DESTINY'S CHILDREN

Part I

He sat stiffly on the hospital bench, his fists clasped tight, hitting against his forehead and his eyes squeezed shut as he silently yet fervently prayed for her. His sister laid a reassuring arm around his shoulder but he could n't feel it. Nor did he notice her mother standing close by looking at him with concern, worry written all over her pretty face. She prayed that everything will work out fine and her daughter will pull through this for all of them and particularly for the man whose very breath of life she was. Multiple births were always going to be risky.

As the door to the Operation Theatre opened he looked up and hurriedly went to the doctor who appeared at the entrance of it. His wife's mother and his sister were close at his heels. Before they could utter a word, the doctor who removed his mask and gloves, broke into a broad smile and said:

"Congratulations Mr.Mishra. You have two healthy and beautiful daughters and a bonny son!"

"My wife..."

Before he could complete the sentence the doctor assured him that she was doing fine and would soon gain consciousness. As he was speaking Milind saw two nurses carrying the babies out and heading straight to the neonatal intensive care unit. Since the babies arrived prematurely they will be under observation till they are fully fit to be taken home which may be a week or couple of weeks the doctor continued. Milind went up to the NICU and looked through the glass at his babies. His eyes brimmed with tears of joy and he broke into a smile even as his sister and mother-in-law shook his hands and hugged him. His wife was brought out of the OT and was wheeled into the ward. Milind sat next to her and held her hands waiting patiently for her to open her eyes. After what seemed like ages but was only an hour or so, Prachi opened her eyes and looked at her husband. Milind leaned forward and kissed her forehead tenderly as he said in a soft loving voice.

"Welcome back my love and thank you for giving me three adorable little babies". Sukriti and PL looked on with smiles and left the room silently to give the couple their private moment.


It was two weeks since the arrival of the triplets into this world. They had grown stronger during this time and were deemed fit to be taken home. Milind and Prachi stood outside the NICU as the nurse came out and handed the baby girls to Milind who held one each in each of his large arms and gave the baby boy to Prachi who received him with the broadest and proudest smile in the world. As they left the place there were several pairs of eyes which followed them, admiring this good looking couple who were so obviously in love with each other and the precious bundles of joy in their arms.


Part II
(1)


Three years ago.....

It was two days before the wedding. The preparations for the engagement ceremony were going on full swing. Prachi Inder Shah, the bride, sat demurely in front of the mirror, slowly adorning herself in all the ornate jewellery befitting the daughter of one of the country's well known hotelier and business tycoon. Her thoughts flew to the day she first met him. He was a scrawny 10-year old with twinkling eyes and an impish grin. He accompanied his parents, to the dinner her father had thrown for them to celebrate their business partnership. Being an only child, he longed for company and immediately struck up a friendship with her brother, Alaap and her.

His visits were more frequent since then and the boy spent most of his waking hours out of school at their place. While his boisterous needs were met by Alaap, the sensitive streak in him sought her company more often. He loved pulling her leg and watch her face turn crimson. Initially she used to take him way too seriously and tears would wait to spill over but his nickname for her, "cry baby", soon put a stop to that. She learnt to take the jokes in her stride and laugh them off. She confided in him all her innermost feelings. This was quite extraordinary since she was the archetypical introvert. Over the years, apart from her father whom she held in the highest of regards, the only other person whose judgment she relied upon was him. He always seemed to have a solution to all her innumerable problems, such as, what dress to wear for the school annual day, what excuses to give her math teacher for not completing her homework, what gift to buy her dad for his birthday etc, etc.


Although it was six years ago, it seemed like only yesterday that she stood at the airport bidding him good bye as he board his plane to the U.K. to pursue his college education there. Since then he had briefly visited India on three occasions but unluckily for her she never got to meet him on any of them. On all three occasions she was out of town, once on a college tour around the country, once on a family trip abroad and the third, on a field trip for her project in her graduate course. They always kept in touch, though, through e-mails and phone calls. While he was a charmer and had a way with words, he was not much into written communication. His messages were more one liners seeking news from her rather than give much details of his life. She continued to seek his counsel on various matters. Their phone calls extended into the wee hours of the morning and more often than not she ended up hurting her sides, laughing through most of their conversations.


(2)

Her carefree existence had come to a grinding halt when Inder had a sudden heart attack soon after he returned from a business tour. Although he recovered from it soon enough, he was worried about the future of his daughter. He wanted to settle her down in life as early as possible. After discussing the matter with his wife, Prem Latha (PL for short), he asked his daughter's opinion. After all she was the apple of his eye. He cannot take a decision without the consent of his little princess. Prachi was not one to question her father's wisdom. She had implicit faith in his decision making abilities and, moreover, the man he had chosen for her was her best friend. What more could she have asked for? She shyly nodded her approval of his proposal for her.

Inder soon met his friend and former business partner, Mr.Pranay Shergill and fixed up the wedding of their children by the end of the month when Neev was expected to return from the U.K. As the time was short, Inder almost immediately set in motion all the arrangements for a grand wedding of his only daughter. Prachi had thought of calling up Neev but somehow couldn't do so. All of a sudden she felt too shy to even speak to him. Now that he will be her future husband, she felt that her equation with him has undergone a subtle change. He will soon be more than just a friend to her. So she awaited the day he will return to India, the day they will get engaged, to look him in the eye and convey all that her heart was longing to say.

Prachi asked her college friend Ayesha to help with the wedding planning. Ayesha was a vivacious, independent girl with a "devil may care" attitude to life, a striking contrast to Prachi. Life had dealt her the worst hand of cards. Her parents had separated after she was born. Her mother, who was emotionally weak, couldn't bear the parting and became mentally deranged after that. Her maternal grandmother who took care of her while she was young passed away in the year she joined college. She has faced life practically all alone since then, coping with taking care of a sick mother and finishing her education, working part time. She now worked in a garment export company as a supervisor. Prachi tried to help her monetarily on several occasions but she was too self respecting to accept money or pity from any one. She always asked Prachi to be more independent minded but Prachi was happy being who she was.


Although the two of them were as different from each other as chalk from cheese, they got on like a house on fire. Ayesha filled the vacuum that Neev left in her and Prachi was able to share with her things she could not share with a guy. She told her of the new feelings she seemed to have realised for Neev after their marriage was finalised. Ayesha was amused to see a girl of the twenty first century act more prudish than a nineteenth century one. Despite her urgings, Prachi just wouldn't convey her feelings to Neev. Ayesha knew that one look at a blushing Prachi will convey to Neev what a thousand words cannot. So she did not push the matter too hard.


On the day of the engagement, Ayesha was delayed at work. Prying herself away with great difficulty she rushed to the Shah House where Prem Latha was overseeing the catering arrangements. She motioned to Ayesha that Prachi was in her room, getting ready for the occasion and Ayesha rushed to her friend's aid.


Seeing Ayesha, Prachi was ecstatic. She caught her arms and spun her around gushing of all the things she was dying to tell Neev. Ayesha calmed her friend down.

"Now, now Prachi. slow down. Where was this Prachi hiding all these days? Are my eyes playing tricks or has my shy, demure Prachi been stolen by someone?" she joked.

Prachi immediately bent her head down and looked at her toes.

"Now this looks more like the Prachi I know", said Ayesha making Prachi blush crimson.

Soon the girls got on with the rest of the adornment, at the end of which Prachi looked really like the princess her father keeps referring to her as.

(3)

On the same day, in a chawl at another part of the city

He stood by the window, with one foot up on the sill, brows furrowed in frustration, mouth chewing a neem stick with such vigour that the stick was shredded to pieces in minutes. It had been another futile day at the bank. The manager, like the others he had met before him, was more interested in the size of the wallet of his customers than their will or determination to succeed. He had an excellent academic track record but alas did not have large collaterals to pledge as security nor the right connections to provide surety for the loan he needed to start his own undertaking. He was perplexed, wondering what to do next when his father's booming voice resonated through the small three-room tenement.

"Milind, what are you doing by the window? Why are you not ready yet?"

"Ready for what, Baba?"

"Ready for the engagement, of course"

"Engagement? Whose engagement?"

"Surely, not yours. Which idiot will give his daughter's hand in marriage to a guy who has no qualms throwing away his life"

That stung pretty bad and Milind turned his back away from his father, trying to suppress the pain his words inflicted on him. He loved and respected his father but the man's rigid and sometimes dictatorial behaviour made him rebel against him.

This infuriated his father even more. He spun him around saying, "Now, are you coming with me to the Shah House or not? Inder Saab's daughter is getting engaged and Saab had himself come home to invite our entire family. Did I not tell you that we will be attending the function today?"

Milind vaguely remembered his father mentioning something to that effect while they were having dinner the previous day. Shaking his head with irritation he said, "I am not attending any ostentatious party thrown by the rich to proclaim to the world just how much wealth they have."

Mishraji was shaking with anger by now. "Is this the way to answer your father? In my times, we never spoke a word against our father. Such was the obedience. Children these days do not know the first thing about respect for their parents."

"Baba, I do respect you, but I can't go to that house and see you being ordered around by the rich inmates."

"What do you know of the way I am being treated in that house? Inder Saab seeks my counsel in all matters relating to his business. He gives me more respect than is due to a mere accountant. His family treats me as one of their own. Your sister Sukriti's education expenses are fully borne by them. Don't you think the least we could do to reciprocate their kindness is grace the occasion of the engagement of the only daughter of Inder Saab? Sukriti has already left for the Shah House. We need to be there in the next hour or so to help with the arrangements and receive the guests."

Milind realised it was pointless arguing with a man who has lived practically his entire life in servitude. Letting out an exasperated sigh, he went up to his wardrobe and picked out a faded pair of denims and a khakhi coloured shirt. His father was about to protest but seeing the menacing look in his son's eyes, he stopped short. Expressing his displeasure by the shake of his head and the click of his tongue, he left the place to allow Milind to get ready for the grand occasion in his typical tapori style - shirt unbuttoned half way down, denims folded at the bottom and handkerchief tied around his neck.

(4)

Shah House

At the Shah House, Milind and Mishraji were welcomed by PL, who informed the latter that her husband had left for the airport with Mr.Shergill to receive Neev. Neev was to have arrived the previous day, but a bomb scare at the Heathrow Airport had delayed all flights. With the function due to begin in a couple of hours, PL was worried if they will be back in time with the groom. Mishraji reassured her that everything will go on fine. He then introduced his son to her and PL marvelled at how tall and handsome the little shy boy, who had come to their house fifteen years back, has grown up to be. She requested Mishraji to entertain Inder's business associates as she was not familiar with them. Mishraji obliged and soon hurried to the lawn where the guests had assembled for the function. Milind fidgeted uncomfortably in the alien surroundings. Realising Milind's discomfiture, PL informed him that Sukriti was with Prachi in the room upstairs. He excused himself, saying he would like to speak to his sister and went in search of her. PL got busy with her friends and relatives who had arrived.

Once upstairs, Milind looked around, wondering which room Sukriti will be in when he thought he heard his sister's giggles and someone's whispers. Craning his neck forward, he slowly pushed open the door in front of him and was startled to see the most exquisite creature he had ever set eyes on. Her sparkling almond shaped eyes widened initially in surprise and then relief.

"So, finally you have arrived. Have been waiting for you since morning."

The guy was stumped at the reception he got from this perfect stranger.

"Ugh!", he managed to grunt.

"The bathroom sink is clogged. Can you see what the problem is?"

He stood still, not registering what she was saying. He could not take his eyes off those soft, supple pink lips which were the same shade as the heavy lehanga she was wearing. As she spoke, the lips parted to reveal a set of pearly white teeth. Seeing his unmoving form, she was getting impatient.

"Hello!!! are you hard of hearing?"

On hearing another grunt from him, she raised her decibel level.

"THE BATHROOM SINK IS CLOGGED! CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE A LOOK?"

Her scream nearly tore his ear drum. Shaking himself, he cleared his ear with his index finger and took in his surroundings. Turning to her, he asked,"Why are you shouting?"

"I thought you were hard of hearing. I'm sorry, it's now obvious you are not. By the way where is your tool kit?"

"What tool kit?" He looked at her puzzled.

"The plumbing tool kit, of course"

"Now why would I be roaming around this house with a plumbing tool kit?" By now he had come to the conclusion that the girl, though beautiful, was mentally unhinged.

"Well, a plumber will carry his tool kit when he comes to attend a complaint, would he not?"

"Plumber, who me?"

Before he could respond, the door swung open and Ayesha barged in.

"Milind! What are you doing here?"

"Milind?" asked a confused Prachi "Do you know him, Ayesha"

"The two of you have not met? Prachi, I would have thought you would know Mishraji's son, Milind."

"Oh, so you are Milind" drawled Prachi, by now red with shame for having mistaken him for a plumber but what can she do, his attire had misled her into believing so.

"Looks like you guys are meeting for the first time" exclaimed an amazed Ayesha.

"We have met more than fifteen years back when we were still kids" spoke up Milind. He looked positively miffed."Nothing has changed in all these years, has it?" Before Prachi could respond to that remark, he was out of the room, out into the corridor. He hurried down, not realising he had still not met his sister. As he stepped into the lawn, he told himself that this would be the last time he will ever come to this house. "People here judge you by what you wear rather than what you are. Typical superior class mentality" he muttered under his breath, wondering how long it would be before he can get back to the safe confines of his chawl, away from this snobbish crowd.

Back in Prachi's room ...

"Now, what was that all about?" asked Ayesha.

"I have no idea, Ayesha" Prachi looked equally puzzled by Milind's strange behaviour. She did make a mistake in presuming he was the plumber she had been waiting for since morning but what did he mean by the reference to their one and only previous meeting?

"Are you bored waiting up here?"

"Yes, Ayesha. Has Papa not yet returned from the airport?"

"Well, are you anxious to see your Papa or are you eager to see someone else, someone by the name..."

"Go on, Ayesha", Prachi slapped her friend's shoulder, turning red all over again.

"Seriously Prachi, do you never tire of blushing?"

Before Prachi could give her another slap, Ayesha caught her hand and pulled her downstairs to the hall.

(5)

Inder had left for the airport along with his friend, Pranay to receive his future son-in-law. He was proud of Neev's accomplishments abroad, much of which he had heard from Pranay who just would not stop singing his praises. Neev had completed his graduation from London School of Economics and his MBA from London Business School. His return back to India was eagerly looked forward to by both men for different reasons.

Inder had started off with one hotel and had slowly built his empire over time. Fourteen years back he met his old school friend and college mate, Pranay and roped him in the business. The Shah Group of hotels initially started off as a partnership concern but became a public limited company ten years ago. While Inder held 65 per cent of the stake in his concern, Pranay divested the bulk of his holdings in the concern, branching off into garment exports. He still held about 8 percent of the business and remained in the board of directors at the insistence of his good friend. The remaining shares were fragmented among various smaller shareholders. Pranay, in turn, gave 15 per cent of the stake in his company, Shergill Garment Exports Private Limited, a closely held concern, to Inder. He frequently sought Inder's advice on various business matters as Inder had a better business acumen than him.

After Inder's heart attack he was not able to devote as much attention to his business empire. He hoped that Neev will be able to take care of not only his own family business but that of the Shah Group since he did not have much faith in his own son's abilities. It is one of the reasons why he had hurriedly arranged this marriage, so that Neev can become part of the family and can formally be elevated as the Managing Director, a post currently held by Inder himself. Inder would continue to remain the Chairman of the concern.

As the two businessmen animatedly discussed the future plans for Neev, the object of their discussion made an appearance at the entrance of the arrival terminal, pulling out his trolley. Seeing them, he broke into a broad grin and rushed to them, enveloping them both in a wide armed hug. After seeking their blessings, he turned back, looking at the gate, as though waiting for someone. As the two men looked on puzzled, a tall white woman walked up to him and snaked her arm in his. She had auburn hair, deep blue eyes and an aquiline nose. She wore a navy blue business suit which enhanced her smart appearance. Neev smiled sheepishly and turning to his father, he introduced the lady.

"Dad, this is my wife, Annabelle Hayes..sorry, Shergill".

Both the men were aghast, with Pranay turning red with anger and Inder, deathly pale. Even as Pranay broke into a tirade, Inder slowly left the place and headed straight for the parking lot. The world seemed to have collapsed around him. His driver looked puzzled to see just one man approaching him instead of three.

Opening the door for his master, he hesitantly asked him, "Saab, where are Pranay Saab and his son?"

"Drive home, Mohan", ordered Inder, after seating himself.

"Saab, are they not coming with us?"

"I SAID DRIVE HOME", he practically shouted.

The driver wordlessly pulled out the car from the parking lot and drove back to Shah House.



At the Shah House, Inder got off the car and trudged slowly to his house, gripping his chest. Milind, who had got frustrated with the wait and had decided to leave the goddamn place, was making his way out when he caught sight of Inder. He noticed that there was something drastically wrong with the man. The man was sweating profusely and breathing erratically. His face was contorted in pain and his fist was balled up at the centre of his chest. Milind realised that the man was having a heart attack. He immediately rushed to him and yelled at the driver, who was reversing the car to stop. He then quickly opened the rear door and slid Inder in, getting in himself. Holding the man in his arms he directed the driver to quickly take them to the nearest hospital. On the way to the hospital, Inder collapsed unconscious against him. Milind immediately started administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compression, having been taught in college how to attend to patients suffering from heart attack.

On reaching the hospital he shouted out for a stretcher and took the help of the ward boys to lay Inder on it. As Inder was wheeled into the intensive care unit (ICU), he ran up to the reception counter and called up Shah House. PL had picked up the phone and after identifying himself he asked to speak to his dad, not wanting to convey the news to her, lest she panics. PL wondered where he was calling from but he kept insisting in speaking to his father. When Mishraji came on line he asked him to rush to the hospital, explaining to him Inder's condition.

Soon the entire Shah family, Mishraji and Sukriti had assembled outside the operation theatre. The Shergills were there too, having heard of what had happened from Ramu Kaka who called up their residence. Earlier, the doctors had informed Milind that they will have to perform an emergency by- pass surgery and asked for a relative of the patient to sign the papers authorising them to do so. As Inder's family had not yet arrived and every minute counts in such a situation, Milind volunteered to sign the papers himself. When asked who he was, without thinking for a moment, he uttered the first thing that came to his mind - he was his son-in-law.

As the minutes ticked by, Inder's near and dear ones waited anxiously for some news. PL was weeping inconsolably. Prachi was in a state of shock, her eyes looking blank as she tried desperately to come to terms with what was happening. Ayesha held her shoulder tightly, her own face mirroring the pain her friend was going through. Alaap kept pacing agitatedly up and down the corridor. Mishraji looked ashen and Milind had a worried look on his face as he held his father by his shoulders. Sukriti kept looking from Alaap to her father and back at Alaap, not knowing how to react to the situation. Pranay looked crest fallen and kept repeating he was to blame for Inder's condition. He should have not trusted his son to fulfil his promises. Niharika tried to assure him but to avail. Neev looked guiltily at his father. Although he was prepared to face some fireworks from his parents when they learn of his marriage to Annabelle, he had not expected that they would have made parallel arrangements for his marriage with Prachi, that too without consulting him first. Since he himself had not confided in them about his own marriage, he couldn't raise that issue, especially now that Inder was in this condition because of his deed. His wife looked confused and lost in this milieu.

The doors to the operation theatre finally opened and the doctors came out. Alaap and Milind rushed to them. Shaking their heads they informed them that Inder was no more.

Part III



Inder's death proved to be a huge turning point in the lives of his near and dear ones. Losing her spouse of twenty five years left PL a shattered woman. She had entered the Shah house as an innocent, shy eighteen-year old bride with no great ambitions or dreams in life. Within the first year of her marriage she delivered a son and a couple of years later, a beautiful daughter. Her entire world revolved around her husband and the two children. Although she knew nothing about business, she was Inder's moral support, encouraging him to chase his dreams. Inder's father had left him a small eatery to manage. Inder wanted to turn it into a renowned hotel and had a plan to achieve his objective. Now, PL was an excellent cook, an expert in making all the Gujarati dishes under the sun. Inder used to follow her into the kitchen with a note book in hand, pestering her into revealing the recipes for her dishes. Initially she was reluctant to discuss such 'feminine' matters with her young husband but when he assured her that there was a purpose for his unusual demands, she gave in. Inder then got his cooks to prepare these dishes in his restaurant. Soon word of mouth got around that Inder's restaurant served the best Gujarati food in Mumbai. With the city's sizeable Gujarati population, not to mention the large floating population from the neighbouring State, Gujarat, who came to the city on a day-to-day basis, there was no dearth of customers. Non-Gujaritis also thronged the restaurant to sample genuine Gujariti cuisine. Soon Inder managed to gain a reputation as a shrewd entrepreneur which helped him obtain bank loan to expand his business. There was no looking back since then and today Shah Group of Hotels was a Rs.600 crore concern. Inder acknowledged PL's contribution to the business only recently on the occasion of their silver wedding anniversary. PL was pleasantly surprised by her husband's public praise of her. Although she knew her husband loved her dearly she also knew that he was an old fashioned man who believed that a woman's role was primarily that of a home maker. According to him, women were more ornamental and dainty, to be cherished and taken care of. Not that she complained since it suited her temperament just fine. With Inder gone now, though, she felt her life support has been removed. She tried to desperately hold on to the past and kept rambling about Inder and his achievements to anyone who cared to listen.



Another person who felt equally, if not more, lost was Prachi. The girl lost the two men in her life who mattered the most to her on the same day, one to death and the other to marriage. Ironically the man she thought would be her trustworthy companion, who will captain the ship of her life, ended up being indirectly responsible for snatching away the man who gave life to her. Unlike her mother who could not stop talking about her father, Prachi just withdrew into a shell. Mired in grief, she stopped interacting with the rest of the world, reliving her past with her father in silent memories. Ayesha tried her level best to get her out of sorrow but days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, but there was no progress in Prachi's behaviour. She continued to remain a recluse. Neev tried to contact her several times to explain his side of the story but to no avail. She refused to speak to him. What hurt her the most was not the fact that he had married a Briton but that he did not trust her enough to share details of his life with her in all the long conversations they had over phone. While she had shared with him the smallest of details in her life, telling him innocuous things like the stray puppy she found on the road or the new mall that has opened up near their house, he did not convey to her a news as large as his having fallen in love and married someone.



Pranay Shergill was the man who knew Inder the longest, for forty five years of their fifty years existence on this earth, to be precise. They were together since preparatory school right up to college. Although they had lost touch with each other soon after graduation, meeting him again and becoming his business partner was something he would always cherish. His wife was a very ambitious woman and was not happy to see him play second fiddle to the more powerful Inder. Hence, she insisted that they start their own company. As Pranay never learnt to stand up against his wife, he bowed to her wishes and Shergill Garment Exports Private Limited was born. Both the men, however, continued to be the best of buddies and were looking forward to becoming Sambandhis. Unfortunately Neev ruined everything for them. His thoughtless deed had snatched his dear friend from him. After the funeral, father and son had a show down wherein each accused the other of betraying his confidence in the other. It soon came to light that the letter Pranay wrote to Neev regarding the wedding arrangements never reached him. His roommate had received the letter and had forgotten to pass it on to him. Pranay had called him only once during that month and even then the line had got cut before they could discuss the wedding arrangements. After trying to call him a couple of times, he gave up as he was busy with the wedding preparations which required lot of attention, especially since they were done in short notice. Although he eventually forgave Neev, he could not bring himself to be associated with the Shah family again, being ashamed and guilty for having been responsible in some way for their loss. He had, therefore, sold the remaining shares of Shah Group of Hotels in the market and resigned from the board of directors.





Mishraji was another person deeply affected by the loss of his master. He had been with the Shahs for over twenty years, managing the accounts of their business. He held Inder in very high regard for he had never seen a more humane person. When he discovered that his wife was suffering from cancer, Inder was the one who extended all monetary and emotional support. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, his wife, Prema, died leaving behind a nine-year Milind and a two-year old Sukriti. PL used to frequently visit the Mishras to check on the little girl. Over the years, Sukriti spent more time at the Shah House than she did in her own house, although she was very close to her brother who was like a surrogate mother to her. The Shahs had volunteered to finance the education of both the kids but Milind being head strong and self respecting, even as a young boy, refused to live off other's charity. He had made it clear that he will make his own future. The boy studied in government schools and colleges and completed his education through various scholarships. After Inder's demise, Mishraji tried to manage the affairs of the company as best as he can under the new leadership of Alaap Shah but was very unhappy with his handling of the company.



Alaap was the one least affected by the old man's death. He took over the stewardship of the company although Inder's will had given him only 15 per cent stake in the company. Inder was aware of Alaap's abilities or rather the lack of them and hence did not trust him to take over the company. Instead, after providing for his wife, he had left the bulk of his shareholding in the concern (50 per cent) to the man his daughter, Prachi was to marry. As the entire family was shrouded in gloom after Inder's death, Prachi's marriage was the last thing in anyone's mind. So Alaap had a free run of the company having coaxed, cajoled and even bribed the board members to appoint him as the Chairman and Managing Director of the concern. The two Shah women did not question him as they were in their own separate worlds of gloom.



Part IV

(1)

One year later

It was Inder's first death anniversary. The Shah family was slowly limping back to normalcy. PL had arranged a pooja for the departed soul of her late husband. After the pooja, there was an "Annadhan" ceremony where food was offered to the poor. PL had gradually come to terms with the fact that her husband is no more and she will have to get on with her life for the sake of her children. As Alaap was leaving the house for work, PL stopped him and asked to speak with him for a few minutes. Anticipating what is in store, Alaap tried to wriggle out, giving the pretext of an urgent business meeting. PL would hear none of it and insisted that he stay back and listen to what she had to say. Sighing he asked her to make it quick. She broached a subject which was bothering her lately.

"Alaap, it is high time we thought of Prachi's future. It has been a year since your father's death and the mandatory period of ban on functions is over. We need to find her a good match and settle her down in life."

Alaap knew that this was what his mother wanted to discuss with him. Nodding his head in approval, he promised to start immediately the search for a bridegroom befitting of their beloved Prachi, and left the place in a hurry. On the way to his office, he was wondering how long he can put off Prachi's marriage. He was not too keen to settle her down for his position at the company would be endangered the day she gets married. Now, that was something he was not prepared to accept. He had gotten used to the power and the pleasure associated with his post. He will have to come up with something to shut PL's mouth and also keep Prachi from marrying anyone. Try as he may, he was not able to figure out a way to achieve both.

(2)

Alaap's office at the Shah Group of Hotels

Sukriti entered in and asked to speak to Alaap Shah. The lady at the reception informed her that he is at a meeting. Insisting that she needed to meet him urgently, she volunteered to wait till the conclusion of the meeting. As the minutes ticked by, Sukriti became increasingly agitated at not being called in. As the office was about to close, she could wait no longer and she barged into Alaap's cabin even as the receptionist tried in vain to stop her from doing so. Alaap looked up at her with a start. Before he can say anything Sukriti threw herself in his arms.

"Alaap, I can't wait any longer. Please arrange to make me your wife in front of the world, in the presence of our families."

"What? Are you crazy? Do you know who I am? The Chairman and Managing Director of Shah Group of Hotels marrying a poor accountant's daughter? I can get a thousand pretty girls at the snap of my fingers. Why should I sabotage my freedom in your hands?"

"But Alaap we are already married."

"Says who?"

"Did you not marry me in that temple in Khandala? I had to lie to my father that I was going on a college picnic."

"Who is the witness to it? There wasn't even a priest to bless the wedding and you call that a marriage? No court of law will accept that."

Sukriti was shocked to hear Alaap speak this way. He was always so sweet and charming to her. He made her feel like the most wanted woman in the world and now he was saying things which made her feel dirty and ashamed of herself. How could she have been so naive? How could she have trusted him and offered herself to his voracious physical needs? She flung into a fury and dug her finger nails into his chest, screaming he cannot do this to her, he cannot forsake her now after everything was over. Alaap shrugged himself free from her and rang for the security who then dragged her out of his office, kicking, crying and screaming.

(3)

Milind returned home late that evening, dejected that his life was going nowhere. Despite his best efforts, his dreams of making it as a businessman seemed unattainable. Unable to bear his father's biting words every day, he had finally attended the interview for a job at one of hotels in the city. If he is offered the job, he will take it, he thought. He cannot let his father continue to be the sole provider of their family. Moreover, ever since Inder's death, his father's health had been progressively deteriorating. As a son he needed to step up and shoulder the burden of his family, allowing his father to rest. So thinking he walked in to find Sukriti huddled in a corner. Her eyes were swollen and red from hours of crying. After Milind's endless coaxing, she finally opened up and narrated the details of her relationship with Alaap. Alaap had relentlessly pursued her since her college days. Although initially she resisted his charms, she finally succumbed to them. They frequently met at various places. At this point Milind interjected and asked her if she was with him at the Shah House on the day Prachi was to be engaged, remembering the giggles and whispers he thought he heard that day. Sukriti admitted she was, to which Milind cursed himself for not paying enough attention to his sister. Maybe a lot of things could have been averted including the so-called 'marriage' in Khandala which, according to her, took place a couple of months back. Sukriti finally told him what happened that evening. Hearing that Alaap had spurned his sister after using her, Milind was furious. He left his house immediately and went in search of Alaap.



He knew Alaap frequented a particular pub which was not far from their house. He headed straight to the place and found Alaap drinking there with some of his good-for-nothing friends. He dragged him from the high stool on which he was seated and punched him in the stomach. Before a stunned Alaap could react, he punched him again, this time on his right jaw. What followed was a series of punches at various parts of the swine's body. His friends tried to separate the two but to no avail. Milind was like a man possessed, furiously punching the man responsible for his sister's humiliation. The pub owner fearing a law and order problem, promptly called in the police. Soon they arrived and dragged Milind away from there.



One of Milind's friends, Ganpat, happened to be passing by as Milind was pushed into the police van and taken to the police station. He rushed to Milind's house to inform his family about Milind's arrest. Baba had entered a few minutes before that, after spending long hours at the office trying to reconcile the accounts before the annual closing. Sukriti had just finished telling him about what had transpired that evening between Alaap and her. Even before he could recover from the shock of it, hearing the news of his son's arrest for thrashing his beloved master's son was too much for the old man to bear. The man had a massive stroke and crumbled to the floor. Sukririt screamed in horror, seeing her father's plight. Together she and Ganpat rushed him to the nearest nursing home.

(4)

Sukriti slowly walked to the police station, her face lined with worries, eyes bloodshot from lack of sleep. How was she going to break the news to Milind about their father's condition, she wondered. The previous night was a particularly long one. On reaching the hospital Baba had been wheeled into the ICU. Not knowing what to do or whom to approach, she had called Shah House and spoke with PL who was stunned to hear that Mishraji's condition was serious. She promptly got herself driven to the nursing home. By the time she had arrived, Mishraji had slipped into coma. PL later came to know of the entire chain of events that day and was furious with her son. As Alaap had not returned home that night, she could not confront him immediately. She, however, assured Sukriti that she will ensure justice for her. Sukriti broke down in her arms, asking her to forgive her for everything. PL laid a reassuring arm around her and stayed with her through the night. In the morning PL called home and spoke with Prachi who informed her that Alaap had still not returned home. She then explained everything to Prachi who was appalled at what had befallen the family who had meant a lot to them. PL asked Prachi to get in touch with their family lawyer to secure Milind's bail. In the meantime she asked Sukriti to meet Milind and inform him of his father's health condition, volunteering to stay behind to take care of Mishraji. Here she was now, struggling to find the right words to convey to her hot headed brother the most heart breaking news of their lives.



Milind was shocked to hear of his father's condition. Gritting his teeth, he spat out that he will finish off Alaap once and for all, even if it meant he will be sent to the gallows for it. Sukriti tried in vain to reason with him but holding the bars of his cell so tightly that his fist turned white, he kept screaming that he will kill Alaap no matter what. Suddenly she blurted out that if he does so her baby will be fatherless. That stunned him into silence. She then begged him to get her married to Alaap if he wanted to see her alive since she cannot bear the humiliation of becoming an unwed mother. At that moment, the jailer came to unlock Milind's lockup door, informing him that the Shah family have secured his bail. Milind was about to protest that he did not want any one's sympathy but Sukriti silenced him, saying that he first needs to see their father.



The brother and sister then went to the nursing home where PL informed them that a team of doctors were examining Mishraji as of that moment. She also assured them that all medical expenses will be borne by her. When Milind objected, saying that he knew how to take care of his father, she gently explained to him that while she knows that he will do all that he can to save his father, she too has a duty towards the man who had slaved for their family for so many years. She begged him to give her the satisfaction of being of some use to Mishraji, now that he needed help. Drawn by her plea, Milind relented and gave in to her. He wanted his father back with them in good health. This was not the time to show his obstinacy, he thought. Nodding his head, he muttered that he has some unfinished business to take care of and rushed out of there, heading straight to Alaap's office.

(5)

Having been beaten black and blue by Milind, Alaap did not want to take the chance of going to his house that night and be caught and questioned by his mother. He had, therefore, spent the night at his friend's place. The next morning he left for office from there. The upper half of his face was hidden in large goggles and the lower half, by a large scarf which was tied around his neck and pulled up over his chin. As he pulled out a file to examine, he heard the door swing open and saw Milind's towering form at the entrance. He tried to slide under the table, but Milind reached him in seconds and pulled him up.

"Look, Alaap. I've not come here to start another fight."

When Alaap looked at him puzzled, he continued "Lets talk this, man to man. While I despise you and would rather not have anything to do with a creep like you, I do have to think of my sister's future. She loves you and is now carrying your child."

At this, Alaap's mouth fell open. "Look Milind, I didn't mean to impregnate your sister."

"Oh yeah? What were you planning to do then, just trick her into marrying you, sleep with her and then bid her good bye?"

Before he could respond, Milind bit out, "What has happened has happened. We now have to think of a way to rectify the mistake. Do you want your daughter or son to be called a bas***d?"

Recovering from the initial shock, Alaap managed to stammer out, "I'll pay for the abortion".

Milind gave him a menacing look which led Alaap to cower down in fear. His body still ached from the previous day's thrashings. He was not looking forward to a replay of the action. Milind continued as though he was not interrupted, "Alaap, make an honourable woman of my sister. Marry her and the rest is forgiven and forgotten."

Alaap frantically squeezed his brain to come up with a plan to make good a bad situation. He knew that Milind will beat him to the pulp if he refuses to do so. While he can get the police to handle him, he cannot escape his mother's wrath if she comes to know of what he had done to Sukriti. He suspected that she already did. He was sure she will force him to accept Sukriti as his wife. Now Alaap was one who believed in quid pro quo. If he gives something he will ensure that he gets something in return. It then struck him like a flash, why did he not think of this before? He can hit two mangoes with one stone. He did find Sukriti attractive and did not seriously mind being married to her. The only hesitancy on his part was that he was not getting anything in return for his grand gesture but this will ensure that he gets his price.

Looking at Milind, he calmly said, "Okay, I'll marry your sister.... but under one condition"

Milind who had let out a sigh of relief on hearing that Alaap finally was willing to accept his sister as his wife, looked at him suspiciously.

"I'll marry your sister provided you marry mine."

Milind was shocked out of his skin hearing this. "Your sister? Prachi?" he asked incredulously.

"Yes, Prachi. And before you jump with joy at having hit the jackpot let me hasten to add that on the day of the wedding you will have to sign over to me the wealth that will pass on to you."

"What wealth?" asked a still confused Milind.

"The wealth that my dear father has left behind for the man who will marry my sister. The old horse has bestowed 50 per cent of the shareholding of Shah Group of Hotels to his future son-in-law. Now that will be you. I don't want to fritter away my family wealth to some outsider. So the two weddings will take place on the same day and right after the wedding you will write off your rights over the Shah wealth. You will have to sign an agreement to the effect before the marriage. In case you back out in the last minute and try to retain my father's wealth, I'll make your sister's life a living hell."

Milind was too stunned by what he heard to react immediately.

"So, what is your answer?" Alaap asked him cockily. He knew he left Milind with no choice.

"Give me a day to think it over", Milind said and staggered out of there.

Part V

(1)

One month later

He sat in his heavily brocaded sherwani in front of the holy fire, sweating profusely from the heat generated by it. Pushing aside the floral sehera, he wiped off the sweat from his brow and wondered how long the ceremony will go on. The priest seemed to endlessly chant some sanskrit mantras, all of which were going way above his head. Damn these elaborate weddings, he thought. Left to himself, he would have been miles away from this bedecked mandap, the thronging crowds and the blaring noise. Unfortunately he did not have much of a choice. He looked to his right to see the woman for whom he was willing to subject himself to this torture. She looked happy and contended in her maroon bridal saree. Seeing her so happy made it worth the while, he consoled himself and looked past her to the man seated next to her who had started it all. His thoughts went back to that fateful day when he heard one of the most unusual proposals.

Milind's flashback

After he had left Alaap's office that day, he walked back home in a daze, with several thoughts criss-crossing his brain, making his head throb. He had gone to meet Alaap with one wedding proposal and got two instead, like the 'buy one, get one free' ads on television and print media. He was in no position to settle down in life. Damn, he did not even have a job. How was he going to support himself, let alone another woman? His father's health condition was still worrisome as he had still not come out of coma. Sukriti's marriage cannot be postponed till he fully recovers, as with every passing day, her impending motherhood will become more visible to the rest of the world and jeopardise their reputation. He, however, did not have any compulsion to get tied down so soon in life. Alaap's condition that he surrenders the wealth that will be bestowed on him after marriage was the least of his worries. In fact he had no intention of enjoying that wealth even if he was allowed to do so. He despised the very idea of marrying for money. His self respect was way too important for him and there is nothing more demeaning than to enjoy the fruits of someone else's labour without being worthy of it. He will amass wealth, but in his own terms, with his own toil. Moreover, by giving his assent to Alaap's proposal and writing off the wealth in favour of his brother-in-law, he will ensure that his sister's future is secure, not only emotionally but also monetarily. And the woman he will be forced to marry is not so bad looking, in fact the damn creature is breathtakingly beautiful, he thought. So why was he hesitating to accept Alaap's proposal right away? Apart from his joblessness, the biggest deterrent was the fact that his heart was pledged elsewhere. Yes, the man was in love, has been so for years now. He was a man of honour and wouldn't dream of breaking a woman's heart after building her hopes up. Although he had no plans to marry her in the near future, given his economic condition, he had assured her that they will be united in marriage once he gets his life on track. What will he tell her now?



That evening they met at their usual place, in a coffee shop at Bandstand in Bandra. He hesitatingly elaborated on the meeting with Alaap, finishing with the unusual proposal. When he was through, there was a pregnant silence for a long time. He wondered what was going through her mind but was unable to read her face; he never could, even in the past. After what seemed like eternity, getting no response from her, he cleared his throat and gently asked her what should he do. She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears and said quietly, he himself knew the answer to that question. As his sister's future lay at stake, he did not have a choice, did he, she quizzed him. He silently shook his head in the negative. She told him that they cannot be so selfish as to think about their own happiness when that of their loved ones was in danger. They may have loved each other but destiny held different plans for them. They just weren't meant to be. The sooner he forgets her and gets on with his life, the better. He asked her whether she will be able to forget him. She circumvented the question and wishing him luck, abruptly got up and left.



The next morning he received a call from the hotel he had attended the job interview the day before. They offered him a decent salary and wanted him to join immediately. With the two major hurdles to his decision out of the way and keeping his sister's interest paramount in his mind, Milind called up Alaap and agreed to his proposal. He insisted in coming to Shah House and formally asking PL to accept his sister as her daughter-in-law and him as her son-in-law. He respected her way too much to hide things from her. Alaap was apprehensive of how much truth Milind was planning to reveal to PL and what will be his mother's reaction to it. His fears were unfounded though. Milind did not delve into details about Sukriti's physical condition or Inder's will. In a matter of fact tone he told her that Alaap and Sukriti loved each other and wished to be married. Knowing Alaap's wayward character, he did not feel confident giving his sister to him. Hence, to ensure that she is treated well, he would like to marry Alaap's sister. On marriage, however, he will take his bride to his house because he believed that a woman's place was by the side of her husband, wherever he may live. Although PL was initially taken aback, she promised to speak to her daughter and get back to him. By that evening, PL had informed him that she had got Prachi's consent and that the two weddings can take place as soon as possible.

End of Milind's Flashback

Here he was one month later, all set to embark on a journey unknown. He slowly turned to his left and looked at the woman who will soon become his wife. She wore a beautiful bright red wedding saree, with heavy zari embroidery work. She was bedecked in jewellery from head to toe. Her oval blemishless face was half encased in gunghat. From what little was visible to him, he could see that she was exceptionally beautiful, even with minimal make up, or maybe because of it. His heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him. He quickly lowered his gaze and pretended to study the flames of the fire before him.

(2)

Seeing his lowered gaze, she summed up the courage to take a closer look at the man who was soon to be her husband. She couldn't get a good view of him through the floral strings of the sehera. Now who was the fool who had come up with the bright idea of covering the faces of the bride and the groom in gunghats and seheras, she irritatedly thought to herself. She wished she had seen him more closely when he had come barging into her room more than a year ago. She was distracted that day, her thoughts all over the place, that the minute she set eyes on him in that khakhi shirt and faded denims, not to mention that handkerchief carelessly tied around his neck, she immediately concluded that he was the plumber she was waiting for. Not even in her wildest dreams did she think that he was Milind, the man who will one day become her husband. She thought back to the sequence of events which led her to the altar.



Prachi's Flashback

Prachi was getting ready to attend her music classes that morning. She was still far from her usual self although she had slowly begun to accept the reality that her father was no more. She kept herself busy with her music classes and painting, both of which were her favourite past times but she hardly interacted with the outside world. Ayesha used to check on her sometimes but with her busy work schedules and her mother's health problems, she rarely found the time to do so of late. Just as she was leaving her room she heard noises in the hall. Looking down, she saw Milind walk in stiffly. From his look she gauged that he had come to discuss his sister's future. She had heard the entire story from her mother the previous day and was indignant at Alaap's callous behaviour. She tried to speak with him but he had snubbed her, asking her to mind her own business. Now, seeing Milind's determined look and purposeful gait, she decided to stay back on the corridor upstairs and listen to what he had to say to her mother. When she heard his proposal to marry her so as to ensure that Alaap refrains from ill treating Sukriti, her eyes widened in horror. She staggered back to her room and held on to the poster of the bed, breathing heavily. Marriage to Milind? Never in her wildest dreams did she think that this day will come. After that fateful day, when her dreams of marrying Neev dissolved even before they materialised, her father falling victim in the process, she had vowed to herself that she will never trust another man or entertain thoughts of marriage. She wanted to spend the rest of her life being a good daughter, a good sister and in future, a good sister-in-law and aunt to Alaap's children. She never wanted anything for herself but now she was confronted with the possibility of becoming someone's wife, a thought she was not willing to even consider.

Shaking her head, she resolved to tell her mother that this marriage was not happening. Just then, her mind played back Milind's words ' that he wished to marry her so that he can ensure that his sister is treated well by Alaap. The full implication of what he had said hit her then. It meant that he did not trust Alaap to take good care of his sister, not that she would blame him. Her brother was not the epitome of virtue. So if she refuses to marry him, she was convinced that Milind would not risk getting Sukriti married to Alaap, but then was he left with much choice? Who would marry Sukriti now that her relationship with Alaap has become public knowledge? Then again, she cannot put it past Milind to not care about what the world thinks. He may decide to take care of Sukriti for the rest of her life rather than take a chance with her future with Alaap. She had heard enough about his obstinacy from Mishraji. She also knew that Sukriti meant the world to Milind and that he will go to any extent to ensure her well being. Sukriti never stops praising her brother in her innumerable visits to Shah House. She had also heard enough about Milind's fierce temper. Only a couple of days before, he had beaten the hell out of Alaap. If she refuses to marry him, and as a result Alaap-Sukriti's marriage does not take place, he may have no qualms thrashing her brother up again, maybe even kill him. Then there was Mishraji's health condition to consider. The man who was like her father was lying in coma because of her brother's deed. She had spent two hours by his bedside the previous day. Doctors have still not given up hope altogether, although they placed a very slim chance of his full recovery. What will happen if on recovery he realises that things have only gotten worse during his ailment? No, she cannot take the chance of so much catastrophe being unleashed around her because of her reluctance to get into a matrimonial bond.



Just then her mother entered her room and was about to tell her about Milind's proposal. Prachi raised her hand to stop her and quietly said that she had heard everything and that she was willing to marry Milind. PL heaved a sigh of relief. Caressing her head, she said, "Every mother wants to see her daughter well settled in life. To be frank, initially I could not digest the thought of my daughter marrying below her status and living in a chawl. I went to the pooja room and prayed fervently to Lord Krishna, our resident deity, to show me the way. On the one hand was the future of my daughter and on the other, the future of an innocent girl whose life has been ruined by my own son. I thought that they were mutually exclusive. I wondered which I should give importance to. While I have no problems accepting Sukriti as my daughter-in-law, I feared that by doing so I will be condemning you to a life of poverty and despair. It was then that I realised that I was being short-sighted. Did I not start my life with your father in humble surroundings? Am I now not in a position where all my comforts are met? How was the transformation possible? It was all because of your father's hard work and determination to succeed in life. I see the same fire in Milind's eyes. I see him as a man of principles, a man who would go to great lengths for the well being of his family. The fact that he came up to our house to ask that his sister be accepted as a bahu of this House only under the condition that the daughter of this House becomes his wife, and that too without bringing with her a single paise as dowry, shows not only the extent to which he will go to ensure his sister's happiness but also that he has a high self esteem. If he can do so much for his sister, how much more would he do for his wife? I thought that Neev, with his impeccable family background and education would make you a good life partner. Alas, that was not to be. Now this alliance has come on its own. I think God is showing us the way. In my view, Milind will make an excellent husband and son-in-law."



Prachi did not know how far her mother was right about Milind but she knew that she will have to accept him for the good of everyone, especially for the happiness of Sukriti. As though suddenly struck by a thought, PL looked at her daughter worriedly.

"Prachi, would you be able to adjust yourself in his surroundings? Life in a chawl can be difficult, beti."

"Don't worry, mama. Money and comfort mean nothing to me. People and relationships are more important. I will adjust to everything."

Her mother proudly kissed her daughter on the forehead and said a silent prayer for her well-being and happiness.

End of Prachi's Flashback

As she broke from her reverie, she heard the priest ask the bride's sister to tie the ghatbandhan. As Prachi had no sister, her cousin Naintara tied her pallu with Milind's stole. Sukriti's cousin, Mala did the same for her. The two brides and the grooms then proceeded to take the pheras at the end of which the grooms put on the mangalsutra around their brides' necks and applied the sindoor on their maang. Mrs and Mr. Mishra and Mrs and Mr.Shah then took the blessings of the elders gathered on the auspicious occasion.

(3)

After the wedding reception, the two bridegrooms excused themselves and went to one of the rooms at the back of the wedding hall where they were met by Alaap's lawyer. The past month had witnessed frenzied legal activity. First, Alaap dropped the case he had filed against Milind for thrashing him at the pub. Then his lawyer had drawn up an agreement that Milind would hand over to Alaap the inheritance he would get once he becomes the son-in-law of the Shahs. Now the lawyer held two sets of documents in his hands - one which gave him the rights over half of the Shah empire and the other which snatched it from him. Milind was prepared for this moment. When the lawyer extended the papers to him, Alaap offered him his pen to sign, a smirk playing on his lips. Milind raised his palm to stop him and instead pulled out his own pen and signed on the dotted lines of both the documents. While Alaap snatched the documents from him and gloated over his victory, Milind turned on his heels and, with his head held high, went back to his wife.

The bidai ceremony was an emotional affair. Sukriti clung to Milind, weeping inconsolably. Milind, who was teary eyed himself, patted her back and kept reassuring her that he was in the same town and will always keep a watch over his beloved sister. Prachi hugged her mother and cried silent tears. PL became emotional too and prayed that Prachi would have a happy married life. She asked Milind to take care of her precious daughter to which Milind merely gave a grim nod. Soon two bridal cars arrived, one which took its occupants to Shah House and the other, to Milind's chawl.

On reaching Milind's house, the newly weds were welcomed into the house with an arti taken by Manjula Iyer, their neighbour and Mala Sharma, Milind's cousin from Lonavla. The small house was flooded with Milind's friends and neighbours. Manju was a teacher at the Government primary school in their locality and her husband,Venkat, was a clerk in the local post office. They had two boys, Aditya, aged six and Anurag, aged four. Both the kids were very fond of Milind, who was equally fond of them. Mala, Milind's and Sukriti's lone relative to attend their wedding, was their maternal uncle's only child. Her mother died when she was young and her father was afflicted with a paralytic stroke. She had, therefore, come alone to Mumbai, to grace the wedding of her cousins.

Aditya and Anurag kept tugging at Milind's kurta and giggling at him for they have never seen him so overdressed before. Milind smiled at them indulgently and dipping into his pocket, brought out two bars of chocolate which he handed, one to each of them. Clapping their hands in glee they snatched the chocolate, muttered a hurried thank you and sped away. The two ladies then took Prachi into the bedroom which was simply but tastefully decorated. Milind's friends gathered around him, cracking jokes and laughing loudly. Soon the two ladies reappeared. Manju shooed the guys out and excused herself. Having left her father in the care of some neighbours, Mala expressed her inability to stay back and wanted to be dropped at the bus stand so that she can take the bus back to Lonavla the same night. Milind's friend, Ganpat volunteered to drop her and she left with him.

Locking the door behind them, Milind stepped into the tiny bedroom. Prachi who was sitting on the narrow bed, stood up nervously when she saw her husband. Taking the glass of milk in her shaking hands, she slowly extended it up to him. Muttering that he does not drink milk, Milind proceeded to violently tug at the collar of his kurta till the buttons snapped open. He whisked the offensive piece of garment over his head and threw it on the head of the nearby chair. He then slung a towel around his neck and a pair of pyjamas over his shoulders. Picking up his soap from the nearby shelf, he went out of the room and out of the house. Prachi stood there confused as to where he had gone and when he will return, if at all. Sitting before the old mirror which hung on one wall, she slowly removed her jewellery and put them aside in her jewellery case. In ten minutes he was back in his pyjamas and vest, scrubbing his hair dry. Her breath caught in her throat as she ran her eyes over his athletic physique. She quickly lowered her gaze when he turned around to meet her eyes. He informed her that she can have a bath and change her clothes if she wanted to.

As she looked around for the bathroom, he smirked and sarcastically said, "Your highness, lesser mortals like us do not have the privilege of an attached bathroom. Bathrooms and toilets are common for houses in each floor. You will have to go out of the house and turn left. The bathroom is at the extreme end."

So that was where he had gone, she thought, but looked unsure about venturing out in the dark. Looking at her, Milind continued, "Don't worry. Nobody will bite you or kidnap you on the way. Anyway you need to get used to this if you want to have a bath at all, or are you planning to spend the rest of your life without one?" Left with no choice she quickly picked up her night gown, towel and soap and stepped out."By the way, don't expect to share my bed", he shouted behind her, "it is not large enough for the both of us. You can make yourself comfortable anywhere else in the house, though." She did not respond to that.

When she returned, she saw him sprawled on the bed, fast asleep. Emboldened to see him in that state, she tiptoed up to his bed and observed his sleeping form more closely under the moonlight which streamed through the room. Not bad, she thought, not bad at all. In fact, the guy was simply gorgeous-the chubby cheeks, half covered by well trimmed beard; the dark moustache between the snub nose and the full luscious lips; the long lashes that covered small but sharp eyes which lay closed; the wavy mop of hair that was spread on the pillow- everything was highly appealing to her eyes. In sleep he looked so vulnerable and childlike in the absence of the stern look he sported when he was awake. With a small smile playing on her lips, she looked around for something to lie on. Noticing a mat rolled up in the corner of the room, she spread it on the floor next to his bed and stretched her aching body. It was a long day indeed and she was waiting for this moment when she could finally rest her tired body. The hard cold floor, however, made it difficult for sleep to take over her immediately. After tossing and turning around for a while, she finally managed to slip into a deep slumber.

He was suddenly awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of continuous sneezing. Rubbing his eyes, he looked around and realised that the sound came from his new bride who was sleeping on the floor. Getting up, he went up to the wooden cupboard and brought out a thick blanket. He shook her awake and spread the blanket on the mat, before letting her lie down again.

"I don't want you to fall sick. I have my hands full without having the added responsibility of taking care of a sick woman," he said gruffly, by way of explanation, and went back to bed.

Turning her back to him she hid a smile. "He cares", she thought, "this is not as bad as I feared it would be".

Part VI

(1)

He woke to the sound of chirping birds the next morning. Stretching his arms he got up to find Prachi curled up in a ball on the floor next to his bed. Her face was scrubbed clean of makeup, she wore no jewellery, not even a earring and yet she looked so lovely, he thought. "Get a hold of yourself, Milind" he told himself, "beauty is just skin deep". Soon he was seated in the small front room with a steaming tea cup in hand, pouring over the morning newspaper.


Prachi walked in and apologised for oversleeping. He merely nodded, not looking up. After she brushed her teeth, she went into the tiny kitchen adjoining the front room. Actually it wasn't even a separate room, just another portion of the same room, parted by a low wall. Looking around she noticed a run-down old fridge in one corner, a single cylinder gas stove on a small platform, a few kitchen utensils and a few plastic containers with the kitchen provisions on a shelf that ran across one wall. Manjula had told her that she had left some dosa atta in a vessel on the platform with which she can make dosas for breakfast, as Milind simply loves them. Prachi has never cooked a single day in her life. PL never let anyone enter her kitchen, guarding it like a fort. So she had no clue how to go about making the dosas or for that matter even a cup of tea. She lit the stove and kept the tava on one of the burners. She kept the flame high and waited for the tava to heat. Taking out the atta from the vessel in a ladle, she gingerly tried to spread it on the tava. As the tava had become super hot by then, the atta kept getting stuck to one place, not letting her spread it around. She took some more atta and tried again quite unsuccessfully. All she managed to get is a lumpy substance on the tava, which kept growing upwards, not sideways, with every ladle she tried to spread. Milind who had finished with his paper, looked up to see Prachi wrestle with the tava.

Walking up behind her, with a sardonic grin on his face, "Looks like Your Highness has never set foot in a kitchen all her life", he boomed.

Startled by the suddenness of his voice behind her, she dropped the ladle with a loud clank. Turning around, she bumped right into his solid chest. The kitchen area was really not meant for two people, there just wasn't enough space. Before she could recover from the shock of feeling a man's body so close to hers, he caught her by the arms and pushed her back. "I can't wait all morning for you to practice your dosas on me. I'll have to get to work in less than an hour", he said. He, then, proceeded to the stove and removing the tava from it, and scrapping away the fat piece of atta on the tava, he went about skilfully making paper thin dosas. Not knowing what to do, Prachi stood behind wringing her hands and staring at his back.

"Are you going to stand there and stare at me for the rest of the morning?" he asked mockingly, without turning around.

A flustered Prachi quickly made a retreat into the bedroom. Wondering what next to do, she opened his cupboard. Just three pairs of pants, the faded denims she had earlier seen and five shirts hung in it. Taking out a bottle green pant and an olive green shirt out, she decided to iron them. She found the iron in the cupboard too. Since there was no ironing board, she spread out the pants on the mattress and switching on the iron, she pressed the pants on the seams, running the hot iron on them. Having pressed the pants, she moved on to the shirt. Straightening the collar, she ran the iron on it, flattening out the crease in the process. Having finished with his breakfast, Milind walked in as she was finishing up and took in the sight. Snatching his clothes from her, he snarled,
"What are you doing with them?"

"Ironing them", she said meekly.

"Who asked you to do these things?" he hissed.

Holding up his pants, he was appalled at what she had done to them. "Am I to wear pants or skirts to work?" he shrieked."Pants are ironed on their creases, not their seams. Why do I even bother telling you these things," he said exasperatedly. He threw aside the pant and shirt and took another set out of the cupboard. Deftly ironing them, he got ready and left for work, without as much as a goodbye. Prachi looked on, eyes brimming with tears. She started the day on the wrong foot, she thought. How she wished she knew a few simple domestic chores, but in her father's house there were half a dozen servants who literally waited on her hand and foot, giving her no scope to learn these things.

After she had her bath and changed into a simple salwar kameez, she had her lumpy dosa for breakfast. Having nothing better to do, she had decided to go to her mother's place to return her jewellery. Milind had warned her that keeping the jewellery in their small tenement was not safe. On reaching there, little did she expect to see what she did.



(2)

As she stepped into the Shah House, she heard a resounding thud and looking ahead she saw PL stare at her son with eyes of fury she had never seen before. She had gone red with anger, her facial muscles twitching. Just as Alaap, who had staggered forward at the impact, got his bearing and straightened up, holding his left cheek, she swung her arm and struck him hard again on the right. Prachi was too shocked to react immediately, for she has never seen her mother raise her hand on either of them in all these years. Quickly recovering from the shock, she rushed to her mother's side.

"Mama, what happened? Why are you hitting Alaap like this?" Prachi tried to drag her mother away from Alaap.

"What happened? Ask this scoundrel what happened", PL yelled.

By now Prachi knew something serious had happened for her mild mother to use such harsh words she had never heard her use before.

Turning to Alaap, PL demanded, "Where were you last night?"

Alaap did not respond immediately. Livid with anger, PL shook his arm vigorously, "Where were you on your wedding night, leaving behind your poor bride to worry over you so much that she nearly lost the baby?"

Prachi's eyes widened in shock, "What baby, mama? Where is Sukriti by the way?"

"Sukriti is in her room. She has been advised complete bed rest. This rogue had got her pregnant before marriage and look at the callous way he treats his wife, knowing her condition!"

"Is this true, Alaap?" asked Prachi, approaching him. The guy wreaked of alchohol, she had to hold her nose.

Soon Prachi came to hear what transpired the previous night after she had left with Milind for the chawl. PL and the rest of the family who had left for the Shah house earlier than the couples in order to welcome the newly-weds with arti, were shocked to see only Sukriti arrive. It seems Alaap had stopped their car mid way to Shah House and told her that he had forgotten something important back at the wedding hall. Promising to join her in a few minutes, he got off and took a cab. The entire family then waited through the night but there was no sign of him. As the minutes ticked by, Sukriti became increasingly anxious and suddenly clutched her hands to her stomach, doubling up in pain. On the doctor's arrival they came to know that Sukriti was nearly three months pregnant and due to acute anxiety, she had symptoms of threatened miscarriage. Although news of Sukriti's impending motherhood came as a shock to PL, the possibility of losing her first grand-child came as an even bigger shock. Sukriti was immediately put on bed rest to ensure that the baby was safe. Late the next morning Alaap trudged in after partying all night with his friends and the rest of the events Prachi had witnessed herself.

Alaap was then made to go up and apologise to a weeping Sukriti. PL made him promise to Sukriti that he will never ever do anything that will hurt her. Prachi assured Sukriti that her bhabhi is always there for her and she can always confide her problems in her. PL then pulled Prachi aside and asked her how was she being treated by Milind? Prachi told her that she could have never hoped to get a more caring husband. PL was glad to hear that and said that she knew Milind was a righteous and fair human being. Her respect for him grew when she realised Milind was gracious enough not to disclose Sukriti's pregnancy because it would only portray her son in a bad light. Prachi then asked her to teach her how to cook since she sucked at that. PL hit her forehead and said that she had meant to give her something useful but had forgotten to do so in the hectic wedding arrangements. She then went in and brought out an old note book in which Inder had noted down all the recipes of the dishes PL can prepare. She narrated to her how Inder had used this to capture a place in the hotel industry and now armed with this, Prachi can capture a place in Milind's heart, for as the saying goes "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach". Prachi blushed a deep red hearing this.



After lunch, she took leave and went to the nursing home to spend some time with her father-in-law. The doctor informed her that her husband had dropped in earlier that morning. Prachi then sat by Mishraji's bed side and holding his hand, she told him that now she was his bahu. Although the man was unresponsive in his comatose state, she continued to speak to him, telling him what a wonderful son he has and for his sake and hers, he has to get strong and return back to them soon. After spending nearly three hours with him, she returned back to the chawl. Standing on the long balcony which was common to the five houses on her floor, she watched the children playing in the courtyard in the front of the chawl building. Manjula returned from school and met up with her. On being told about Prachi's misadventures with the dosas that morning, she volunteered to teach her how to make them. Soon the two women were busy in the kitchen preparing hot steaming dosas which Prachi relished. As it grew dark, Manju took leave of her and went back to her own house. After she prepared the dinner, Prachi waited for Milind to return home. At around 10 o'clock she heard the front door being banged and rushed to open it. The door was pushed open as soon as she released the latch and she stood transfixed at the sight that met her eyes.


(3)

Milind pushed open the door and staggered in. His eyes were glazed and his breath wreaked of so much alcohol that Prachi had to wrinkle her delicate nose to avoid the stench. His steps were wobbly and seeing that he was about to lose his balance, Prachi leaped to his side and tried to steady him. He shook away her hands and raised a warning finger at her. He then looked into her eyes as though he was seeing her for the first time. Suddenly, without warning, he leaned forward and grabbed her by the nape of her neck. He pushed her back against the wall and brought his face close to hers. By now, Prachi was petrified. She had never seen him like this. The glazed look in his eyes cleared up and was replaced by pure fury. He gnashed his teeth and spat out, "So your brother thinks he can play with the feelings of an innocent girl and get away with it, does he? Well, I have news for him. His sister is at my mercy. I will ensure that every hurt and every wound your brother inflicts on my sister is paid back a hundred times over." He then moved his arms down hers and holding her tightly he shook her till her teeth rattled. Prachi just froze in his hold, her eyes betraying her fear. He laughed wickedly and yelled, "You rich people think that marriage is a game, don't you? Well, I can play the game too. I, too, can come home drunk, unmindful of what my newly wedded wife will feel. I may be a chawl walla but I am no less than that millionaire brute brother of yours. I may not be able to afford Scotch, Smirnoff or Bacardi but I can afford Indian arrack which is more potent than these high class stuff. Do you like to see its strength?" So saying, he pushed Prachi real hard that the poor girl lost her balance and went crashing into the bedroom, hitting herself against the old mirror on the wall. The mirror snapped from the nail on which it hung and came crashing down. Prachi put her hand forward to steady the mirror but it fell nonetheless, cutting her palm in the process. Even as she winced in pain, she saw Milind slump to the ground and pass out on the floor.

Stepping past him she walked up to the fridge and taking out some ice cubes, she applied them on the wound on her palm. Once the bleeding stopped, she tied a piece of old cloth around her palm. She then tried to lift Milind, but he was way too heavy for her small frame. So she put her hands under his armpits and dragged him to the bed. Unable to heave him over it, she spread the mat and the thick blanket and stretched him on it. Expecting him to have a bad hangover the next morning, she squeezed some lime in a glass of water. She lifted his head and tried to force him to drink it. He sputtered out the liquid but she persisted till he was forced to consume at least some of it. She then lay his head on the pillow and watched over him till he dozed off to sleep. She later found another mat stashed away in the corner, which she spread for herself next to him and tried to catch some sleep after the unexpected ordeal she was subjected to.


Throughout the night Milind kept thrashing around and muttering in his sleep. Prachi was literally squeezed against the wall as she tried to avoid his flaying arms. In his dream he replayed the day's events. After he had checked on his father at the nursing home, he called his sister on the way to work. As soon as he heard her tearful voice on the line, he knew something was drastically wrong. In between the loud sobs, what he could decipher was that his good for nothing brother-in-law was busy enjoying himself in a bachelor's party on his wedding night while his hapless wife nearly lost their baby, worrying over his safety. When he threatened to come to her place and break every bone of that rascal's body, Sukriti pleaded with him to spare the father of her child. Banging down the phone in frustration and dejection he went to work with a heavy heart.



He could barely manage to concentrate on his work. His mind kept playing back his past with his baby sister. His mother had died when she was barely two and he, just nine years old. Since his father was busy, working his a** off for the Shahs, taking care of Sukriti became his primary responsibility. He was her mother, father, brother, friend all rolled in one. He used to take her with him to school. His teachers were kind enough to let her sit beside him in the classroom. She was contented playing with the few toys he took along, while he did his best to concentrate on his lessons. He did not care that his classmates teased him about the little tail that followed him everywhere. As she grew older, he took up her lessons, dressed her up for the school plays, cooked for her, even chose her dresses for her. Alas, when it came to choosing her life partner, Sukriti made her own choice, a choice she did not even bother to check with him first. Had she confided in him before, he would have warned her about Alaap's penchant for playing with the feelings of young innocent girls. He would have protected her from the heart break and agony she was going through now.



On his return from work, still weighed down by grief over his sister's life, he stopped near the local arrack shop. He had never touched alcohol ever in his life. He despised people who tried to drown their sorrow in drinks. He considered them cowards who ran away from problems instead of facing them head on but now he himself had become one of them. The knowledge of his sister's plight but his inability to do anything to alleviate it drove him insane. He tried to numb his senses with the drink but images of his sister's tear stained face kept appearing before him. Her tears pierced his heart like a million thorns and left it bleeding. Did he make a mistake in getting her married to that opportunistic womaniser, throwing away his own life in the process? Was the sacrifice of his love worth all the pain? He could find no answer to these disturbing questions even though he tried finding them in the drinks. After what seemed like hours, he slowly made his way back to his pigeon hole and landed at his front door step, banging at it.



As he kept slipping in and out of dreams, he kept calling out to Sukriti in his sleep. Prachi looked at his haggard face with a deep concern. She understood his pain, the reason why her own external gash did not hurt as much as seeing his deep emotional wound. She cursed her brother for putting him through this. She silently prayed that her man will pull through the night.
Part VII

(1)

Prachi woke up the next morning feeling something heavy around her waist. On closer examination she realised it was Milind's arm slung loosely around her. The guy seemed to have unconsciously placed it there in one of the many flip-flops he indulged in the previous night. Careful not to wake him up, she slowly wriggled out of his lose hold and quickly finished her morning routine. As she was about to prepare the morning tea, she heard Milind wake up with a wide yawn. Quickly going to the bedroom to check on him she saw him sitting on the mat, looking down at the floor and then up at the bed in confusion.

When he saw her, he said accusingly, "You pushed me down from my bed, didn't you?"

She gave him an incredulous look which made him want to retract his words. That was a ridiculous accusation to make, he thought, considering that she was but a wisp of a girl in comparison to his Samsonian structure. How the hell could she have knocked him off the bed? Moreover, the bed did not look like it was slept in and there was another mat lying next to the one he had slept in, indicating she had slept on the floor too. Holding his head, which by now started throbbing, he tried to recollect what had happened the previous night. Prachi brought him a glass of water to drink. Although on an impulse he tried to push away the glass, he took it hesitatingly, as his throat felt parched. As he sipped the water, he asked her how he came to sleep on the floor. Prachi did not answer him. He then noticed the white piece of cloth around her palm.

"What is that?" he asked her.

"What?" asked Prachi, feigning ignorance.

"That, around your right palm," he said, pointing at her bandage.

"That's nothing. Just a small cut."

"How did you get it?" he persisted.

"Cut my hand while holding up the mirror. Couldn't save it though," she said apologetically and pointed to the empty wall where the mirror was hung earlier.

Slowly the events of the previous night started coming back to him. He remembered coming home drunk the previous night, manhandling Prachi and yelling at her. He couldn't remember anything else. Was he somehow responsible for the cut? He wasn't sure but felt embarrassed to ask. What if he was? How was he to react? Pushing aside his thoughts, he got down to the issue at hand. He snatched her hand and asked her if she had applied some anti-septic. When she shook her head in the negative, he cursed under his breath and went up to the shelf where he kept the medical kit. Returning back to her, he took her hand in his, undid the cloth around it and applied some Dettol on the wound. Seeing her flinch, he blew gently on it and wrapped her hand in cotton and gauze. Prachi looked on in wonder. The guy does have a caring heart, she thought, although he keeps it well hidden most of the time. She wasn't wrong after all. When she got up to go to the kitchen, he stopped her.

"You can't do anything with that hand of yours", he said brusquely.

She tried protesting but he will have none of it. "Besides," he continued, "I've still not worked up the courage to be your guinea pig."

He then proceeded to prepare tea, bread toast and omelette at record time. Giving her a cup of tea, he took one himself and sat down with the newspaper. After he had a few sips, he looked up to see Prachi trying to balance the hot cup in her left hand and drink the tea. Emitting another expletive, he went up to her and taking the cup from her, he brought it to her lips. She sipped the tea with trembling lips, all the while staring at him with large, limpid eyes. He felt himself getting drawn into their magnetic pools. Wanting to get a hold on himself, he turned his face away from her, still holding the cup for her, though. He waited patiently till she finished the tea. When he picked up the breakfast plate, she told him she wasn't feeling hungry now and would have it later.

"You're sure you'll be able to manage on your own?" he asked, trying hard to mask his concern.

She nodded mutely. He then went about getting ready for work. As he was about to leave for work, he turned around to her.

"I'll ask Manjula to send across some food for lunch. Moreover, Venkat had invited us for dinner at their place tonight. So you needn't have to cook for the rest of the day. In fact our next nineteen dinners are taken care of,"

Looking at her confused expression he said by way of explanation, "That's one of the privileges of being a new wedded couple. All the families in this chawl have booked us for dinners for the next three weeks."

She smiled at that, making his heart skip more than a beat. Why does she have to look so distracting beautiful? he thought. Trying to keep his mind from that disarming smile, he felt compelled to say something.

"Why did you not sleep on the bed?" he blurted out and later felt like biting his tongue. Now why did I bring up last night? he thought.

"And risk getting my head chewed by you?" she quizzed him back.

He didn't know how to respond to that. "I don't normally drink", he stated in a matter of fact tone.

"I know" she quietly said.

She does, does she? he thought looking at her questioningly. How?

Just then they heard the front door bell ring.

(2)

Just as Prachi opened the door, Ayesha came barging in. Holding Prachi by her arms she twirled her around and gleefully congratulated her on her wedding. Still holding Prachi, she turned to Milind who was mutely standing nearby.

"Congratulations, Milind. You have landed yourself every Indian man's fantasy- a beautiful, docile, undemanding and dumb wife," she said jocularly and received a punch from Prachi who had broken free from her hold.

"Why did you not attend our wedding", asked Prachi with a sullen face. Before she could respond, Milind looked agitatedly at his watch and said that he really needed to get going as he was running late for work.

"Let me not hold you back, Milind. We can always catch up some time later", said Ayesha nonchalantly. As Milind hurried out, Ayesha winked at Prachi and asked her, "So madam, how's married life with our chawl's hottest dude?"

Prachi blushed a deep red but persisted, "Ayesha, don't sidetrack me. I asked you why you did not turn up for our wedding. I was eagerly waiting for you."

"Well, the last time I tried helping you with your wedding plans, the wedding did not happen. So I thought that you stood a better chance of getting married in my absence", Ayesha said with mock sorrow.

"Come on Ayesha, get serious and answer my question," Prachi was getting impatient with her by now.

"All right, I did want to attend your wedding but I guess fate had other plans. My mother took seriously ill the day before the wedding. I had to take her to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore as advised by my doctor here. They ran some tests on her for which I had to stay back. As the doctors wanted to start the treatment immediately, I admitted her there. I just arrived back this morning. "

"How is Amrita Aunty now?" asked Prachi with concern.

"She has stabilised but nothing can be said for the moment. I had to come back because I had to resume duty. I'll visit her over the week-ends."

"Why did you not tell me anything, Ayesha?" Prachi looked hurt that her best friend had not confided her problems in her.

"And let you worry your head over it? What purpose would it serve? As it is you had enough and more things to worry about. I did not want to burden you unnecessarily with my problems. Anyway facing such problems has become part and parcel of my life", she said ruefully. Prachi was still upset with her. Ayesha tried to cheer her up.

"Look what I got you as your wedding present!" she said, taking out a small packet from her hand bag and handing it over to Prachi. Prachi opened it to reveal a beautiful intricately carved porcelain figurine of a couple. The man was kneeling before the lady with his hand crossed over his heart. The lady was looking at him with eyes filled with love. Below the figurine were these words carved in gold.

To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you are the world.

"That is beautiful Ayesha!" exclaimed Prachi, examining it more closely, "Must have cost you a fortune!"

"Nothing is expensive for my darling friend", Ayesha hugged Prachi.

Prachi looked around for a place to keep it and found space in the small showcase which hung on one side of the wall of the front room. It held a few cups and trophies which she presumed Milind must have won. She made a mental note to ask him about when and where he won them later. She placed the figurine carefully beside the trophies.

The two friends then spent the whole morning chatting and making fun of each other. Noticing Prachi's bandaged hand, Ayesha volunteered to cook. After lunch, Ayesha took leave of her as she had to report to her company for the afternoon shift.
(3)

Milind returned home that evening on time. Prachi did not know what to wear for the dinner at the Iyers'. She had left behind all her expensive dresses at the Shah House and bought herself a dozen simple salwar kameezes since she did not want to look conspicuous in her attire in the humble surroundings she would be living in, post marriage. Not being able to decide on a suitable dress, she went up to Milind and showed him her clothes, asking him which one of them she should be wearing for the dinner. Milind looked at her in irritation.

"For God's sake, you are not going to attend a fashion show, just a dinner at a friend's house. Wear whatever you are comfortable in. As long as you are not in your birth suit, I have no problems taking you with me."

Prachi turned red with shame hearing this and made a hasty exit. Ten minutes later the newly-weds were at the doorstep of their neighbours, Milind in his khakhi shirt and faded denims and Prachi in a baby pink salwar suit. They received a warm welcome from the Iyers. After Prachi handed Manju the small box of sweets that Milind had bought for them, she followed the host into the kitchen, volunteering to help. Manju shooed her away assuring her that everything was ready to be served and she was merely giving the final touch. Milind and Venkat caught up with the latest political scenario, discussing animatedly who will win the coming general elections. Not interested in politics, Prachi looked around for the kids. Adi and Anu just walked in at that moment after play. Seeing Milind, they shouted out in glee and jumped onto his lap in unison. Milind enveloped them in his wide arms, gave them bars of chocolates and continued his conversation with Venkat. Prachi tried to lure them to her. Although they flashed their sweet smiles at her, they refused to get off Milind's lap. Unrapping the chocolate in a hurry, Anu had already started munching on it when Manju came in and snatched the chocolates from their hands.

"Milind, you are spoiling them rotten. Look, they will eat only chocolate and skip the dinner." She complained.

"Now Adi, Anu, is that true? Will you guys make a fuss having your dinner?" asked Milind, in mock admonishment.

The two boys shook their heads vigorously in the negative.

"See Manju, you are unduely harsh with them. They are good boys who will listen to their Milind uncle, wont you guys?"

This time they nodded their heads in agreement.

"Lets see," said Manju and served the kids first. Before getting off Milind uncle's lap both the kids kissed him on either cheek. As Anu's mouth was smudged with chocolate, Milind's beard turned brown on one side. Prachi couldn't help smiling at her husband's appearance, but seeing Milind glare at her, she quickly suppressed it. Once the kids had their dinner, they brushed their teeth, wished everyone good night and went to bed. Manju then spread out four large banana leaves and laid out a typical south indian thali for them. It was only when Prachi sat down to have the food did Manju notice the wound on Prachi's hand and realised that she was not in a position to eat with her hand. As the food was already served on the banana leaf, she could not use the spoon either. As Prachi looked around helplessly, Manju came up with a prompt solution. Turning to Milind, she said in a cajoling tone.

"Come on, Milind. Won't you feed your darling wife?"

Having no alternative, he nodded his head in resignation and took the food to Prachi's mouth. Prachi opened her mouth shyly and took in the food. Milind tried hard to concentrate on the job at hand rather than on those lovely lips which opened and closed as he kept alternatively feeding Prachi and himself. Just as he was about to feed her the last mouthful of food, she accidentally bit his fingers. He jerked his hand out and shook it in pain. Startled seeing blood ooze from his finger, Prachi snatched his hand instinctively and put his finger in her mouth, sucking the blood. Milind felt a sudden tingling sensation course through his body and his body became warm from head to toe. Prachi released his finger when she realised what she had done and bent her head down in shyness, not wanting to meet his gaze. Manju and Venkat who were watching all this with great amusement, teased them both, making them blush.

After dinner, as Prachi helped Manju clear the dishes, Manju dragged her aside and said in a hushed voice.

"I know Prachi that it is not my business to advise you but being Milind's neighbour and friend I am sharing with you my thoughts. I know that you come from a well to do family and are used to certain comforts in life. Life here in the chawl may be filled with hardships but as long as you are with the man you love, any problem is surmountable. Milind is a gem of a human being, a little short-tempered and stubborn but he has a heart of gold. Did you see the way he interacts with my kids? You don't often find men who love others' kids as their own. I think such men are trustworthy and childlike themselves. Hope you give him his own little ones soon."

It was obvious that Manju thought that theirs was a love marriage. Not wanting to dispel her conclusion, Prachi nodded her head in silence and returned to Milind's side. Soon they took leave of the Iyers and returned back to their house to spend another night of uneasy togetherness.
Part VIII

Milind's chawl was a mini-India with people from all across the country. There were the Sens from West Bengal, the Mohantys from Orissa, the Shuklas fom U.P, the Yadavs from Bihar, the Reddys from Andhra Pradesh, the Raos from Karnataka, the Kapoors from Punjab, the Shindes from Maharashtra, the Meenas from Rajastan, the Kuttys from Kerala and the Baruas from Assam, to name a few. So Milind and Prachi ended up sampling nearly all the cuisines of the country for dinner over the next three weeks. Days were uneventful ' In the mornings, after Milind left for work, Prachi kept herself busy with her paintings and sketches. She also practiced her singing to keep her vocal chords in shape. Afternoons were spent visiting Mishraji at the nursing home and talking to him endlessly, even though she wasn't sure whether the old man could hear a single word she said. She played badminton and kho kho with the chawl kids in the evenings and waited for Milind to return as each day the sun bid good bye to yet another day.

It was a month since she had become Mrs. Mishra. That evening Milind came home and silently handed her his salary of Rs.15,000. Not knowing what the money was for, Prachi looked at it in confusion and asked him,"What am I to do with all this money?"

He looked at her like she was out of this world.

"You know what? You take a cab and go to the Inorbit Mall. Well, that may cost you about....hmmm.. a hundred rupees. Once there you can blow up the rest of the money in clothes, shoes, perfumes, handbags and other girlie stuff. One thing, though, in all your excitement to shop, don't forget to set aside another hundred rupees to take the cab back home. Otherwise you'll be stranded there with your big shopping bags."

It took a full five minutes for Prachi to register his sarcasm. She bent her head to hide her tears. She has never been spoken to in this manner by anyone, save her hot headed husband. Although she has been hearing such cryptic and sarcastic comments for a month now, she could not help being sensitive to them.

Milind suddenly felt uncomfortable. Was he being unduly mean to her but then why was she always asking stupid questions? he thought.

"That's my salary", he said. "I am giving it to you so that you don't come running to me for each and everything. By the way, tomorrow is the last day to pay the electricity bill. I had forgotten to pay last month's bill as I got caught up in the wedding preparations. If the bill is not paid tomorrow they will cut the electricity supply. So don't forget to pay it." He then handed over the electricity bill.

Prachi nodded silently and kept the money and the bill in the wooden cupboard.

The next evening Milind came home at around 7.00 p.m. Just as he stepped in, the power had gone off.

"Sh**t!" muttered Milind and sat down on the wooden sofa, waiting for the power to come up in a few minutes. When it did not, he opened the front door and realised that everyone had lights in their houses except them. It is then that it dawned on Prachi that she was responsible for their house being shrouded in total darkness.


