she had bought and worn sarees for him, the way she had understood him in Sukruti's matter and her holding his hand in the beach reassuring him he wasn't at fault, all had engaged Milind in dilemma. He couldn't convince himself that caring she had shown was faking. He then thought about what had transpired between them that morning. She had given herself to him completely. He had felt her living that moment as much as he did. That couldn't have been unreal.
Milind's logic had again questioned him if it wasn't Prachi, who could have allowed Neev to acquire every single detail of the proposal. He wondered if Prachi still loved Neev irrespective of him betraying her. For one, he knew love is an emotion that can drive a human insane. He hadn't forgotten how his sister Sukruti had fallen for Aalaap and was ready to go against ideals.
Milind had run his fingers through his hair in confusion. No matter what, he didn't want a wife who loved someone else. It had pricked him deep in his heart to think that the woman he shared his body and mind with had someone else in her heart. He contemplated on the thought whether he had assumed things about her and tried building a relationship while she was obeying him forced by the name of the relationship she shared with him. He had regretted in some corner of his heart for hurrying up with demonstrating his emotions in front of her. While his reason told him Neev wouldn't have got hold of the proposal without Prachi allowing him to access it, his heart that had grown to love his wife had told him the woman who had bestowed him with the most beautiful moments of his life wouldn't have done that. He had heaved a sigh not being able to decide this way or that way.
Prachi had started to get worried. Milind's mobile was still unreachable. She then thought of Ali, and had called him on his mobile. She had quickly sensed there was something wrong as Ali didn't seem to reply straight to her questions nor he was able to get Milind to talk to her. Ali had first tried to not let her know anything himself. He had wanted to find Milind first. But Prachi was stubborn forcing him to tell her the truth. "Ali, aap mujhe bhabhi bulaate hain. Main apne bhabhi hone ki haq se pooch rahi hoon. Aap mujhe please bataayiye. Kya hua? Milind kahan hain?" Ali, you call me your sister in law. I am asking you in my right of being your sister in law. You please tell me what has happend? where is Milind?
Prachi was almost in tears and Ali had sensed it.
Ali was also in a dilemma. He couldn't accept the allegation from Neev that Prachi had given him the proposal. But his logical brain had figured out it was only Prachi who could have allowed it to happen. But Prachi's tears on the other side of the phone had only assured him his first thought was correct. Being a married man, he had known by experience, how misunderstandings and even those little matters can cause tension in a marriage. He had gathered his friend was in love with his wife, and his wife's concern for her missing husband told him the that she too was in love with him. Ali at that moment had decided to let Prachi know everything including how Neev had called her his "mehbooba" lover.
Prachi had dropped the mobile off of her hand and had collapsed on the sofa. She was shocked and she was in disbelief of what she had just heard from Ali. She had felt immensely sad that Milind hadn't presented but rather had pulled himself back from the competition. She suddenly remembered that she had left Neev alone in her cabin with all the information on this big project lying around. She hated herself for giving Neev a chance to do what he had done. Another corner of her heart was broken into pieces by the fact that Neev had cheated her yet again this way. She felt disgusted with herself for not doubting Neev, for thinking he was a still a friend even after he had broken her and her family's trust. More painful to her was the realization that Milind would have felt crestfallen with the thought that she was Neev's lover. She had known how possessive was her husband. It was all overwhelmingly agonizing for Prachi's kind heart. She had cried loudly with her body curling itself.
Ali had been trying to call Prachi again as all he heard from her was sobbing. He had felt terribly worried for her and had cursed himself for telling her everything. After crying her heart loud for a few mintues, Prachi had consoled herself and had her brain in control to some extent. She had answered Ali and had explained him how Neev might have stolen the proposal. Things were clear to Ali as well as he remembered the day Prachi had told him Neev had waited in her cabin when she had a meeting with him. He had promised her to find Milind and ended the phone call asking her not to worry about anything.
Prachi had felt much better after Ali's assurance. Her brain had then started working at the speed of light. Wiping her tears, she had called her father and taken a few phone numbers and addresses from him. She then had made a few more phone calls and searched for the car keys. Finding Milind's car keys on the table, she had got into Milind's car and driven it with a determined mind.
Part 18
Prachi had called her father to get the phone numbers of the committee members who were going to decide on who strikes the deal with the British company. It had recorded in her mind while she was going through files in her cabin that afternoon that Mr. Kuldeep Singh was the head of that committee. She had confirmed with her father that this Kuldeep Singh was one of Inder's old friends whom she had known from childhood and fondly called as Sardarji uncle. She had phoned Mr. Kuldeep Singh who was just coming out of the Mumbai airport and urged to meet him regarding the British company's project. Mr. Singh had asked her to meet him at his home. She then had called the architect Dr. Sanjay Pillai, and asked him to urgently meet her at Mr. Singh's house giving the address and briefing him the matter. Since she was the one who handled the copyrights of Dr. Pillai's designs, she had known that he had filed patents for those designs and he could file a case against Neev for using his designs without his permission. Dr. Pillai had worked on those designs for years for his PhD and he got seriously worried and started to Mr. Singh's house right away.