That morning after Milind had left for work, she had planned to go pay the electricity bill. She was just taking out the bill to do so when she heard the door bell ring. Mrs. Sen who lived in the flat below theirs had come up to ask for some sugar as she had run out of it. Prachi had given her a cup full but the lady was in no mood to leave immediately. She sat down and started pouring out her woes about her alcoholic husband and good for nothing son. As Prachi was too polite to send her away, she patiently listened to everything and in the process lost all track of time, forgetting she had errands of her own to run. Now they were facing the consequences of her forgetfulness.

"You forgot to pay the bill, didn't you?" he boomed.

Prachi shivered in anticipation of his anger.

Cursing himself loudly for trusting her with a simple task like paying the bill, he went to the kitchen area to find the candles. While he pushed his way through, he accidentally tread on her foot. As he had not yet removed his shoes, the heels of his shoes dug into the soft flesh of her foot. She bit her lip to suppress the scream which tried to escape on feeling the sharp jabbing pain that coursed through her body, right up to her head.

Milind was unaware of the damage he had done to the delicate foot of his wife. He found the candles and lit them. As he turned around, he saw her in a heap on the floor. Going up to her, he held up a candle close to her. Her head was bent between her knees. Lifting it by her chin, he looked into her eyes. They were brimming with tears.


Feeling bad for yelling at her, he gruffly said, "Okay, now don't cry for it. I'll pay the bill tomorrow." As he stood up to leave, he noticed the blue-black mark on the top of her left foot. Taking the candle closer to the mark he realised it was the imprint of his shoe sole.

"Sorry," he said, with genuine regret at his hastiness. "I did not realise that I had stamped your foot. That must have hurt like hell and you did not even whimper!" He marvelled at her ability to bear pain. Holding the candle in one hand, he gripped her shoulders and tried to raise her up but it became apparent that she was in no position to stand, let alone walk.

Placing the candle on the shelf, he swung her in his strong arms. She gripped his neck for support. Their heads were very close and both found it difficult to breathe in each other's proximity. He took her to the wooden sofa in the room and placed her gently on it. Bringing his medical kit, he took out a bottle of Iodex. Kneeling before her on one knee, he placed her foot on his other thigh and rubbed some of it tenderly on the bruise, looking up to see if he was hurting her while doing so. She silently assured him with her eyes that she was feeling much better. He then brought her dinner to her seat and the two of them silently ate their food, looking into each other's eyes. In the flickering light of the candles, each felt mesmerised by the other's attractiveness. After what seemed like ages, they finally managed to finish their dinner. Swinging her back in his arms, he carried her to the bed and inspite of her protests insisted that she sleeps on it. He then spread the mat on the floor for himself and promptly went to sleep, even as she looked over his sleeping face, wondering what to make of his nature.



Part IX
(1)

Monsoon broke out in Mumbai early next morning. Before leaving for work, Milind asked Prachi to hand over the electricity bill so that he can pay it before going to work. When she tried telling him that she will take care of it, he curtly told her to rest at home and take care of her leg first. The wet weather was not the ideal one for outdoor activities, especially with a bruised foot. Although he tried to mask it, Prachi knew the man was genuinely concerned about her leg which gladdened her heart. After he left for work, armed with his raincoat and umbrella, Prachi got busy tidying up their small pigeon hole. She went up to the wooden cupboard in their bedroom and arranged his clothes in it when she noticed an old worn out white shirt. The shirt was frayed at the collars and had stains at the bottom. Making up her mind to do something about Milind's pathetic clothes, she removed the shirt from the cupboard. Just then the dhobiwalla had dropped in asking if there are any clothes for washing. Prachi gave him the shirt and told him that he can keep it for himself. The man looked at her in astonishment and asked her whether she was sure that she did not want it back. Having been reassured she did not, he left.



After Prachi had her bath she decided she will shop for some good shirts for Milind. It was only after she landed at the shop did she realise she had no clue about shopping for men's clothes, having not had an occasion to do so all her life. She did not know his shirt size or the colours which will suit him. As she looked around the racks in confusion, a helpful salesman dropped by and asked if he could help. When he realised her plight, he asked her how broad was her husband. She did not know how to describe him. She looked around and spotted a broad shouldered six footer amongst the customers. Pointing to him, she said that her husband will be roughly his size. On being asked whether her husband was fair or dark she replied that he had a beautiful brown tan. She added that he was a very handsome man. The salesman couldn't hide his smile hearing this and asked her if she was newly married. When she replied in the affirmative, he told her that he figured it out from her adulation of her spouse. He then showed a blushing Prachi some of the shirts which will look good on her 'handsome' husband. Not being able to decide between a stripped, light blue shirt and a plain snow white shirt, she picked up both. On returning home, she hung them in the cupboard and waited to surprise him.



That evening when Milind returned back from work, he opened his cupboard and got the shock of his life. Removing the shirts from the cupboard he yelled out,

"Prachi!" Elated to hear her name from his lips for the first time since the day she came to live with him, Prachi rushed to him, expecting to be complimented for her superb choice of shirts. Instead what awaited her threw her completely off board.

"What are THESE doing in my cupboard?" he shouted in annoyance.

"I....I...had bought them for you" stammered Prachi.

"Who asked you to? And Arrow shirts at that!" he snapped back." It must have cost a fortune!!!"

"Just fifteen hundred rupees each" mumbled Prachi, tears stinging her eyes.

"Three thousand rupees!" exclaimed Milind. "Do you realise that you just blew up 20 per cent of my salary on a single day?"

Prachi was trembling by now. "Milind, I was tidying the cupboard when I noticed that your shirts were old and worn out. I discarded that white shirt which was in shambles and decided to buy you some new ones."

"What? What did you say you did with my white shirt?" he snarled and turned around to look for it in the cupboard, realising for the first time that it was missing.

"I ...I gave ...it away to the dhobiwalla", she said with trembling lips.

He couldn't believe what he just heard. 'Just look at the audacity of this woman', he thought.

Looking at her with red hot fury, he spat out, "Who asked you to mess in my affairs? Do you know the value of that white shirt to me? It was the first shirt my Baba gifted me when I won the 'Best outgoing student' award in my college." He still remembered that day when his father gave him the shirt with so much love and pride in his eyes. How he wished he could make his Baba as proud of him as he was on that day.

"Milind, I thought that since you are working in a hotel where many people see you, the new shirts would make you look smart", she tried to reason.

That did it. She had inadvertently hit a raw nerve. Something snapped within him and he shook her by her arms.

"So I don't look smart enough for you in my shabby clothes, do I? Do you feel embarrassed to be seen with me? Is my low class appearance not compatible with your high class one?"

Tears started falling rapidly down her cheeks and she quickly lowered her head, lest he sees them.

Just then they heard someone's steps at the door and turned towards the sound in unison.

(2)



"Milind", cried out Manjula, standing at the door with Anu in her arms. Her face was lined with anxiety and her eyes, filled with tears. The boy was moaning. Milind and Prachi rushed to her. Picking the boy up in his arms he noticed that the boy was burning up with fever.

"What happened?" asked an alarmed Milind.

Prachi looked worriedly at the boy.

Between sobs Manjula told him that Anu had been running fever for the last two days but that night it had shot up to over 104 degrees due to which the boy started having convulsions. She tried everything including cold water swabs but the fever was not letting up. As Venkat had left for a hiking expedition with his friends the previous weekend, there was no one to help her take care of Adi and also attend to Anu at the same time, she said. Without wasting any time, Milind swung Anu on his shoulders, making his way out. He asked Prachi to lock up their house and go to Manju's place to take care of Adi while he takes Manju and Anu to the nursing home. He asked her not to wait up for him as most probably he will spend the night at the nursing home.
As it was raining pretty heavily that night, Milind and Manju had trouble finding an auto. Milind had swaddled Anu in his big rain coat and put his arms over him to protect him from the lashing rains. Manju held the umbrella for both of them. Finally they managed to find an auto after ten minutes of wait and took the sick boy into the nursing home. Luckily a paediatrician was on her rounds and she examined the boy. Suspecting viral fever, she advised that the boy be put on drips immediately because he was dehydrated. After Anu was taken care of, Manju sat down by his side and let out a sigh of relief. Milind went out to get the medicines. When he returned, Manju had already fallen asleep by the side of her son's bed, exhausted from lack of sleep for the past two days. Milind watched over the boy all through the night and kept the nurse busy in changing the drips whenever the bottle turned empty. Manju woke up in the wee hours of the morning and apologised for putting Milind through so much trouble. Milind dismissed it with a wave of his hand, saying that he was merely doing his duty towards his 'sister'. Manju was overwhelmed with emotion. Holding his hand she asked him that if he considers her as his sister then would he be offended if she said something. Milind shook his head and looked at her in confusion, wondering what she was hinting at. Hesitatingly she told him that she had accidentally overheard the last bit of their conversation the previous night. Milind put his head down in shame.

"I don't mean to pry Milind, but why were you so harsh with Prachi last night?" On hearing no response, she continued. "The girl has given up a lot to come and live with you, Milind. She is doing her best to adjust to the surroundings which are totally different from what she is used to. Despite the hardships she is facing on a daily basis, I have never seen her complain about anything. All I see is a girl with a smiling face, eager to please her husband and integrate into his way of life. Do you know that she had asked me to teach her to make dosas because you like them? Why can't you be a little more sensitive to her?"

"She had spent three thousand rupees on shirts I did not even want in the first place" said Milind grumpily, "How will she run the house if she fritters away money like this?"

"Milind, it is your fault for suddenly thrusting on her the responsibility of running the family without extending any help. You have been taking care of your house for years now whereas she has just become part of your family. Why don't you help her draw up a budget so that she knows how to prioritise the expenditure? I am sure she'll manage quite well within a month. She looks to be a quick learner. Tell me something, do you really feel happy when you see her unhappy face?"

No he did not, he thought. It tore him up inside every time he saw those large lustrous eyes lose their gleam and fill up with tears, hearing his harsh words. She may not have chosen to spend the rest of her life with him and may have been compelled to do so because of her brother's misdeeds but she has never ever let her discontentment show on her face or her manner. Come to think of it, she has never once retaliated. Her blunders so far have been the result of inexperience rather than malice. Maybe he was too seeped in his prejudices to see her for who she is or understand what she must be going through.

Just then, Anu's doctor arrived and said that they would like to keep him at the nursing home for another day at least. Manju assured Milind that she will take care and that he can go to work. As Adi did not have school that day, he can remain at the chawl with Prachi. Taking leave of her, he left the room, immersed in deep thought about Prachi and, on the corridor, was met by the doctor who was attending to his Baba. Greeting him jubilantly, the doctor shook his hands.

"Congratulations Mr.Mishra. Your father is showing definite signs of improvement. Since last night he is off the ventilator and is breathing on his own. He is still in coma and is a long way away from full recovery but there is definitely more hope now", he said.

Milind was exhilarated hearing the news and rushed to see his father. "I must say Mr. Mishra, you have one remarkable wife," continued the doctor who had followed him in.

Milind looked at him in confusion. "My wife? Prachi?"

"Yes, the lady has been visiting her father-in-law every afternoon without fail for the last one month and spending over three hours by his side, talking to him, reading to him, sometimes even singing to him!", he smiled."We used to wonder at the woman's patience, doing all this for a comatose patient, knowing that he may well not be aware of a single thing around him but she was relentless. I guess her patience and perseverance has paid off."

Milind was too stunned to react to this piece of information. Prachi had been meeting his father every day and he wasn't even aware of it! Why was she taking so much trouble for his father? Was he not under the impression that the Shahs, including Prachi, treated his father merely as an employee? Yet, first PL surprised him with her generosity, offering to take care of the entire cost of treating his father and now her daughter, his wife, astonished him with her patience, willingly sacrificing her afternoons to be with an old man who was not even conscious of her presence.

He staggered out of the nursing home, dazed but with a new found empathy and admiration for his one-month old wife.

(3)

Prachi was just handing over the milk to Adi when Milind dropped in to collect the keys to their house. She looked with concern at her husband's tired and drawn face.

"Is everything all right Milind? How is Anu now? Where is Manju?"

"Manju is still in the hospital with Anu. They suspect it to be viral fever but they want to keep him under observation for some time. Will you be able to take care of Adi till Manju returns?"

"Don't worry, I'll take care. I'm preparing breakfast for him. If you wait for a few minutes, you too can have breakfast with him."

"No, don't bother. I am already running late for work. I'll just have a quick bath and get going before my boss eats my head." He then rushed out, only to return back almost immediately and said "Thanks for everything."

Prachi was taken aback initially but then smiled at him, showing her dimples and causing him a mini heart-attack all over again. Shaking his head to get off the distracting image from it, he left the place.

Manju returned that afternoon, sooner than expected as Anu's fever had left that morning and he was doing well. She enquired whether Adi troubled her a lot. Replying in the negative, Prachi gave him a good character certificate, making the boy happy with his Prachi aunty. On hearing about the improvement in Baba's health from Manju, Prachi was eager to see her father-in-law. She spent another fruitful afternoon with her comatose father-in-law, this time reading him passages from the Gita.

Just as she stepped into her house that evening, there was a cloud burst and Mumbai witnessed one of the heaviest monsoon rains for that year. Prachi was worried for Milind's safety. Trains came to a grinding halt due to flooding and water logging. Buses barely managed to inch their way through the traffic which had clogged all the arterial roads. With electric lines snapping at several places, power supply was switched off in pockets of the city to avoid electrocution. In an effort to avoid the potholes and open manholes on the sides of the roads, people snaked their way through the middle of the roads, holding on to the road dividers for support in the darkness. Milind had to get off his train two stations before his. He waded through waist deep water for eight kilometres, reaching home after nearly an hour and a half.

Prachi opened the door to a tired and weary Milind who collapsed on the nearby wooden sofa. She rushed to him with a towel, Dettol and soap.

"Milind, I know you are exhausted but I think you should have a shower as soon as possible." Not wanting him to misconstrue that she found him stinky, she hastened to add,"I heard that there is an outbreak of leptospirosis, a deadly disease in the city. Rats' urine mixed in rain water causes it, I believe. If one has waded through stagnant water, taking a shower soon thereafter is supposed to reduce the chances of contracting it."

Milind nodded and headed to the bathroom with the towel, soap and the dettol. After a few minutes he came in feeling more refreshed. Prachi had a bowl of steaming hot soup ready for him. Handing him the bowl she snatched the towel from his hand and started to vigorously dry his hair while he sipped the soup. Milind was surprised by her sudden assertiveness but liked it, nonetheless. She cares for me, he thought. After dinner, Milind was all set to stretch himself on the floor when Prachi held his wrist.

"Milind, you sleep on the bed, I'll sleep on the floor. The floor is very cold due to the rains. You'll fall sick sleeping on it."

"If that is so then would you not fall sick if you sleep on it?" he queried.

"Well, I'm not going out to work whereas you are," Prachi tried to reason.

"Now, how do you think I can work in peace, knowing that my wife is sick at home?"

Prachi did not have an answer to that.

Milind continued, "I think there is a solution to this. With some adjustment, both of us can sleep on the bed. That way neither of us will fall sick." Prachi shyly nodded her head in agreement.

They then tentatively stretched themselves on the narrow bed, each trying to make the other comfortable in it. Actually they were both quite nervous yet excited by the proximity. Wanting to break the ice, Prachi started to apologise for her extravagant purchases of the previous day and her generosity in giving away his shirt without checking with him first. Milind gently placed a finger on her lips and said that if anyone has to apologise it has to be him.

"I am sorry, Prachi. I was thoughtless and rude and inconsiderate and ...." Before he could continue, it was Prachi's turn to place her hand over his mouth.

Both looked into each other's eyes and saw in them the eagerness to make an appeasement. After several minutes of the mutual gazing, Milind smiled and said, "I must admit that you have a good taste."

Seeing her confused expression, he continued, "Both the shirts are superb selection."

Prachi's eyes lit up. "So you like them? Will you wear them to work?" Seeing him nodded his head in agreement Prachi felt elated. She was planning to return them the next day and ask if the shop can give back the money in exchange.

Suddenly struck by a thought she asked him, wide-eyed, "Milind, with one fifth of your salary gone already, how will we manage the expenses for this month?"

Smiling at her innocent question Milind assured her that he will take care of it. He then enlightened her as to how. The coffee shop at the hotel in which he worked in required somebody at the counter for a couple of hours for two weeks as the regular guy who sits there has some sports practice to attend. He can take up that opportunity by staying back after work and make good the shortfall. Prachi was touched by this and her eyes filled up with tears.

Alarmed to see his wife's tears, Milind asked her, "Now, what did I say wrong? Why are you crying?"

Prachi assured him they were not tears of unhappiness but of gratitude. Milind gently wiped her tears away and asked her to promise him that she will never cry again, which she did. Still gazing at each other, they gradually fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, there was a loud clap of thunder, hearing which Prachi panicked and without a thought clung to her husband. Milind woke up, startled by the sudden tight embrace he was subjected to, but on seeing Prachi's eyes, tightly squeezed shut, he smiled at her fears. As the sounds of the thunder receded, Prachi opened her eyes, realised what she had done and move away in shyness. "You can continue to cling to me if it makes you feel safe. I don't mind", Milind said in amusement. Prachi blushed at this and buried her face in the pillow. Soon sleep overcame both of them and they slept peacefully for the rest of the night.

(4)

The next day was a Sunday. Milind was still fast asleep at 9.00 a.m. Prachi had finished her morning routine, prepared the breakfast and waited patiently for her husband to open his eyes. Sitting by his side, she looked over at him, playing back in her mind the hug she inadvertently gave him the previous night and blushing at the thought. Finally Milind woke up to greet the new day and seeing the beautiful countenance of his wife looking over him, he flashed her one of the most charming smile, she had ever seen. Prachi's blush deepened, making her even more attractive in his eyes. Asking him to brush his teeth and come for breakfast, she quickly went to the kitchen area, trying to get a control over her senses which were running riot at the moment.

Just as they were finishing up with the breakfast, they heard the front doorbell ring. Prachi opened the door to be greeted by Ganpat and Vijay, Milind's friends from the chawl. Looking in at Milind who was seated quite coolly on his sofa, they asked him to get ready for the football practice. Milind excused himself, saying that he had sprained his ankle the previous night while staggering home in darkness. After being assured that it was nothing serious that a day's rest would not take care of, his friends left. Prachi rushed to his side and knelt before him, lifting his ankles in turn, to examine them.

"Why did you not tell me you have sprained your ankle?" she asked.

"Arey buddhu, did you see me limping either last night or this morning?"

"No", said Prachi still confused.

"How could I have sprained my ankle and be able to move around freely?"

"Then why did you say you did to Ganpat and Vijay" persisted Prachi.

"Just to get them off my back. I want to spend the rest of the day getting to know my wife." Milind looked at his wife adoringly.

Prachi's face brightened up hearing this. Although they had been married for a month now, Milind had never spent a single Sunday at home. He spent the only rest day of the week with his friends, catching up on their lives, playing football or cricket with them or going to watch various sports events across the city. As he was away at work the other six days, this meant he hardly spent any time with Prachi. Now that he has declared with he will be with her for the day, Prachi was excited about having her husband all to herself, atleast for a day. Smiling at her excitement, Milind asked her to bring a notebook. Although she did not know what he had in mind, she obediently brought one. He then asked her to sit beside him on the wooden sofa and got busy writing down something in it. Looking over his shoulders she realised he was chalking out the monthly budget.

Income: Rs.15,000

Expenditure:

Provisions - around Rs. 1,500

Fruits and vegetables - around Rs.650

Milk - Rs.350

Rent - Rs.2,500

Electricity - around Rs.400 (paid for the month)

Mobile recharge - Rs.500

EMI for the motor cycle - Rs.2,500

Train pass - Rs.250

Petrol expenses - Rs.200

Newspaper - around Rs.150

Baba's medical expenses- Rs.5,000

Contingency expenses/savings - Rs.1,000

Total : Rs.15,000

Prachi learnt that although PL had volunteered to pay Baba's medical expenses, Milind had accepted her offer only under the condition that he repays the debt and he was setting aside five thousand rupees every month to do so. The knowledge of this only served to enhance Milind's image in her eyes. Here was a man who did not bow to any or accept anything in charity. She was impressed by his belief in himself and his own abilities to take care of his family. After working out the expenses for her, he asked her if she would find it difficult to manage within the tight budget. Prachi assured him that she will keep their family ship afloat in the face of all storms. Milind smiled at her confidence and felt happy to have such a co-operative wife.

Milind then insisted that he helps her prepare the lunch and dinner and went about expertly cutting the vegetables and peeling the garlic. While indulging in the joint cooking activity, they shared with each other their likes and dislikes, growing experiences, incidents from their childhood which were unforgettable and so on. Suddenly Prachi was reminded of something.

"Milind, can I ask you something?" she asked in a serious tone.

"Yes, Prachi, what is it?"

"When you came to the Shah House last year and I mistook you for a plumber, you mentioned to Ayesha that we had met as kids fifteen years back and that nothing has changed in all these years. What did you mean by that?"

"Oh, that! Do you really want to talk about that?" quizzed back Milind.

"Yes, Milind, I'd like to know what you meant by that statement. What had happened when we had met all those years back?"

Milind hesitatingly revealed the details of their first meeting.

Milind's flashback

It was Alaap's ninth birthday that day. Inder had arranged for a huge party for which a reluctant twelve-year old Milind was dragged by his baba. He wore his only good pair of trousers and a floral shirt which his baba had bought for him for that year's diwali. As soon as they landed in Shah house, his sister, Sukriti who was five years old then was immediately carried into the house by PL who was very fond of the girl. His father got busy entertaining Inder's business associates. Milind felt very uncomfortable in the alien surroundings. Since he did not know anybody else in the house, he kept standing in a corner, watching the people around him. It is then that he noticed a thin tall boy with a group of his friends. From his expensive dress he could make out that he was the birthday boy. He was loudly bragging to his friends what gifts his father has bought for him and where he was planning to take him for their next family vacation and so on. Suddenly Alaap noticed Milind and called out to him

"Hey, you, who are you? How come you are at my party?"

Milind introduced himself as Mr.Mishra's son.

"Oh, so you are our naukar's son, are you? Get us some soft drinks," he ordered rudely.

"You go get it yourself," Milind retorted back.

"How dare you speak to me like this? I'll tell your father about your impertinent behaviour."Alaap threatened.

"Go tell him. I don't care," said Milind and turned to leave the place.

Just then he overheard Alaap loudly call him a pansy, pointing to his floral shirt and laughing out loud and his friends joined him.

As Milind looked up he saw Prachi standing on the top of the stairs with her group of friends and she was smiling at him.

Ashamed to be humiliated in this manner by the Shah kids, Milind left the place even before the party began, earning the wrath of his father when he realised later that his son had gone home without his knowledge. Ever since then he had made it a point to avoid the Shah house like the plague until Prachi's fateful non-starter engagement the previous year.

End of flashback

Prachi was astounded hearing about this incident. She did not remember the day very clearly. After all she was barely seven years old then. All she remembered was joking around with her friends. Could it be possible that Milind mistook her smile for ridicule when in reality she had no intention of doing so in the first place? She asked him so aloud. Milind had to admit that it was quite possible that he could have misunderstood her smile, for at that moment he was blinded by fury and was not really thinking straight. Now that he has observed her in closer quarters she did not appear to be a girl who would make fun of people or hurt their feelings. Prachi apologised to him nonetheless which Milind waved off saying there was no need for it now.

They later had their lunch, complimenting each other for an excellent meal. That evening they heard a knock at the door. The dhobiwalla was standing there with Milind's white shirt, nicely starched and ironed. He told Milind that he knew memsaab was new to the house and must have mistakenly given him the shirt. He had it washed, starched and pressed. Now it was as good as new. Thanking the dhobiwalla for the trouble, Milind handed him a hundred rupee note. The dhobiwalla protested saying that it did not cost that much but Milind insisted tha he keeps the money. Prachi heaved a sigh of relief seeing Milind's favourite shirt back. After Milind had kept the shirt carefully in the cupboard, he turned to his wife and smiled at her, saying, "All's well that ends well". She smiled back in return.

(5)

The following weekend Milind was searching for some papers in his cupboard when a big plastic cover fell down from it. Picking it up he looked in to find sheaves of white art paper containing various sketches. He curiously took them out and examined them more closely. To his surprise he found them to be mostly sketches of him! Each of them was signed at the bottom with a stylish P, indicating that these were the handiwork of his better half. Just then Prachi walked in after her bath, her hair wrapped in towel. Seeing the sketches in Milind's hands, she hurried to him and tried snatching them away. Milind deftly dodged her hand and held the sketches high over his head. After several attempts to get them from him by jumping up high, Prachi finally gave up and moved away with mock disappointment. Milind came up from behind her and asked her sweetly how come she hid from him the fact that she was an expert artist. Prachi tried to shrug it off saying that sketching was just a pass-time and she was no expert at it. Milind wouldn't agree with her though, remarking that she looked more like a professional. Leafing through the sketches, he realised that the portraits of him mostly always had him sporting grumpy, frowning, scowling, sullen, morose or serious expressions. There were only a couple of them which had him smiling in them. Asked why she had so few sketches with his smiling face, she retorted that she can only sketch the faces she mostly sees. As a smiling Milind is a rare commodity, so are the sketches showing him do so! Milind vowed that she will get to see more of the smiling Milind from then onwards, bringing a broad smile on Prachi's face. Amongst the sketches were a couple of sketches of Baba. Looking at them, Milind was reminded of something.

"Prachi, I heard that you are visiting Baba regularly in the afternoons and that it is because of these visits Baba is showing definite signs of improvement. How come you never mentioned a word about this to me?"

"Sorry, Milind. I did not think you will be interested to know. But then, you never told me about your morning visits to the nursing home, either."

"Well, I visit him because he is my father. I am only fulfilling my duty."

"What makes you think that I am doing more than merely fulfilling my duty? Milind, your Baba is like a father to me too. Right from childhood he has been taking care of me like one. Whenever my papa was out of town on business, it was your Baba who used to help me with my studies. I was always a little weak in Maths. If it had not been for your Baba I would not have cleared the board exams. It breaks my heart to see a man who was once strong and energetic be confined to the bed without knowledge of himself or the world around him. I hope he returns to us soon. This is my only prayer."

Milind was moved by the concern and genuine affection he saw in her eyes for his father and assured her that God will surely hear her prayers and Baba will be with them soon enough.

Part X

(1)

A month and a half had passed since Milind and Prachi progressed from strangers, forced by circumstances to live together, to good friends who enjoyed each other's company. Their attraction for each other was growing by the day but they were both too shy and unsure of themselves to make the first move. Instead they tried to make light of any intense physical or emotional moment which may crop up occasionally by nervously joking about it to ease the tension. This brought back the feeling of camaraderie. At the moment they were quite content to relish it and not push for more.



Garodia hotels, where Milind works, was celebrating its golden jubilee the following Monday and had announced an off for their staff on that day. This meant that Milind managed to get a long weekend. Earlier his cousin, Mala Sharma, had called from Lonavala to inform him that a family was coming over to her house for bride seeing that weekend and had asked if he could be present as he was her only family. He asked Prachi if she could come along with him to Lonavala. Prachi was more than happy to do so and they set out early that Sunday morning.



It was a beautiful day with just a light drizzle. For the first time in the last one month the rains had let up. Milind decided to bike it to Lonavala and Prachi got her first opportunity to ride pillion with him. Sitting behind him she did not know where to hold. After a brief hesitation she decided to hold on to the seat. Once Milind started off though, he just blazed in full speed that she slid back and was precariously balanced on the edge of the seat. Slowing down the vehicle, Milind asked her to hold on to either his shoulder or his waist for better grip. She settled for his shoulder, holding it tightly as he sped away. As they left the city limits and Milind increased the speed of his bike, Prachi's shampooed hair kept falling on Milind's face. After trying to get it out of his line of vision for some time, he abruptly stopped his bike in front of a fancy store. Prachi got off from the bike, wondering what he wanted to buy. He asked her to wait outside and went in. After a few minutes he came out and walked up to her. Lifting the tendrils of her hair, which were flying around, he pushed them behind her ears. He then slid the hair clips he had bought across her hair on both the sides. As Prachi watched on in astonishment, he said, "Although I love the fragrance of your hair and wouldn't mind it flying around my face, I do not have x-ray vision to see through them. So hope you don't mind if I keep your hair in check till we reach our destination safely." Prachi finally understood the unscheduled stop over and apologised for inconveniencing him. "Hey, don't bother. It's not your fault that you have beautiful long hair which can distract anyone's attention", he said, making her blush.



On route to Lonavala, the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. Fed by the monsoon rains, the hills were lush green, resplendent in all their glory. Tiny waterfalls streamed down them, like lacy white frills in the green carpet
Prachi's eyes widened in excitement seeing them and she dug her fingers into his shoulders asking him to stop the vehicle. Milind initially declined, saying that they will be delayed in reaching Lonavala, but Prachi kept begging him to do so. Finally, Milind gave in and stopped the vehicle in front of one of the tiny falls. Prachi immediately got off the bike and rushed to the fall. Standing underneath it she got her white salwar kameez completely drenched. She put out her palm to catch the drops of water as they hit her paqlm with full force and scattered on the sides, she shook her hair and let the water course through them. She then lifted her face to the fall and closing her eyes, savoured the feel of the fresh water down her eyes, nose, lips and cheeks. Milind watched her in amusement from a safe distance. Soon he became increasingly aware of her stunning beauty which was enhanced by her innocent, childish exuberance. He had a hard time keeping his heart from just hopping out of his chest. She begged him to join in the fun but since Milind did not like getting himself wet, he shook his head and remained rooted to the spot. Suddenly Prachi's foot slipped on the mossy roadside. Milind was beside her in a jiffy and held her tightly in his strong arms, preventing her from falling down. As the tripping was unexpected, Prachi too reflexively held on to him. For a moment the world stood still as they drowned in each others' eyes even as they were enveloped by the tiny waterfall. Milind was the first to become aware of their surroundings and quickly let go of his grip. Seeing him move away Prachi too was brought back to the world and she bent her head shyly. Extending his hand to her, he slowly dragged her back to their bike. Soon they were back on their way to Lonavala. The sun came out from behind the clouds and shone on them. Its sunny rays and the strong breeze took care of drying up their clothes before they reached their destination.


(2)


Milind and Prachi reached Mala's house at around 10 o'clock. Mala was delighted to have her bhiayya and bhabhi visit her. Milind promptly asked to see his uncle and she took them both into her father's room. Vinod Sharma was seated on a wheel chair by the window staring unblinkingly at his wife's photograph which hung on the opposite wall, lit by the sunrays which streamed in from the window. Tears trickled from the corner of his eyes and wet the collar of his wrinkled shirt. His right side was paralysed. Seeing Milind, he blinked his eyes in acknowledgement. Milind knelt before his uncle and laid his limp right hand on his head, asking him to bless him. He then turned to Prachi and introduced her as his wife. His uncle tried hard to smile at her but his paralysed facial muscles restricted the movement of his lips. He tried to say a few words but his speech was slurred and incomprehensible. Milind held his hand understandingly and asked him not to trouble himself. Mala held a glass of juice in her hand for him. Taking it from her, Milind made the old man sip it from the spoon he extended to him.

Later they settled down for a late breakfast after which Prachi went into the kitchen to help Mala prepare lunch while Milind went in search of his friends who lived there. Prachi took an immediate liking to Milind's twenty-six year old cousin. She was vivacious, friendly and a non-stop chatterbox. As Prachi herself was not much of a conversationalist, she loved listening to her lively descriptions of her vacations with Milind and Sukriti in Mumbai. Her father was well then. He used to work in the Naval Training Centre at Lonavala. Although his sister, Prema, died when Mala was just seven, Mishraji always insisted that his brother-in-law bring his niece every summer to spend her vacation with her cousins as she had no siblings and would feel lonely in her place.

The Sharmas faced a serious setback when a head injury sustained in a motor accident had left Vinod paralysed. Mala was just eighteen years old then. As her mother had died of encephalitis when she was four, Mala was left to shoulder the burden of her family. She took up a job as a caretaker in the holiday home run by a leading company. She barely managed to make both ends meet with her father's pension and her income. Although Mishraji and later Milind had offered financial help, she refused to accept it. She always prided in taking care of herself. Prachi was impressed with the girl's tenacity and her guts to face all challenges life has to throw at her. Mala reminded her of her dear friend Ayesha which increased her fondness for her all the more.

That evening the prospective groom and his family had come home. The groom's father was a retired head master and his mother a housewife. The groom himself worked as a clerk in a local co-operative bank. Milind introduced himself to them. He enquired about the groom's job and his interests. After the usual preliminary small talk, Prachi dressed up Mala and brought her before them. The groom's family seemed pretty impressed with Mala. Prachi enquired whether the prospective bride and groom can have a few moments in private to get to know each other better. The groom's parents readily agreed and she directed them to one of the inner rooms. After 15 minutes, both of them came out smiling, indicating their consent to the proposal.

The family was about to discuss the details about the wedding when Mala stopped them and said that she would like to introduce a very important member of her family and wheeled out her father. She told them that she wanted them to meet their future sambandhi who will be will be living with them. Hearing this, the groom and his parents were shocked. His father angrily said it is not the custom in their families to allow the bride's father to live with his daughter after marriage, particularly one who is a handicap. Mala's face went red with anger hearing her father being referred to as a handicap. Prachi noticed Mala's face go red with anger and knew she was about to say something very rude to the family. She immediately placed a restraining hand on her shoulder. The groom's father continued in a high tone that the marriage broker had told them that her father will be admitted in some medical facility and she will be free of any encumbrances. That is the reason why they took the trouble of coming to see the girl in the first place; otherwise they would not have come at all! Mala was shocked to hear this since she was under the impression that the family was aware of her condition that whoever was willing to accept her should also accept her father as he was her responsibility. That is why she did not even discuss this issue when she met the prospective groom in private but instead used the time to try to find out more about him.



Prachi noticed that Milind who was initially taken aback by the tirade the groom's father indulged in, was also turning red with anger and looked like he would blow the fuse any moment. Before a pandemonium erupts in the house, Prachi stepped in and said in as polite a voice as she could muster, "Please accept our apologies. I think there has been some genuine misunderstanding. Our Mala is not the type of girl to shirk her responsibility. She has been the sole support for her father for the last eight years, not only taking care of his physical needs but his emotional needs as well. If he is sent away to a medical facility his physical needs would be met but what about his emotional needs? Such patients have a deep need for wanting to belong. They tend to be more sensitive than normal people because in their hearts they feel that they are burdening their loved ones. It is only through tender individualistic care that these insecurities can be wiped away, a care which only a daughter can give. If she too abandons her father, what will be his plight?"She walked up to Mala's father and knelt before him, wiping away the tears which were streaming down his eyes.



It was the turn of the groom's family to be tongue tied. Turning back to them, Prachi then continued, "Why don't you see the positive side? Here is a woman who has single-handedly run her family for eight years. She has faced all challenges in life and has come out of them with her head held high. She is also a woman with a genuinely caring heart. If tomorrow, God forbid, one of you were to face the same plight as Uncle Vinod, rest assured that this woman would care for you as much as she cares for her own father. Such is her character. You would be lucky to have a daughter-in-law like her."

The groom's parents were impressed by Prachi's passionate yet polite speech. Nodding their heads they had a hushed mini-conference with the groom. They then turned to Milind and said that they were agreeable to the match and that the other details can be worked out. After half an hour of discussion it was finally settled that both the families will share the wedding expenses. The wedding will be held in three months, by end-October. The bride can bring her father to live with them after the wedding. The family then thanked Milind and Prachi for playing the perfect hosts and took leave of them. Milind heaved a sigh of relief and looked at his cousin to assess her reaction. She blushed and hugged him tightly. Milind looked over her shoulders at Prachi and smiled appreciatively, thanking her silently with his eyes. Prachi looked on at her husband and sister-in-law with happiness and knelt before Uncle Vinod, telling him that his daughter was getting married. Uncle Vinod shed tears of happiness.


(3)



That night after feeding her father, Mala took Milind's help to lift him and lay him on the bed. She then took out a couple of mats, thick rugs and large woollen blankets and laid them out in the adjoining room. She apologised to Prachi for not being able to offer them a bed since there was only one in the house on which her father slept. She said that she sleeps on the floor next to him to ensure that in case he needs her in the night, she can attend to him.

"Bhabhi, I know you are not used to sleeping on the floor, but can you adjust for tonight?"

"Don't worry Mala, we'll manage", said Prachi. She then gave Milind a meaningful look, thinking to herself, 'I have enough experience of sleeping on the floor. Had slept on it for a whole month!' However, she did not say it out loud as she had no intention of embarrassing Milind, who was squirming nevertheless, as her look conveyed a thousand words. She gently chided Mala for calling her bhabhi and making her sound old. After all she was three years younger to her she reminded.
"Call me Prachi, I would prefer that", she said.

"OK, Prachi bhabhi", she said and biting her tongue, she corrected to Prachi. "Good night, bhiayya. Good night, Prachi." "Good night, Mala" they said in unison and after she left, stretched themselves on the rugs.

Milind proffered Prachi a heart-felt apology for making her sleep on the hard floor in their chawl house. Prachi waved it off saying he more than made up for that through his care and concern for her well being.

"I must say one thing Prachi, you completely took me by surprise today. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that my meek and quiet wife could speak so eloquently and convincingly that the Joshis catapulted and agreed for the alliance after hearing her! You'll make a good lawyer, you know, Prachi", he said with pride.

"Milind, don't exaggerate. I only spoke the truth."

"Lawyers are not all liars, Prachi. They do speak the truth, atleast sometimes, if not always," he joked.

He then continued on a more serious note. "Even the truth needs to be told in the right way for it to be acceptable to people, Prachi. You definitely seem to have the art. Thanks to you, Mala's wedding has been finalised without a hitch. If it was left to me, the senior Joshi would have left the house with a bloody nose."

Given Milind's fiery temper, it wasn't difficult to imagine what would have happened had she not intervened .

"All's well that ends well," smiled Prachi, repeating Milind's words of the past. Soon they fell asleep, dreaming of waterfalls and mountain valleys.

In the middle of the night, Prachi was awoken by the hooting of owls and croaking of toads in the monsoon rains. She flung her arms around Milind in fright, waking him up too. After recovering from the initial shock, he realised that Prachi was again frightened by the sounds of nature.

Holding her close, Milind pulled her leg, saying, "Prachi, what other sounds, apart from thunder, hooting owls and croaking frogs scare you?"

Ignoring Prachi's dagger look, he continued "You see, if I know what sounds prompt this pleasant reaction from you, I can be better prepared for your vicelike hugs, not that I am complaining about them now!"

Prachi punched his chest and broke free from him. A few minutes later she yelled out "Cockroach! Cockroach!!!" Now it was Milind's turn to panic and he nearly jumped off his skin. Running to the switch board, he switched the lights on.

"Where?Where?" he shrieked, looking around nervously.

Prachi burst out laughing and said that she just fooled him; there were no cockroaches. Mala had earlier told her that he had a morbid fear of cockroaches since childhood which she found hard to believe. She was only testing to see whether it was possible for a full grown six-foot, well muscled man to be terrified of such small insects.

"Mala was right after all", she said with a mischievous smile. Milind looked down sheepishly and turning the lights off, returned back to his rug.

The next morning Mala insisted on taking them around the hill station. Luckily, the weather was pleasant and there were no rains. Arranging an auto, they visited the Bushy dam, the Lonavala lake and the Ryewood Park in Lonavala and went to Khandala in the afternoon where they saw the Duke's nose which is a cliff shaped in the nose of Duke Wellington, one of the English Lords. They also visited a spot called the Tiger's Leap, which gave a beautiful view of the valley. After watching the sun set behind the mountains in the evening, Milind and Prachi dropped Mala at her home and rode back to Mumbai, feeling completely satisfied with their weekend sojourn.



Part XI


Over the next two weeks, the chawl was buzzing with activities. The chawl residents were gearing up to celebrate the country's Independence Day with great fanfare as was done every year. As the president of the 'Jai Hind Chawl Welfare Society', Milind, along with the other office bearers, had the responsibility of organising the events for the day. Two committees were set up, one for organising the sports events which will be conducted during the day and the other for the cultural events which will begin in the evening and go well into the night. While Milind took active part in organising the sports events, Prachi was inducted into the organising committee for the cultural events. She had gathered the chawl kids and practised various items with them. These included skits, songs, dances and dance dramas.


On the morning of August 15th, Mr.Patekar, President of the Association for Rehabilitation of Street Children, a Non-Government Organisation, hoisted the National Flag after which the National Anthem was sung. Earlier, there was a lot of debate in the committee as to who willthey invite as the guest of honour for the function. Initially the local corporator's name was suggested but Milind was not in favour of inviting politicians. He suggested that they invite somebody who was selflessly doing some actual good to the society and finally Mr.Patekar, who had been working with street children, taking care of their shelter, educational and training needs for over twenty years, was chosen to be the chief guest.



Mr.Patekar stayed back for the sports events which followed after the morning breakfast. While most of the sports events were targeted towards the kids, there were a few events organised for the adults too. One such event was the couples race. In this event couples were asked to stand facing each other. The woman then has to stand on top of the feet of the man and balancing her this way the man has to walk a distance of 50 meters. Manju looked hopefully at Venkat and asked him whether they can join the event.

Folding his hands Venkat said, "Darling, please spare my poor bony feet. Have you had a look at yourself in the mirror lately? Over the seven years we have been married, you have grown from a willowy delicate girl who weighed like the feather to a mini elephant while I have remained the same. How can you expect me to carry your weight and walk?"

Manju gave him an angry stare and said, "Well, you did not have to give birth to two children, I did."

Venkat hastily tried to make amends for hitting the sensitive weight issue. "Yes, dear, and I love you for that. Although you are plumper, you look more ravishing now than you did before." he said and pinched her chubby cheeks.

Manju blushed at this and shyly pushed away his hand. Milind and Prachi, who were standing close by, watched the scene with amusement. Milind made his presence felt with a grunt. Realising they were caught, Manju and Venkat quickly made a retreat.

Milind looked at Prachi enquiringly and seeing her nod her head, he led her to the starting line. There were five other couples who were participating in the event. Prachi removed her slippers and stood on Milind's feet. Holding her tightly around her waist, Milind drew her close to balance her. She put her hands around his neck for support. With their bodies thus moulded, they became increasingly aware of each other. Milind could smell her mild perfume and she could inhale his deodorant. He felt the softness and suppleness of her feminine body and she felt his hard, well-toned masculine frame. Their breathing became erratic and their chests felt constricted. Not being able to maintain their sanity in such close proximity they were about to break free when they heard the whistle blow, indicating the commencement of the race. Realising there was no turning back now, Milind tightened his grip around his wife and bearing her weight, lifted his feet alternatively to take them forward. He ensured that each time he took a pace he widened the step to cover more distance. Not being able to look him in the eye, Prachi stared at his chest instead, holding on to his neck tightly as her husband lithely took them both towards the finishing line. By the time they reached the finishing line, both of them were panting, one from the physical exertion and the other from the nervousness of being held so close to her better half. They looked around them to a thunderous applause that broke out almost immediately and realised that they were the first to reach there, well ahead of the rest. Prachi got off Milind's feet in a hurry. Soon Milind's friends surrounded him, patting him on the back. Manju and Ayesha rushed to Prachi and hugged her tightly. Although they congratulated her, they could not resist the opportunity to tease her about the forced tight public embrace. Prachi's face turned flaming red. Just then the announcement of the award was made and Milind quickly extricated his wife from there and walked up with her to receive it.

In the evening, they had the cultural event which was graced by Mr.Patekar's wife, Neela. A small stage was put up for the performances. To start the event, Prachi, Manju and the chawl kids sang the song "Bheethe Kal Se" (given below) from Thoda Pyar, Thoda Magic.

Song: http://www.lyricsmasti.com/song/6181/get_lyrics_of_Beetey-Kal-Se.html

Lyrics: Bheethe Kal se

Choole sitaro ki nok nok
Haatho ko keech ke hum
We'll touch the corner of the star if we stretch our hands
Chahe to chand rakh le tiffin mein
Maan me jo sochle hum
If our heart desires, we'll keep the moon in our lunch box
Aaya hai door tak desh apna
Jayenge door tak hum
Our country has come far, and we'll also go far.
Dekhegi duniya Jalwe Humare
yun jagmagayeinge hum
The world will see our Jalwa thats how we'll shine

Chorus: Beete Kal se humko
Seekhte janaa hai
We have to learn from our past
Naye Kal ki kal kal se
Pal pal sazana hai
And decorate our tomorrow each passing moment.

Indians N dogs not allowed
Yeh kisne Likha didi
Who wrote this sister?
Kal jinhone yeh likha
Woh aaj yeh jante hai
Those who wrote this yesterday know this today
Suraj apni mutthi mein hai Kulbula raha
that today the sun is burning on our palms
Naya savera ris ris ke bahar hai aa raha
New morning is bursting out
Kalmo se kehti hai manzil mujhe utha lo
Waqt tumhara hai kismat ko Gale laga lo
Time is yours, embrace your destiny
Abhi to sabko dhun per apni
For now everyone is on your tunes

Dekhegi duniya Jalwe Humare
Yun jagmagayeinge hum
the whole world will see our jalwa thats how we'll shine

Chorus:Beete Kal se humko
Seekhte janaa hai
We have to learn from our past
Naye Kal ki kal kal se
Pal pal sazana hai
And decorate our tomorrow each passing moment.

didi :Sab kehte hai hum aage ja rahe hai?
Magar kya hum sab aage ja rahe hai ..ya sirf kuch log??
Everyone says that we'r all going forward...but is it all of us or just some of us.
Bahut sahi saawal poocha aapne
thats a good question

Agar tumhi muskao to muskan nahi hai
If its just you smiling then its not a smile
Sab ko pankh na mil paaye to udan nahi hai
If everyone's feathers are not joined then its not a flight
Bas meree aagan aaye aise dhoop na chahiye
I don't want the kind of sunlight that comes only to my front door
Bas mere chatri per gaye aise baarish na chahiye
I don't want the rain that falls only on my umbrella
Jisper sabke rang ho woh Tasveer banayenge hum
We'll paint a picture that has everyone's colors in it.
Dekhegi duniya Jalwe Humare
the whole world will see our jalwa, thats how we'll shine
Yun jagmagayeinge hum
Chorus: Beete Kal se humko
Seekhte janaa hai
We have to learn from our past
Naye Kal ki kal kal se
Pal pal sazana hai
And decorate our tomorrow each passing moment.


Source:www.lyricsmasti.com; Translations by JC.


The last event of the day was a song sung by Prachi. The minute she started singing the song (given below), Milind stood still, totally mesmerised by her smooth textured voice which was haunting. The words struck a chord in his heart. Soon he realised that she was actually trying to convey to him her inner most feelings through this song as she kept staring at him unwaveringly as she sang it. His heart sang with her and before he realised, he was whistling the tune towards the end, making her shyly bend her head down.



http://www.zshare.net/download/52608345742b2f73/ - song
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=hpDV5Bbwt28 - My Michi mix on the song (The scenes in this mix are not appropriate for my story but I added the link for those who have not heard this song and feel it is too much of a hastle to download the zshare version to hear it.)


Lyrics: Jaane Kyun

Jaane kyun aisa lagta hai
Don't know why I feel this way
Mere andar jitna kam hai
That whatever is lacking in me
Usko tum poora kar doge
You will complete me

Jaane kyun aisa lagta hai
Don't know why I feel this way
Main hoon raahi jin rahon ki
That the roads I tread
Un rahon ki manjil ho tum
You are the destination of those roads

Jaane kyun aisa lagta hai
Don't know why I feel this way
Jisko main socha karti thi
That the thoughts I had (or "what I used to imagine")
Usi soch ki surat ho tum
You are the face of those thoughts (imagination)
Jaane kyun aisa lagta hai
Source: Lyrics and translation- JC


As soon as she finished singing, the audience stood up and gave her a standing ovation. Mrs.Palekar was so touched by her singing, she removed her chain and presented it to Prachi. She then congratulated Milind, who had walked up to Prachi, for having such a talented wife. Milind looked at his wife with great pride but there was a vague indescribable feeling which was slowly building up in his heart, making him feel uneasy.


As the crowd dispersed, Milind told Prachi that he needed to meet his friends regarding some important matter. As he expected to be a bit late, he asked her to go to bed. He will let himself into the house using the duplicate key. Although Prachi was surprised by this, she did not question him further. Nodding her head, she bid him good night and went up to their house. After she had departed, Milind went to the adjoining park and sat on one of the benches. Holding his head in both hands, he was deeply immersed in thought. It was clear that his wife has fallen for him. If there was any doubt before, her song made it pretty evident that night. Was he in a position to accept that love and reciprocate? Over the last couple of months they had bonded well and moved from strangers to friends. Was he willing to take the next step to becoming her lover? He was not sure whether he wanted the status quo to be altered but was it not his fault for acting increasingly familiar with her and letting her build her hopes? How long was he planning to extend this platonic relationship? He did not have an answer to any of the questions. After what seemed like hours, he returned home, feeling more confused about what he has to do. He silently stretched out next to his wife who was already fast asleep. He lay awake into the wee hours of morning before slipping into a disturbed sleep.


Part XII

It was Raksha Bandhan that day. Milind was getting ready to leave for work when Prachi reminded him to come early so that they can go to Shah House to visit Sukriti. Milind nodded his head absent mindedly and uttering a hurried good bye, he left the house. Prachi looked at his retreating form from the balcony and wondered about his behaviour in the past one week, since the Independence day. They were getting along pretty well till then and had started bonding as they let down their guards and got to know and understand each other better.

She had entered into this marriage with no great expectation. She knew she was merely a leverage for her husband who wanted to ensure his sister's happiness by marrying her. She had, however, made up her mind to make this marriage work no matter what. His temper had initially scared her but she soon found out that behind the facade of a tough exterior lay a gentle and caring heart. She did not know when she had started falling in love with her husband. She had always found him physically attractive but it was not just good looks that drew her to him. His simplicity, straight forwardness, sense of duty, self belief, care, love for his family, sense of humour, why, even his occasional grumpiness, which made him look cute like a baby, all were very, very, attractive to her. Before she realised it, she was head-over-heels in love with him. Being shy, she was not able to say it in words and waited for her husband to make the first move, but although she suspected he too felt a strong attraction towards her, he never really opened up. She then decided to convey her feelings to her husband through the song she rendered on the Independence Day, hoping that it will get him to admit his own feelings for her. She had seen the look of admiration and pride in his eyes that day as he heard her sing. She also thought she caught a fleeting glimpse of something more but before she could feel elated, it was gone and was replaced by an enigmatic expression. When he excused himself that night and came in late, she felt there was something amiss but could not put her finger to it. Things only got more puzzling in the ensuing days. Although Milind treated her well, there was a certain aloofness in his behaviour which was not there in the past two months. It was as if he was holding himself back for some reason. He no longer joked with her. His conversations were reduced to the bare essentials. He was also coming home very late from work and when questioned he did not give her a satisfactory answer. All he said was that work load has increased, not that she suspected him. He did look worn out by the end of the day. She tried to reassure him that if there was anything troubling him he can confide in her but he brushed it away saying that everything was alright. Not knowing what else to do or how to help him, she fervently prayed to God to grant him peace and happiness. She hoped that her husband will soon accept her love and reciprocate it.



That evening Milind came home earlier than usual. Prachi was ready in a simple salwar kameez, waiting for him. Milind had a box of sweets to be gifted to Sukriti. Prachi handed him a cover. Looking at his puzzled expression, she explained that she had bought a silk saree for Sukriti the previous day and asked him to gift it to Sukriti along with the sweets. Milsi's face clouded with anger.

"Will you never learn to value money? What was the need for such extravagant purchases? How will you run the house this month?"

Prachi's eyes started filling up. "I bought this with the money I managed to save in the last two months. I did not touch the budget for this month," she said with trembling lips.

Milind wanted to drag her into his arms and wipe away her tears. He had no intention of yelling at her like that and would not have minded her spending for his sister from even this month's budget. He had been harsh with her for a reason. He was trying to distance himself from her and this gift she bought came as an excuse to do so. By acting unreasonable he hoped that she will have a poor opinion of him. He hoped that she will have second thoughts about him and gradually start disliking him, but it was harder than he thought. He could not bear to see the pain in her eyes. He quickly turned his face away, lest she sees his eyes mirroring her pain. Without another word he proceeded to his bike and Prachi silently followed him after locking up the house. On the way both of them did not utter a word, each lost in his/her own world.



Once they reached the Shah House, they were enthusiastically greeted by a six months pregnant Sukriti and PL. Alaap had not yet returned from work. Milind was happy to see a radiant and glowing Sukriti. Although he had been regularly calling her up and was being reassured by her that she was doing fine, he was relieved to see her in person and confirm for himself that she was indeed telling him the truth. Sukriti then tied the rakhi around his wrist, applied the tilak on his forehead and fed him the sweet. Milind hugged her and kissed her forehead. He then handed her the gifts he and Prachi had bought for her. She was elated to see the saree and complimented her bhabhi on the excellent choice. She quickly went in to change so that her brother can see her in it. In the meantime PL assured him that Sukriti was like her daughter and she will ensure that she was well looked after. Milind held her hand and thanked her with tears in his eyes. PL also expressed her gratitude to him for taking such good care of her daughter as she has never seen Prachi so happy in a long, long time. Milind looked away guiltily. He knew that Prachi had expressly put on a cheerful face for her family. He wished he could wipe out the pain he had caused her earlier that evening but realised he may end up compounding her pain by doing so, for he wasn't sure he can give her what she really wants, his love.



Alaap came into the house just as Sukriti came out of her room in the saree Prachi had bought. It was a beautiful off-white silk saree with maroon pochampalli border. Seeing her in the saree, Alaap whistled loudly and said she looked divine in it. Sukriti excitedly told him that her Prachi bhabhi had bought it for her. Alaap looked around for Prachi and spotting her, went up and hugged her. Prachi hugged him back and tied him the rakhi. She was about to apply the tilak when Alaap stopped her saying he did not believe in all these stupid rituals. He turned around to Milind and slapped his back a little too hard, grinning sardonically.

"So how's life, saala?", he asked.

Before Milind could answer, he turned on his heels and went up to his room. Milind gritted his teeth at the insult. PL looked flustered and rushed to him, asking him to come for dinner. Prachi and Sukriti who were also equally uncomfortable, took the cue and quickly went about serving the food. During dinner, Sukriti caught up with all the events in the chawl. She felt disappointed that she could not attend the Independence Day celebrations because she was feeling uneasy that day and PL wouldn't take a chance after the scare she gave them three months back. So although both PL and Sukriti were invited to attend the programme they could not come. Turning to Prachi, Sukriti congratulated her on the excellent singing. On seeing Prachi's questioning look, she explained that Ayesha had told her how beautifully she had sung that day. While Prachi blushed and thanked her for the compliment she couldn't help but notice Milind squirm in his seat at the mention of the song. This only strengthened her doubt that whatever was troubling Milind was related to her song. Just what it was, she could not figure out.



After dinner, Milind and Prachi thanked PL and bid Sukriti good bye. As Alaap had not come down for the rest of the evening, they could not inform him that they were leaving. Sukriti tried to find an excuse for his rude behaviour by saying that he was complaining of headache since morning, so maybe he was tired and was resting. Although Milind knew the truth, he did not say anything. Both Prachi and Milind then left for their chawl house.


Part XIII

The uneasiness between Milind and Prachi continued in the following days. Prachi tried her level best to break the wall Milind seemed to have erected around himself but was unable to do so. Soon it was Janmashtami. Manju came early in the morning with a tiffin carrier full of 'cheedai' and 'muruku' which are the traditional savoury items made by Tamilians on Krishna Jayanthi or Gokulashtami as they call Janmashtami in south India. Prachi and Milind then left for the Shah House for the pooja PL had invited them over for. As Lord Krishna is their resident deity, the Shahs always held a grand pooja every year to celebrate his birth. Initially Milind had hesitated to go but then he went with Prachi although he did not know why. Was he not trying to distance himself from her? Was he not allergic to poojas, despite his firm belief in God? Then why was he obliging her by attending this pooja? Maybe in the heart of hearts he really did not want to lose her or maybe he did not want to unnecessarily raise eyebrows if Prachi attends the pooja alone, that too in less than a year of marriage. Most of all, he did not want to hurt PL, whom he respected a lot. So he half-heartedly took part in the pooja and joined his hands with Prachi's in holding the jhoola string of baby Krishna's cradle and gently rocking it. Prachi kept looking at him but he avoided her eyes lest he betrays his emotions. Sukriti and Alaap too repeated the ritual. While Sukriti looked excited, Alaap looked totally disinterested. PL blessed both the couples after this and turning to Milind and Prachi she said,"I hope that next year by this time you will be rocking the cradle of your own child." Both Prachi and Milind blushed at this, one in shyness and the other in embarrassment.

Dahi Handi which is celebrated a day after Janmashtami, is a day the chawl lads eagerly looked forward to every year. A pot decorated with flowers and currency notes and containing dahi poha ' a mixture of beaten rice (poha), curd, sugar and pickle is hung at a height and human pyramids are formed to reach and break it. Every year Milind and his friends take part in it and win the prize money. This year too his friends wanted him to participate especially since the stakes were high, not only in terms of the height at which the dahi handi hung but also in terms of the prize money. The local Gujarati Trust had donated Rs.10 lakhs towards the handi which was hung at a height of 35 feet.



Just as Milind got ready to go, it started raining very heavily. Prachi feared that he may hurt himself and begged and pleaded with him not to take the risk. Milind, however, insisted in going, saying that he needed the money for Mala's marriage. Realising that he wasn't going to give up, Prachi decided to seek the help of the one person who had never failed her, her resident deity, Lord Krishna. Soon Milind's friends formed a human pyramid of five tiers in the pouring rain. As Milind got ready to climb the pyramid, Prachi stood next to it with her hands folded in prayer and her eyes tightly shut. Milind deftly climbed up the pyramid and before he straightened up he looked down at his wife. Even at that height he noticed her hands shivering and her mouth muttering the name 'Govinda' over and over again. Just as he straightened up, the pyramid started rocking as the men below were finding it difficult to hold on in the heavy downpour. Prachi's heart lurched at the sight and screaming out her husband's name, she fainted. People around her were engrossed in watching the pyramid that nobody noticed her. Luckily the pyramid regained control and Milind who had been precariously balanced at the top, strengthened his foothold and, with his head, he butted the handi with all the force he could muster. The mud handi shattered into pieces, spilling its contents on him and the people below. A large blob of dahi fell on Prachi's unconscious face.

It is only then that Milind noticed Prachi's motionless form. Alarmed to see his wife in that state, Milind hurriedly got off the pyramid, nearly twisting his ankle in his haste. He rushed to her side and holding her in his lap, he patted her cheeks, willing her to wake up. By now his friends had gathered around them. After a few minutes of repeated tapping and his frantic cry, Prachi opened her eyes and looked at her husband's face. The relief and happiness it evoked in her was indescribable and she gave him a weak smile. Manju rushed in with a glass of water which he gave her to drink. He then carried her to their house and laid her on the bed. Manju who followed them asked him to remove her wet clothes and change her into something dry. Milind froze at that and Prachi looked away shyly. Manju who was about to leave was getting irritated with his inaction.

"What's wrong with you Milind? Change her clothes before she falls sick."

Seeing that he had still not moved, Manju hit her forehead.

"Don't tell me you are shy. After all she is your wife and you have seen her in her birth suit before, haven't you?"

Milind still kept standing mutely with his head bent down.

Prachi tried to get up saying that she will take care herself. Pushing her back on the bed, Manju said, "Okay, I'll change her myself. I thought it would be better if you did it since not all women feel comfortable displaying themselves to strangers even if they are women like themselves." She got a set of dry clothes and proceeded to change Prachi's clothes, holding a towel to her so that she needn't feel embarrassed to be changed by her. She continued, "I can't understand these men. When you need their help to change, they will not step up. Otherwise they are only too keen to do the deed."

Milind had his back to them, all the while. Manju noticed it once she finished and turned around.

"Aiyo Rama...", she hit her head again and left them alone.

After she left, Milind knelt by the bedside and taking Prachi's hand in his, he apologised for not paying heed to her wish and causing her to panic. Just then, Milind's friends knocked at the door saying that the prize money was being given away and they wanted him to join them in receiving it. Prachi nodded her head indicating she was alright and asked Milind to go along with them. After he left, she closed her eyes and silently thanked her God for keeping her beloved husband alive and safe.
Part XIV

(1)

The next major festival, Ganesh Chaturti, was fast approaching but the impasse in their relationship continued. Milind was not rude as he was on Raksha Bandhan day nor was he obstinate as he was on Dahi Handi day, but he had withdrawn more and more into his shell. His speech had reduced to monosyllables and he steadfastly avoided eye contact with Prachi even while uttering these rare words. He constantly looked like he was battling with himself leaving Prachi perplexed as to what to do. She tried her best to make things appear normal and hoped that the rest of the residents in the chawl did not notice the fissures in their relationship. Her sessions with God increased for she knew that retrieving the situation was beyond her power.



It was the eve of Ganesh Chaturti. The chawl was all decked up to welcome Lord Ganesha the next day. The chawl lads were hanging up the serial bulbs on the trees lined up on the path leading up to the chawl when they realised they ran out of lights for one stretch of about three metres. One of them remembered that Milind bhaiyya had some serial bulbs at his place. So he ran up to his house and asked Prachi if he can have the lights that Milind bhaiyya usually keeps on the top of his cupboard. Prachi dragged a stool to the cupboard, climbed up and found the lights where the lad said they would be. As she brought them down, she knocked down something which fell with a thud. Looking down she saw a brown diary which had gathered considerable dust. As the lad was still waiting at the door, she handed over the serial lights to him and went back to the diary. Dusting it she was about to return it back to its place when she noticed some visiting cards which had spilled from the diary, lying scattered around. She gathered them together and was about to put them inside the diary when she inadvertently opened a page on which her name appeared. She did not have the habit of nosing through someone's diary but the mention of her name got her curious and she skimmed through the page first and later read it more thoroughly. Milind's scrawl and staccatoed style of writing was unmistakable. The page was dotted with doodles, expressing his anger as well as anguish.



April 8, 2005

Met her at the coffee shop today. Did not know how to break it to her but had to do it for Sukriti. Told her about Alaap's condition - that creepAngry will accept Sukriti only if I accept his sister, Prachi and hand him the share of property that will be transferred to me on marriage. Told her that I give a damn about the property. Did not want a single pie of Inder Shah's wealth. Am troubled more about ditching her after promising to marry her. Could have bashed up that creep Angryand forced him to marry Sukriti but then will he keep her happy? I think not. He will make her life a living hell. Couldn't see my sister suffer. Asked her what to do. Was expecting her to hit me, yell at me. But she surprised me with her calmness. She said that we were not meant to be and asked me to forget her. Asked her if she could, but she did not answer, just left leaving me shattered. How can I forget her? How can I stop loving a woman I had loved for the past ten years? For the first time I understand a lover's pain in losing the one he loves. CryCryCry



With her hands shaking uncontrollably, Prachi dropped the diary. She slumped on the bed, her face ashen with shock. Along with the realisation that Milind had loved someone before marriage came a hundred questions which were chaotically running through her head. When Milind insisted she comes and lives with him in his chawl, was it because of Alaap's condition? She did not know that Alaap could stoop to this level. Milind did not seem to have much of a choice, for Sukriti's future was at stake and she knew he would do anything for his sister but how can he stop his heart from loving the woman he has loved for ten years? Does he still love her? Did her indirect confession of love scare him off? Was it the reason why he was trying to distance himself from her? If he did not want her in his life, why did he act very friendly with her? Why did he show he cared for her? Why did he let her build her dreams around him? Strangely she did not feel angry with him, only disappointed that he did not tell her the truth. After all they did develop a special bond of friendship over the past two months. Could he not have told her about his past? When he came to know of her love, why did he not tell her that he cannot return her love because his heart was already taken? She would have gladly stepped aside, for his happiness meant the world to her. Why was he torturing himself and baffling her with his coldness? Who was this woman that Milind loved and most probably still loves? The last question kept repeating itself in her head over and over again. She had to get it cleared somehow, but how to find out? Should she ask Milind? Will he tell her? She wasn't sure that he will. After all despite her repeated requests to confide in her his problem he refused to open up. Why would he confide in her now? Then how will she find out about this mysterious girl? Suddenly it struck her that the best person who could throw more light about Milind's past is Ayesha. After all they had lived together in the same chawl for so many years. They also seemed to be good friends. Maybe Ayesha will know about Milind's lover. Rubbing away the tears which had trickled down her cheeks, she got up and hurried towards Ayesha's house.



Reaching Ayesha's place, she was about to push the door and enter in, when she stopped in her tracks hearing a familiar voice.

"I can't love her, Ayesha. I can't love Prachi." His voice sounded plaintive and desperate.

Before Prachi could recover from the shock of hearing Milind's voice, through the crack in the door she saw Ayesha reach out to Milind and hold his head in her hands, "Why Milind, why? Is it because you have still not forgotten our past?"

Prachi felt that a dagger had just been driven right into her heart. "Ayesha?" she whispered, staggering out of there. As everything started to slowly sink in, she felt suffocated and nauseous and she felt compelled to get away from the place. She started running as fast as her legs could carry her. Reaching her house, she rushed in and took out her suitcase. As she pulled her clothes from the hangers, the plastic cover with her sketches fell out, scattering the contents on the floor. Milind's face from the sketches looked back at her. She closed her eyes tight, as the pain of seeing the face of the man she loved was unbearable. She did not pause to collect the sketches. She hurriedly threw her clothes into the suitcase and shutting it tight, she was about to leave. She paused at the door step and returned back. Taking out the notebook on which she wrote the monthly budget she left the remaining money for the month inside it. Tearing out a sheet of paper from the book she wrote down a brief note.


I am leaving. I will not stand in the way of your love. The remaining money for the month is left inside the notebook. I have paid the electricity bill and the milk man. The paper bill has to be settled. Have bought the provisions for the month and there is enough vegetables in the fridge to last this week. The key to the front door is left on top of the fridge (under the cover). Take care.

Prachi.

Sliding the corner of the note under the notebook so that it was visible, she left the notebook on the bed and picking up her suitcase, she left Milind's house for good with tears streaming down her eyes.


Part XIV(2)

Meanwhile at Ayesha's place.


"I can't love her, Ayesha. I can't love Prachi." The desperation in his voice was unmistakable. Ayesha was puzzled by it. Earlier that evening, as he was returning home from work, she had waylaid him and dragged him into her single room flat. She had to settle the issue today she thought. It has been going on for long and she cannot let her two best friends suffer in this manner. She realised that the relationship which was forced by circumstances was beginning to work for the two people involved in it much before they themselves did. Her joy knew no bounds but she also sensed that everything was not as it should be, especially after the Independence Day celebrations. There definitely seemed some change in their behaviour towards each other although everything seemed alright on the surface. Prachi was an expert at masking things and putting up a happy front but she knew her friend long enough to understand her unspoken thoughts. She was generally very perceptive of people although she herself remained an enigma to all. Here it was the two people she loved and cared the most so her antenna was up the minute she sensed trouble. She waited for them to resolve whatever it was between themselves but they did not seem to be making any progress. She knew that Prachi was way too simple to be the cause of their problem. If at all the issue had to be sorted out, it has to be with Milind. That is the reason she intervened and decided to question him directly. Milind was initially reluctant to open up when she asked him if he loved Prachi. On being pressed on, he finally let out the above plaintive cry.

Ayesha reached out to him and held his head in her hands so that he can meet her eye, "Why Milind, why? Is it because you have still not forgotten our past?"

Milind did not answer at first. Ayesha repeated the question more forcefully.

"NO", he shouted, "IT IS BECAUSE I HAVE!"

Ayesha was stunned hearing this. It did not make sense. If he had forgotten about their past together what was his problem in loving Prachi? Was he feeling guilty for having forgotten her?

Holding him by the collar, she shook him hard. "Look here, Milind if you feel guilty for forgetting me and wanting to move ahead with Prachi, don't be. I have forgotten our past too. You are nothing more than a friend, a very dear one at that. Don't let your past haunt your future."

"Ayesha, it is not that I feel guilty for getting past us," he said, his voice laced with frustration.

"Then what is the matter?"

"Don't you see, Ayesha, if I can forget a love of ten years in one month, what does it say about my capacity to love and tenacity to hold on to it? The only time I thought of you after marriage was when I was drunk. It doesn't say much about my commitment to love, does it? Is it fair to Prachi that a man she loves more than herself is so fickle that he forgot his past love within a month? How can he now ensure he remains committed to her for life?"

Ayesha could not believe that this was what was troubling him for so long. "Arey buddhu," she hit his forehead with the tip of her fingers, "You got over me so soon because you did not trully love me although you thought you did. It says nothing about your capacity to love which I know is enormous because I see it in your eyes every time you look at her, a look I never got from you."



Milind looked guiltily away. Ayesha turned him back to face her. "Don't feel guilty about it Milind. We cannot help how we feel about people. Love is a matter of the heart, not the head." She continued, "Milind, in a way it is good that we did not get together because I don't think we would have been successful. You see both of us are too similar in temperament. The reason we sought each other out was because both of us wanted someone to share our problems with but if you come to think of it, it was always a one-way sharing for both of us. You expected someone to listen to your problems and I expected the same but since both of us were so full of our respective problems, we were not really helping each other out. We thought we were because to you listening about my problems made yours seem smaller and for me listening about your problems made mine seem smaller. In other words, both of us were more interested in taking from each other rather than in giving to each other because we were so full of our own troubles to be able to empty ourselves to each other. This is not the case with you and Prachi and this is largely because of the person Prachi is. This woman has insurmountable capacity to give and she gives of herself so totally that the other person has no choice but to reciprocate that giving. I can understand it well because it is exactly the same for me too. I want to give Prachi all the happiness in the world because she wants the same for me. She gives her love so freely that I can't but love her back. So when you told me that you have to marry Prachi I did not think twice about giving you up for her for I knew if there is one person who can keep her happy it is you. I see that yearning in your eyes to please her, Milind. I see the desperation in your eyes to keep her happy. I see the pain in your eyes when you hurt her. True love is about giving and not about taking and I see that in you, Milind when you are with Prachi."


"WHAT DO I HAVE TO GIVE, AYESHA?" yelled Milind. "I WANT TO GIVE HER EVERYTHING BUT WHAT DO I HAVE? I forced this marriage upon her because I got something from it. I got my sister's happiness but what has she got except a life of poverty? Don't you see that this deal has not benefitted her at all? She is paying for her brother's sins. She has been deprived of comfort and luxury because of me. How can I rest in peace knowing that the one woman who deserves the world is subjected to the drudgery of the world because of me?"


"Milind why are you blaming yourself for this marriage? Yes, by entering into a deal with Alaap you have ensured that Sukriti's future is taken care of but don't forget that Alaap agreed to marry Sukriti only under the condition that you will marry his sister and hand over the property to him. So he primarily wanted a guy who would serve his selfish purpose. If you had refused the deal he would not only have ditched Sukriti but would have got Prachi married to some creep who would have signed away the property for a few lakhs of rupees. Then what would have become of Prachi's future? "



Milind had no answer to that. Ayesha continued, "Milind when you told me about Alaap's condition, I knew that you were the best bet for Prachi. I knew you well enough to be sure that you will keep Prachi happy. So I gave you up not only for Sukriti's happiness but also Prachi's. That woman has been through a lot in life. She lost the two most important men in her life on the same day, one to death and the other to marriage. The one brother who should have kept her best interest in mind was more bothered about retaining power and wealth that he was willing to trade her for it. If the man she marries also does not appreciate her goodness and keeps her happy, that poor soul will be totally shattered. Prachi is too good a person to deserve this."

"I know Ayesha, she is too good for me, just too good", he lamented.

Ayesha was getting irritated with him now. "Stop it Milind. Stop whining. I know you love her as much as she loves you. Tell me, can you really push her from you?"

"I tried to Ayesha. I tried being rude to her. I tried to be heartless with her."

"You did what?" Ayesha was besides herself with anger now "You dare not hurt that poor angel. No wonder Prachi is miserable these days. She is a good actress you see, doing her best to cover up her feelings by smiling always but I know her well enough to read the pathos behind that smile."



Milind looked equally miserable now, his eyes were sunken, his shoulders were slumped and he looked defeated. Her heart went out to him. Putting her hand on his weary shoulders, she said in a more understanding voice, "Milind, you really want this relationship to work as much as she wants it, don't you? If not why are you working two jobs?"

Milind looked at her in surprise. Ayesha nodded her head knowingly. "My colleague's brother works at the same hotel as you. He was telling me that you have taken up that coffee shop job three weeks back since that sports guy has finally quit. What is the need for the job? You earn enough to ensure a reasonable level of comfort and I can see that Prachi is managing the finances quite well. Why are you in need of more money? "

Milind looked down and said in a low voice, "I need the money to pay the deposit for a flat with attached bathroom. The Sens are leaving the chawl in a month's time. I want to move into their flat because it has an attached bathroom but since the flat is bigger I need to pay an additional fifty thousand rupees for the deposit."


Ayesha asked him quietly, "Was the prize money from the handi breaking also meant for meeting this deposit?" Milind nodded silently. He got about Rs.30,000 after dividing the prize money with the rest of the group which he set aside along with the money he was getting from the coffee shop for paying the deposit.

By now Ayesha understood it all. She knew something was amiss when Prachi told her that her husband had wanted to break that handi because he was desperate to get the prize money for meeting Mala's wedding expenses. She was aware that Baba had opened a separate account in his niece's name and had stashed away a good sum for this purpose. Milind was also aware of the existence of this money. So she found it strange that Milind will risk his life for the handi money. While she never doubted that he loved Prachi, she did not know that the guy will go to such great lengths to try giving her some basic comfort. "And you doubt your capacity to love after this Milind? Can't you see that you love her as much as she loves you and you can't live without her? Then why are hurting yourself and the one you love by holding back? Go to her and tell her how much you love her. Put that poor girl's mind to rest. She has been through too much already. Ease her pain and yours." So saying, she pushed him hard out of the house.



The showdown with Ayesha had finally removed the cobwebs in his mind. Milind wiped away the tears which had unknowingly trickled down his cheeks. After he thanked her and wished her good night, he excitedly hurried to his wife to grab her in his arms and bare his heart to her.

XIV

(3)

Milind took two stairs at a time in his haste to reach home and let go of all his pent up feelings of the past weeks. He reached the front door and pressed the bell several times, eager to see his beloved wife. There was no response. He then banged at the door - still no response. He started getting alarmed. Why was Prachi not opening the door? Was she ill, has she fainted like she did on the Dahi Handi day? Panicking, he hurriedly searched for the duplicate key in his hip pocket and on finding it opened the door. He rushed in and found no one in either of the rooms. Has she gone to Manju's house? he wondered and was about to go to his neighbour's house when he noticed the notebook on the bed and the note under it flapping in the breeze. Pulling the note out, he read it curiously.



As he ran his eyes through the note, they widened in shock and despair. Dropping the note, he looked around and found his diary lying on the floor. Her sketches of him lay scattered around it. He knew then that due to his folly, he had lost the only woman he truly ever loved. He kept shunning her because he thought his love could not match up to hers, that he was not good enough for her. Now she has left him thinking that his heart is taken by another and hence he does not love her at all. Can he really blame her? When he himself could not see the truth staring at his face, the irrevocable truth that he loved her more than his own life, how could he expect her to understand him? The poor girl gave up her shyness and openly declared her feelings for him in public and how did he react? Like a coward, he ran away from the very same feelings he too had for her. She was desperately trying to save their relationship. She begged him to confide in her his worries, his confusion, his despair. It was he who was pig headed enough not to share his concerns with her. It was he who had thrust her in misery and disillusionment. He could not blame her for the conclusion she had arrived at after reading the diary. Anyone would have done the same, especially if they were subjected to the strange behaviour she was subjected to for three whole weeks. How pained she must have been to come to know of his past in this manner. He should have confided in her about his past love. He did not, because he felt it was a closed chapter; that it did not have a bearing on their present, but did it really not have a bearing? Was he not shying away from his feelings for her fearing that the past would repeat itself and his love for Prachi may weaken over time like his love for Ayesha did? Why could he not see the difference between the love he felt for Prachi and what he thought he felt for Ayesha? Why did it require some hard talking by Ayesha to disentangle his muddled thoughts and feelings? Why did he just not follow his heart which was crying out for Prachi all the time? His heart ached for the pain he had caused to the woman who had reposed complete faith in him.



He did not want to waste another minute. He needed to speak to her immediately; to explain to her how wrong he was in treating her with disdain; to tell her how much he loved her and wanted her back. Wiping his eyes which had brimmed over with tears, he took out his mobile and called Shah House. PL came on line and as soon as he identified himself, cheerfully enquired about how he was and how was Prachi. Shocked by her query he hurriedly mumbled that both of them were fine and assured her that he was merely making a courtesy call. As the whole implication of what that call meant sunk in, he felt that his entire world was caving in around him. Prachi was gone and he did not know where she was. He ran out of his house and not knowing where to look for her, he rushed to Ayesha's house. He banged at her door with all his force and called out her name. Ayesha who was getting ready to cook her dinner opened the door and seeing Milind she asked him teasingly, "So, did Prachi madam swoon after hearing her patidev's love confession?"

It is only then that she noticed that Milind's face was death pale. She looked at him with concern and asked him, "Milind, are you alright?"

"She's gone, Ayesha", he whispered. "She's gone, my Prachi has gone. She has left me." Holding the frame of the door, he slid down and broke down completely. He wept uncontrollably like a baby, "I can't live without her, Ayesha. I can't live without her."


Ayesha, knelt by his side and putting her hand on his shoulder she asked him to calm down and tell her what really happened. Milind kept rambling incoherently and after several prodding questions, Ayesha finally pieced together what had happened. Prachi had found Milind's diary and read it. Thinking that Milind still loves Ayesha, she has left him. She had not gone to her place. Where would she have gone? Suddenly struck by a thought, a petrified Milind asked Ayesha if Prachi could have taken the extreme step. Ayesha reassured him that Prachi was not a coward and there is no way she would try to take away her life. After racking her brains for a few minutes she concluded that there was one place she could have gone to, her school friend, Sneha's house. Although Ayesha did not know Sneha personally, she had heard a lot about her from Prachi. Sneha was Prachi's friend right from kinder garden. However, after she completed school, her father had taken up a job in the U.S. and Sneha had accompanied her family. Although Prachi kept in touch with her friend they had met only a year ago when Sneha returned to India to marry a doctor here. They lived in Malad, a western suburb of Mumbai.
A flicker of hope lit up in Milind's eyes. Rubbing his eyes with his arm, he got up and dragged her up too.

"Let's go now," he said with a sense of urgency. "Let's go and get back Prachi from there."

"But Milind I do not know where Sneha lives."

Milind was crest fallen. Trying to find a solution to their problem, Ayesha suddenly snapped her fingers. "Wait, I know of a way to get her address. Prachi must have written down her phone number in the telephone book in Shah House. I'll get PL aunty to give the number to me."

Milind looked concerned. "Ayesha, if Ma comes to know that her daughter is missing she will be worried."

"Don't worry. I will not let her know that Prachi is missing. Just give me your cell," she said.