Prachi never had been a good driver. Though she had learnt driving at the age of 18, she never liked it afraid of the horrible traffic in Mumbai and always preferred someone else driving her. At that moment she thought it was the best thing to drive Milind's car on her own since Mishraji had gone to the temple in the other car they had, along with the driver. Prachi had driven at a speed she never drove before, though she didn't seem to have good control of the car and the car wasn't in its best conditions. She even had jumped a couple of traffic signals in her hurry and to her luck no traffic police noticed it. When she was about to make a final turn to reach the road where Mr. Singh's house existed, there was a labourer woman crossing the road with a child in her hand and Prachi had suddenly noticed her and had honked. But the woman seemed to ignore the car and continued crossing the road. Trying to avoid the woman, Prachi had turned the car left and in confusion pressed the throttle instead of the break. The car had ascended the pavement, and ran on it for 100 meters. Prachi had tried applying the breaks, it was too late to reduce the speed and the car only stopped as it hit the huge trunk of a tree.
Prachi's head had crashed into the steering and that trauma had rendered her unconscious. The labourer woman had been out of sight by then and the road was empty without anyone noticing the accident. However, Prachi had gained consciousness after 15 mintues, found herself bleeding, but the first thing on her mind was Milind's project. Comprehending that she had an accident, she had got out of the car with her bag and ran into Mr. Singh's house as soon as she could.
Mr. Singh had just reached home then, both him and his wife were shocked to see Prachi severely bleeding. Before they had asked her why she was bleeding, Prachi had narrated in a single breath what had happened handing over a copy of her proposal to Mr. Singh and fainted requesting him to reconsider their final decision and go through Milind's proposal. Dr. Pillai had reached there before Prachi, and he had given an account of the matter to Mr. Singh already. Taking Prachi to the hospital was the most important thing to Mr. Singh and he had called for an ambulance right then while his wife had tried to give Prachi some water and tie a bangage around her head where she was prominently wounded. Prachi was in half conscious state uttering words no one could understand. The ambulance had arrived and taken Prachi to the hospital. Mrs. Singh had sat in the ambulance with Prachi, while Dr. Pillai had joined Mr. Singh in his car. As Mr. Singh drove to the hospital Dr. Pillai too anxious about his designs being stolen kept on asking him how they were going to handle the fraud. Mr. Singh had asked him to patiently wait and everything would be sorted out.
Meanwhile in Delhi, Ali had looked for Milind everywhere he could think of. He had been to Milind's hotels, called a few friends to find out if Milind was with them. As he had strained his brain thinking where else Milind would have gone, he had received a call from Sukruti saying Prachi had been admitted to a hospital and she too was asking him where Milind was. He had made a decision to leave for Mumbai right then as he even feared Prachi might have tried to commit suicide, being guilty of himself for telling the truth to Prachi. He had lied to Sukruti that Milind was in a meeting and he will ask him to come to Mumbai as soon as he gets in touch with him. Ali had sent a text message to Milind indicating he was leaving to Mumbai as Prachi was admitted to a hospital and asking him to come to Mumbai as soon as possible.
Mr. Singh had called Inder to inform about Prachi's condition and Premlatha along with Aalaap and Sukruti had reached the hospital. Inder hadn't been able to walk and though he had desperately wanted to see his daughter couldn't help it. As everyone waited outside the emergency threatre, Dr. Pillai was getting impatient regarding his designs and had asked Mr. Singh for the 10th time what was going to happen. "Tussi chup karo yaar. Tuhaadde designs baad ch vekh laange" You please keep quite. Your designs will be looked at later. Mr. Singh had yelled at him, as his prime concern was Prachi at that moment. Though Dr. Pillai hadn't been able to understand what he said in Punjabi he had realized what it meant and had apologized and kept quiet. After a while Mr. Singh had called the other committee members and asked them to delay announcing the decision to the press till he explained everything the next day.
Milind had finally come to the conclusion that he would discuss the matter with Prachi before taking a final decision on their relationship. He also had thought, Prachi was not just related to him but to his family and her family, and that their relationship would affect both families good or bad. However, his brain had often warned him he wouldn't be able to take it if Prachi had been even slightly involved with Neev, it would end up in a disaster he wouldn't have any control on.
Finally making a decision to leave for Mumbai, he had realized it was time for his return flight. He had then noticed his mobile was off ever since he had switched it off when the meeting started that afternoon. He had switched it on and as it gained signal, there were 25 missed calls from Sukruti, Premlatha, Ali and Prachi's numbers. Getting a bit worried why there were so many calls for him, he had received the text message Ali had sent and his heart skipped a beat reading it. Recovering from the shock, he had called Ali but his mobile was off as he was inflight. He then had called Sukruti who had detailed him the situation.