Milind passed on his cell to her. She dialled Shah House and asked for PL. When she got her on the line she told her that she needed Sneha's telephone number as she wanted to invite her for Prachi's surprise birthday party. As Prachi is not supposed to know about the party, she cannot ask her. So she was asking her mother instead. PL bought her flimsy story because Ayesha does come up with some of the weirdest of ideas to celebrate people's birthdays. She searched the number in the telephone book and gave it to her. Armed with the number, Ayesha immediately called up Sneha's house. Identifying herself as Prachi's best friend to Sneha, she asked her if Prachi was there. Sneha was initially reluctant to admit that she was, but Ayesha could make out from the hesitancy in her voice that she was lying. Ayesha then explained to her that there was a small misunderstanding between Milind and Prachi which her husband wanted to clear up with her. After a lot of pleading and cajoling, Sneha agreed to let Milind meet Prachi. Ayesha asked her not to let Prachi know that he was coming and Sneha agreed to keep it a secret. Ayesha then took down her address and handed it to Milind.

"Milind I think you need to meet Prachi alone. She must be too raw and hurting right now. If she sees us together, it will only aggravate matters. "

Milind agreed with her and bidding her goodnight, he set off on his bike to bring his beloved back home where she belongs.


(4)

She sat on the swing in the terrace of Sneha's house, looking at the night sky lit up by a crescent moon and stars, with eyes swollen from hours of crying. She could not help but draw a parallel between the phases of the moon and her life with Milind. The start of their relationship was like the new moon, dark and mysterious. But gradually as they started seeing each other in a different light, their bond strengthened like the rising moon. Their relationship was at its peak during the Independence day celebrations when, like the full moon, it shone the brightest. Since then it has been waning like the waxing moon till that day when the discovery of Milind's love had pitched her back in darkness much like the return of the new moon.



Why has she been singled out for the choicest of treatment by destiny she wondered. All the men in her life seemed to have abandoned her when she needed them the most. Her childhood friend whom she trusted with the smallest of details of her life did not trust her enough to confide in her his love life, thereby letting her weave dreams around him which were shattered before they were realised. Her father who had always been her emotional anchor was not strong enough to bear the disappointment of her broken engagement and left her for the heavenly abode even before she could bid him a proper adieu. Her brother, her own flesh and blood, used her as a pawn for furthering his own ambitions. Her husband, from whom she never expected anything in the beginning, gave her a ray of hope through his actions, only to snatch it away before it fructified into something more meaningful. She felt cheated; she felt betrayed; she felt lost. Her life, which appeared to have achieved some purpose after she started bonding with Milind, seemed to suddenly turn rudderless again.



When she left Milind's place that night she was still in a state of shock to register what had befallen her. All she knew was that she needed to get out of that place as soon as possible as she felt too suffocated. She did not want to go back to Shah House lest she worries her mother who already had her share of troubles, what with a son like Alaap. If she comes to know that her daughter's life was in shambles, she would have been too heartbroken. It is then that she remembered her childhood friend, Sneha. As she took the local train to Malad where she lived, the entire evening's events started slowly seeping in. Strangely she felt no anger or bitterness against either Milind or Ayesha, only a huge sense of disappointment at not being taken into confidence. She felt betrayed by their secrecy.



She did not blame them for loving each other. After all it is not a crime to love but why did they not tell her about it? Ayesha was her closest friend. She had been with her through her most trying and turbulent times and understood her like none other. Then why did she not tell her that she was in love with Milind when her marriage was fixed up with him? She would have definitely brought them together even it meant marrying any creep Alaap would have chosen for her in return for his marrying Sukriti. Ayesha had been through a lot of pain since childhood and deserved happiness and she would have ensured she got it. Moreover, she knew nothing of Milind back then and would not have missed him but now that she has fallen so hopelessly in love with him, leaving him was tearing her apart from within.

Atleast her husband could have confided in her when she kept asking him what was troubling him. Granted they only knew each other for about three and a half months but did they not develop a strong bond of friendship during the last couple of months? She would have still been heartbroken because by then she was too deeply in love with him but atleast she would have not tortured herself wondering about the reason behind his strange behaviour.



Her heart cried out in agony at losing the only man she loved romantically. When she lost Neev she felt more betrayed than hurt. The fact that she mistook friendship for love hit her only after she lost him because she did not feel the pangs of a ditched lover but that of a ditched friend. Losing Milind, though, was like losing her heart, for within the short time she had known him she had accepted him fully into her heart. He was her world. Losing him was like losing her breath, the reason why she felt suffocated and breathless at the sight of him with Ayesha but she had willed herself to give him up because at the end of it all his happiness meant more to her than her own.



Meanwhile in Sneha's apartment



Prachi had reached Sneha's house at around 8.30 p.m. While Sneha was elated to see her long time friend, she quickly realised that something was amiss seeing her friend's face. Despite Prachi's best efforts to hide her tears, the melancholy look in her eyes was unmistakable and Sneha's heart went out to her friend. She gently enquired if something was wrong but Prachi merely told her that she was having some marital problems and wanted to stay with her for a couple of days till she finds an alternate accommodation to move into. Seeing that she did not want to discuss her problems with her, Sneha did not prod her but told her she can stay with her as long as she wants. Moreover, her husband was away attending a Medical Conference in Geneva and will not be back till the weekend. After she showed her the guest room, Sneha offered to serve dinner but Prachi wanted go up to the terrace to get some fresh air. While waiting for her, Sneha had received the call from Ayesha. Although she was initially reluctant to admit Prachi's presence in her house, she also knew that unless the newly-weds communicate they cannot sort out any issues between themselves. As Milind's visit can help solve whatever problems they were having, she invited him over.



Milind was there at her doorstep at around 9.00 pm. Sneha was surprised that he had reached there so soon but then could understand his urgency from his eyes which constantly kept searching for his wife even while he was introducing himself to her. Sneha did not want to make him wait longer. So after the preliminary introduction she took him to the terrace and switching on the light, left the husband and wife alone to sort out their issues in private.



Disturbed from her troubled thoughts by the sudden brightness, Prachi turned towards the light and saw Milind standing at the entrance to the terrace. Her heart skipped a beat to see the person she was thinking of at that very moment. Soon the excitement of seeing the man she loved so dearly was clouded by the heart wrenching pain of having lost him and she turned her back to him. Milind was quick to notice the change in her expression and was equally pained at having caused it in the first place. He slowly walked up to her. She got up from the swing and went to the far corner of the terrace. Not wanting to intrude into her private space, Milind stood two feet away from her and poured his heart out.



"Prachi I know you are angry with me right now. You have every right to be. I have no right to be standing in front of you after all that I had subjected you through in the past weeks. You had been nothing but loving and caring not only towards me but also towards my family. If it had not been for you, my Baba would now not be on the road to recovery."



At the mention of Baba, Prachi turned around and raised her palm to stop him, "Milind, you need not feel obliged to me for what I had done for your Baba. I was a fool not to realise that your change in attitude towards me was because you felt grateful to me for taking care of your Baba and not because you had developed feelings for me. It was my mistake to have misunderstood you and built my dreams around you. Ever since I revealed my love, you were doing your best to push me away. Only I did not take the cue. I did not realise that you can't love me, now or ever."

Milind was shocked to hear this. Did she think that he merely felt gratitude towards her? "Prachi, who said I can't love you?" he asked her quietly.

"You did" she said, more as a statement rather than as an accusation. "I heard you tell Ayesha you can't love me. I can understand it Milind, you can't love me because you can't forget your love for Ayesha."

Milind was completely shaken by now. Prachi had heard him? Was she there when he confessed to Ayesha his problem? How much had she heard? Not much, from what she was saying now, he thought ruefully. He could well appreciate her pain. It was one thing to read his diary and quite another to also hear him admit to his ex-lover that he can't love his wife. How much she must have hurt hearing those thoughtless words. He wanted to hit himself for causing her so much anguish.

"Prachi, I am so sorry you heard those words but they did not mean what you think they do. I thought I can't love you enough, as much as you deserve. I thought my love was inadequate in front of your supreme love and sacrifice. It is not that I have not forgotten my love for Ayesha, Prachi, but that I have forgotten it and that too in one month. I was scared that if I can forget a ten-year love in a month, what sort of commitment I can bring to my love for you. I was scared that I may end up hurting you more by giving you hope. That is why I tried to push you away from me, Prachi, I tried to make you dislike me but I couldn't stop loving you, I couldn't give you up. You are my world, Prachi. Without you I am nothing," he said, his voice betraying his pain.

Prachi looked into his eyes and saw the truth in his words. She could see his desperate longing for her; his remorse for having hurt her and most of all his deep love for her.

By now Milind was reduced to tears. He started pleading with her "Prachi, please give me a second chance to prove my love, to wipe out the pain I've caused, to......" Before he could continue Prachi reached up and putting her arms around his neck, she dragged his face to her and sealed his lips with hers. Milind was too stunned by the suddenness of her act but he let himself drown in her kiss.



(5)



Moments later Prachi broke free realising what she had done quite impulsively to stop Milind from rambling away. She bent her head down, unable to meet his gaze. Lifting her chin up with his finger, Milind couldn't resist teasing her, "Now, THAT was unexpected." Prachi's blush deepened and she tried to move away. Milind dragged her back into his arms when Prachi suddenly realised there was something still not resolved yet. Pushing herself back, she looked into Milind's eyes and asked him with concern as to how Ayesha was taking all this. It is then that Milind realised he had not explained to her what had transpired between him and Ayesha in her house. He guided her to the swing and once they were seated, he narrated the entire chain of events of that evening starting from Ayesha waylaying him and questioning him about his behaviour towards Prachi to her making him see what he failed to see. He also told her what she had said about their own relationship and how it was bound to fail given their temperaments. Prachi looked a little sceptical but looking back, she found no instance when Ayesha displayed even a shadow of remorse at their relationship breaking up. Was she such a good actress or was it that love for Milind was as much a mirage to her as it was to him? One thing she knew from her own experience, the length of time of knowing a person is no guarantee that your love for that person would be deeper. She knew Neev since childhood and yet what she thought as love was not love after all. Milind and she agreed that it was their joint duty to ensure that Ayesha finds true love soon and decided to do their part in helping her do so. Milind then held her hand and said in a serious tone, "Prachi, there is something I want to tell you." Prachi looked at him curiously.



"I don't want you to get this wrong. Our marriage did not take place under the most ideal conditions. I married you for the sake of ensuring and preserving my sister's happiness. So atleast there was something in it for me from the start. It is a huge bonus that I ended up getting the most precious woman on the face of this earth. But this marriage has not been a fair deal to you. You did not get anything but hardship by marrying me. You had to give up a lot of comfort for my sake. In the initial weeks of marriage you also had to put up with my temper tantrums and taunts. I even came home drunk one day and took out on you my anger against your brother. In all your goodness you did not utter a word against any of it. On the contrary you not only took good care of me but also my baba. At the beginning of our marriage I mocked you as 'Your highness' but in truth you are my queen and I want to treat you as one. Although I want to give you everything, at present I am unable to. I want to make myself worthy of you before I make you mine."



"I have everything I want, Milind", assured Prachi. "I have you and there is nothing more that I need. It is not what a man has that counts but what he is. I could have never hoped to have got a better husband than you. I admire your righteousness, your independence, your love and care for your family, your sense of duty and diligence, your sense of humour, your principles, your... "



"Bas, bas, bas..Prachi. I am merely a human being, not a demi-god. Please don't put me on such a high pedestal. I know that you value human relationships more than any material things. That only goes to show the goodness of your heart but I do have some ambitions in life. I want to achieve them. I want to be my own man and not merely an employee. In pursuit of my dream I had not taken up a job for a long time but as I have to run a home, I took up this job at the hotel. Someday I want to own a hotel. I am working hard towards achieving that dream by learning all there is to know about running a hotel business. I hope to achieve my dream soon. So until then can we postpone consummating our relationship? Believe me there is nothing more that I want than making you mine and becoming yours but I want it to be the celebration of the fulfilment of my dream."

Prachi gazed at her husband with new found respect. Here is a man who was willing to reign in his desires in order to achieve his dream and provide her with comfort. As she remained silent, Milind got nervous and fidgeted around.

"If you are not agreeable Prachi, we can become husband and wife in every sense of the word as soon as possible. I don't want to impose my views on you and deprive you of your conjugal rights."

Prachi smiled and shook her head, "No, from today, your dreams are my dreams. I will wait till you fulfil yours. I am sure you are going to achieve your dream pretty soon because you have the drive needed to achieve it. Until then we will just be lovers who immensely enjoy each other's company but do not take the final step to physical intimacy."

Milind was so happy that his wife understood him. He hugged her again and kissed her forehead.

They went down to meet Sneha and tell her that their misunderstandings have been resolved. Sneha was very happy to hear that her friend was back with her husband. She insisted that they have dinner with her before they left for their home. During dinner Sneha light heartedly mentioned to Milind that Prachi had some strong crushes in school. Milind was curious to know more. Despite Prachi jabbing her friend at the ribs to stop her from revealing her secrets, Sneha went ahead and spilt the beans. Prachi seemed to have had crushes on fictional, historical and mythological characters. Among the fictional characters, her strongest crush was on Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Among the historical characters she had a crush on Martin Luther King. Her favourite mythological character was Karna from Mahabharat.

"Now, that is quite a variety you have up there", joked Milind.

Prachi punched his shoulder and screwed Sneha's ears for revealing her crushes to her husband.

After their dinner Milind and Prachi took leave and rode back home. On the way, Milind took a detour to the Madh Island beach. Prachi's eyes widened in excitement. As they got off from the bike they saw a guy in a trolley selling candy floss. Prachi pestered Milind into buying her one. Milind was amused at Prachi's tastes. He bought her a big fluffy candy floss which Prachi eagerly grabbed in her hand and proceeded to munch as they strolled up the beach. She offered it to him but he declined. In the breeze the candy was flying all around and Prachi had a tough time holding it and eating it. Once she finished, her face was quite a sight. Pink streaks of candy stuck to her cheeks, nose and corners of her lips. Milind couldn't resist smiling at her comic look. Prachi glared at him and asked him what was the matter. He pointed out the streaks to her and Prachi did her best to remove them. Bits of candy were still stuck to her face despite her valiant efforts to get them off. When Milind asked her if he could help, Prachi nodded and extended her face to him with her eyes closed. He leant forward and proceeded to lick the candy off her cheeks and nose. When she felt the wetness, her eyes flew open and before he could get to the corner of her lips, she pushed him away, admonishing him for displaying such amorous behaviour in a public place where people may see them. Milind raised his eyebrows quizzically and asked her which people. It is then that Prachi looked around and found that they were surrounded by couples who were busy up to naughtier pranks. Prachi turned a deep red. Smiling at her coyness, Milind whispered that he was only being naughty with his wife, whereas most of the couples there were not even married to each other. Prachi punched his chest in response and reminded him that it was time they get back home. They then got back on the bike and just before starting it, Milind turned around and asked her if she can progress from holding his shoulder to holding his waist, now that they have progressed from friends to lovers. Prachi smiled and obliged him. Milind then kickstarted his bike and they sped into the night in the direction of their chawl.



(6)
(This is the first month anniversary update of the FF.)

They reached home close to midnight and got ready to go to bed. It is only then that Prachi realised that she had no clothes to change into since her suitcase was still at Sneha's apartment. As it was difficult to cart the suitcase in their bike, Sneha had volunteered to send it through her driver the next day. Prachi had forgotten to remove a couple of clothes from it which she could have then used till she gets back her suitcase. The dress she was wearing was quite sweaty and filthy as she had been wearing it the whole day. The beach walk had only made it dirtier. She did not want to get into bed in it. Milind who had just returned from a shower, saw her perplexed expression. Understanding her problem, he took out one of his kurtas from the cupboard and handed it to her. As she did not have much of a choice, she gratefully accepted it and went to have a quick shower. Milind was already in bed when she returned engulfed in his large kurta which nearly reached her ankles. Seeing her husband try to suppress a smile, Prachi playfully hit him. He dragged her by her wrist and pulled her into their bed. After chatting for a few minutes, they gave each other a light good night kiss and settled into each other's arms to sleep. While Prachi felt that she was cuddling up a big teddy bear, Milind felt he was holding a delicate doll in his huge arms. Both of them then drifted into a deep slumber, dreaming pleasant dreams about each other.


She got up in the morning to find herself tightly encased in his arms, her face smothered against his rock solid chest. She tried lifting her head and hit his chin hard. Hearing him wince, she hurriedly got up to examine the extent of damage.

"Don't worry, no broken bones yet," Milind drawled languidly, slowly opening his eyes to gaze at the most exquisite vision before him.

"Sorry, didn't mean to hurt you", she apologised and rubbed his chin across his soft beard.

Holding her head between his hands, he said. "No problems, honey. I am prepared to get hit by this pretty little head any number of times." He took her hands in his and continued, "Especially if I get massaged by these soft silky hands afterwards." He then lifted her palms up to his lips and gently kissed them.



Prachi dipped her head in shyness. Propping himself up on his elbow, he lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "Do you know how beautiful you look when you blush?" he asked her. She gave him a shy smile, showing her dimples. "You are even more beautiful when you smile", he continued.
"You are no mean looker yourself. You are very handsome, simply gorgeous" she said, in an awe struck tone.

"Am I, really?" he said in a half amused voice.

She batted her eyelids and before he could respond, quickly got up from the bed and was about to step out with her tooth brush when she realised she was still in his kurta. As it was broad daylight she would only raise a lot of eyebrows if she stepped out in that attire. Milind understood her plight and volunteered to get a dress from Manju. By the time he returned with Manju's housecoat, Prachi had made up the bed and boiled the water for tea. While Milind went to take care of his morning routine, Prachi changed into Manju's dress and prepared the tea for him before going to complete her own morning rountine.



As they were finishing up their breakfast, Sneha's driver came with Prachi's suitcase. Taking the suitcase from him, she offered him tea and looked up to see the chawl kids. They had come to invite them for the stapana (installation) of the Ganesh idol. It is only then that they remembered it was Ganesh Chathurti that day. Prachi changed into her own clothes and they went down for the puja. The entire chawl had gathered there. A huge idol of Lord Ganesha was brought in and installed on the small stage erected for the purpose. As the people started disbursing after paying their obeisance to the God, Ayesha came up to greet them. While Milind reciprocated warmly, Prachi turned her face away from her, sulking. Ayesha held her hand and asked her what was the matter. Milind, sensing that the two girls needed to have a heart-to-heart talk, left them together and returned to his home. After he had left, Ayesha said quietly, "Prachi, I know you are angry with me."

"Why did you not tell me about Milind before we got married?"

"What good would it do?"

"I would have ensured that the two of you were united."

"What about Sukriti? Do you think that your brother would have married her if Milind had not married you and signed over the property to him?"

"I would have agreed to marry any guy Alaap would have chosen for me only if he marries Sukriti."

"You expect me to sit back and let my friend's life be ruined in this manner? Look Prachi, I was initially upset about losing Milind but when I realised I was losing him to you I was happy and relieved. I knew that Milind is one person I can trust my life with and you are as precious or maybe even more precious than my life, Prachi."

Prachi was moved to tears. She clung to Ayesha and said how sorry she was for coming between them. Ayesha rubbed Prachi's tears away and said that she has no regrets. She has faced so many disappointments in life and has learnt to survive them. Milind was a very dear friend of hers. They shared their troubles with each other and over time became each other's support system. They thought that what they felt for each other was love but it was only after they parted did they realise that however strong their bond was, it was nowhere close to love. She realised that when she first saw them together at their place. She thought that she will feel some pangs of jealousy but strangely she did not. She only felt extremely happy that her two best friends were now husband and wife. She was also a firm believer of destiny. Whatever had happened in her life may evoke the deepest sympathies from people but actually things have turned out quite well. When her father left them and her mother lost her mental balance, her grand mom was there to take care of both of them. When she died, she was already old enough to take care of herself. The trials she had been through in life have made her a stronger, independent person. Mishraji's family has always been her emotional support. Even now she considers Milind as one of her closest friends who understands her like none other but as a life partner Milind would have been totally inappropriate for her.



"Imagine, Prachi, what our lives would have been like if Milind and I had got together. We would have had a world war every day of the week. Both of us have a fiery temper, both of us are obstinate, both of us are too proud to give in easily. It would have been a recipe for disaster. Thankfully destiny intervened and averted a catastrophe by uniting Milind and you. Only you with your patience and care could have tamed the wild side of Milind and made him shine, Prachi. Only you could have brought out the best in him and you have. And Milind is so right for you, Prachi. You needed a strong, independent minded and loving man to guide you, to protect you, and to cherish you. Milind is just the man for you. He brings out the best in you." Ayesha spoke to her in all sincerity. Prachi felt a large burden of guilt lift off her shoulder.

Holding her hands, Prachi asked her what did she intend to do with her life?

"What is wrong with my life right now? What do I need to do? I have the most wonderful friends around me and a good job which gives me a decent salary. My mom's health is also improving. What more do I need?"

"But don't you need a life partner, Ayesha? How long do you intend to stay single?"

"What? Get married and give up all this freedom? Prachi, I don't think I am the marrying kind. I don't want to punish any guy for life. Let me enjoy my singledom."

Prachi realised there was no use talking to her but she secretly made up her mind to scout around for a good boy for her dear friend. Before leaving she invited her over to their place for lunch. Ayesha gladly agreed. That afternoon the three friends animatedly discussed their lives over lunch. Ayesha was always good entertainment. She brought life to any conversation. As she knew both Milind and Prachi equally well she was able to tell each of them things about the other that they did not know. They were so engrossed in their talk that they did not realise the time fly by. Soon it was evening. After having tea, Ayesha excused herself to finish her weekly shopping. Waving her good-bye, Prachi held Milind's arm and leaned against him. Placing his hand on her cheek he kissed the top of her head. They were at peace with each other.
Part XV

Nine days later

Prachi woke up in the morning to greet another day; only this was no ordinary day, but the day she was born. All her birthdays, except the last one when she was still mourning the loss of her father, were celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Although Prachi herself did not attach too much importance to the day, she considered this particularly birthday special because it was her first birthday as Prachi Milind Mishra. She mouthed her full name and feeling really good about it, smiled at the sleeping form of her husband who had given her half of that name. She leant forward and traced his lips with her index finger, marvelling at their fullness and shapeliness. When she saw him stir, she quickly withdrew her finger. Milind opened his eyes and seeing his wife, smiled sweetly and wished her a good morning. She waited with baited breath for his birthday wish to follow, but it did not come. Hiding her disappointment she wished him back and went about her morning chores. While Milind had gone for his bath, his cell rang. Picking it up, Prachi realised it was PL calling to wish her on her birthday. She thanked her and said she will drop by later that morning to take her blessings. Just as she disconnected, Milind returned and enquired who was on the line. Prachi merely said that her mother had called and that she was going to meet her. Milind asked her to give her his regards and proceeded to get dressed. Soon he was screaming for his socks, his handkerchief and his watch. Prachi scurried and found the things he wanted. Taking them from her, he brusquely thanked her and got ready for work. As he was about to leave the house, Prachi hesitantly asked him if he was not forgetting something. At first he looked confused but then as realisation dawned, he smiled and leaned over to give her a light goodbye kiss on the cheek. He was gone before she could fully recover from the huge disappointment. 'He did not remember my birthday', she thought sadly.



She got dressed, and went to the temple before going to the Shah House. PL was glad to see her daughter. Prachi took her blessings and hugged her. PL kissed her daughter on the forehead and gifted her a set of diamond ear rings. Just then Sukriti had walked in and hugging her bhabhi, wished her a very happy birthday. She gifted her a beautiful Titan watch and said it was from both her husband and herself. She said Alaap wanted to wish her but had to leave early to attend an important business meeting. Prachi knew she was covering up for him but did not say anything. PL insisted that she stays back for lunch. Over lunch PL enquired how was Milind and asked what gift he had given her. Holding back her tears, Prachi conveyed his regards to her and said that he intended to surprise her that evening with his gift. PL expressed her satisfaction with her son-in-law.



After lunch Prachi made her regular visit to the nursing home to see Baba. Placing his limp hand on her head she sought his blessings. Although he was not conscious, she felt he was blessing her from whatever mental state he was in. She returned home that evening and was soon surrounded by the chawl kids who dragged her down. They pulled her hands towards the community hall which was adjoining the chawl. The welfare society of the chawl had built it and, for a nominal charge, the residents of the chawl conducted their functions there. The hall was decorated with balloons and streamers. A large banner with a happy birthday message hung on one wall. A table at the centre had a huge chocolate cake on it. As Prachi entered in, she was greeted with loud clapping. Prachi looked around to see nearly the entire chawl gathered there. PL, Sukriti and Sneha were there too. Prachi was very happy to see them all. Ayesha asked her when Milind was expected to come and was told that he comes home very late these days. Ayesha then said that they may not be able to wait for him as the children had school the next day. So they started the party. After the birthday song was sung and the cake was cut, refreshments and snacks were served. The children then sang and danced for their Prachi didi. Prachi was asked to sing too and she obliged. They had a few games like the 'dumb charades' and 'passing the parcel'. The party finally got over close to 8 o'clock. The children carried to her house all the gifts their Prachi didi received and wishing her good night, they left.



Prachi sat down on the wooden sofa, looking at the gifts and pondering over the happenings of the day. She had received birthday wishes from everyone who knew her except from the one person whose wishes mattered the most to her. Her eyes grew moist as she struggled hard to overcome her disappointment. Realising she had not prepared anything for dinner, she hurried to the kitchen to start cooking. Just then she heard the front door bell ring. Expecting to see a tired and worn out Milind, she was surprised to see a refreshed and excited Milind at the door step. Before she could recover from the shock, he proceeded to blindfold her with a large handkerchief and ignoring her protests, he whisked her in his arms and carried her out, banging their door shut on the way. Prachi kept asking him where he was taking her to but he would not utter a word. She could feel him carrying her up many flights of stairs. Soon they reached their destination. Milind gently let her down and removed the blindfold. Prachi looked around in curiosity and realised that they were on the terrace of the chawl building. The walls of the terrace were lit up by small diyas. On the water tank of the chawl was stuck a large banner which proclaimed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DARLING WIFE" in big red letters. On one side of the terrace was a table on the centre of which was a small black forest cake. The table was set for dinner for two. Prachi clasped her hands in glee, looking around at the arrangements her husband had made without her knowledge. She rushed to her husband and hugged him tight.

"You remembered Milind, you remembered my birthday?!" she exclaimed.

"When did I forget, to remember it?" he asked her amusedly.

"You did not wish me in the morning. I thought you had forgotten."

Milind then knelt before her and with his hand crossed against his heart recited these lines which he himself had composed:

"I wasn't there to greet you into this world

I wasn't there for most part of your life;

But I'm here with you now, and will always be

Till the very end, my beloved wife."

When he finished, he took her hands in his and kissed them.

Prachi was surprised to see the poet in him.

"I did not know you wrote poetry!" she exclaimed.

Getting up, he said, "I don't normally write poems, Prachi, but you are a great source of inspiration."



He then explained to her why he waited till now to wish her. "Your family and friends have known you longer than I have. So I wanted them to have the opportunity to wish you first. But I want to have you exclusively to myself after that so that I can celebrate the closing hours of your birthday with you. Although I am a late entrant into your life, I am the one who will be with you now and forever."



He continued, "I kept everyone informed about my plan. That is why no one bothered you with too many questions about my whereabouts. I had returned from work while you were at the hall. After freshening up, I had come up here to make these arrangements. As I had already bought the dinner, I asked them to keep you busy till dinner time so that you would not have time to prepare anything. So, Mrs. Prachi Milind Mishra, how do you like my surprise?"

Prachi punched his chest in mock anger and said she loved her surprise.

"Wait, there is more", he said.

He then went to the music player plugged to one corner of the terrace and switched it on. The song below sung by George Benson played on it.

Nothing's gonna change my love for you.

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=yAfQ1DrpYZk


If I had to live my life without you near me
The days would all be empty
The nights would seem so long
With you I see forever.. oh so clearly
I might have been in love before
But it never felt this strong
Our dreams are young and we both know
They'll take us where we want to go
Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you

Nothing's gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothings gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through but
Nothings gonna change my love for you

If the road ahead is not so easy
Our love will lead the way for us
Like a guiding star
I'll be there for you
If you should need me
You don't have to change a thing
I love you just the way you are
So come with me and share the view
I'll help you see forever too
Hold me now
Touch me now
I don't want to live without you

Nothings gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love
Nothings gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
The world may change my whole life through but
Nothings gonna change my love for you

Nothings gonna change my love for you
You ought to know by now how much I love you
One thing you can be sure of
I'll never ask for more than your love



Looking at Prachi's surprised expression, Milind explained that Ayesha had told him this was her all time favourite love song. So he wanted to play it for her. Moreover, the song conveyed exactly what was in his heart. Then, holding her hands in his, he gently dragged her to him. He slipped one hand to her waist and gently swayed to the music. Prachi immediately fell in line and put one hand on his shoulder. They held each other and danced through the song.



At the end of it, Milind kissed her forehead and led her to the table. He extended the knife to her and after she cut the cake, he fed her a piece. As she bit the piece, he leaned forward and bit the part that was sticking out of her mouth, brushing his lips against hers as he did so. A tingling sensation ran through her body and she bent down her head. He gave her small gift wrapped box. On opening it, Prachi found a cell phone inside. He told her that now he can call her through the day and whisper sweet nothings. Prachi blushed and gave him another hug.

They then had their dinner in silence looking deep into each other's eyes. The light from the diyas flickered, enhancing the romantic ambience. After dinner they sat on the mat Milind had spread out and chatted for hours. Prachi told him that this was the best birthday she ever had. As their eyelids grew heavy, they stretched themselves on the mat and fell asleep in each other's arms under the sky lit by the near full moon and the stars. The diyas burnt themselves out as the night wore on.


(2)

As the sun's rays hit her eyes, Prachi opened them to find Milind still fast asleep. Realising they were sprawled on the terrace where they could be spotted by anyone coming up, she quickly got up and tried to shake Milind awake. Milind merely smiled in his sleep but did not budge an inch. Finally getting frustrated, she went up to the tap which was in one corner of the terrace and collecting some water in her palms, she walked up to him and trickled it on his eyes. Milind got up with a start and seeing Prachi stand over him with her hands on her hips, grimaced at her.

"Prachi... why did you break my beautiful dream? We were dancing to Kuch kuch hota hai like Shah Rukh and Kajol and you broke it before the song got over," he complained.

"Milind, if you don't wake up immediately, bahut kuch honae walla hai. We are in the middle of the terrace, not in our bedroom. Do you want us to become public spectacle?"



It is only then that Milind realised where they were. He hurriedly got up and rolled up the mat. Prachi ran to the water tank and tore up the banner on it. She then helped Milind to fold up the table and the chairs after putting away the plates and the dishes in the plastic cover which lay against the wall. As they carried their stuff down the stairs, they were met by Manju who was coming up with a bucket full of washed clothes which had to be dried in the clothes lines strung on the terrace. Seeing them with their paraphernalia she couldn't help pulling their legs.

"So Milind, how was the night under the sky?"she asked with a naughty smile.

Both Milind and Prachi turned a deep red and rushed down without a response.

"Hey, you forgot the diyas!" she called out and burst out laughing.

"I'll take them down later Manju Akka," Prachi shouted back.

Back home, Prachi spun like a top to ensure that her husband was not late for work. Finally, when Milind was ready to leave, he turned around and holding her head between his hands, he gave her a big smacking kiss on her lips and thanked her aloud for being such a wonderful wife. Prachi eyes widened in astonishment but soon her lips widened too in a disarming smile. Milind seeing it, held his hand to his chest to fake a heart-attack, making her giggle. He then promised to be back early for it was Ganesh Visarjan that day.



That evening, all the chawl residents gathered in front of the Ganesh idol. A puja was performed, as was done in the past nine days; only this was more elaborate as it was the final puja before bidding goodbye to Lord Ganesha. The women then sang the artis (songs of praise) and the procession with idol left the chawl with great fanfare. The chawl kids danced in front of the motorcade. The men and women followed it singing and clapping. En route they were joined by several other processions and they all headed towards the sea. The noise was deafening as loud speakers were blaring chants and songs. After walking for nearly two hours they finally reached Girgaum Chowpathy where there were hundreds of Ganesh idols waiting to be immersed. Milind and his chawl friends lifted the idol from the lorry and walked up to the beach. The women stood back as the men went into the waters to immerse the idol. Devotees bid their farewell to their favourite diety, promising to welcome him back into their homes the following year.



After the visarjan, Milind returned back to where the rest of the chawl crowd were standing and looked around for Prachi but could not find her. He asked Manju, Ayesha and the other ladies around but no one seemed to know where she had gone. Milind panicked and kept calling her name but it was difficult to be heard over and above the loud noise surrounding the place. Asking the rest of the chawl crowd to proceed home, Milind ran up and down the beach looking for Prachi. It was difficult to make his way through the thronging crowd. He pushed his way through the mass of people, frantically searching for his wife. As the minutes ticked by and he had still not found her, he broke into cold sweat. 'Where are you Prachi, tum kahaan ho?' he screamed. He then collapsed in a heap and started sobbing his heart out.



Suddenly he heard a group of people yelling that some lady who had been dragged by the waves had just been brought in by the fishermen. He immediately rushed to the spot and was shocked to the core to see an unconscious and wet Prachi being lowered on to the beach by two men. He jumped to her side and pulling her on to his lap, kept repeatedly tapping her cheeks. Seeing no reaction, he thumped her chest. She brought out some of the water she had swallowed but she was not breathing. He titled her head back, opened her mouth wide and, holding her nose, he gave her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Soon she sputtered more water and started breathing. As she slowly opened her eyes, he heaved a sigh of relief and quickly carried her to the nearest taxi. On reaching the chawl, he hurriedly paid the taxi walla and rushed to their house with Prachi in his arms. Manju and Ayesha were waiting outside looking worried. Seeing Prachi with him they were relieved and quickly opened the door. Although both of them wanted to know what had happened they realised this was not the right time to ask. Once inside, he hurriedly started removing the wet clothes from her body after pulling up the bedsheet to cover her up. Ayesha took out a dry nightie from the cupboard and handed it to Milind who deftly dressed his wife within a matter of seconds. Manju rubbed Prachi's feet vigourously to bring in some warmth. Milind then took a towel and rubbed dry Prachi's hair. In the meantime Ayesha made some hot black tea and asked Prachi to slowly sip it. After they made sure Prachi was fine, the two ladies left them.



Milind sat beside her on the bed and looked at Prachi wearily. Prachi's eyes filled up in tears and she said in a small voice.

"I am sorry, Milind". He did not respond. Instead he just stretched himself next to her and turned his back to her. He tried to sleep but visions of seeing her in that unconscious state kept flashing in his mind. What if she had drowned? How did she get to the sea? The women were all standing at a safe distance from the sea. Why did she go close to it? He knew this was not the right time to ask her these questions. She was still in a state of shock. He decided he will wait till the next day to find out more about that traumatic night.



Next morning, both Milind and Prachi woke up at about the same time. Before Milind could ask her anything, Prachi gave him an account of what had happened the previous night. As the men went into the sea to immerse the idols, Prachi stood by watching the colourful idols being taken in. As she had never witnessed a live visarjan before, she got excited and inadvertently strayed from her group in order to take a good look at the idols. She had unknowingly gone closer to the sea and was soon pushed by the pressing crowd from behind. Before she realised she had fallen into the sea and a wave dragged her in. Luckily some men standing close by shouted for help and had alerted the nearby fishermen who went in and dragged her out before she drowned. Milind was livid with anger.

"What was the need to leave Ayesha, Manju and the rest of the women? Did you think of my plight if something had happened to you? Do you know how terrified I was when I realised that you were missing and couldn't be located?" he yelled.

"I am sorry Milind. I did not mean to scare you," she said meekly, eyes brimming with tears.

"But, you did, didn't you?"He ran his fingers through his hair in exasperation. "When will you learn to be more responsible?" He got up abruptly and went about his morning routine, ignoring her for the rest of the morning.

She tried serving him his tea and breakfast but he refused both saying he did not feel hungry. After he was ready for work, he mumbled a goodbye under his breath and not bothering to look back at her, he left home.

Prachi was heartbroken. She sat down and wept bitterly. There is nothing more she wanted from life than his happiness but she had ended up making him miserable. She did not know how long she was crying when she heard her cell ring. Picking it up she heard Milind's voice.

"Prachi?"

She had trouble responding immediately as she could not find her voice.

"PRACHI?" his voice raised up in anxiety. "Are you alright?"

She whimpered that she was. After hours of crying she couldn't stop hiccupping.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you, Prachi. It's just that you are so precious to me, I just can't bear to lose you. Do you realise your value to me, Prachi? You are my life. Seeing you unconscious and breathless last night, my breath stopped. Please don't do this again. Please don't scare me again, Prachi. I cannot take it."

"I'm sorry, Milind it will not happen again."

"And please, Prachi. Please stop crying. Your tears pierce my heart. You know since morning I could not concentrate on my work, remembering your tear-stained face."

Prachi wiped her eyes and told him she has stopped crying.

"Have you had anything for breakfast?" he asked.

"No. How can I eat knowing you have not?" she asked him.

"Ok, baba. I am going down to the canteen right now and I'll have something. Will you promise me that you will eat something?"

"Yes, I will."

"I'm sorry, darling. I'll be late from work. You'll take good care of yourself till then, won't you? Remember, by taking care of yourself you are actually taking care of me."

"Don't worry, Milind. I will."

Before he disconnected he blew her a kiss bringing a smile to her face.
"Are you not going to return it back?" he asked longingly. She shyly blew him a kiss, gladdening his heart.



Part XVI



Three weeks later

The Sens were getting ready to leave the chawl that Saturday. The chawl residents had arranged a small farewell function for them the previous night. Milind, as the chawl welfare society's President, gave a speech recounting the contribution of the Sens to the chawl's well being in the past fifteen years. Arnab, their son was like his younger brother he said. Having gone through a similar situation, he could well understand his frustration at not getting a job of his liking and his decision to wait till he gets one, although his parents were unhappy that he was unemployed. His patience had paid off since he has landed himself a good job in Oman and was all set to leave the next day. Mr. Argya Sen and Mrs.Anindita Sen had wanted to get back to their ancestral house in Kolkatta, as their only son was leaving. They were taking the train the next evening. Mrs. Sen then came up to give her little speech. She had tears in her eyes as she thanked each one of them for being such wonderful neighbours and helping them out whenever needed. When she had first come to Mumbai she did not know a soul in the city but now she is leaving the city with the knowledge that she has atleast nineteen families whom she can call as her relatives. She said that she was taking with her sweet memories of chawl life in Mumbai. On the next day, a truck came in to cart the Sens' furniture and other household effects to Kolkatta. The Sens finally bid a tearful goodbye that evening to all the residents.



That Sunday Prachi got up at 7.00 a.m. to find Milind fresh from a bath, pouring through the Sunday Times. He had already prepared the tea and was sipping a hot cup.

"Good Morning Milind, how come you are up so early on a Sunday morning?" she asked him in surprise.

"Good Morning, Prachi. Thought I will give you a break from the kitchen for the day," Milind replied nonchalantly. "Breakfast is ready.We'll have it together once you're ready."

Prachi thanked him and went to finish her morning routine before joining him for breakfast. Just as they were finishing up, Ayesha came by asking if Prachi could accompany her to shop for some material for her garment company. They have received an order from a very finicky European customer who is particular about the texture and colours of the garments they will be exporting to them in a month's time. As Prachi has a good taste in clothes, she wanted her advice to pick the right fabric for the garments. Prachi looked at Milind for approval, a small part of her hoping that he will not agree for she really looked forward to spending all Sundays with him. Surprisingly, Milind was only too happy to accede to Ayesha's request. Prachi got ready and left with Ayesha. They spent nearly three hours shopping and placed the necessary orders for the fabric to be delivered directly to the factory the next day. When they returned back, Prachi bid Ayesha goodbye and went to her own house. Finding the door locked, she presumed Milind had gone to meet his friends. She tried to open it with her duplicate key but the door would not open. Just as she raised her puzzled head, she saw Milind behind her whispering into her ear,"Is the door not opening, darling?"

"Yes, Milind. What is wrong with the key?" she asked.

"Nothing is wrong with it. Only it is not meant for this lock." He said, increasing her confusion.

"If it is not meant for this lock, which lock is it meant for? I had used it to open this lock so many times."

"Are you sure it is this lock or a lock which looks like this one?" he queried back.

By now Prachi was getting fed up with his riddles. "Give me your key, Milind," she said and snatched the key in his hand.

She tried opening the lock with that key but it didn't work either. She finally threw up her hands and said she gave up.

"Come on, darling. What if the keys are not opening this lock. Let's try opening some other lock", he said in a mischievous tone.

Prachi looked at him like he has lost his mind. "Are you crazy? Do you now want to try breaking into someone's house?"

"Darling, if our keys open the lock of some house, it is not called breaking in, but entering in," he stated in a matter of fact tone.

Even as she shook her head in frustration, he went ahead and tried unlocking the two locked doors on their floor and shaking his head he asked her to follow him to the floor below. Prachi was getting irritated by now.

"Milind, what are you up to? Did you change the locks when I was away?"

"Patience, darling. Lets discover the door that opens to our keys." He said and without waiting for her he went ahead to try out the key on the one door which was locked on that floor.

Prachi followed him and stood behind him as he loudly said,"Open Sesame", inserting the key into the lock. The lock opened and, unlatching the door, he swung it open. Prachi looked on in astonishment.
Turning around, Milind lifted her in his arms and entered in even as she protested that they cannot just enter into someone's house like this.


Once inside, he gently put her down and she looked around the house which was slightly bigger than theirs as the kitchen was a separate room and not a partition of the same room. Surprisingly all their things were nicely arranged in the new house. Milind's cups and trophies were lined up on the small showcase on the wall. Ayesha's porcelain figurine gift was there too. Their wooden sofa, their run down fridge, the stove, the cylinder, the plastic containers with the provisions, their vessels, their bed, their wooden cupboard, couple of folding chairs, and folding table, all were neatly arranged in their appropriate places. Looking at Prachi's confused expression, Milind smiled and finally assured her that they were not intruding into anyone's house for from that day onwards it was their new house. He then led her to the bedroom and opened a door on the far side of the room. Prachi's eyes widened in surprise. It was a bathroom, small but clean.


Holding her hand, he said "Prachi, do you remember our wedding night? The first thing you searched for in my house was an attached bathroom. I mocked you then but regretted doing so later. You have been raised in the lap of luxury and I could not even provide you the basic comfort on your own bathroom. Marriage to me has been nothing but a bed of thorns for you till now. I promise you that I will do my best to convert it to a bed of roses soon. This is my first effort to do so."



It is only then that it dawned on Prachi that they were in the apartment vacated by the Sens. In her apprehension over Milind's house breaking activities she had not noticed the door number of the apartment. Milind informed her that he had rented the place and in her absence had enlisted his friends and the kids of the chawl to help move their things into the new apartment. While Milind's friends helped him move the large furniture items, the children helped with the small household articles. They set up the place before she could return so that they can give her a surprise. He had inter-changed the locks in the house, the reason why their keys did not open the old house.

"But Milind, the rent for this place must be more. How will we manage it?" she asked him. Milind assured her that he had got a raise in his salary so the additional one thousand rupees they may have to shell out for the place is taken care of.



Prachi was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness and she gave him a tight hug, prompting Milind to say that the hug was worth all his efforts. Just then they heard the door bell ring. On opening the door, Prachi saw Ayesha and Anju's family at the door step. They had brought food and informed her that they were planning to have their lunch with them in the new house. Prachi spread the mat and they all sat down to have the food. Anu and Adi were fighting to sit on Milind's lap. Prachi asked Anu to sit on hers. The boy was initially reluctant but when she offered him a chocolate which she found in the fridge, he promptly went to her. They then had a lively conversation over lunch. Prachi came to know from Ayesha that Milind had taken up two jobs to make enough money to pay the deposit money for the apartment. The dahi handi prize money was also meant for this purpose. When Prachi realised the extent to which her husband had gone, slogging every day and risking his life, all for providing her some additional comforts, her eyes filled up in tears and she held his hand and thanked him profusely. Milind wiped her eyes and told her he was merely doing the duty of a husband and she was worth every effort he took. Manju was very happy to see the deep love these two had for each other. Looking at her husband she asked him to learn a thing or two from Milind. Venkat retorted back that she too could learn to be more patient and giving like Prachi. Ayesha intervened and asked them not to keep bickering amongst themselves for they too are an adorable couple considering that they have managed to put up with each other for seven long years of marriage. That made both Manju and Venkat happy.

"But Venkat Anna, be careful of the seven-year itch", she said winking at Venkat.

Manju did not understand her and looked at both of them in confusion. All of them burst out laughing and assured her that it was nothing serious.

After lunch, Anu and Adi wanted their Milind uncle to take them on a ride in his motor bike. Milind gladly agreed and the trio trotted off to the parking lot.


Ayesha, Manju and Venkat then took leave. Prachi went up to the cupboard and taking out one of her sketches of a smiling Milind, she kissed it saying "I love you Milind, I love you very much". She decided that she will get it framed and hang it in the hall where she can always see him even when he is not around.


Part XVII


It was his salary day the next day. Milind was returning home that evening from work in a good mood as he was given a salary raise of Rs.3,000 on successfully completing his six months probation as customer service representative. Prachi had reminded him that morning that they should have perfomed Godh bharai ceremony for Sukriti the previous month when Sukriti completed seven months of pregnancy but since they had forgotten to do so, they needed to conduct it as soon as possible. Milind had agreed to have the function the following day. He decided to get two sarees, one each for his wife and his sister for the occassion. He picked up two printed silk sarees, a bottle green one for his wife and a red one for his sister,with matching ready made blouses and in-skirts for Rs.2,000, keeping aside the extra thousand rupees from the salary hike for paying the higher rent for the new house.



As expected Prachi was surprised to see his gift, only not as pleasantly as he hoped she would be. She was more appalled than elated but quickly recovered to thank him. Although he was a little disappointed by her confusing expressions, he asked her to wear it immediately, for he was eager to see how she looked in it. Very reluctantly she took the plastic cover to their bedroom to change into the saree while he waited in the hall. It is only then that it struck him that he had never seen his wife in a saree other than on their wedding day. He wondered why she never wore sarees after that day although he felt she looked really good in it. Did she not like sarees? He kept waiting for her to come out but even after half an hour, there was no sign of her. He called out to her asking what the problem was. Prachi assured him that everything was alright. Finally, she came out hesitatingly, taking small steps as her movement was restricted by the saree which was tightly wrapped around her. Behind her, half the saree was hanging out like a train. Milind looked at her from foot to head and his mouth gaped. Prachi went red with embarrassment.

"So, THIS was your problem? You do not know how to drape a saree?"

She shook her head in the negative.

"Is that why you never wear one?"

She nodded. She explained that on her wedding day, her mother had draped the saree for her.

Dragging her to him by her wrist he asked her if he can help her wear it, provided ofcourse she does not mind. Looking at her surprised expression, he explained that he had learnt how to do it because he had to dress up Sukriti in sarees for almost all the school plays she took part in. Once she had learnt to drape them on her own, he did not have to bother but he can still remember how it is done. At first she hesitated but then agreed. Kneeling down in front of her, he asked her to hold up the pallu and then pulling down the rest of the saree, he proceeded to diligently pleat them, steadfastly keeping his eyes away from her exposed midriff. Holding the saree against her shoulder, Prachi looked lovingly at his bowed head, admiring his abilities. Once done, he held up the pleats for her to tuck in but Prachi was still staring at his head, not noticing his hand. He kept prompting her to take the pleats and finally decided to tuck in the pleats himself. He looked in front of him and seeing her fair, silky and flat midriff he gulped. He hurriedly tucked in the pleats, his fingers grazing her skin as he did so. Shivers ran through her body when she felt his warm fingers on her stomach and she let go of the pallu she was holding up on her shoulders. As the top of the saree slid down on him, he shook his head to free himself and looked up to see her in her blouse. The sight of her curves knocked his breath out and losing his balance, he fell to the side. In doing so, his legs extended out, toppling Prachi over him. Seeing her bosom inches from his face, Milind's heart beat accelerated and he pushed her away with a start and got up hurriedly. Prachi's face had become super hot by now as she quickly picked up her saree and ran into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.


Milind sunk his face in his trembling fingers and tried to shut out the image of her in the state of half undress. He went out and splashed cold water on his face to cool down his heightened senses. How could he let himself come to the brink of losing control over himself? Was he not the one who wanted to postpone their union till he achieved his dream? Then why was he dithering now? He desired her very much- there was no doubt about that - but he cannot lose sight of his goal. He will have to work doubly hard to attain it. He will have to put some physical distance between them till then even if it is going to be enormously difficult to do so.



Back in their bedroom, sitting on their bed, Prachi was trying to get a grip of herself. Never has she been more aware of her husband than she was a few minutes back. If he had not pushed her away, she did not think she could have stopped what would have inevitably followed. It was not that there was anything wrong if something really happened between them. Afterall they are married and it was an essential part of any normal married life but since they had mutually taken a decision to wait, she was sure they would have regretted it later. That was something she could not accept. She wanted their union to be cherished always. She was prepared to wait as long as it takes for Milind to make a name for himself for she was sure he will succeed in his goal.



Milind returned home after a few minutes. Prachi had changed back into her salwar kameez. They had their dinner in uneasy silence, each trying to avoid looking at the other but nevertheless doing so when the other was not looking. After dinner Milind got busy with some paper work. Prachi put away the dishes and sat with her sketches. Try as she may, she could not draw anything as her mind kept going back to the saree fiasco. She finally gave up and went to bed. Milind joined her much later but turned his back to her. An invisible wedge seemed to be driven between them although their hearts were filled with love for each other.



The next evening arrangements for Sukriti's Godh Bharai was made in the community hall in which Prachi's birthday was celebrated. With Manju's help, Prachi drapped the saree Milind had bought for her. Seeing her in it, Milind could hardly keep his eyes off her. The women of the chawl had assembled in the hall and adorned Sukriti with glass bangles, blessed her and filled her lap with gifts. PL blessed her daughter-in-law and gave her ruby jewellery set. Prachi gave her the saree Milind had bought for her. Milind brought in a plate full of food items Sukriti loves and fed her with his own hands. There was a lot of singing and dancing. Prachi also sang for her sister-in-law, enthralling everyone, particularly her husband, with her talent. Although Milind tried his best to remain aloof, he felt continuously drawn to her. Just then his cell rang. After attending the call, he told Prachi that he had to leave for some urgent work and asked her to take care of the rest of the function. Although Prachi wondered what engagement he would have at that time of the night, she nodded and went around playing the perfect host. After the dinner, the women indulged in a fair amount of teasing and fun. They started guessing the sex of the baby by the size and shape of Sukriti's the pregnant belly. Most were convinced she was carrying a boy going by the pointed, conical shape of her stomach. Sukriti blushed at all the attention she was getting. Prachi was glad to see Sukriti's happy face and hoped that the arrival of the baby will strengthen the bond between her brother and his wife. All she wanted was for him to take good care of his wife and child even if he did not care for his sister.


Part XVIII

(1)

Two weeks later



It was the last night of Navratri, the festival that honours the three main goddesses of the Hindu religion, Durga (goddess of power), Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (goddess of wisdom) in all their manifestations. The chawl wore a festive look for the past nine days. Dandiya raas was performed every night and the entire chawl residents congregated in the courtyard in the front to dance with colourful sticks to the latest bollywood numbers. Since Milind was coming home very late, sometimes close to midnight, for the past few weeks, Prachi alone took part in the dances so far, but her heart was never in it.





Prachi noticed a perceptible change in their relationship. While they were quite cordial with each other, there was an unspoken barrier between them ever since that saree fiasco. They both avoided physical contact with each other inorder to prevent their desires from resurfacing. Although they shared the same bed, they no longer held or kissed each other. It was very difficult for both of them since they had gotten used to the cuddling but they feared that their resolve may be weakened if they give in to the physical comfort. Despite their steely resolve there were occasions when the temptation to give in was pretty strong. For instance, only that morning she had inadvertently collided with her husband at the entrance to the bathroom when she was trying to get in and he was on his way out, clad only in his towel. As she hit against his bare, well muscled chest, glistening from the water drops which had still not been dried, shivers ran up her spine. In the few seconds it took for them to unlock their intense gaze and regain their bearings, they could feel the electrifying tension between them. It had taken tremendous effort on both their parts to break it and get back to their normal activities. On the positive side, such instances only served to intensify Milind's will to remain focused in his work so as to attain his goal at the earliest.





That night, however, Prachi was surprised to see Milind return home earlier than usual. The dandiya dance for the night had just begun and seeing him, Ayesha thrust a pair of sticks in his hands and asked him to join in. Although he initially protested, he subsequently gave in and danced. They were going in rounds and Milind landed in front of Prachi. While Prachi was glad to be dancing with her husband, his eyes seemed distant as though he was lost in some deep thought. Prachi soon bore the brunt of his mental absence because he ended up hitting her right hand instead of the sticks. It is only when Prachi dropped the sticks and winced in pain did he realise what he had done. He quickly rushed to her side to examine the extent of damage. Her fingers were bleeding by now. Realising that there has been a mishap, the rest of the crowd stopped dancing as they looked on in trepidation. Ayesha hurried to Prachi's side and admonished Milind for being so careless. Tearing the ends of her dupatta, she tied it around the wound to stop the bleeding. Milind said that he will take her to their place for some first aid. He led Prachi away and asked the rest of the crowd to continue dancing. Back at their place, Milind immediately cleaned the wound and applied tincture. When Prachi flinched at the burning sensation caused by the medicine, he blew on her hand, concern written all across his face. He never stopped apologising even though she kept assuring him that it was just an accident. He fed her dinner and forbade her from doing any household chores till her hand was completely healed.





The next morning he got up earlier than usual inorder to take care of the household chores. By the time Prachi was awake, he had finished preparing tea, breakfast and lunch and had also washed the vessels and the clothes. He was about to sweep the house clean when Prachi snatched the broom from his hand and said that she can take care of it. After Milind left for work that day, Prachi took a stock of their life in the past weeks. She was increasingly concerned over the mental and physical strain he was putting himself through to fulfil his dream. She knew that the previous day's accident was the result of his mental fatigue. She did not like him wearing himself down in this manner. She wished that she could help him in some way but did not know how. She hoped her wound will heal soon so that she does not add to his burden.

That afternoon, after her routine visit to the nursing home to meet Baba, she went to collect the portrait of Milind she had given for framing. While collecting the portrait, a fellow customer walked up to her and asked her who the artist was who sketched it. When she admitted that she had done it, he marvelled at her talent and asked her if she could teach his eight-year old daughter to sketch. He was willing to pay her a handsome amount as tuition fees. Prachi was initially taken aback and said she was not sure she wanted to teach. Sketching and painting were more of a hobby for her. He asked her to think it over and left his card with her. Prachi thanked him and left with the portrait.


(2)



She reached her home and was about to unlock the door and get in when her new neighbour Mrs.Shukla met her and asked her what did she have in her hand. Now Mrs.Veena Shukla had several nicknames given by the residents, none flattering but all very true to her nature. These included 'Mrs.Busybody', 'Jai Hind's gossip queen', 'Mrs.No-gooder' and 'Troublemaker No.1'. Manju had warned Prachi about her character and asked her not to entertain her company. Prachi had avoided her as much as possible but Mrs. Shukla seemed to be determined to corner her somehow. Since Prachi can never be rude to a person, she politely said that it was a portrait. Mrs.Veena asked her to show it and before she could respond, snatched it from her hands. Removing the portrait from the cover, she looked at it and exclaimed,"So its a portrait of Milind?! Did you draw it?"

Prachi shyly nodded. Mrs.Shukla looked at her sympathetically." Look, Prachi. It is none of my business to interfere in other people's lives but then you are like my daughter. I could not help but notice the way you are being treated by the good-for-nothing husband of yours. He even hit you with the dandiya stick yesterday. I don't think that was an accident."

Prachi went red with anger hearing such slander of her husband. She raised her hand and said,

"Enough,aunty. I will hear no more ill words about my husband. Please give me back the portrait." She pried the portrait from Mrs.Shukla's hands.

"I know my dear girl. No Indian housewife likes to hear anyone speak ill of her husband but I swear I have no malice towards him. I am only concerned about you. I noticed that he comes home late every night, sometimes close to midnight. Wonder what keeps him so late when he does not even have a job."

Prachi was now completely losing her patience with the woman. "I'm sorry you are mistaken, aunty. My husband has not just one job but two. Before saying anything, please check your facts." She did not wait for Mrs.Shukla to respond. Quickly opening the door, Prachi went in and shut the door behind her.

"What a rude girl!" Mrs. Shukla said in disgust. "I was only trying to open her eyes to reality. Looks like she wants to remain in the dark. Why should I bother." She shrugged her shoulders and went back to her house.


That night when Milind entered his house, he was surprised to see his portrait hang in a prominent place in the hall.

"Prachi, why have you hung that bunder (monkey) on the wall?" he asked inviting a glare from his wife.

"Don't you dare call my hero a bunder," she warned. Milind smiled happily.

After he freshened up, Prachi told him about how she was offered a job as a private art tutor for an eight-year by a fellow customer in the frame shop. Showing him the visiting card the gentleman gave her, she added that he had offered to pay her a handsome tuition fee.

"So, do you want to work?" he asked her brusquely.

"Well, I don't know. The money seems to be good." she said. Milind remained silent but he looked distinctly uncomfortable. As Prachi was busy setting the table she did not see the change in his expression.

Serving him his dinner, she casually mentioned about Mrs.Shukla's comment that he was jobless. Milind tensed up hearing this. Before she could continue with what her reply was to that comment, he looked up at her and asked her in a raised voice.

"So, you now want to take up this job to support this family? Do you think that I am incapable of providing for this family? Have I now become useless?"

Prachi couldn't understand his sudden anger. "No, Milind. That is not what I meant. I hate to see you wear yourself down. If I take up this teaching job maybe I can also chip in my bit to..."

Milind didn't wait to hear the rest. He got up midway through the dinner and washing his hands up, he went out of the house.

Prachi was shocked to see this extreme reaction and held back her tears. Unable to finish her own dinner, she put away the plates. After nearly an hour, Milind returned but did not speak to her. He quietly went to the bed and stretched himself on it. Not knowing what to do, she stretched herself next to him. Both were immersed in deep thoughts about their future, only their worries about it were different.


(3)

(Note: Karva Chauth comes nine days before Diwali, on the fourth day after the full moon. Since Dussehra is celebrated 10 days after new moon, technically what I have written in this part will not match the lunar calendar.)



Early next morning, they were woken up by the ringing of the door bell. Prachi opened the door to see Mrs. Vandana Kapoor at the doorstep with a plate full of sweets in her hand. Seeing the puzzled looked on her face, Mrs.Kapoor explained that she has come to gift her the 'sargi' on the occasion of the Karva Chauth that day. Normally the sargi is given by the mother-in-law of the girl so that she can have the sweets before sunrise and commence her fasting for her husband's long life. Mrs.Kapoor who had no children of her own, said that as she is extremely fond of Milind and treates him like her son, she wanted to gift it to his bride. Prachi was amazed that the chawl had people like Mrs. Kapoor who loved Milind and also people like Mrs. Veena Shukla who seemed to despise him. Thanking her, Prachi accepted it and went in. Milind silently observed all this from the bedroom. Prachi did a small puja and had the sweets before the dawn broke out. She then went about her morning chores. Milind got up as usual and went about his tasks without uttering a word to Prachi. Prachi tried serving him the tea and breakfast but he just ignored her. Once he was ready and was about to leave, Prachi asked him if he can come a little early that evening. He merely nodded and left.



Prachi was very unhappy with the way things were shaping up in her life. Milind was very touchy about her taking up the job. She had only wanted to help him but she seemed to have hit a raw nerve. She knew her husband wanted to make it on his own but she couldn't bear to see him subject himself to so much physical and mental stress for it. She did not know how much she could have helped him with this job, but definitely their financial resources would have been augmented. At the same time she did not want to do something against his wishes or hurt his sentiments. She decided that she will sort things out that evening and let him know that she was not taking up the job.



As he sat in the local train, he pondered over what had happened the previous night. Does she know about his job or rather the lack of it? Is it why she wanted to work? He had wanted to give her everything in life but has now been reduced to a position where she may have to support him. No, he cannot let her bear the burden of their family. He has to be the provider, he has to discharge his duty as a good husband. He has to sort out the mess as early as possible and redeem himself. He needs to get back on track to pursue and fulfil his dream. At the same time he did not want to come in the way of fulfilling her wishes to share her knowledge, her talent. He decided that he will sort things out that evening and let her know that she is free to take up that job if she so wants.



That evening there was a major power breakdown. The Western grid had tripped and the city was blacked out. Milind tried his best to reach home early but all the local trains had come to a standstill. Milind was restless to reach home knowing that his wife was waiting for him to break her fast. He had thought of taking the bus but knew that it would take longer to reach home, especially since the road would be flooded by traffic, with more people seeking the autos and taxis in the absence of the trains. He tried calling her on her cell to tell her to break the fast even without him since he may be delayed, but her cell was switched off. It had taken over two hours for the power problem to be rectified and for the train service to resume.



In the terrace of the chawl, Prachi along with the other women, waited for the appearance of the moon. As the power was down, they had lit up the terrace with diyas which Prachi had given them. They held in their hands large plates which contained the karva (clay pot), a sieve and a copper vessel containing water. As soon as the moon was sighted, the women completed the rituals associated with the function and their husbands broke their fast.


As the crowd slowly left, Mrs.Kapoor noticed Prachi still waiting for her husband. Walking up to her she asked her with concern, "Prachi, has Milind not yet come home?"

Before she could respond, Mrs.Shukla interjected, saying "Why would he be bothered about his poor starving wife? He must be enjoying himself somewhere."

Before an angry Prachi could respond to that, Mrs.Kapoor retorted, "Will no good words come out of your mouth Veena? If you can't say anything good at least don't saying anything bad."

Prachi was grateful for Mrs.Kapoor's support. Ignoring Mrs.Shukla, she said to Mrs.Kapoor, "Aunty, I think he is delayed because of the power cut which would have disrupted the train service. He should be home once the power is restored. I will wait for him."

Mrs.Shukla, realising that she was being given the cold shoulders, left with a disgusted look on her face. Mrs.Kapoor volunteered to wait with Prachi but she assured her that she will be fine and asked her to go home.



Milind finally reached home close to 10.00 p.m. He rushed to the terrace to find Prachi standing there, weak and weary from the fast. As soon as she saw him, she brightened up and held the sieve to the moon before bringing it to his face and gazing at him through it. She then offered the water to the moon. After she had finished, Milind took the vessel from her hand and extended it to her mouth so that she can drink the water. She gently pushed it aside and instead offered the water to him. Looking at his confused expression she said that she knew he had been fasting for her the whole day and was as thirsty and hungry as she was.

"Milind, you wanted me to think that you refused your morning tea and breakfast because you were angry with me, but I know you did so because you too were keeping a fast for me."

Milind was astounded by her ability to read his thoughts and interpret his actions.

"Prachi, how did you know that?"

"Milind, you are a part of me. How can I not understand your feelings? I am sorry for mooting that idea of taking up the job. I know you can make it on your own. I only wanted to support you because I was concerned that you were overworking; the two jobs are taking a toll on your health."

Milind realised that she did not know his unemployed status and was relieved. He did not want to trouble her with his woes. He will tackle them on his own.

"I am sorry for my appalling behaviour last night, Prachi. I have no right to curb your talents. You are free to take up that job if you so wish but I would still prefer it that you are doing so only because you love it and not because you feel compelled to help me out."

"Thank you, Milind. I'll be happy to use my time productively. I'll speak to Mr.Sahoo tomorrow and ask him when I can start taking the lessons".


"Now that this issue is settled, can I have the pleasure of drinking the water which will be sweetened by your lips?" he said and held the vessel to her lips. She shyly took a sip of the water. Placing his lips where she had sipped, he drank the water. They then fed each other the sweet and had their dinner in the moonlight.
XIX

One week later

Prachi and Milind were getting ready to go to Lonavala for finalising the arrangements for Mala's wedding which was to take place in three days. Mala had already booked the hall in Lonavala. They needed to get there and ensure that everything is in order before making the payment. The past week had been hectic, getting the wedding invitations printed and distributed and shopping for jewellery and sarees for Mala. The money Baba had set aside for Mala's wedding was sufficient to take care of all the wedding expenses. When Milind offered to get Prachi a saree for the wedding, she declined saying that she will wear her wedding saree for the occassion. They hired a Matador van and Milind's friends accompanied them to Lonavala. As Ayesha's mother had to undergo some special therapy which required her daughter's presence and Ayesha had to leave for Bangalore, she expressed her inability to attend the wedding. Manju and her family had promised to arrive on the wedding day. As Sukriti was close to her delivery time, doctors had adviced her against travel. PL had to stay back to take care of her. Alaap, as usual, cited business as an excuse for not being able to attend the wedding.



On arriving in Lonavala, they quickly got down to business. Milind's friends were of great help in arranging for the priest, the caterer, the light music troupe, the decorations etc. The sangeet and mehendi ceremonies were conducted with great fanfare. On the day of the wedding, the bridegroom arrived on a horse-back as part of the bharat ceremony. As Mala did not have a mother, Prachi welcomed him with the arti and applied the tilak on his forehead. The bride and the groom then exchanged the mala and sat in front of the holy pyre. Just then they heard a lot of commotion at the entrance. Milind went to see what the fuss was all about. To his shock he saw a group of policemen who had come in and said that that they were looking for one Mr.Sushil Joshi who works as a clerk in Madhavpur Co-operative Bank in connection with the lakhs of rupees he has swindled from the bank. They had also received complaints from two families that he has cheated them by marrying their daughters and ditching them after a month or two. They showed him the evidences they had, which included forged cheques, wedding pictures, bank statements etc. As soon as the bridegroom sighted the police, he tried to make a dash to the door but the constables who were standing there immediately nabbed him. Mrs.and Mr.Joshi hung their head in shame but later tried to beg the inspector to let their son go. The inspector asked them to find a good lawyer as their son sure needs one considering that the case against him was fairly open and shut. Even as the shocked crowd who had assembled for the wedding looked on, the bridegroom was dragged out of the wedding hall, followed by a weeping mother and a humiliated father.



Milind later found out that the parents were well aware of their son's activities and encouraged him as they were equally greedy for money. They had reaped quite a harvest by way of dowry in the earlier two weddings. They were keen in this alliance because Mala earned a decent salary and her father was also getting pension. That is why they did not hesitate too much to agree to the wedding even though they were told that she will continue to take care of her father after her marriage. Milind and Prachi were shaken by the events of the day. Prachi rushed to Mala's side to make sure she was alright. Although she was shocked by the sudden turn of events, Mala soon recovered and said that it was good that they came to know the true colours of the groom and his family before the wedding. Milind hurried to his uncle's side worried about the impact all this will have on him. Venkat told him that he needs to take care of the guests who were about to disperse realising that there was not going to be a wedding. He assured him that he will take care of Mala's father in the meantime. Milind requested the guests to have their meal before leaving even if the wedding itself did not take place. He said that they were his guests and he could not let them go on an empty stomach. Although they obliged, everyone was heavy hearted, thinking about Mala's plight.



Prachi who felt suddenly claustrophobic inside the hall ran out into the lawns outside the wedding hall, weeping bitterly. Milind followed her worriedly and tried to comfort her.

"Milind, it is all my fault," she sobbed and buried her head on his chest.

"Sh..., why are you blaming yourself, Prachi?" he asked in confusion.

"Milind, if I had not interfered that day and made a case for the marriage, it would not have come to this. I should have let you break the nose of that senior Joshi when he spoke so rudely about your uncle. We would have got rid of these hawks then and there."

Milind could not help smiling at her description of them. Wiping her eyes, he said,"Prachi, none of us knew their true nature. What you did that day was commendable. You had Mala's best interests in mind. It is our fortune that we came to know the truth atleast now. Imagine what would have become of Mala's life if we were to discover all this after the marriage?"

Just then Milind heard his name being called. He turned around to see a nervous Ganpat and a shy Mala.

Ganpat seemed like he had something important to say but did not know how to start it. Milind encouraged him to open up. Ganpat stammered out what he wanted to convey.

"Mi...Milind. Ma...Mala and I have decided to get married. We need your approval and blessings."

Milind was shocked to hear this. Ganpat then explained how he was as indignant as him seeing the events of the day. He always had a soft corner for Mala although he was not bold enough to express it. When he heard that her marriage has been finalised, he was happy for her and helped with the arrangements whole heartedly. However, he least expected that things will reach this point. He was upset by the fiasco at the mandap and wanted to make things right for her by marrying her but he wanted to ask her consent before he approached them. He met her separately and expressed his wish to make her his wife. He explained to her that he does not have much to offer her except his undying love. He had a job which paid a reasonably good salary with which he can ensure that she is provided a decent life. He also told her that he has the responsibility of taking care of his old mother who is nearly blind. As he was an only child who had lost his father at a young age, his mother was totally reliant on him. He was willing to let her bring her father along with her and take care of him. He also assured her that if she wanted to work, she can take up some job in Mumbai. All he wanted from her is a life-time commitment to be with him through thick and thin just he he will be with her. Mala was touched by his simple, stitled, but heart-felt speech and had agreed to marry him.



Milind was pleased to hear that one of his close friends was marrying his cousin. He hugged and thanked him for everything. Ganpat said that it is he who should be thankful, as he was going to become a part of Milind's family. Before the guests could leave after their meal, Milind went back into the hall and asked them to wait as the wedding was not yet over. The guests looked at him in confusion. The priest was just washing his hands after the meal when Milind approached him and asked him to conduct the wedding of Ganpat and Mala. The priest, although initially taken aback, gladly agreed to be instrumental in uniting two people who were well-deserving of each other.



Ganpat sat in his simple dress next to his bride who was blushing in happiness. The ceremony went off without a hitch and Ganpat and Mala were finally uited in matrimony. After the wedding, the newly weds first took the blessings of Vinod Sharma, who looked relieved that his daughter's marriage went off well. They then took the blessings of Milind and Prachi. Prachi looked at Milind happily and he returned the look. Later the guests blessed them whole heartedly.



The next day, the bridal couple and Mr. Sharma went back to Mumbai in a separate car. Mala wanted to return later to Lonavala to wind up things there and take her belongings to Mumbai. Manju and her family returned with Prachi, Milind and his friends in the Matador van.


Part XX:

One week later

It was salary day again; only this month Milind did not get his salary, as his dues were settled two weeks back when he was disgracefully discharged from service. As he did not want to tell Prachi that her husband had lost his job on the last day of the Navratri celebrations and that too in such a manner, he had deposited the 20 days pay of Rs.12,000 in his bank account. That morning, he had collected it from his bank before meeting someone important.



He waited at the coffee shop at Cuffe Parade for the person. After about 15 minutes a smartly clad young woman met him and they were deeply engrossed in conversation. Little did they realise that they were not only being watched but also being snapped in someone's cell phone camera.

******



Back in the chawl, Prachi got dressed to go to Mr. Sahoo's residence to take art classes for Ananya, his daughter. Manju had dropped in just then to ask her if she could submit their electricity bill along with hers and left the money and the bill with her. So she decided to first pay the bills before going to Mr.Sahoo's house.



As she waited in the queue in the electicity office, she found to her dismay that Mrs.Veena Shukla was standing right ahead of her. The minute she spotted Prachi, she struck up a conversation with her.

"Praaachi, how are you?" she drawled.

Prachi merely nodded her head, not wanting to talk to her. Mrs.Shukla did not, however, take the hint. She went on.

"You poor girl. You've come all the way in this hot sun to pay the electricity bill? What is that good-for-nothing husband of yours doing? Could he not pay the bill now that he idling away jobless? These Indian men I tell you, if you give them an inch they will take a foot. Don't let the guy take advantage of you."

Prachi was livid with anger

"Aunty, if I remember correctly, uncle does not have a job, does he? Is he not simply sitting at home? Then why has he sent you to pay the bill instead of doing it himself? Have you let him take advantage of you?" She has never spoken so rudely to anyone in her life, especially to someone who is nearly twice her age but she could not take the woman's repeated nasty comments about her husband.

Put in her place, Mrs Shukla turned her head away from her in a huff and did not talk to her after that.

Prachi paid the bills and left for the Sahoo residence.



At the Sahoo residence, Prachi got busy tutoring Ananya. Ananya was a sweet kid who was eager to learn everything there is to know about sketching and painting. Prachi had taken only four classes so far and she showed considerable improvement within the short span of time. With such an enthusiastic learner, Prachi too enjoyed her job. Once she finished the lessons, Mrs. Sangamitra Sahoo came up to her and gave her the fees of Rs.3,200 for the classes she had taken so far. Prachi had already made up her mind what she will do with the money.



She later visited Baba at the nursing home before returning home. Once she reached the chawl she went straight to Ganpat's house. Mala opened the door for her. After the usual small talk, she handed over her pay to her. Mala was surprised to see the money and protested. Already they had spent a lot for her wedding, she said. She did not want to be a burden on them. Prachi shut her up saying that till she finds a job, she will need the money as cost of living in Mumbai is much higher than Lonavala and Ganpat has now two extra mouths to feed. Although Vinod uncle was receiving his pension, that was sufficient only for taking care of his medicines. When Mala still kept protesting, Prachi told her that she can take the money as a loan and repay it piece meal once she gets the job. Mala had no alternative but to accept it.



That evening when Milind gave her the salary, she realised it was short by Rs.6,000. Before he could find an excuse to explain the shortfall, Prachi herself came up with a reason. She told him that she knew he would have taken an advance to arrange the reception they held for Ganpat and Mala in the chawl's community hall because Ganpat's mother was not present at the wedding and many of the chawl's residents did not attend the wedding at Lonavala. His pay for the month must have been reduced by the advance amount he had taken earlier. Milind did not dispute her presumption although in truth the reception expenses were met by Milind's friends who had pooled in their resources.



Over dinner Prachi described her day excitedly. She did not mention her encounter with Mrs.Shukla, though, as even the thought of that woman made her blood boil. She told him how she had given her tuition fees to Mala so that the newly-weds don't face financial problem till Mala finds a job. Milind was amazed at how thoughtful, caring and generous Prachi was. He asked her what she will do about the shortfall in their own budget, since he had given her only Rs.12,000 which was even less than what he was getting earlier before the salary hike. The rent for the new house was also higher. Prachi said that she had managed to save about Rs.1,000 from the past months' budget. They can also utilise the money which is being set aside for Baba's medical expenses, as in any case they will be repaying that amount to PL much later. They can always replenish the amount once they have more money. Milind could not but admire how smart and worldly-wise his naive wife had become in such a short time. On being asked about his day, he merely said that it was the usual.



After dinner Milind went out for a night stroll at the park. His mind was actively engaged in some deep thought. The plan needs to work, he thought. He cannot afford it to flop at this stage for his reputation is in the line. When he returned back, Prachi was already in deep sleep. Poor girl must be really exhausted after her day, he thought. He gently pushed aside the strands of hair falling on her face and gazed at her beautiful face for a long time before sleep enveloped him too.



Part XXI
Two days later

Prachi's cell rang early in the morning. It was PL calling them to wish them on the occasion of Diwali. Even before she can wish her back, the door bell rang and Milind went to open the door. PL's driver was standing with a gift hamper filled with new clothes, sweets and dry fruits sent by PL for it was the first Diwali after her daughter's marriage. She expressed her inability to personally make it because Sukriti was having a particularly difficult time now that the baby's head was engaged in the pelvis. Delivery may be anytime. So she did not want to leave her side. Prachi assured her that they will come to the Shah House and take her blessings. She then passed on the cell to Milind who warmly wished his mother-in-law and asked for Sukriti. On being told that she was still sleeping, he repeated what Prachi said about visiting them.



After breakfast they got dressed in the clothes sent by PL and set out on the bike to the Shah House. PL was waiting for them at the door. Prachi hugged her mother and the two of them took her blessings. Milind then hurried to Sukriti's room, which was shifted to the ground floor so that Sukriti need not use the stairs. Prachi was close on his heels. Milind sat on the bed next to his sister and held her hands. Sukriti said that she was fine although she was experiencing some discomfort in sitting or standing for long. She leaned against her brother who fondly kissed the top of her head and held her close. Prachi was happy to see the strong bond between brother and sister. Alaap had just then come out of the shower and seeing Milind he rolled his eyes as if to say, 'So, YOU have come'. He then asked him in a sarcastic voice, "How's your job at the hotel going?" Milind merely nodded his head and looked away. Just then Alaap's cell rang and he went out to the portico to receive the call, not bothering to excuse himself from either Milind or Prachi. Both Sukriti and Prachi sensed the tension between the two men and wanting to avoid an unpleasant scene, Sukriti urged her brother to join in the puja. She then slowly ambled out of the room holding Prachi's hand.




PL was already waiting for them to join her at the puja room. They had an elaborate puja. Although Milind did not have any particular reverence for pujas, he took part in it actively, repeating the chants after PL. His eyes, however, never left his wife's face, a fact which did not escape his sister's notice. Prachi herself was unaware of the undivided attention she was getting from her husband since her eyes were closed in piety. Sukriti was happy to see her bhaiyya so in love with her bhabhi. As they finished the puja, Milind's cell rang and he explained to the women that he needed to immediately leave on some urgent work. Alaap came out just then to inform them that he too needed to attend to some urgent business. With both the men gone, Diwali meal was had by only the three women.



That evening after Prachi returned from the nursing home, Mrs.Shukla waited at her door with a big envelope in her hand. Despite Prachi's efforts to ignore her, she literally barged into her house as soon as she opened it. Informing her that she has come to give her a Diwali gift, she thrust the cover in her hand and urged her to open it to see for herself her husband's true colours. Prachi thrust the envelope back, saying that she is not interested in what she had to give her. Mrs.Shukla then slit the envelope open in her presence and taking out a photograph, a newspaper clipping and a Xerox copy of a letter, she shoved them in her hands. Prachi looked down at the photo and saw her husband sitting with a gorgeous girl in what looked like a coffee shop. Looking at it confusion she lifted it to see a newspaper clipping. It was a news item in one of the prominent dailies. The date indicated that it was atleast two years old. There was a picture inset of a group of skimpily clad girls and looking more closely she realised that one of the girls was the same one with Milind in the coffee shop. She looked at the caption which read "Bar dancers rounded up in a private farm house in the city's suburb." She then looked at the Xerox copy of the letter. It was a copy of Milind's termination letter. She looked at Mrs.Shukla in confusion.

Mrs.Shukla smirked and said that Milind had lost his job more than two weeks ago, in fact on the last day of the Navratri celebrations to be precise. The reason - he was encouraging a prostitution racket in the hotel he worked in. Even after losing his job, the guy has been staying out late because he was engaged in various extra-curricular activities. A sample of that was the photo of him with the bar dancer. After she finished vomiting all this venom, she looked at Prachi's shocked face with a satisfied smile. She asked her to call him and ask where he was. When Prachi did not respond, she snatched the cell from her hand and dialled his number. As soon as Milind came on line she thrust the cell in her hand and asked her to speak to him. Prachi shakily put the cell to her ears and hearing his voice asked him where he was. He replied that he was at his hotel. There was an emergency at work and he will be back in about three hours or so. Prachi told him she will be waiting for him and disconnected the call. Mrs.Shukla gleefully rubbed her hands. She has set the spark. Now all that remained is for the blast to take place in a matter of hours. What a Diwali celebration it is going to be! True to the festival, she has ensured that there will be fireworks in her neighbours' house. Conveying her deepest sympathies to Prachi, she left her to wallow in confusion.



Once back in her own house, Mrs.Shukla called someone on her cell.

"It's done, Mr.Shah. I've accomplished the deed".

"Good, Mrs.Shukla. Thanks for everything", he smiled at the attractive model who was sitting on his lap.

"No problem, Mr.Shah. It is retribution time. That Milind Mishra has to pay and I'll make sure he pays big time."

(2)

After Mrs.Shukla left her, Prachi sat down on the wooden sofa, her senses numbed. Her head was swimming with all the vicious 'details' Mrs.Shukla so generously filled her ears with. She shook her head and looked at the 'evidences' against her husband again. The termination order was dated October 20,2006. That was the last night of the dandiya celebrations when he came a little earlier than usual. He looked mentally preoccupied and had ended up accidentally hitting her hand rather than the stick. She had thought that he was suffering from overwork and mental fatigue. Now, looking back it appears that he was emotionally drained as well. She knew how much he wanted to succeed in life. A dismissal from service, that too on the grounds of promoting prostitution, must have been earth shattering for him. She recollected how he had reacted to her suggestion about taking up the teaching assignment. At the time she thought that he was behaving in that manner because he did not want her help to achieve his dream. Now she understood that it was because she had inadvertently rubbed the salt of her job offer on the wound of his unemployed status. It pained her to realise how much that must have hurt him. No wonder then that the guy could not finish his dinner that night. In all this she never once doubted the man's love for her. Even though he was upset, he still observed a fast for her the very next day and had willingly let her take up the job. Now, unless he loved her deeply he would not have done these things but why could he not trust her enough to share his pain? Did he consider her so delicate, so useless, so self absorbed that she will not be able to handle the truth, to share his problems and be his moral and emotional support?



She looked again at the photo of her husband with the bar dancer. She knew her husband well enough to believe that the allegation against him must be false and the so-called 'evidence' must be fabricated, but why did he not confide in her? Did he think that she will believe all the lies perpetrated about him and question his integrity, or worse, stop loving him? Has she not instilled in him enough faith in her love for him, in her undying trust in him? Where has she fallen short? Tears streamed down her eyes as she kept repeatedly questioning herself as to where has she gone wrong. Her heart ached for him. She so desperately wanted to ease his pain but she was also upset that he had kept her in the dark. She was upset that she had to find out about her own husband's problems from a woman like Mrs.Shukla rather than from him. She did not know how long she sat there crying and aching.



She was suddenly brought to the present by the ringing of the door bell. The room was enveloped in darkness much like her life, she thought ruefully. She quickly switched on the light and washing her face, she went to open the door. At the doorstep stood a group of kids with plastic covers full of crackers in their hands.

"Didi, please join us in bursting these crackers," they begged her and pulled at her hands.

She tried to excuse herself but they kept pestering her. Just then Milind walked in and seeing the tug of war between his wife and the kids he asked them what the matter was.

"Look bhaiyya, didi is not joining us for bursting the crackers", they complained to him.

Milind looked quizzically at Prachi who averted his eyes. He then remembered that she was scared of loud noises. Presuming that her reluctance to join the kids had something to do with that fear, he asked them to go along and assured them that he will bring their didi to the ground in a few minutes. The kids left, saying that they will be waiting for both of them.



Prachi had moved into the bedroom and turned her back to him. Milind came from behind her and whispered into her ear in a teasing voice, "You are scared of crackers, aren't you?"

Prachi turned around, her eyes blazing in anger. "So this is the impression you have of me, isn't it? Poor delicate Prachi who is scared of thunder, toads, owls and crackers. How could she handle news as big as this."

Milind was taken aback to see her sudden indignation. "What news?" he asked her in a puzzled tone.

"The news that you have lost your job," she replied. Seeing the colour leave his face, whatever little doubt she had about his joblessness disappeared. Narrowing her eyes, she looked unwaveringly into his eyes and asked him, "So it is true, isn't it? When were you planning to enlighten me?"



Milind was visibly shaken. He did not expect Prachi to come to know of his problems. "Pra...Pra..chi...." he stammered but she did not let him continue.

"Have I become so unimportant and untrustworthy to you that you could not share your problems with me? Have I failed to discharge my duties as a wife? Have I not reposed all my faith in you? Could I not understand your problems? Did you fear that I will believe the allegations against you? Did you think that I will love you less or not at all if I came to know that you were dismissed for allegedly promoting illegal fornication? Have I not promised to be with you for better and for worse? Will I not support you in your hour of need?" Her voice rose in crescendo with each question asked in rapid succession, leaving her breathless at the end.



She collapsed on the bed and burst out in tears, unable to hold herself together. Milind's heart just broke into a million pieces seeing her in so much anguish and pain. He felt guilty knowing that it is his silence which had caused it. He sat next to her and lifted her bowed head with both his hands. She refused to meet his eye, her tear-filled eyes fixed on the floor. He wiped her tears with his thumbs and willed her to look at him. When she reluctantly met his eyes, the pain evident in them suffocated him and he silently wept from within.



"Prachi, please don't cry. I can't bear to see you so miserable. Please forgive this fool for his stupidity. If it makes you feel better, hit him", he said and lifted her hand to his cheek to slap it, "but please don't cry."

He continued in a pained voice, "I did not want to trouble you with my woes, Prachi. It is not that I doubted your faith in me. I knew you will trust me but I did not want you to get unduly worried about me. You have put up with so much hardship for me, Prachi. I did not want to burden you further with my problems. I wanted to sort them out first before I reveal everything to you. Today was the day I finally managed to clear my name, Prachi. I managed to salvage my reputation. I wanted to confide in you tonight, to come clean with you."


She looked at him in surprise. He then recounted the entire chain of events since that fateful day he received a phone call during Sukriti's godh bharai ceremony and had to leave mid-way through the function.


(3)


I request my dear readers to take this section and the next one with not just a pinch of salt but a tablespoon of it.


Milind's narration of the incidents leading to his dismissal and thereafter



During Suki's godh bharai ceremony, Milind was called on his cell by one of the customers of Garodia hotels, Mr.Mulchandani. Mr.Mulchaldani, one of the patrons of the hotel, was a businessman from Jaipur. He visited Mumbai atleast twice a month in connection with his business. As customer service executive, Milind had, on his own initiative, distributed survey forms to all the guests of the hotel to get their feedback about the comforts and services provided by the hotel. He also left his cell phone number in them so that they can get in touch with him at any time of the day to voice their grievances. Mr.Mulchandani had called him that day to inform him that there was a prostitution racket going on in the hotel which was bringing disrepute to the once well respected hotel. He had just noticed that the room next to his was among the rooms used in this manner. Milind rushed to the hotel and had discretely vacated the occupants after threatening them with police complaint if they do not leave on their own. After this incident, he tightened the screws and warned the people at the reception desk that if he hears of such complaints in future he will take it up with the management. Soon he forgot about this incident and concentrated on discharging his duties effectively.



On the evening of October 20, 2006, as he was winding up his work to leave for his home, he was asked to meet the manager of the hotel, and on meeting him, was told that he was being dismissed for encouraging prostitution in the hotel. When he indignantly asked to see the evidence of his having perpetrated such activities in the premises of the hotel, he was shown signed petitions of several so-called customers, alleging that he had illegally allowed certain unsavoury characters into the hotel in the name of promoting business. He was later shown a video which was an edited version of his earlier confrontation with the people engaged in prostitution. In the video it had appeared as though he was escorting them 'into the room' instead of 'out of the room'. The fact that he had not registered a complaint immediately on that day also went against him. Despite his repeated denial, nobody was willing to believe him and he had to leave, disgraced in this manner.




He decided that he was not going to take this lying down. He asked his friends at the hotel to keep a close watch on the activities of the hotel. He, too, visited the hotel several times in disguise. Based on the information he gathered from his friends and on his own, he came to know that the mastermind behind the prostitution racket and the incident that framed him was the hotel manager himself. The customers who had earlier been thrown out by him seemed to have complained to the manager, who realised that Milind's active interest in the running of the hotel was proving to be more than a thorn in the flesh. As the guy was getting a huge cut from these people, stopping such illegal activities was hurting his purse. So he framed him in the prostitution scandal and threw him out of the job. Knowledge that the manager was the culprit was not sufficient for Milind to nab him. He needed to have concrete evidences and also ensure that the proprietor of his hotel, Mr.Garodia came to know what was happening in his hotel.




Now, Mr.Garodia was a non-resident Indian who had various business interests ranging from hotels to garment exports. This hotel was just one of the many businesses he ran. As he was away for most part of the year, he hardly took an interest in what was happening in his hotel. He had fully entrusted the responsibility of running it to Mr.Ramakant Gokte, the manager. Milind found out that Mr.Garodia was expected to visit the hotel on Diwali day. He had, therefore, made prior arrangements to get the culprit caught red handed in his presence. Part of that plan involved engaging a former bar dancer, Madhavi to pose as a prostitute and make an entry into the hotel. Madhavi was a reformed bar dancer. After being rounded up by the police in the farm house two years back for allegedly being involved in prostitution, she was later acquitted once her innocence was proved. She was, however, requested to help the Mumbai police to nab people engaged in shady activities. Since she was a well known face among these circles, she had better access to get into their inner ring. She had so far helped in apprehending quite a few criminals.



Milind's chawl friend, Vijay, who was a sub-inspector in the Andheri Police station, was the one who had given him Madhavi's number. They had met at a coffee shop in Cuffe Parade two days ago and had chalked out the plan to entrap the manager. Madhavi took the help of her cousin, Vinay, to pose as the customer and she herself posed as the prostitute. They timed it in such a way that they were caught discussing the deal with the manager when Mr.Garodia was being shown his room which was booked right next to the one they were to occupy. Milind's friends at the reservations desk took care of this part of the plan. As planned Mr.Garodia, himself witnessed the true colours of his manager. In the meantime Vijay and a couple of police constables arrived on the scene and nabbed Mr.Gokte who was then taken to police station. The rest of the staff then appraised Mr.Garodia of the injustice meted out to Milind by Mr.Gokte. Mr. Garodia then called for him and heard him out. Milind told him that he had taken all the efforts not only to clear his own reputation but also to save the hotel from such greedy and immoral characters like Mr.Gokte. Mr.Garodia was impressed with him and asked him to join back as the manager of his company. Milind told him that he will think it over and get back to him the next day.



By the time he finished narrating the sequence of events, Prachi's eyes were wide in amazement and her mouth gaped. So much had happened in the last one month and she was totally unaware of it. Although she was upset with her husband for not letting her share his problems she understood his reasons for doing so. After getting an assurance from him that he will, hereafter, not keep any secrets from her however painful they may be, she gave him a hug for his never-say-die spirit and determination to prove his innocence. He asked her whether he should take up the job as a manager in that hotel. She, in turn, asked him back what he wanted to do with his life. He then admitted that though the manager's post was attractive, he would rather channelize his energy in achieving his goal of owning a hotel. He then told her about how he had earlier given up the job at the coffee shop once he received his raise because he knew that to get ahead in life he needs to keep himself well informed and knowledgeable. Sitting behind the counter in a coffee shop was not going to get him anywhere. So after office hours he visited all the hotels in the vicinity every day to study what they were doing differently from his hotel and made notes. In his own hotel, he had taken active interest in departments other than his, including reservations, housekeeping, entertainment, food and beverages, accounts etc. He cultivated friendship with people working in these areas and learnt about the functioning of these departments because ultimately they all have a bearing on customer satisfaction which was crucial to discharge his job effectively. Moreover, if he were to own and run a hotel business tomorrow, he needed the required knowledge to do so. He had prepared a business plan not only for a going concern like the hotel in which he worked in but also for setting up a new one. With all these ambitions he was only awaiting the right break. However, he never imagined in his wildest dreams that the only break that came his way was a termination of his service.



Now that his reputation was restored he wanted to chase his dream. He wanted to take up a part-time job which his friend Prakash who owned a furniture store had offered him. This may fetch him Rs.8,000-Rs.9,000 per month. As he would be required in the store only during afternoons, he would be free to scout around banks for loans till he manages to convince some banker to lend against his business plan. At the same time he expressed his worry that the money may not be sufficient to take care of the family. Prachi told him not to worry. As she was being paid Rs.800 per class for her art lessons, she can easily earn around Rs.6,000 to Rs.6,500 in a month. With a little bit of cost cutting they can pull on till Milind manages to obtain funding for his dream project. Her encouragement gave him a new zeal to achieve.


Milind then looked at his watch and realised that they had spent nearly an hour in their discussion.

"Prachi, the kids must be waiting for us. Come on, lets go," he pulled her up.

Prachi looked at him sheepishly and said she was scared of crackers.

Milind burst out laughing, saying that he was right after all. He assured her that he will be there to protect her and he dragged her to the courtyard where the children were already busy bursting crackers. Seeing Milind and Prachi, they rushed to them and gave them a 'thousandwalla' to burst. Prachi panicked and was all set to sprint back to the safety of their house but Milind caught her hand and held her back. He then proceeded to light the cracker. Prachi held her hands to her ears and tightly shut her eyes. As soon as the cracker started bursting, she sprang to Milind's side and buried her face in his chest. Milind held her close and covered her up protectively till the sound finally stopped.

Milind then triggered off a rocket into the sky. As they watched the sky light up in dazzling colours, they said a little prayer for their wishes to be fulfilled soon.


XXII



The next morning Milind was all set to meet Mr.Garodia. He told Prachi that he may be late returning home because after his meeting with his former boss, he planned to visit a few banks regarding his project and then meet his friend, Prakash to check on when he can take up the part-time job. Prachi wished him luck and waved him good-bye.



At the hotel, Milind waited outside Mr.Garodia's office for about ten minutes before Mrs.Garodia called him in.

Sitting behind his huge mahogany table with a pipe in his mouth, Mr.Tushar Garodia looked genially at Milind. "Good Morning Mr.Mishra, what have you decided about my job offer? Will you manage my hotel for me?"

"Good Morning, Mr.Garodia. I thought it over long and hard but have decided not to accept your generous offer."

Looking surprised by his response, Mr.Garodia asked, "Why, may I ask? Are you expecting a higher salary?"

"It's not a question of money, Mr.Garodia. It is a question of being able to fulfil my ambitions in life. Accepting this managerial position will leave me no time to pursue my dream," he sounded firm, yet respectful.

"What is your dream, Mr.Mishra?" asked Mr.Garodia, curiously.

"To own a hotel," Milind declared with conviction.

"Own a hotel? Now that is a tall dream indeed. How do you think you are going to achieve it?" asked Mr.Garodia in a half amused tone.

Milind then gave him a rundown of what efforts he had taken so far to make his dream a reality. He showed him the file which contained papers relating to the business models he was planning to show the bank managers. Mr.Garodia was quite impressed with what he saw. Milind seemed to have done his homework well right down to the smallest detail. He asked him if he had only thought of new concerns.

"What about existing concerns? Do you have any idea how to make them more profitable? Let's for instance take this hotel? Do you have a plan to make it successful?"

"Yes, Mr.Garodia. Working in this hotel for the past seven months, I have studied the hotel inside out. There are some serious lacunae which need to be set right if the hotel has to succeed."

He then proceeded to list out all the problems of the hotel and how each of them can be rectified. Mr.Garodia was truly impressed at the end of it.

"You were indeed an asset to this hotel, Mr.Mishra. It is sad to know that you were treated badly and your full potential was not exploited when you were with us. It would be a pity if all this talent goes waste. So I have a proposition for you. How do you like to be the next proprietor of this hotel?" he asked, nonchalantly.

"What?" asked Milind, his mouth gaping in surprise.

"You heard me right. Well, it is no secret that this hotel is in doldrums. Seeing the latest balance sheet numbers I realised that all is not well with this hotel at present. I had come down to India to see how best things can be sorted out. The arrest of my manager opened my eyes to how serious the malady is. Last night I called for a closer examination of the accounts and realised that the financials of the hotel are much worse than I believed them to be; the net worth of the hotel has turned negative. I was planning to sell it off to real estate developers as it is bleeding me dry. In fact I was to meet a couple of them this afternoon regarding the deal. I was actually hoping you would not take me up on the offer. If you had said yes to my offer, I would have had to rethink my plan, for the real estate developer who will buy this property, in all probability, will demolish the hotel and build a multiplex or a shopping mall. All the people employed here would lose their jobs including you. That thought was making me uncomfortable.



Listening to you, however, I realise that the hotel still has a lot of potential. All it needs is an able captain to steer it clear of the trouble it is presently in. I can see that you are the man for the job. By transferring the hotel in your name I would actually be doing myself a big favour. As the net worth of the hotel is negative right now, selling it off will only help me to cut my losses as all the proceeds from the sale will go in settling the dues and even after that I may have to shell out something from my pocket as well. So I am not really losing anything by handing you the hotel, for you will be assuming the liabilities that come with it along with the assets. You see, there is something in this for me too. I can ensure that the hotel is still running and also save my own purse."



Sitting on his table and swinging his legs, he went on, "I had started off my business in a small way and financial help from a generous man at the initial stages of my career has got me where I am. I can see a lot of myself in you. You have the same determination and zeal to overcome all adversities. I would be happy to be of some help to you in achieving your dream. You may want to take a loan and start up a small hotel but it will take you a long time to establish it. On the other hand, although this hotel is riddled with problems and at present its net-worth is negative, it has already established a name, a good will for itself. So it would be relatively easier to turn it around, especially for a person like you who seems to have a good grip of what is ailing the hotel and what it requires. In fact, I am hoping to see you help it to regain its past glory. That will be reward enough for me."



Milind listened attentively to all that was being said. While he would not want to accept anything as charity from any one, Mr.Garodia made perfect business sense. By transferring the property in his name, he was getting rid of a liability and was also ensuring that the hotel is preserved. It is not going to be a cakewalk for Milind because the hotel required a lot of work inorder to be redeemed from the dumps it was presently in. So basically Mr.Garodia was offering him a challenge to turn it around or else sink with it. Milind never shirked from taking up risks in life and he was convinced this was one risk worth taking. He agreed to the offer and the two gentlemen shook their hands on it.



That same morning at Alaap's office

Alaap had just disconnected the call on his phone. "Damn," he cursed, "damn."

Since morning he has been hearing nothing but bad news. His entire mood was ruined ever since he received the call from Mrs.Shukla to inform him that she spotted Prachi gleefully celebrating Diwali with Milind even after being told about her husband's character. Although Alaap was initially confused by his sister's strange reaction, he soon came to know the reason for it when he received a call from Mr.Bansal. Mr.Bansal was in the housekeeping department of the Garodia Hotels and was Alaap's informant. He informed him that Milind managed to salvage his reputation and the crooked manager was apprehended by the police. As though that was not enough, he also told him that the latest buzz at work was that Mr.Garodia was transferring his hotel to Milind.

"The lucky bugger not only managed to save his skin and patao his wife, now he is set to own a hotel?!" he thought.

How he wished his elaborate plan had worked. He had all chalked out right to the last detail. Ever since he received the slaps from his mother, he was waiting for an opportunity to bring Milind down, for indirectly he blamed him for everything. If it had not been for him, he would not have married Sukriti and be subjected to such humiliation by his own mother who had never raised her hand on him till then. Now, for that two-bit woman his mother looks at him like she is seeing a villain. The only way to get her off his back is to keep her pre-occupied with something or rather someone else and who better than his hapless sister. If Milind's reputation is sullied, then PL will be more concerned about her own daughter's life rather than that of her daughter-in-law's. She may even send Sukriti back to her brother's house if Prachi's life is ruined by Milind. That way he can be free from that leach of a wife, he thought viciously.



So he did his best to find out something against Milind to effect his plan. He engaged a private detective who gathered information about Milind's interpersonal relations with fellow residents of the chawl. Although Milind was hugely popular with the rest of the residents, he found out that Mrs.Shukla had some axe to grind with him. He decided to use her when required and befriended her. He then planted his man, Mr.Bansal in the housekeeping department. Try as he may, Mr.Bansal could not find anything against Milind for the first six months. On the other hand, Milind seemed to be doing very well for himself. All that, however, changed when the scandal broke out and Milind lost his job. Mr.Bansal faithfully passed on the good news to him. Alaap knew that he needed to ensure that Prachi hears about it, not from him, but from a third party. Who better than Mrs.Shukla to do the honours? He himself wanted to stay away from all this and watch the fun from a distance. So he promptly conveyed the news to her the day Milind lost his job and had later sent her the envelope with the evidences gathered by the private detective. He was hoping that there will be a lot of fireworks at his brother-in-law's residence at the end of which Prachi will walk out on Milind and return to the Shah House. He expected that PL would avenge the injustice meted out to her daughter by throwing out Sukriti and at the end of it all he, Alaap, will be the sole gainer. Unfortunately for him, all his plans backfired. Milind's bond with his wife seems to have strengthened and in all probability his mother is going to exalt him even more once she hears of his success in his career.

"Some men have all the luck in the world", he lamented to himself and chewed at his nails furiously.

Part XXIII



Two days later

The past two days were hectic. As Mr.Garodia was in a hurry to leave for Delhi to finalise a new business deal he speeded the process of transferring the ownership of his hotel to Milind. That afternoon Milind finally received the transfer deed which acknowledged that he was the proprietor of the hotel. Initially he had wanted to change the name of his hotel but Mr.Garodia advised him against it. As the name was a well established one, changing it at a time when the business was floundering would not be a good idea, he said. Obtaining a loan would also be more difficult. He asked him to wait till he turned the hotel around. The name can always be changed after that. Milind agreed with him and left the name unchanged for the present. Now that he acquired legal ownership of the hotel, he decided to finally break the news to Prachi.



When he reached home and rang the bell, he could barely wait for Prachi to open the door. As soon as she did, he swung her in his arms and spun her around. Prachi looked at him, puzzled by his excitement. She asked him if he had obtained a loan. He assured her that it was much more than that and gave her a long envelope. Still puzzled, Prachi opened it to see the title deeds to the Garodia Hotels and there in big bold letters was her husband's name. Her eyes widened in surprise. Milind then explained to her everything that had happened since his meeting with Mr.Garodia. Prachi was elated hearing the news and hugged her husband tightly. They then decided to convey the news to Baba.



At the nursing home, Milind knelt in front of his unconscious father and laid his limp hand on his head. His eyes filled up as he emotionally connected with his father. How he wished his father could see him, hear him and understand him right now. He had always wanted to make his Baba proud of him and he was sure that he would be. If only he knew that his son has finally realised his dream, he thought regretfully. Prachi gently placed her hand on his shoulder and whispered that his father was proud of him and would be wishing him well in whatever mental state he was in.



After they left the nursing home Milind took Prachi to the Jehangir Art Gallery where an exhibition of contemporary art was going on. Prachi was pleasantly surprised that her husband appreciated modern art. It is only after they reached there did she realise that the guy was doing his best to hide his boredom. Prachi understood then that he had brought her there because of her interest in art. Smiling at him, she suggested that they go to some other place. Milind nodded and took her to the Y.B.Chavan auditorium where there was a ghazal programme by Hariharan. As soon as they took their seats, Prachi got deeply engrossed in the performance that she did not notice Milind's reception of it. Soon she was made painfully aware of it when she felt her husband's dozing head on her shoulder. She gazed in love at his sleeping face till he was woken up by the applause from the audience at the end of the performance.


They then walked down Marine drive, hand-in-hand, and sat on the low wall that lined up the shore. Prachi leaned against Milind's chest and he had his arms around her shoulder. They discussed their future plans for their lives and the business for what seemed like hours. Milind then took her to his hotel where he had reserved a corner table for them. Prachi found a rose and a card on the seat. Opening it she read out a simple message in it

"With you by my side I can conquer the world.

Happy six-month anniversary, darling.

Yours forever,

Milind"

She held his hand in hers and kissed it. "Thank You," she whispered. "A happy six-month anniversary to you too!"


They had their dinner in silence, deeply gazing into each other's eyes.

After dinner they returned home. As Milind unlocked the door he whispered, "Our vrat (fast) starts from the minute we enter in till the break of dawn."

Prachi looked at him in shock. "How much longer", she thought to herself but was too shy to voice it.

Seeing her unhappy look he smiled and clarified, "Not that vrat, honey. Have we not done enough abstinence to last us a life time? I meant moun vrat (fast of silence). No words should be uttered once we step in; only action from now till morning. Let's enjoy the beauty of silence."



He then lifted his wife in his arms and carried her to the bed, kicking the door shut as he went in. Prachi buried her face in his shoulders. Laying her gently on the bed, he stretched himself by her side and gazed at her lovingly. Under the streaming moon light, she was looking more breathtakingly beautiful than she ever did in the past, if that was indeed possible, he thought. Her eyes were glazed in passion; her lips quivered in anticipation of the invasion they may soon be subjected to. As her nose took in the fragrance of him, she felt increasingly heady. He pushed aside the tendrils of her hair to get a clearer view of her angelic face. Cupping it in his palms, he lowered his lips on to her forehead, her eyelids, her plump cheeks, the tip of her delicate nose and the space between her nose and her lips before capturing her supple lips in his full luscious ones. She responded with equal fervour and sank her fingers in his mane, relishing every moment of his onslaught. Soon both of them were breathless and had to break free to come up for air. He then proceeded to explore her womanly curves, covering her in kisses, some gentle and some not so gentle. She squirmed as his facial hair tickled her, letting out a seductive moan which only served to heighten his yearnings. Although she was initially coy, his silent encouragement emboldened her and not wanting to be left behind, her hands explored him with equal eagerness, savouring the feel and texture of him.



When the mutual exploration became unbearable, his eyes met hers and silently asked for acquiescence to proceed to the inevitable union of body and soul. As she batted her eye-lids to convey her tacit approval, he gently lifted her and dipped himself in. Seeing her face flinch in pain, he tried to make a hasty retreat, not wanting to hurt her. She, however, held his shoulders and pulled him back to her, prolonging their union. What followed was the most exhilarating journey for both of them as they traversed a path that neither has ever treaded. Each concentrated on giving rather than receiving and in turn was amply rewarded. At the end of it, they lay spent and panting but immensely satisfied. He kissed her gently in loving gratitude and she responded in kind. They were finally man and wife in every sense of the word.

(2)

The first streaks of sunlight entered the room, caressing her eyelids and waking her up. Fluttering her eyelids open, she found herself tightly enveloped around the waist by his strong arms. One of his legs was slung loosely on hers. Her back caved into him and his face lay nestled against the back of her neck. Not wanting to wake him up, she gently tried to extricate herself from him. She froze when she heard his seductive grunt. He whispered into her ear "Don't get up. Let's spend the entire day like this in each other's arms." She turned around and looked at him in shock.

"Milind, we can't do that! It is your first day as the boss. What example will you be setting for your subordinates?"

"Oh no, don't remind me of work. I'll call in sick. One day, Prachi, let me spend one whole day with you."

Prachi was tempted to accede, for nothing could give her more happiness. She wanted to spend all her waking and sleeping hours in his company, but one of them had to be practical. Gently nudging him out of the bed she said "Much as I love that Milind, you can't afford to slacken now that you have added responsibilities. I'll wait for you in the evening and we can start from where we left off last night." Milind knew Prachi was right. He needed to start work in right earnest and retrieve his hotel from the dumps it is in. Only then will he be in a position to provide her all the good things in life she so deserves. Getting up from the bed he whisked her in his arms and carried her to the bathroom. As she looked up at him in shock, he whispered into her ear "Since we can't spend the day together, at least let us shower together." Before, she could respond, he stepped into the bathroom, put her down and turned the shower on. The sudden splashing of chill water on her body made her gasp and as she stood trembling, he enveloped her in his warmth. Prachi wriggled out and pushed him out with all her might, shutting the door behind him. When Milind banged at the door in protest she yelled back that she cannot risk the chawl running out of water, which it will, if he showers with her.


After her shower, she came out wrapped in a large towel. Before Milind could grab her, she skilfully dodged him and pushed him into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

"Don't take forever to come out", she warned him.

"Missing me already?" he teased.

"No, dear. I don't want you to be branded at a 'late comer boss' at work on the very first day ," she retorted.

Soon Milind got ready for work but even after he had kissed her goodbye he kept loitering near the door, looking longingly at his wife. Prachi couldn't help smiling at his antics. She finally had to shove him out before getting on with her domestic chores.


That morning while drying the clothes in the terrace she met Manju, who had also come there with her bucket full of clothes. While she was hanging the clothes, Manju noticed the bruise on Prachi's soft skin where her neck met her shoulder blade.

Looking closer at the bruise she realised what it was. "Now, what is that? A love bite?" she teased her. Prachi went red in shyness.

"I should warn Milind that however sweet his wife may be, he still can't go around chewing her up," she joked.

Prachi rushed out from there before she could tease her further. Manju laughed out loud behind her. "Such a cute and darling couple," she said to herself.



Garodia Hotels, Andheri



Milind was shown his new office by his secretary, Mrs.Saldanha. The room was wood panelled from ceiling to floor. The walls were adorned with expensive paintings. On one side of the wall was a show case with a trophy and some handicraft items. Taking the trophy in his hand he looked more closely at the inscription on it. It read "Best Four-Star Hotel of Mumbai ' 1996". That was ten years back, he thought to himself. Since then the hotel has degenerated from four-star to three-star and even in this category it was not amongst the best. He vowed to himself that he will not only ensure that his hotel becomes a five-star one in the near term and a higher graded one in the years to come, but also is amongst the best and reasonably priced one. He also made a mental note to replace all the paintings with portraits sketched by his wife.



He then individually met the heads of each department in the hotel and heard their problems. While some of them could be sorted out immediately, some required time and resources. He jotted down the bare minimum finance required to give the hotel a basic facelift and decided to approach the banks for financing the needs.



He called his wife at lunch and asked her what she was doing.

"I am sketching a portrait of you Milind", she said continuing to draw.

"Don't you tire of drawing me, woman?" he asked, in mock frustration.

"No, I don't. On the other hand I enjoy bringing alive my Samson in my art," she replied with a smile.

"Listen, I want you to paint some beautiful sceneries to replace the pathetic paintings in my office."

"Why, don't you want to hang my portraits of you?"

"Actually that is not a bad idea. Only I don't want to be called a narcissist." He said in mock seriousness.

She smiled and said "OK. Sceneries it will be. Will get down to work immediately."

"Thank you, darling. By the way, do you make self portraits? Would love to have a big picture of you in my office."

Prachi shook her head, "No, Milind. Never attempted one and never will either."

"I guess then I'll have to make do with a photograph," he sounded crestfallen. "Wish I knew how to sketch".

"Wouldn't mind teaching you," Prachi offered.

"Now, that's a real tempting offer. Who would let go of a golden opportunity to be taught by a beautiful damsel like you."

"So do we start our lessons from the coming Sunday morning?" asked Prachi excitedly.

"Done." he said.

"How much do I get paid?" she asked teasingly.

"Thousand per session," he replied.

"You'll pay me one thousand rupees?" she asked with her eyes wide open.

"No, not thousand rupees, darling. A thousand kisses," he guffawed.

"Milind...," she drawled, blushing a deep red.

"Hey, how do you like to receive an advance right now?" he asked in a hushed tone.

Before she could respond, he blew her atleast half a dozen kisses, heightening Prachi's blushes.

Just then his secretary knocked at his door and entered in. He hurriedly wished Prachi goodbye and promised to come home early that evening to give the remaining ones in person.


(3)

That evening Milind returned home by 6.00 p.m. and attempted to fulfil his promise of paying Prachi the remaining advance in person. After he managed to give her a dozen kisses all over her face, Prachi reminded him that if he keeps it up they will never reach Shah House any time in the near future. That brought him back to the present. He asked her to get ready soon. As they were about to leave, Ganpat and Mala joined them too.

"Where are we going?"asked Mala.

"To meet Sukriti," Milind said but did not elaborate further.



Mala was excited to be meeting Sukriti. She had not got much time to interact with her personally when they briefly met at her wedding reception in the chawl. Sukriti too had left early because she was feeling uncomfortable. Mala hoped she will get more time to spend with her cousin now. The two couples set off for the Shah House in their respective motor bikes. At the Shah House they were warmly welcomed by PL who wondered what brought them there. Milind merely said that they wanted to spend some time with Sukriti as she would have absolutely no time for anyone once the baby arrives. PL nodded her head understandingly and said that a baby does change a woman's life completely. Hearing their voices, Sukriti slowly ambled out of her room and seeing her bhaiyya, bhabhi and cousin, gladly hugged them. She slapped Ganpat on the back and asked him if he was keeping her precious sister happy, for if he was not, she will personally come to the chawl to give him the thrashing of his life. Mala intervened and said that she could not have hoped for a better and more caring husband than Ganpat. Sukriti was happy for her cousin although her face registered a trace of sadness which only Prachi had noticed. Prachi asked her where was Alaap and was told that he had left for Delhi the previous night in connection with his business. Prachi was astounded that he will leave his pregnant wife at this stage when the delivery date was so close. PL told her that she tried her level best to make him stay back as it was crucial for the father to be around when the baby arrived but he had insisted it was some urgent work which could not wait.



They all sat down in the hall and were soon animatedly discussing the arrival of the baby and how Sukriti will be coping with him, when the door bell rang. Ramu kaka ran to open the door and found to his surprise half a dozen caterers who quickly came in and set up a table. They then spread out a buffet dinner on it. As PL, Sukriti, Mala and Ganpat looked on in surprise at the men and the delicious, aromatic food that they spread out, Milind explained that they were from his hotel. When they looked at him puzzled, he informed them that they were looking at the owner of Garodia Hotels. He then explained how he was offered this unbelievable deal by Mr.Garodia and had taken over the reins of the hotel that day. He wanted to give them a surprise party at his hotel but since Sukriti was not in a position to freely move around, he decided to hold the party at the Shah House instead, arranging for food from his hotel. He had personally selected the items and hoped they would like them. After they recovered from the shock, Milind went up to PL and took her blessings. The rest of them rushed in to congratulate him. PL wiped happy tears from her eyes and looking at Prachi she said that her faith in her son-in-law was vindicated. She knew he will succeed like his father-in-law, for like him he has the fire in his belly. Milind hastened to add that he has still not succeeded; there is a lot to be done at the hotel and it will take some time before he can turn it around. PL assured him that she had no doubt he will achieve everything he sets his mind to. As she was fond of Ayesha, she enquired why they had not brought her along. Prachi then informed her that Ayesha had to go back to Bangalore regarding her mother's treatment and will be returning only that Sunday evening. They had planned to break the good news when she gets back. They then had their dinner, appreciating Milind for his excellent choice of items. Finally at around 10.00 p.m. they returned home, bidding goodbye to PL and Srukiti and asking Sukriti to take care.

*******

The next morning, Milind asked Prachi to get dressed soon for they were visiting an important place. When she enquired if he did not plan to go to work that day, he replied that he had informed his secretary he will be a couple of hours late that day. Milind had a large plastic cover in his hand which he did not let her open. Slinging it on the handle bar of his bike he asked Prachi to take her seat. On the way Prachi did her best to glean information as to where they were going but Milind refused to divulge anything and instead asked her to wait till they get there. Soon they reached their destination. When she got off the bike, she was surprised to see where they had come. It was Ashadhan, an orphanage near their place. She asked Milind why he had brought her there. He then told her she will get her answer once they enter in and proceeded to the door, ringing the doorbell when he got there. The elderly nun who opened the door gave Milind a bear hug. Milind introduced his wife and the sister to each other.

"Prachi, this is Sister Clara, the warden of this place. Sister, this is my wife, Prachi."

Sister Clara expressed her happiness at having finally met the lucky girl who had married their beloved Milind. She had wanted to attend their wedding but as she was busy with her duties at the home she couldn't get away. She then told her that her husband never failed to visit them atleast two days in a year, although they are trying to get him to visit them more often; one was on his birthday, April 4th and the other day was that day, the birthday of the first Prime Minister of the country, November 14th, also celebrated as Children's day. Prachi looked at Milind in surprise. Milind merely smiled and asked Sister Clara to take them to the kids. The kids had assembled in a big hall where they were getting ready for the cultural programme. Milind and Prachi were shown their seats. The programme then commenced with kids ranging from 5 to 15 years of age participating in it. Milind and Prachi thoroughly enjoyed themselves, not realising an entire hour had passed before the programme got over.



After the programme Milind met the kids and congratulated them. Dipping into the plastic cover, he then brought out chocolates. Kneeling down, he distributed them to all the kids who simply swarmed him, each trying to get closer inorder to get his attention. They told him about all the little things happening in their lives and Milind listened very attentively. Chottu, a five-year old boy showed him the bruise on his knee and explained to him that he had got it while playing hopscotch. Milind expressed his regret and asked him if he can change his dressing. When the boy nodded he asked for the first aid kit and proceeded to carefully remove the band-aid and replace it with a new one. He assured him that he will be as good as new by the next day. Chottu seemed satisfied as he gingerly rubbed the band-aid.



Just then they heard the loud wailing of a small baby. Turning around they saw one of the sisters trying her best to calm the little one who looked to be around three months old. She seemed mighty furious with the world, going by her incessant angry screams. Milind approached the nun and asked her what was wrong. The sister replied that the baby who was the latest addition to their growing clan was a difficult one to handle. She has been screaming like this most of the time even though she was being fed and changed regularly. Nothing seemed to satisfy her and most of the days she cries herself to sleep. Milind asked the sister to hand the baby over to him. When the sister obliged, he gently lifted the baby in his arms, with a hand behind her neck to support it. The minute she landed in his arms, the baby shut her mouth and looked curiously at the tall bearded man who was holding her. He looked deeply into her round eyes and cooed to her. Although initially she kept staring at him, soon she was smiling at him. When he buried his face in her belly and made a funny noise, she giggled in happiness. She enjoyed his company so much that after a few minutes she refused to go to anyone else, preferring the company of the gentle giant instead. Milind too seemed to be enjoying the time spent with the little one. Prachi watched all this with great interest. He really has a way with kids, she thought. Soon the baby wet herself and Milind. The sister rushed to take her from him and apologised for the inconvenience. Milind shrugged it off saying that he will take care. Asking for a fresh nappy, he then proceeded to change the wet nappy, unmindful of his own shirt which by now had a big wet Africa map on it. He said that she will catch a cold if she's not changed immediately. He took a soft cloth, wiped her dry and then changed her nappy. As she kept licking her lips, Milind realised that she was hungry and asked for her bottle. He then sat down cross legged on the floor and fed her the bottle. Soon the baby slept peacefully on his lap. After waiting for a few minutes to ensure that she does not wake up soon, he passed on the baby to the nun.



They then thanked and took leave from the kids and the sisters. The kids asked Milind to come to visit them more often and Milind promised to try. As they were getting ready to leave, Milind told Prachi that this was one of his favourite places. He enjoys the time he spends with the kids and gets a lot of peace. Prachi said that she can see that and hoped that soon he will stabilise in his career so that they can start their own family. Milind nodded and assured that he will soon improve things at work. After he had dropped Prachi back at their place, he left for work.



XXIV

(1)



It was Sunday morning. After breakfast Milind sat next to Prachi for his first art lesson. Prachi handed him a white drawing sheet, a pad and a well sharpened drawing pencil. Holding a similar pencil in her hand she showed him how to hold it the extended tripod grip in which the pencil is held in the usual manner where a triangle is formed by the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, but the hold is further up the pencil. She explained that in this hold, small movements of the fingers can produce a much larger movement of the pencil-tip, so it is an economical and efficient grip for sketching. Seeing Milind hold the pencil in a tight vicelike grip, she loosened his fingers and asked him to keep a relaxed grip.



On the sheet of paper she held, she drew a straight line and turning to Milind she asked him to do the same. Milind protested saying that he wanted to learn how to draw her, not straight lines which in any case he knew how to draw. Prachi explained to him that they need to go step by step. First he needed to perfect the art of drawing flawless lines. Then he needs to be able to draw shapes, both two dimensional and three dimensional. Then he can graduate to drawing in proportion; and finally learn the different shading techniques before he is ready to draw portraits. Milind looked heavenwards and rolled his eyes, saying that he will grow old and grey before she finishes all the steps with him. She slapped his shoulder playfully and asked him to do what his tutor was telling him to do. Milind folded his hands, paying her mock respect, and proceeded to draw the line. She looked at his sheet and said that as his line was a little crooked he needs to draw it again. Milind grimaced and tried again. Fifteen minutes and ten sheets of paper later there was no progress beyond the line. Prachi's patience was wearing thin. Milind's concentration was wandering everywhere but the task at hand. When she bent her head down and held his hand to show him how to draw the line, he leaned back to admire her long lashes, the tendrils of her shampooed hair flying across his face, the profile of her delicate nose and the soft supple lips which was puckered in concentration. Realising his unwavering gaze on her, she gave a tight slap on his hand and asked him to concentrate on the drawing. Shaking his hand to rid it off the pain he tried again. The line finally came out as near to perfection as she wanted it to.



She then proceeded to show him how to draw shapes. This was an even tougher task. The next one hour was spent in experimenting with circles and ovals. By the end of it, Milind's pencil was reduced to about a couple of inches as he kept breaking the lead and sharpening the pencil over and over again. He showed her the tiny pencil and said that since he had nearly finished up the pencil, they better stop for the day. Prachi handed him her pencil and gave him a couple of sheets from her stock and asked him to continue. Milind tossed the pencil over his shoulders and brought her face close to his. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered that she has worked hard enough for the day and its time he paid her salary. As he does not believe in keeping any dues, he had to pay her then and there. So saying, he proceeded to kiss her all over her face. She tried to break free but he tightened his hold on her face and bent to take her lips in his. After struggling for a few minutes, she soon gave up and he carried her to their bed. He then proceeded to show her his interpretation of drawing, tracing with the tips of his fingers the contours of her face, her neck, her body and her limbs. Soon she was breathing hard; he lifted himself to cover her up and proceeded to show her what she means to him.



Minutes later they lay next to each other, their heartbeats were slowly returning back to normal. Prachi laid her head on his chest and Milind loosely embraced her shoulder. Just then Milind's cell rang. Reaching for it, he picked it up and answered leisurely, but the minute he heard what the caller had to say, he straightened up and said that they will be there as soon as possible. Worry was written all across his face. Seeing his expression Prachi too got up with a start.


(2)

"That was your mother on the line. Sukriti has been admitted to the hospital," Milind informed Prachi.

They quickly got ready and rode to the hospital. On the way, Prachi called Ganpat's cell and informed them about Sukriti. At the hospital, Milind and Prachi met PL who was pacing up and down the corridors, eyes filled with tears and hands wringing in worry. Mala and Ganpat joined them in a couple of minutes. Between sobs PL informed them that Sukriti's water had broken but she had not developed pain. So she rushed her to the hospital. The doctors tried to induce labour but her blood pressure had shot up and to compound things the umbilical cord had prolapsed, resulting in foetal distress. She was wheeled for emergency caesarean section just a few minutes back. PL has been praying and waiting apprehensively for the good news. Milind held her hands and asked her not to worry,assuring her that everything will be alright. Deep down, though, he was equally worried. Prachi ran up to the small shrine in the hospital and fell on her knees in front of the Ganesh idol there, praying fervently for her sister-in-law and her baby. Mala tried to console PL who was getting more nervous by the minute and forced her to sit on the hospital bench. Ganpat and Milind worriedly paced outside the operation theatre.



After nearly half an hour, one of the doctors came out to inform them that they could not save the baby boy inspite of their best efforts. The umbilical cord had got compressed and shut off the oxygenated blood flow to the baby. They tried to remove the baby before he died but it was too late. All efforts to revive him had failed. The mother was alright and was being sewn up. It will be another hour or so before they could meet her. PL broke down and screamed her lungs out when she heard that her grandson was no more. Hearing it, Prachi rushed back from the shrine and hugged her and the two vented their grief. Mala tried to console both of them but to no avail. Milind was too stunned to react. He stood frozen and Ganpat held him by his shoulders for support.



Sukriti gained consciousness after nearly two and a half hours. During this time Milind squeezed his brains to come up with a soft way to break this emotionally shattering news to her. However hard he thought, he could not come up with a way to soften the blow. Prachi had tried calling up Alaap but his cell was switched off. She left an SMS asking him to rush back to Mumbai by the first flight out. When Sukriti opened her eyes and looked around, she saw the gloomy faces of her mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, brother, cousin and her brother-in-law. She knew then that something was seriously wrong. Looking at Milind with tearful eyes, she kept shaking her head and whispering to herself that it can't be, she could not have lost her baby, but her heart knew that it was the bitter truth. Milind rushed to her side and grabbed her in his arms, letting her cry her heart out on his chest. The heart wrenching scream she let out tore at the hearts of her near and dear ones. She wept inconsolably and Milind buried his face in her hair, wetting it with his own warm tears. Prachi could not bear to see the people she loves in so much grief and she wept silently in her mother's arms. Sukriti kept blaming herself for everything.

"Bhaiyya, God has punished me by taking away my son. He has punished me for what I put our Baba and you through. No daughter can live in peace after wounding her own father, bhaiyya. Baba is in this unconscious state because of me. My son paid the price for it with his life. I have lost the only hope in my life, bhaiyya, I have lost my son. I don't deserve to live."

Saying this, she started hitting herself, sobbing hysterically. Milind caught her wrists and hugged her tightly.

"Sukriti, please don't blame yourself. It is not your fault that my nephew is no more. Life and death is not in our hands. God has his own plans. I am thankful that you pulled through this ordeal." He rubbed her tears and held her face, willing her to be strong.

PL came up to them and placing her hand on Sukriti's head, her eyes clouding up with tears, she said, "I am there for you, my child. You are not my daughter-in-law, but my daughter. I understand your grief. It is not easy for any mother to accept the loss of her child. But you need to recover now and get well soon, for me, your bhaiyya, your husband, your bhabhi. We all need you. I'll be your emotional support and you be mine in this dark hour."

Sukriti hugged her mother-in-law and cried fresh tears. Milind, Prachi, Mala and Ganpat looked on with pained expressions on their faces.



They stayed back at the Shah House that night. Prachi entered the guest room to see Milind sitting forlornly on the bed. She sat next to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. She saw the tears streaming down his cheeks and wiped them gently. She knew how much he was looking forward to becoming an uncle. Given his love for kids, she could well understand his sorrow at the loss of his nephew. Milind laid his head on her shoulders and wept like a baby.
"Prachi, I have always given her everything she wanted, right from dolls, to clothes and even the husband of her choice but I could not bring back her son for her. I have failed her."

Prachi wanted to weep too but knew she had to be stronger for her husband and let him unburden his grief on her. They clung to each other for consolation and remained awake well into the night.

*****

The next day, the baby was buried after the usual rituals were performed. They still could not reach Alaap but did not want to keep the body for long. Sukriti crumbled in front of her son's grave and had to be dragged away after nearly an hour. Back in the Shah House, PL held Milind's hand and apologised for Alaap's appalling behaviour.

"I am very sorry for everything, Milind. I am ashamed to have raised such a son who was not there for his own son's funeral. I have failed as a parent."

Milind assured her that she has not. She was a wonderful mother for she has given him the most precious gift in this whole world, her daughter. She has raised her up so well and he will always be thankful for that. He knew that his sister was safe in her care. PL then told him that after Sukriti heals from the surgery, she wished to take Sukriti to their guest house in Kodaikanal for a few weeks to help her get over her grief. Milind agreed that the change of place will do his sister good.


(3)



Alaap had returned home three days after the baby's funeral. The minute he stepped into the house, PL blasted him for not turning up earlier. He looked confused and asked her why. When he was told about the events since Sukriti's admission to the hospital, he appeared dazed. He then crumbled to the floor, weeping bitterly, saying that he was an unfortunate dad who could not even bid a proper farewell to his son. Seeing his reaction, it was PL's turn to look confused. She questioned him about how he seemed unaware of anything since Prachi had left several SMSes after being unable to reach him through his cell or the landline of his Delhi office. Alaap then told her how his cell was stolen as soon as he landed in Delhi. He thought of filing an FIR there but considering how cumbersome it would be to follow up on a case filed in another city, he did not file a complaint. As to why nobody at his Delhi office seemed to know where he had gone, he said that he had left for Chandigarh the very next morning after he reached Delhi. His client had called him the previous night asking him to meet him there as he himself could not make it to Delhi. In fact he had returned to Mumbai directly from Chandigarh. PL did not look too convinced with his explanation. She sceptically asked him why did he not inform either his Mumbai office or his Delhi office about the change of plan. He told her that he was not expecting any emergency and hence he had not informed his office about the change in plan. PL questioned him as to how he can presume there would be no emergency when his wife was full-term and was expecting the baby any day. Alaap had no answer to that. She chided him for not only being an irresponsible father-to-be but also an irresponsible CEO of such a large business empire for he cannot remain incommunicado for days on end like this. Alaap just remained silent, his head bowed down. PL asked him to meet Sukriti and console her. He went to their room very reluctantly. Sukriti did not respond to his presence. She steadfastly ignored him, wallowing in her own pain. He tried to speak to her but she just looked through him coldly.



As the days passed by, Sukriti was physically slowly healing, with the pain from the surgery reducing over time, but emotionally she was still a broken woman. The heartache was as raw as it was on the day she came to know that her son was no more. Milind and Prachi never failed to visit her every single day. While Prachi visited her before making her daily visits to the nursing home to meet Baba, Milind always went directly from his office to the Shah House every evening before returning to the chawl. They tried their level best to cheer her up but Sukriti could not reconcile herself to the loss. In one of his many visits to the Shah House, Milind happened to meet Alaap outside the house as he was returning home from work. Seeing his brother-in-law, Milind's latent anger against him for his callous neglect of his wife surfaced. He held him by his collar and with his teeth clenched he bit out that if he dares to put his sister through any more pain than she is already in, he will not live to see the next day. He then shook him hard till his teeth rattled. He would have thrashed the living daylights out of him but respect for his mother-in-law, concern for his sister and love for his wife stopped him from losing his equanimity.

*****
Three weeks later, Sukriti and PL got ready to leave for Kodaikanal. Milind and Prachi had come to see them off at the airport. Alaap paid lip service that he too wished to join them but he could not get away from his business. Milind just looked at him up and down dubiously. Alaap got the message loud and clear and pretended to look elsewhere. Milind asked his sister not to trouble their mother-in-law too much. He hoped that she would return back to them soon as the same old cheerful Sukriti whom all of them dearly loved. She gave him a wry smile and hugged him and Prachi before going into the airport. She did not even turn in the direction of her husband. PL assured Milind that she will take care of his sister and he needed to channelize all his energy in his business. She blessed him and followed her daughter-in-law. Milind dropped Prachi back at their place before leaving for work.



XXV

One week later


Prachi was getting ready to leave for her art classes when her cell rang. It was a call from the nursing home in which Baba was admitted. The caller informed her that Mr.Mishra had gained consciousness. Hearing this Prachi's happiness knew no bounds. She promptly called up Milind to give him the good news. Milind was busy in a meeting and did not respond immediately. In the meantime she called up Mr.Sahoo's residence and informed Mrs.Sangamitra that she would not be coming for the classes that day because she needed to be with her father-in-law who had gained consciousness. Since Mrs.Sangamitra already knew about his condition, she passed on her good wishes. Prachi then called up her mother at the guest house in Kodaikanal and conveyed the good news. Her mother was extremely happy to hear this and called Sukriti to the phone. Sukriti whose disposition had not undergone any significant change since she landed in Kodaikanal could not contain her happiness. She laughed, she cried and finally shrieked before blowing a loud kiss to her bhabhi. After she disconnected she begged PL to take her back to Mumbai saying that she was desperate to see her father and beg his forgiveness. PL understood her daughter-in-law's urgency and called up the travel agent, asking him to book two tickets from Madurai (which was the nearest city) back to Mumbai. The agent informed her that all flights have been cancelled for the next two days as the State was experiencing very heavy rains. Sukriti was upset hearing this, but PL assured her that they will set journey as soon as the weather gods stop their weeping and smile again.


Before leaving for the nursing home Prachi dropped in at Mala's place and asked her to accompany her to the nursing home. Mala thought that Prachi was making her usual visits and gladly agreed to accompany her. Prachi deliberately kept from her the news that her uncle had gained consciousness. She wanted her to see that for herself. On the way she repeatedly tried to reach Milind but his cell was on silent mode. Finally they reached the nursing home and Prachi literally ran through the corridors to her father-in-law's room. A nurse was trying to make him sit up. The minute he saw Prachi and Mala his eyes lit up. He tried to say something but his tongue was heavy and he could not formulate any words. Just then the doctor walked in and informed them that though he had gained consciousness and seemed to be mentally agile, he was paralysed on the left side. 'Much like my father', thought Mala. The doctor hoped that he may one day be able to walk, as it is a wonder in itself that he has come this far after being in coma for more than eight months. So anything is possible. He then asked them to take care and went on his rounds.


Prachi went up to her father-in-law and asked him to bless her, lifting his limp hand and placing it on her head. Mishraji tried to smile but his mouth would not cooperate. Seeing the sindoor on the foreheads of both the women, he looked at them with questioning eyes. Mala who is adept at understanding the language of the paralysed, as she was living with one, told him that she has married Ganpat. He looked happy. Then holding Prachi's hand she told him that Prachi is now her bhabhi. Baba looked at her in confusion, wondering how since she was an only child. Mala smiled and said that Prachi is his daughter-in-law - wife of Milind. Baba's eyes nearly popped out and he started having trouble breathing. Prachi got alarmed and immediately called in the nurse who strung in the oxygen mask. After a few minutes he quizzically raised his eyebrows as if to ask 'how'. Prachi sat next to him and holding his hands told him that she had always had a crush on Milind ever since she saw him at Alaap's birthday party when she was just seven years old and he was twelve, but she was too shy to reveal it. Baba looked at her incredulously. Prachi laughed and said that she was just joking. Actually they had briefly met again at her failed engagement. Later they had become good friends, fallen in love with each other and got married. To herself she said, 'Well, that is the truth, although not necessarily in that order'. He asked with his eyes, 'When did all this happen'. Prachi said aloud, "While you were sleeping", bringing a smile to Baba's lips. After all he had taken her to watch that Hollywood movie starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman.


The two young women then spent the next two hours chatting with the old man. Prachi told Mishraji that Sukriti was now the bahu of the Shahs. When he enquired about where she was Prachi told him that her mother and she were busy strengthening their 'saas-bahu' bond in Kodaikanal. She did not tell him about the baby or its demise, knowing the deleterious effect it will have on his health. In between their chatting, Prachi kept trying Milind's number and finally managing to reach him, she asked him to come to the nursing home immediately. Milind panicked that something was wrong with his father. Prachi reassured him that his father was fine. In fact he was conscious and was enquiring about him. Milind was overjoyed to hear the news and asked to speak to him. Prachi then gently broke it to him that he has paralysis and was still unable to speak. Although Milind was saddened to hear this he was happy that his father can finally see and hear him. He left a message with his secretary to call him if there is any urgent work and left for the day.


Soon Milind landed at the nursing home and rushed to see his Baba. Seeing his son, Mishraji's eyes clouded in tears. Milind emotionally hugged his father and shed happy tears himself. He then proudly told him that he has fulfilled his dream of becoming a business man some day. Now he was the proprietor of a star hotel. Mishraji was extremely happy and proud of his son. Milind then asked the doctor when can his father be discharged. The doctor told them that he can be discharged that day itself, as living amongst his family members he stood a better chance of full recovery. Milind was wondering how to settle the hospital bills. Prachi assured him that PL has already called up the hospital and informed them that she will take care of everything. Milind was looking distinctly uncomfortable. Prachi assured him that they were only taking a temporary loan from her and soon they will repay her in full. He will not remain indebted to anyone. Milind was happy that he had got a wife who appreciated his concerns even without him having to voice them to her and kissed her forehead. All three of them then wheeled Mishraji to the taxi and drove him home.



XXVI


(1)

Milind and Prachi adjusted their lives around Baba. They gave him the sole bed in the house and slept on the floor of the hall on the first night after he returned to the chawl. The next day, Milind got his wooden sofa in the hall exchanged for a sofa-cum-bed on which they spent their nights. He also arranged for a physiotherapist and speech therapist to visit their home every morning and evening to help Baba regain the use of his limbs and speech. Mala taught Prachi the technique to shift Baba from the bed to the wheelchair and back as and when he required it. Prachi requested Mr.Sahoo to allow her to take Ananya's art lessons from her home as she would not be able to leave Baba alone. Mr.Sahoo readily agreed and had his driver drop and pick up Ananya twice a week for the lessons. As Milind was busy with his work and could not find time to spend with his Baba during week days, he decided to set aside Sundays for him. Prachi was only too willing to let him bond with his father.



PL and Sukriti returned to Mumbai that weekend and headed straight to Milind's house from the airport. Although Baba's face initially brightened up seeing them, he soon focused his attention only on PL, ignoring his daughter all together. PL noticed the change in his expression and sitting down next to him, gently said, "Mishraji, please try to forget the past. Sukriti is your daughter and will always be. Children make mistakes. It is the duty of parents like us to forgive them and guide them on the right path. Sukriti has not spent a single day without thinking of you, regretting her deed and praying for your well-being. Don't shun her now when she needs you the most."

Mishraji looked at her confused. Prachi who was standing behind him mimed to her not to reveal about the baby. PL understood and immediately changed the topic, telling him how lucky she was to get a loving daughter-in-law like Sukriti and a loving and respectful son-in-law like Milind.

"Both Milind and Sukriti are like my children", she said. "They have strengthened the bond which always existed between the Mishras and the Shahs."

Mishraji turned to his daughter and nodded his head, beckoning her to him. Sukriti ran into his arms and cried her heart out.

"I'm sorry Baba. I'll never hurt you again. Please forgive me. Please don't hate me."

Baba squeezed his eyes shut, shedding tears. Although he could not physically hug her, she sensed that he embraced her with his heart. Just then Milind, who had gone shopping, walked in to see the emotional scene between his father and his sister and had tears in his eyes as well.

(2)

Although Milind's personal life was smooth, things weren't going too well for him on the business front. The lines of credit extended to Mr.Garodia were withdrawn after he relinquished ownership. As Milind was still new in the business, creditors were unwilling to take the risk of lending to him, particularly since the hotel, which was the primary asset, had a negative net worth. Milind was desperately in need of working capital to keep his hotel afloat. However, all the banks he approached required him to contribute at least 10 per cent as margin money. As he required at least Rs.50 lakh to cover the gap between expenses and revenues, this meant that he needed to bring in at least Rs.5 lakh. Prachi suggested that they borrow the money from PL but Milind would not hear of it. He explained to her that accepting PL's offer to finance Baba's hospitalisation expenses was different because Baba had worked for the Shahs and it was like taking a loan from a former employer for her former employee. On the other hand, borrowing money from his mother-in-law for his business was unthinkable as it goes against his principles to be successful on his own. When Prachi offered to sell off her jewellery to give him the money, Milind was livid. He said that the jewellery was given as a gift to her and there was no way he would even touch it. He said that he will find a way out of the muddle as he was hopeful of convincing some banker to lend money solely based on his capacity. Time was, however, running out and things looked bleak.



It was five days before Christmas. Although it is primarily a festival for the Christians, Mumbai was one of the cities in the country where Christmas is celebrated with great fanfare by people of all faiths. Hotels had special Christmas programmes which included bands singing Christmas carols; they have huge decorated Christmas trees, special lightings and Santa Clauses to distribute sweets and gifts to the children of the guests. Milind wanted to have a grand celebration in his hotel too but since the finances were tight, he settled for a more subdued fare. He got an amateur band to play the carols. He decided to dress up as Santa Claus in the Christmas Party which was to be celebrated on Christmas eve and instead of expensive gifts he settled for distributing chocolate bars to the kids.



That night he returned home late, exhausted from work. Prachi welcomed him in and was about to enter the kitchen to get him his dinner when she heard Baba cough. She rushed into the bedroom to see if he required anything. Meanwhile Milind, feeling ravenously hungry, couldn't wait to change and headed straight to the kitchen platform to see what she had prepared. When he opened the vessels he realised there was very little food, hardly enough for one. It is only then it struck him that in his worry over the budget for his hotel, he had completely disregarded the budget for his family which must have gone haywire in the last couple of months. As he was the owner of the hotel, he had to first settle the salaries of his employees before he could take home his income which was not much, considering the heavy losses the hotel was making. While the income was erratic, the expenses were steadily increasing, particularly after Baba was discharged and had come to live with them. The money from Prachi's art classes would not have been sufficient to meet the expenses. No wonder then that there appeared to be a shortage of even a basic necessity like food. His eyes clouded and he quickly returned back to the hall and got busy removing his shoes and socks.



Prachi returned back from the bedroom after giving Baba his pills and making him drink some water. She was about to serve Milind his dinner when he told her that he had already had his dinner at the hotel. She looked at him surprised as he always came home for dinner, however late he reached. Milind spun a yarn that his school friend, Pramod, who was a software engineer in the U.S., had come to meet him at the hotel and had insisted that he will treat him to dinner at his own hotel. He told her that Pramod had selected the choicest dishes and settled the bill. He then proceeded to fill her plate with the food she had cooked and started feeding her. She asked him why did he not invite him home. Milind explained to her that he had to leave the same night to Delhi to meet his parents and had promised to come home on his return. Prachi did not suspect anything and bought his story in full. While having the food she asked him what were the items he had for dinner. He told her that he had butter naan, malai khofta, mutton pulav, tandoori chicken, mutter paneer, fruit salad and ice cream. Prachi said that she envied him as her mouth was watering just hearing the names of these delicious dishes. Milind asked her to pretend that her simple dhal chawal and vegetable curry were all those items he had eaten. Prachi closed her eyes and imagined them to be, smacking her lips to indicate how much she was relishing what she was having. Milind smiled at her childish excitement, unmindful that he will be going to bed on a hungry stomach that night. He had decided that he will borrow some money from his friend the next day to atleast ensure that the day-to-day running of his family is not in jeopardy. Prachi was thinking of asking Mr.Sahoo to give her an advance on the tuition fees so that she can buy more food for the rest of the month.


(3)



The next morning Mala had come home early in the morning. Prachi had opened the door for her. After the usual greeting, she went in to see her uncle who was still sleeping. Kissing him gently on the forehead, she came to the hall and handed over a cover to Prachi who looked at her in confusion. Mala explained that she had come to return the money she had given her the previous month. Prachi tried to protest but Mala wouldn't hear of it. She told her that she had accepted that money only as a loan. Now that she has got an occupation, she had to return this money. Prachi asked her what occupation she has. Mala then explained to her that she is running a dhabba service from her home. She has five customers already, all bachelors who work in Ganpat's office. She cooks lunch and dinner for them and Ganpat delivers the dhabbas to them. Charging Rs.30 per meal, she makes a neat profit of Rs.5000-6000 per month. In the evenings, she takes maths tuitions for kids in the locality, earning around Rs.2000 in that. As she is quite self sufficient now she needs to settle her dues. Prachi recognised the fiercely independent and enterprising streak in her that she sees in Milind. 'It must be running in their blood' she thought. Prachi accepted the money and bid her goodbye. Milind who had come out of his shower a few minutes before overheard their conversation. He felt relieved that he did not have to ask for money from his friend. Asking for things was something he detested but had decided to give up a little of his self respect for the good of his family. With this money they can tide over this month, he thought, but he needed to do something about the future. He needed to secure it and that can be done only by securing a loan and straightening out his hotel. He decided to make another trip to one of the banks and try his luck again.



Prachi came into the bedroom to keep the money in the cupboard. Milind who was still in his towel caught her wrist and swung her into his arms. Prachi hit against his bare chest which was still damp from the shower. Nodding her head in the direction of his father she whispered to him that his baba was in the room and hence he should behave himself. Milind whispered back that Baba was asleep. He will leave her only if she kisses him. She shook her head and said that she cannot be disrespectful of her father-in-law. Milind said that he will then wait till she relented. As they kept wrestling for a couple of minutes, they heard Baba cough. Both of them panicked and turned in his direction. Milind loosened his grip and taking this opportunity, Prachi sprinted out of the room. Milind looked regretfully at her retreating back when he realised that his baba was still asleep.



He soon got ready and picked up his file with loan application papers. As he leaned over to kiss his wife goodbye he asked her to pray that he is successful in obtaining the loan. She asked him not to worry for she will pray hard that he gets his loan sanctioned soon enough. After he had left, she received an unexpected call on her cell. Couple of hours later she wheeled her father-in-law to Mala's house and asked her to take care of him for a few hours as she had some important work to attend to. Mala readily agreed to do the needful and Prachi left for her appointment which would soon change a lot of things in their lives.
XXVII

(1)

The next day Ayesha returned from Bangalore after nearly one and a half months. She dropped in at Milind's place to say hello. Milind was about to leave for work. Seeing her, he sat down with her for a few minutes and asked her how her mother was doing and why did she not turn up by mid-November when she was supposed to. Assuring him that her mother was fine, she explained that when she was about to leave for Mumbai she received a call from her company asking her to stay back and take care of a few things in their Bangalore branch as the manager of the branch had absconded without giving them any notice. Things were in a mess and some urgent consignments had to be shipped to Singapore. So she stayed back to straighten things out and ensure that the consignment reached Chennai as per schedule so that it can be shipped to its final destination. Having finished her task she was back again. She then enquired what was the news back here in the chawl. Giving her a cup of tea, Prachi smiled and said that a lot had happened in her absence, both good and bad. Milind and Prachi then gave her a brief rundown of how Milind became the proprietor of Garodia Hotels. Ayesha was elated to hear this and gave Milind a bear hug. Asked when he will treat her, he assured her that he will do so soon enough. They then recounted how Sukriti lost her baby. Ayesha was deeply saddened to hear this and enquired how she was doing. They assured her that she was feeling much better now, especially after she saw her baba out of his coma. Ayesha's eyes widened in surprise. Prachi then held her hand and took her into the bedroom where Mishraji was still sleeping. Ayesha sat next to him and took his hand in hers. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to get up. Ayesha gently pushed him back and asked him to relax. He asked with his eyes how she was. She said that she was doing well and was very happy to see him conscious. Milind in the meantime excused himself as he has getting late for work and quickly took Baba's blessing before he left. Prachi followed him to the door and kissed him goodbye, voicing her hope that atleast the bank he was to visit that day will consider his application favourably, for which he smiled ruefully. The previous day did not bring much luck as that bank had rejected his application outright. Milind was slowly losing hope of ever securing the loan he so desperately needed. There were two to three banks left. If he is unable to get the loan from one of them he will sink along with his hotel. The thought made him shudder as he shook his head and proceeded to the bank.



Ayesha spent a few more minutes with Baba before she too left as she had to report back for duty. Prachi later wheeled Baba to Mala's house yet again before leaving for her mysterious outing. Mala was aware of where she was going but was sworn into secrecy.



That night Sukriti called Milind and asked him if Baba can stay with her for a few weeks. She missed him very much and wanted to spend more time with him. Although Milind was initially reluctant to let go of his baba, he realised that it was not fair to hold on to him when he himself was not able to devote more time for him. Moreover, Baba's presence will help her emotionally heal faster. He asked Prachi whether she was OK with the arrangement. Prachi nodded her head. So he agreed to drop him at Shah House before he left for work the next morning. Sukriti was glad to hear this.



(2)

Two days later

It was Christmas eve. Milind set out that morning, holding on to the last vestiges of hope. This was the last bank he will be visiting for his loan. If this one too declines to give him the loan, he will have to file for bankruptcy. He wondered whether he made the worst mistake of his life by accepting Mr.Garodia's offer. Atleast earlier he had a regular job. If not in the Garodia Hotels, he could have found another job in another hotel, especially with his experience. It would have been easier to have followed the beaten path. Instead he chose the path riddled with stones and thorns, hoping that it will lead him to riches which would help him buy all the comforts his wife so deserves. Now there was the danger that instead of acquiring riches they may be reduced to rags. While he did not fear facing poverty, he could not bear to thrust his wife in it. No, if he did not get the loan, he will eat humble pie and approach Mr.Garodia himself for help. He hated to do it but then he needed the money. He was convinced he can repay it in less than six months as he had full faith in his own abilities. It was only a question of having timely liquidity to revive the hotel.



At the bank, he was asked to wait for a few minutes before he can meet the manager. The minutes soon turned to more than an hour. Milind was getting impatient and he finally got up to leave when he was called in by the manager, Mr.Khurana.

"Mr.Mishra. I have gone through your application and your business proposition. I must admit that I am very impressed. For someone who has been in this field for only a short time, you seem to understand what ails your hotel and how to set it right. The precision with which you have chalked out your strategy for its revival is amazing. I have no hesitation in sanctioning the loan, for I know you will make good use of the funds and repay it in time."

Although Milind was extremely happy to hear this, he was still a little apprehensive.

He hesitatingly said, "I do not have any funds to place as margin money. You may have to give me the loan solely based on my credibility."

"No problems Mr.Mishra. We will release the funds in a couple of days." With that Mr.Khurana got up and shook his hands warmly.

On his way to his hotel, Milind called up Prachi to inform her the good news. He could barely contain his excitement as he stuttered and stammered out that he finally managed to secure the loan. Prachi was overjoyed to hear this and assured him that now all their problems will soon melt away. He agreed that they will and it is all because he had his lucky charm, his beloved wife by his side, making Prachi blush. He then asked her to bring Ayesha along for the Christmas eve party at the hotel that evening. She agreed to do so and left for her appointment.



That evening, the guests of the hotel gathered in the banquet hall for the party. Prachi was wearing a beautiful indigo blue Mysore crepe silk saree which Ayesha had bought for her from Bangalore. Ayesha too was wearing a similar saree in wine red colour. Milind who was dressed up as Santa Claus could not take his eyes off his wife. His eyes kept following her wherever she went. Ayesha came up from behind him and twisting his ears, she teased him about it.

"What a lecherous Santa you are! Instead of taking care of the kids, you are drooling over a pretty dame?"



Milind reddened but soon recovered to retort back, "Santa is human after all. He cannot help himself when the woman in question is criminally hawttt." He emphasised the last word. Soon the band played the carol 'Jingle bells' and Milind Santa went to his seat to entertain the kids who came up to him and sat on his lap one after another. He kissed them and gave them the bars of chocolates he had in his large red sack. One of the little boys wanted to test whether his beard was real and tried pulling it. Milind was quick to anticipate his action and averted his stretched hand. He gently whacked his bottom as he put him down, making the boy giggle.



Prachi then joined the band in singing a couple of carols including 'Joy to the world' and 'Deck the hall with boughs of holly'. As the kids had to go to bed, the Christmas cake was cut by the youngest kid. After the kids and their parents left, the party continued till mid night although Milind excused himself and left with his wife and Ayesha by 10.00 p.m. as he had planned to report for duty on Christmas day too. They left Ayesha at her house and returned home. After they showered and changed into their night clothes, Prachi asked Milind to wear the Santa mask and cap. Although he was puzzled he did as she asked him to. She then sat on his lap, held his neck and whispered into his ear that her Santa had so far fulfilled all her needs. For a change she wanted to give her Santa what he desires. She then gently bit his ear, pulled his mask off and bent to enfold his voluptuous lips in hers in a deep kiss. Milind's eyes widened first in surprise and then in happiness. Holding her face between his palms he returned the kiss, measure for measure and gently pushed her down on the bed. When they finally came up for air, both of them were panting. Linking her arms around his neck and looking deeply into his eyes, Prachi then proceeded to demonstrate her love and desire for her Santa, pleasantly surprising him with her zest. It was a merry Christmas indeed for the young Mishras.
XXVIII

In the next few days things started easing up for Milind at the hotel. The loan was disbursed and his dues were settled. He could channelize his energies on implementing his innovative ideas rather than do fire fighting on a daily basis. He decided to re-orient and repackage his hotel as a home away from home. He believed that things don't need to be larger than life to be beautiful. Small can be made beautiful too. It was all in the presentation and personal attention to the guests. He got his guests to fill in forms as soon as they checked in. In it they can indicate their preferences in food and beverages. If, for instance, there is a guest with hypertension or diabetes, his meals will be accordingly modified for the duration of his stay. He needn't keep asking for less salt or less sugar every time he orders his meal. They can also indicate any special needs they may have. For instance, if they had to take their medication, they can indicate the timings of these medications. If they are at the hotel during these timings, they will be personally reminded. If they are out, they will get reminder calls/SMSes on their cells to take their medicines. If their spouses or children are celebrating their birthdays out of town during their period of stay in the hotel, the hotel will arrange to have bouquets and cards delivered to their houses for a nominal charge. Apart from that, the guests will be treated to free massages or herbal treatment if they were staying for 4 days or more. With such small gestures, Milind hoped that his guests will not only remember their stay at his hotel and keep frequenting it when they visit the city but also recommend it to their friends, relatives and acquaintances. His ideas were slowly catching on and business was beginning to pick up.


On December 29th 2006, he came home earlier than usual in order to take Prachi to a movie which had released that day. He had got two free tickets from one of his friends and decided to surprise his wife. However, when he reached home he saw that it was locked. He was frustrated to return to a locked door. Opening the door he went in and waited for Prachi impatiently. After half an hour Prachi returned and was flustered when she realised Milind had already reached home before she could return. She stammered out that she had gone to visit some friend of hers but Milind did not seem too keen to hear her out. He brusquely asked her to get ready for they were going to the movie theatre. Prachi was excited, for this was the first time they were going to a movie together. She eagerly asked him what movie they were going to watch but he did not respond. She realised that he was sulking because she wasn't home to greet him when he came. He had told her earlier that he hated to come home to locked doors and always looked forward to seeing her beautiful face at the door the minute he rings the bell. She always ensured that she was back well in time from her engagements but today unfortunately she got delayed because there was a bus strike. She also did not expect Milind to be back so soon. She felt bad that she had to lie to him about where she had gone but it was all for the good. She hoped that he would forgive her if and when he comes to know the reason. For the present, she decided to let him cool down. So she did not ask him any more questions as they got on to the bike and rode to the movie theatre. Sitting on the pillion she tentatively held his shoulder expecting him to ask her to hold him by the waist. Milind ignored her and sat rigidly on the bike.



On reaching there, he presented the tickets at the entrance and they took their seats. The movie was 'I see you', a romantic comedy starring Arjun Rampal which was an adaptation of a Hollywood flick 'Just like heaven'. While the first half of the movie was passable, the second half was positively boring. Milind's mood which was already bad only got worse. He whispered harshly to Prachi that they better get going since the film was giving him a headache. Prachi decided to push his buttons to get him out of his sulking mood. So she pretended to drool over Arjun Rampal's good looks. She went ga-ga over his physique and his greek god-like looks. Milind was getting more irritated by the minute and when it became too much to bear, he dragged her by her arm and pulled her out of the theatre. He took her to a secluded corner behind a pillar and burnt a scorching kiss on her lips as if to say she belonged to him and no one else. Although Prachi was initially stunned by his extreme reaction, she sort of enjoyed his possessiveness. She teased him about being jealous of a screen hero when her entire life revolved around the real hero standing before her. Milind looked ashamed of himself and apologised for his crude behaviour. She smiled at him and lightly kissing him on his lips, she asked him to take her to some place which was not so dark and depressing like the interiors of a movie hall. He smiled back and asked her if she would like to go to the Juhu beach. She nodded excitedly and got on to the bike. This time when she put her hands on his shoulders, he lifted them and pulled them around his waist. Prachi felt glad that things were back to normal and she slid her arms across his chest, pressing herself against his back. Milind felt thrilled to be embraced like this by his wife and that too in public. He would have never thought that was possible. 'She is turning to be quite a bundle of surprise', he thought to himself.



On reaching the beach, he parked his bike and they walked on the sands with their fingers laced together. Prachi looked longingly at the bhel puri stall. Milind asked her if she wanted to eat something there. She vigorously nodded her head and pointed to the bhel puri. He asked her if she did not like pani puri. She shook her head saying it was too pungent for her delicate tongue. Milind then bought a plate of bhel puri and they fed each other the stuff. Milind looked admiringly at her angelic face which glowed under the moonlight. He pushed back the strands of hair which were flying across her face in the breeze. As the night wore on, the chillness in the air increased and Prachi hugged her shoulders to keep herself warm. Seeing her shivering, Milind put his arms around her and embraced her to his warmth. Prachi closed her eyes and cherished his closeness. Later they returned home, cooked dinner together and had their meal before calling it a day.

(2)



The next day being the second last day of an eventful year in their lives, Prachi decided to surprise Milind by taking lunch to his office. She knew he will be too busy the next day as it was New Year's eve. She prepared an elaborate Gujarati meal, complete with specialities like undhyoo, a delicious vegetable concoction, paunk, a tangy delicacy, patra, a dish prepared with colocasia leaves, dhokla, a salty steamed cake, doodhpak, a sweet, thickened milk confectionery and the usual rice and dhal. She carried the meal in a large tiffin carrier to his hotel.



Milind was busy making elaborate arrangements to celebrate New Year's Eve at the hotel, wanting to make up for the low-key Christmas Eve celebrations. He arranged for dance performances by a troupe of Russian and Indian dancers who will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Russian and Indian folk dances. He also planned various competitions and games amongst the guests and the staff of the hotel. The culmination would be a ballroom dance involving all the couples staying at the hotel. He had just finished addressing a meeting with his staff about the upcoming celebrations when Prachi entered in with her tiffin carrier. He was pleasantly surprised to see his beautiful wife and his eyes brightened when she told him she has brought him a special lunch. He guided her to the sofa on the corner of his cabin and ordered for a couple of plates. Prachi serve the food on the plates. Seeing the number of items she had prepared for him, he was astounded.

"Prachi, you took the trouble to prepare all this for me?" he asked her.

"Trouble? Doing things for you is a pleasure, not a trouble. Tell me, do you like it?" she asked eagerly.

"Mmmm... how can I not love anything which has your touch? I know I will love it," he said and delved into the food with great enthusiasm.

Looking at her, he realised that she was hardly eating anything as she was too absorbed in observing him satiate his appetite.

"Hey, are you not eating?" he asked her and taking some food from his plate, he fed her. As she delicately chewed the food, he noticed that a small morsel of food was stuck to the corner of her mouth. Taking it in his index finger, he sucked his finger.

"Can't afford to waste even a single morsel of such scrumptious food, especially after it has made a trip to those delicious lips," he said by way of explanation.

Prachi blushed at his blatant flirting. Soon they finished their lunch and washed up. Prachi took leave, saying she did not want to disturb his busy schedule.

"Honey, you already have disturbed me by coming here in the middle of the day. Now, I will be distracted for the rest of the day thinking of my stunningly beautiful wife," he joked.

Prachi patted his arm and waved to him. Not being satisfied with just a wave he dragged her into his arms and gave her a wet goodbye kiss.

As Prachi was leaving the hotel, she overheard a couple of his staff discussing their boss amongst themselves.

"Have you noticed that our boss has not changed one bit after taking over this hotel", said one.

"Yes, he is as down to earth as he was as a mere employee. He still comes in ordinary shirts and pants and not in business suits or tuxedos. He does not even wear a tie."

The first person said mockingly, "That is because he cannot afford one. I heard he is still living in a rented apartment in a chawl. The man is a star hotel owner only in paper. He is barely managing to make both ends meet."

"Is that so, Mr.Bansal?" asked the second one, sceptically.

"Yes. I wonder whether you will get your salaries next month. He seems to be splashing a lot of money in this New Year bash. Start looking out for jobs elsewhere before the hotel closes down for good," said the first guy scornfully, leaving the second guy confused and worried.



Prachi was pained to hear such office gossip which spoke ill of her husband. She quickly hurried out from there. That afternoon she made a trip to the Raymond's Showroom and picked up a black business suit for around Rs.9,000 and three ties for around Rs.300 each. She paid for the purchases in cash.


After she reached home she wondered how she will explain the expensive spending and also find a way to convince Milind to wear the suit for the New Year's eve party. Milind was very sensitive to the dress issue. He believed that clothes do not make a man. While she agreed with his view, she also knew that it is not how the world perceived people. In fact in the hospitality industry and entertainment industry, the clothes one wears make up more than half of one's personality. She also has to impress upon him to talk to his people about the financial position of his hotel and assure them that things have started to improve so as to instil confidence in them. She was not sure how she was going to achieve all this without his losing his temper but she was willing to take the risk, for at the end of the day his well-being was paramount to her. Moreover, she has to slowly steel him up for the big secret she will be revealing to him later.