All Milind wanted to do then was to reach Prachi as soon as he could. He had taken a taxi and asked the driver to reach the airport as soon as possible. The driver had done his best and Milind had taken the next available flight to Mumbai.
As he impatiently waited for the flight to board he had received a call from traffic police that his car had been met with an accident. The traffic police had acquired the vehicle and they had found out from their records to whom the car belonged. Milind promised to come to the police station the next day and it then struck to his mind if Prachi had met with the accident driving that car. Simultaneously he had also remembered Ali telling him the car needed service and that had sunk Milind even more as he had forgotten to warn her not to use that car although she had often told him she disliked driving and never would want to drive his huge car.
The 2 and a half hours of his time travelling from Delhi to Mumbai, reaching the hospital had felt like ages to Milind. He was full of anxiety, pain and fear. As he rushed into the hospital he had met Shahs in the corridor talking to the doctors. The doctors had just finished with controlling Prachi's bleeding but she was yet to gain consciousness. With the head trauma Prachi had suffered doctors had feared she might go into a coma. Milind had asked them to let him meet Prachi with a screeched voice but the doctors had asked him to wait.
Milind had crashed into a seat in the waiting room and tears filled in his eyes. "Prachi, tu theek ho ja yaar. Tu please theek ho ja" Prachi, pleaes get well dear, please get well. Milind voice had died as he finished with what he was saying. Sukruti had sobbed for she had never seen her brother so distraught. Aalaap had tried to console her. Premlatha though herself was feeling miserable had sat by Milind and stroked his back to make him feel better if at all she could. "Maa" Milind had broken down holding her hands while Premlatha hadn't been able to stop her tears.
Ali had then walked in there with Mr. Singh both of whom had gone to the traffic police to sort out the matters with Milind's vehicle. "Yaar Ali, yeh sab meri galti hain. Maine Prachi ko nahi bataaya tha ke gaadi theek nahi hain. Main apne aapko iske liye maaf nahi kar paaonga" Ali, it's all my fault. I hadn't informed Prachi that the vehicle wasn't alright. I can't forgive myself for it. Milind was pushing himself into guilt while Ali had hugged his friend trying to relieve some of his pain. Mr. Singh had then pointed out to everyone that Prachi had told him how she met with the accident trying to avoid her car hitting a woman and her child and the accident wasn't due to the condition of the car. Mr. Singh then had detailed Milind about how Prachi had come to meet him in order to stop the decision on the British project as there was a fraud. He also informed Milind the decision had been postponed and there would be an enquiry into the whole matter. He also suggested to Milind that he should meet with the committee once again and he would let him know about it.
Milind had further sunk in his guilt conscious. He had hated himself for doubting his wife, who now had put her life in danger to get him what he had lost out due to someone else's crooked act. He had felt guilty of doubting her loyalties, her priorities. He had sat with his hands on his head while tears had silently flown from his eyes and his heart had raced in angst.
After an hour, the doctors had told Prachi's folks that they could see her but she hadn't yet gained consciousness. Everyone had a glimpse of her in the limited time the doctors had given them leaving a few mintues for Milind. Milind had walked into the room and his heart had stopped to see his wife unconscious. The smile she always had on her face had gone with her face having lost its glow. Taking her hand in his, Milind had sat numb by her bed, and intently looking at her eyes with a hundred prayers for them to open.
Part 19
Five days had passed and Prachi still hadn't gained consciousness. Milind had stayed in the hospital with Prachi most of the time and had consulted the best doctors in Mumbai regarding Prachi's condition. The doctors had given hopes that she would be normal soon but none of them had given a guarantee. Mr. Kuldeep Singh had come to meet Milind in the hospital to ask him to go to London for a meeting with the British company next week, before they formally assigned him the contract. An enquiry had taken place after Mr. Singh brought up the possible fraud issue in front of the committee. The British company had come to the conclusion that Neev had stolen Milind's designs and hence the contract was to be given to Milind. But they had wanted a meeting with Milind before they finalized the deal. Dr. Pillai had sued Neev for using his designs without his permission and every newspaper had published the fraud Neev had committed. Taking advantage of this situation a couple of other companies also had filed cases against Neev who were tricked by him previously. Ayesha had come to know about Neev's reality this time for he couldn't hide it anymore from her as the news had made headlines in national television. She had moved out of Neev's house with their son Aditya to her old flat. Pranay and Niharika Shergill had come to meet Ayesha extending their full support for her and even stayed with her to take care of Aditya while she worked long hours in her beauty parlour. Neev hadn't even met with his parents or come to see Ayesha for he was busy trying to save himself, hiring a lawyer. As there were multiple solid allegations against him, his chances of avoiding a jail sentence were slim.