That evening she got a call on her cell.

"Yes, I'll be there by 5.45 p.m. tomorrow evening but you need to promise to let me leave by 7.00 p.m, even if your programme does not finish by then. I have another engagement to attend after that."

The caller assured her that he will allow her to go well on time.

She then waited for Milind's return apprehensively.


(3)



Ayesha stopped by that evening to inform her that her company was happy with the way she handled the situation in Bangalore. She has been offered a promotion as manager and will be taking over the Bangalore branch from the 1st of January. Apart from the salary hike and the position, her main reason for accepting the offer to go to Bangalore was that she will be closer to her mother and oversee her treatment. She had already arranged for the packers and movers to cart her things the next day. She herself will be leaving by the evening flight to Bangalore. Prachi was saddened to hear that Ayesha will be leaving them so soon but was glad that it is for the betterment of her career and for her mother. She volunteered to help with the shifting and wished her all the best. Ayesha promised to visit them as often as she could.



That night when Milind came in, Prachi braced herself up to face the consequences of her actions that day. He had a plastic cover in his hand. Although Prachi was curious to know what was inside it she held her tongue till he decided to reveal its contents. After he showered and changed, she served him his dinner and told him about Ayesha's visit earlier. Milind was surprised that they will be bidding goodbye to her so suddenly. Like her, he too felt sad that they will be parting with a dear friend but was happy that she will be closer to her mother. After they finished their dinner, Milind went in and brought out the cover. He gave it to her saying that it was his New Year's gift to her. Prachi opened the cover excitedly and pulled out an aquamarine colour lace saree. She squealed in excitement and put it over her shoulders.

"How do you like it?" asked Milind smilingly.

"I love it. I simply love it. It is beauuuuuutiful," she dragged the word for emphasis.

"Wear it and show me", he said.

"I will, but first I want you to accept my New Year's gift to you," she said, realising she found the perfect excuse for her purchase.

He looked at her amusedly, "You have bought me a gift?"

"Why, can I not buy you a gift?"

"You are my greatest gift, darling. I don't want any other gift."

She pouted her lips and asked him if he will not accept her gift then.

Lifting her head so that her eyes would meet his, he gently asked her, "Where is my gift?"



She ran into the bedroom excitedly, took out the hanger which encased the business suit and rushed back. Holding the hanger behind her back, she asked him to close his eyes. When he did, she left the hanger on his lap and asked him to see his gift. Milind slowly lifted the hanger and unzipped the plastic sheath which held the suit. Pulling it out, his jaws dropped. He looked up at Prachi with narrow eyes. Prachi knew his temper was slowly rising. Before he can question her where she got the money for such an expensive gift, she hastened to say that Mr.Sahoo had bought one of her paintings for his office and had paid Rs.10,000 for it. She had purchased the suit and a couple of ties with it. She hated to lie but she knew he was not yet ready for the truth.


"Why, Prachi? Knowing that I don't like such expensive clothes, why did you buy this? Are you ashamed of me? Do you not approve of my dress sense? Am I too unsophisticated for you?" he asked her trying hard to keep his temper in check.


"Why does it always have to be about you and me? I don't care for external appearances. I love you for what you are but we live in a society that pays more attention to such innocuous things than the inner qualities of a person. People notice and judge you by what you wear. They believe that clothes make the man but do not realise that they should not judge the book by the cover. We cannot change their perception, can we?"

"We don't need to. We live for ourselves Prachi, not others. As long as you are comfortable with what I wear, why should it matter what they think of me?"

"Milind, you are now a proprietor of a hotel. The way you dress and present yourself makes a lot of difference to your subordinates, guests and business associates. You will command more respect in such clothes. All this will go a long way in improving your stature in the industry."

Milind looked at her contemplatively. She decided to go for the kill.

"Milind, will you not accept it for me? I want my husband to be the cynosure of all eyes in tomorrow's party." she said and put on a puppy dog face. She knew he will not be able to resist that look. Leaning forward he kissed her gently on the lips and said that he will wear it but only for her, not for anyone else. She gladly agreed and asked him to change into it while she goes and changes into the saree in the bedroom. They then simultaneously changed into the clothes bought by their beloved spouses.

Prachi stepped into the hall in her beautiful lace saree. Seeing her, Milind whistled loudly. Blushing at his attention, she lifted her gaze to him and was arrested by his stunning looks.

"My, my, my. Milind you look smoking hot in black!" she exclaimed.

"Do I?" he asked her, pleased to see his wife's admiration of him.

"Yes, I am sure the women at the party are going to seethe in jealousy seeing me in your arms."

"Not as much as the men when they see me in yours," he smiled and slid his arm around her waist, holding her close to him. With his other hand, he lifted her face to him and enveloped her lips in his for a deep kiss. After a while he showed her that he was not only adept in draping a saree but also in removing it, compelling her to match his speed. Soon the two New Year's gifts lay abandoned on the sofa, with the ones who bought them lost in their own world on the bed.

(4)



The next morning while having breakfast Prachi hesitantly brought up the next sensitive issue. She did not tell him that she had overheard his employees discuss about him the previous day. Instead she asked him if he had briefed his employees about the state of affairs in the hotel. He looked at her in surprise. Answering in the negative, he asked her why did he need to discuss his problems with them. She then gently told him that as part of the establishment they too had a right to know about the health of their hotel so that they do not fall prey to rumours. She asked him to tell them about how the finances which were in bad shape have improved in the recent days and to assure them that the hotel is on a much stronger footing now, thanks to all their efforts. She asked him to encourage them and pep them up so that they will give it their best. Free and frank talk between the employer and the employee will promote greater feeling of oneness with the organisation. Milind was amazed at his wife's insight into human nature. He thanked her for the valuable advice and promised to speak to his people as soon as possible. He dressed up in his suit and got another admiring look from his wife. Before leaving for work he asked her to come to the hotel as agreed by 9.00 p.m. along with Mala and Ganpat. She nodded her head and kissed him goodbye. He then dropped in at Ayesha's place to bid her goodbye and wish her luck. Ayesha complemented him on his new look. He shyly acknowledged that Prachi was responsible for it. Ayesha was happy that Prachi has been such a positive influence on him. He then gave her a warm hug and promised to drop in on her during his trip to Bangalore the following month to attend the conference for hoteliers to be held there.



At the hotel, he first called for a meeting of all the employees and discussed the health of the hotel. His openness was well appreciated by the employees who promised to give their best to make their hotel renowned. He then addressed the group which was overseeing the New Year's celebration. This group which included Milind's trusted mates in the hotel did not include the likes of Mr.Bansal, which only served to fuel the guy's anger and displeasure at Milind. The rest of the day was spent in making sure everything went as planned.



Back at the chawl, Prachi, Mala and Ganpat assisted Ayesha with the shifting. The packers and movers efficiently packed all the things and loaded them in the lorry. Ayesha then had lunch with her and they chatted for long hours, desperate to hold on to every minute they could spend together. Prachi revealed to Ayesha what she has been up to in the past ten days. Ayesha's eyes widened in surprise and she asked what was Milind's reaction to this. Prachi informed her that she has not yet revealed anything to him as yet. Ayesha was stupefied and asked her what did she plan to do, for this was not a secret she can hide forever. Prachi admitted that she had to tell him the truth but now was not the right time to do it. He is still caught up with his hotel. Once things settle down, she planned to tell him in a week's time before the truth comes out on its own. In the afternoon, they left for the Shah House where Ayesha took leave from PL, Baba and Sukriti after taking the blessings of the elders. In the evening, Prachi dressed up in the saree Milind gifted her the previous night. All the colony residents got together and held a small function for Ayesha before she left. Prachi presented her chain which had her picture in the locket. The two friends then hugged each other tight and shed tears. Ayesha asked Prachi to accompany Milind for the hotelier's conference so that she can meet her in Bangalore. Prachi promised to do so. Prachi then hurriedly excused herself for the important engagement. Before leaving, she told Mala and Ganpat that she will meet them at the entrance of the hotel at around 8.50 p.m. so that all three of them can walk in together without Milind suspecting anything. They agreed. Ganpat then dropped Ayesha at the airport in his bike.



Prachi landed at the Taj hotel at Colaba at 5.45 sharp. As soon as she reached she was directed to the hall in which the function was to take place. She took her place at the dais and waited for the function to start.



Meanwhile at the hotel, Milind and his manager was on their way to the Taj hotel to receive the members of the dance troupe. He had arranged for a van and a car to take them to his hotel after their performance at the Taj. When he reached the hotel, he realised that their performance was not yet over. So he asked his manager to wait for them and went around the hotel to survey it. His hotelier brain was always ticking to observe anything that he could learn from the way other hotels are run. Soon he landed in front of a hall outside which there was a board which read.

Promotion of Hindi Pop Album ' ISHQ. Lanching new singing sensation, Prachi Mishra.


Milind was shocked to read the board and wondered whether this could be his Prachi. Curiously he opened the door to see his wife on the dais with a mike in her hand and a band behind her. The audience clapped loudly in anticipation of the song and the music started playing. Soon his wife's captivating voice filled the hall and reverberated through it.
Prachi's Song

http://www.zshare.net/audio/53941875dd45281f/
Original song sung by Ritisha Padmanabh in VOI, Star Plus.
(Request to readers: Please listen to the song. You wont regret it)

While one part of him was drawn to the magic in her voice, the larger part of him felt numbed, betrayed, cheated. He staggered out of the hall as the song came to a close and held on to the pillar nearby for support. How could she have kept such a huge secret from him? Since when did she start singing professionally? Was this the reason she was not at home when he returned home early the day they had gone to the movie? He looked down at his suit. Did she buy it with the money she earned in singing? His mind flew to the loan. He was surprised at how Mr.Khurana had sanctioned him the loan without any collateral or margin money. Was she the reason? Did she pay up the margin money? Why did she do this to him after all the trust and faith he placed on her? His world seemed shattered. He thought he had achieved everything in his own merit but now his success seemed meaningless. In short he felt useless and used. Even in his dazed state he knew he had responsibilities to take care before he confronted his wife. He called his manager and asked him to escort the dance troupe to the hotel. He said he will join them later as he had some urgent work to attend to. In case their performance finishes before he could reach back he asked him to escort them to the airport after settling their payment. He then waited impatiently outside the hall for his wife to come out, his temper rising with every passing minute.


(5)



Prachi excused herself from the programme at 7.00 p.m. as informed earlier and hurried to the exit. As she was coming out she was shocked to see Milind standing near the door, looking impatiently at his watch. She least expected to see him there and did not know how she will explain herself. From his look she could make out that he was furiously mad. She braced herself to face the worst and said a little prayer in her mind to help her through this sticky situation. As soon as he spotted her he approached her menacingly and on reaching her, he whispered harshly to follow him. She meekly followed him out of the hotel. He walked up to the Gateway of India which was just a stone's throw from the hotel and sat down on the wall lining the most popular monument of the city. Prachi sat next to him. The waves thrashed on the walls, much like the tumultuous thoughts and questions in Milind's mind. Expecting to get shouted at, maybe even thrashed, Prachi was surprised to see him so quiet. His deafening silence was more fearful and ominous than his shouts. As she was seated close to him, she could hear him grit his teeth even above the sound of the waves. He held the wall tightly till his fist turned white. Milind was aware that there were people around them. He did not want to make a spectacle of him or his wife in their presence but the rage within him was straining to be unleashed. He was barely able to keep it in check. He looked at her with bloodshot eyes which reflected his anger but overriding that was the stark pain at having been betrayed. This broke her even more than his anger did. She wished he would just slap her, for the pain of that would have been far less than what she was feeling now, seeing him hurt. She could not meet his accusing and wounded eyes.

"Milind...", she hesitatingly started.

He lifted his hand to shut her up.

"Did you pay up the margin money for my loan?" he asked her with growing apprehension that the answer will be in the affirmative.

As he expected, she nodded her head. Narrowing his eyes, he persisted,"Did you also ask Mr.Khurana to keep that information from me so that I can be fooled into believing that my loan was cleared on the basis of my credibility?"

She did not respond but looked down guiltily.

"Am I so useless Prachi?" he asked in a pained voice.

Prachi looked up at him in shock. What made him say such a thing? Before she could respond, he continued, "Am I incapable of providing for my family? Have I failed you? Have you lost faith in my abilities?"

Prachi placed her fingers against his mouth to stop him. He pushed away her fingers brusquely and continued.

"Who gave you the right to interfere in my affairs without asking me first?" he spat out.

"I am your wife, Milind. I have promised to share your burdens and I will. I cannot stand back and see you suffer alone. If I am in a position to help, then I will. I am prepared to face the consequences of my decision."

"So, now I have been reduced to taking your help, from a woman I am supposed to take care of. I am not man enough to shoulder my responsibilities, am I?" he asked in a stinging tone, but keeping his voice low with great difficulty, as he did not want to attract the attention of the people around.

Prachi tried desperately to make him understand she thought no less of him. "Milind, I had no intention to slur your manhood. You are no less of a man now than before."

He cut her shot before she could continue. "Why did you lie to me? Why did you not tell me that you were singing professionally in order to make money to help me achieve my dream?"

"Would you have let me to, if I had told you?" she questioned him back.

"I have no problems with your singing. You have a right to utilise your talents the best way you can but I would not have let your help me to achieve my dreams. I need to achieve them on my own."

"What do you mean by 'your' dreams? Are they not mine too? When will you understand that they are our dreams? When will you remove the words 'me', 'my', 'mine' from your dictionary and substitute them for 'us', 'our' and 'ours'? Am I not a part of you? Why do you treat me as a separate entity? The day I married you, I have become a part of your life and your have become a part of mine. I can understand why you did not want to take a loan from my mother. You did not want to take my jewellery because they were gifted by my parents. I can understand that too. But this money is solely earned by me. There is no other person's hand in it. Then why can I not use the money I earned to achieve our dreams? How am I belittling you in doing so? Yes, I remitted the money in the bank but they sanctioned the loan not based on that money alone but also based on your business plan. After all, the bank has to ascertain the capacity of the person taking the loan to repay it in time. Money cannot buy everything. It has to be backed by ability which is in you and is recognised by others as well."



Milind looked at his wife in shock. He never expected this tirade from her. Prachi then continued, "Marriage is a partnership, not a sole proprietorship concern. Marriage is the coming together of two individuals, not only to make love and to make babies, but also to support and be there for each other in good times and in bad. If we do not step up for each other in times of need, the institution will collapse. Where is it written that only the man should be the provider for his family? When you can help me with my cooking can I not help you in your business?" Milind did not know how to respond to this immediately.



After a while he said softly, "I want to take care of you Prachi, to provide you all the comforts in life. How do you think I feel knowing that you are doing for me all the things I need to be doing for you?"

"How do you think I felt knowing that you went hungry to bed after lying to me that you had a feast, just to make sure that I had a full dinner?"

He looked at her in astonishment. "How did you know about that?" he asked her.

"The next morning, before Mala came to our house to return the money I had given her earlier, your friend Pramod had called you up to inform that he has postponed his visit to India by a fortnight. Since you were in the shower, I had answered that call. I did not convey that message because I did not want to embarrass you but I knew then that you had not eaten anything the previous night. How do you think I felt when I realised that I had deprived you of food?"

"You did not deprive me of anything, Prachi."

"But is it not the same thing? I felt terrible that you returned after a hard day's work and went to sleep on an empty stomach while sitting at home, I ended up having a full meal. I could not sit back and let you suffer on your own." she burst out crying. Milind's heart went out to her. He tried to wipe her tears but she shook his hands away.

"You don't need to console me. However hard I try I cannot erase the wall you seem to have erected around yourself. I cannot make you see us as one unit. You will continue to harp on fulfilling your dream by yourself and your need to take care of me. Am I so helpless that I need to be constantly taken care of? Can I not extend help when I can? Can I not be your equal partner?"



Hot tears were falling fast down her cheeks, piercing his heart. He couldn't bear it any longer. He dragged her into his arms and kissed her forehead."I am sorry, darling. Thanks for reminding me that you are my better half. I forgot that after marriage my dreams have become our dreams. I wanted to clear all the stones and thorns from the path to success before taking you along it. Now I understand that we need to clear them together so that we can reach our destination faster. Will you forgive this stubborn egoistic moron?"

"Only if you forgive this interfering, secretive liar," she stipulated her condition.

"Done," he said raising his thumb.

"Done," she responded raising hers, her lips widening into a smile.

He got off the wall and holding her by her waist, he swung her down. Both of them then walked to the nearest taxi stand hands on each other's waists.

(6)



Milind and Prachi took a cab back to the hotel. Milind looked at his beautiful wife and pushing her hair behind her ears, he softly asked her, "So, Mrs.Prachi Milind Mishra, how did you become the new singing sensation." Prachi then told him about how she had received a call from Mrs.Neela Patekar, wife of Mr.Patekar who had presided over the Independence Day celebrations at the chawl, on the morning after he starved himself to sleep. The lady was very impressed with her voice after she heard her sing in the Independence day cultural events and recommended her name to one of her friends who owned a record company.



The record company had earlier wanted to cut an album with Shreya Saklani, a famous Hindi pop singer at the behest of a rich Sheikh, Hameed Ali from Oman. The guy had lots of money to splurge and he wanted an album dedicated to his third wife who is a hindi pop buff. He wanted to gift the album on her birthday which was on January 8th. At the last minute Shreya backed out of the contract citing date problems. The company was desperately looking for a magical voice which will apiece the angry Sheikh who wanted a singer as good or better than Shreya. They were not happy with the girls they had auditioned so far when Mrs.Patekar's recommendation came through and they auditioned Prachi. Her voice impressed the music director and they immediately got her to record a few lines of a song and emailed to the Sheikh for his approval. The guy's wife absolutely loved Prachi's voice and insisted that she should be the one to sing in the album. Prachi was reluctant at first but she realised that Milind was unable to get a loan for his hotel because he lacked the margin money. She knew that his strong self-respect would not let him accept her help. At the same time she could not bear to see him struggling alone. The previous night's incident of Milind's starvation was the last nail. She knew her husband will do anything to keep her in comfort, even at the cost of himself but she could not let him be burdened this way. She negotiated a hard bargain with the record company who agreed to pay her Rs.10 lakh. She insisted that she be paid Rs.5.5 lakh advance. Since they were desperate to have her at any cost, they had agreed to make the payment after she signed an agreement with them. She started recording the songs almost immediately. She deposited the cheque in the last bank Milind had approached regarding his loan. The money was transferred to Milind's loan account once his loan was cleared in-principle. She had asked Mr.Khurana not to let Milind know that she had paid the money.



As she knew her husband would not accept the money, she decided to keep it from him till he obtains the loan and the financial ruin is averted. She wanted to reveal everything once things returned to normal but Milind got caught up with the New Year's celebrations and she did not want to sour the relationship between them on New Year's day. She hoped that after things settle a bit she will tell him the truth and face the consequences of her action. The record company initially did not tell her about the promotion of the album as she was given to understand that the album was to be private, meant only for the Sheikh's wife. But when the sheikh heard the first cut of the album, he knew he had a winner and being the shrewd businessman decided to market it in the country. The record company therefore insisted that she attend the promotion of the album on December 31st. The album itself was to be released on January 9th , one day after the birthday of Noor, the Sheikh's wife who will have the privilege of being the first to receive it. She wanted to confide in him before the album was out but she did not expect everything will come out in the open in this manner and that too on New Year's Eve. Milind assured her that all was for the good. Now they can enjoy New Year's celebration wholeheartedly without any feeling of guilt or burden as there were no secrets between them. Prachi thanked him for being so understanding and taking his hands in hers, she kissed them, bathing them with her tears. Seeing the wetness in his hands, he lifted her face and wiped the tears, asking her to cheer up now that everything was settled.
XXIX

Milind and Prachi reached the hotel at around 10.00 p.m. The Indian and Russian folk dance performances had just concluded and the dancers met Milind before leaving for the airport.

Mr.Vladimir Karpov, the head of the Russian dance troupe looked at Prachi admiringly, and asked in his heavily accented English, "Who is this lovely lady, Mr.Mishra". Milind immediately put a possessive arm around Prachi's shoulder and replied with pride that she was his wife.

"You are a very lucky man, Mr.Mishra".



"Yes, I am," admitted Milind, "for my wife is not only beautiful from the outside but also from the inside. And she is intelligent and talented too!"

"Beauty with brains as well as a golden heart?!You are thrice blest, then, Mr.Mishra." Mr.Karpov beamed at him and shook his hands.

Milind nodded and said that not a day goes by without him thanking all the powers that be for giving him such a treasure. Prachi went red hearing all the compliments bestowed on her.



As they had to take a flight at 2.00 a.m. to the Middle East, the dance troupers took leave and were escorted to the airport by his staff. Milind met up with Mala and Ganpat and joined in the games which had begun by then. These games included the following.

Dumb charades: Teams of two had to pick out events from the year gone by and enact it for the rest of the group to guess what event was it. For instance Saddam Hussein was executed in that year. So a team had to enact it so that the rest can find out who was the personality and what was done to him.

Quiz: Events which had taken place during the year were given and the teams had to find out which month these events took place.

Word game: Everyone was given a word connected with New Year's Eve, example 'resolution' as new years are filled with resolutions (which most of the time are broken any way). Each had to make as many other words as they can in 5 minutes, using only the letters in the original word. Repeating a letter was not allowed unless it was repeated in the original word and proper nouns were not considered as words. The guest who writes down the most original words was declared the winner.

Guess which guest: Every 10 minutes or so the master of ceremonies posed a question that relates to the guests at the party, such as "How many men and women were there in the hall?" or "Which colour was the most common amongst the outfit worn by the men or the women?" or "Who laughed the loudest?" or "Who was the quietest person in the party?" Whoever was the first to give the correct answer was given a gift.

(Ideas for games borrowed from http://www.party411.com/millennium-adultgames.html)

Prachi won the word game and Milind won the quiz. Mala and Ganpat were runner's up at the dumb charades. The guests and the staff had lots of fun playing the games.

Ganpat then got on the dais to perform stand-up comedy.

Ganpat: If the question, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" was asked to a kindergarten boy, he would have answered "To get to the other side." But if the same question was asked to different personalities what would have been their answers? Here are a few ingenious answers we could expect from them:

Plato: For the greater good.

Aristotle: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.

Karl Marx: It was a historical inevitability.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.

Bill Gates: The newly released Chicken 2003, will not only cross roads, but will lay eggs, file your important documents, and balance your checkbook.

Charles Darwin: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected in such a way that they are now genetically disposed to cross roads.

Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road moved beneath the chicken depends upon your frame of reference and relativity.

George Bush: We are committed to establishing a democracy where chickens freely cross roads without oppression from terrorist organizations.

George Fernandes (Minister) : I am deeply hurt that this question is being asked after my 40 clean years of public life. I don't own a house, or a car, leave alone a chicken !!!

Mulayam Singh Yadav (Minister): I demand a 50% reservation of the road for the chicken class, so that they can cross the road freely without their motives being questioned

Arjun Singh(Minister): Our policy will ensure the development of socially underprivileged chickens so that they can also cross roads.

Amitabh Bachhan: The chicken has crossed the road?.. are you sure.. very sure ... really sure...

Maneka Gandhi (Animal rights activist): Chicken crossed the road alone...!! If a vehicle had passed over it, we would have lost one of our dearest creatures. Ban all vehicles from using the road. Protect our chickens...

He then gave various definitions for Marriage.

- Marriage is not just a word. It's a sentence (a life sentence).

- Marriage is an institution for love. Love is blind. Therefore marriage is an institution for the blind.
-Marriage is an institution in which a man loses his bachelor's degree and the woman gets her masters.

-Marriage is a three-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering.

-Married life is full of excitement and frustration: In the first year of marriage, the man speaks and the woman listens. In the second year, the woman speaks and the man listens. In the third year, they both speak and the NEIGHBOUR listens.

-Getting married is very much like going to a restaurant with friends. You order what you want, and when you see what the other person has, you wish you had ordered that instead.

-There was this man who muttered a few words in the church and found himself married. A year later he muttered something in his sleep and found himself divorced.

-A happy marriage is a matter of give and take; the husband gives and the wife takes.

-Son: How much does it cost to get married, Dad?

Father: I don't know son, I'm still paying for it.

-Son: Is it true Dad? I heard that in ancient China, a man doesn't know his wife until he marries her.

Father: That happens everywhere, son, EVERYWHERE!

-Love is one long sweet dream, and marriage is the alarm clock.
-They say that when a man holds a woman's hand before marriage, it is love; after marriage it is self-defence.

-When a newly married man looks happy, we know why. But when a 10-year married man looks happy, we wonder why.

-There was this lover who said that he would go through hell for her. They got married, and now he is going through HELL.

-When a man steals your wife, there is no better revenge than to let him keep her.

-After marriage, husband and wife become two sides of a coin. They just can't face each other, but they still stay together.
-Before marriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After the marriage the "Y" becomes silent.

-It's not true that married men live longer than single men, it only seems longer. -A man was complaining to a friend: I HAD IT ALL-MONEY, A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE, THE LOVE OF A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN, THEN POW! IT WAS ALL GONE. WHAT HAPPENED, asked his friend. He says MY WIFE FOUND OUT.

-At a party, one woman said to another: AREN'T YOU WEARING YOUR RING ON THE WRONG FINGER? The other replied, YES, I, AM. I MARRIED THE WRONG MAN.

-Man is incomplete until he gets married, then he is finished.
-It doesn't matter how often a married man changes his job, he still ends up with the same boss.

-A man inserted an ad in the paper - WIFE WANTED. The next day he received hundreds of letters and they all said the same thing - YOU CAN HAVE MINE.

-When a man opens the door of his car for his wife, you can be sure of one thing - either the car is new or the wife is.

As soon as he got off the dais, Mala reached up and twisted his ear.

"So marriage means all this? Then why did you marry me?"

Ganpat pleaded with folded hands, "Darling, marriage means all these things to all the dumb men who do not know how to appreciate their wives. I am not one of them. To me marriage is heaven and you are my angel."



Milind and Prachi smiled at them and Milind requested Prachi to sing. Although initially Prachi was shy, she finally gave in and sang an old R.D Burman song. Her mesmerising voice caught the attention of all in the hall.

The song:

jaane kya baat hai.wma - 2.91MB

Lyrics.

Jaane Kya Baat Hai

Jaane Kya Baat Hai, Jaane Kya Baat Hai
Don't know what the matter is
neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai
Can't sleep and the nights are just long

saari Saari Raat Mujhe Isne Jagaya
All night something kept me awake
jaise Koi Sapna Jaise Koi Saaya
Like a dream, like a shadow
koi Nahin Lagta Hai Koi Mere Saath Hai
Its seems to be no one, but someone is with me
neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...
Can't sleep, the nights are long

dhakdhak Kabhi Se Jiya Dol Raha Hai
My heart's been swaying [staggering] for sometime now
ghungat Abhise Mera Khol Raha Hai
opening my ghoongat already (too soon)
door Abhi To Piya Ki Mulaqat Hai
Meeting with my Piya (love) is still at a distance
neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...
can't sleep, the nights are long

jab Jab Dekhoon Maein Yeh Chand Sitare
Whenever I see these stars and moon
aaisa Lagta Hai Mujhe Laaj Ke Mare
I feel like this out of shyness
jaise Koi Doli Koi Baraat Hai
like its a doli or Baraat (wedding party)
neend Nahin Aati Badi Lambi Raat Hai...

can't sleep, the nights are long

Translations:JC

At the end of the song the applause was defeaning. Milind couldn't contain his pride as he went up to his wife and kissed her forehead. He then turned to the audience and addressed them.

"My dear friend Ganpat had a few minutes ago given you various definitions of marriage. All these definitions are good to evoke a couple of laughs but I do hope none here are in a situation where these definitions are not jokes but the reality of their lives. I would subscribe to Andre Maurois's definition of what a marriage is. According to him 'A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.' This is very true for me. This year has been one of the most eventful years of my life. There were some unpleasant incidents like my father's coma and the loss of my nephew but they have been outweighed by a lot of happy ones such as my father regaining consciousness; the fulfilment of a long standing dream of mine to own a hotel; and most importantly finding my true happiness, joy and strength in my wife, Prachi Milind Mishra. She has taught me the meaning of love, the meaning of marriage and the meaning of life. She has been my friend, philosopher, guide and lover, all rolled in one. She has been my pillar of strength and has given me courage and fortitude to overcome all problems I faced. The year 2006 will always be etched in my memory for it is the year I met and married my wife and discovered myself through her. I know that the years to come will only bring me more happiness and success as I have her by my side. Before we ring in the New Year, I request all the couples to come on the dance floor."

With that he led his wife to the dance floor and placed both his hands on her waist as she wound hers around his neck. They swayed to the music of 'Jab koi Baat Bigad Jaaye,' lost in each other's eyes.

The song: http://www.radioreloaded.com/tracks/?13933

The lyrics: Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye

--MALE--
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
When Any Matter Gets Ruined

Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
When Any Difficulty Arises

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend

Na Koi Hai, Na Koi Tha
There Is No One, There Was No One

Zindagi Mein Tumhaare Siva
In My Life Aside From You

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend


Ho Chaandni Jab Tak Raat Deta Hai Har Koi Saath
As Long As The Night Is Moonlit, Everyone Gives Company

Tum Magar Andheron Mein Na Chhodna Mera Haath
But You Don't Let Go Of My Hand In Darkness

Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
When Any Matter Gets Ruined

Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
When Any Difficulty Arises

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend

Na Koi Hai, Na Koi Tha
There Is No One, There Was No One

Zindagi Mein Tumhaare Siva
In My Life Aside From You

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend


--FEMALE--
Vafaadaari Ki Voh Rasmein Nibhaayenge Hum Tum Kasmein
Those Intentions Of Faithfullness, We Will Obey Vows

Ek Bhi Saans Zindagi Ki Jab Tak Ho Apne Bas Mein
As Long As Even One Breath Of Life Is Within Our Control

Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
When Any Matter Gets Ruined

Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
When Any Difficulty Arises

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend

--MALE--
Na Koi Hai, Na Koi Tha
There Is No One, There Was No One

Zindagi Mein Tumhaare Siva
In My Life Aside From You

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend


Dil Ko Mere Hua Yakeen Hum Pehle Bhi Mile Kahin
My Heart Now Believes We Had Met Sometime Before Also
Silsila Yeh Sadiyon Ka Koi Aaj Ki Baat Nahin
This Is A Link Of Centuries, It's Not A Matter Of Today

--FEMALE--
Dil Ko Mere Hua Yakeen Hum Pehle Bhi Mile Kahin
My Heart Now Believes We Had Met Sometime Before Also
Silsila Yeh Sadiyon Ka Koi Aaj Ki Baat Nahin
This Is A Link Of Centuries, It's Not A Matter Of Today

--BOTH--
Jab Koi Baat Bigad Jaaye
When Any Matter Gets Ruined

Jab Koi Mushkil Pad Jaaye
When Any Difficulty Arises

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend

Na Koi Hai, Na Koi Tha
There Is No One, There Was No One

Zindagi Mein Tumhaare Siva
In My Life Aside From You

Tum Dena Saath Mera O Hamnavaaz - 2
You Give Me Companionship, Oh Friend

Source: http://www.bollyfm.net/bollyfm/mid/399/tid/2648/translyricsinfo.html

At the end of the song, the countdown for the New Year began.

Ten, nine, eight..................

As soon as the clock struck twelve, the cymbals clanked and the lights were flashed. Milind and Prachi locked their lips in a deep kiss to welcome the New Year, blissfully unaware of the people around them who, in any case, were busy paying their own greetings to each other.

(2)

The next morning Milind and Prachi got up late, after 10.30 a.m. having gone to bed well past mid-night. Milind had taken the day off to spend with his wife. While having their brunch, Milind asked her when she was planning to inform the rest of the family her secret. Prachi told him nonchalantly that everyone already knows.

"Everyone?" asked Milind incredulously.

"Yes, everyone."

"Your mother?"

"Yes, my mother."

"Sukriti?"

"Yes, Sukriti and Baba and Mala and Ganpat and Ayesha and Manju and Venkat and..."

"Bas, bas,bas...So everyone was privy to your secret except this dumb husband of yours, isn't it?," Milind got up from the chair and turned away from her, folding his hands across his chest.

Prachi came up from behind and faced him.

"Sorry hun," she said and crossing her arms, she pulled her ears in apology.

Milind pretended not to acknowledge her remorse and kept a grumpier face.

She reached up and pulled at his cheeks with both her hands, saying "You know what? You look very cute when you are grumpy, my darling grumpy teddy bear."

Milind swung her over his shoulders, carried her to the bed and turning her on his knee, he cupped his palm and gave her three loud whacks on her backside which evoked more sound than pain.

"Ouch.." Prachi pretended to be in pain but was actually laughing loudly.

"That was for keeping secrets from me," he announced.

Turning her around, he brought his face to hers. "And this is for being such an adorable, caring and loving wife, nevertheless." He kissed her all over the face. Before he can go any further, she whispered into his ear that she was not safe. Smiling ruefully he let her go.

"Give me another 2-3 months. I'll put the hotel on a stronger footing. Then we needn't bother about safe and unsafe," he said.

Prachi then told him that she will be paid another Rs.4.5 lakh as final settlement. They can utilise atleast Rs.4 lakh from that for obtaining additional loan to make some renovations in the hotel.

"What about paying back your mother's loan for Baba's expenses?" he asked with concern.

"We can pay that up once our hotel fully turns around. Mama is not in urgent need of that money. The balance money, along with the Rs.40,000 I have from the advance, can be utilised to pay as advance for a two bedroom flat as we will require more space to accommodate Baba. I would prefer it if we find a flat close to the chawl since I would like to keep in touch with Mala, Manju and the rest of our friends in the chawl."

"Don't you want to buy a car or jewellery for yourself with that money?" he asked her.

"No, Milind. Once our hotel starts doing well, we can always buy those things. First things, first. We'll get back the hotel in order. The rest will follow."

Milind was not only amazed at his wife's shrewdness in financial matters but also her selflessness in putting her family above her needs.



Later that day, they visited Shah House and sought the blessings of PL and Baba. Milind noticed that Sukriti looked much more cheerful. He asked her when can they take Baba back to their house. Sukriti begged him to allow her the company of her father for another couple of weeks at least. PL too felt Mishraji should spend some more time with them. Milind agreed but made his sister promise to let him have his baba back with him soon.

(3)

It was January 8th 2007. Sheikh Hameed Ali had arranged a grand party in the Taj Hotel to celebrate his wife, Noor's birthday. Prachi and Milind were invited to attend it. After the cake was cut, the sheikh gifted his wife several expensive gifts including a diamond jewellery set, an expensive gem studded watch and of course the album 'Ishq', dedicated to her. Noor was very keen to meet the singer and was introduced to Prachi by the producer of the album. Noor was a woman in her late twenties, tall, about 5' 9'', with an oval face which housed a sharp nose, dark almond eyes, pink lips and dimpled chin. Her skin was milky white and flawless. Her lips parted to reveal pearly white even teeth. No wonder the middle-aged sheikh was smitten with his third wife thought Prachi as she herself was enthralled in her beauty. Noor had to repeat her name twice before Prachi snapped out of her trance and shook her extended hand. Noor had heard the album and was very pleased with her singing. She congratulated her on a job well done. She then turned her attention to Milind who was standing next to Prachi and she looked at her enquiringly. Prachi hastened to introduce her husband to the woman and they shook hands. Noor held his hand longer than was necessary, looking deeply into his eyes. Milind looked uncomfortable and averted his gaze before jerking his hand free. Prachi noticed her husband's discomfiture and pointing in the direction of the sheikh, indicated that her husband appeared to be looking for her. Noor turned around and luckily Sheikh Hameed was walking up to them just then. Smiling at her husband, Noor introduced Mr. Milind Mishra, as the singing sensation's husband.

"What do you do, Mr.Mishra?" asked the Sheikh

"I run a hotel in Andheri, the Garodia Hotels."

"The Garodia Hotels? Don't they have a branch at Muscat too?"

"Actually the proprietor of the hotel has sold his Mumbai branch alone to me. My hotel is independent of the parent group," he said.

"Oh, I did not know that. I had visited the Garodia Hotel in Muscat on a couple of occasions and quite liked it. Is your hotel as good?" asked the sheikh, a little condescendingly.

"With due respects, Sir, I would consider my hotel unique and quite different from other hotels."

"In what way, Mr.Mishra?"

Milind then briefed him about the motto of his hotel to provide 'A home away from home' and how he went about trying to fulfil that motto.

The sheikh rubbed his chin. "Interesting, would love to visit your hotel some time."

"Darling, can we stay at Mr.Mishra's hotel during our next visit to India?" drawled out Noor, looking at Milind quite lustfully.

Prachi promptly and possessively slung her arm into Milind's to indicate he was off-limits.

The sheikh who seemed to be unaware of his wife's growing attraction towards another man responded, "Why not, honey. We will. Can I have your card, Mr.Mishra?"

"Yes, you may,"said Milind and dug into his jacket to bring out his business card.

"Nice to have met you", smiled the sheikh, accepting it and led his wife away. She kept turning back to look at Milind.

Prachi knocked her elbow against Milind's and teased him about the bewitchingly beautiful woman who seems to have fallen for his charms. Looking at her irritatedly he said he was not interested in any woman save the one standing next to him.

"Are you sure, Milind? That woman is a thousand times more beautiful than me."

"One woman praising another's beauty? Now that must be a first!' exclaimed Milind.

"She is beauuuutiful, Milind," she drawled.

"Well, if you say so. Frankly I couldn't care less. Shall we leave or are you going to drool over that woman for the rest of the evening?" he asked impatiently.

"Looks like someone does not want to expose himself to temptation!" she continued to tease him.

"I've had enough," he said grumpily and pulled his wife out of the hotel. Prachi kept giggling all the way back home as Milind tried hard to keep a stiff look.

***

Two days later

Milind was keenly pouring through the entertainment section of the newspaper. His eye caught the caption 'Watch out for the next singing sensation.' Below it was a detailed review of Prachi's album. The review praised Prachi's voice quality and her versatility in singing. The music director was also commended for putting together pleasing and seductive numbers which were melodious and memorable. The reviewer had given a five star rating and ended his piece with the statement 'What was Shreya's loss appears to be Prachi's gain.' Milind threw down the paper and lifted Prachi high up in his arms. Prachi squealed and asked him to put her down but he twirled her around several times before putting her down. He then told her how proud he was of her, kissing her on her forehead. Prachi was glad that Milind approved and encouraged her singing career.

XXX

Three days later

Jai Hind chawl had the tradition of respecting and celebrating all the festivals of the residents. Hence it geared up to celebrate Lohri which is a festival to worship fire. A huge bonfire was started in the middle of the courtyard and people gathered around it, throwing til, puffed rice and popcorns into its flames. Prayers were offered to the bonfire, seeking abundance and prosperity and the residents danced the typical bhangra dance with Mrs. Vandana Kapoor singing traditional Punjabi folk songs.

As the festival is auspicious for the new brides, Mrs.Vandana presented Prachi and Mala colourful salwar kameezes and makki ki roti and sarson ka saag, which are the traditional dinner served during the festivities. She then gave her special blessings to both of them and hoped that they will be blest with babies that year. Prachi and Mala bent down to touched her feet in respect and just then Mala fainted. Ganpat who was standing nearby, immediately carried her to the side and sitting down on one of the steps, he laid her on his lap. Manju ran in with water to sprinkle on her, saying that the fumes from the fire must have caused her to faint. Mala slowly opened her eyes and looked around. Mrs.Vandana held her wrist and checked her pulse. She then asked something in hushed tones. Mala nodded her head. Ganpat looked worried. Mrs.Vandana smiled and said that there was nothing to worry. It was in fact a cause for celebration. Prachi, Milind and Ganpat looked at her in confusion. Manju understood her and immediately shook Mala's and Ganpat's hands, congratulating them on their impending parenthood. Ganpat's joy knew no bounds. He kissed his wife's forehead. When Mala tried to get up, he held her by the shoulders and gently lifted her up. Milind smiled broadly, patted him on his shoulders and hugged Mala. Prachi too hugged her and congratulated her. Manju then patted Milind on the back and asked him when he and Prachi were going to give them the good news.



Before he could respond she whispered to him, "Milind, how long do you want to monopolise Prachi and chew her up like a teething baby? Do let your baby do the chewing."

Milind turned red in embarrassment. Manju never minced words. He told her that he wanted to stabilise a little in his business before they start a family. Mala asked him not to postpone these things for too long. At that moment Venkat arrived there with the two boys who had earlier dragged their father to the nearest store to get them chocolates. "See these two little mischievous brats. They drain us out every day and yet we can't imagine a life without them. Children are the blessing of any marriage." She picked up Anu and kissed his cheek. Milind caressed the little boy's head and assured that they will soon give her the good news she wants. Satisfied with his answer she wished them all the best and after inviting them to her house the next day for Pongal celebration, she left with her husband and children to their house.



The next morning Milind and Prachi visited the Iyer's residence to celebrate Pongal. The entrance of the house was decorated with an elaborate and intricate kolam (rangoli). Prachi asked Manju to teach her to draw such kolams. Manju nodded and said that these things should be child's play for an accomplished artist like her. After the usual puja, Manju mixed rice with finely chopped ginger, cumin seeds, pepper, cashew nuts and ghee in a brass pot and let it boil over as per the custom. This delicious dish was then served to the guests. Prachi asked her what was this dish called.

"This is called ven pongal. We also add jaggery or sugar to make sarkarai pongal which is sweet pongal. Pongal means boiling over. We let the food boil over to indicate abundance and prosperity. Pongal is a harvest festival and is celebrated over four days. Here in the cities we do not have time to observe all the days. Hence we only celebrate it on one day", she explained.

Adi and Anu begged their mother to give them sarkarai pongal. Manju smiled and brought out the sarkarai pongal which disappeared into their little tummies within minutes.

"See, how fast they eat sweet stuff," she remarked to Prachi.

After breakfast, Venkat gave them pieces of sugarcane to bite and chew. He chopped off the hard exterior and gave the softer inner portions to his sons who happily munched them before spitting them out. They later bid goodbye to their parents, Milind uncle and Prachi aunty and ran off to play with their friends.

Prachi looked at her piece of sugarcane, wondering how to bite it. Milind showed her how, by biting into his piece. After trying to rip off the hard skin a couple of times and not succeeding, she gave up. Milind took the piece from her and ripped off the hard exterior with his teeth and gave her the inner portion which she then chewed to a pulp before spitting it out. Some of the sugarcane juice spilled from the corner of her mouth as she chewed on the cane. Milind caught the dripping liquid in his index finger and sucked his finger. Prachi playfully slapped Milind's hand. Manju and Venkat who were watching this, looked at each other and smiled.



Once the sugarcane biting, chewing and sucking were done, Manju requested Prachi to sing for them.

"Tomorrow I can tell my colleagues at school that the new singing sensation sang exclusively for me," she said.

Prachi smiled and sang one of the songs from the album. Both Manju and Venkat rose and gave her a standing ovation when she finished the song. Milind smiled at her proudly.



That evening there was a kite flying competition in the chawl on the occasion of Magar Sankranti which is celebrated on the same day as Pongal. The kids in the chawl got together and flew colourful kites. They offered a kite to Prachi too but she declined saying that she does not know how to fly it. Milind offered to help her. He held the ball of string and asked her to hold the kite facing her and the wind. He then unwound the string for about 30 yards or so and signalled to her to release the kite. When she did, he quickly drew in the string towards himself to launch the kite. Once the kite was in the air, he loosened the string to let it fly higher. He then asked Prachi to hold the string. Standing behind her, he too held the string and helped her move the kite around. Soon the kids brought their kites closer to hers and tried to cut off her kite. Prachi got excited and in trying to avert them, moved backwards, tripped and fell on Milind who, in turn, lost his balance and the two of them went crashing to the ground. Their legs got entangled in the string and their kite came down with a thud. The kids laughed merrily at the spectacle. Mala and Ganpat who had come down to watch the competition could not hide their smile. Ganpat walked up to Milind and lifted him up. Milind then pulled Prachi up.

"Kya, yaar. You are a disgrace to men. You lost to small bachchaas?" he pulled his leg. Milind scratched his head and said that his better half literally brought him down this time. Prachi glared at him and stomped off with a sullen face. Seeing this, Milind excused himself and ran behind her to appease her. Mala and Ganpat laughed loudly.

XXXI

Milind's business was progressing well. Milind had taken a loan for Rs.40 lakh for undertaking some renovation work at the hotel. Prachi's settlement money came in handy for obtaining the loan. With the face lift to the exteriors of the hotel coupled with the marked improvement in services after Milind's takeover, the hotel soon started attracting more and more guests. Mr.Mulchandani, the businessman from Jaipur had been very impressed with the improvements during his last visit to the hotel and had promised to recommend it to all his business associates. When Milind tried to thank him he told him that he was not doing him any favour and was only promoting what was good. He said that Milind does not need any recommendation as what he has done to the place spoke volumes of his hard work and perseverance. The occupancy rate at his hotel increased by the day and soon the hotel was running to near full capacity even during off season times, as opposed to the 50-60 per cent occupancy rate when Milind had taken charge of the hotel. The increased volumes translated into higher revenue and Milind was able to comfortably meet his repayment obligations and also pay good salaries to attract the best talent in the industry.



On the home front, he paid the advance for a two bedroom apartment which was very close to the chawl as Prachi had wanted. They moved into their new home in the first week of February. Milind brought his baba back from Shah House into the new home. Baba was given his own bedroom. Mich's bedroom was right next to his so that they can attend to his needs at night. Baba's health showed marked improvement with the physiotherapy and speech therapy. He was able to say a few mono syllables which were decipherable. He was also able to stand up with help although he still could not walk. The doctors were amazed at his progress and ascribed it to his will power and the loving care of his family. They hoped that at this rate he should be able to return back to a near normal life. Mala cited the example of her uncle to her father to encourage him to try moving from his immobile state. This along with the news of Mala's pregnancy seemed to encourage Vinod to put in more efforts. Although there was not much progress in his physical health he seemed more cheerful. Mala's mother-in-law was very happy that she would soon become a grandmother and took good care of her daughter-in-law inspite of her own problems with impaired vision. Luckily Mala's pregnancy was relatively hassle free with no morning sickness and other associated discomfort.

On the evening of February 13th, Milind and Prachi left for the Conference of the hoteliers in Bangalore which was to be held the next day. Although the Conference itself was only for a day, Milind had planned to spend an additional four days there with his wife. He had informed Sukriti and PL of his plans and they assumed the responsibility of taking care of Baba in their absence. He had, however, not revealed his plans to Prachi as he wanted this short honeymoon trip to be her surprise.



They landed in Ayesha's place that night. She was thrilled to see them and welcomed them in. Over dinner, they caught up with what was happening in each other's lives. Ayesha told them that her company was taken over by another company but her job was secure as they let her continue as manager of the Bangalore unit. Ayesha was very happy to note that Prachi's singing career has taken off well and her album was doing brisk sales. Prachi was getting lot of offers but she was being selective and is yet to sign any fresh contract. Ayesha was happy to note that Milind's hotel was also doing well. She hoped that he will soon turn it around. They all said Amen to that.



The next morning Milind left for the conference which was held at the Oberoi Hotel. The chief guest of the conference was the Tourism Minister from the Centre. During the interactive session in the afternoon, Milind suggested to the Minister that hoteliers and the tourism ministry need to work in closer co-ordination which will be of mutual benefit to both parties. Boosting the tourism industry will not only help in increasing their share in the country's gross domestic product (GDP) but will also create job opportunities for several people in the hospitality industry. However, the biggest hurdle in developing tourism is the lack of proper infrastructure in the form of road/rail connectivity and it is here that the Government needs to do more so that people have better access to the places of tourist interests. He suggested that the pace of privatisation of state-run hotels should be increased so that the Government can concentrate on areas such as infrastructure development. Approach roads to the hotels also need to be properly maintained, for however much the hotels do in improving their services, if the roads leading up to their hotels are bad and riddled with pot holes, people may be discouraged to pick their hotels for stay. He also thanked the Government for instituting the National Tourism Awards which are presented to state governments, classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performances in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promote tourism. The Minister welcomed his suggestions and promised to do his best to promote greater co-operation between the various arms of Government both at the Centre and State Level to enable them to achieve their common objectives.

That evening the hotel had organised a Valentine's Day party for which the hoteliers were invited along with their spouses. Milind took Prachi to attend the party. Apart from the usual ballroom dances, they had a 'Made For Each Other' contest for the couples in which Michi took part. Each couple was asked a set of questions about themselves and about their spouses to see how well they knew each other. These questions were posed to both partners separately when their spouses were not present in the room. Later the spouses were asked the same questions. The couple were awarded points if the answers matched. If for instance one of the partners says that his spouse likes the colour red and she too says she likes red, then they will get a point. On the other hand if she says that she likes blue, then the couple will get no points. The couple who had the maximum points was then given the award. The following were the questions posed to Michi and their answers to them.

What is your spouse's favourite book?

Milind: My wife's favourite author is Jeffery Archer and her favourite book is 'Not a penny more, not a penny less'.

Prachi: I love Jeffery Archer's 'Not a penny more, not a penny less'

Prachi: My husband is not fond of fiction. He is more into non-fiction books and autobiographies. His favourite book is 'Wings of Fire' by A.P.J.Abdul Khalam.

Milind: My favourite book is 'Wings of Fire' by our honourable President.

What is your spouse's favourite colour?

Milind: Blue

Prachi: I love the colour blue

Prachi:Black

Milind: I am fond of black

What is your spouse's favourite sport?

Milind: Well, she is not much into sports but she loves playing kho kho with the kids in our colony.

Prachi: I am not a sports person but I do like to play kho kho

Prachi: Football

Milind: Football anyday, although I like all sports

Who is your spouse's favourite Bollywood actor and actress?

Prachi: Amitabh Bachchan and Maduri Dixit.

Milind: The angry man Amitabh Bachchan and the dancing queen Maduri Dixit.

Milind: Amir Khan and Kajol.

Prachi: I simply love Amir and Kajol, though not in the same film.

What is your spouse's favourite dish?

Prachi: He loves my dhoklas

Milind: Anything that is cooked by my wife. My favourite has to be dhoklas.

Milind:She loves all types of junk food but I think her favourite is bhel puri.

Prachi: Chat dishes like bhel puri

After this round of questions, the couple were asked questions about love and what do they like in their spouses.

What is love?

Milind: Love is a six letter word- PRACHI

Prachi: Love is a six letter word ' MILIND

What is it that you like most about your wife Mr.Mishra?

Milind: There is nothing I dislike about her. I love the entire package. Her beauty, her love, her concern, her dedication, her simplicity, her talents, her intelligence, her wisdom, her courage to face everything, her willingness to adapt to her environment, her selflessness... the list is endless.

Do you mean to say she has no flaws?

Milind: Of course, she has. She is not God. But then I have my flaws too. If you love someone you accept them in whole, not just a few of their qualities.

So what are her flaws?

Milind: To be frank, I really don't remember because they don't appear as flaws to me any more.

What about you Mrs.Mishra? What do you like about your husband?

Prachi: Everything, I simply love the man. His high self-esteem, his determination, his large heartedness, his tenderness, his simplicity, his love, his devotion, his generosity, his honesty, his diligence, his compassion, his inability to hold a grudge, his ability to forgive, his ability to make me feel so special and loved always, the respect he shows to elders....(she was panting by the end of it)

Any Flaws?

Prachi: Flaws? You mean like his short-temper, his moodiness, his impatience? Well, I love him for them. They are part of his personality. I love my grumpy man because he can't hold on to his grumpiness for more than a few hours and he looks mighty cute when he is grumpy.

If there is one wish you will be granted, what will you ask for?

Milind: Her happiness. For in her happiness lies mine.

Prachi: His happiness. I don't see my happiness as different from his.

At the end of the rounds, the winners were announced and it wasn't a surprise that Michi won the trophy. While accepting the trophy Milind was asked to say a few words.

He said, "Falling in love is easy. Staying and growing in love in the face of all adversities is the challenge of true love. I hope all couples here find true love like we have. Once the seed of love is planted, one can't ignore it and expect it to grow on its own. The couple need to work hard in nurturing it and helping it grow into a healthy tree which will bear fruit. There are four things love can do without - L for lie, O for oppression, V for vindictiveness and E for Ego. If these are removed from the relationship, there is nothing to stop it from becoming the strongest human bond."

Prachi looked at her man with great pride as he took his seat by her side at the end of it.


(2)



That night Prachi packed her clothes in her bag expecting to leave for Mumbai the next day. She asked Milind who had just come out of the shower what time was their flight and whether they can drop in on Amrita Aunty before they returned to Mumbai. Milind then revealed the surprise honeymoon he had planned for her. They will visit Amrita Aunty the following morning and go around Bangalore in the afternoon. The following day they will leave for Mysore and Madikkeri. After spending three days there they will go to Mangalore which was the nearest airport and take the flight back to Mumbai. He told her that he had packed her clothes for the four days in his bag since he wanted to surprise her. Hearing this Prachi excitedly hugged and kissed him.



The next day Milind and Prachi accompanied Ayesha to NIMHANS where her mother was being treated. Amrita, who was very fond of Milind, recognised him immediately and smiled broadly at him. She, however, looked at Prachi in confusion although she has seen her at the chawl on a couple of occasions before. Ayesha had to gently remind her of who she is.

"Mama, this is Prachi. Remember my friend from college? She has come to our house in Mumbai?"

Amrita gave her a faint smile but it was clear she still could not place her.

Ayesha explained to her that Milind and Prachi are married and have come to Bangalore on an official/personal visit.

Milind and Prachi took her blessings. Milind then sat next to her and asked her how she was. Amrita told him that they were taking very good care of her at the hospital. She liked the climate of the city too. Her only grievance was that she had not got an opportunity to move around much. She lamented that Ayesha had promised to take her to Lal Bagh but did not have the time to do so as she was busy at work. Milind told her that he will gladly take her there if she wants. Amrita looked at Ayesha expectantly. Ayesha tried to tell her that they should not be troubling Milind who is on a honeymoon with his wife but Prachi intervened and said that they would love to show her around. Ayesha obtained the permission from the hospital to let Milind and Prachi take Amrita out for the day and rushed to her factory as she was expecting the new boss to visit their unit in the afternoon.


Milind and Prachi then took Amrita along with them to the Lal Bagh gardens. The botanical garden was a huge expanse of greenery where flora was at its best. Amrita was excited to see all the colourful flowers. She tried to pluck a few but Prachi gently restrained her, saying they were not allowed to do so. Milind promised to get her fresh flowers from the florist on their way back to the hospital. Amrita seemed to be satisfied with that and they continued their tour of the gardens. Suddenly Amrita stiffened seeing somebody. She then let go of Prachi's hand and ran after a gentleman, calling out to him, "Monty, Monty....". The man was of medium height and build and had a thick mop of salt and pepper hair. He wore a grey suit. As he had his back to them, Milind and Prachi could not see his face. The gentleman apparently did not hear her for he kept walking and went out of the gate where he was lost in the crowd. Milind ran behind Amrita and reached her before she too got lost. Tears were streaming down her eyes as she kept repeating she needs to find her Monty and tell him that she has been waiting for him all these years and ask him when he will come back to take her. Milind wiped her tears and placed his arms around her shoulder, loosely hugging her. He assured her that everything will be alright. They will try to find Monty but she needs to get back to the hospital as she has to be fit and fine when she meets him. Amrita reluctantly let herself be taken back to the hospital. On the way, Milind dropped by at the florist and bought her a dozen white lilies, her favourite flower.



During dinner that night, Milind informed Ayesha about her mother's behaviour at the gardens. At the mention of the name Monty, Ayesha knew her mother had seen or thought she had seen her father. She wonder whether her father was in the same city but did not know how she will find him if he was. Not wanting to burden them with her family problems, Ayesha remained quiet. She told them that she felt exhausted and needed to hit the bed as early as possible. As Milind and Prachi were to leave for Mysore early the following morning, she wished them all the best in advance for an exciting honeymoon, saying that she may not be awake when they leave.



Lying on the bed, Ayesha closed her eyes wearily. Why did all the unexpected things have to happen on the same day? First shock that she got that day was when she realised who her new boss is. The name of the company should have rung a bell in her mind but somehow she did not make the association. From his expression it was clear he did not recollect who she was. He seemed to have changed a lot. His face was drawn, his lustreless eyes sunken and rimmed with dark circles which indicated he had not slept well for days, maybe even weeks. His shoulders were stooped. He sported a stubble which did not really suit him and he did not seem to care much about his appearance going by the creased suit he wore. He was a far cry from the smartly dressed person she had briefly seen all those months back. What was responsible for this transformation she wondered. They did not interact much as he had to leave for another meeting that day. She briefed him about the functioning of the unit and appraised him of the problems they were facing on the labour front. The trade union was strong and was creating problems about the long shifts the workers were subjected to in the recent months. He wanted her to give him a detailed report about the number of days when the late shifts were operational and reasons for the same. He also asked her to arrange a meeting with the trade union leader the following day. She had to sit late to complete the report and was wondering how the man is going to face the hard-nosed trade union leader the next day. As though the problems at work were not enough, she was made aware of her mother's strange behaviour at the gardens that afternoon. If it was indeed her father she had seen, her mother is not going to rest in peace till she is taken to him. Whatever progress was achieved in the last ten months would go down the drain. She just hoped that her mother would forget that day's encounter but she was not sure. Still troubled by all these thoughts, she slipped into a restless sleep.

(3)



Early the following morning, Milind and Prachi had left by a tourist taxi to Mysore. On the way they visited Srirangapatnam where Tipu Sultan was killed, betrayed by one of his own confidants. They visited his palace and his tomb. They then reached Mysore and checked into the Viceroy hotel which was a 3-star hotel. After freshening up they went on a city tour. First they visited the famous Mysore palace which was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars. The opulence and the splendour in which the royal family lived left them speechless. They admired the ornately gilded columns, the rosewood doorways inlaid with ivory, stained glass ceilings, decorative steel grills, chandeliers with fine floral motifs, the peacock mosaic flooring, the rich oil paintings, Indian and European sculptures and the beautiful doll collection from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In one of the halls was a unique mirror which made the person standing in front of it look short and fat. Prachi found it highly amusing to see her distorted image in it. Giggling at herself she told Milind that she may end up looking like that after pregnancy and child birth.

"Would you be still interested in that fat woman, then?" she asked Milind, pointing at her image.

Hugging her shoulder from behind he whispered that the woman in his arms will always hold his interest no matter how old, or fat or clumsy she may look, in his eyes she will remain as beautiful as ever. Prachi turned around and gave him her best smile, showing her deep dimples. He pinched her cheek and asked her to move on.

As Prachi was interested in art, they went to the Jayachamarajendra Museum and Art Gallery which housed some of the finest paintings of stalwarts like Raja Ravi Verma and Nicholas Roerich. The gallery also had some fine curios in ivory, sandal wood, ceramics and stone including Japanese porcelain and English glass, traditional musical instruments, antique furniture and carvings from China. Prachi feasted her eyes on such rich artefacts and thanked Milind for bringing her there.



That evening they visited the widespread terraced Vrindhavan Gardens below the Krishnarajasagar dam. The garden is renowned for its musical dancing fountain. At the gardens, a group of college students passed them by. One of them turned around and immediately squealed, "Hey, isn't that Prachi Mishra". The rest of them turned around too and their eyes widened in surprise. They rushed to her and asked her if she was Prachi Mishra. Prachi looked at them in confusion as she did not recognise a single one of them. Admitting that she was, she asked them how do they know her.



"How can we not know you? You are the latest rage, your songs are just too good," said the first guy.



The girl next to him agreed and said to her that her voice is so captivating that they just can't seem to stop listening to her. As if to prove her point she gave her the ear phones to her ipod and sure enough Prachi got to hear her own voice in it. Blushing at the sudden popularity she seemed to have gained and that too in a place so far away from her own city, she looked at Milind who couldn't hide his pride. The students followed her gaze and asked her who he was.



"That's my husband, my strength and my support."

"You are married?" exclaimed one the guys."Why is it that all the good ones are already taken?"

Milind smiled at that and tapping the back of the guy's head, he said, "Even if she wasn't, don't you think that she is a little old for you?"

"That is no problem, Sir. 'Older the wine, better the taste' or is it 'older the fiddle better the tune?!'" said the guy naughtily.

This time Milind gave him a sharper tap on his head, although it was in jest. The students then begged her to give her autograph and extended whatever they had in their hands. Some gave her their entrance tickets to the garden, some their handkerchiefs, some their notebooks, some even their hands. Prachi signed them all and wished them all the best in whatever they do.


Soon it turned dark and the garden was illuminated with colourful lights. Michi reached the corner of the garden in which was the famous musical dancing fountain. They took their seats on the nearby gallery. They were enthralled to see the jets of water, lit by colourful lights, dance to the beat of the music.

(See video, although the audio is a little muffled)

http://media.desishock.com/193466/Musical-Dancing-Fountain-at-Vrindavan-Garden,-Mysore


Prachi leaned on Milind's shoulder in amazement at the sight. Milind smiled and held her close. The chillness in the air increased and she started shivering inspite of the shawl she was wearing. Milind wrapped his arms tighter around her letting his body heat permeate to her. She sighed and held on to his waist. The performance of the fountains soon finished and they made their way back to the entrance of the garden as soon as possible before the lights were turned off.



Early next morning they left for Madikeri or 'Mercara' as it was called earlier. It is a hill station in Karnataka, popularly known as Scotland of India. The mist clad hills are adorned with thick forests, tea and coffee plantations and orange groves. Prachi fell in love with the natural setting. They checked into their hotel and later walked down the hills, enjoying the beautiful scenery. They went to the Abbey Falls(see picture below) and admired the lacey frills of the crystal clear water gushing down.
Suddenly Prachi started coughing and sneezing continuously. Milind looked worriedly at her. Her eyes and nose were streaming and she looked positively unwell. Not wanting to strain her further, he carried her back to the hotel and took her to their room. He laid her on the bed and by then she was burning up with fever. She started shivering and her teeth started chattering. Milind was alarmed to see the sudden deterioration in her health. He ordered for some warm milk and took out a Crocin tablet from his bag. He made her take the medicine and then rubbed some eucalyptus oil on her forehead, arms, chest and back before bundling her up in thick blankets. He stretched himself next to her and held her tight. After a few minutes, Prachi slipped into deep sleep, exhausted by the fever. Milind called in the hospital doctor, who on examination said that she seemed to have a flu attack. Milind watched over her, not able to sleep a wink, right through the night as the fever shot up during the night. Milind gave her cold swabs to bring the fever down. She kept muttering and moaning in pain. He covered her up with his own body to give her as much comfort and warmth as possible. The next two days went in taking care of his sick wife. Milind could not bear to see his wife suffer and hoped and prayed she will be well again. On the second day, the fever left as suddenly as it appeared. Prachi was still feeling weak from it. Milind asked her if she wanted to stay back for a few more days till she felt stronger before they undertook their journey but she wanted to get back home soon. So they went to Mangalore, from where they flew back to Mumbai. On the flight Prachi apologised to Milind for ruining their honeymoon with her sickness. Milind kissed the top of her head and reassured her that she had not ruined anything, for to him honeymoon meant spending time alone with your beloved and he got to do just that, even if it meant being bundled up in bed for two days.

(4)



Back in Bangalore



The day Milind and Prachi had left for Mysore, Ayesha had got up late, at around 8.00 a.m., as she could hardly sleep well the previous night, with worries about her mother and her work plaguing her. She was still feeling tired but had to report for duty and submit the report on the labour problem. She decided to pay her mother a visit at the hospital before going to work inorder to ensure that she was well, especially after the incident at the Lal Bagh gardens. At the hospital her mother refused to acknowledge her. She seemed dull and withdrawn. The nurse informed her that she had not had her dinner the previous night and refused to speak to anyone. Ayesha's worst fears seemed to be materialising. Her mother appeared to be deeply affected by who she saw or thought she saw at the gardens. Asking for her breakfast, she sat next to her with the plate and gently tried to feed her but Amrita pushed her hand away, saying she will eat only if Monty comes to see her. Ayesha did not know what to do.



She was not aware of circumstances under which her parents got separated. When she was old enough to comprehend things, she came to know from her grandmother that her mother had eloped with her father when her grandfather tried to forcefully get her married to someone else, despite her grandmother's effort to make him see reason. Her grandfather, who could not bear to face the shame of his daughter's disappearance on the day of the wedding, committed suicide. Her grandmother was a courageous woman who even after losing her only child and husband in a short span of time had the willpower to struggle and eke out a living for herself, selling home-made papads and pickles, wire bags and other handicraft items. After she was born, her father had left her mother and her in the care of her grandmother and gone to the Gulf to seek his fortunes there. He never communicated with them after that. Waiting and waiting for her husband to get in touch with her, her mother gradually lost her mental balance till one day she was completely taken over by the mental illness. Ayesha had tried to get her grandmother to reveal details about her father, including his full name, so that they can try to bring about a reconciliation between her parents, but her grandmother had been very angry as she considered him to be a deserter of his family and refused to divulge anything further. In fact she had her mother's maiden name as her surname as her grandmother did not want her to have anything to do with her father including taking on his surname. Her mother was of not much help either because she kept referring to him as Monty and nothing else. With no leads and just a pet name to go by there was nothing much she could do, especially after her grandmother's death. She just hoped that her mother will slowly forget the incident at the gardens. After a lot of coaxing and promises to find Monty, she finally managed to make her mother have her breakfast. The doctor had just then come in and assured her that they are undertaking special treatment and hopefully she would gain normalcy.



She hurried to work and found that her boss had already reached and was waiting quite impatiently for her. She tried to explain her problem but he had waved her into silence and asked for the report. She handed it over to him and went about her work. That afternoon, her boss called a meeting of the workers. She was asked to be present while he addressed the meeting. He had told the workers that he knew that the long hours at work were due the go-slow tactic used by the workers. He asked them what their problems were, why was it that they were not completing their work on time. The trade union leader tried to butt in and give an explanation but he stopped him and asked one of the senior workers to voice their problems. The worker told him that they were unhappy with the wages being paid as their compatriots elsewhere earned more than them. They had been told by the trade union leader that if they adopt the go-slow tactics, the management will be forced to pay them more by way of overtime. However, the longer hours of work created rift in their families. The boss told them that they could have come forward directly with their problems and sought a solution instead of these indirect methods. The senior worker then said that they were not sure how the new management will take their complaints. They did not want to lose their jobs altogether in their struggle for higher wages. Hence they listened to the trade union leader but admitted that this was not getting them anywhere since all of them were unhappy. The boss assured them that he will find a solution to their problem and asked them to give him a couple of hours. During this time he asked Ayesha to give him details of the prevailing wages in the industry. Ayesha had already gathered these details because she anticipated that the labour problems stemmed from dissatisfaction over the wage structure but she wanted the workers to admit it upfront to the boss. She also asked the accounts head to present him the financials of the factory unit. After examining the details, the boss called in the workers and assured them of a 20 per cent increase in their wages provided they completed their work on time and helped the unit to do well. He impressed upon them that they were all working towards a common goal and that the management and the workers should not pit themselves against each other because then all of them stand to lose. The workers appreciated the honest manner in which their boss addressed their problems and promised to cooperate with the management. Ayesha couldn't help but admire the skill with which her boss handled the volatile situation, despite his youth and relative inexperience in the business.





That evening she visited her mother again at the hospital and spent some time with her, although her mother remained morose and un-interactive. As she was driving back home in her scooty, she noticed a man staggering on the platform and fall unconscious in front of her vehicle. She applied the brakes suddenly and was about to fall off the vehicle herself. She quickly regained her balance, parked her vehicle and rushed to him. The road was deserted and there was no one around. When she turned over the guy who was sprawled face down on road, she was shocked to see that it was her boss. He looked like he was thoroughly beaten up. His head had a big bump on it. His eyes were puffed up. His face was covered with lacerations. There was a deep gash above his brow which was bleeding profusely. His nose was bleeding too. His lower lip was swollen and cut. She sprinkled some water over his face and he opened his eyes and looked dazedly at her. She asked if he could hold on to her while she tried to take him to the nearest clinic to dress his wounds. He merely nodded. Lifting him with great difficulty, she supported him by holding him by his waist and swinging his arm around her shoulder. She got him to sit on the pillion of her scooty and taking the driver's seat, she made him hold her around her waist for support. Not being able to support himself, he leaned against her back. Although it was difficult for her to drive with his weight on her, she started the scooty and took him to the nearby clinic. There his wounds were cleaned and dressed. He thanked her and was about to leave when he staggered on to the nearest bench, holding his throbbing head in his hands. She realised that he was not in a position to be left alone. She asked him which hotel he stayed in but he only looked at her in confusion. Making up her mind in a split second, she parked the scooty at the clinic and hired a cab to take them back to her flat. She took him in and led him to the spare bedroom in which Michi had stayed earlier. She made him sit on the bed, removed his coat and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt to make him more comfortable. He still looked dazed and did not protest. Instead he laid his tired and wounded body on the bed and promptly went to sleep.



She skipped her dinner as she did not feel hungry. She just had a couple of biscuits and went to her room. Lying on her bed she wondered how her boss ended up in this position. She had noticed that his wallet, cell phone and other personal belongings seemed to be untouched. So it cannot be an attempt to rob him. She decided to find out from him the next day and went to sleep wondering what the next day had in store for her.



The next morning she got up and headed to the room where her boss lay. He was still asleep. She finished her morning routine and prepared tea and breakfast. As she brought in the tray with the cup of tea and a plate of toasted bread, she saw her boss slowly struggle to sit up. Lifting his head he looked at her in surprise and asked her where he was and what was she doing there. She explained to him the condition she found him in the previous night and that she had brought him to her house after getting his wounds dressed because she realised he was not in a position to be left alone. Slowly things started coming back to him. Taking the tea cup from her, he slowly tried to sip it. His cut and swollen lips made it difficult for him to sip. Ayesha got him a spoon and made him take the tea in it. He then recounted in a slow and slurred voice the happenings of the previous night. He was returning from the factory in the company car to his hotel. He had to take the late night flight back to Mumbai. On the way though, the driver stopped his car in a lonely locality. He was dragged out of the car by a group of men who then started hitting him. He tried to hit back but was hopelessly outnumbered. As he tried to escape from there he was hit at the back of his head with a stick. He tried to hold his balance. The men who had hit him hopped into the car and threatening the driver to drive fast, they got away. In the dim light he could make out that one of them was the trade union leader. It appeared that he was not happy with the way the labour dispute was settled in a smooth manner and decided to vent his anger, assisted by a group of goondas. He wanted to file a police complaint. She asked him if he would like to return to the hotel first and change but he felt he needed to present himself in the dishevelled and bloodied look for the police to take him seriously. She volunteered to accompany him to the police station. They filed an FIR against the trade union guy. Later they went to his hotel where he had a bath without wetting his face and changed into fresh clothes. Ayesha waited for him at the lobby. They then went to the clinic to collect her scooty. Her boss insisted in driving it and she sat in the pillion. Seeing them arrive at the factory together, the workers were curious to know what was the deal. Her boss hastened to explain what had happened the previous night as he did not want her reputation to be sullied. The senior worker who had spoken up the previous day promised that the workers will assist the police in finding and apprehending the trade union leader. The driver also told him that he will inform the police where he saw them get off last before disappearing into the night.



The police had requested her boss to stay for a couple of more days till they rounded up the men who had hit him. Her boss agreed to stay back. During these days he observed her style of functioning more closely and was impressed with her ability to handle work pressure well. He gave her valuable tips about how to discharge her duties more effectively. By the end of the two days, the culprits were apprehended. The workers were of great assistance in this. Once he identified the men, her boss was allowed to leave the city and he took the flight back to Mumbai that night.



****

At the airport terminal, Prachi and Milind were waiting at the baggage claim area for their baggage when she caught sight of him. He was waiting for his baggage at the conveyor belt next to theirs. She stiffened and turned her head away from him just as he looked up and saw her. For a brief second their eyes met. He tried to smile but she did not reciprocate. Instead she dragged her husband to the far side of the conveyor belt. Milind looked at her in confusion and turned around to see what had prompted this sudden reaction from her. When he saw him, he understood his wife's behaviour and did not protest. He pushed the trolley to where she wanted to go. Soon their baggage arrived and they collected it and left the airport without turning around to see him again.



He collected his baggage soon thereafter and ruefully smiled as he wheeled the trolley to the taxi stand.

XXXII

Three weeks later



Ever since he returned to Mumbai he couldn't stop thinking about her. She had looked vaguely familiar as though he had seen her somewhere but he could not recollect when or where he had seen her before their meeting in Bangalore. More than her looks, what impressed him most was the courage with which she confronts problems and addresses them. He was particularly impressed with the way she took charge of the situation seeing him wounded and bleeding on the roadside. He could vaguely recollect her lifting him and making him sit on the scooty. Although she was a frail girl, she seemed to have a lot of stamina to be able to do that. He wasn't a well built man but still must be atleast one and a half times her weight. Yet she managed to heave him on the vehicle and then later ride it to the clinic, bearing the weight of his body slumped against her back. He turned red with embarrassment recollecting those moments where he was helpless and had to be supported by a puny woman. He was also impressed with her managerial abilities, having watched her in action from close quarters. Their Mumbai branch can well do with a woman like her at the helm. Was he calling her only for business reasons? That is what he kept telling himself. Anyway he was not ready for anything more than that. His personal life has been in shambles for some time now. The hurt and pain were still raw. As they say 'Once bitten, twice shy.' He did not want to complicate his life more than it already was. Making up his mind, he buzzed his secretary and asked her to place a call to their Bangalore unit. When she connected him, he said, "Good morning, Ms.Singhania. How's work progressing in your unit?"

"Good morning, Sir. We are doing well here."

"Is there any resurfacing of the labour problem?"

"No Sir, the workers are very happy and co-operative. Your timely intervention has prevented the situation from spinning out of control."

"Good, I want you here at Mumbai on the 4th of March for an important meeting. Can you make it?"

"I'll be there, Sir. Is there any information I need to bring along with me?"

"No. Just present yourself here. Good day."

"Good day, Sir."

After he replaced the phone he realised that his hands were sweating. His heart beat which had accelerated in hearing her voice was slowly returning to normal. What was wrong with him, he wondered.

*****

It was the day before Holi, the spring festival. The children of Jai Hind chawl lit up a huge bonfire and sang and danced around it. The ritual of burning dead leaves, twigs, dirt and filth is supposed to symbolise the burning of evil spirit to welcome the good. The next morning, the residents got together at the courtyard and smeared colour on each other. Milind and Prachi had come over to the chawl in white dresses and joined in the fun. Milind smeared his wife's face with 'gulal' and snatched the pichkari (big syringe to squirt coloured water) from the kid standing next to him to drench her in yellow colour. Prachi squealed and retaliated by squirting blue colour on him. There was a lot of dancing and merry making amidst all this colour splashing. Just then Ayesha walked into the chawl with her air bag and got caught in the cross fire of colour squirting. Soon she was drenched from head to toe in multi-colours. It is only then she realised that she has landed in the city on Holi day. For a moment she forgot that she had come for some official work and had dropped in at the chawl only to say 'hi' to her friends before reporting for duty. Instead she got carried away by the vibrance of the place and joined in the fun. It is only after playing with them for half an hour did she realise that she needs to meet her boss. As she did not have time to change into clean clothes, she excused herself, telling them that she will meet up that evening and left her bag with Prachi before taking an auto rickshaw to her boss's office.
*******

At the office, people looked her up and down. She bent her head in embarrassment and waited for him outside his chambers till he called her in. Expecting to see a smart, fair and delicate woman, he was shocked to see a strange multi-coloured wet creature enter his office. He was about to send her away when he recognised her voice as she wished him.

"Is this some sort of joke Ms.Singhania? You come to the office looking like some specimen from the children's comic books." He tried hard to suppress his smile and look sternly at her.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I forgot today was Holi since your office was working unlike most offices which are closed today. I got drenched in colour by my friends. Since I was running late for the meeting and did not want to waste your precious time in waiting for me, I could not change into some clean clothes before coming here."

He did not fail to notice the indirect way she let him know that he had not given his employees a holiday on Holi and hence deprived them of celebration. He liked the manner in which she put across her explanation without sounding offensive. He asked his secretary to get the sample of ladies outfits they had received at their office that morning from their factory unit. She returned ten minutes later with half a dozen business suits. Only one of them, a well cut Navy blue suit, was size zero, which he presumed will be the size of Ms.Singhania. Taking it out of the lot, he extended it to her.

"You can use my washroom to wash up and change, Ms.Singhania. I'll wait till you make yourself presentable," he said.

She took the suit from him and went to the attached wash room which had a hand shower apart from the western closet. She removed her multi-colour suit and washed off the colour from her body and face before drying herself with the towel slung on the rack. She then changed into the suit and went back to him.

"That's better Ms.Singhania. I'll now be able to converse with a young attractive woman instead of a Martian from space," he smiled.

He then explained to her the problems they were facing in their Mumbai unit and asked her what were the solutions to these problems. She thought for some time and told him ways to solve them. Nodding his head thoughtfully, he agreed that they were indeed very good suggestions.

"How do you like taking over the Mumbai unit to implement your suggestions?" he asked, nonchalantly.

She was shocked to hear this. The managerial position of the Mumbai unit is a huge promotion as the business this unit was doing was more than 65 per cent of the total turnover of the company. At the same time she was worried about leaving back her mother. Seeing her confused expression, he asked her if she had any problems. She hesitatingly informed him about her mother's health. Although there was some improvement in her health after the regression witnessed three weeks back when he visited the Bangalore unit, she was still not normal. He was amazed at the resilience of this woman. Inspite of her own harrowing experiences at that time she did not let her personal problems come in the way of discharging her duties. On top of it she took care of him too when he was hit by the union leader and his gang. He promised to settle all her mother's medical bills and allow her to fly to Bangalore every weekend to be with her mother. He told her that when employees take care of the interests of their company, it is the duty of the employer to take care of their problems. She was surprised by his generosity and agreed to join the unit in Mumbai by April. He then called his secretary to type out Ms.Singhania's transfer orders. He also asked her to inform everyone that they can leave immediately to celebrate Holi with their families. Ayesha smiled and thanked him for his thoughtfulness. He told her that it is he who should thank her for making him realise that he was depriving his staff of their rightful enjoyment. He then asked her if he can take her out for lunch. She agreed after briefly hesitating and they left after half an hour to have lunch at the most posh restaurant in that locality.

******

Back in the chawl, people exchanged Holi wishes and distributed light snacks. The men had a milk-based cool drink called 'thandai' which was laced with an intoxicant, 'bhaang'. Milind's friends forced a little too much of the drink down his throat although Prachi tried in vain to stop him from drinking. Soon Milind got tipsy and amorous with his wife in public. He declared loudly that he has the most beautiful wife in the world and was hence the most envied amongst his peers. He hugged his wife around the waist and tried to kiss her cheek. Prachi turned red with embarrassment and pushed his face away. She then asked Ganpat to help her take her husband back to their house. With his hands on either of their shoulders, Milind was finally dragged to his house where he passed out on the bed.

XXXIII

One month later



Ayesha moved back to Mumbai and assumed charge of the Mumbai unit. Milind and Prachi were very happy for her. Ayesha did not share with them an important detail about who her new boss was, knowing that atleast one of them would not be happy to hear about it. In fact the first time she met him, even she was not looking forward to working for such a man, a man who was responsible for a lot of calamity in her best friend's life. But something about his melancholic look tugged at the more compassionate portions of her heart. Interacting with him she understood that he was not a bad or irresponsible person after all. He did not come across as a person who would deliberately mislead someone and mess with their lives. Then why was there so much confusion which resulted in the loss of a life? She was convinced that there has to be some valid answer to this. However, it was not in her nature pry into other people's lives. She was not his friend nor was she a relative to intrude into his privacy. She decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Even otherwise, their relationship was strictly official, that of employer and employee. As long as he respects that she had no problem working for him. He was quite competent in his job and she realised there was a lot of potential to grow under his guidance. For now that was all that mattered.

*****

It was April 4 2007, Milind's birthday. Prachi woke up at the crack of dawn. As the sun's rays slowly encroached into the darkness, all other stars in the sky faded gradually. Prachi could not help but compare her husband to the sun. With his entry into her life everything else faded into insignificance, for he had become the epicentre of her life. His brightness warmed her and allowed her to grow into a strong, confident and independent woman. There was only one thing which she wanted to make her feel like a complete woman and that was to bear his fruit. The previous night her husband had given her the most wonderful piece of news. The preliminary numbers showed that his hotel has finally turned around and started posting profits. Along with the success in business she wanted them to succeed in expanding their family too. What better way than to make a beginning on his birthday? She glanced at her husband, at his distinct jaw line which was covered with stubble, his wavy and slightly longish hair lying spread out on the pillow, his long lashes lining up hemispherical eyelids, his cute pug nose, his thick black moustache and the well formed full lips below it. Although his body was covered in a thin white bed sheet, the ripples of his masculinity were still well defined through the sheet. She leaned in and gently kissed her husband's lovely kissable lips. He slowly opened his eyes and saw his wife's beautiful serene face lying inches away from his. He wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss fervently, not bothered about the morning mouth.

When he finally freed her, she whispered, "Happy birthday, my darling. Many happy returns of the day.'

"Thanks, my love." he whispered back.

"What do you want for your birthday?" she asked him, propping her right elbow on his chest and holding her face on her palm.

'There is only one thing that I want and that is you,' he said and holding her shoulders he turned her over on her back and looked over her from above. He proceeded to nuzzle her neck and nip at her ears. Prachi giggled and said that as he already has her, what more does he want. He slid his hand across her stomach and said he wanted a beautiful baby girl exactly like her mama. She smiled and said that was precisely her idea of a gift too but only her idea is to give him a baby boy who is a replica of his papa. He shrugged and said that they can have both their wishes fulfilled if she gives him a double bonanza.

"Twin?"she shrieked.

"Why not?" he asked, raising a brow quizzically.

"You may have to wait for nine months for your gift to be delivered," she warned.

"No problem, the wait will be worth it. So let's not waste anymore time in setting things in motion," he said hurriedly.

He sealed her lips with his and got busy in making sure he gets his gift soon enough. When they were done, Prachi looked at the clock and whispered it was time for giving Baba his morning tea. He reluctantly let her go. She quickly brushed her teeth, had a shower and rushed into the kitchen to prepare the morning tea before Baba wakes up and asks for it. Milind finished his morning routine too and went to take his Baba's blessings on his birthday. Baba was up and in his wheelchair, having his tea when his son came to him. He blest him and in a slurred and stilted voice said that he hoped to see him grow in his business and also give him a grandchild soon. Milind assured him that he has taken efforts on both fronts and hoped to succeed in both. He turned around and winked at his wife, who bent her head shyly. All three of them then had their breakfast together.



Milind and Prachi then left for the orphanage. The previous day, Prachi had got a list of names of the kids in the home and their ages. She then bought gifts for each child according to his/her age. She gave Milind the gift hampers so that he can distribute it to each child. Milind was amazed by her thoughtfulness and thanked her for it. He called each child by name and gave him/her the gift. When Chottu's turn came, he asked the little boy how was the wound on his knee. The boy shrugged his shoulders and said "Gaayab (disappeared)". Milind's eyes then searched for the small baby girl whom he had fed and changed nearly five months ago. As his eyes kept looking for her in one of the sister's arms, he felt a small hand tug at his trousers. Looking down he saw a cute little baby girl in pigtails holding on to his leg with one hand and trying to balance herself up. He swung her in his arms and asked her name. She looked at him unwaveringly with large round eyes. He immediately recognised those eyes.

"Guddi!" he exclaimed. "My, my my...you have grown up, haven't you !"

"Milind it is nearly five months since we last came. Five months is a long time is a baby's life. She changes a lot during this time. She must be eight months now, isn't it?" she enquired with Sister Clara.

"Yes, she is," said Sister Clara.

Milind kissed Guddi's cheeks and gave her a big teddy bear. Guddi gave a sloppy wet kiss on his bearded cheek and was very reluctant to let him leave. He then promised to drop in every weekend to see her and took leave of the kids.



On returning home, Milind was about to get dressed for work when Prachi handed him a hanger. Removing the plastic sheath, he uncovered a well cut beige business suit and a snow white shirt. He smiled and changed into the new clothes. She then asked him to extend his left hand. When he did, she slid in a Rolex watch on his wrist. With her eyes, she silently asked him how did he like it. He brought his thumb and index finger together to form a perfect 'O', indicating he was happy with her choice. She then asked him to extend the other hand. Asking him to close his eyes, she slid a silver bracelet in it. The bracelet spelt her name in full. When he opened his eyes he was surprised to see it. Although he did not like jewellery of any sort, he was happy to wear a bracelet gifted by his wife, especially one with her name on it. He mouthed that he loved it. Just as he was about to leave, she asked him to wait and brought out a grey silk tie. She slung it around his neck and proceeded to knot it. Milind held her by her waist and looked intently at her as she concentrated on her task. He refused to let her go even after she had finished knotting his tie, asking her to first kiss him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. Not being satisfied with it, he held her chin and locked his lips in hers in a deep kiss before finally leaving for work.



That night Prachi invited PL, Sukriti, Mala, Ganpat, their parents, Ayesha and Manju's family for dinner. Once Milind returned home, the cake was cut and Milind fed Prachi the first piece. He then fed every one and was in turn fed by them. He took the blessings of the elders. Prachi then sang a song for Milind who was again mesmerised by her voice. They all later sat down to have the sumptuous feast of all Milind's favourite dishes prepared by his beloved wife. After the guests had left and Baba had retired to bed, Milind pulled Prachi into their room to start from where they left off that morning. Later as they gradually drifted into sleep Prachi hoped that his gift was on the way.
(2)

Two weeks later



Milind returned home that evening and was received by a teary eyed Prachi. Her eyes were all puffed up, indicating that she had been crying for hours. Alarmed to see his wife in that state, he held her face and asked her what the matter was.

"Milind, I have failed!" she wept on his shoulder.

"Failed in what?" he looked at her in confusion. He did not realise she was taking any exams.

"Failed in giving you your gift."

"What gift?" He was confused.

"Your baby," she said.

Milind was relieved that the reason for Prachi's tears was not anything serious.

"Arey Pagli. Why are you crying for this? If it didn't happen last time, we'll try again next month. Remember, the poem 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again'?"
Then bending down he whispered naughtily, "After all this is one pleasurable homework I wouldn't complain about doing over and over again!" Prachi blushed at the implication.



The next month they tried again. Prachi psyched herself so much that she was too tensed and rigid. Milind did his best to relax her by joking around but nothing seemed to work on her. For the first time their union lacked the 'zing' that was always there.

XXXIV
(Second Month anniversary update)

It was May 12, 2007, Michi's first wedding anniversary. Milind wanted to make the day very special for both of them. Early in the morning he gently kissed her awake and handed her a parcel as she fluttered her eyelids open. Sitting up promptly, Prachi opened it with curiosity and found a beautiful purple colour Kashmiri silk saree with delicate embroidery work on the border and pallu.

"Milind, the saree is simply beauuuuutiful but what is the occasion?"asked Prachi.

Milind's face fell when he realised that she had forgotten the most important day of their married life.

In a sad tone he said self deprecatingly, "This day last year you got hitched to this uncivilised brute. This is a small compensation for putting up with him for a year."

Prachi immediately realised her blunder and her eyes welled up. "I'm truly sorry to have forgotten our wedding anniversary day, Milind."

Milind got alarmed seeing her tears. Wiping her eyes he said reassuringly, "Hey, baby! It's OK. After all you have been very busy of late recording for your new album, taking care of my father, and also looking after the household duties. With so much work pressure, it isn't surprising that you forgot the day."

"Thank you for being so understanding and forgiving, Milind. But still I should have remembered the day. By the way, you are no brute but my jackfruit."

"Jackfruit?" he asked in amusement.

"Yeah, hard and prickly on the outside but soft and sweet like honey on the inside. You are my sweeeeet , sweeeet jackfruit," she said and pinched his chubby cheeks.

Milind smiled and pinched her cheeks in return, "And you, my girl, are my mango. Soft and beautiful,both on the outside and inside, and extremely delicious." As if to prove his point he leaned forward and started to gently bite and chew her cheeks.

"Milind!", Prachi squealed and pushed him away. "Mangoes are seasonal. As it is off-season now, no mango for you!" she said jocularly.

She then jumped off the bed but Milind was too quick for her. He caught her wrist and jerked her to him. The sudden movement caused her to fall on top of him, pushing him backwards onto the bed. Holding her tight against his chest, he said that he has made sure that his mango will always be available to him as he has liberally sprayed it with the manure of his love. Prachi nodded her head in agreement and said that she was the luckiest woman in the whole wide world to have got such a loving, understanding and caring husband like him. Overwhelmed by emotion, her eyes filled up as she kissed his fingers fervently, bathing them in her tears.

"Hey!" he whispered and lifting her chin, he kissed her tears away. "You are not the only lucky one, you know? I am as lucky or maybe more lucky than you for I have you. You, Prachi, inspire me to be a better person, to reach beyond myself, to scale new heights, for I want to give you everything in this world!"

"You have, Milind. In giving your love you have given me everything I could wish for. It is I who have still not given you your heart's desire, your baby!"

"Now, will you stop blaming yourself? It will all happen in good time. We will have our baby. Don't worry your pretty little head over it. For now we have each other." He then showed her how much that meant to him.

Later as she lay curled up in his arms, savouring the aftermath of their blissful union, he kissed the top of her head and whispered that he had taken the day off to spend it with her. Just then her cell rang and she reached for it. Her brows furrowed as she listened to the caller.

"Yes. I'll be there by ten o'clock," she said.

Turning to a puzzled Milind she said, "I am sorry, darling. I forgot that I have a recording today. I'll not be able to spend the day with you but I promise to get back by four o'clock."

Milind's disappointment was written all over his face. He got up from the bed brusquely and went to the bathroom to complete his morning routine. As soon as he came out of the shower, Prachi, who was waiting for him by the door, tried to apologise again but he ignored her. He continued to sulk for the rest of the morning. He quickly got ready for work and would have skipped breakfast had it not been for Baba's insistence that he finishes it before he leaves. Picking at his breakfast listlessly, he finally gave up and said that he needed to be at his office early to address a meeting. Not bothering to offer Prachi a lift to the recording studio as he normally did, he hurriedly took his father's blessing and rushed out. Baba looked at his retreating back and wondered aloud what was wrong with him. Prachi quickly blinked away her tears and assured her father-in-law that he had an important business meeting and he was running late for it. She too then got ready for work, wearing the beautiful saree her husband had gifted her. Krishna kaka, Ramu kaka's cousin, had just then come in. He was taking care of Baba ever since Prachi got busy with her career. Entrusting her father-in-law in his care, Prachi took leave and left for the recording studio.



Unfortunately for her, the recording was taking much longer than usual because she was recording a duet with a new male singer, Mr.Kunal Mehra. The guy was in his mid-twenties, tall, extremely handsome and suave, with a deep baritone voice. While he was a reasonably good singer as well, he tended to get carried away in his own singing and did not keep pace with her. After the tenth retake, Prachi threw up her hands in frustration and asked the music director whether they can continue the recording on some other day as she had some other engagement that evening. The music director begged her for one more retake and gave a stern warning to Kunal, who thankfully got it right this time. By the time Prachi got back home it was already seven o'clock. She was anticipating a fuming Milind but was instead surprised to see a cool and collected guy in black shirt and blue denim jeans waiting for her. Waving off her apology he took her hand and went up to Baba. Touching his feet, he sought his blessings on the occasion of their wedding anniversary. Baba was surprised that he was not told about it earlier. Blessing both of them wholeheartedly, he asked them to go out and celebrate it. Milind asked him if it was alright with him. Baba assured him that he had Krishna with him to take care of his needs. As they were leaving, Baba asked Milind to show Prachi his surprise. Prachi tried to find out what was the surprise but Milind would not reveal anything, saying that she will see for herself. When they went to the parking lot, Prachi moved towards their bike but Milind pulled her in another direction. She looked at him in confusion and wondered where he was taking her. He led her to a grey Honda City and opened the door on the other side of the driver's seat for her to sit.

"This is our new car, Prachi," he said seeing her surprised look.

"Milind, you never told me you have bought a car," she exclaimed as they took their seats.

Starting the car, he said, "I wanted to surprise you. In fact I had planned to take you on a long drive in it to one of the beach resorts in the suburbs, have lunch with you there and spend the rest of the day lazing on the beach."

"I'm sorry, Milind."

"It's OK," he said and pressed her hand, reassuringly. "I need to apologise for my appalling behaviour this morning. Somehow the disappointment of not being able to spend the day with you was a little difficult to digest."

"I can understand," she said. "If I was in your place and you had forgotten our anniversary and spoilt my plans, even I would have been upset."

"But you would not have been as grumpy as me," he said.

"Maybe, maybe not," she smiled.

Soon they reached Shah House. As usual Alaap was not there. Prachi and Milind took the blessings of PL. Milind gave Sukriti a saree similar to the one he had given Prachi, only it was in peach colour. He hugged her and wished her on the occasion of her anniversary. She gave him a wry smile, seeing which Milind was disturbed. He took her aside and asked her if she was happy in the marriage. She said that the only happy thing about her marriage was that she got a wonderful mother-in-law like PL. Milind wanted to wait for Alaap and give him a good piece of his mind but she stopped him from it, saying that she preferred ignoring and shunning him. Seeing the brother and sister conversation from a distance, PL told Prachi that she was worried about Sukriti's well being and wondered whether she should suggest that she seeks a separation from her husband. Prachi looked at her in shock and asked her how she can even think of such a thing. PL admitted that being the elder person in the house, she should not, but seeing Sukriti's plight she wonders whether it would be for her good. Prachi asked her to give it some time. Maybe Alaap will change for the better. PL did not look too convinced, though.



Later they went to Milind's hotel. He took her in and led her to a corner table reserved for them. They had a romantic candlelight dinner.
Taking her hand in his, he said, "Prachi, ours was not a love marriage or marriage arranged by elders but a marriage of compulsion. I had no great expectation out of this marriage and merely wanted to survive it but in the past year we have come a long way from strangers to friends to lovers and now husband and wife. A large part of the success of our marriage is due to you. It is your patience, understanding, love, adaptability, encouragement and support which has got us where we are."

"No, Milind. It takes two people to make a marriage work. In fact I consider myself truly blest to have found a life partner like you. I guess I'll have to thank that worthless brother of mine for that. It was the only good thing he did, although not willingly."

"Yes, I guess we will have to thank Alaap for our union in marriage but the guy has ruined my sister's life."

Prachi couldn't disagree with that. She made up her mind to meet her brother and confront him about how he was treating his wife.

Looking at her forlorn face, Milind asked her not to ruin her appetite thinking about the good-for-nothing fool. After dinner, they drove back home, happy and contented with their lives but worried and concerned about Sukriti's.
(2)



On the same day that Milind and Prachi celebrated their anniversary, another couple was breaking up for good. That morning at the family court the two petitioners presented themselves for the final hearing. Dressed in a grey suit which reflected his mood, he looked weary and drained and just wanted the whole process to be over fast. While she too was equally impatient to get it over, she looked relatively more composed in the arm of her new live-in Kenyan boyfriend, with whom she had flown down to Mumbai to finalise the severing of marital ties. While their U.K. marriage was dissolved more than a year ago, the tedious divorce laws in India had prolonged the entire process by more than eighteen months since their separation even though they had sought a divorce under mutual consent. With both parties remaining firm on their decisions the court did not have much say and went ahead and issued the divorce which legally separated Mr. Neev Shergill and Ms.Annabel Hayes.



He reached his office late and slumped on his swivel chair, holding his throbbing head in his hands. He tried his best to concentrate on the work at hand but found it difficult to do so amidst all the thoughts that whirled in his head. He could not eat his lunch when it was served to him at the usual time and sent it away after picking at it for a few minutes. His headache was on the assent as the day progressed and by 3 o'clock he was unable to sit any longer. He buzzed in his secretary and asked her to cancel all the appointments for the day. Slinging his coat over his drooped shoulders, he made his way out of his office. He drove down to his house which was empty, as empty as his life. His father had taken sanyas and was in one of the ashrams in Kashi for the last one year. His mother had gone over to the U.S. to spend time with her sister for a few months. He has virtually been living a lonely life in the palatial house for the past four months, with only his loyal servant Nandu kaka for company. Nandu kaka had left for his village that morning to solemnise the marriage of his niece and was not due for another week.



He went to the bar cabinet and poured himself a glass of vodka. Soon he downed glass after glass, loosing count of the number of pegs he was having. The liquor scorched his throat; although he was desperately trying to numb his senses, bitter memories kept haunting him. He did not know how long he was sitting there nursing the drinks. Suddenly he heard the doorbell ring. Wondering who would call on him at this hour, he slowly stumbled to the door to open it. His blurry eyes took some time to focus on the object in front of him. It is only when the object opened its mouth and uttered his name did he recognise it.



"Mr.Shergill, I tried calling you on your cell but it was switched off. You had asked me to prepare a detailed report on our latest stocks of fashion garments and their price quotation along with the prevailing market prices, as our esteemed French clients will be coming over tomorrow to meet you to examine our samples and place their orders. I had come over to your office to submit the report but was told by your secretary that you had left for the day. As the report is important for negotiating the deal, I thought I'll drop it at your place before going home, Sir," she spoke rapidly and extended the report to him.



Beyond his name he did not catch on to anything that she had just said. Inviting her in, he asked her to take a seat on the plush sofa at the centre of the huge hall. Hesitatingly she took her seat and looked around the house before returning her gaze to him. He slowly staggered to the other end of the sofa. Turning around to look at her, he asked her if he can offer her anything. Seeing his intoxicated state, she politely declined and kept looking at her watch to indicate that she was getting late. He, however, did not take the cue as his mind was on a different plane altogether. He flopped on to the sofa, threw back his head and closed his eyes. Tears stung his eyes as he slowly opened them and looked at her again.

"Ms.Singhania, have you ever been in love?" he asked out of the blue.

She looked distinctly uncomfortable at the question and kept shifting in her seat.

Sensing her discomfiture, he asked her not to answer that question.

Nursing a drink in his hand, he looked intently at the liquor in the glass and said ruefully, "Today is the day my marriage which has been dead for over a year and a half has finally been buried. I should be celebrating, but strangely I feel a sense of defeat, a sense of failure, a sense of emptiness. Do you understand it?" he asked her, looking at her expectantly.

She remained silent, trying hard to mask her apprehension at being cornered alone in the house of her boss who was evidently very high on drinks. Although she was curious to know his past, especially since that past had changed the course of many lives, her fear overcame her curiosity. She was about to sprint out but sensing her attempt to move, he swiftly stretched forward and held her arm, pressing her back on the sofa.


He continued as though he was not disturbed, "I have never failed in my life, Ms.Singhania. I have always succeeded in whatever I did but I could not make my marriage work. I tried hard, I really tried hard but our marriage was never meant to be. Maybe I am paying the price for being responsible for Inder uncle's demise."

At the mention of name of her best friend's father, she decided to stay back and hear his side of the story. She knew he would never reveal his personal life to anyone if he was in his senses. In his inebriated state, however, he loosened his tongue and rambled about his past. While she was aware of some of the incidents he narrated, most of it was news to her.

Neev's flashback

Neev had married a Briton, Annabel Hayes, his classmate at the London School of Economics. They had a long courtship period in London before they finally walked up the altar. He knew that his conservative parents would not approve of a videshi bahu (foreigner daughter-in-law). Hence he did not ask their consent before marrying her. He thought that he can convince them after he returned to India. Unfortunately the day they landed in Mumbai, he was told that he was getting engaged to his childhood friend Prachi, daughter of his father's best friend, Inder Shah, CEO of Shah Group of Hotels. Although he always had an excellent friendship with Prachi he could not picture her as anything but a good friend and certainly not as his wife. When the engagement broke, Inder suffered a massive heart attack and died. He had confronted his parents about how they could have made arrangements for his wedding without consulting him first and was told that there was some communication gap. His father could not come to terms with the loss of his friend and refused to speak to him for over a month. Finally he made peace with him but insisted that they conduct an Indian wedding for their satisfaction. The wedding which was conducted after a month was a small affair, restricted to the immediate family. His father had inducted him in his business and he slowly began to get acclimatised to the business environment. His education came in handy to make improvements and expand the business.



The problems in his marriage surfaced from the day his wife walked into his house as the bahu of the family. His mother could not adjust to her at all. Initially Annabel tried to impress her mother-in-law by learning to wear sarees and cook Indian dishes. She even learnt to follow the Indian rituals but Niharika would not let her anywhere near the kitchen or the puja room as she considered her an outcast. Neev tried his best to reason with his mother but failed. There was a fight everyday between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law which he had to solve as soon as he returned tired from work. Not being able to put up with this added stress any longer, he finally decided to move away from his parents and live separately with his wife. Although this caused a lot of heartburns in the beginning considering that he was their only son, his parents eventually agreed that it was for the best. Things started improving after some time. As Annabel was also equally qualified, he had taken her in an executive position in the company. Although on the surface Annabel seemed happy, she was actually deeply dissatisfied. The city's oppressive heat followed by the long wet monsoon made her miss her English weather. She could not adjust to the country, its people and their lifestyle. It is only then he realised that her problem was not only with his mother but everything that was Indian. They had arguments and fights practically every day till on the day of Diwali that year, they had a huge showdown at the end of which she just packed her bags and left for her country.



Although he was very angry on that day and did not stop her from leaving, he later relented and tried to call her up. She refused to answer his calls. Frustrated that he could not reach her, he decided to meet her personally and left for London. There he had frantically searched for her as she had changed her residence. Finally he located her address and met her. He tried to reason with her. He begged her to resume life with him, promising to make any adjustment she wanted of him but she was firm in her decision not to return to him. She wanted a divorce and nothing less. It was only then that his eyes fell on a paper lying on the table. He picked it up and read it. It was the pregnancy report which confirmed that she was six weeks pregnant. He couldn't contain his happiness on knowing that he was going to be a father. He begged her twice as hard, asking her to get back with him in view of the life that is on the way. She laughed hysterically and asked him what life. She had just had an abortion the previous day as she did not want to carry his baby. He felt that a dagger was driven into his heart and twisted in. The day he came to know the existence of his baby he also was painfully made aware of its demise.



End of flashback

As Neev recounted this bit of his life, he smashed the glass of drink in his hand in anger and agony. The sharp pieces sliced his palm, making them bleed. The dripping liquor burnt his skin, making him wince in pain. Ayesha was alarmed seeing the deep gash and rushing to him, she removed her dupatta and tied it round his bleeding hand. As she tightened the knot around the makeshift bandage, he continued with his narration.

Flashback continued

Realising that his marriage was dead and that there was nothing to fight for, he agreed for the divorce. They filed for a divorce in the U.K.court on their anniversary day and obtained it in a couple of months. In India they could file the divorce petition only in October 2006, after the one year separation period. The case came up for hearing after the mandatory six-month waiting period. After the preliminary hearing, a date was set for the final hearing. That morning his marriage of two years, in which he had lived with his wife for barely six months, was finally dissolved.

End of flashback

After this marathon recounting he was breathless and stopped to look at her. She was still holding his wounded hand in hers as though to reassure him that everything will be alright. She met his eyes and her eyes mirrored the pain and agony in his, as she empathised with him. For the first time he noticed the depth and beauty of her eyes and the compassion in them. He always thought of her as an attractive woman but he had kept his senses on a tight leash as he did not want to complicate their relationship. Today though his guard was down on account of the alcohol and his emotionally vulnerable state. He ran his eyes down her body. Her kameez was figure clinging and without the dupatta, all her curves were accentuated. Following his gaze she realised where his eyes were and she quickly crossed her hands across her chest. He swallowed hard and returned his gaze to her face. He trained his eyes on her trembling lips and impulsively leaned forward and captured them in his. Before he could taste them, he felt a stinging blow on his cheek. Shaking his head to clear it, he looked at her in astonishment. As he held his cheek, she got up with a start and sprinted out of there. She opened the large teak front door and banging it shut, disappeared into the night.

The next morning she knocked on the door to his office and on being asked to come in, she entered in. Seeing her, he got up and started to apologise for his behaviour the previous night but before he could go beyond the first two words she slammed an envelope on his desk. Looking at her quizzically, he opened the envelope to pull out a single sheet of paper. It was her resignation letter asking that she be relieved of her duties with immediate effect. He dropped it and looked at her in shock. Begging her to forgive him for his indiscretion, he asked her to reconsider her decision.

"Ms.Singhania, I do not want to lose an able manager like you because of my foolish act yesterday."

"Foolish act, Mr.Shergill?You want to dismiss it off as a foolish act?" she asked angrily.

"I am sorry Ms.Singhania. That was a poor choice of words. My behaviour last night was unpardonable. I had no right to take liberties with my employee and my offence can be construed as sexual harassment but believe me, Ms.Singhania, I had no intention to behave in that manner. I am neither a womaniser nor a molester. My only excuse is that I was not in my senses but it will not happen again. I promise you that I will not violate the sacred line between an employer and an employee. Please reconsider your decision."

She stood still for a few minutes, undecided about her next course of action. He looked genuinely remorseful. She could not deny the fact that during past month she had been working for him, his behaviour towards her has always been professional. Even during the lunch outing on Holi Day he had behaved impeccably. She also knew that his mental and emotional balance the previous night were precarious. She decided to give him another chance to redeem himself. She took the resignation letter from his desk and tore it into pieces, which made him heave a sigh of relief. Just then his secretary buzzed him to inform him that the French clients were waiting for him at the conference room.

"Will you join me, Ms.Singhania?" he enquired before leading her out of his office.

(3)

The next morning Prachi went to meet Alaap at his office to confront him about the appalling way he was treating Sukriti. As she opened the door to his cabin she saw him with his back turned to her, talking to someone over the phone. "Yes, Mr.Bansal. Continue to keep a close watch on his activities and report to me whatever you come to know. The guy is bound to slip up sometime."

The name Bansal sounded familiar to Prachi but however much she racked her brains she could not recollect where and in what context she had heard it. Sensing the presence of someone in the room, Alaap cut off his conversation and turned around to see his sister. Recovering from the initial shock of seeing her, he smiled sardonically and asked her what had brought 'her highness' to his office, a spiteful reference to Inder calling Prachi his little princess. Prachi ignored his sarcasm and said that she has come to speak about Sukriti.

"Sukriti? Now what has that dumb wife of mine done this time? The last I heard she lost my baby," he said tapping his finger on his chin.

Prachi was fuming hearing this.

"How dare you, Alaap? A man who left his pregnant wife behind on some supposed business trip and did not even bother to attend the baby's funeral should not be pointing an accusing finger at the woman who bore his child and went through the agony of losing it," she admonished in a shrill tone.

Alaap rolled his eyes and smirked, "So you have come to pull me up for something that happened seven months back?"

"No, I have come to ask you why you are ignoring your wife's needs. I have come to ask you why you had not bothered to keep her happy even on your wedding anniversary."

"Wedding anniversary? When was that?" laughed Alaap mockingly.

"Well, if you must know, it was yesterday. Where were you, by the way?"

"Where else? I was here working my butt off for that dumb wife of mine you are defending. I think you are forgetting that I run a Rs.600 crore business. I am not a flash in the pan businessman like your husband who has only one pathetic hotel to run. I have a whole hotel chain to take care of. I can't be waiting on my cry baby wife hand and foot and shirk my responsibility here. By the way, why are you interested in how I treat my wife?"

"Because that 'dumb cry baby wife' as you call her is also my sister-in-law. By hurting her, you are hurting my husband who is her only brother and by hurting my husband you are hurting me." Her voice increased to a peak.

"Oh, so you are now taking up for the worthless Mishras and going against your own flesh and blood?"

"You don't talk about sibling love, Alaap. It is a sacrilege coming from your mouth."

"Meaning?" He looked at her quizzically, not understanding what she was trying to convey.

Prachi did not elaborate further but wagging her finger at him, she warned him that if ever her sister-in-law sheds a tear he will have hell to pay. She then stomped out of his office.

XXXV

As the months went by Prachi's anxiety at not being able to conceive only grew, because all their efforts were not yielding the results they were expecting. Prachi's desperation heightened after the Godh Bharai ceremony they held for Mala. Seeing a glowing and pregnant Mala, Prachi was even more desperate to have a baby. When the focus shifted to making babies, somehow the spontaneity of their lovemaking was lost. Every month, the day Prachi knew she had not yet conceived, she went into depression, calling for all of Milind efforts to cheer her up without much success. It was tearing him apart to see her emotionally tortured state. Although he too wanted a baby very much, he couldn't bear to see his wife subjecting herself to so much mental and emotional stress for it.



He finally decided he had enough of it and decided to take her on a second honeymoon, this time to Mauritius. He timed the trip in August in the most fertile period of her cycle. He told her that they will focus only on expressing their love for each other and not think about making babies. "No more baby talk. If it has to happen, it will happen. Leave it to HIM", he said pointing heavenwards.



On reaching Mauritius they checked into the La Plantations hotel. During day time they went on sight-seeing tours around the beautiful island nation. In the south, they visited the Black River Gorges National Park which is the home of 150 plant species and 9 bird species which are unique to Mauritius; the Seven Coloured Earth at Chamarel, which presents an astonishing view of colourful sand dunes of earth formed by the erosion of volcanic ash; the Le Mornes peninsula where one gets a spectacular view of the turquoise sea and the surrounding land; the Rochester Falls, where water gushes over lava rocks; Gris-Gris where waves crash against cliffs and the white sands of the Flic en Flac beach. In the North they visited the beaches at Grand Bay, Pereybere and Balaclava. They indulged in adventure sports such as paragliding, wind and water surfing and scuba diving. They also went on board the Blue Safari submarine which explored the ocean bed filled with corals. The colourful marine life around them gave them the feeling of being one with nature.
Nights were hot and sensual as they rediscovered their passion for each other. Prachi was drenched in Milind's tenderness, love and fervour and she returned all of them in equal measure. Every night he found a different way to seduce her and make her his own. One night he showered her with rose petals before he showered her with his love. Another night he slithered ice cubes on her body, making her shiver in the chill before he heated her body with the fire of his passion. On the third night he wrapped her in colourful ribbons and slowly peeled them off to unwrap and cherish his gift. On the fourth night he blindfolded her and lightly ran a feather on the surface of her body. The tickling sensation made her giggle and rush into his arms. On the fifth night he refrained from touching her but blew gently all over her body to make her aware of his hot breath. Not being able to resist the sweet temptation, within minutes she pulled him into her arms to show him how much she needed him. Thus, he did not let Prachi's mind to dwell on any other thought or worry and soon she let herself be swallowed in the vortex of his love.


After spending an exhilarating six days in the island nation they returned to their busy careers back in Mumbai.


XXXVI


It was Independence Day. The employees of Shergill Garment Export Pvt. Ltd had planned a picnic to Malshej Ghat, a hill station which is a three-hour drive from Mumbai and invited their boss to join them. Although Neev was initially reluctant to join in as he had withdrawn himself from all sorts of social engagements for some time now, he finally gave in under the condition that they treat him as one of their own and address him on first name basis as they were out of the confines of the office. Two buses were arranged for the trip and the families of the employees accompanied them. Neev and Ayesha were the only ones who were single.



Clad in a baby pink t-shirt and light blue faded denim jeans, Ayesha was the last to arrive. There was only one vacant seat next to Neev and after hesitating for a moment she sat on it, giving him an awkward smile. He gave her a disarming smile in return and she quickly looked away. Soon the music was turned on and many got up to dance on the aisle of the bus. Seeing Ayesha sitting put in her seat, Rekha, one of the supervisors and Ayesha's friend, pulled her up and asked her to join in. Ayesha reluctantly got up but soon lost herself in the music and danced uninhibitedly. Neev, who remained seated, was amused to see the prim and proper Ayesha let her hair down and clapped for her encouragingly. Suddenly the bus driver applied the brake when he encountered a speed breaker. The people who were standing on the aisle were thrown on either side and they frantically grabbed at the rods and seat backs. Ayesha, who was completely immersed in the dancing with her eyes closed, did not anticipate this abrupt interruption and was thrown off balance. She fell backward onto Neev's lap. Neev instinctively put his arm forward and held her shoulder to steady her as her eyes flew open and met his in shock. For a moment time stood still as they both deeply gazed into each other's eyes. Her beautiful brown and shapely eyes seemed like a bottomless ocean to him and he found himself sinking in them. His small but shiny eyes appeared to be both melancholic and mischievous at the same time, leaving her confused about how to react to them. The bus jerked back into motion, bringing them back to the present and they reluctantly broke their eye-lock. Ayesha realised that half her body was still sprawled on his lap and she tried to lift herself up. Neev released her shoulder to enable her to do so and soon she was back on her feet and took her seat, trying hard not to look at him. Neev blinked his eyes to clear his mind of her vision and turned his head towards the nearby window, watching the fast moving landscape as the bus headed to their destination.



The two buses finally reached Malshej Ghat (See picture). Getting off the bus, they looked around at the breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Nature was at its splendorous best. The wooded countryside was surrounded by lofty, mist covered, mint green carpeted hills, rich in flora and fauna. The numerous cascading waterfalls presented an enchanting view. The valleys were dotted with numerous glittering lakes. The place was home to a large flock of migratory birds coming from Siberia. Among them, the most eye-catching ones were the beautiful pink-legged flemingos.
Malshej GhatMalshej Ghat



The staff found an empty patch of land amidst the wooded undergrowth and spread out their mats. They opened the numerous containers of home cooked food prepared by each family and served the lunch on plastic coated paper plates which were passed around. As the long travel had made them ravenously hungry, they quickly tucked in the food. Just as they were finishing up, it started to drizzle lightly. While the children danced in the rain, their parents scurried to the buses to take shelter in them. Since Neev was interested in still photography, he decided to trek into the nearby jungles and capture nature in his water proof lenses. Ayesha stayed back with the kids and played with them. The sky soon cleared up and the staff re-assembled to play Antakshari. The men and women split into two groups. The children sat with the women. They soon got involved in animated singing. As Ayesha was not much into singing, she got bored after some time. Excusing herself from the group she decided to explore the green surroundings, following the path she thought Neev had taken and hoping to catch up with him at some point. In the mean time, Neev had returned back to the group. Rekha informed him that Ayesha went in search of him. Panicking that she may have got lost in the dense undergrowth as he had not seen her in his return journey, he hurried down the meandering path, calling out her name. As he kept getting deeper into the woods and still there was no sign of her, he started sweating and quickened his steps, practically running by now.



After frantically searching for her for about twenty minutes, he finally found her standing near one of the tiny waterfalls. She had stuck her face under the falls and let the water cascade down it, blowing at the droplets that found their way to her lips. While he was relieved to see her safe, he was annoyed that she had risked venturing into the woods alone. He ran up to her and holding her by the arm pulled her out of the falls and turned her around.

"What were you thinking, Ms.Singhania, getting yourself lost in the woods?" His raised voice reflected his anger as well as his concern.

Recovering from the initial shock of being hauled up unexpectedly, she calmly said, "Ayesha."

"What?" he asked in confusion.

"The name is Ayesha. I thought we were supposed to be informal outside the office."

"Are you crazy, Ayesha? Do you know how risky it is for a young woman to go out alone in these dense woods? Why did you go searching for me? Am I not old enough to find my way back?"

"Wait a minute. What are these accusations you are levelling against me? Firstly, I set out on a trek into the woods to explore the lovely natural surroundings. For your kind information, I had not gone searching for you, although I did hope to meet up with you at some point. Secondly, just as you are old enough to take care of yourself, so am I. After all I am a twenty-four old woman, not a baby. As to my being a woman, I have never let that deter me from doing things my way. I have trained in martial arts to protect myself when the need arises, so I am not as helpless as you assume me to be." She was panting by the time she finished her tirade.

He was stunned into silence for a few minutes and slowly regained his composure. "I'm sorry, Ayesha. I didn't mean to question your independence or your abilities. It is just that when I did not spot you for quite awhile I got worried."

He hung his head in shame and was about to leave when she held his hand and apologised for her outburst. Changing the topic she asked him if he liked to stick his face under the waterfalls. He shook his head and asked her to go ahead and enjoy herself. She gleefully rushed back and resumed her earlier posture, closing her eyes and shaking her head from side to side to let the water course through either side of her face. After watching her childish delight, he too felt tempted to mimic her. Tentatively stepping on the rocks, he went to the other side of the falls and extended his face gingerly into it. The chill water sprayed on his face, making him gasp sharply. Hearing the noise, she opened her eyes and saw his face not far from hers. Fluttering her eyelids to rid off the large droplets stuck to her lashes, she flashed him a wide smile. He smiled back, revealing his small rice-like teeth. Cupping her hand and collecting some water in them she splashed it on his face making him retaliate. She squealed when the water ran down the front of her t-shirt, drenching it. It is only then he realised that although he had aimed her face, the water had landed elsewhere and he hastened to apologise. Noticing that her wet dress clung to her body leaving little to imagination, he quickly turned his back to her, unzipped his wind-cheater and passed it on to her, asking her to change into it as she may fall sick in the damp clothes. She shyly took it from him and thanking him she ran to the nearby rock. Going behind it, she quickly stripped her wet t-shirt and slipped into the wind cheater, zipping it up. Slinging the wet t-shirt over her arm, she let him know that she had changed and enquired whether they can walk back to the bus as it was getting late. He nodded and they trudged their way back.



When they got back to their group, everyone looked at them curiously. Ayesha wearing Neev's wind cheater raised a few eye-brows. Neev explained that as she had got wet in the waterfall he had loaned her his wind-cheater. Rekha gave a crooked smile and winked at Ayesha who looked at her crossly. Rekha's husband, Anand, slapped Neev on the shoulders and said everything starts quite innocently. Neev felt uncomfortable that he was in a way responsible for Ayesha getting teased this way. He muttered an apology to Ayesha as they were getting back into the bus. Ayesha rubbished it off saying she was not perturbed by what people say or think as she is sure of herself. Neev admired the girl's confidence, straightforwardness and courage. The journey back was more quiet as everyone was very tired after the long day. Before returning to the city, they stopped on the way for tea at one of the roadside stalls. By the time they entered the city limits, it was 9 o'clock. The buses dropped people en route and Ayesha got off outside her chawl, waving goodbye to the people still left in the bus. Neev was the last to get dropped off at his residence.

(2)


This is an unplanned hastily typed update specially dedicated to Sumu, dear whose birthday it is today. I made her unhappy by not giving her Michi yesterday. Sumu, hope I have made it up to you with this one.


On the same day, in Milind's house there was a different kind of celebration of Independence Day. Early that morning Prachi instinctively reached out for Milind's comforting form before opening her eyes but instead she felt empty space. Her eyes flew open and she looked around. There was no sign of Milind anywhere. As she looked around puzzled, her eyes caught the huge banners lining up all the the four walls of their room which blaringly proclaimed "Milind loves Prachi." Prachi wondered what has come over Milind suddenly that he had to put up banners for something she was well aware of. Getting up from her bed she went to the bathroom. As she stepped out of it after brushing her teeth, she caught the whiff of baked cake. Before she could investigate from where it was coming, she saw Milind walk in with a tray. He laid the tray on the side table and dragged her to the bed, making her sit on it.



Apart from two cups of tea the tray had an aromatic cake in the centre. Extending a cup to her, he took the other. As they sat there sipping the tea, Prachi's eyes did not leave the cake. She wondered what could be the occasion for all this. First the banners and now the cake, everything was puzzling. Seeing the unspoken question in her eyes, he responded with one of his own.

"Do you remember what day it is, Prachi?", he asked finishing up his tea.

Wracking her brain she snapped her fingers and said, "I know, it is Independence Day! But why did you hang those banners and now this cake. I can't figure out the connection."

Taking back the cup form her hands, he said,"Arey, buddhu! Don't you remember what happened last Independence Day?"

Prachi went red as she shyly nodded her head.

"What happened?" he asked conspiratorally in a hushed voice, when she still remained silent.

Since she was not forthcoming with her response, he himself added, "A beautiful shy girl bared her heart to her husband and proclaimed her love in front of his world but the stupid duffer got scared and ran away, leaving her confused and pained. So now the stupid duffer wants to make up to her by proclaiming his love for her."

So saying he leaned and captured her lower lip in his and sucked gently. Prachi's hands went up to his head and she held his face, running her fingers through his hair as his kiss deepened. After a few minutes they broke free, gasping for air. Milind turned to the cake and cutting a piece, he fed it to his wife, saying that he had got up at 3.00 a.m. to bake it for her. Prachi was touched by his sweet gesture and had tears in her eyes. Biting it, she grimaced for a second but quickly recovered and clicked her tongue, applauding him for baking such a delicious cake. He asked her if it really turned out well because it was the first time he baked one. She nodded and before he could take a piece, she grabbed it from him and quickly gobbled it up. Milind looked at her in surprise and cut another piece. She snatched that piece too, thrusting it into her mouth. Soon there was only one piece left. Before Prachi could reached for it, Milind made a dash for it and put it in his mouth. As he chew at it he realised that the cake was half baked and raw. He rushed to the bathroom and spit it out in the basin, rinsing his mouth clean before returning to Prachi.

"Prachi, that was horrible. How did you eat all those pieces?"

"Sorry, Milind I tried to prevent you from eating it but you were adamant," she said apologetically.

It is only then did he understand that she did not want him to know that he had goofed up in the baking.

"You subjected yourself to the torture of eating that yucky cake for my sake, darling?" he asked incredulously.

"Milind, you got up so early to bake it for me. It is the gesture that counts. I love you for it." she said.

"Then show me," he demanded, and pulling her up, he asked her to stand on his feet.

She looked at him in confusion.

"Remember the race we had last independence day?" he asked her.

She shyly nodded. How can she forget the race which made her aware of every fibre of her husband's well muscled, sinewy body?

"We'll have a repeat of it today. Only our goal post is the bathroom. I am going to get you to fulfil my long standing wish to shower with you."

She went red when she realised what his intentions were. Holding her by the waist he lifted her on to his feet. Once her feet were on his, he pulled her close to himself. Prachi swung her arms around his neck and held him tight. Their bodies were closely meshed as Milind expertly guided them to the bathroom.

After they reached the bathroom, Milind quickly dispensed with their clothing and turned on the shower. As Prachi looked at him shyly, he took the soap and got busy soaping her body. Prachi giggled as she felt ticked by his fingers which moved along the length and breadth of her body. As the foam formed bubbles on the mounds and valleys of her feminine structure, he gently blew them away, making her shiver in the sensation his act was causing. Soon she could not resist the temptation to inflict the same sweet torture that he was inflicting on her. So she too picked up a soap and frothed his taught masculine frame, feeling and savouring it. They lost track of time in the mutually pleasurable task of cleansing each other's bodies till they heard Baba's voice calling out to them.


They hastily got off the shower, dried themselves up, changed into fresh clothes and were at Baba's bedside in a record five minutes before he suspected anything. Slowly wheeling him to the breakfast table, they looked at each other from the corner of their eyes, smiling guiltily at their clandestine morning activity.

XXXVII

(1)

The next three weeks were very hectic for both of them, particularly for Prachi who had to wrap up her new album. The first album had hardly taken three weeks to wrap up mainly because she was the solo singer and all the spade work was already done for it, not to mention the Democles sword of the wrath of the sheikh hanging over their heads, waiting to fall on them had they not finished it on time for Noor's birthday. This one though has been dragging for over three months now. The album featured several duets with Kunal Mehra which was also more time consuming since the guy always delayed the recording either by turning up late or singing in an unsynchronized manner, making her repeat every song atleast a dozen times. Since the guy was the son of the producer of the album, nothing much could be done.



Prachi returned home late from work every other night and was perennially exhausted and irritable. Her face wore a perpetual look of worry and anxiety, morning as well as night. She shunned Milind's advances in bed, citing fatigue as the reason. Although Milind was disappointed, he did not say anything for he was not one to impose himself on his wife.

That morning Milind was in a hurry for work. He yelled out for his socks and Prachi made a face and asked him to find it himself as she was running late for the shooting of the music video and she still had not had her bath. Milind was shocked by the behavioural changes he had been noticing in his wife for some time now. He would not have dreamt that his sweet natured wife can be so rude to him. Putting it down to overwork, he meekly went to the cupboard and rummaged through the drawers, hunting them out himself. As she came out of the shower, he volunteered to drop her off at the studio before going to work. She merely nodded absent mindedly and quickly slipped into her salwar kameez. He asked her why she was not wearing sarees these days to which she snapped whether she had no choice in wearing the clothes she likes. Milind was hurt by her sharp counter-query. He hurried to assure her that she can wear whatever clothes she wants. Before leaving Prachi gave instructions to Krishna kaka, who had just then entered in, on what food to give Baba during the day and she caught up with Milind at the parking lot.

En route to the studio, they maintained a stoic silence. Prachi looked highly disturbed by her own behaviour. She started to whimper and Milind turned to her in alarm. Stopping the car by the side of the road, he asked her what was the problem. When she continued to sniff, he lifted her face and looked into her brimming eyes. She pushed his hand away and brusquely asked him to reach her to the studio soon. Having no choice, he restarted the car and drove to the studio. As soon as she reached the studio, she got off, rubbed her eyes dry and headed towards the entrance door. On the way, she was met by Kunal Mehra who greeted her with a broad smile and lightly placed his hand on her back as he led her in. From his car Milind noticed the tall, fair, suave and clean shaven man touching his wife and felt a jab of jealousy. Suppressing it, he left for his hotel as he had an important meeting to attend that day.

That night, when he returned late from work, Baba had already retired to bed. He had his dinner with Prachi in silence, preoccupied in some thought. Prachi too remained quiet although her face was lined with worry and she looked like she wanted to say something a couple of times. After they went to bed and the lights were switched off, Prachi finally summed up the courage to tell Milind what was troubling her mind the entire day.

"Milind!" she whispered.

"Mmmm," he grunted.

"I want to tell you something," she said hesitatingly and amidst sobs she recounted what had transpired that day.

Prachi's recollection

The producers of her new album wanted her to shoot for a music video which will feature one of the duets songs from the album. Although the song will mainly feature two hot new models, Mrinalini and Druv, she will have to make an appearance with her co-singer for about two minutes of the song, wearing a western outfit. She tried hard to wriggle out of wearing one, saying that she was not comfortable in such clothes, but the producers cited clauses in her contract which stipulated that she needs to abide by whatever conditions they place. Prachi was shocked that she had got herself into such a mess due to her failure to read the fine print of the contract. Left with no choice, she settled for the least revealing of the dresses they asked her to choose from. It was a maroon sleeveless dress which fell just above her knees. Feeling very self conscious in it, she tentatively walked to the recording theatre where her co-singer was waiting for her. Seeing her, he whistled appreciatively, causing her cheeks to flame up in embarrassment. She just wanted the whole thing to be over fast and asked them to go ahead with the shoot. The director asked them to face each other and look deeply into each other's eyes while singing into the mikes they were holding in their hands. Prachi did as she was told although she felt weird looking into Kunal's eyes. Just as she completed the song, Kunal leaned over and placing his hands on her waist, he kissed her cheek. Initially shocked by his act, she recovered soon to give him a tight slap across his cheek. The director called for a cut of the scene and tried to appease her but she ran out of the studio in tears. The producers tried to call her up many times during the day but she refused to answer their calls.

End of recollection

Wiping her tears, she said in a remorseful tone, "I'm sorry Milind, I wore that short dress, knowing that you hate such dresses. I am also sorry for not anticipating Kunal's kiss and moving away before he got an opportunity to kiss me. I have finished recording all my songs for this album but I don't wish to continue my singing career. It is a big bad world out there, Milind. I don't think I fit in there."

She expected him to say something...anything but he remained silent. She was willing to bear the brunt of his fury but his non-responsive state got her worried.

"Milind!" she called.

After a pause she heard the rhythmic snoring of her husband. It is only then she realised that he had slept right through her entire monologue and had not heard a single word of it. Resolving to try again the next morning, she tried to sleep but the day's events left her deeply disturbed.

(2)



The next morning Prachi got a call on her cell while Milind was having his bath. It was the director of the music video. Although she did not want to attend it, she knew he would be pestering her through the day. She decided to give him a piece of her mind and picking the cell up she told him in no uncertain terms that she will proceed against the company for sexual harassment. He begged her not to make a big issue of what happened yesterday. He assured her that the shot of Kunal kissing her was not part of the act and was, therefore, cut and will not be used in the video. He also told her that he had spoken to Kunal's father, the producer of the album and he too admonished his son for taking such liberties with her. He then congratulated her on the excellent performance and hoped to work with her again. Just then Milind came out of his shower and enquired who was on the line. Prachi cut the line and told him it was the director of the music video who called up to congratulate her for her performance the previous day. At the mention of the album his face darkened and he brusquely enquired about her co-singer.

"Kunal?' she asked in a small voice.

"Yeah, Kunal. How is he?" He asked sceptically.

"He.. He is .." she stuttered, wondering how to tell him about what happened the previous day.

"I do not like him." He said abruptly.

Prachi looked at him surprised, wondering about his sudden animosity towards him. Milind looked positively miffed as he continued, "I hated it when he touched your back yesterday in the pretext of escorting you inside. Shameless fellow, touching another man's wife. Warn him to keep his hands to himself if he wanted to stay alive."

Prachi was alarmed at Milind's extreme reaction to another man's light touch on her back. If he comes to know the guy actually had the impudence to kiss her, he will go berserk. She knew that narrating the previous day's incident would only precipitate the situation and Milind may land in jail for assault and battery. She did not want that at any cost. Moreover, the director had assured her that the shot was removed from the video. As to her short dress, she will tell him about it when he was in a better mood. Hopefully he does not throw a tantrum over it. Right now she has to assure him that everything was fine.

"Milind, Kunal is just my co-singer and he knows I am a married woman. He will not take liberties with me. In any case my recording for the album and the music video is over."

Milind merely nodded and went to have his breakfast. While serving his breakfast, Prachi kept checking his expressions and realised he was still in a foul mood. She hoped that he cools down soon. After breakfast, he lightly brushed her cheek in a good bye kiss and hurried out.

At the hotel, he got busy with his work and had put Kunal temporarily out of his mind. Around noon, Mr.Bansal came to see him. The guy had been shifted from housekeeping to entertainment three months back. Apart from overseeing the music and cultural events they put up every evening for their guests, his responsibility also included selecting the music videos which were to be played in the large screen high definition television kept in the lobby.

"Sir, I have got a great music video to be played in our lobby area. It is still to be released. The producer has agreed to allow us to show a preview to our guests for his own sales promotion. Actually it is from your wife's latest album and features your wife too. Would you like to watch it, Sir?"

Although Milind was very busy, he agreed to take a look since he was interested to see his wife's performance.

As Mr.Bansal inserted the DVD into the player, he cunningly smiled. Finally he will get his reward from Alaap for he is about to unleash a catastrophe in his brother-in-law's life. He had got the DVD from the cameraman who had shot the video. The man was his distant cousin. When he found out that he was working for the company which had signed up his boss's wife, he had asked him to give him a copy of the video that had Prachi's song. When he got the first cut, he never dreamt that he will get such a bonanza. His cousin was clever. He had edited out the shot where Prachi slaps the guy. He also had taken unusual close-ups of Prachi's and Kunal's faces which highlighted their deep gazing. Mr.Bansal was sure that with a little prompting from him, Milind will see what he wanted him to see.



The song started off pretty innocently with the two models jiving and swaying to the music. As the song came towards the conclusion, Milind stiffened to see Prachi and Kunal on the screen. His ears turned red when he saw Prachi in the short sleeveless dress. Seeing his reaction, Mr.Bansal decided to fuel his anger by exclaiming how lovely his wife looked in western clothes and how shapely her legs and arms were. Milind turned and gave him a stare which would have scorched him. Pretending not to notice, he continued about how handsome Kunal looked and what a great pair they made on screen. He could literally hear Milind grit his teeth. Not wanting to be thrashed, the man hurriedly apologised and said that he did not look as great with Prachi as his boss did with her. Milind turned his attention back to the video and was shocked to see his wife deeply gazing into her co-singer's eyes and the guy returning it with lust clearly written on them. His temper which was already on the rise, hit the roof when he saw the man lean in and kiss HIS wife on her cheek. He got up with a start and rushed to the DVD player. Stopping the DVD and ejecting it, he broke it in two with his knee and threw it aside. Still blazing in anger, he left the place. Mr.Bansal smirked to see his plan work so effectively.



Milind got into his car and stepped on the accelerator, heading towards his home to confront his wife. His mind was filled with the image of Kunal kissing his wife. It was pretty obvious that the man had the hots for his wife. Did she reciprocate his feelings? She did gaze deeply into his eyes, although it could be a part of the act. And why was she wearing that short dress when she knew that he detested such clothes? Does she not care for his feelings anymore? She was behaving pretty oddly of late, snapping at him and answering him rudely. It has been quite a while since they had been intimate. Could it be that she has fallen out of love? Only three weeks back she had shown him how much she loved him by eating the half baked cake he made and they had that memorable shower together. But since then she has not let him near her. Was it only work fatigue or was she just fed up of him? He had to admit that the man was like a Greek god. Maybe she found him more attractive. He could not believe that his Prachi would do this to him. No, he knew his Prachi. She loves him and him alone. The woman had put up with so much inconvenience for him. She was his support. She is not one to be swayed by external looks. He has enough confidence in her love for him. After all did he not take those flirtatious comments by the students during their honeymoon casually because of the certainty of her love? No, he must have misunderstood everything. But then if she was not a willing participant then why did she not tell him about the kiss? He had asked her pointedly how was Kunal and she had taken up for him. Why would she do that unless she cares for him? How far does that care go? Has she fallen for the guy? His thoughts were all muddled and his head felt like it will explode if he does not get answers to all his questions. Just then his cell rang. It was a call from PL. Stopping the car by the side of the road, he answered it. PL told him that Prachi was at their place and asked him to drop in that evening to pick her up. He told her that he was on his way and before she could respond, he cut the call and started his car. Swerving it around, he headed to Shah House, impatient to get there and settle his confusion once and for all with his wife.

Reaching Shah House, he greeted PL pleasantly and asked her where Prachi was. Although he was fuming inside, he did not want his mother-in-law to notice his seething anger. He preferred to keep the problems he had with his wife between themselves. PL smiled and pointed to the room upstairs. He went up to Prachi's room, and thundered over her. His eyes were red balls of fire. He asked her why she had not told him about the shameful music video. Prachi trembled and started stammering out a response but he did not wait to hear her out. Instead he dragged her into his arms and loudly proclaimed that she belonged to him, and him alone. He then took her face between his broad palms and imprinted his lips on hers authoritatively. Although initially Prachi was pliant and let herself be kissed, she suddenly pushed him with great force and rushed to the bathroom. He went pale when he saw her bent over the basin, throwing up. Did he repulse her so much that she had to throw up after being kissed by him? He had noticed that she was acting strangely of late but he thought it was a passing phase, that the work pressure had made her moody. But today watching that repugnant video and her reaction to his kiss, her own husband's kiss, he understood her behaviour better. She did not love him anymore. But what has he done to suddenly fall out of favour with her? Was he too overbearing? Was he suffocating and smothering her with his love? Has he scared her away? Is he not attractive to her anymore? He knew he was a little old fashioned in his ideas. Was it the reason she wants to break free? Did he not devote enough time to her to understand and fulfil her needs? He did not know.



He walked out of the room and down the stairs, still reeling from the shock that his Prachi has stopped loving him. Seeing his crestfallen look, PL got alarmed and asked him what was wrong.

"My kiss caused so much revulsion in her that she puked," he almost whispered to himself, not realising that he had just blurted out to his mother-in-law about private moments spent with his wife.

PL looked at him in confusion. What has gotten into him? she thought. Were they having some misunderstanding?

"How can she stop loving you when she has been in seventh heaven ever since she came to know that she is carrying the symbol of your love?"

"Symbol of my love?" It was his turn to look confused. PL nodded her head in happiness.

It then slowly dawned on him. "You mean...she is pregnant with my child? I am going to be a father?" he asked happily.

"Yes, and Prachi is going to be a mother and I am going to be a grandmother, your Baba, a grand father and your sister, an aunt." She said excitedly and held his hands tightly in hers. Then by way of explanation she said, "Prachi threw up because of morning sickness. She is crazily in love with you. I am sure she enjoys your kisses too!" she winked.

By then Prachi had come out of the room after washing up. "Milind, where did you go?" she called out to him, looking for him worriedly. She has to explain everything to him before he blew the fuse she thought. She then caught sight of him standing with her mother. He looked up at her and climbing the stairs two at a time, was by her side in a jiffy. He lifted her by her waist and twirled her around. Prachi screamed to be put down. PL looked at them in happiness. Sukriti who had gone shopping had returned just then to witness the spectacle.

"Bhaiya, careful. Bhabhi is still very delicate at this stage," she said, laughing at his excitement.

Milind turned red and put her down carefully. They then sat down to have their lunch together. In between Prachi made several trips to the bathroom to throw up and everytime Milind followed her to support her forehead in his large palm and wash her mouth afterwards. PL and Sukriti looked at each other and smiled.
(3)


Just as they were finishing their lunch, Milind's cell rang. He checked the caller and seeing that it was Ganpat, he quickly answered the call, anxiety gripping his heart for he knew Mala was expecting to deliver any time shortly. Just as he expected Ganpat had called to inform him that his wife has gone into labour and he was taking her to the hospital. Milind assured him that he will join him soon and turning around he passed on the news. Prachi wanted to go along with Milind. Although Sukriti too wanted to join them, she was apprehensive that her presence at the hospital at a time like this would bring back painful memories of how she lost her own son. PL seemed to read her thoughts, for she volunteered to go with Sukriti to the chawl to take care of Mala's father and Ganpat's mother and asked Milind and Prachi to proceed to the hospital. Milind nodded and the two of them left immediately.



At the hospital Mala was in the labour ward. Ganpat had sought and received permission to stay with his wife right through the entire delivery process. He stood by her side, holding her hand with one hand and wiping the beads of sweat on her brow with the other. Her legs strapped to the delivery table were parted wide with her knees up. Her doctor was bent over her, lifting the sheet covering the lowered half of her body to check how much she had dilated.

Ganpat whispered words of encouragement. "You can do it darling, you can do it. Now come on, take a deep breath."

Mala tearfully looked into his eyes. The compassion and love in his eyes comforted her and she inhaled deeply. As she closed her eyes while doing so, her tears streamed out. He gently wiped them and said, "Now push, darling. Push hard."

She did as she was told and gave out a loud grunt.

"Good girl." He applauded her efforts. "Now repeat it once more. Deep breath....and ....push."

She took in her breath and pushed again.

The doctor looked up and smiled at Ganpat, thanking him for assisting in the birthing process. She assured them that Mala had already dilated by 5 cms and needed to dilate another 5 before she was ready to deliver.

Ganpat held her hands tightly and asked her to take another deep breath. Knowing that she has crossed half the bridge, she was enthused to try harder. She took a deep breath and pushed harder.

Soon the contractions were coming in rapid succession. Her breath turned irregular as she was hit by waves and waves of spasms. The pain was sharp and shooting. She clenched her teeth tight, closed her eyes shut and tried to ride the pain but it seemed to take over her. She vigourously shook her head from side to side as she tried to overcome the pain. Ganpat couldn't bear to see her in the agony and asked the doctor if she can give her something to stop the pain. The doctor shook her head saying that it was too late to give her an epidural. In fact the doctor had initially volunteered to administer it but Mala declined saying that she will bear the pain. Ganpat now wished she had taken it. Bending down, he touched her forehead with his and murmured that he loved her very much and was proud to see how well she was doing. She bit her lip trying not to scream. He asked her to let go and scream her lungs out if it makes her feel better. "You don't need to feel ashamed darling. Scream if you want to. I will not think less of you. You are still my brave girl!"

She looked at her husband gratefully and let out a sharp cry as she was pierced by another wave of spasm. Her nails dug into the flesh of his forearm, making it bleed but he was unmindful of it and kept encouraging her.


By now she had dilated fully and the baby had started its descent down the birth canal. The doctor asked her to hang in there and give one last push. With renewed energy in anticipation of seeing her baby soon, she gave a huge thrust. Finally the crown of the baby's head was visible. The doctor asked Ganpat if he wanted to see his baby slide into the world. He looked at Mala who encouraged him to go ahead. Leaving her side he went to the bottom of the table and stood beside the doctor as she expertly brought his baby out. He couldn't contain his happiness when he finally got to see his daughter. The doctor cut the umbilical cord after wiping the mucus off the nose and mouth of the baby and handed her to the nurse standing nearby so that she can get her cleaned.

"It is a baby girl, sweet heart. We have a daughter just as I hoped and prayed for. She looks as beautiful as you." He rushed to his wife's side and kissed her all over her face. She closed her eyes in relief and thanked him for all the help.

The nurse brought back the baby after cleaning her and handed her over into the waiting arms of her mother.



Outside the labour ward, Milind and Prachi were pacing restlessly, praying that everything was well inside. As the minutes ticked by Prachi got anxious. Seeing her tensed, Milind made her sit on the nearby bench and asked her to take it easy. He reminded her that Mala had a relatively hassle free pregnancy and hence there was no reason why the delivery should not be smooth. He also pointed out that Ganpat was with her, which itself should be comforting for her. Prachi folded her hands in prayer and closed her eyes. Milind kissed the top of his wife's head and marvelled at the immense love she has for everyone. Soon the doctor came out of the labour ward. Milind rushed to her and asked her how was his sister. The doctor assured him she was fine and congratulated him on becoming an uncle to a beautiful baby girl. She also told him how lucky his sister was in having a loving and caring husband like Ganpat.

"Men like him are hard to come by," she smiled and hurried to attend her other calls.


Milind and Prachi rushed in to see a picture perfect little family - Ganpat and Mala were bent over their tiny bundle of joy stretched out in both their arms. Ganpat and Mala looked up at them and smiled in happiness. Sitting in front of Mala, Prachi asked her if she can hold the baby. Mala smiled and handed over her daughter to her. Prachi carefully held the baby in her arms and cooed to her. Milind slapped Ganpat on the back and congratulated him. Ganpat smiled bashfully. Milind also thanked him for being there for his sister.

"I don't know what I did to deserve such a brother-in-law," he said emotionally, his eyes filling with tears.

"Hey, what did I do? I was merely taking care of my wife and helping in welcoming our daughter into this world. They are both my responsibility. By the way when are you going to return the favour and make me an uncle?"

Milind then proudly announced that he will soon have his wish fulfilled as Prachi was in the family way. Mala looked at Prachi quizzically and she bent her head shyly.

"Congratulations!" Mala and Ganpat exclaimed in unison. Just then the baby started wailing. The nurse who had come in said that she was hungry and needs to be fed. Prachi handed the baby back to Mala. As Mala got ready to give her daughter her first feed, Milind and Prachi wished them good bye and left them to their privacy.

The nurse showed Mala how to feed her baby. Ganpat sat by his wife's side and watched her lovingly as she nourished his daughter.



(4)



As they were returning home, Prachi felt nauseous again and asked Milind to stop the car. Seeing her contorted face, he immediately stopped the car by the side of the road. Prachi unbuckled her seat belt and rushed out to throw up again. Milind quickly reached her side and held her forehead as she puked. Once she was through, he took a bottle of water from the car and made her drink some water. He then helped her rinse her mouth and wiped her mouth with his handkerchief. He made her to sit back in the car. Sitting on his haunches on the road by her side, he took her hands in his and asked her if she was feeling alright. When she nodded her head, he returned to his seat. Buckling up, he was about to start the ignition when he felt her hand on his arm. He looked up at her enquiringly and was alarmed to see tears in her eyes.

"Milind, I am sorry," she said.

"For what?" he asked puzzled.

"For not telling you about that video earlier. Actually..."

Before she could complete the sentence, he put his finger on her lips and said shamefacedly, "Sweety, I should be the one to apologise to you for suspecting your love. I got scared of losing you darling. Your indifference and sometimes rude behaviour of the past few weeks coupled with that stupid video led me to think that you did not love me anymore. When you puked right after I kissed you, I thought that I disgusted you so much that you could not stand me any longer."

Prachi looked at him in surprise. Although she was startled by his overtly possessive behaviour earlier that day she did not know that it was triggered by such doubts and apprehensions in him.

"Oh, my poor baby!" she exclaimed and holding his face she looked deeply into his eyes. "How can I stop loving you? How can you ever disgust me? I love everything about you darling. I'll never tire of you for I simply can't have enough of your love. I think my appalling behaviour of the last few weeks was the combined result of hormonal changes brought on by the pregnancy and overwork. I pushed you away after your kiss and ran out because I did not want to vomit all over you."

He was unable to meet her gaze. Looking down he said in a small voice, "Yes, I understood it much later but I can only plead temporary insanity when I saw that idiot kiss you."

"What?" asked Prachi shocked to learn that the video her husband watched had that shot in it. She was under the impression he was angry with her for wearing the short dress. No wonder the guy was so furious. "The director assured me that the shot had been removed from the video. Did you not see me slap Kunal after he kissed me?"

"You slapped him?" he asked amazed.

"What did you think? That I would let him get away after that shameful act? I gave him a tight slap after that and ran out of the place. I tried telling you everything last night but you slept right through it. In the morning, seeing your menacing look and your abhorrence of the guy I decided to hold my tongue since I feared you will bash him and land up in jail. Please don't get violent with him. I want you around especially now that we are having the baby," she pleaded.

"Don't worry, I'll not do anything foolish to jeopardise my safety and yours. I will slam a legal notice on the recording company for taking advantage of you and including shots in the video you had not agreed to do. I'll stop them from marketing the video."

He called up his lawyer and asked him to examine the terms of Prachi's contract and ensure the company does not get away with anything. He then started the car and they reached their home to give Baba the two good news. Baba was excited to hear that Mala has safely delivered a baby girl and he was even more thrilled to hear that he was going to be a grandpa finally. Prachi knelt before him seeking his blessings. When he gave his blessings, both Prachi and Milind was surprised to note that his speech was quite distinct and clear unlike the slurred, muffled words he was uttering before. In fact Baba himself was surprised by it and said that his grandchild has got back his speech. He promised them that soon he will be up on his feet too so that he can run behind his grandchild. Milind and Prachi smiled at him.



Prachi called up PL and Sukriti to inform them about Mala's baby. Sukriti was very eager to see her niece. Milind volunteered to drive his uncle and Ganpat's mother to the hospital and asked PL to take Sukriti in her car. Late that evening they all returned to Milind's house. Milind insisted that his uncle and Ganpat's mother should stay with them till Ganpat brings his wife and baby back from the hospital. Wishing them good night, PL and Sukriti then left for their place.


(5)



The next morning Milind received a call at his office from his lawyer. He informed him that the producer of the music company swore that the video they were planning to release did not have any kissing scene. They had not finished the editing of the video in full but were willing to send the first cut of the DVD for his examination. If he found anything objectionable they were willing to remove the clipping from the song. The lawyer also told him that the contract with Prachi was only for singing and did not include shooting for the video. So they can in fact insist that the company delete the entire bit featuring Prachi and if the company does not agree, they can obtain a court injunction to stay the release of the video. Milind consulted Prachi on the matter and she asked him to insist that her part in the video be deleted as she did not feel comfortable about it. Milind asked his lawyer to issue a notice to the company to remove all shots featuring his wife. After a couple of hours his lawyer got back to inform him that the company agreed to delete the objectionable parts and reshoot that portion of the song with the same two models. Prachi's voice will be used only for the playback.



Having sorted this sticky issue, Milind still felt something was amiss. He wondered how Mr.Bansal had a complete video which had the kissing scene when the company had not even finished processing the video. He called in Mr.Bansal and asked him who had given him the video. Mr.Bansal lied that he got it from the company. Milind threatened to hand him over to the police if he did not speak up the truth since he knew that the company had not yet completed the video. Mr.Bansal got scared and admitted that he had got it from his cousin who works as a cameraman in that company and who had shot the video. He had done the editing and improvisation himself with the rushes he had and gave him the completed video. Milind asked him why did his cousin go to such lengths to give him the video but Mr.Bansal did not give an answer to that. He knew that if he drags Alaap's name into this, Alaap will finish him off. Milind asked for his cousin's address. Getting it from him, he called up the local goon and asked him to pay the guy a visit and get all copies of the video, if there are any. He also asked the goon to issue him a warning that if he ever tried to sell the video, he will not have a single unbroken bone in his body. He then turned his attention to Mr.Bansal and told him in no uncertain terms that he has to voluntarily resign from the hotel if he wanted to save his hide. Mr.Bansal trembled at the sight of his rage and came back in less than an hour to put in his papers.



That evening he discussed the day's happenings with his wife. The minute he mentioned about Mr.Bansal, Prachi's ears pricked up. She remembered that he was the man she had overheard speak ill of Milind when she visited his office several months ago. She also remembered overhearing Alaap talk to a Mr.Bansal the day she went to meet him at his office to haul him up for his treatment of Sukriti. Could it be the same man? There was a strong possibility of it, but would Alaap stoop to such an extent to bring down Milind? The video would have sullied her reputation as well. Would he have done it to his own sister? Then she remembered the deal he had made with Milind to usurp her father's wealth. She knew she cannot put it past him. He seemed to be the most selfish creature she ever came across. If he did this to his own sibling what more he would do to his wife who he never really loved? She feared for Sukriti's well being in the company of such an unscrupulous man. She did not want to confide her doubts and apprehensions with Milind. She knew Milind may not take these things lying down and a war may be unleashed between the two families. She decided instead to speak to Sukriti and advice her to get out of this bad marriage before it consumes her. Nothing good can come out of this marriage which has gone beyond redemption. Now what is important is Sukriti's happiness. Her mother was right in suggesting that Sukriti break up with Alaap. She too felt that this would be the best option. They could always find a decent guy for her. Even if they don't, Sukriti would be much happier without a husband like him.



The following morning she went to meet Sukriti at Shah House and taking her aside she told her whatever she knew about Alaap. She told her how he seems to have planted somebody in Milind's hotel to bring down her brother. She warned her that the longer she stayed with him, the more havoc he was going to create in all their lives for it was clear he did not love her. Just then Sukriti caught sight of Alaap standing outside the room. The guy had hid himself to overhear their conversation. Sukriti pretended not to have seen him and shouted at Prachi for daring to suggest dissolving her marriage.



"What sort of woman are you, bhabhi to suggest to her own sister-in-law to divorce her husband? Don't you know that woman's place is by her husband, no matter how he treats her? Have we not been taught to be patient and caring towards our husbands? Have you not put up with my hot headed brother? Why are you now asking me to leave my husband?"

Prachi tried to explain to her, "Sukriti, you know very well you cannot compare your brother with mine. Your brother may be hot headed but he is a good man."

Sukriti looked at her angrily, "And mine is not? Look here bhabhi. I respect you and hold you in high regard. That does not mean I will believe all the lies you spew about my husband."

Prachi was shocked to hear Sukriti speak in this manner.

In order to convince Sukriti about Alaap's true nature she told her about the deal he made with Milind to get her share of her father's wealth.

"A man who can sell his own sister can do anything, Sukriti."

Sukriti was shocked to hear this side of the story but she quickly recovered and asked Prachi how long she knew about this. Prachi admitted that she was aware of this for quite some time.

"Then why did you not tell me earlier?" asked Sukriti.

"I thought he would treat you well, Sukriti, but we saw how he has been behaving with you. He was not even present for your delivery or your son's funeral."

"All this is old news, bhabhi. As I see things as they stand, your immediate provocation to come here and ask me to divorce Alaap is to protect your own marriage and your husband," she said spitefully.

"He is also your brother, Sukriti," Prachi said in a pained voice.

Sukriti tried hard to sound as heartless as possible, "So what? After marriage a woman's loyalty is to her husband and his family, not her parental home. Just as you are loyal to your husband, I am loyal to mine. Alaap works hard to support me. He may be a little indifferent at times but he makes up in others. He buys me gifts and takes me out. I will not leave him at any cost. If you have nothing else to talk about other than this divorce talk, can you please leave?"

Prachi was hurt by Sukriti's harsh words and her eyes reflected her pain. Sukriti turned away from her to hide her own tears and prevent herself from cracking up. After a few seconds of silence, Prachi left the place with a heavy heart.

Alaap who had heard all this had moved away with a crooked smile before his sister caught him standing outside the room.

After Prachi left, Sukriti threw herself on the bed face down and cried her heart out. "I am sorry bhabhi," she wept into the pillow. "I had to be harsh with you to achieve the larger objective of my husband's downfall."

XXXVIII

One week later

It was the ear piercing and naming ceremony of Mala's daughter. Milind wanted to make it a grand event. So he booked the banquet hall at his hotel and laid out an elaborate feast. He called all his friends from the chawl apart from his wife's family and the baby's parents and grandparents. Ayesha, who was out of town on official tour when Mala's baby was born, also attended the function. When she came to know of Prachi's pregnancy, she hugged her tight in happiness.



The function began with the ear piercing ceremony. The baby was made to lie on Milind's lap as he was her maternal uncle, and her tiny earlobes were pierced. Hearing the baby wail at the sharp pain this caused, Milind's heart went out to her. He asked Prachi why they were subjecting the tiny baby to such torture. She assured him that she will soon be alright. She was right, for soon the baby stopped crying and looked around her curiously at the thronging people. As Ganpat was a Maharashtrian, in their community both the grandparents of the child keep passing the baby to each other, uttering names of Lord Krishna before naming the baby. As Mala did not have a mother, PL decided to take her place as the maternal grandmother. Ganpat's mother first held the baby and passed her to PL, uttering one of Lord Krishna's many names. She, in turn, passed her back to her, uttering another name for the Lord. This went on for the next ten minutes. Finally Mala bent down over her daughter and uttered her name, Bhavya, into her ear before announcing it to everyone assembled. The guests then lined up to give gifts both to the mother and the baby. The baby dozed off mid-way through the ceremony. As Mala was also looking tired, staying up half the night to nurse her baby, Milind offered her one of the hotel room to rest and feed her baby as and when she wakes up.



After the ceremony, Ganpat escorted his wife to the room. Milind arranged for food to be served in their room. Sukriti who was dying to speak to Prachi took her aside and apologised to her for her rude behaviour. She assured her that she knew what she was doing and will ensure Alaap pays for his sins. She requested her not to ask her just how she was planning to do it. Prachi asked her to be careful as her brother can be ruthless.



The guests in the meantime went to serve themselves the buffet lunch. Seeing the food, Prachi rushed to the washroom to puke. Realising that his wife will not be able to sit amidst the smell of food, Milind took her to one of the hotel rooms. He arranged for curd rice and pickle (the only food she ate for the past two weeks) to be served in their room and fed her the food, eating the same himself. Later he stretched her on the bed and sat by her side, massaging her forehead till she fell asleep. His guests looked out for the hosts and the parents of the baby and not finding either, they took leave from the PL and Sukriti. PL then called Milind to inform him that they too were making a move and asked him to come home for dinner that night with his Baba.



Milind watched over his sleeping wife lovingly. A couple of hours later Milind gently woke Prachi up, reminding her of the appointment they had in less than an hour with their gynaecologist, Dr.Preena. Her doctor was to perform an ultrasound test. Normally such a test is done during 16-18 weeks of pregnancy. Her doctor, however, wanted to perform one on her even though she was only 8 weeks pregnant, after examining her and hearing her complaints of excessive morning sickness and fatigue. Both Milind and Prachi were a little apprehensive about what they will find, although they were excited to catch the first glimpse of their baby.



On reaching the clinic, they were directed to the doctor's consulting room. As it was still early to have an abdominal sonography, the doctor inserted the instrument into her to get a clear picture of her womb. What she saw on the screen had her transfixed. Moving the instrument around, she tried to confirm again what she had seen. Milind got alarmed seeing her startled look and repeatedly asked her if everything was alright with the baby. She did not look at him but concentrated on her task for a few minutes. By now Milind was sweating profusely, wondering what was wrong. Prachi too started panicking and begged the doctor to tell them what the problem was.

Finally turning around, Dr.Preena smiled and said, "Mrs.Mishra, you are carrying not one.....not two.....but three babies."



Hearing this, Prachi got up with a start and Milind slumped on the bed as they both gaped at the doctor. Dr.Preena then explained to them although normally only one egg is released by the woman in a month, sometimes two eggs are released and both get fertilised to form two embryos which will later develop into foetuses. Within a couple of days of fertilisation, one of them then splits to form a third embryo. Multiple pregnancies are not a common event, that too under natural conditions, but Prachi seems to be among the select women that nature decides to bless with more than one kid.



She then asked Prachi if she had a family history of multiple births. Prachi remembered her mother telling her a long time ago that she had a fraternal twin sibling (who would have been Prachi's aunt) who died at birth. Dr.Preena then explained to them that fraternal twins (formed by the fertilisation of two eggs or zygotes) are common among older women. Heredity factors or infertility treatment can also result in these twins. In Prachi's case it seemed to be a heredity factor. Milind enquired about the safety of his wife. Dr.Preena assured him that since the three embryos were developing with the help of three separate placentas, their chances of survival were bright although Prachi will have to come for frequent medical check-ups so that the progress of the foetuses can be monitored.



After getting over the initial shock, Milind gladly hugged the doctor and turned around to kiss his wife's forehead. Prachi took longer to get out of her shock. Milind whispered that everything will be fine and slowly escorted her out of the clinic. They picked up Baba from their house and left for the Shah House. Prachi was unusually quiet throughout the journey. They had not yet broken the news to Baba as they wanted to do so when both their families were together. On reaching Shah House they were welcomed in by PL and Sukriti. They all then sat down together in the hall. PL asked Milind how did the test go. Milind looked at his wife to see if she wanted to convey the news to them but she remained silent.



He then lovingly placed his palm on her abdomen and looking around at everyone he proudly announced, "My love has multiplied in there!" They all looked at him in confusion wondering what he meant. Sukriti was the first one to understand. "Bhaiya and bhabhi are having twins!" she exclaimed.

"Not twins Sukriti, triplets", corrected Milind.

"Triplets?! I will be aunty three times over," she exclaimed and jumped up to embrace Prachi. PL and Baba blessed Prachi and wished her well. Suddenly Prachi got up and rushed out of the room. She went up to her room and fell on the bed weeping loudly. Milind was alarmed seeing her strange behaviour and quickly followed her. Kneeling on the floor by her side, he lifted her tear-stained face. "What is it, Prachi? Why are you crying?" he asked in confusion.

"Milind, I am scared. I can't do this, Milind. I can't carry three babies for nine months."

"Prachi, my poor darling. You think you are in this alone? Don't worry, I will be with you every step of the way. Together we will bring our beautiful babies into this world. Although I cannot carry your burden now, I will assume their full responsibility from the moment they come into this world. You needn't lift your little finger. You sit back like a queen and relax while I take care of all their needs. I will change their nappies, I will put them to sleep, I will sing to them, I will ..."