Milind was unwilling to go to London as he couldn't think of anything other than Prachi. Mr. Singh had tried persuading him by telling Prachi put herself through all this only for him to obtain this contract and he should do this for her sake. Milind hadn't replied anything and Mr. Singh had left the documents with Milind and had taken his leave.
Premlatha had relieved Milind from the hospital asking him to go home and take some rest. Milind had agreed as he needed to drop Mishraji home too, who was in the hospital with him for a few hours that day. As Milind and Mishraji entered the Mishra house, they had found the house empty and lifeless. Sweety who hadn't seen her Prachi for so many days had sensed there was something seriously wrong with her. As Milind sat on the sofa, Sweety had slowly walked in front of him with her ears and tail dropped down. She had hardly eaten anything for the past few days making her look all the more sad. She had stared at Milind as if she was questioning him where Prachi was but also pleading him to bring her back. Sweety's grieving eyes had only increased Milind's grief and he had hugged the dog, kissed it on its forehead weeping like a baby. Mishraji's heart had wept too seeing his son so distraught and he had stroked his back asking him to face life courageously and not to be disheartened so soon. "Main uska intezaar karunga Baaba, chaahe poori umar na kyun lag jaaye" I will wait for her Baaba, even if it takes my whole life. Milind had wiped his tears went to take a shower.
Meanwhile Premlatha had sat by Prachi in the hospital placing her hand on her forehead. She was deeply hurt to see her child lying unconscious like this. She had wondered why it had to be her child, why not her. Her heart broke to remember that Prachi had gone through so much bad in life and when she just had found some happiness, destiny had been so cruel on her. She had closed her eyes in ache with the tears that had filled them dropping on Prachi's hand.
And right then, Premlatha had heard a gasp, had opened her eyes to see Prachi's eyes moving, trying to open. Prachi had slowly opened her eyes while a smile slowly formed on Premlatha's lips. "Maa" Prachi had recognized her mother and had held her hand. "Beta, tujhe hosh aa gaya" Daughter, you gained consciousness..Premlatha had kissed her daughter's hand holding it against her cheek. "Maa, Milind, unka contract, woh kahan hain?" Mother, Milind's contract.. where is he? Prachi had questioned in a low voice. Premlatha had told her there was nothing to worry and everything was under control.
Premlatha had called the doctors to let them know Prachi had gained consciousness. As doctors examined Prachi, Premlatha had called Milind. Mishraji received the phone and Premlatha had broken the good news to them in a single breath while Mishraji had knocked Milind's bathroom door saying Prachi had gained consciousness. Milind had come out of the shower and confirmed the news with his father and thanked God for listening to his prayers.
Milind then had rushed to the hospital back along with Mishraji. Prachi had gained complete consciousness but her head injury still needed time to heal. The doctors had told Premlatha that Prachi could be taken home in a couple of days but she still needed bed rest for a couple of weeks. Prachi had already taken an account of what had happened after her accident from her mother and had waited for Milind to reach the hospital.
Sukruti, Aalaap, Ritwick and Inder too had reached the hospital by the time Milind and Mishraji reached there. Life had come back to Shah and Mishra families as Prachi had greeted them all with her angelic smile. Everyone had articulated how terrible it was for them, with her lying unconscious and how contented they were to see her smiling again. Milind had later found time when Prachi was alone and had sat by her caressing her cheek.
"Terey ko apni jaan khatre mein daalne ki kya zaroorat thi? Us Neev ko main apne tareeqe se handle kar leta. Tujhe pataa hain mujhe kitni taqleef hui tujhe is haal mein dekhkar?" What was the necessity for you to put your life in danger? I would have handled Neev in my own way. Do you know how much it hurt me to see you in this condition? Milind had protested for the pain he had gone through for the past few days.
"Milind, meri laparwahi se Neev ko chori karne ka mauka milaa tha. Aur main hargiz nahi chaahti thi ke meri wajah se aapka deal choot jaaye. Ek aur baat Milind, Neev ke saath ab mera koi rishta nahi hain. Sab kuch tabhi khatam ho gaya tha, jab usne mujhe teen saal pehle dhoka diya tha. Par woh itna neeche gir sakta hain yeh maine nahi socha tha. Par main kasam se kehti hoon Milind, merey dil mein uske liye koi jagah nahi hain" Milind, becasue of my carelessness, Neev got a chance to steal. And I never wanted you to lose the contract becasue of me. One more thing Milind, I don't have any relationship with Neev now. Everything ended when he betrayed me 3 years ago. I had never thought he would stoop this low. But I swear Milind, I have no place for him in my heart. Prachi had wanted to make it clear to Milind that Neev was nothing to her.
"Bas Prachi"Enough Prachi Milind had shut her lips with his fingers. "Tujhe koi safaai dene ki zaroorat nahi hain. Main apne aapse sharminda hoon ke jab Neev ne terey upar ilzaam lagaaya to merey dimaag mein kayi sawaal uthe. Par sach kehta hoon Prachi merey dil ne uski baat nahi maani"You don't have to give any justification. I am ashamed of myself that many questions popped up in my head when Neev accused you. But I tell you the truth, my heart wasn't agreeing with him.
Prachi had held Milind's hand and kissed his fingers. None of them had wanted any apologies from each other. Milind had then bent over to kiss her cheeks and then had planted a soft kiss on her lips. Both had their eyes filled with tears but had finally smiled it off in the joy of seeing each other after what it had felt like eons.
Premlatha had suggested Prachi stay in Shah house until her wounds are healed completely. They had a nurse at home anyway to look after Inder, and Premlatha had thought she could take care of Prachi's dressing too. Milind though had wanted Prachi to be with him had agreed since he thought Premlatha would be the best person to care for Prachi at that point. He also needed to go to London to finalize the contract as Prachi and everybody else had forced him to get this deal in his hands.
Milind had taken Sweety to Shah house, as he had known how much she had missed Prachi. He also had stayed in the Shah house for a couple of days with Prachi before he left for London. Aalaap, Sukruti and Ritwick had also left with him for London since Ritwick's school was to start and Aalaap needed to get back to his work. Milind had finalized the contract with the British company, stayed in Sukruti's house for a day and had flown back to Mumbai. Meanwhile Neev's lawyer hadn't been successful in saving Neev from jail sentence and he had been given imprisonment of a year for all his professional crimes. All of his partner companies had withdrawn their deals with him and his company had gone bankrupt.
Prachi had almost recovered from all her injuries. But she was yet to move back to Mishra house as Premlatha had arranged a pooja in the wake of both Inder and Prachi coming back to good health. Milind hadn't been able to attend the pooja as he needed to go to Pune for an unavoidable work matter. That evening, back in Mumbai Milind had a dinner to attend with one of his staff members and the restaurant was very near to Shah mansion. Wanting to take Prachi too with him for the dinner, he had phoned her to reach the restaurant in 10 minutes. Prachi had refused him saying she had guests at home and her mother had already cooked for her too so wouldn't be able to make it for the dinner. Milind already annoyed with her for staying away from him for so long, was even more irritated now as she had refused this dinner with him, though the restaurant was so close to her house. "Baat mat kar mujhse, tu naa merey ghar aa rahi hain, aur na mere saath dinner pe chalegi, rahe tu apne Paapa ke ghar" Don't talk to me. You are neither coming to my house, nor wanting to come for a dinner with me. You be in your father's place. saying so, Milind had cut the call infuriated, while Prachi was laughing in her heart.
Prachi was already in the Mishra house by then. She had convinced her mother that she was fine and she should go back to her husband's house now. Wanting to surprise Milind she had come to Mishra house all of a sudden only to learn from her father in law that Milind had left for a dinner already. In her eagerness to meet Milind, she even had forgotten to bring Sweety back with her. Prachi had dinner with Mishraji and it was then Milind had called her asking her to come to the dinner with him. Prachi already had finished her dinner by then, and even if she had started then to join him for the dinner she wouldn't have made it in time as Mishra house was far off from the restaurant. That's the reason she had declined his offer and still kept her hopes of surprising him by not telling him she was in his house.
Prachi had noticed Milind's room had become untidy with things haphazardly spread everywhere. She had cleaned room, changed curtains, sheets and pillow covers, lit a lone scented cinnamon candle, and played a Jagjit Singh CD. As she almost finished cleaning and arranging the room, she had found Milind's bag she had packed for him when he went to Delhi. Gathering he still hadn't unpacked it, she had opened it and had found a packet in her name along with the other files. Curious about the packet, she had unpacked it, and was surprised to see a maroon saree in it. Loving the embroidery work on the saree, she had opened it, to see the whole saree, she had found out it was an unusual saree made with different cloth materials and stitched pleats. Prachi couldn't resist the temptation to wear that saree and she had taken a quick shower, and had wrapped the saree around. She didn't seem to get it right the first time, the second time being a bit better. As she finally managed to wear the saree, she had stood in front of the mirror adjusting her pallu, just then she had heard the door move, which she kept open for Milind.
Milind had come back from his dinner and noticing that his father was asleep, he had walked towards his room. Wondering why the lights in his room were on and where the soft music he was hearing came from, he had slowly pushed the door in to notice his room had looked clean and posh with a spicy smell of the cinnamon. A soft ghazal played in the background had made it all even more magical. He had turned around closing the door behind.