Prachi smiled through her tears and said, "There is one thing you cannot do."

Milind swore that there is nothing he can't do.

"You'll even breastfeed them?" asked Prachi, putting on an innocent face.

Milind scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. "Except that, I'll do everything else. I'll bring them to you only to fill their hungry little tummies. The rest of the time I'll look after them."

"If you are after them 24 hours of the day, who will feed their mother and their grandpa?" By now she was enjoying teasing him.

"I'll shift all of you to the hotel so that I can keep a close watch on my babies and also discharge my duties at work," he said confidently.

Prachi started laughing and hugged him. "You are chooooo chweeeeeet, my darling hubby." She pinched both his cheeks.

"Then you'll have these babies?" Milind asked her, looking at her with expectant eyes.

"How can I deny you the pleasure of your precious babies? I'll have them, dear."

"I promise you that you will not regret trusting your husband," he assured her and walked her down to the dining table. PL, Baba and Sukriti were already at the table waiting for them. PL asked her daughter whether she was alright. She nodded her head and quietly ate the food her husband fed her, looking at him with love-filled eyes.


XXXIX



Prachi was concerned about Sukriti's well-being, particularly after her conversation with her during the naming ceremony where she had told her that she was planning something big to bring down Alaap. She knew her brother well enough by now to anticipate the lengths he will go to hurt people. If he comes to know that Sukriti was plotting against him he will surely harm her. She wondered whether she should confide in Milind but then her hot-headed husband is no less. He will immediately confront Alaap and thrash him up which will only make things worse. Alaap will then have him safely locked up in prison. She, however, cannot take a chance with Sukriti's safety. She has to speak to Milind and try reasoning with him and ask him not to indulge in anything that will land him in the wrong side of the law, but before that she needs to speak to Sukriti and find out what she was planning to do and how dangerous it is. She called up Sukriti and asked her if she could meet her at a nearby coffee shop. Sukriti agreed and they met at the venue two hours later. Sukriti was accompanied by a bespectacled young gentleman. Prachi wondered who he was. As they took their seats Sukriti introduced the man with her.

"Bhabhi, this is Saket Saxena. He was Alaap's classmate in college and is now working for him as his legal adviser."



Between them Sukriti and Saket narrated the whole chain of events since her meeting with him early that year. Saket did his masters in law from the Harvard Law School after post graduation here in India. After working for a legal firm in the U.S. for a couple of years he had returned to India in January that year. One day Sukriti ran into him at the bank quite by chance. Since his face looked familiar, she asked him if she knew him. He then told her that they had met on a couple of occasions during some inter-collegiate events. It is then that she recollected who he was. They had coffee together and caught up with old times. He told her that he had come to attend a job interview for the post of legal adviser at the Shah Group of Hotels. Hearing the name, she was surprised and informed him that her husband, Alaap, was the CEO of the Group. It was Saket's turn to be surprised. She asked him if he wanted her to put in a word to her husband but he declined saying that he would prefer to get the job in his own merit. He enquired when she had got married and how many children she had. At the mention of children, she could not control her tears since that day was the second-month death anniversary of her son. Seeing her emotionally disturbed state, he did not press on.



He had later attended the interview and got the job. Alaap had not recognised him at first which was not surprising because the guy hardly attended college and even when he did, he was too busy flirting with the girls to notice a geek like him. It is only when he joined duty did he reveal who he was. Alaap was all the more happy to have him around and soon trusted him with a lot of details about his company. Moving closely with Alaap Saket found out what a crook he was. His employees were highly dissatisfied with him. Most of them stuck on because of their loyalty to his dead father. The company's profits were also down because of his mismanagement. What disgusted Saket the most was that he had still not changed from his womanising college days. He was having a rollicking affair with a small time model. He had come to know from his colleagues that the guy had taken her to Shimla on a holiday when his wife was on the verge of delivery, lying to her that he had an official engagement. He had not even returned on time for his son's funeral. This had infuriated him and he was on the verge of resigning from his job but something had happened that day which had made him rethink.



Sukriti had dropped in on her husband that day and caught the model on his lap. She rushed out of his office before they noticed her and bumped into Saket who was on his way to submit the resignation letter. Seeing her ashen face he realised that she has come to know about Alaap's betrayal. He took her to a nearby restaurant where she just broke down. She wanted to get out of her marriage but he had asked her to be a little patient. He asked her what was more important to her - getting freedom from him or make him pay for his sins. She admitted that she wanted him to suffer. He said that the best way to hurt him is to bring about his total financial ruin. This would require elaborate planning and execution. He assured her that he will help her in the task and together they will bring him down. Sukriti agreed and from then on kept a close tab on Alaap's activities. She did not want him to suspect anything. That is why when Prachi had come over and asked her to divorce her husband, she yelled at her as she had seen Alaap standing outside their room, eavesdropping on their conversation. She wanted to lull him into complacency and make him believe in her loyalty to him.


After waiting for months they had found their first opening when Prachi revealed to Sukriti about Alaap-Bansal connection who, in turn, appraised Saket about it. When Saket came to know about the rivalry between Milind and Alaap, he realised that he can manipulate Alaap's hatred for Milind to engineer his downfall . He casually brought up the topic of Bansal's ouster.

"Alaap, I heard that Bansal has been ousted by your brother-in-law, Milind and he is looking out for a replacement. I think we should plant our guy there so that he can continue to do what Bansal did till now."


Alaap was initially taken aback that Saket knew about Bansal and him. Before he could question him further he said that the guy had come looking for him when he was out of town and spilled the beans to him. He had paid him off and asked him not to come back to the city or meet Alaap.

"I must applaud you Alaap," he continued. "When it comes to business, all relations need to be forgotten. So what if the guy is your brother-in-law? If there is an opportunity to bring down a rival, one should capitalise on it. I know someone who is just right for the job. He has the experience of working in the hotel industry. He is energetic and smart. Milind should not have a problem recruiting him. I will ensure that he does not suspect anything and trace him back to us. The guy I have in mind is also a good snooper. He will hunt out information about Milind's financial dealings. Equipped with this knowledge we should be able to bring him down."



Over the months Alaap had grown to trust Saket's judgement. Although he had not discussed with him his hatred for Milind, now that it is out he was relieved that Saket supported him on his mission to bring Milind down. He agreed to have the guy Saket was suggesting as their informer at Garodia Hotels. Saket pounced on the opportunity and had sent one of his old friends, Vikram, to attend the interview at Milind's hotel. As expected, Vikram had got the job. Now they planned to make Vikram pass on false information to Alaap, who in turn will end up taking wrong decisions based on it.

"Don't worry, Mrs.Mishra. We will ensure that your husband's name or reputation will not be harmed by our deeds. We will also ensure that Alaap does not come to know of our plans. As to Sukriti's safety, I will stand guarantee for it. If everything goes well we should be able to get the man down on his knees in less than a year."



Prachi did not know how to react to all this. She knew Milind will not agree to any of this if he came to know of it. The guy absolutely abhorred dishonesty and what Sukriti and Saket planned to do was nothing short of it. She tried telling this to Saket.



"Mrs.Mishra, if we do not operate as deviously as Alaap does, he would plant his own man there and keep creating problems for Milind. If Milind comes to know that Alaap was behind all this, all hell will break lose. After a lot of thought we have come to the conclusion that this was the best course of action, both to protect Milind and also punish Alaap. You have to remove a thorn with a thorn, Mrs.Mishra. We are dealing with a poisonous thorn, so we need to use another poisonous thorn to deal with it."



Sukriti agreed with him and said that now was not the time to tell Milind anything about the plan. When the time was right she herself will tell him everything and explain to him the circumstances under which they decided to take this route.



Prachi still looked confused but something about Saket evoked a sense of trust and confidence in him. She noticed a deep care in his eyes for Sukriti. She knew he will not take any chances with her safety. So she decided to play along with them by maintaining her silence. She hoped her judgement about Saket is not proved wrong. On her way back home she dropped into a mandir and prayed for Sukriti's well being and success in her plan.

XL

The next day was Prachi's birthday. When Prachi opened her eyes that morning she saw her husband intently gaze at her face with great love. He leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the lips and wished her a happy birthday saying that he did not want to be accused of forgetting her birthday like last year. She smiled and said she will not accuse him for she knew that he will never forget anything that is associated with her. Just then she looked up to see a large picture of herself as a new born baby in PL's arms right at the centre of the wall before them. She turned around and saw that the entire room was adorned with framed pictures taken on each of her preceding twenty three birthdays. There was one taken of her on the chawl terrace during Milind's surprise party the previous year.


"Milind, where did you get all these pictures from?" she asked in surprise.

Milind smiled and said, "Except for the last one which I had clicked on my cell phone and hence it is not very clear, the rest were given to me by your mama. I got it from her last week and had them all framed."
"Milind, you never cease to amaze me!" she exclaimed and hugged him.

Milind then took her on a guided tour of each of the photograph, telling her what he liked about her in each one of them.

"But my favourite one is this," he said stopping in front of the picture of her as a newborn.

"Do you know why?" he asked her.

She shook her head.

"Because you are in minimal clothes, in just your nappy! I wouldn't have minded it if you weren't wearing even that." he said naughtily and ran away before she could hit his shoulder.
Assuring her that the reason he loved that picture was because it was the first picture of his beautiful wife and secondly, it gave him an idea how his babies will look like if they take after their mom, which he hoped they would. He then asked her to finish her morning routine fast because they needed to go to some places. As she stepped into the bathroom he asked her loudly whether she needed help bathing. She replied that she was more than capable of taking care of herself. When she stepped back into the room she found a beautiful magenta georgette saree with matching blouse and skirt lying on the bed. Milind was not in the room. Smiling she slipped into the skirt and just about managed to fit into the blouse although it was a bit tight in the front. She had tucked in one end of the saree and was about to wrap it around her when Milind walked in with a tray with two cups of tea. The minute he saw his wife had not yet draped the saree, he hurriedly left the tray on the side table and jumped to her side. He insisted that he should be allowed the honour of dressing her up, atleast on her birthday. She smiled and pulling the pallu over her shoulder and pinning it up so as to ensure that it does not fall down like it did the last time he tried draping a saree on her, she let him take the pleats of the saree. He knelt in front of her and expertly folded the pleats. He was about to tuck in the saree when he caught sight of the gently rising mound of her stomach. He bent forward and placed three kisses on it. Prachi shivered at the sensation and caught his head between her hands in an effort to stop him. He looked up and said that he was not kissing her but his three beautiful babies inside and kissed her stomach again. He then gently tucked the pleats in and got up. He removed a jewel case from the cupboard and took out a delicate slim floral patterned diamond necklace. Seeing her widened eyes, he smiled and asked her to turn around. Slipping it around her neck, he tightened the clasp. He leant forward and kissed the nape of her neck sending another wave of shiver down her body. He then led her to the bed and offered her the tea.



Later they went to baba's room to seek his blessings. While blessing her, baba exclaimed at how time flew by. It was not long ago that she was a baby on his lap and now she is a mother-to-be, whose babies will soon be sitting on his lap. She smiled shyly as Milind wheeled him to the dining table where breakfast prepared by Krishna kaka was awaiting them. Ever since Prachi started having morning sickness he had been managing the cooking, apart from taking care of baba.


After their breakfast Milind drove her to a mandir and offered prayers for her and his three unborn babies. Later he drove her to Shah House, dropping her off before leaving for work. As he turned to leave, he asked her what she wanted when he returned that evening.

"Milind, you have already gifted me so many things. I do not want anything more than your love."

"Darling, you know that you always have it. All the gifts I got you so far were according to my wish. What is it that you wish for?"

She then hesitatingly told him that she had a craving for small gooseberries
"Small gooseberries? They will be extremely sour," he made a face.

"That is why I want them," she said. "My tongue is itching to eat sour things."

"OK. If that is what you want, that is what you'll have."

He pecked her cheek and took leave of his mother-in-law and Sukriti.


At the hotel he sent one of his employees to get the small gooseberries but the man returned after an hour saying that he could not find them anywhere in the market. He decided to search for them himself. After thronging all the markets in the area he still could not find them. That evening he was returning to Shah House deeply dejected that he could not get the only gift his wife wanted from him on her birthday. While waiting for a signal, he noticed a gooseberry tree by the side of the road. Once the signal turned green he veered his car closer to the tree and stopping the car next to it he got out hurriedly. He looked up at the tree. The gooseberries were hanging at a height. He tried stretching his hands but he could not reach them. Finally he decided to climb the tree and pick them himself. He removed his shoes and quickly climbed the tree. Spreading his large handkerchief over his palm, he picked the gooseberries from the branches with the other hand and filled his handkerchief with them. He then tied a tight knot around them and slowly tried to get down. Just as he was nearing the bottom of the tree his grip around the tree slipped and he fell to the ground with a thud, spraining his right ankle in the process. Cursing himself, he picked up the precious bundle of gooseberries in one hand and his shoes on the other and hopped to the car. Sliding in, he started the car and drove home. His ankle had swollen up by the time he reached Shah House and was throbbing with pain. Unmindful of his pain, he eagerly got off the car and headed to the front door, ringing the bell continuously to get Prachi's attention.



As soon as Prachi opened the door he offered her the bundled handkerchief and asked her to open it. Prachi opened the bundle excitedly and the minute she saw the gooseberries, her eyes widened in happiness. She kissed his cheek and hurried to the kitchen to wash them. Seeing her childish excitement Milind felt contented and slowly hopped into the house. PL and Sukriti alarmed to see his soiled clothes and pronounced limp. Sukriti rushed to his side and holding his hand she led him to the sofa. Both of them then enquired what had happened and why was he limping. Prachi who was returning from the kitchen after having washed the gooseberries and transferring them to a stainless steel bowl, overheard them and rushed to him. Leaving the bowl on the teepoy, she sat in front of him and lifting his foot, she examined his ankle which had swollen like a bun by now. In the meantime PL brought the first aid kit. Taking it from her, Prachi removed the bottle of Iodex from it and applied it on the injured area.
"Milind, how did you get it?" Prachi asked him.

Milind was reluctant to tell her what had happened. After she kept prodding for quite awhile he finally told her how he had slipped down the gooseberry tree after picking the berries.

All the three women were amazed at the extent Milind would go to fulfil his wife's wishes. Prachi's eyes filled with tears which fell on his foot. Milind was alarmed to see them and lifting her up, he made her sit by his side. Wiping the tears, he said that she should not cry on her birthday. He took all this trouble to bring a smile on her face and not a tear. By crying she defeated the very purpose of his gift. She smiled half heartedly. He then took one gooseberry from the bowl and tried feeding it to her. She shook her head and said that she did not want the gooseberries which were responsible for her husband's pain. Milind told her that he will be more pained if she does not eat them. She then reluctantly ate them as he fed them one by one. Sukriti and PL who were watching the entire interaction between the two, looked at each other and smiled. PL said a silent prayer that no evil eye be cast on the happiness of her children for she considered Milind as her own son.

XLI



Ayesha's days were quite full during the past month or so. She returned after a week's official tour to Delhi to a whole pile of work which had accumulated in her absence. Although she never rested a minute while at work, the load was nowhere near over. Between her weekend trips to Bangalore to keep a watch over her mother and her late sittings at the office, she hardly got the time to visit her friends or socialise. She was dying to spend more time with Prachi, especially now that she is in the family way. She wanted to cook her favourite dishes and feed them to her but alas, she never could find the time do to it. But Ayesha considered work as worship. Once she was in office, she pushed aside all other thoughts and concentrated on the task at hand. That day, she was clearing all the old bills when her eyes caught a receipt for one of the consignments that was sent during her absence. She had been handling the order before she had to urgently leave for Delhi to meet one of their long standing clients and thrash out some pending issues with them. Before leaving she had entrusted the job of sending the consignment to the U.S. to her assistant manager, Mr.Jaswal. Going by the receipt date it appeared that the guy has sent the consignment five days late and as a result they suffered an exchange loss of Rs.10 lakh as the rupee had appreciated against the US dollar in the meantime. Had he sent the consignment on time they could have prevented the loss. It did not help that they had not taken a forward cover. Ayesha called in Mr.Jaswal and gave him the firing of his life.

"Mr.Jaswal. Why did you not adhere to the time schedule given to you? We could have avoided this loss of Rs.10 lakh if only you had stuck to the date the consignment was supposed to be shipped. We would have received the payment also on time," she yelled angrily.



Mr.Jaswal shifted from one leg to the other uneasily. "Ms.Singhania, I...I.... ..," he stammered out, unable to get the words out on seeing the blazing anger in her eyes.

"Mr.Jaswal, I do not have the whole day to wait for your explanation. Has the cat caught your tongue?"

"Ye...es, I ... I mean nno....., I am.... sorry...I....could ...not send it on the scheduled date because ....my....my mother...had suddenly taken ill and I....I.... had to take...her to the hospital."

"OK, if you could not send it on that day, why did you not send it the next day or the next. Why did you wait for five days before sending it?"

"Ms.Singhania, I... I ....could not leave my mother back..alone in the hospital. I had to stay with her."

"Do you have no one who could to take care of her? What about your wife, Mr.Jaswal?"

"My wife absolutely detests my mother. They are constantly at each other's throats even on ordinary days. I couldn't leave her in my wife's care knowing her animosity towards my mother. She wouldn't hesitate to throttle her in her incapacitated state."
"Look, here. Mr.Jaswal. I am not here to listen to your personal problems. Once you report for duty, all thoughts should be on your work and nothing else. Tell me which of us do not have problems? That does not mean we can take shelter in them to shirk our responsibilities here at work. Mr.Shergill is not running a charitable organisation but a profitable business and it is our duty to give it our best as we are getting well paid for doing exactly that. If this company has ten people like you, the company will soon have to file for bankruptcy. Hereafter I don't want you to give any excuses for non-completion of work. If you do, then I may have to take some severe action against you," she said in a non-nonsense tone, wagging her fingers as she concluded.


"It will not happen again, Ms.Singhania."

"Good. You may go now," she waved him off as she turned her attention to the next item of work.

As Mr.Jaswal went to the door, Neev moved hurriedly away from his place behind it and returned to his cabin, engrossed in deep thought.

That afternoon, he called Ayesha in to get a briefing about the business. Ayesha entered with a file in her hand where she had given the detailed report about the month's activities. Taking the file from her hands, he asked her to sit. While going through it he asked her about the consignment to the U.S.

"Ms.Singhania, why have we suffered a loss of Rs.10 lakh in this deal?"
"It is my fault, Mr.Shergill. I should have ensured that the consignment had reached our client on time for him to make the payment. A delay in sending it had resulted in delayed payment which in turn had resulted in a loss since the rupee appreciated in the meantime. I will ensure this does not happen again."


"But Ms.Singhania, the entire transaction seems to have taken place during your absence. Then why are you blaming yourself?"

"I may not have been physically present, Sir, but it was my duty to have followed up on this task and ensured it was completed on time. I failed to do it. It will not happen again."

Neev was amazed by this woman. She blasted Mr.Jaswal so much that the guy very nearly p***d in his pants and yet here she was, shielding him and assuming all the blame. He was curious to know the reason and decided to confront her directly.


"Ms.Singhania. I overheard you admonishing Mr.Jaswal. My, my, my. Should have seen how hot and red with anger your face had become. I think I could have toasted a bread on your cheeks. Must say that you do look quite attractive when you are angry, Ms.Singhania."

Ayesha's initial shock turned to anger as she turned her fiery eyes to him.

"Since when have you started snooping outside my cabin, Mr.Shergill?"


"I'm sorry, I came to your cabin to get this month's business report but ended up inadvertently listening to you blasting your assistant manager for dereliction of duty. Did not feel like entering in after that and risk getting my head chewed off as well. Thought I'll wait till you cooled down. That's why I called you now but looks like your anger has still not cooled down."

Before she could say anything he continued, "Ms.Singhania, I can't understand you at all. One moment you were reprimanding a man for failing in his duty but the next moment you end up protecting him and taking the blame on yourself."


"Mr.Shergill I scolded the man for not sending the consignment on time as he should have done. It is my right as his boss to expect him to fulfil my instructions. At the same time I also have a duty as a manager to ensure that the work was completed. If I had called up and checked up whether the consignment had left, I would have realised that it had not. I could have then made alternate arrangements to see to it that it did. I assumed that the work would be done and that is my fault. It was a costly mistake because we have lost Rs.10 lakh as a result of it."

"Ms.Singhania, don't be so harsh on yourself. You did delegate the duty to someone thinking he will do it. Unfortunately he did not. How can you be blamed for it?"


"But I was his boss, so I have to assume responsibility for his omissions and commissions as well," she tried to justify herself.

"If that is the case, I am your boss, so I will have to assume responsibility for this loss. Had I taken a forward cover, we could have avoided the exchange loss. By failing to anticipate the rupee appreciation, I was not smart enough, especially considering that I had studied Economics. So stop the self flagellation."
Just then someone knocked at his door."Yes, come in!" he called out.


Mr.Jaswal entered in with folded hands. "Thank you, Sir. I came to know just now from the accounts department that all my mother's medical expenses have been settled by the company. I am sorry I had caused a loss to your company and yet you have been gracious enough to overlook that and help me."

"Mr.Jaswal, what I did was the duty of an employer. I hope you will discharge your duties as an employee by concentrating on your work as Ms.Singhania had told you to do."

"Yes, Sir," said Jaswal gratefully and left the place.

It was Ayesha's turn to be confused by his behaviour. One minute he was making fun of her for yelling at her assistant manager and later taking up for him. Yet now he himself was tacitly supporting her firm stand with her subordinate but at the same time he was compassionate enough to foot all the medical bills of an employee who had caused loss to his company. Looking at her confused expression, he raised an eyebrow enquiringly.

She just shook her head and asked him, "If there is nothing else to discuss, can I now leave? A lot of pending items of work require my attention."


He smiled and nodded his head, "Yes, Ms.Duty First, you may go now."

Although she felt like retorting back to that mocking comment, she let it pass. Inspite of herself she started liking the guy. He seemed to be jovial, smart and most of all a compassionate human being. As he watched her retreating back, his eyes softened with an emotion he did not understand or want to accept as yet. He kept twirling the hemispherical paper weight upside down on the large desk as his thoughts were deeply immersed in this mysterious girl who evoked feelings in him he tried best to forget.

XLII

One month later

Prachi was a little over 12 weeks pregnant. Milind had taken her to Dr.Preena the previous day and was told that everything was normal and the triplets were growing fine. With Prachi's morning sickness waning after the first trimester she was able to eat well. She tried to evict Krishna kaka from the kitchen but Milind forbade her from cooking, insisting that she took as much rest as her body needed. Prachi did not protest too much because she felt tired and drained most of the time as her body was working thrice as hard, nourishing her babies. Milind kept a hawk-like watch on what she ate and ensured she had a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals especially calcium and iron. His accomplices in monitoring what she eats and when she eats were Baba and Krishna kaka. He called her up atleast five times a day to check whether she was feeling alright. In addition there were a never ending train of visitors. PL and Sukriti dropped on her often. So did Manju who brought her different types of rice preparations every day like puliyodarai, lime rice, coconut rice, pudhina (mint) rice, coriander rice and tomato rice as pregnant women are supposed to be fond of them. Mrs.Kapoor also dropped in frequently with her special Punjabi dishes. Even Ayesha managed to squeeze in the time and came to visit her with a tiffin box full of sprouted legumes. Prachi relished all of them.



That evening Milind arrived earlier than usual to take her shopping for some clothes. He noticed that she struggled to fit into her fitted kameez the previous day when they were getting ready for the visit to the doctor. He would have taken her directly to the shop from the clinic but she looked very haggard and he did not want to overstrain her. Hence he decided to postpone the shopping for the next day. When he entered in, he noticed Prachi fast asleep, stretched out on the sofa with one of the two pregnancy books he had bought for her, "Expecting Twins, Triplets, and More: A Doctor's Guide to a Healthy and Happy Multiple Pregnancy: by Rachel Franklin" spread on her growing tummy. Baba gave him the daily report about her activities and assured him that she had her lunch and evening tea on time and had dozed off only a few minutes back. Milind sat next to his wife and gazed tenderly at her sleeping face. Pushing back a tendril of hair which had fallen on her face, he got up and told his baba that he had some shopping to do. Although he wanted to take Prachi along so that she could chose what she wants to buy, he did not have the heart to wake her up.



At the shop he bought half a dozen lose fitting cotton kurtas and then stepped into the lingerie store to buy some brassieres for his wife as he noticed that her bosom was expanding too but he did not know her size. He asked the sales girl to take out all the sizes in cotton to get a visual idea and rummaged through them till he found the one which he thought would fit her. He felt the fabric with his hands to ensure they were soft on the skin and explained to the salesgirl that his wife was pregnant and her skin was pretty sensitive and tender. As he stood there selecting the lingerie for his wife, he was oblivious to the many pairs of eyes that looked him up and down in curiosity. While the men smirked at him, the women looked at him enviously wishing they too had a caring husband like him. By the time he was satisfied with his purchase, the sales girl was sapped off all her energy. She thought that a few customers like him were enough to make her want to quit her job. Seeing her tired face, Milind felt guilty and apologising for putting her through all the trouble, he handed a hundred rupee note for all her patience. The girl smiled and thanked him, quickly changing her mind about him. A few customers like him were enough to make her job worth the while she thought. Picking all the covers he returned back home.

Prachi was up by now and was busy chatting with Baba. Handing her the covers, he gently kissed her forehead. She looked curiously inside the cover and was surprised to see his purchases. Thanking him for his thoughtfulness she went inside their room to keep them in the cupboard. Following her in, he asked her to try out the undergarment as he was not sure of the size. She went into the bathroom and tried them on, shouting out that they were a perfect fit. He smiled and asked her to step out so that he can make sure for himself. Prachi shouted back that he didn't have to bother for she felt comfortable in them.




They later had their dinner with Baba. Milind forced her to drink a glass of milk. Prachi made a face and said that she had already had two glasses that day but he would not take 'no' for an answer. Finally she gave up and drank it. Wiping her mouth off with his palm he fed her an apple. Prachi knew there was no point protesting, so she meekly ate it. After Baba had retired to bed, Milind carried Prachi to their room. He made her lean against him and rubbing her neck with one hand, he held a pregnancy book titled "What to expect when you are expecting" which chalked out the entire course of nine months pregnancy. There was a section on 'Twins and more' which he read aloud to her. Soon Prachi's eyes turned droopy and she fell asleep. He gently stretched her on the bed and loosely hugging her, he watched over her till his eyes too felt heavy and rested for the day.

(2)



It was the last night of the Navratri celebrations. Ayesha put away the files and got ready to leave. It was 9.00 p.m. and if she hurries maybe she can participate in the dandiya ras organised in the chawl. She couldn't take part in the dances the previous eight nights because she was caught up in work. Neev made it a point to drop her every night at the chawl if she got delayed at work. That day too he dropped into her cabin, volunteering to drop her. She accepted the offer on the condition that he would take part in the dandiya ras. Neev tried to wriggle out of it stating that he did not know how to dance. Ayesha assured him that she can teach him and that was not an excuse. After protesting for awhile Neev finally gave in.



Neev suggested that they have their dinner before they go to the chawl. Ayesha nodded her head and they dropped in at a posh restaurant on the way. While having their dinner, Ayesha asked him why he was reluctant to socialise. He said that by nature he is a recluse who prefers to keep his own company. Ayesha refused to buy his explanation saying she knew that he used to be an outgoing, fun loving and carefree person who made people around him laugh with his wit. Neev looked at her in surprise and asked her how she knew that. Realising that she had inadvertently blurted out something she knew from being Prachi's friend, she hastily recovered to attribute her knowledge of his personality to the long-time employees in his company who never stopped wondering about the transformation in their erstwhile master's son. She did not want Neev to know about her connection with Prachi as yet, although why, she did not understand. Neev seemed to accept her explanation, for he merely nodded and said that he was a different person before. He loved the company of people and dreaded spending life on his own. But life has dealt him a raw deal. After his marriage and love turned sour, he lost all hope of ever being happy again. He did not want to expose himself to hurt and shied away from people, preferring to keep his own company. She looked at him intently and asked him whether that had made him feel better. He did not answer her directly but said that it kept him from thinking about the past. She said that only cowards try to escape from reality. A brave man would want to confront it head on. She then said she generally does not like to talk about her personal life to people but she does not mind sharing it with him if it makes him realise how lucky he is.



She then told him how her parents were separated soon after she was born. Her mother gradually lost her mental balance. He maternal grandmother who took care of her died when she entered college and since then she has been taking care of herself and her mother. She worked part time to put herself through college and had taken up the job as a supervisor in the company which was eventually taken over by his.



"Now, going by my experiences, I can say that life has been cruel to me - that I was deprived of parental love early on in life and had to fend for myself at an age when most teenagers enjoy their lives to the fullest. That is seeing the glass as half empty. But then the glass is also half full. That is how I view life. I take things positively. I treat all the boulders that life has hurled on me as stepping stones to reach my goal of leading a fuller and fulfilling life. I never dwell on my past for I have no control over it. What I have in my hand is my present and depending on what I make of it, I can hopefully dictate my future. All the events that happened in my life have made me a stronger and more independent person. So I have no regrets." After she finished, she looked at him in embarrassment. "I am sorry, I must be boring you with this talk."



"No, no, Ayesha. I am glad that we had this conversation. You have never ceased to amaze me and now I know where you get your strength. I'll try to follow your attitude towards life and I must admit my life has not been half as harsh as yours. I had a wonderful childhood and I guess the experiences of one's childhood lay the foundation for one's character. Thanks for sharing your life's experiences to open my eyes to what I have rather than dwell on what I don't."



After they finished up, he settled the bill and directed her to his Mercedes. On reaching the chawl she invited him over to join in the dandiya dance. He smiled and parking his car, he joined the huge gathering at the courtyard in front of the chawl. Ayesha gave him a pair of dandiya sticks and showed him how to use them. Neev tried hard to keep pace with the beats and hit her sticks with his. After missing a few times, suddenly the stick flew from his hand and hit Mrs.Veena Shukla, who was dancing nearby, hard on her back. She turned around angrily to see who was responsible for it. Neev bit his tongue and rushed to her to apologise but she did not give him an opportunity to do that. She gave him the choicest curses in typical tapori style. Neev had not heard many of the words before and looked at her in confusion. Ayesha quickly stepped in and retorted back sharply.

"Veena aunty, mind your tongue. Don't you dare use such indecent words to address my boss. What did he do to deserve it? After all it was an accident and he was decent enough to apologise for it. The fact that you chose to ignore it and instead insult him in this manner shows your small mindedness."



She then held Neev's hand in hers and dragged him away from there before Mrs.Shukla could continue her tirade. Neev was shaken by the entire episode. He asked Ayesha not to antagonise the people she lived amongst for his sake. Apologising for the inconvenience his presence had caused, he expressed his wish to leave. Ayesha tried to stop him but he assured her that he will come some other day and definitely partake in the functions held in the chawl. He said that he was exhausted and was looking forward to hitting the bed as early as possible. Ayesha reluctantly bade him goodbye. Not wanting to continue dancing, she returned back to her house and went to bed, going over the day's happenings in her mind and wondering what life had in store for her.
XLIII

One month later

Prachi had gained substantial weight in the past month and her figure had become more rounded. Sitting in front of the dressing table and looking at herself in the mirror that morning, Prachi felt miserable and depressed. She started weeping bitterly. Milind who had just then come in with her morning tea was alarmed to see her tears and leaving the tea cup on the side table, he rushed to find out what was wrong.

"Sweetheart, what is wrong. Are you in pain?"

Closing her face with her palms she shook her head, still whimpering.

Kneeling beside her, he slowly pried open her palms and looked at her tear-stained face. Lifting her chin so that she was forced to meet his gaze, he quizzically raised his eyebrows.

"Milind, I am ugly," she wailed. "Just look at me. I am so fat and clumsy."

"Says who?" asked Milind, pretending to look around for the culprit who would dare to call his wife ugly.

She pointed to the mirror. "It can never lie, Milind. I can see myself in there and what I see is disgusting."

"Disgusting? How can you call yourself disgusting, baby? You are beautiful and glowing," he said in a reassuring tone.

"You are saying that only to please me. I know you do not find me attractive anymore. We have not been intimate in a long while," she said mournfully.

Milind was stunned to realise that she was missing their intimacy.

"Darling, we have not been intimate, not because I do not find you attractive but because you have been perennially exhausted," he tried to explain.

She had to admit that what he said was true. She was the one who pushed him away initially and after the news of the pregnancy he has kept away from her as she was plagued by morning sickness and fatigue. But of late she wanted his attention, she wanted him to look at her as a lover, not as just the mother-to-be of his babies. While he was very caring and attentive, he no longer looked at her with the deep longing like before. Seeing her image in the mirror she wasn't surprised by the change in his behaviour. She did not know how to regain his attention.

"Milind, you no longer look at me with passion and hunger. You do not want me anymore," she whined, pouting her lips.

"You really think that I do not want you, baby? You can never stop looking attractive to me. You are carrying my babies, darling. Do you know how you beautiful you look now? You look good enough to eat. It is with great difficulty that I keep my passion bridled up. " Leaning forward he gently nipped at her neck. He stood up and went behind her. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he slowly raised her up. He kicked the stool on which she was seated and stood very close behind her. Placing his sinewy arms across her stomach and pressing her to him, he bent down to her ear and asked her to feel his want, his desire. She closed her eyes and threw back her head against his neck.

He lifted her chin with one hand and whispered in a husky voice, " Open your eyes, honey. See yourself as I see you."



When she opened her eyes, he ran a finger from the top of her forehead down the bridge of her nose, her supple lips and her neck. He stopped here and bending his head forwards, he traced the path of his finger with his lips, capturing her lips upside down. Slowly releasing her lips, he slipped the straps of her night gown and pushed down the gown till it lay circled around her feet. He gently caressed her body, running his hands across her arms and bringing them forward to sculpt her curves, first tentatively, to make sure they are no longer as tender and sensitive as they were before and then boldly, when they rose to his touch. He continuously whispered in her ears how beautiful she was and nipped her shoulders. When his hands reached her stomach, he caressed the mound reverently and said how proud he was that she was making him a father three times over. Her eyes looked drugged as she let herself be carried away by the sensations he was evoking.



He bent forward, lifted her in his arms and took her to their bed. Laying her gently on it, he stretched himself by her side and bent to kiss her chubby cheeks and suck at them before returning to her lips. By now she was breathing heavily and caught his shoulders, sliding her hands over his back and digging her fingers into his muscles. When he knew she was ready to welcome him, he supported his entire weight on his arms so that he did not press against her stomach, and slowly slid himself in. She closed her eyes when she felt him and moaned in pleasure. He was extremely tender in showing her the extent of his want, keeping a close watch on her face and preparing to withdraw himself if she shows signs of even the slightest discomfort, but she seemed to enjoy the trip he was taking her in. She held the back of his head in her hands and ran her fingers through his mane as she was hit by waves and waves of pleasure. At the end of it, he fell back to her side and buried his face in her neck and kissed her softly. He moved a little lower and kissed her bosom tenderly and returned to her lips again. When his plump lips finally let go of her soft ones, she whispered that she loved him very much and he whispered back, not as much as he loved her. He slung his arm protectively over her stomach as their erratic breaths slowly returned to normal.



Prachi looked more cheerful when they finally sat down together for breakfast. After waiting for his son and daughter-in-law to join him for quite awhile, Baba figured out that they may be spending some quality time with each other. So he went ahead and had his breakfast without them. When they had come for breakfast he was reading the morning newspaper and pretended he was not aware of anything. Both of them looked guiltily at each other and quickly finished their breakfast. Milind then told his baba that he was taking Prachi for a sonography test that morning and they both received his blessings before they left.



At the clinic, Dr.Preena was waiting for them. Since Prachi's abdomen was large enough to do an abdominal scan, she was made to drink lot of water so that the bladder will move down to enable a clear view of the womb. Milind held Prachi's hand and interlaced his fingers in hers as they both eagerly waited to see the picture of their babies in the monitor. What they saw made them hold their breaths in amazement
The doctor pointed to the heads, bodies and limbs of the foetuses who were moving around in their respective amniotic sacs. Milind and Prachi looked at each other with tears of joy. Milind could not stop thanking Prachi for her beautiful gifts. He kissed her all over her face. The doctor looked at the couple indulgently and smiled. In her heart she said a silent prayer that this cute couple will always be as happy as they were at that moment.


(2)
(Note: Whatever plan I have hatched for Alaap is purely fictional. Don't have any idea whether any of it is practical in real life)

Alaap received a phone call from Vikram, his spy at the Garodia Hotels that morning. Vikram informed him that Milind had submitted a tender for obtaining the lease of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's (MTDC) hotel at Alibaug, a tourist centre. As the State Government was strapped for resources it had decided to disinvest its stake in commercial undertakings. Leasing out its hotels at tourist centres is one such effort. Alaap called in Saket to consult him on the matter. Saket was secretly happy that his plan was slowly taking shape. He told him that Milind seemed to be quite intelligent and sharp in identifying a potential goose that would lay golden eggs. The MTDC hotel at Alibaug was currently making losses but with the right handling it can easily be turned around. As Alibaug is a frequently visited tourist spot, especially by the Mumbaikers, one can get back more than what one invests in a very short time. Alaap called his financial adviser, Mr.Pradeep Malhotra in. He too felt that the MTDC hotel was a good investment.



Alaap called back Vikram and asked him to find out how much Milind had quoted in his tender for the deal. Vikram told him that it would be difficult as he was not in the finance department but he will snoop around for information. A couple of days later Vikram called Alaap and told him that he managed to find out that Milind had quoted an astronomical Rs.50 crore for the lease. Alaap nearly fell off his chair hearing the amount. Fifty crores for a lease to a hotel in obscure Alibaug? Is the guy crazy? It is not even an outright purchase but only a lease. He buzzed in both Saket and Pradeep and told them about Milind's stupidity. They gave each other a knowing look but did not tell him anything.

"What is it Saket? What is it Pradeep?" he looked from one to the other, puzzled by their strange silence. "Is there something that I should know?"

Saket cleared his throat and said that the investment is worth that much. Milind is a very shrewd business. He has worked out a number which will not only ensure he gets the tender but he will recover much more than that very soon. He had got some insider information that a Hollywood company was planning to undertake a shooting in Alibaug in three months time. They will require the accommodation at Alibaug for atleast three months from then. The MTDC hotel was the best in the locality. So Milind can recover a substantial portion of his investment by charging them high rates which they should not have problems paying. The coverage his hotel will get once Hollywood actors stay there will be good for further promoting the hotel and soon there will be a stream of income from it which should enable him to settle the loan. Milind seems to be aware of the Hollywood company's plans going by the rate he had quoted for the lease.



Alaap turned to Pradeep who nodded his head solemnly in agreement with what Saket had said.

"Then that settles it. We are applying for the lease and we'll quote Rs.50.1 crore for the lease," he said with finality.

"But Alaap, we will need the board's approval for it. The board will take its time approving it. They may even reject it since not everybody understands the potential of this deal. You will have to convince them of it. The last day for submitting the tender is tomorrow. Half the board members are on Diwali vacation. So it would be difficult to convene an emergency board meeting to obtain their approval at such short notice."

"Find a way to get around this problem then," he pleaded with them. "I want that hotel really bad. I want to thwart that Milind's idea of making money," he said, biting the last words.

"Well, there is a way out," said Saket, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You can take a loan in your individual capacity for the amount and take the lease in your name. That way the company will not be involved in the deal. Since the business deal is good, you will get to enjoy all the profits once you reap them."

"But I need the finances urgently. Will I be able to get a loan for Rs.50 crore at such short notice?" asked Alaap sceptically.

"I have a way out for that too! I know a friend of mine from my Harvard days. He is with a leading investment bank in the U.S. and is loaded with cash. He is looking out for a productive investment of the money. You can obtain loan from him and repay him once the hotel starts yielding you the results."

"Saket! You are a saviour. What will I do without you," exclaimed Alaap appreciatively and slapped his back. "Go ahead and make the arrangements with him. Also submit our tender immediately. We are getting this hotel at any cost."

"Done!" assured Saket and the two of them took leave of him. Outside Alaap's cabin both of them shook their hands and winked at each other. The bait has been flung into the river and the fish has bitten it. Now they have to wait till it is irrevocably trapped before drawing in the line.

(3)

Ayesha walked up and down her cabin pensively, worry lines marring her beautiful face. She has to move out of her chawl house the next day and she had no place to go. The altercation with Mrs.Shukla over Neev's accidental hitting with dandiya stick had serious repercussions. The woman who had managed to become the secretary of the chawl association was infuriated by Ayesha's public admonition and decided to get her evicted from the chawl. She influenced the other members of the association by citing Ayesha's returning home late at night on a daily basis as the reason. The members agreed that it did not look nice that an unmarried young woman was reaching home at unearthly hours and that too being dropped by a young man who they heard was a divorcee. Since their chawl's reputation was at stake, they wanted her to either come at a decent hour or leave the chawl within a month. Manju, Venkat, Ganpat, Mala and Mrs.Vandana Kapoor were the only ones supporting Ayesha, with the rest of the chawl residents pitching themselves against her. As Ayesha knew that she cannot avoid the late sittings, given the nature of her job, she decided to move out of the chawl. However, only when she went house hunting did she realise the difficulties of a single woman finding a decent accommodation for a reasonable rent. Her working hours, her gender and her marital status, all went against her. She will be literally on the streets from the next day. She could move in with one of her friends for a short while but she was not sure when she will find an accommodation. While a working women's hostel could have been an alternative, these hostels were even more strict on the time issue. She took that day's newspaper and looked at the classifieds, circling off the paying guest accommodations. Half a dozen calls later, she was still where she started - nowhere.



Just then Neev knocked at her door and walked in. Seeing her worried look he asked her what was the matter. Although she was reluctant to unburden her problems, his repeated prodding made her finally brief him about her plight. He looked thoughtful for a moment and asked with a poker face, "Ms.Singhania, why don't you move into my house?"



Her eyes widened in shock and she went red with anger. Before she could open her mouth to retort, he raised his hand and said, "Hear me out first. I have a palatial house where only Nandu kaka, my man-servant and I live. You can easily occupy one of my guest rooms. I will ensure that the room is as far away from mine as possible. Food is not a problem as Nandu kaka will have to cook only for one extra person. Your conveyance would also be taken care of since you can come to work and leave with me. In any case I have been taking care of your one-way transportation till now since I was dropping you practically every night. It will also be less of a hassle for me now because I don't need to go to the opposite side of the town to drop you before getting back home."



"I don't want anybody's charity," said Ayesha categorically.

"Who talked of charity, Ms.Singhania?" he asked amusedly. "You will be paying me rent, mess charges and conveyance charges. You will in effect be a superior paying guest in my house, for a normal paying guest accommodation may not come with the additional frills of food and conveyance. How much rent do you pay now for your accommodation?"

"Rs. 2,000."

"Well, you can pay me Rs.1,000, since I am offering you only part of my house instead of a whole flat."

"What about the food and the conveyance?" she asked.

"OK, you can pay me another Rs.1,000 for that. You will not have to spend more than what you are currently spending on your rent. In fact you can save quite a bit on the establishment cost. In addition you will also get my intellectual company," he winked.

"But I have lots of things in my flat such as furniture and other household articles. Where will I keep them?"

"Don't worry, Ms.Singhania, my house is big enough to accommodate all your things. You can store them all in another guest room for you will not be requiring them as long as you are staying in my house. Once you find a place of your own, you can take them all with you."

She still looked sceptical.

"What is it, Ms.Singhania? Do you not trust me? Do you think that I will take advantage of you? Are you still keeping in mind my atrocious behaviour the last time you visited my residence?"

"No. I know you are a decent man. Moreover, if you behave improperly, I can always tackle you the way I did on the previous occasion."

Neev rubbed his cheek reminiscently and smiled saying, "Yes, I know you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. Then what is holding you back?"

"It will only be a temporary arrangement until I find a suitable accommodation," she warned.

"Ofcourse it will only be a temporary arrangement," he agreed. "You are free to leave the minute you find some place for yourself. So do we have a deal?" he stretched his hand.

She gave it a serious thought. She did not have much of an alternative but accept his offer if she did not want to land on the streets. It was not as though she would be living with him. In a way she would be, considering that she would be in the same house as him, but not really 'living' with him. She would only be his paying guest. The guy has been nothing less than a gentleman except for that one slip up. So she did not have much fear on that count. As to what others would think of her, that really did not matter as she always lived life in her own terms. Finally making up her mind, she shook his outstretched hand.
XLIV

Two weeks later

After Milind had left for work, Ayesha called Prachi up that morning to inform her that she was shifting out of the chawl. Prachi was shocked by this sudden development and insisted that she comes to see her off although Ayesha tried to prevent her from do so, keeping in mind her condition. Prachi had then slowly ambled her way to the nearby chawl. Ayesha's things were already loaded in a truck and Manju, Venkat and Ganpat were standing with Ayesha. Seeing Prachi, they rushed to her and asked her how she was feeling. Assuring them that she was OK, she tried to find out why Ayesha was leaving the chawl all of a sudden. Ganpat said that they can discuss all this at his house and invited her over. The rest of them followed her. Prachi first went to see Mala and Bhavya. Mala had just fed Bhavya and was burping her. Prachi was excited to see her two and a half month old niece and asked Mala to give her the baby. Seating herself comfortably on a chair, she received her in her arms and holding her against her burgeoning tummy she cooed to her. Bhavya looked at her curiously with large black eyes and gave her a toothless grin, prompting Prachi to smile back at her. After playing with her for a few minutes, she laid her in the waiting arms of Ganpat. She looked around at her family and friends and repeated the question. Manju then told her that Mrs.Shukla was behind Ayesha's eviction from the chawl, citing Ayesha's late night returns as the reason. Prachi failed to understand what that woman had against people close to her. She then asked Ayesha where she was moving. Ayesha informed her that she was going stay as a paying guest in her boss's residence without elaborating who her boss was. Prachi nodded her head distractedly, for her mind was still on Mrs.Shukla and her vindictiveness. Mala had in the meantime brought in orange juice for Prachi and tea for the rest of them. Thanking her, Prachi quickly sipped the juice and took leave of them, saying that she had some unfinished business.



She hurried to Mrs.Shukla's residence and rang her bell. Mrs.Shukla was surprised to find a very pregnant Prachi at her doorstep. She invited her in but Prachi was in no mood for small talk. She came directly to the point.

"Mrs.Shukla. Just what is your problem with me?"

"Problem with you? Why should I have a problem with you?"

"You are always creating problems for all those people who are close to me. First you carried tales about my husband and now you have been instrumental in getting my friend out of the chawl. Who are you going to target next?"

"Wait a minute, wait a minute. I will not stand by and let you hurl all types of accusations at me. First of all, as far as your friend is concerned I have nothing against her personally but people here were unhappy with her returning home late every night."

"Why should they care? It is her life. She will lead it as she chooses to do. "

"Yes, it is her life and she is free to do whatever she wants with it but not as long as she lives in this chawl. Here we abide by certain rules, certain discipline and she has violated those."

Prachi realised that there was no point arguing with her. So she turned to leave but Mrs.Shukla stopped her.

"Wait, I am not finished yet. As far as your husband is concerned, that man is responsible for my daughter's death. How can I forget or forgive that so easily?"

Prachi was shocked hearing this, "I never thought you can get any lower than you already have, Mrs.Shukla. But you proved me wrong just now. What other lies are you going to utter?" she asked angrily, her eyes flaming up.

"I am uttering no lie. It is your husband who has been hiding the ugly truth from you. If you don't believe me, come with me." She dragged a reluctant Prachi into one of the rooms inside. There was a huge picture of a young girl's photograph on one of the walls. The girl had a remarkable resemblance to Mrs.Shukla. Prachi looked at the photograph and then at Mrs.Shukla in turn.

"Yes, that is my daughter. That is my angel whose life your husband had sniffed off."

"Stop it, Mrs.Shukla," yelled Prachi. By now she was besides herself with anger. "Stop making empty allegations without any proof."

"You want proof? Here is the proof," she said and thrust a diary into her hands. "Read it, read my daughter's sad tale. Go, go home and read it in peace. You will understand the pain of a mother. You will then know why this Veena hates that Milind so much."

Prachi slowly staggered out of her house with the diary, too shocked to say anything.

Returning home, she sat with the diary and read it through. From the diary entries she came to know that Ramola Shukla, Mrs.Shukla's daughter had an obsessive crush on Milind. She was his classmate in college and followed him everywhere. Milind seemed unaware of the girl's crush on him as she never worked up the coverage to tell it to him. Finally the day she decided to bear her heart to him she overheard him confess his love to some other girl. Heartbroken, Ramola took her own life by drinking poison. She was barely nineteen years old when she died. For some strange reason Mrs.Shukla seemed to blame Milind for her death. Ramola did not name the girl he was in love with in the diary. That would explain why Mrs.Shukla did not appear to hold a grudge against Ayesha although she seemed not to like Ayesha's gutsy personality. However, she hated Milind with all her heart but could not do anything to him as he was very popular in the chawl. She did not give up though and tried to put him down on every occasion she got and deprive him of happiness that she felt he did not deserve.

Prachi went back to the chawl that evening to return the diary back to Mrs.Shukla. She made no bones about what she thought of the woman.

"Mrs.Shukla, I think you need psychiatric help. The sooner you get it the better for all of us." With that she just turned around and left without waiting for Mrs.Shukla's response.



That night Milind returned home with a dejected look on his face. Prachi who was going to tell him about Ayesha leaving the chawl, noticed his troubled expression and decided to speak to him later when he was calmer. She asked him whether something was troubling him. Milind tried to shrug it off saying that everything was alright but Prachi knew that something was wrong. She did not want to press on in front of Baba but later when they were alone in their room, she tried again to find out the source of her husband's unhappiness. After a lot of prodding he finally told her that he did not get the lease for the Alibaug hotel. Prachi knew he had high hopes of acquiring that hotel and had worked out a strategy for its revival. With the expansion of his family he was looking forward to expanding his business too. She asked him who had acquired the lease. He said that Alaap had got it, although he did not know for how much as it was a secret tender and not an open tender. Hearing Alaap's name, Prachi wondered whether all this was part of Saket's plan but she was confused because Saket had assured her that he will not hurt Milind's interests in any way. Then how come he has deprived him of his contract? At first she thought of telling Milind about Sukriti's and Saket's plan to bring down Alaap but later decided to check with Saket as to what really happened before revealing anything to Milind. Moreover, Milind was as it is feeling very low. She did not want him to be more emotionally stressed at this juncture.



She tried cheering him up by giving him a bottle of Franch oil and asking him to rub it on her burgeoning stomach. She said that her mother had told her the oil will help reduce stretch marks. Milind's face immediately brightened at the prospect of feeling up his babies. He took the bottle from her hands and lifting her nighty above her stomach, he gently rubbed the oil over it. Prachi closed her eyes and gave a contented moan. Suddenly she felt one of the babies kick her on the right side. She opened her eyes in a flash and asked Milind if he felt anything. Milind who was busy rubbing her left side when she had felt it did not know what she was talking about.

"Felt what?" asked Milind in confusion.

"Felt the baby kick."

"The baby kicked?" asked Milind in excitement and knelt in front of her stomach, staring at it intently.

Prachi felt it again, this time on the left side. She quickly took his hand and placed it on the place where she had felt it. But the movement stopped. Milind was disappointed that he could not feel anything.

Cupping his palms on her stomach, he called out to his kids,"Hey, Petal, Ice and Ribby. Where are you guys hiding?"

"Petal, Ice and Ribby?" she asked him with a puzzled expression on her face..

"Yeah, Petal, Ice Cube and Ribbon, my three adorable babies named after the manner in which they were conceived. You remember how they were conceived, don't you?"

Prachi went red recollecting the sensuous nights which brought them into existence.

"You are going to give them these absurd names?" she asked incredulously.

"Well, they will be my nicknames for them. Actually I thought of Feather and Breath too, if there were two more in there," he said pointing at her tummy.

Prachi punched his chest and laughed.

"Ouch," shouted Milind pretending to be hurt. He got up, and holding her shoulders, he pushed her gently back on the bed. He then lay beside her and put his arm around her tummy hopeful of catching some movement of his kids. As they continued to chat about the babies, Milind felt the kick this time.

He promptly got up and shouted excitedly, "Prachi I felt it this time, I felt one of them kick."

Prachi smiled at him indulgently. He bent down and kissed her stomach but soon jerked his head back, his face twisted in a grimace.

"Yuck", he said and rubbing his lips vigorously, he rushed to wash off the oil from them. Prachi burst out laughing at him, inviting a mock stare of anger from him.

After he got back to bed, she told him about Ayesha leaving the chawl. Milind was shocked to hear the news.

"Why did she not tell me anything?" he asked her, annoyed with his childhood friend for not confiding in him.

"She said something about not wanting to trouble us when we ourselves had our hands full preparing for the babies' arrival."

"So now she feels she can handle everything on her own? Where has she moved into?" He was still fuming.

"Milind calm down. She is fine. She said she was moving in as a paying guest at her boss's residence."

"Boss? A man or a woman?" he asked sceptically.

"I don't know. I guess a man." Only then it hit Prachi that Ayesha has moved in with a man.

Looking at her worried expression, Milind hastened to calm her, not wanting her to panic.

"Don't worry. Ayesha is fire. She will not let any man take advantage of her. Anyway why did she not come here instead?"

"Beats me. I should have paid more attention to what she was telling me instead of getting worked up about other things."

"What other things?" asked Milind her curiously.

"Never mind about it." Prachi tried to shrug it off and said she was feeling sleepy. Milind kissed her goodnight and closed his eyes but both of them were unable to sleep for a long time as they worried over Ayesha's well-being in her boss's house.


(2)



On the same night in Neev's house

Nandu kaka had arranged for a couple of men to offload Ayesha's things from the truck and move them into one of the guest rooms. When Neev and Ayesha returned from work that night Nandu kaka handed Ayesha the key to the room and asked her to check whether all her things were properly arranged. Ayesha assured him that she needn't do so, for she trusted his abilities. Neev then took her to her room. It was a large air conditioned bedroom on the ground floor. It had a double bed at the centre,side tables with bed lamps on either side of it, a dressing table on one side of the room and a reading table and chair on the other. The front wall had a plasma T.V. mounted on it. One of the side walls had a ceiling to floor wooden built-in wardrobe. The other wall had a French window leading out to the sit out. The room had an attached bathroom, complete with a bath tub, shower and western closet. Ayesha protested that the room was too big for her and insisted on being shown a smaller room.


Neev looked at her in amusement and said, "Well, there are no small rooms in this house, Ayesha. I chose this room for you because, besides having a good view of the garden, it is the room farthest away from mine. You see, this room is on the ground floor at the rear left corner. My room is on the first floor on the front right corner. So you can live here in absolute peace and quiet."



Ayesha reluctantly nodded her head and said that she'll freshen up and meet him in fifteen minutes. After a quick shower Neev took her around the house, explaining that now that she was a co-occupant of the house she needed to be aware of her surroundings. Besides her room and the room which stored her household articles, the ground floor had two other bedrooms, one of which was his parents' room which was locked. The hall, the dining area and the kitchen were also on the ground floor. A large spiral staircase at the centre of the hall led up to the first floor. This floor had two more bedrooms, one of which was Neev's. Next to his room was a library with many books on a wide range of subjects including literature, history, philosophy, economics, finance, science and technology, fiction and autobiographies. The room had four comfortable chairs and a large round table at the centre. On one side was a PC with internet connectivity. Opposite to the library was an entertainment room which had a pool table and home theatre. After showing her all the rooms, Neev escorted her to his room. As he had remarked, his room which was diagonally opposite hers on a floor above, was the farthest room from hers. The room was full of framed photographs of Neev with his parents taken at various stages of his childhood and youth. There was a picture of Prachi and him taken on one of his birthdays. Feigning ignorance, Ayesha enquired about the girl in the picture. Neev told her that she was his childhood friend, Prachi. They were very close till circumstances broke their bond of friendship, he lamented. Ayesha could make out from his countenance that he genuinely missed Prachi's friendship.



Nandu kaka called them down for dinner. Ayesha asked Neev where Nandu kaka lived. Neev said that he lived in the outhouse at the back of their residence. Although he had been asking him to move into one of the rooms within the house, Nandu kaka felt more comfortable in his own place. Over dinner, Ayesha brought up the topic of his relationship with Prachi.

"Neev, if you and Prachi were such close friends, how come you never told her about your relationship with Annabel?" she asked curiously.



Neev was surprised by the question and asked her what made her think that he had not told Prachi about Annabel. Realising that she had blurted out more than she wanted him to know, she quickly recovered to say that she presumed Prachi was not aware of Annabel, for if she was, she would have not agreed for the wedding in the first place. The unfortunate incidents that followed the broken engagement could have then been averted. Neev nodded his head and admitted that his silence on this matter had proved fatal for Inder uncle. In retrospect he realises his folly in not sharing details of his life with his close friend. While he did not realise that Prachi could have harboured any feelings for him beyond friendship, he could not bring himself to talk about Annabel for a reason. He felt that Prachi who was a conservative girl would not be able to digest the fact that he was living with his British girl-friend before they got married. Ayesha's eyes widened in surprise at this new piece of information and she very nearly choked on her food. 'So Neev was in a live-in relationship with his girl-friend before he married her?' she thought. Alarmed to see her reaction, Neev stretched his hand forward and patted the top of her head to clear the food from her wind pipe and he held a glass of water to her lips.



When she regained her composure he said that this was exactly the reason why he did not reveal anything about his relationship with Annabel. If a live-in relationship can cause such a reaction from a girl who was as modern and broad minded as her, how much more it would have affected a girl like Prachi, he asked. Ayesha silently admitted to herself that it would have definitely been difficult for Prachi to accept it. She asked him why he did not tell her anything atleast after they got married. He replied that they had got married only a couple of days before they left for India and Neev thought that he will introduce his wife to her in person after he returned to Mumbai. The events that followed did not give him the opportunity for it. Prachi was so embittered after the death of her father, for which he too was indirectly responsible, that she refused to see him or hear his explanation. He wouldn't blame her for that, he added. He would have done the same had he been in her place. Ayesha did not know what to say. Neev made some bad choices but he was not a bad person, just a victim of circumstances. She could not help sympathising with him, particularly when she could clearly see in his melancholic eyes, a remorse for his deeds and a deep yearning for reconciliation with his childhood friend. She resolved to bridge the chasm between the two friends but she knew she has to wait for the right opportunity to do so. After dinner they wished each other good night and went to their respective rooms.



The next morning Ayesha got up early, had her shower and dressed up for work. Just as she entered the dining hall she caught sight of Neev clad only in his navy blue boxers, coming down the stairs. He was vigorously rubbing dry his still wet hair, calling out to Nandu kaka and asking if his breakfast was ready. Her mouth fell open seeing his semi-nude state and she hastily closed her eyes shut. Realising that he was no longer the sole occupant of his house so as to blissfully parade in this state of half undress, Neev turned red with embarrassment. He hurriedly tied the towel around his waist and ran up the stairs to his room. After ten minutes he came down fully dressed in his business suit. Taking the seat opposite Ayesha at the dining table, he looked down shame facedly and apologised for his improper attire in the presence of a lady. He assured her that she will not be subjected to such displays in future. Ayesha tried hard to suppress her smile and pretended to concentrate on her breakfast to prevent further embarrassment. Neev took the cue and quietly had his breakfast. Before leaving he called Nandu kaka and gave him some money, asking him to get some fresh vegetables. Turning to Ayesha, he asked her if there is any vegetable she was particularly fond of. Ayesha shook her head and said she likes all vegetables. He then told him to get radish, lady's fingers and tomatoes. Asking Ayesha if she was ready to leave, he escorted her to his Mercedes to start of another day at work.

XLIV(3)

That morning Ayesha received a call from Milind asking her to meet him for lunch at a restaurant near her office. Ayesha informed Neev about her luncheon appointment with an old friend. Neev wondered whether it was a male or a female friend but was too polite to ask. He couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy, although he tried to shrug off the feeling.

Milind was waiting for her at the restaurant. One look at his face told her that the guy was fuming within. She braced herself to face the barrage of questions which will be hurled at her. She barely took her seat when he started off his tirade.

"Just what do you think of yourself, leaving the chawl without so much as a word?" he asked angrily.

"I did inform your wife that I was moving," she said calmly. "I tried your number too but it was constantly engaged."

"Yes, you informed Prachi on the day you left. I am sure you were aware that you had to leave much before that, were you not? Why did you not tell me you were being evicted from the chawl? I would have spoken to the members and asked them not to throw you out."



"Milind, you no longer live in the chawl, so under what authority would you be allowed to interfere in the chawl's dealings? Moreover, the condition that I return back by 9.30 p.m. every night was something I could not follow, given my erratic working hours. So I decided to leave the place instead of vitiating the situation further. I searched for an accommodation but could not find one, try as I may. Finally I decided to move into my boss's residence as a paying guest till I find an alternate place to stay."

"Could you not have asked me to look out for a place for you? Would I not have done that much for you?"

"What difference would that have made? Milind, it is very difficult finding a place if one is a single working woman with unpredictable working hours."

"You could have stayed with us till you found a place."

"Don't you have your hands already full taking care of your business and Prachi? Why would I want to trouble you further?"

"You call this trouble?" he raised his voice in indignation and realising that they were in a public place, he lowered it down.

In a voice which betrayed his hurt he said, "I am disappointed in you, Ayesha. I thought we were friends. What are friends for if they are not there to help each other out in times of need?"

"You call me your friend, Milind. Then don't you know me by now? Don't you know how much I detest asking for help or receiving it? Don't you know that I value my independence a lot and would not wish to compromise on it unless I had no other choice? I would have come to you if the worst case scenario was to be left on the streets but my boss offered me a paying guest accommodation. Under the circumstances that was my only acceptable option. "

"So you would rather stay as a paying guest with a boss you barely know than stay with a friend you know since childhood?"

"Milind, I would have only cramped up your apartment had I moved in with you. And I do not know how long it will take for me to find an alternate accommodation. What if I could not find something for months on end?"

"I could have put you up in one of my hotel rooms."

"And my furniture and other household articles?"

"I would have found a place for those too."

"And how much would I have to pay you?"

"Pay me? Are you crazy? I will not accept any money from you," he said with finality.

"That is precisely the point. You will not allow me to pay and I will not agree to be a free rider, even if the person is my friend. So where does that leave us? With my boss, I have a strict business deal. I pay for my boarding and lodging. So I don't feel indebted to anybody."

Milind continued to sulk. Ayesha placed her hand on his and gently pressed it.

"Look, Milind. I know that you mean well. You are highly protective of the people you love and care about. I appreciate that but I don't need your protection. We are very similar in that way. We both value our independence too much to give it up. We like to be in control of the situation rather than let the situation take control of us. That is why we would have been total misfits if we had got together, as both of us would have tried to dominate and take control. It is good that destiny intervened and brought Prachi to you. The two of you fit like a glove. God bless you both and the three little ones you are expecting. As far as I am concerned, let me make my own choices, let me lead my life as I think best. I am not saying that my choices are always right but if they go wrong, I will have only myself to blame and no one else. I am too rigid to bend now, Milind. If you value our friendship I think you will respect my wishes."

Milind realised that what she said was true. As a true friend he needed to respect her wishes. He cannot impose his views, his wishes on her. He nodded his head and called the waiter to place their order. While having their lunch, Milind asked her who her boss was.

Ayesha hesitated for a moment before saying, "Neev Shergill."

"What?" Milind sputtered out his food and looked at her incredulously.

Ayesha nodded her head solemnly and said, "You heard me right."

"You mean you have moved in with Neev? Are you out of your mind? What did his family have to say to that? What about his gori wife?" he asked in a high pitched voice, inviting a kick on his shin from Ayesha to remind him where they were. He looked around and seeing a few heads turned in their direction, he lowered his head.

Ayesha then gave him a short life history of Neev, ending it with his divorce.

"You have moved in with a divorcee, then?" Milind persisted, clearly annoyed with his friend's choice of residence.

"Stop saying that I have 'moved in' with Neev. You make it sound like I have gotten into some illicit relationship with him. I have merely moved into one of the many rooms in his house - a room which is farthest from his, if I may add," she said, her lips twisting in a smile.

"What will Prachi say if she comes to know with whom her dear friend is staying?" he asked. "The woman would not even look in his direction when we briefly saw him at the airport on our return from Bangalore."

Ayesha looked at him apprehensively. "Milind promise me that you will not tell anything to Prachi just yet. I myself will break the news to her soon enough. Before that I want Neev and Prachi to meet and have a heart-to-heart talk. I am sure if she hears him out she will forgive him."

"So why are you so keen to bring about a rapprochement between the two childhood friends? Have you by any chance fallen for the guy?" he asked jocularly.

Ayesha's cheeks flamed up but she quickly masked it and pretended to be cross with him. She hit his hand and said in a sharp tone that there was nothing between Neev and her. All she wanted to do is to help clear all misunderstandings between Neev and Prachi so that they can renew their bond of friendship. Having such a wonderful relationship with her own childhood friend she wanted the same for Prachi too. Milind smiled at that and pressed her hand in acknowledgement. After they finished their lunch, he settled their bill and she took leave of him saying she needed to get back to her work.

"So, is this Neev a hard task master?" he asked curiously.

"No, he is not. He is quite a sensible, sensitive and generous master," she retorted.

"So there is something brewing between the two of you," exclaimed Milind. "I have not heard you praise anyone so much."

Ayesha hit his shoulders hard as she hurried out of there before he could catch sight of the deep flush spreading across her face. Milind smiled at her retreating back but then sobered almost immediately, wondering how Prachi will take the news of Ayesha working for Neev and living in his house.
(4)

The same morning, Saket went to meet Alaap at his office. He informed him that Alaap needs to sign some documents for the loan he was taking from Saket's friend so that they can obtain the money to make the payment for the hotel lease. As Alaap was busy on the phone chatting up his girl friend when Saket came in, he was in a hurry to get him out of his cabin as soon as possible. So he hurriedly signed on dotted lines without reading the documents carefully. Saket held his breath while Alaap was signing, hoping that he will not read them. The minute Alaap put his signature on the last of the documents, he heaved a sigh of relief. Shuffling the papers, he thanked Alaap and promised to take care of everything from now on. Little did Alaap realise the connotation of Saket's words.



Later in his office, Saket received a call from Prachi who wanted to know what he was up to and why did Milind lose the Alibaug hotel lease to Alaap. Saket assured her that it was all part of the plan to topple Alaap. Alaap has ended up quoting a rate which was more than 10 times the value of the lease because he had misled him into believing that the property is worth that much. Milind will get back the lease soon enough for the price he quoted. He asked her not to tell anything to Milind just yet. This was only a temporary setback for Milind which will soon be made good. Prachi hoped that Saket knew what he was doing and Milind will indeed get the lease he so wanted.

****

That night Neev and Ayesha returned late from work and found their dinner on the table. Nandu kaka seemed to have gone to bed early. Neev did not want to wake him up. After freshening up, they had their dinner in silence as both felt pretty exhausted after a hard day's work. Later they wished each other goodnight and retired for bed.



Ayesha woke up a couple of hours later, feeling thirsty. She got up and went to the kitchen to drink some water. As she came out of the kitchen she heard a rustling sound. She immediately became alert and approached the direction of the sound. It was coming from outside the front door. As she neared the door she heard the key being turned in the door lock. Alarmed that there was a burglar in the premises, she quickly took position near the closed door, waiting to attack him the minute he stepped in. The door creaked open and a shadowy figure entered in. Before the figure could turn around and close the door, Ayesha swung her hand up and hit the back of the neck with the side of her palm. As the figure buckled up, she lifted her knee up and hit the figure in the stomach. Even as the figure let out a loud groan, she rained punches wherever she could land them. The figure collapsed on the ground and writhed in pain. She quickly went to the switch board and turned on the lights. The sight that met her eyes froze her blood, for in the middle of the hall lay Neev curled up and moaning, his body beaten up black and blue. She rushed to him, pulled him up on her lap and examined his wounds.

"Neev, its you?" she asked incredulously. "I am so sorry for beating you up like this but I thought you were a burglar," she cried out remorsefully.

Neev looked up at her with dazed eyes. She gently lowered him and rushed to get the first aid kit from her room. Pulling him back on her lap, she unbuttoned his shirt and removed it slowly. He winced as the material rubbed against the bruises on his chest and arms. Taking the bottle of Iodex, she gently rubbed it on the bruises.

"What were you doing at this hour of the night?" she asked worriedly.

He looked at her and raised his eyebrows as if to ask her the same question.

She replied, "I came to drink water when I noticed someone trying to break into the house. Assuming it to be a burglar I attacked you. But why were you out of the house?"

He tried to speak but his words were slurred. She noticed blood dripping from the side of his mouth. She quickly took some cotton wool and dabbed it on the wound. She got up again and returned with ice cubes which she applied on the swollen portions of his body. As he moaned in pain her face contorted to reflect it. Seeing that, he tried hard to suppress the moans as he could not bear to see her hurt expressions. She tried to raise him up but noticed that his knee caved in as he was unable to stand on his own. She put his arm around her shoulder and led him to her room as he was in no position to climb stairs to his room. She made him sit on her bed and gently pushed him back to lie down. She asked him to remove his pants as she needed to examine his legs. Neev felt embarrassed and said that he was alright. Realising the delicacy of the situation, she assured him that she will turn around so that he can undress in privacy. He hesitatingly removed his pants and covered himself up with a blanket. Still with her back to him she asked him to flex his legs, knees and toes. After being assured that he could move them, she heaved a sigh of relief that there were no broken bones. She then stretched her hand and gave him the Iodex bottle. She asked him apply it on the bruises on his legs and left the room. Neev examined his legs and finding a couple of them on his thighs and knees, he rubbed the medicine on them. When he was done, she returned with a glass of water which she made him sip. After he regained half his composure, she asked him again what he was doing outside. Neev then said that he was unable to sleep, so he went on a night stroll in the gardens when he heard Nandu kaka coughing in his outhouse. As he had a duplicate key to the outhouse, he entered in and found that Nandu kaka was running a high temperature. He went to the pharmacy and got him the medicine. After administering it to him and making sure he was warmly bundled up, he returned back home only to be welcomed with blows.

"I did get a royal reception!"he joked. Ayesha bent her head in guilt.

Lifting her chin with a finger he said, "Hey, don't feel bad. You did warn me that you are trained in martial arts. I got a sample of it tonight. Anyway I need not worry about your safety any longer. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself. In fact I can use your services as my bodyguard too!"

She gave him a mock angry stare before smiling at him. She asked him to go to sleep saying that she will sleep in the next room and he can call out to her if he needed any help getting up.


Stretching herself on the bed, she thought back on the day's events. With every passing day she was seeing a newer facet of Neev's character. While she already knew that he was a compassionate human being, she did not expect him to be concerned and caring of even his man-servant so as to go out in the middle of the night to get him medicine. Even in his bruised and battered state he did not get angry with her but instead joked about the entire episode. She blushed recollecting the texture of his skin under her fingers as she had rubbed the medicine on his chest, his shoulders and his strong arms. The blush deepened when she remembered how thoughtlessly she had requested him to remove his pants so that she can examine his legs.

Was Milind right after all? Was she slowly but steadily falling for Neev? She had not met anyone like him before. She would have considered him too chocolate boyish for her taste but somehow the same guy seemed to look increasingly attractive to her the more she got to know him as a person. His soft eyes and his charming smile evoked feelings in her she never thought she possessed. She did not know if she was in love but she had to admit that the guy did hold a sway over her thoughts. She drifted into a restless sleep, wondering where they were headed to.

Back in Ayesha's bed, Neev too was immersed in thoughts about the beautiful woman who shared his house. She is one brave lady, risking her life to safeguard his property, even though he ended up bearing the brunt of her valour. The minute she realised her mistake, she immediately transformed herself from a hard-to-crack nut to a soft and malleable fruit pulp, tenderly yet efficiently taking care of his bruises. This was the second time she had taken care of him, the first being on his visit to Bangalore when the trade union leader and his gang thrashed him. She never let anything distract her from the task at hand, so much so that she even asked him to strip in order to have a look at the extent of damage.

He has never come across a woman like her - beautiful, intelligent, caring, responsible, honest, efficient...the list seemed endless. Whoever gets her as a life partner is a lucky man, he thought. While at some corner of his heart he hoped he will be the lucky one, he knew he did not deserve a wonderful woman like her. He prayed that she soon finds the right man who will harness all her talents and give her all the happiness in the world. Still thinking about her, he slipped into a deep slumber.


The next morning Ayesha got up early to prepare breakfast. She made tea and took some bread and fruits. She went out to the outhouse to check on Nandu kaka. His fever had come down but he still felt weak. She made him drink the tea and eat the bread and fruits. She then gave him the medicine which was lying by his bedside. Tucking him in, she returned back home to check on Neev. Neev was up and was slowly limping to the hall. She rushed to him to help him walk but he stalled her saying he can take care of himself. She then served him toasted bread and omelette. It is only when he was struggling to munch the bread did she realise the wound on his mouth made it difficult for him to eat the hard bread. She dipped the bread in tea and served it to him. While having it, he thanked her for all the trouble she had taken for him. She shrugged it off saying that she owed atleast this much for putting him through so much pain the previous night. Although she tried to get him to rest for the day he insisted in going to work. So they soon got dressed and left the house. On reaching the garage, she volunteered to drive the car, assuring him that she was a licensed driver. He nodded and they drove to work to begin another busy day.

XLV

Three weeks later
It was Christmas again. This time Milind had arranged a grand Christmas eve party as he was doing well in business. Although he lost the Alibaugh hotel lease he managed to acquire the lease to the MTDC hotel in Murud, a beach resort. Bankers who were earlier reluctant to lend him money were only too willing to extend him loans seeing the wonders he had done to the Garodia hotels. He was able to avail of the loan at the most competitive rate. Although his rise in business was meteoric, he never forgot his roots. He still visited the chawl and mingled with his friends. He regularly visited the orphanage, Ashadhan and fully sponsored their expenses. On this occasion, he had invited all the inmates of the orphanage to the party and had arranged a special bus to transport them to and fro the hotel. A huge, colourfully lit, and tastefully decorated Christmas tree was put up in the centre of the banquet hall. The children had gathered around it, closely examining the trinkets hanging on it. Milind escorted a hugely pregnant Prachi to the hall. Although he had tried to dissuade her from coming, she insisted on taking part. So he brought her along under the condition that she leaves early.



When she approached the children, they turned around and looked at her mountainous stomach curiously. As her babies had stretched their legs out in one direction, there was an obvious bulge on one side of her abdomen. Seeing that, Guddi stood on her toes and reaching up to her stomach, she gingerly put her finger on the lump, trying to figure out what it was. She looked up at Prachi with questioning eyes. Prachi smiled and holding the back of her raised head she said that there are three little babies in there. Guddi's eyes, widened in excitement and she grinned, revealing two small milky white teeth at the top. Overhearing her, the other children too wanted to feel her babies. Alarmed to see his wife being swarmed by children who kept prodding her tummy, Milind immediately stepped in and holding his wife by the shoulders, carefully led her away, telling the children that the babies and their mother were feeling tired.



The children sang the carols and Santa Claus came to distribute gifts to them. Prachi turned to Milind and asked him why he did not dress up as Santa. Milind replied that he had his hands full being her Santa that he had no time to be everyone's Santa.

After an early dinner, Milind took Prachi back to their house. Prachi felt exhausted after the party and slumped on the bed the minute they stepped into their room. Realising that his wife was fatigued, Milind helped her change into her nighty before changing his own clothes. Although she desparately wanted to sleep she was unable to do so. After the initial experience of feeling her babies' movements, Prachi has been feeling their movements every day at different intervals. Although the babies had periods of rest and periods of awake throughout the day, they seemed to not coordinate their schedules. As a result they kept Prachi constantly awake and aware of their movements. It seemed like they were constantly bumping into each other and nudging each other for extra room. Seeing her squirm in discomfort, Milind made her lean against him and massaged her back to ease the pressure on it on account of the growing uterus.


When she continued to remain disturbed by the enhanced activities of her babies, he bent his head forward and cupping his palms over her tummy, he loudly said, "Hey Petal, Ice and Ribby! I know you are beautiful babies who are generally well behaved, but if you do not let your mama sleep now, your dada will get very angry. I have loaned you my wife for a few months so that she can cocoon you in her womb and bring you safely into the world. But don't you dare take advantage of that and trouble her often. Is that understood? Now go to sleep all of you!" There was a wave like movement and soon the movements diminished before calm settled. Pointing to her tummy, he looked up at Prachi who couldn't stop giggling.

"Don't you go scaring my poor babies even before they can see this world," she admonished mockingly and slapped his hand.

"So this is what is called motherly love, is it? Mommy will not tolerate anyone raising their voice against her babies, will she?" he smiled, shaking his head and kissing her lips tenderly before settling her comfortably on her side so that she can go to sleep. Soon sleep took over and Prachi slept fitfully that night.


(2)

On the same evening Ayesha was at Neev's office discussing with him the designs that would be selected for their spring collection when she received a call from NIMHANS, the hospital her mother was being treated. On hearing what the caller had to say she turned death pale and slumped on the nearby sofa. Neev was alarmed to see her reaction and rushed to her side asking her what was wrong. She whispered that her mother had tried to commit suicide but was saved in the nick of the moment. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she looked at him pleadingly and asked if she can go to meet her. Neev assured her that she can and said that he will accompany her as he did not want to send her alone in this distraught state. He buzzed his secretary and asked her to cancel all appoints for the next three days. He called in his chief accountant, financial adviser, designing head, marketing manager and legal adviser, assigning them the tasks that they need to carry out in his absence. He also called Mr.Jaswal to inform him that Ms.Singhania will not be there for some days and he will have to assume her responsibilities in her absence. He then escorted her to his car. The company driver was waiting for them and he drove them to the Shergill residence.

On reaching his house, he quickly alighted and opened the door for her. As she stepped out, he asked her to pack her clothes and rushed to his room to pack his own. When he dropped in her room later he noticed that she had still not started her packing. She sat stiffly on the bed with a picture of her mother in her hands, staring at it with tearful eyes. He opened the wardrobe and picking up an airbag from inside it, he quickly took whatever clothes he could lay his hands on and stuffed them into the bag. He realised she would require undergarments too. Asking her to pack them along with the rest of the clothes, he turned to leave. She did not respond but sat rigidly on the bed, tears still streaming down her cheeks. Shaking his head, he looked into the wardrobe drawers and grabbed a few pieces of under garments and stuffed them in the airbag and pulled her up. He slung both the bags on his shoulders and dragged her out of there. She still had her mother's picture tightly clutched in her hand. He told Nandu kaka that they will be away for a few days and took her to the waiting car.


As the evening traffic was heavy it took them an hour to reach the airport. Asking her to wait at the gate he rushed to get their tickets. They checked in and soon they were on the flight to Bangalore. Although her eyes continued to stream, she maintained a cold silence throughout the journey. Neev understood her pain and did not press on.


Once they reached Bangalore, he took her directly to the hospital. Before he could pay of the cab driver, she ran down the corridors towards her mother's room. Neev followed close at her heels with both their bags. When they reached Amrita's room they realised that there was nobody there. Ayesha panicked and ran to the reception with Neev in tow. She tried to ask the receptionist where her mother was but she was choked for words. As she stood there gasping for breath, Neev stepped in and asked the receptionist where was Mrs.Singhania, patient in Room No.302. The receptionist checked her monitor and said that Mrs.Singhania was still in the ICU.