Charagh-o-aftab Gum, Badi Haseen Raat Thi
Shabaab ki Naqaab Gum, Badi Haseen Raat Thi
(With the Sun's lamp disappeared, It was very a beautiful night,
with the veil on youth disappeared, It was a very beautiful night)
http://www.lyricsmasti.com/song/6418/get_lyrics_of_Chirag-Aftab-gum-Badi.html
His eyes had fallen on the figure in front of the mirror and a grin occupied his face as it recorded in his mind that his wife was home. Still wanting to confirm whether it was a dream or a reality he had walked up to that feminine figure, and found that figure turning to face him. He had stood enthralled to see his woman in the maroon saree he had chosen for her and in reality she had looked way more beautiful than he had imagined. As he had stood with his eyes fixed on her, Prachi had lowered her eyes feeling shy and also to avoid being pulled to the magnetism of her man dressed in a dinner jacket. That movement had given a Milind a touch of reality and he had further moved close to her. As they got dangerously close, their bodies got pulled towards each other in a tight and warm hug before their brains registered anything. Breaking from the hug after what it felt like ages, they had swayed to the soft music with Milind's hands encircling Prachi's waist and her hands meeting around his neck.
Likha Tha Jis Kitaab Mein, Ke Ishq To Haraam Hai
Hui Wohi Kitaab Gum, Badi Haseen Raat Thi
(The book in which it was written love is wicked,
the book itself disappeared, It was a very beautiful night)
As the intimacy made their craving for each other unbearable, Milind had lifted Prachi in his arms and slowly placed her on the bed. Prachi had opened her arms giving a sweet invitation. Holding her hands Milind had kissed her fingers and moved his lips over her hand to her shoulder laying himself gently on her. His face millimeters close to hers, had tilted slightly, to allow his lips to reach hers as they both closed their eyes losing themselves to the passion of that kiss.
Labon Se Lab Jo Mil Gaye, Labon Se Lab hi Sil Gaye
Sawaal Gum Jawaab Gum, Badi Haseen Raat Thi
(As lips met lips, lips got sewed into lips,
Answers and questions disappeared, It was a very beautiful night).
The cinnamon candle had burnt slowly, so was Prachi and Milind's beautiful night. There had been no hurry, as they both knew they had the whole night for each other, the whole life. There were whispers, but no audible words as their bodies celebrated their union. That night had taught them they truly belonged to each other by body, mind and soul.
Epilogue
Paanch saal baad (Five years later).....
"Daaduuuuu, Mamma Paapa aa gaye"Granddad, mom and dad are home. Rashmi who had finished her homework guided by her grand father had run out of the house as she heard a car breaking.
"Dhyaan se bachche" Careful, kid Mishraji had lovingly asked the little girl to be cautious as she ran to her maximum speed.
"Paapa..Mamma.. Maine apna saara homework khatam kar diya" Dad, Mom.. I have finished all my homework. the little bundle of joy had brought a huge smile on both of her parents' faces as she greeted them with her shiny eyes.
Rashmi had tried to jump on to Milind's arms as soon as she saw him for her daily dose of "jhoolas (swings)". But like everyday Milind had told her he needed to wash his hands before he touched his 'butter doll' (makhkhan ki gudiya- which is what he called his daughter). Rashmi had followed him to the bathroom where he washed his hands and face, then he had taken his coat off, hung it behind the bathroom wall, came out of the bathroom lifting her in his arms and kissing her all over her face. Mishraji had got tea and some bournvita for his grand daughter. Prachi had poured tea, mixed some milk and sugar and served it to Mishraji and Milind. Milind had told his daughter he would swing her only if she finished her bournvita. The little girl had obeyed him sincerely.
After swinging Rashmi until she was tired of laughing, Milind was receiving his daily dose of kisses from his daughter. Prachi had tried to take Rashmi off of Milind's hands but she had refused. Milind had persuaded Rashmi to give a kiss to her mother too and the father daughter duo had followed Prachi to the kitchen. Sitting on Milind's shoulder, Rashmi had bent to kiss her mother on her cheek while Milind too had kissed her on the other cheek. Prachi had pinched the cheeks of the two beloved people in her life and a silent prayer had unconsciously escaped her lips to keep her little heaven intact like this.
Rashmi was conceived when Milind and Prachi were on a honeymoon in Scotland. The two weeks Milind and Prachi spent in the Scottish isles were the best moments of their life. It was a time where they had learnt those little secrets about each other, understood each other's needs and moods and dreamt of their future life. Nothing had been happier for Milind than to know Prachi was pregnant with his child.
Prachi's pregnancy hadn't been a smooth one and she had gone through a lot of health issues. She had stopped going to work in the last two months of her pregnancy and stayed at her mother's place. The delivery had been very difficult with Prachi's blood pressure going highly unstable. Milind had emotionally suffered all that Prachi had endured physically.
There had been ups and downs in Milind and Prachi's life in the last five years, with Milind getting busier and busier at work as the British hotel project had him sweat his blood out. Though Prachi had understood and helped him dealing with his pressures working with him, there were times when she had felt ignored leading to tiffs between husband and wife. On the other hand, Milind had been mad at his wife at times, for being over protective of her daughter. But their happy moments were way more than these little squabbles. By the time Rashmi celebrated her first year birthday Milind had successfully completed the British hotel project and that had made him that best hotelier in India, a position that Inder had enjoyed in the peak of his career. Then on, Milind had slightly reduced his work load as Ali and his other colleagues took more responsibilites. Inder had completely retired from work and handed over most of his business dealings to Milind and Prachi while he gave away most of his property to Aalaap. Prachi had slowly taken up the responsibility of the whole Human Resources management of the company. Aalaap and Sukruti had moved back to India and lived with Inder and Premlatha. Aalaap had joined a software company in Mumbai while Sukruti had been a housewife. Ritwick studied in the same school as Rashmi and he was very protective of his little cousin.
As he faced a jail sentence, Neev had a chance to comprehend what was right and wrong in life. He was ashamed of himself, as he was the first person of all the people he knew to make it to jail. After he came out of the jail, he had begged Ayesha to come back to his life, she had obliged after he pleaded her for a year. Her decision to get back with him was more for their son Aditya. Neev had started a herbal beauty products business with Ayesha. He had not only apologized to his parents but also to Milind and Prachi. Milind had been in the minimum talking terms with Neev but Prachi hadn't wanted to let even his shadow to fall on her life.
That night, Prachi had fed Rashmi her dinner in the balcony who was seated on Milind's lap watching the full moon. Rashmi had given an account of her daily happenings to her parents, starting from what happened in her school to the beggar she saw when she had gone for a walk with her grandfather along with Sweety, Micky and Minnie. Micky and Minne were Sweety's son and daughter respectively which were a result of Sikandar's undying love for Sweety, which she had appreciated after 4 years of pleading from him. After finishing her dinner, Rashmi had started playing with Micky and Minnie while the rest of Mishras ate their dinner. Sweety too had joined the three of them as they all played with a tennis ball. Sweety had loved and protected Rashmi as much as she loved her own puppies.
After the dinner, it was time for Mishraji to sleep but Rashmi had followed him to listen to the stories he told her everyday. Today she demanded the hare and the tortoise story yet again but she had wanted the hare to win, as it was her favourite animal. Mishraji had to twist every story he knew in many different ways to satisfy the demands of his little granddaughter. Rashmi had further demanded more stories and when Mishraji was finishing the fifth story of the day, Prachi had interfered saying it was time to go to bed and though Rashmi was reluctant to do so, her mother had taken her by promising another story. Prachi had sat on Rashmi's bed laying her daughter on her lap, and started with a story. But the little girl had demanded for her favourite "do sitaaron ka zameen par milan (an old movie song Rashmi had often heard in her grandfather's room)" song and Prachi had tried her best to sing it though she wasn't a good singer. Milind had come there too hearing his wife sing. Rashmi seemed to be in no mood to sleep and she had asked her parents why she didn't have a brother or a sister, while all her friends at school had. She had commented even Micky had Minnie and Minnie had Micky but she didn't have any. Milind and Prachi had looked at each other's face but Prachi had assured her she would also have one some day. Milind had then gone to his room while Prachi had sung another song after Rashmi said she would pray to the angels to bring her a sibling.
Milind had sat on his bed pondering over Rashmi's question on siblings. It was him who hadn't really wanted another child as he had seen Prachi's painful pregnancy and delivery. Though he loved babies, he didn't want to see his wife go through that all over again though Prachi had often demanded she wanted another child. They recently had a small argument over it and he had told her to go with whatever she wished. But today after his daughter too demanded another baby he too had felt they needed another child in the house and decided to tell Prachi that he too thought that they should have another baby now.
Prachi had come to Milind after she made sure Rashmi was asleep. She had been thinking over the last few days about the thing she had wanted to tell Milind. Joining her husband in the bed, Prachi had laid her head on his chest and told him she needed to tell him something. Milind too had told her even he had something to tell her. As Milind demanded her to tell what she had in her mind before he gave away his thoughts, Prachi had said playing with the buttons of his kurta "Milind, maine kuch dinon se pills lena bandh kar diya hain. Main jaanti hoon, aapko lagta hain ke ek aur pregnancy merey liye bahut mushkil hogi. Par doosri pregnancy pehli se hamesha aasaan hoti hain Milind. Maine doctor se bhi baat kiya. Unhone bhi kahaa ke koi problem nahi hain. Aur aapko pataa hain main 30 saal ki honewali hoon. Meri umar bhi nikalti jaa rahi hain". Milind, I have stopped taking contraceptive pills for the last few days. I know you feel another pregnancy would be difficult for me. But second pregancy is always easier than the first. I have talked to the doctor too. Even she said there is no problem. And you know I am going to turn 30 soon. And I am growing older too.Saying what she had to say Prachi had eagerly waited for his reply.
Milind had a smile on his lips that his wife had the same thing to say like what he had in his mind. It had happened many times that they were thinking about the same thing at the same time. He had gently stroked her head and told her "tujhe pataa hain, main bhi terey se yehi kehna chaahta tha. Aaj Rashmi ki baatein sunne ke baad mujhe bhi aisa lagaa ke hamein ek aur bachcha chahiye. Par Prachi tujhe apna poora khayal rakhna hoga".Do you know, I had wanted to say the same thing. After hearing what Rashmi said today, I also thought we should have another baby. But Prachi, you have to take full care of yourself.
Prachi couldn't have been happier than hearing that her husband too had willingly agreed to have another baby. "Aap hain na, mera khayaal rakhne ke liye" You are there to take care of me right? saying so, Prachi had raised her head and kissed him on his forehead. She then had moved her fingers on the contours of his face while also showering him with soft kisses. Milind had closed his eyes and calmly enjoyed Prachi's display of affection. Prachi had then kissed him softly on his lips and neck slowly unbuttoning his kurta. She had passionately kissed his chest even biting him slightly. She then had moved back to his neck trailing kisses and then had reached his ear to bite it a bit harsh. Milind hadn't been able to control himself anymore and he had rolled her under him taking command of her lips with his for a deep kiss as his tongue explored her mouth. Soon they had undressed each other hurriedly and had yet again taken each other to the world of their love and ecstasy, a beautiful world that belonged to just the two of them.
Milind had rested by Prachi's neck as they both breathed in ultimate satisfaction. Minutes later, he had pulled her onto him not wanting to put his weight on her for too long and fondled her gently.
An eternal joy had overwhelmed them delaying their sleep. They both had reminisced how they have traveled life together for years now. "Prachi, pyar kya hota hain?" Prachi, what is love? Milind had questioned her as the thought crossed his mind all of a sudden. Prachi had thought about it for a bit not knowing the perfect answer to her husband's question.
"Milind pyar woh hota hain jo aap mujhse karte hain" Milind, love is what you have for me. Prachi had replied letting him analyze the answer himself.
"Maine kab kahaa ke main terey se pyar karta hoon" When did I tell you that I love you. Milind had asked her hugging her even more tightly.
"Aapko kehne ki kya zaroorat hain Milind? Ghar mein, office mein meraa itna saath dena, merey Mamma-Paapa ka khayaal rakhna, Meri choti choti zarooratein samajhna, merey upar bachche ki tarah gussa karna, aur jab main naaraaz hoti hoon to mujhe manaana, mujhe kabhi akela nahi mehsoon karne dena, aur jo merey dil mein vishwas hain ke aap har khushi aur mushkil mein merey saath hain, isey pyar nahi to aur kya kehte hain Milind?" Do you need to say that Milind? You being always by my side at home and work, you taking care of my parents, understanding even my tiny needs, you getting angry on me like a baby, you pleasing me when I am angry, you not letting me feel alone, you giving me the trust that you are there for me in every happiness and every problem. If this is not love, what else it can be called Milind? Prachi had given a long answer to him giving him numerous reasons on why she thought he loved her.
"Aur tera apni jaan merey liye khatre mein daalna, apni har choti choti baat mujhe bataana, merey babaa, meri behen ka itna parva karna, merey har pasand napasand ki jaankaari rakhna, main jab terey upar chillata hoon to Rashmi ki tarah rona, mujh par itna bharosa karna, aur har kadam par meraa saath dena" And you putting your life in danger for me, you understanding my every like and dislike, you caring for my father and sister, you sharing your every little thing with me, when I shout on you, you crying like Rashmi, the trust you have on me and you being with me in every step. Milind had added his reasons too defining what he understood as her love.
Prachi had smiled as her eyes filled with tears. Milind had wiped them away as he was never comfortable to see her tears. In an attempt to lighten her mood, he rolled him under her again and said "Ey Prachi, tujhe pataa hain pyar kuch aur bhi hota hain" Prachi do you know, something else is also love.. Prachi had looked at him with a questioning face wondering what he meant. Milind had moved his hand from her legs to her face and touching her lips with his fingers, he had said "jab main tujhe aise choota hoon to tera aise laal laal ho jaana, tujhe aise dekhkar mera dil zor se dhadakna, aur mera tujhse chipakne ka mann karna, shaayad yeh bhi pyar hain". When I touch you like this, you blushing red , and seeing you like this, my heartbeat going high, and then, me wanting to cling on to you tightly. may be this is also love. Prachi had blushed all the more and he had nuzzled her neck. He then had grabbed her lips with his not allowing her to breath and she had pulled the comforter over them tightly hugging him.
One of Milind's sperms carrying Y chromosome had made it to Prachi's egg that night as the angels had granted little Rashmi with her wishes.
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