The two of them then rushed to the ICU and through the glass door they saw Amrita strapped to various medical gadgets. The doctor attending to her had just then come out of the ICU. Ayesha asked her what had happened and was told that Mrs.Singhania had been emotionally depressed of late and kept asking to meet Monty. When she was served the breakfast that morning she refused to have it and threw the plate down. Suddenly she got into a frenzy and started throwing things around. The nurse attending to her rushed out to get help to calm her down but before they can get to her, she had slashed her wrists with a blade which they did not know from where she got. She had lost quite a bit of blood but was out of danger now after being given blood transfusion. They wanted to keep her under observation for another 12 hours before moving her back to the ward. After that she will be on anti-depressants for some time before they decide on the next course of treatment. The only permanent cure, however, would be to find Monty and bring him to her.



After the doctor left, Ayesha crumbled onto the nearby bench and let out a heart wrenching cry. Seeing her in this emotionally distraught state, Neev's heart went out to her. He had never seen Ayesha lose control of herself before. She had always been bold, facing all challenges with a brave face but seeing her lost and defeated like this just sliced him up. Not knowing what to do, he sat beside her and tentatively put his arm around her shoulders to comfort her. She buried her face in his chest and wept uncontrollably. Soon his shirt was drenched in her tears. He patted her head comfortingly and whispered that everything will soon be alright but she was inconsolable.

"Neev, I can't afford to lose her. She is my only family, Neev, she is my only family," she kept repeating between sobs. "I need my mother, Neev. She may not have been a perfect mother but the fact that I have a mother who needed me kept me going during my most difficult times. I need her as much as she needs me. Neev. I can't imagine a life without her. I lost my father, Neev, I don't want to lose my mother too."

Neev did not know how to console her. Holding her face between his hands, he wiped her tears with his thumb pads.

"I will not let you lose your mother, Ayesha. I will do everything there is to keep her safe. You can trust me. I will find Monty and bring him to her. By the way who is Monty? Is he your father?" he inquired.

She nodded her head. "What is his full name?" he asked. She shook her head saying she knew nothing about her father other than his nick name. He knew that it was not the right time to keep pressing for more information. He said that as she would require energy to take care of her mother when she comes around, she needs to have some food. Leading her to the hospital canteen, he bought her dinner and coaxed her to eat. She looked listlessly at the food but did not eat. He finally had to feed her forcefully. After having his dinner, he took her to the company guest house. The next morning they returned to the hospital. By that afternoon, Amrita was shifted to the ward. Ayesha broke down seeing her mother's unemotional face as she lay stiffly on the bed. She buried her head on her chest and poured out her anguish. Amrita kept staring at the ceiling unresponsively.



The next two days were pretty traumatic for Ayesha as she witnessed her mother's lifeless existence. She knew that her mother was suffering deep within although she did not display any emotion or feelings on the outside as a result of the medication. Neev tried his best to cheer her up but to no avail. He consulted all the doctors in the hospital about her mother's condition. The doctors said that they will do their best and keep her away from harmful devices but they unanimously felt that the only way her suicidal tendencies can be expunged for good is to bring Monty back to her.



When Ayesha was reasonably composed, Neev tried to again find out as much information about her father as he could. Ayesha told him the circumstances under which her parents got married, her grandfather's suicide, her father setting off for the Gulf to seek his fortunes, leaving her mother and her behind with her maternal grandmother and their coming to Mumbai when she was barely two years old. She mentioned that her grandmother had once told her that they were from a small village by the name Hasampura in Ajairajpura panchayat which was a part of Jaipur district in Rajastan. Neev felt that this information could help him unravel the mystery about her father, although he did not tell her anything, lest she gets her hopes up high.

Ayesha was back to her old self in three days but Neev asked her to stay back as long as she wants in Bangalore and he made arrangements for her stay at the company guest house. Ayesha insisted that he gets back to work and he left for Mumbai with the assurance that whenever she needed him he was only a phone call away. Ayesha then called up Milind and informed him what had happened to her mother. When Milind volunteered to come to Bangalore to help her, she forbade him from coming, saying that his wife needed him more at this juncture than she did and she can manage on her own.

As soon as Neev returned to Mumbai he set the ball rolling in tracing the whereabouts of Ayesha's father.

XLVI (1)


It was New Year's day. Prachi woke up early in the morning to find her handsome husband's protective arms around her huge tummy as he held her close to him from behind. She turned back to see that he was still fast asleep. Looking at his tired face she guessed he must have returned home very late after the New Year's Eve Party he hosted in his hotel. After the experience with the Christmas Eve's party, Milind refused to take Prachi along saying that she needed all the rest she can get in her condition. Prachi could not protest because she too felt pretty fatigued. So she turned in early the previous night. Since she felt refreshed after a good night's rest she thought she will do the puja for the well being of her family and friends on this auspicious day. She gently lifted his arms off her, careful not to wake him up and finished her morning routine before doing the puja. As she took the puja thali to Baba's bedroom she noticed him struggling to sit up on the bed on his own. She rushed to help him up but he stopped her and said he wanted to do it on his own. And sure enough he managed to sit up on his own although he had to struggle a bit for it. Prachi was elated to see the vast improvement in his condition. She then extended the puja thali to him and later received his blessings for a safe delivery and a happy life with her husband and children. Baba told her that he was eagerly looking forward to running behind his three grand children and he was getting himself fit enough for it, faithfully following the exercises the physiotherapist taught him. Prachi nodded her head in agreement as she had noticed the enthusiasm with which he was exercising in the past few weeks. Father-in-law and daughter-in-law were merrily chatting about the babies when Milind made his appearance. Prachi informed him of what Baba managed to do that day. Milind was happy to see his father progress well.



After breakfast, Milind and Prachi went to Shah House where PL and Sukriti were waiting for them. Alaap had already left for work, so thankfully both of them did not have to see him. Sukriti hugged her brother, who gifted her a silk saree, and enquired with Prachi about the progress of her nieces/nephews. On being assured that everything was fine, she patted Prachi's stomach gently and said she was eagerly awaiting their arrival. Milind and Prachi took the blessing of PL. Milind gifted her a beautiful off-white silk saree with red border and pallu. She thanked him and in turn gifted both of them new clothes. Milind protested, saying she has done so much for them already but she wouldn't take no for an answer. Milind did not want to offend her, more so because he was aware that PL was a little upset with him for repaying the money she had spent on Baba's treatment. He decided to let her have the small pleasures of giving her daughter and son-in-law gifts on special occasions.PL wanted him to stay on for lunch but he excused himself saying that there were a lot of pending items of work awaiting his attention at the hotel. He left Prachi behind though and said that he will pick her up that evening.



Prachi was in the garden chatting with Sukriti when Neev dropped in at the Shah House to meet PL and receive her blessings. Despite the broken engagement and the subsequent death of Inder, Neev still maintained cordial ties with PL, visiting her every New Year to receive her blessings. The previous year too he had come to take her blessings, but Milind and Prachi had not seen him, as he came very early in the morning and had left long before they had come over to the Shah House. PL still had a soft corner for him inspite of everything that had happened. Soon after the funeral he had met her and explained to her the circumstances that had led to the unfortunate chain of events. As PL is a woman who believed in not holding grudges, she readily forgave and accepted him. She had heard of his divorce and the disintegration of his family and felt sorry for him. Her maternal heart ached for him and she hoped that someday he will find a woman who would make him happy.



Seeing him that day though, PL was a little worried as to what Prachi would say if she saw Neev in the house. Neev had heard that Prachi was in the family way and had brought with him a huge parcel of maternity clothes which were manufactured in his factory unit. He had personally selected the fabric and had his best designer design them. Handing her the parcel, he asked her to somehow give it to Prachi without telling her it was from him. PL was about to inform him of Prachi's presence in the house when at that precise moment Prachi entered in. Her face first drained of colour before flaming up red with anger. Not wanting to stay in his presence, she turned to leave when PL pleaded with her to grant Neev a chance to speak. Although Prachi was livid with anger, she stayed back for her mother's sake. PL discreetly left the place to enable the two childhood friends to have a heart-to-heart conversation and thrash out everything. Neev hesitatingly walked up to Prachi and extended his hand, "Congratulations, Prachi," he said, trying to sound cheerful although deep within he was apprehensive of how she will react.



She turned her fiery eyes at him and ignoring his extended hand, she asked him why he had come to her father's house. He told her that he had come to take PL's blessings for New Year as he always does. She was shocked to realise that PL had entertained him in the house even before. Has her mother forgotten that he was responsible for her losing her husband, her sindoor, her mangalsutra? Even if her mother has forgotten everything, she cannot forget that he had robbed her of her father. She cannot forget that he broke her trust. She cannot forget that he failed to confide in her the most important detail of his life when she had shared with him even the most innocuous detail of hers. Why did he mislead her? Why did he mislead his parents? Why did he wait till the engagement day to break the news that he was already married? Now what did he want with her? To see whether she was happy? Yes, she was happy. She was happy with her husband and his family. She was glad that he broke her trust for she does not want to be associated with such a self serving, secretive, traitor. As she lashed out at him loud and hard, pouring out all her anger, anguish and disappointment, he stood tamely, his head bowed down. When she was finished, she was panting. She suddenly felt dizzy and weak. Seeing her sway, Neev was alarmed and he rushed to her, holding her before she lost her balance. He led her to the sofa and immediately called out to PL. Hearing his call, PL and Sukriti rushed in and attended to Prachi. In the meantime he enquired who her doctor was and called her on the phone. Sukriti gave her some water to drink and massage her forehead which was throbbing by now. Both Neev and PL were feeling very guilty. While Neev's guilt stemmed from inadvertently provoking such an extreme emotional reaction from Prachi, PL was weighed down by the guilt of letting Prachi face Neev alone in her condition. She had not expected that Prachi would still feel so strongly about the past events. She thought that with time her emotions would have mellowed down. She completely misread her daughter, though. The doctor soon arrived and checked her up. Luckily there was no cause for concern although she advised her to be more calm and relaxed as undue anxiety and stress at this stage of pregnancy is not good for either her health or those of the babies. After making sure she was alright, Neev left Shah House, not uttering a word in his defence. PL was in two minds to call Milind but decided against it since it would only serve to accentuate his concern. Sukriti tried to divert Prachi's thoughts from what happened between Neev and her by showing her the sweaters and stockings she was knitting for her nieces/nephews. She asked her if they had found out about the gender of the babies. Prachi shook her head saying that they would like to be surprised. Soon the unpleasant incident which had occurred earlier in the day was forgotten and Prachi returned to her old self.



That evening when Milind came to pick her up, PL took him aside and told him what had happened that morning. Milind was alarmed to hear this but she reassured him that the doctor had examined Prachi and there was nothing to fear. She, however, requested him to gently explain to Prachi Neev's side of the story because she felt that Prachi might still be bottling up a lot of resentment subconsciously and this was not good for her or the babies. She tried to tell him about Neev's life but Milind raised his hand saying that he already knows about it. PL was surprised that he did, but he did not elaborate that Ayesha was the one who told him about Neev. PL also gave him the parcel of maternity clothes Neev had brought for Prachi and asked him to give it to her at an opportune time. Milind nodded his head and assured he will take care of everything. Returning back to Prachi, he asked her to take leave from her mother and his sister and slowly led her to the car. XLVI(2)

Milind and Prachi maintained a studied silence on their way back home. Milind was lost in deep thought as to how to broach the subject of Neev to her without upsetting her all over again. Prachi on the other hand was doing her best to forget the entire Neev episode. Words between them were sparse even after reaching home. Baba did not notice the palpable tension in the air as he was his usual chatty self during dinner. Later when they retired to bed, Milind made Prachi comfortable on her side and hugging her loosely, he went off to sleep. Prachi was awake for sometime before slipping into a restless sleep. In the middle of the night Milind was rudely woken up by Prachi's sobs. He got up with a start and looked at his wife's face in the streaming moon light. She appeared to be still asleep as her eyes were tightly shut but she was crying bitterly and mumbling incoherently. He bent down to her lips to try catching what she was saying.

"Papa, I mi.....iss you pa...pa...... Wh.. why....did.... you... .ll...leave meeee? Wh...why pa...pp..pa? If it ha...had not been for my ffff...failed engagement, you...you.... would st..st..still be alive today....nn...no pa..pp..pa? I.... sh..should ha..have said... nn..no... to the proposal. Why did I nnnn..not realise....I ... not lo....love hi....him? I ....I...aaa..am sorry Papa, I aaaa...am sorr..rrry.....fo....or... fo...or be...ing sss....so ....bbb....blind."

She stopped for a few minutes. Milind felt torn seeing his wife's pain and grief. He wiped her tears and was about to lie down again when she started her rantings once again. This time her voice rose in anger.

"Ne...eeev wh...why did you not tt...tell me yo...you we...were already married? Wh..why did you let your parents and mine mmmm..make aaaall the arr....rrangements bbb....before ddd..dropping the bbb...bombshell? Wha...what has my Pa...ppa done to you? Oh, wh...why di...did I....I trust you? Wh...why?"

She tossed and turned in the bed, closing her face with her palms as tears streamed down her cheeks. Milind put his arm around her and pulled her close to him for comfort, feeling her pain as his own. After a few minutes she calmed down. Just as Milind thought that her ordeal was over, she let out a sharp cry. This time her sobs were loud and gut wrenching. Her words were slurred and indecipherable, sounding more like a string of gibberish. Milind strained his ears to catch what she was saying and his eyes widened in shock when he realised what her latest nightmare was.

"My ba....ba...bies, de... dead. Aa...allll. Oh, NO. Killed ... I...baad...mo....mother." Holding her by her shoulder he shook her awake.

"Prachi wake up. Wake up darling."

Prachi opened her eyes and looked at him first in confusion, then in fear and finally in pain. He pulled her up and put his arms around her, holding her close to his side.

"Milind, our babies?" she asked looking around the bed before her eyes finally settled on her protruding stomach. She looked at it with a puzzled expression.

"Baby, nothing will happen to our babies. They are safe. I am there for you sweetheart. I am there for you. I will not let anything happen to them, neither will you. You are a wonderful mother. Our babies are lucky to have you." He kissed the top of her head. Lifting her face, he kissed her forehead, her nose, her lips, her chin, her cheeks and all the time he kept reassuring her that she was a wonderful mother and the babies were safe.

"But Milind I...I... de....delivered the babies and they were all..."

Milind closed her mouth with his palm and shook his head.

"No darling. The babies are still in here." He pointed to her stomach. "They are all well and thriving. You were having a nightmare, darling. Don't worry, it is over."

Prachi seemed relieved but was still pretty shaken by the entire experience. Milind knew he cannot postpone talking about Neev. Prachi had a lot of unresolved issues which were deeply buried in her psyche. The old wound has reopened after she met Neev that morning. If he does not attend to it now, she will be haunted by her past and the nightmares will be recurrent. In her condition this was not good at all. He had read that pregnant women are more prone to emotional stress because of the release of certain hormones during pregnancy. PL was right. He needs to talk to her about Neev and hopefully clear the air between them, more for her own sake and those of her babies than for Neev's. Prachi was about to lie down again when he gently held her arm and said that they need to talk. She looked at him, puzzled by his grave tone and intent gaze. She nodded and asked him what did he want to talk about.

"Neev", he said abruptly.

She looked at him in disbelief. Why would he want to talk about Neev in the middle of the night? She was about to flare up in anger when he stalled her and asked her to hear him out first.

"Darling, a few minutes back you were having a chain of nightmares, first about your papa's death, then about Neev's betrayal and finally about...," he couldn't complete it.


Shaking his head as if to get rid of the very thought of something harmful happening to his kids, he continued. "Your mother told me that you had met Neev this morning and blasted him for what he did to you. I think you have still not gotten over that, the reason you are having these nightmares about your past, your present and your future. You are holding on to a lot of bitterness and that is not good for you or the babies, dear. I know you are still grieving for your papa. You have still not fully come to terms with his death. Apart from blaming Neev for his untimely demise, you strangely hold yourself responsible for his death. Life and death are not in our hands, darling."


Pointing heavenwards he continued, "HE decides when to call us to him; nothing or no one can stop him. The day we were born it has been decided how and when we will go back to HIM. Your papa died of a heart attack which was triggered by his discovery of Neev's marital status on the day you were supposed to get engaged to him. So you blame Neev for your papa's death. Maybe you are justified in doing so. But have you paused to wonder whether that was the only reason? Pranay uncle too came to know about his son's marriage on that same day yet he did not die, did he? Why did he survive but your father did not? It was because your father was already a heart patient and he was not. If your father had not died due to that incident, he could have died because of some other reason for HE had already decided to call him back. Don't you see that? If our time in this world is up we have to go, but if it is not up, nothing can make us leave it, unless we take law into our own hands and kill ourselves. Have we not read of cases where people were literally snatched from the jaws of death? Doctors have saved patients who are practically written off. Those doctors are HIS instruments to prolong the lives of the people who are meant to survive longer in this world. Sometime back there was a news item about a bus crash where everyone died except a small six-month old baby. Now why did that happen? How come that baby survived but not the others? The only way to explain this is that the baby's time in this world was not yet up."



"How do you explain the death of people in the hands of terrorists, murderers and assassins?" asked Prachi."Does God make these people do these heinous crimes so that he can call people to himself?"



"No, he does not. Neither does he stop them from doing such dastardly acts. He has given each one of us the most precious gift of all, the gift of choice. We can choose how we lead our lives. He does not interfere with that freedom. Ofcourse if we misuse our freedom and deprive others of theirs, we will have to face the consequences of it. But if our time is not up, we may even escape such attacks. Have you not read of people who were not supposed to be at a bomb site, landing at the place seconds before the bomb blew off and others who normally live or work there going out for a few seconds and escaping death? How do you explain these events? I am saying all this not to belittle your papa's death. It is a huge loss to his family. It was a big turning point. But have you paused to think about the flip side of it? Do you think we would have married each other had things gone according to plan? Neev's marriage may have resulted in your papa's death but it also brought about a chain of events which led me to you and I consider myself very fortunate for having you in my life."



"I am fortunate too, honey but I still can't accept what Neev had done to me. I considered him as my friend and he betrayed that friendship by not confiding the single most important event of his life when I was sharing with him the smallest and innocuous details of mine. If only I had known that he was already married I would have declined the proposal. Why did he hide the truth knowing that his family and mine were making arrangements for our union in matrimony?"

"How are you saying with certainty that he knew about the wedding arrangements? Do you know the whole truth?" he asked her.

She wondered what he was talking about. Milind then explained the circumstances that led to all the misunderstandings.

"So you see the guy was not even aware that he was supposed to be marrying you. By the way have you in all your conversations with him mentioned about it?"

She shook her head in the negative." I was too shy to talk about it."

"So you too kept back the most important information of your life from him. Had he known about the wedding arrangements, maybe he would have told you that he was already married."

"But was I not his friend? Why did he not tell me that there was someone in his life? Will he reveal that only if he knows that alternate arrangements were being made to get him married to someone else?"

"I do not know why he did not tell you this before, but I think there must have been a good reason for it, for the guy still values your friendship and regrets losing it."

"How do you know that?" she asked him.

Milind did not want to tell her about Ayesha's connection with Neev just yet.

Instead he took out the parcel that PL had given him.

"Look at this," he said and opening the parcel he handed her the maternity dresses. "Neev had these specially made for you after he came to know that you are in the family way. If he did not care for you, would he have taken the trouble?"

She looked the dresses in amazement.

"Please Prachi. Do not shut him out now. The guy has already suffered enough."

She looked at him in confusion. He then hesitatingly told her about the divorce. She was shocked to hear that Neev's life has taken such a tragic turn.

"He can use a friend now and you were his closest friend, darling. Would you still hold on to your grudge against him, knowing the truth? Won't you get past this and renew your friendship with him?"

Her eyes welled up and she nodded her head. He kissed her gently on the forehead saying he knew that his Prachi will not let him down. He knew that she was loving, kind and above all very tolerant and forgiving.


As they lay back on the bed, Prachi whispered to him, "Milind, I never realised that you possessed so much patience and understanding of human behaviour. I would have never thought a day will come when I would be the stubborn, unforgiving and angry person and you will make me see reason. But here you are, patiently explaining to me where I was going wrong, helping me redirect my negative energies towards positive ones. Thank you, darling for stopping me from hurting myself and others."

"Sh...sh. You don't have to thank me for anything. It is I who should be thanking you for teaching me this patience and understanding, honey. You have made me a better person. It is your insurmountable patience and understanding that has rubbed off me. I would do anything to keep you happy and cheerful always."

Prachi smiled at that and after they kissed each other good night, they slept fitfully in each other's arms, their unborn babies wedged between them.


The next morning Prachi called Neev up and asked him to meet her at her residence. Any doubts that Neev harboured about Prachi's forgiveness or her willingness to accept him as her friend were dispelled the minute he saw her greet him with a smiling face, wearing one of the dresses he had gifted her. The two friends then picked up the severed ends of their bond of friendship and mended it, promising to never let it break again.
XVII

One week later



Ayesha paced restlessly up and down the guest house in Bangalore waiting for the phone to ring. Over the past two weeks, Neev had unfailingly rung her up around 9.30 pm every night and checked on her mother's health. Although her mother was not back to what she was prior to the suicide attempt, she had atleast started recognising her. She spoke only in monosyllables and had a perpetually lost look about her. Ayesha was not aware that hearing her daily reports on her mother, Neev had redoubled his efforts to find her dad for he knew only he can bring her back to normalcy. After the discussion about her mother's health, the conversation would veer around to what was happening at work and soon they would start discussing about their respective lives. Neev was an entertaining conversationalist and Ayesha looked forward to listening to his witty comments on anything and everything under the sun. Often their conversations carried on beyond midnight. In fact they ended up wishing each other good morning before they hung up the phone every day.



During the day, Ayesha had an idiotic smile perennially pasted on her face every time she thought of him, which was pretty often. Her mother was annoyed at these expressions since she felt Ayesha was mocking her. Ayesha then had to hastily assure her that she was not ridiculing her. In her spare time she kept wondering about the change she was noticing in herself. The feelings Neev was evoking in her were new. His voice made her heart flutter. His laugh lifted her spirits. She kept recollecting the smallest detail of his face, the crinkle of his eyes as he smiled revealing his teeth with the front two, a little more prominent than the rest; his big nose which flared up when he was angry which by the way was very rare; his full and shapely pink lips which looked inviting; his pronounced chin with the slight clef which enhanced his attractiveness; his angular jaw which underlined his masculinity; and his boyish hair cut which made him look much younger than he was. She never thought she would find someone like Neev attractive but here she was unable to dislodge him from her mind's eye.



It was not only his physical appearance that appealed to her. She was more than impressed with the way he handled the situation when she crumbled hearing about her mother's attempted suicide. He was non-invasive yet was extremely supportive. She never felt suffocated by his overwhelming concern for her well being. On the other hand she longed to lean on him to gain the strength to endure the trauma. She wondered how he managed to make her feel independent yet dependent at the same time. She did not feel ashamed to let her guard down and display her emotional vulnerability for she knew that he will not think less of her because of it or take advantage of her weakness. No man had the complete hold on her thoughts and on her life as he did, not even Milind when she was dating him. Has she finally found the love of her life? This was the question that seemed to perennially haunt her these days. Along with this question came the question whether he felt the same way about her. The latter one scared her. What if the answer is no, she wondered. She knew he was attracted to her. She would have to be blind not to notice that but did he love her? She knew he had been badly hurt in love before. Would he let himself succumb to love again or would he swear off love for life? She was eager to know the answers to all these questions but was also apprehensive of them. What if they were not what she was expecting? Can she survive the disappointment and disillusionment?



She looked up at the clock. It was past 11.30 pm and still Neev had not called. She was alarmed by the unusual delay in the call. Was something wrong with him? Was he sick? Panicking, she called up Shergill Residence. Nandu kaka answered the phone and said that Neev Saab has still not come home. Ayesha's heartbeat quickened as she called his office. There was no response. By now she was sweating profusely. She tried his cell but she was getting no response. Not knowing what had happened to him and being so far away from him, she felt lost and terrified. Tears started filling up her eyes fast and spilled over her cheeks. Just then the phone rang. She literally pounced on it and hurriedly held it to her ear. The sound of his voice was like music. She heaved a sigh of relief but could not immediately respond to him as she was choked with emotion. Inspite of herself a sniff escaped her lips. He immediately sensed that she had been crying and asked her if she was alright, his voice betraying his concern. She nodded her head and realising he cannot see her, she uttered a meek 'yes'. He then explained to her that he was caught up in an important meeting with his overseas clients. He later tried her number before he left his office but the lines in the route were busy. So he left thinking he will call her from home. She asked him why he did not respond to his cell. He apologised saying that he always kept his cell on silent mode while driving, to avoid distraction. She realised how foolish she was to unnecessarily panic over such trivial things. It was so untypical of her to behave in this manner. Was this one more reason to believe that she was indeed in love with him? She pushed the thought aside for the moment and embarked on another long and pleasurable conversation with him.



It was well past two o'clock by the time they wished each other good morning and Neev disconnected the call. It is only then he realised he had still not had his dinner. Seeing the number of missed calls on his cell and later being told by Nandu kaka that Ayesha had called home too, Neev feared that she was in trouble and called her up immediately. Once on the hook, he forgot all sense of time as always. Strangely he did not feel hungry. Talking and listening to her not only filled his ears but also seemed to fill his stomach as well. Ever since he left her behind in Bangalore and returned to Mumbai, he could not stop thinking about her. Her absence left a deep sense of emptiness both at work and at his house. Neev sometimes hallucinated her presence in his office or in his house as a result of which he ended up talking to himself. His secretary and Nandu kaka were puzzled by his strange behaviour and had to literally shake him up to make him aware of his surroundings. He knew he has fallen in love with her but can he afford to do so? Does she reciprocate his feelings? Would he be worthy of her? He did not know. All he knew was that he did not want to hurt her at any cost. He will not reveal his feelings for her. After the fiasco at his residence he cannot take the chance of losing her forever. No, he will wait for her to make the first move. He then hit his bed, and soon was enveloped in sweet dreams of the woman who had come to occupy all his thoughts.


(2)

It was Sunday and Milind was home. After breakfast he rummaged through his cupboard and brought out an old photo album which had photographs of him as a new born baby. He then removed a tin box which held photos of baby Prachi. He had got the box from his mother-in-law when he had asked her for pictures of Prachi to frame on the occasion of her birthday. He took a pair of scissors and snipped at both sets of photographs, separating the eyes, nose, lips, forehead and chin. Taking out a scrap book he first pasted a picture each of baby Milind and baby Prachi. He then neatly pasted the cut pictures, with different permutations and combinations of the two sets of photographs. Soon he had filled the scrap book with pictures of babies. Prachi who had been chatting with Baba entered the room just then and was surprised to see Milind sitting on the floor amidst a whole pile of rubbish with a scrap book in his hand. She went up and asked him what he was doing and was told that he was trying to figure out how his babies will look. Seeing Prachi's puzzled expression, he got up, took her hand and led her to the bed. Sitting beside her he showed her the scrap book.



"Look, Prachi. If our babies take after you, they will look like this," he said pointing at the first photo of baby Prachi on the scrap book.

"If they take after me, they will look like this," he said pointing to the second photo of baby Milind.

"If they are a combo of both of us, they can look like any of these. See here if the forehead is like mine, but the rest of the features are like you, they will look like this," he said pointing to the third picture.

"If the eyes are like mine but the rest of them are like you, this is how they'll look," he pointed to the fourth picture.

"And look here, in this one the forehead and lips are like mine and the rest of them are like you."

He went on in this vein for the next half hour, excitedly explaining each and every photo in the scrap book. Prachi's smile widened seeing her husband's laborious efforts to put together their babies pictures even before they were born. At the end of his long discourse, she put her arms around his neck and placed a wet kiss on his lips.

"Do you know how cute you are?" She pinched his cheeks."By the way, would you like to have sons or daughters?"

"I would be happy to have three daughters just like you," he said kissing the tip of her nose."What about you?"

"I would like to have atleast one son, if not more and he should be a perfect replica of his papa."

"Darling, sons or daughters, they will be our babies. That is what is important. All I want is to see them healthy and happy. I don't care what gender they are. They are all the same to me. I'll love them equally."

"Amen to that," she said and smiled at him.

Just then he got a call from his hotel asking him if he can come immediately since they were having problems with one of their esteemed guests. Milind looked regretfully at Prachi and said that he has been called to the hotel. Prachi insisted that duty comes first and asked him to go ahead, assuring him that she will be fine with Baba. Milind gave her a hurried good bye kiss and left for work. Prachi flipped through the scrap book, a disarming smile playing on her lips.


(3)

Milind reached his hotel in twenty minutes as the Sunday morning traffic was light. His manager stood at the entrance wringing his hands and looked highly perturbed. Milind asked him what the matter was and was told that Noor, the wife of Sheikh Hamid Ali from Oman had checked into the hotel late the previous night after celebrating her birthday in Goa. The sheikh would be joining her later in the day as he had some important meeting with one of his business associates. His wife has been making their lives hell ever since she landed. First she had a problem with the bed tea which was served. Then it was the breakfast. The series of complaints just kept piling on - bed linen, room service, toiletries, swimming pool-she seemed to have a complaint on each and every facility in the hotel. She then demanded that the proprietor, Mr. Milind Mishra be called expressly to listen to her problems. The manager had no choice but to trouble him on a weekend because she threatened that she will sully the image of the hotel. Milind merely nodded his head and asked which room she was in. He then went up to her room and knocked at her door.



The minute Noor opened the door, she drawled out, "Miiiilind, am I glad to see you."

She tried to envelope him in a bear hug but Milind ducked her and offered her his hand instead. She clasped it tightly in both her hands and shook it so hard that Milind's teeth started chattering. Giving her a lopsided uncomfortable smile, he finally managed to extricate his hand from her.

"I had insisted that Hamid books me in your hotel this time around because I was confident that your hotel will be par excellence but your people have really disappointed me, Miiiilind. Their service is baaaad!"

He then patiently listened to all her complaints and had them attended to, one by one, as she devoured him with her eyes. Milind averted his gaze from her, distinctly uncomfortable under her unabashed stare. Once he settled all her complaints, he turned to leave but she caught his hand and asked him to join her for lunch. He tried to wriggle out of it saying that his wife was waiting for him at home and he wanted to be around her as much as possible as she was in the family way.

"Famiiily waaay?" she drawled, looking confused. "I don't get it."

"She's pregnant," he said cursorily, trying to put a full stop to any further questions.

"How sweeeet! Congratulations Miiiilind. Give my regards to your wife. Tell her she is a verrry lucky woman get a caaaaring husband like you."

She clasped his hand in hers and gave it another vigorous shake. When he pulled his hand away, he had to flex his fingers to restart the blood circulation. She then very reluctantly bid him good bye and as he stepped out of the room, she let out a sharp scream. Milind turned around to see her in a heap on the floor. He knelt by her side and asked what was wrong. She pointed to her left foot saying she had tripped on her stilettos and twisted her ankle. Milind tried to pull her up but she slumped again. Not having much choice he lifted her in his arms and placed her on the sofa. He then knelt down and removed her stilettos to examine her ankle. It was swelling up fast. He went to the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet. Returning with an anti-inflammatory ointment, he knelt down and stretching her leg, he cupped her ankle in one hand and rubbed the ointment with the other. As he was absorbed in his task, he did not notice what Noor was up to. Watching his bowed head, Noor's lust for the man kept rising. She unbuttoned a couple of buttons of her tops to show her cleavage. She licked her lips and looked at him with great yearning. Once Milind finished with his task, he gently let her foot down and got up but before he could take a step she extended her other foot and tripped him. As he lunged forward she leaned towards him and grabbed him to pull him to her. Milind's face hit the exposed part of her chest and he hastily tried to push himself up. She was quicker though and she caught his face between her hands and captured his luscious lips in hers in a deep French kiss. He clutched her shoulders in both his hands and pushed her hard to free himself. He then swung his hand to slap her but stopped himself because he did not want to hit a woman, however depraved she may be. He gave her a stare which seemed to sear her soul and was about to leave but she caught him again and threw herself shamelessly at him begging him to satisfy her hunger.



"Miiiilind, I am hungry," she panted huskily. "I know you must be hungry too, what with your wife being pregnant and all that. I am sure she must not be in a position to fulfil your primal needs. Why don't we mutually satisfy each other's hunger? Neither my husband nor your wife need to know. That way nobody is hurt."

"I am ashamed to have entertained such a shameless guest in my hotel," lashed out Milind, pushing her away. "Do you even understand the sanctity of marital vows? You may hide your clandestine activities from your spouse but can you hide them from your conscience?"

"Conscience?" laughed Noor hysterically. "Miiiilind, you crack me up. Why do you speak like a seventy year old sage. You and I know you are a young hot blooded handsome man who is as much in need of a woman as I am in need of a man. So why deny each other the pleasures of the flesh? Ever since I set eyes on you last year I could not stop thinking of you. Come to me, baby. Come to me and quench my thirst for you," she seductively drawled and tried to once more pull him to her.

Milind was sickened by the woman's raw lust. This time he pushed her hard and she fell back on the sofa. Just then they heard the door swing open and they turned to see the sheikh towering at the entrance. He sauntered into the room and dragging his wife up by her hair he gave her stinging slap on one cheek. As she reeled in shock, he swung his arm and hit her on the other cheek. By now she started bleeding from the corner of her mouth. He yelled at the top of his voice that he witnessed her throwing herself on a reluctant man. He swore that he will kill her. Milind held the sheikh's hand and said that he did not want domestic violence in his hotel. He requested him to kindly vacate the hotel as soon as possible and take his wife along with him. The sheikh apologised for the inconvenience caused to him by his shameless wife and agreed to leave the place shortly. Milind then left them to pack up. Half an hour later the sheikh and his wife left the hotel after settling the bill.



Milind was shaken by the whole experience and immediately left for his house. As soon as he reached home he rushed to the bathroom and scrubbed his lips vigorously to get rid of the imprint of the lusty woman's lips on it. Prachi was surprised by his act and ambled towards him, asking him what the matter was. He turned his tormented eyes towards her and holding her hands in his asked her to forgive him.

"Forgive you, for what Milind?"

"For letting another woman kiss the lips which are meant only for you."

Prachi looked at him in confusion. He led her to the bed and making her sit on it, he buried his head on her lap and haltingly told her what had transpired at the hotel that morning.

"I should have been more alert, Prachi. You did warn me last year that she had the hots for me. I should have not let myself be so easily trapped by her."

Prachi lifted his face in her hands and smiled indulgently. "Milind, just when I think that you cannot get any more cute and adorable, you turn around and surprise me by out beating your own cuteness. How can you blame yourself for what that woman did? You were only ensuring that your client is comfortable and satisfied in your hotel. Only the comfort and satisfaction your guest was expecting went beyond what the hotel offered and extended to what she thought its proprietor can give. The poor woman did not anticipate that the proprietor in question is a staunch one-woman man, did she?" In her voice was a mixture of pride and happiness at her husband's steadfast love for her.

Milind was touched by the faith she had in him.

"You want to expunge her kiss from your lips, do you, darling? Here, let me help you," she said and leaning forward she caught his lips in hers and kissed him deeply, prompting him to return it with equal fervour. Just then Baba called them for lunch and they broke free, smiling at each other in love.



XLVIII (1)

Three weeks later

Saket met Sukriti at a coffee shop at the other end of the town, far away from Alaap's office. He gave her a rundown of the things he has made Alaap do without his knowledge. He has made him sign cheques which were apparently meant for various 'vendors' of the Shah Group of Hotels. In reality all these 'vendors' were benamies of his friend from the U.S. who had lent the same money back to him at exorbitant interest rate. In effect Alaap borrowed his own company's money without his knowledge. Saket also encouraged him invest in shady land deals, giving him false hopes that the price of those properties will rise in the near future. These deals were also financed through the ciphoned off money from his company. As of now Alaap was in Rs.200 crore debt and Saket was waiting for an opportune moment to pull off the rug from under his feet. Sukriti was happy that Alaap was blissfully digging his own grave.

Saket looked at Sukriti's happy face and felt a strange tug to his heart. He always had a soft corner for the girl right from their college days. Although he was in his final year of post graduation and she was doing her first year under graduation, they had met on a couple of occasions during inter-collegiate events. He was silently observing and admiring her ever since, impressed by her smart looks and perky personality. He had thought that he will reveal his feelings for her after making a name for himself. When he returned back to India after his stint abroad, he thought of looking up the alumni list of his college to trace her but before that he had met her at the bank and was shocked to know that she was already married to Alaap. Although he was disappointed, he genuinely wished her well. That is why Alaap's betrayal of his marriage was a rude shock to him and he could never forgive him for that. When Sukriti too came to know his true colours, he decided to support her in bringing him down. He knew that Sukriti did not have any feelings for him other than as a friend. Right now he was not hoping for anything more. All he wanted is her happiness and peace and he will do his best to ensure that she gets them.

On the same day at Neev's office

Neev got a call at his office from the private detective he had engaged to track down Ayesha's father.

"Yes, Mr.Vasvani, any progress?"

"Sir, I have some good news and some bad news."

"Give me the good news first."

"I had sent my man to Hasampura village again. While he was unable to gather any information the first time around, this time he has managed to locate the old village chief who recollected the suicide of one Dayanandh Singhania after his daughter eloped on her wedding day with another man. Pressing for more information he found out the name of the man Ms.Amrita Singhania eloped with."

When he heard the name Neev was shocked. Could it be the same man? As quickly as the thought entered his mind he dismissed it, thinking it was not possible. The name must just be a coincidence. He then asked if they managed to find any more details about where he could have gone all those years back. He said that the village chief's nephew was a friend of Ayesha's father. All he knew was that the man left for Oman about twenty four years back but he had lost touch with him after that.

"Sorry Sir, that is all we managed to get, just the name and where he had gone twenty four years back. No one seemed to know whether he is alive or dead now and if alive where he could be."

Neev hung up the phone and was lost in deep thought. Should he ask the man from his business circle who had the same name as Ayesha's father whether he had ditched his wife and daughter twenty four years back? Now that would be positively indecent of him to do so, especially if the man is not in any way connected to Ayesha's father. Moreover, even if he was, would he accept that he was a family ditcher? He needed more information before he can proceed. He decided to do a thorough background check on the man he suspected, before confronting him. While he could have entrusted the task to Mr.Vasvani, he thought it best to do his own independent research discreetly because he did not want to bring disrepute to an innocent man if his hunch was proved wrong. He first browsed the net but could not get much information about the man's past although there was a lot written about his current achievements. He then decided to visit the city library over the weekend to find any news item in the print media which could give him some clue as to the man's background. Little did he realise then that he would get the answers to his questions from totally unexpected quarters.

(2)



One week later



That morning Neev called up Ayesha at the Bangalore guest house and asked her to report back for duty.

"Ayesha, I need you back at the office. I know I was the one who assured you that you can stay in Bangalore as long as you want but work is piling up here and things are in awry. Only you are capable of settling all the pending orders. So, can you please come back and help out?"
He did not let her know that there was another reason why he wanted her back. Ever since he stumbled on the truth quite by chance, thanks to his good friend, Mulchandani, he left no stone unturned to trace Ayesha's father. Finally, everything fell in place. He had taken this decision after he had spoken to the man himself.

Ayesha agreed to report back for duty the very next day. She too was feeling guilty for staying away from work for so long. She knew that no other boss would have let her have the luxury of taking care of her mother at the peak season of activity. Moreover, there was a vast improvement in her mother's health. Deep down the real reason was she herself was dying to get back to Neev. She missed seeing his dear face, morning, noon and night. Notwithstanding their long phone conversations, she terribly missed his company. She understood the full meaning of the saying 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' in the last one and a half months she was away from him. She finally realised that she was head over heels in love with her boss and felt extremely happy and contented with her life.



The next morning when she knocked at his door and heard him call her in, her heart skipped a beat. Neev welcomed her with a broad smile, wondering how she could look so breathtakingly beautiful, much more than he remembered her to be. He briefed her about the things which needed to be taken care of and soon she got busy with her work. As she wanted to clear the cases as fast as she can, she decided to have a working lunch and ordered for sandwiches in her cabin. She got to speak to Neev again only on their way back home that evening. He enquired about her mother and was told that the hospital had promised to engage a full time nurse for her to keep her mother from trying to harm herself again.

Once they reached home, he carried her bag to her room and as he turned to leave he said breezily, "I'm happy you are back."

"I'm happy to be back," she quipped.

Although they both tried to sound nonchalant, both meant every word they said.

As they were having dinner that night Ayesha asked if she can take half a day off the next day to attend the Godh bharai function of a very close friend.

"What a co-incidence!" he exclaimed. "I was about to tell you that I will be late by a couple of hours tomorrow to attend Prachi's Godh bharai!"

"What? You are attending Prachi's Godh bharai? Are you sure she would want you to attend it?" she asked apprehensively, "I mean, with the kind of history you two share."

"Don't worry. Prachi and I have made up. She has forgiven me and accepted me back as her friend."

"When did all this happen?" she asked excitedly.

"I am sorry I did not mention this to you earlier in all our long conversations. Somehow it slipped my mind."

The truth was the minute he heard her voice on the line all he could think of was her and no one else.

He then gave her a detailed account of how he had met Prachi quite by accident at the Shah House, how she had lashed out at him and finally how she patched things up with him the next day.

"I owe a lot to her husband who explained to her everything and helped her reconcile with me."

"Milind did that?" she asked him in surprise. "I wouldn't have believed that he was capable of being a peace maker."

"You know Milind?" It was his turn to be surprised.

She looked down guiltily. "I have a confession to make," she murmured haltingly.

"I know both Milind and Prachi quite well."

"Wait a minute. Don't tell me you are the Ayesha Prachi always used to mention in her telephonic conversations with me all those years back!" he exclaimed.

"Guilty as charged," she smiled. "Prachi is not only your best friend but also mine. We studied in the same college. I knew who you were the moment I first saw you in our Bangalore office but did not reveal my identity to you. We had seen each other briefly at the hospital on the day Inder uncle passed away. I think you had too many things on your mind that day to remember my face."

"Now I know why I felt your face looked familiar! So you kept silent all the while I rambled about my past without uttering a word that you knew about it," he looked offended.


"Well, I did not know the whole story. I only knew the story from Prachi's perspective. Although I was indignant about what I thought you did to my dear friend, I decided to give you a chance to explain your side of the story. That is why I did not let you know who I was. Later I felt awkward bringing it up and thought that you may not like the fact that I did not confide in you in the beginning itself. I am truly sorry."

Neev brushed it off saying it did not matter anymore. He was happy that Prachi was their common friend. "By the way, how do you know Milind?" he persisted.

"I know him since childhood. We lived in the same chawl and are very good friends like you and Prachi." She hesitated for a moment and then decided to come clean with everything. "In fact we even dated for sometime but things did not work out and Milind married Prachi."

Neev felt a pang hearing that there was another man in Ayesha's life before. Seeing his expression she hastily added that she had no regrets.

"Milind and I are so not suited for each other. While we still make excellent friends we would have been hopeless as life partners. In fact, I am glad that destiny intervened and Prachi found Milind and he found her. They are perfect for each other, true soul mates."

"Do you believe in soul mates?" he asked disbelievingly. He always thought that Ayesha was not the romantic kind.

"Well, seeing Prachi and Milind together, I believe they do exist."

"Have you found anyone whom you can consider your soul mate?" He awaited her answer with baited breath.

"I don't know," she shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not," she smiled mysteriously.

"What about you? Will you give yourself another chance at love?" she asked expectantly.

He decided to pay her back with the same coin. "I don't know. Maybe, maybe not."

On that note, they wished each other good night, excited to meet their friends the next day.

(3)



Prachi was woken to the music of 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' by Mozart. She smiled and opened her eyes to be greeted with a hot cup of tea by her loving husband. She had gotten used to waking up to western classical music and going to bed to Indian classical music and ghazhals for the past couple of weeks. Although Milind himself did not have much of a taste for classical music he wanted his kids to cultivate what he considered 'refined' tastes in music. So he decided to start when they were still in their mother's womb and had bought a wide collection of classical music CDs, playing them throughout the day.



Handing the cup to her he gently kissed her forehead. "Good morning darling. You need to get ready soon for your Godh Bharai at your mama's place. Ma has already called three times asking when are we coming."



He helped Prachi up and led her to the bathroom. Prachi was finding it increasingly difficult to move around with the huge weight she was carrying. Her widened girth made her arch backwards, exerting pressure on her back. Milind gently placed his hand on her lower back and pressed to straighten and support her back. After she had finished her morning routine, he helped her wear the wine red georgette saree with sequence work which her mother had gifted her. As he tucked in the pleats in he couldn't resist bending down to kiss his wife's humungous stomach and asking his babies not to get too excited and trouble their mommy that day. He then quickly changed into his sherwani and assisted his baba who was now moving around in a walker, into the car. He then came back to walk his wife to the car. She was not able to sit in the front seat as she could not strap on the seat belt over her burgeoning stomach. So he helped her to the back seat after pushing forward the front seat to the maximum.
At the Shah House PL welcomed her daughter with an arti. The hall was full of ladies who had gathered to bless the new mother-to-be. Sukriti led Prachi to a large decorated chair at the centre of the hall and slowly made her bhabhi sit on it. Once she ensured that she was comfortably seated, she spread her pallu on her lap. Women lined up to fill her lap with gifts and apply tilak on her forehead. They then fed her sweets and a kichddi of rice, moong dal and til, cooked in ghee. Following this they bent to her ears and whispered auspicious blessings for her forthcoming childbirth. Prachi blushed like a new bride at all the attention she was getting.



Ayesha entered at that moment and made a beeline to Prachi. Apologising for coming in late, she performed all the rituals and kissed her best friend on both her cheeks, wishing her luck. After a few minutes Neev arrived with a large parcel for his dearest friend. Seeing him PL twisted his ear playfully asking what he was doing in a ladies function. He retorted that he was there for his 'bestest' friend in the world and he wouldn't miss her moment under the sun for anything. He then walked up to Prachi and laying the gift on her lap, he shook her hand and bent down to hug her by her shoulders. Milind smiled to see the camaraderie between his wife and her childhood friend. When all the ladies had finished blessing Prachi, Milind walked up to her and knelt before her. He took out a box full of glass bangles and patiently slid them down her wrist saying that the tingling sound of the bangles will keep his babies entertained. By the time he was finished, Prachi had a dozen bangles in each of her hands. Although it was not part of the usual custom for the father-to-be to do this, Milind had got express permission from PL to adorn his wife in this manner. He then kissed her forehead and gently led her into the bedroom so that she can put up her feet. Ayesha came in and asked him if she can spend some time with her dear friend. From her anxious look Milind knew that she wanted to talk to Prachi about Neev. Before he left the room, he whispered to her to be careful not to upset Prachi too much. Ayesha nodded her head understandingly.

She then sat next to Prachi and taking her hands in hers she gravely said, "Prachi there is something I have to confess. Promise me that you will forgive me."

"Forgive you for what" asked Prachi, confused by Ayesha's unusual request.

"For hiding something important from you."

"What important thing?" she asked her.

"About who my boss is."

"Who is your boss?"

"Your friend turned foe turned friend" said Ayesha

"Friend turned foe turned friend?" repeated Prachi quizzically, confused by her friend's riddled description of her boss. Thinking for a few seconds, her eyes widened as suddenly a thought struck her. She asked sceptically, "You don't mean Neev, do you?"

Ayesha nodded her head, looking apologetically at her.

"You must be joking! You work for Neev?" Seeing Ayesha nod her head again she continued, "That means you are living in Shergill Residence?" Ayesha's face had turned red by now.

It suddenly dawned on Prachi that her friend appeared to have finally been bitten by the love bug.

"And you have fallen for the guy!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Although Ayesha tried to deny it, she could not escape Prachi's sharp eyes which caught the glint in her eye.

"Does he know yet?" she whispered conspiratorially.

Ayesha shook her head in the negative.

"Do you want me to talk to him about it?" Prachi volunteered.

"No please," begged Ayesha. "I'll confess to him myself in an opportune time."

"OK, but do not take too long to confess. I want my two best friends to tie the knot as soon as possible."

"What if he does not love me?" asked Ayesha fearfully. Her eyes quickly filled up at the very thought of a possible rejection.

"Arey, Pagli. Can any man not love my darling Ayesha? Neev is very lucky to have someone like you in his life. I am sure he too loves you but I think you may have to take the first step. Given his bitter past, he may be a little reticent. Shall I discreetly find out what is in his heart?"

"No, he is too shrewd. He will guess what you are after. I will handle it my way. Now you don't worry your pretty little head on this. Concentrate on getting my dear little bunnies safely into this world."

Prachi smiled and closed her eyes as she felt enormously tired. She soon dozed off.

Ayesha drew the covers over her and went in search of PL to give her an update of her mother's health. Soon it was lunch time and the guests were offered a buffet lunch.

Both Neev and Ayesha tried hard to behave casually with each other, not wanting to attract any attention but they could not take their eyes off each other. Neev was enchanted to see her in a saree for the first time and found her extremely sexy in it. As he stood behind her in the queue for the food, his eyes inadvertently wandered to her exposed midriff. As her saree fluttered in the breeze, he caught a glimpse of a flat, fair and smooth stomach. He gulped and looked away, trying to get the image out of his mind. After they filled their plates, they sat in the opposite corners of the room and stole glances at each other when they thought that the other was not looking.

Milind enjoyed watching all this from a distance. He then filled up a plate of food for Prachi and took it to her room. Gently kissing her awake he propped her up and fed her the food before having his own. As they were finishing up, PL came in and asked her son-in-law whether she could have a private moment with her daughter. Milind nodded and left the room.


Sitting beside her daughter, PL asked her daughter when she was planning to come home for her confinement. Prachi shook her head and said that she was not planning to leave her own home as Milind cannot stay without her. PL asked her in a hushed tone whether he still wanted physical intimacy with his wife. Prachi's eyes widened in surprise and said that Milind is a very understanding husband and they have not been intimate for nearly three months now, given her physical condition. More than the physical intimacy what keeps them bonded to one another is the strong emotional connection they have with each other. She then explained that she wanted to be with her husband as much as he wanted to be with her and they planned to welcome their babies into this world together. PL smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead saying she was so happy to hear that her daughter has got such a loving and caring husband.

After lunch the guests left, thanking PL for all the arrangements. Neev and Ayesha also took leave as they had to get back to work.


That evening when Milind, Prachi and Baba took leave of the inmates of Shah House, sans Alaap, who was as usual missing, PL held Milind's hand in hers and with tears in her eyes said that she must have done a lot of good karma (deed) in her previous birth to get a son-in-law like him.

"To be very frank, I was a little apprehensive of what life my daughter will get. While I had full confidence in your abilities to succeed in life, I always feared that the process of adjustment may be tough for my daughter. I am happy to now see that my daughter refuses to come to her mayka (mother's house) for her confinement, preferring to have her husband by her side instead. What more proof do I need to know that you are treating my daughter like a queen."

"She is a queen, Ma. She is my queen and will always be. I should thank you for raising her so well and trusting her with me."

Baba nodded his head in agreement. "We are the privileged ones to have a lovely girl like Prachi with us, Prem Lathaji. Don't worry about your daughter. Everything will go smoothly. Just keep praying for her well being."

"That I will. My prayers are always for my children. Milind and Sukriti are also my children," she said emotionally.

The trio then got into their car and left for their house.



That night Prachi woke up with a scream as she developed cramps in her calf muscles. Milind immediately got up and seeing his wife's contorted face, he realised she was in agony. Finding out the source of her pain, he lifted her feet and placing them on his lap, he massaged them. He then pulled her toes towards her ankles and lower legs. Once the cramps subsided, he got her a couple of bananas and forced her eat them saying that the potassium in the fruit would reduce such cramping episodes. Prachi was amazed by Milind's knowledge on the subject and asked him how did he know so much. Milind smiled and took out one of the pregnancy books. He said that he has read it from cover to cover inorder to prepare himself for all the symptoms of pregnancy and tackle them the best way he can. He then leaned foreward and gently kissed his wife's lips before settling her back comfortably on the bed. He caressed her head till she fell back to sleep.

XLIX

One week later

It was the eve of Valentine's Day. Ayesha had been busy at work ever since she got back from Bangalore, trying to clear all the pending cases. No matter how tired she felt at the end of the day, she looked forward to spending whatever little was left of the waking hours with Neev, engaging in long conversations with him. He too seemed equally keen to spend time with her, making her laugh till her belly hurt with his poker face witty comments on the events of that day. The guy had no qualms making fun of himself. For instance that morning she noticed that he came in from outside in his track suit, sweating from head to foot, his hair sticking out like the spines of a porcupine. When asked where had he been he responded that he had hit the gym to develop his body. Ayesha was astonished that he would suddenly be conscious of his physique. When she teased him about it, he smiled wryly and said that not every guy was naturally blessed with a good physique like her good friend Milind. Some guys who are pigeon chested like him needed to work out to tighten and tone up their chest and pectoral muscles. When she still pressed on as to why he suddenly felt the need to build his physique he replied that he had been beaten to a pulp by a nymph-like girl in the not too distant past which only underlined how hopelessly under-toned his body was. So he was only ensuring it is well primed to withstand any future blows that may come his way. Ayesha smiled guiltily, reminded of her misplaced valour.



That night after they had retired to bed Ayesha lay awake for a long time on the bed. Her heart seemed to burst with all the pent up love she had for Neev. She felt she had to let him know how much she loved him and convince him to give a second chance for love in his life. Her feminine intuition told her that he was definitely more than attracted to her. Somehow she felt that his hitting the gym to tone up his body was more to impress her than for anything else. Maybe knowing that she once dated the well-toned Milind whipped up his insecurities. As Prachi adviced, maybe she needed to make the first move. She needed to assure him that she loved him as he was; nothing can make her love him less. Making up her mind, she went to his room and knocked on his door. Not getting any response, she slowly pushed open the door and realised he was not sleeping in the room.



Wondering where he could have gone, she was about to go searching for him when she saw light streaming from the bottom of the closed library door. She went in and found Neev stretched out on one of the chairs, a book on Finance lying on his chest. He had apparently dozed off while reading the book. Seeing his sleeping face which looked so innocent and vulnerable, she felt her heart strings tugged. She knelt by his side and removed the book from his chest, replacing it with her head. She heard the steady thumping of his heart beat which seemed to reassure her that he was always there for her. She could not restrain her feelings any longer. She felt the sudden urge to pour her heart out to him even if he was not in a position to hear or respond to her. Maybe it is just as well, she thought. She will practice what she will tell him the next day when he was conscious by saying it all to his unconscious sleeping form.



"Neev," she whispered hesitatingly. "I know you are sleeping and may not hear a single word of what I am about to say but I am going to say it nevertheless. I never thought I could ever fall in love with anyone. I fiercely guarded my independence and considered myself self-sufficient. That was before I met someone like you. In your quiet unobtrusive way you made your way into my heart. I could let my guard down and expose my vulnerabilities to you without feeling ashamed of them, for you never let me feel weak or helpless. I feel more human in your presence, more alive. You cheer me up when I am down. At work you give me complete freedom to operate on my own but I know I can always count on your guidance and wisdom when I need it. You are always sensitive to people's problems and difficulties. At the same time you are firm when you have to be. No wonder you are so loved by your employees. But I don't want to be just another employee. I want you to love me as a man would love a woman. I want to own your heart as you own mine. Yes, I can be very demanding you know. I am aware that you have been hurt in love. You may be scared to let yourself fall in love again, wary that you will get wounded again. But let me assure you that I will never play with your feelings. I will never hurt you. I may not have much to offer except my undying and passionate love for you. I am short-tempered, obstinate and wilful and may always remain so. I will not promise you that I will change myself for you. I know you would not want me to do that either. Neither do I want you to change anything for me. You don't need to build your physique, for I find you physically attractive as you are. All this may sound very clichd for I am not much of a romantic, but I mean every word I said just now."

She leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, feeling their softness and warmth under hers. She hastily withdrew lest he wakes up and retreated to the door. Before she turned off the light she turned to look at his dear face once again and blew him a kiss.

After she left the room, he opened his eyes and smiled as his heart sang a happy song. He had heard every single word she said.



The next morning Neev and Ayesha were in tearing hurry to leave for work as both had overslept and got up pretty late. Barring the perfunctory good morning, they did not have time to talk to each other. They barely managed to gulp down their breakfast and rushed to the car. At the office they went to their respective cabins and began that day's work. At around 11.30 a.m. Neev called Ayesha to his cabin. When she walked in she saw Neev pace up and down the cabin with a file in his hand. As soon as he saw her, he threw the file on the desk and asked her for an explanation for it. Slowly lifting the file she read through the document, her eyes widening in shock.

"What is the meaning of this, Ms.Singhania?" he spat out angrily. "The inordinate delay in executing the order has caused a loss of Rs.50 crore to this company. Our client has also threatened to proceed against us legally for the sub-standard product which has been delivered to him."

Ayesha was for a moment stunned to see this side of Neev. She never thought he was capable of so much fury. Checking the date of the order, Ayesha realised that this was undertaken during her leave period. She knew he was aware of it as well. Then why was he accusing her? As if he read her mind Neev continued, "You may take shelter in the fact that this was done during your absence but were you not the one who once said that you will assume responsibility for the omissions and commissions of your subordinate? Now I want you to assume responsibility for this and submit your resignation letter immediately."



She stared at him in disbelief. Was this the same Neev who had assumed responsibility for loss on an earlier occassion? Was it the same man who was compassionate and helpful to people? How could he be so unreasonable all of a sudden? While one part of her revolted at the injustice meted out to her, the larger part of her felt too hurt to be angry. Her disappointment in him was so overwhelming she did not have the will to fight. All she wanted to do is to run away from him and cry her heart out in the privacy of her cabin. Quickly blinking back her tears, she rushed out from there.



If she had lifted her eyes and looked at him she would have noticed the pain in his eyes. It took all his will power to keep from running behind her and dragging her into his arms. As the minutes ticked by he waited patiently for her to reappear again. He had read her well. He knew she will not defend herself or beg for the job. Her self-respect would not allow her to do so. As he had expected, she came in within fifteen minutes, her resignation letter in her hand. She slammed it on the desk and said that she will vacate his house too by that evening. Without waiting for his response she left his cabin as quickly as she came in. He waited for a couple of minutes before following her. She was briskly walking out of his office premises, a cardboard carton in her hands holding her belongings.

"Ayesha, wait," he said. At first she tried to ignore him but he persisted.

Turning back, she cast her flaming eyes at him, "What do you want now, Mr. Shergill?"

"I am Neev, not Mr.Shergill. Remember, we are on first name basis outside office?"

She did not say anything. Ignoring her silence he continued, "Will you have lunch with me?"

She couldn't believe her ears. Was the guy out of his mind? He throws her out of her job and then asks her to have lunch with him. She was about to give him a heated response but he held up his hand and asked her to consider it for old time sake.

"Ayesha, we have worked together for a year now. We have shared a lot during this time. Would you not give me the pleasure of having one last lunch with you? I may not be your boss anymore but I am still your house mate till you vacate my house. Atleast in that capacity you can still accept my offer?" he looked at her expectantly.



She gave in finally and agreed to have lunch, more to get him off her back than to really please him. She decided that she will give him the silent and cold treatment throughout the meal. He took her to a nearby restaurant and led her to a corner table. Once she was seated, he passed the menu card to her and asked her to choose the items she wanted. She looked at the card listlessly for a few minutes and slammed it close. She was about to tell him that she had made a big mistake agreeing to have lunch with him and that she wanted to leave immediately when she found the seat opposite her empty. Wondering where he would have gone, she turned her head and found him kneeling by her side. In his hand was an open ring case. Nestled in the centre of it was a large diamond ring.

Even as she tried to comprehend what her eyes beheld, he whispered fervently, "Will you marry me Ayesha? Will you be my Valentine?"

She was totally stumped for words and looked at him with a mixture of confusion, exhilaration, and apprehension. 'Was this all a dream or has the guy really lost his marbles?' she thought.

As if to answer her question he said, "I am sorry about what happened this morning. I staged the whole thing to get you to quit your job."

She looked at him incredulously wondering why would he go to such great lengths to kick her out.

"You see, I have fallen deeply in love with you but I was unable to act on my feelings as long as we had this employer-employee relationship going. I did not want to violate the sanctity of that relationship by proposing to you when you were still working for me. I want you to be more than just my employee. I want you to be my better half. I want to share all my happiness, my sorrow, my pain, my troubles, my successes and my failures with you. So will you accept me, darling and brighten my life?"



As she struggled with her feelings, her eyes brimming with tears of joy, he said jocularly "Darling, my knees are hurting. For now you can say yes and accept my ring so that I can get up. Later on you can give me that passionate speech you practised on me last night." She went red in the face when she realised he had heard her confession.



Smiling lovingly at him she said yes. Neev punched the air in glee and slipped the ring on her finger, kissing her fingers tenderly. He resumed his seat opposite her and said that there was more. Wondering what he meant she looked at him intently. He signalled to the waiter who brought in a black forest cake. On it was written in big bold letters 'Happy birthday, Ayesha'. She was surprised that he knew her birthday. Her birthday as per official records was June 1st whereas her real birthday was February 14th. There were only three people who were aware of her real birthday, one was dead (her grand mother), one was mentally deranged (her mother) and the third was absconding (her father). There was no way her mother would have told him her birthday. She was in a world of her own to remember her daughter's birthday. That left only her father. Has he found him finally? Her eyes looked at him with question and hope. He smiled and signalled towards the entrance. There stood her mother holding the arm of a distinguished looking gentleman in a business suit. The man was of medium height and built, with a mop of thick salt and pepper hair. He sported a moustache and a french beard. When they approached their table, he flashed her a broad smile revealing pearly white teeth.

Neev got up from his seat and introduced the gentleman to her. "Ayesha, this is Mr.Tushar Garodia, your father!"




(2)



Some of the incidents mentioned in this update regarding Mr.Garodia's life in the gulf are inspired by the Hindi film 'Dor'. As my knowledge of law (Indian or Saudi is next to nil), you may have to take this too with a can of salt like everything that is associated with Mr.Garodia, I guess.



Ayesha gaped at the man who was instrumental in bringing her into this world but whom she never knew, either by name or by face. While she was still reeling in shock, the man walked up to her and enveloped her in his arms. She stood rigid, not reciprocating the hug. Yes, she wanted to find her father, not so much for herself but for her mother But now that he stood before her, she strangely felt numb and emotionless. She caught sight of her mother who fondly gazed at her daughter in the arms of her long lost husband. Ayesha extricated herself from her father and rushed into the arms of her mother and hugged her tight, tears streaming down her eyes as she let go of her pent up emotions. Amrita whispered that everything was all right and that her mama and papa are there for her now. Ayesha lifted her face from her mother's shoulder and looked deeply into her eyes. There was a marked difference in Amrita; she no longer had the lost distant look. Instead her eyes gleamed in mirth. Clearly her father's presence seemed to have made a lot of difference in her mother's life. For her sake she needed to give her father a fair chance. She turned to look at her father again who returned the gaze with overwhelming love and a desperate longing to be understood and forgiven.



Neev realised that he needed to step in and break the tension in the air.

"Well, I do not know about you people but I am ravenous. Can we catch up with each other's lives over lunch?"

The three Garodias nodded and took their seats. Ayesha sat with her mother. Neev sat opposite her and Mr.Garodia sat next to him. Neev gave them each a menu card and asked them to select their favourite dishes.

Once their orders were placed, Neev started with how he found Ayesha's father. Her father supplemented with additional information wherever he could. Neev told her how his private detective managed to find out the name of Ayesha's father from the village chief.



After he came to know that the name of the man who married Mr.Singhania's daughter was one Garodia, he wondered whether he could be the NRI business tycoon, Mr.Tushar Garodia who had vast business interests, including the hotel industry and garment exports, among others. As he did not have many leads to go with this theory, he decided to search for information in the print media on Mr.Garodia's past and was planning to visit a library for the purpose but before that he had stumbled on the information quite by chance. His good friend and business associate in Jaipur, Mr.Mulchandani was in the city and had met him regarding some business deal. As he was about to take leave of him after the meeting, Neev quite casually asked him if the business tycoon, Mr.Garodia was a native of Jaipur. Mr.Mulchandani was surprised he would ask him that question and said that actually he hails from a small village in Jaipur district. Not many knew about his antecedents as the man closely guarded his past but Mr.Mulchandani was one among the few who did know about him. He then narrated part of his past to him.



Mr.Garodia who is a diploma holder in electrical engineering got a job as an electrician in one of the companies head quartered in Oman but with branches in all the gulf countries. Within a month of landing in Oman, he was sent to Saudi Arabia along with a colleague of his to attend to the company's project there. The two men shared a two-room tenement on the fifth floor as the work required them to stay there for at least three months. The first two days in the new country were uneventful and the two men got along pretty well. On the third day, the colleague complained of headache and asked Garodia to go alone to work. Garodia barely left the house when he heard a loud thud and rushed down the stairs to find the guy lying in a pool of blood. On checking his pulse he realised that he was already dead. As there was no suicide note and Garodia was the only man around when the death took place, he was charged with murdering his colleague. As motive they cited that the man owed Garodia money and in a scuffle to get back the money he pushed him out of the balcony. Garodia did not have anyone to vouch for him in the alien country. His company washed its hands off the case saying that the guy was new and they had no records to prove his innocence. As murder is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia which invited capital punishment, he was sentenced to die.



Now Mulchandani's father was a bureaucrat attached to the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia. As the accused was an Indian citizen he was informed about the conviction. Mr.Mulchandani, Senior (Sr) was an upright and just man. He had visited Garodia in the prison and hearing him, he felt that the man was telling the truth. He decided to dig out evidence to clear his name. In the mean time Garodia lost all hope of ever escaping the death sentence. He declined to send any letters home and asked Mr.Mulchandhani, Sr not to inform his family about him. He knew that his wife loved him very much and would be distraught to learn of his plight. He felt that she would be better off thinking he was a family ditcher as then she would start hating him and hopefully move on with her life. If, on the other hand, she learns of his conviction and later death, she would be completely shattered. He loved his wife far too much to put her through that trauma.



In the next nine months Mr.Mulchandani Sr., searched high and low, using his contacts at various places and institutions in India, for evidence to acquit Garodia. Finally, in searching the dead man's antecedents, he managed to get the medical records from his home town in Surat. The medical records clearly indicated that the man was manic depressive and had attempted suicide at least on three separate occasions while he was in India. Armed with the records, Mr.Mulchandhani Sr., forced the Saudi authorities to reopen the case on the strength of the new evidence and soon Garodia was acquitted. Garodia thanked him and returned to India by the next flight.



He went straight to his mother-in-law's place to meet his wife and daughter. On reaching their house he found that it was locked. He enquired with the neighbours and was told that the three of them had left the previous evening to take the night train to Mumbai. He rushed to the nearest railway station. It is there that his eye fell on the morning newspaper which was hanging in one of the stalls. The front page carried a large news item of the tragic train accident in which over two hundred people lost their lives. He bought the newspaper and quickly skimmed through it to find out more about the accident. The train that left Jaipur for Mumbai the previous night had derailed and fallen off a bridge, resulting in heavy loss to life and property. He panicked and contacted the rail authorities who only confirmed his worst fears. The names of his wife, his mother-in-law and his daughter were in the list of passengers travelling in the bogies which were completely mangled. None of the passengers in those bogies survived. The man was shattered that his entire family was wiped out of his life even before he could meet them and ask his wife's forgiveness for letting her think he deserted them.



Having no job or family, he roamed the city of Jaipur listlessly when he met Mr.Mulchandani Sr., yet again. The man had come down to attend the silver wedding anniversary celebration of his brother. He was saddened to hear about the tragedy that befell the man whose life he had saved. He assured him that he will help him and took him to meet his brother who was a garments manufacturer in Jaipur. His brother was looking out for an honest and trust worthy man to take care of his business in Oman and readily offered Garodia the job on the strength of recommendation from his brother.



Garodia worked hard and was rewarded well. He started his own garment store in Oman with the help of Mr.Mulchandani's brother and later branched into hotel industry. His growth was phenomenal and soon he widened his interests both oversees and in India. When he opened his hotel in Mumbai, he got Mr.Mulchandani Sr., to inaugurate it. Mr.Mulchandani's son, who was Neev's business associate, took over his uncle's business after his death as his uncle was childless. Although Mr.Mulchandani Sr., was no more, his son was well aware of Mr.Garodia's past as he had heard it both from his own father and from his uncle.



When Neev realised that his hunch was right, he got Mr.Garodia's cell number and talked to the man. He introduced himself and explained to him how his family whom he presumed dead was still alive. Mr.Garodia who was in Paris at the time was initially suspicious and couldn't believe what he heard. He wondered whether it was someone's sick joke but then decided to find out the truth for himself. Neev met him in Mumbai and convinced him that his family was indeed alive and in Bangalore. He told him about Amrita's mental health and about his efficient, bright and compassionate daughter who was taking care of her.



Neev then called Ayesha back to Mumbai, apparently for duty, but more to allow Mr.Garodia to meet his wife privately and spend time with her in the hope of healing her emotionally. So the day Ayesha left for Mumbai, her father left for Bangalore. Her father then met her mother and in the past one week has helped her slowly return to normalcy. Amrita was discharged from the hospital only the previous day after being certified as fully fit.



As Mr.Garodia had mentioned to Neev that it was Ayesha's birthday on February 14th, Neev planned to surprise her by presenting her with her family on this important day. Mr.Garodia had agreed and brought his wife along with him to this restaurant where Neev had made all arrangements.



By the end of this marathon recounting, Ayesha had tears streaming down her cheeks. She told them that she had heard her grandmother say that they had narrowly escaped death by missing their train to Mumbai. She did not know about the details of that accident and did not bother to find out more. She could now associate the events better after hearing her father's story.



She reached out and held Neev's hand tightly in hers and thanked him profusely for giving her the most memorable birthday ever. She then leaned diagonally and held her father's hand in hers, apologising for her cold reception. She told him how happy she was to finally have a regular family. Her father patted her head and reassured her that he will always be there for her from now on.



Neev then told her parents that they had got engaged a few minutes back. Mrs and Mr.Garodia were extremely happy to hear this good news. They congratulated the new couple and Mr.Garodia admitted that he could not have found a better man for his precious daughter.



Neev suddenly realised that in all the excitement they had forgotten the cake which lie abandoned in the centre of the table. Amrita asked Ayesha to cut it while they sang for her. Ayesha then fed the cake to each one of them and was in turn fed by them. Looking around at the trio, Ayesha felt her heart would just burst with all the happiness she has been bestowed on that day. Truly her twenty fifth birthday will be etched in her memory forever, thanks to the man sitting opposite to her who will soon become her life partner.



(3)
Note: This section is again a figment of my imagination, not supported by any legal backing. Take it with a can of salt as usual.

Saket knocked on Alaap's cabin door and entered. Alaap was just off the phone after a long conversation with his girlfriend. Seeing Saket's grave expression, Alaap asked him what the matter was.



"I have some very bad news for you Alaap. Our Alibaug hotel is not doing good business. As if that is not enough, the Hollywood company which was to shoot their movie in Alibaug have cancelled their plans, citing the heightened fear of terrorist activities in our country. So we will not have the opportunity to make good money by renting our rooms in the hotel to them."

Before Alaap could recover from the shock of this news, Saket continued, "There is more bad news in store. Vinay, who lent us the money for your Alibaug hotel lease and the various land deals you had concluded in the last several weeks, wants his money back in a week's time."

"What???" shrieked Alaap. "How can we pay up the money at such short notice?"

"I am afraid, we have no choice. The agreement says that the lender can call back the money at short notice which can be anything from one day to one month. Vinay says that he has suffered huge losses investing in the U.S. sub-prime market so he needs his money back to mitigate his losses. None of us anticipated that things will go so wrong."

"But from where will I get so much money?"

"If you don't mind, I have a suggestion. Why don't you sell the assets you bought from the loan and pay him off? In any case I think that the Alibaug hotel is a dead weight loss. We may not able to break-even for months on end. I thought that the presence of the Hollywood stars would give it the boost it needed but now that is ruled out. The lease agreement allows you to sell the lease. So I think you should sell lease of the hotel. As we do not have time in our hands, the best option would be to sell it to the person who was the next higher bidder in the auction we acquired the lease."

"You mean, Milind?" asked Alaap in a small voice, his heart sinking.

"Yes. Don't worry. You don't have to deal with him. I'll take care of it."

Alaap was numbed by all the bad news hitting him on the same day that he merely nodded.

That afternoon Saket got back to him.

"Alaap, I feel awful being the harbinger of bad news today. I spoke to Milind. He is willing to offer what he quoted in his tender to MTDC, which is Rs.5 crore."

"What? Rs.5 crore? The lying rat! He's taking advantage of my situation to get the lease dirt cheap. Did that scoundrel not quote Rs.50 crore for the deal earlier?"

"Apparently not, Alaap. After talking to him I checked with my sources in MTDC. They confirmed that he was the next highest bidder and his tender was only for Rs.5 crore. In fact here is a copy of his tender that my source faxed to me this afternoon."

Alaap stared at the document, shocked to the core. He has ended up paying more than ten times the value of the lease! As the implication of his folly hit him, Alaap sank into his chair, and held his head in his hands.

"What do I do now?" he asked, whining like a cornered animal.

"Well, we do not have much of a choice but to sell the lease to him and get whatever we can from it. In fact I think the guy is quite reasonable. He is still willing to pay the amount he quoted earlier even though the hotel is in a worse off condition now than before."

Having no other alternative, he asked him to sell the lease to Milind, as the hotel was running huge losses which will only mount if he holds on and as it is he was in desperate need for money.

"What will I do for the remaining money?" wailed Alaap.

"I'll try finding out if there are interested parties for the lands you have bought in various places."

Three days later, he returned to him, throwing up his hands.

"I am sorry. Nobody is interested in the land deals. Although Milind has been prompt in settling the money for the Alibaug hotel lease, we only have Rs.5 crore and we need another Rs.205 crore to pay up the loan we had taken from Vinay, along with the interest."

"What if I default in the payment?" asked Alaap hopefully, his crooked mind trying to take the easy way out.

"I don't think that is a wise decision, Alaap. Vinay is well connected politically. He can get you locked up in some false case. He also has friends amongst the underworld people. It is better that you do not rub him on the wrong side."

"Why did you make me borrow from such a man, then?" asked Alaap angrily.

"There is no point getting angry with me Alaap," Saket defended himself. "I myself came to know about his political and underworld connections only recently. You were desperate for money and I thought this guy was the best source as he asked no questions and gave such large sums of money almost immediately. He was quite a different person during our Harvard days but I guess some people change with time."



As they were speaking, a gang of goondas barged into his office and threatened that if he does not pay up the loan within the stipulated time there is no guarantee for his life. Alaap trembled at the prospect of being done to death. Out of sheer desperation and fear for his skin, Alaap asked Saket to dispose off part of his stake in the Shah Group of Hotels to pay off the loan.



Saket was waiting for this moment. He and his associates in the company had been preparing for months to get Alaap to voluntarily relinquish his stake in the company. As a first step to their master plan, letters had already been sent to the remaining stake holders in the company, asking them to hold on to their stocks irrespective of any adverse news they may hear about the company or any slump in the prices of the company's shares in next few days. They were assured that their patience will amply be rewarded as the company is going through massive revamping at the end of which it will emerge much stronger than it is now. They just have to keep their faith in the company. This way they ensured that the small investors do not get hit by their machinations to drag Alaap down. They then instigated the workers to create problems by threatening to disrupt activity if they are not given a huge wage hike. The accounts department then leaked false information to the press that the financials of the company were very bad.



In the meantime, through Vikram they let Milind know that Alaap was planning to sell his shares the next day because he was in deep financial trouble and the Shah Group of Hotels was on the verge of sinking. Milind was taken aback by the unexpected developments. As he did not want his father-in-law's company to be run to the dust, he decided to buy the shares himself and made arrangements for the necessary finance. When the stock market opened the next morning, the share price of Shah Group of Hotels was already down, affected by all the adverse publicity in the media. With Alaap trying to sell off his stake, things got only worse as market presumed that he was doing so to get out of a sinking ship. So the share prices started plummeting further. Alaap was forced to release more and more shares in order to try and recover enough money to pay off the loan. This only had a cascading effect and shares nosedived even more sharply. Milind kept buying the shares which were being released in the market at lower and lower prices till the share price fell below the face value. Alaap's wealth was wiped out completely but he managed to get just enough money to pay off the loan. Over the next three days he settled the loan and heaved a sigh of relief. At least now he will not get killed or locked up in prison, he thought. But then it sunk in that he had nothing to fall back on. He tried getting some solace and support from his girl friend, the small-time model, but the minute the woman came to know he has lost everything, she ditched him. She refused to part with any of the gifts she had got from him till then which included several pieces of jewellery, a car and a flat.



With no job, no money and no girlfriend, he thought that his wife and mother will support him no matter what. So he trudged home that day, hopeful that the women he treated abominably will forgive and accept him. After all Sukriti was a faithful Indian housewife and his mother is a typical Indian mother who will be all forgiving, he thought. Little did he know that neither of the women was in any mood to forgive his grave sins. Sukriti had already briefed her mother-in-law of the master plan to ruin Alaap. She told her about his affair with the model and how he had spent time with her in Shimla, unmindful of his son's funeral. PL was infuriated hearing this and supported her fully in her endeavour to punish him. PL threw Alaap out of the house and asked him not to ever return again. Just then police entered their house. They apprehended Alaap under the charge of embezzlement of company money. Even as Alaap looked at them in confusion, he was told that they had proof that he had signed cheques in favour of various 'vendors' and the money from this was traced back to him as it had gone to finance his deals. Alaap tried to reason saying that he had borrowed money from an NRI by the name Vinay. However, the police said that they had documentary evidence to show that there was no one by the name Vinay and Alaap had used the name as a front to swindle money from the company. Alaap was unaware that Saket and Pradeep had a hand in fabricating these 'evidences' against him. Alaap tried desperately to call Saket's cell but anticipating his call, Saket had switched off his mobile. His lawyer too refused to help him realising that the guy had no money to pay him. Alaap was locked up in prison with no one to bail him out. Given the snail speed at which cases, especially a civil one, moved in the Indian courts, it was anybody's guess how long Alaap would stay locked up in the prison for the under-trials.

Milind took over the reigns of Shah Group of hotels and the news was received with jubilation by the market, with the stock price of the company recovering and soaring high to unseen levels. The small investors who had their faith in the company during the turbulent times when Alaap was being done in, were happy that they stayed put and did not indulge in panic selling. The employees of the hotel group were also happy to have Milind as their master as he was known to be benevolent and able. Milind merged his hotel with the Shah Group and renamed the group of hotels as Shah-Mishra Group of hotels. Immediately after the takeover, he went about setting right all the problems of the Group. He retained all the old staff of the hotel chain, including Saket, although he was unaware of Saket's master plan which was responsible for Alaap's downfall. Knowing her brother's temperament Sukriti prevented both Saket and Prachi from telling anything to Milind. All Milind knew was that Sukriti and PL did not regret Alaap's imprisonment, given his abominable behaviour. Sukriti also filed for a divorce from her husband with the full backing of her mother-in-law and brother.



When Milind and Prachi came to know about the recent developments in Ayesha's life including her engagement to Neev, they were both surprised and excited. While they were happy to note that their best friends were going to be soon united in marriage, Milind was glad to learn that the man, who exhibited enough faith in him to give him his first opportunity to run a business, was also Ayesha's father. Mr.Garodia was proud of Milind's accomplishments in such a short time. Mrs. and Mr. Garodia stayed at his hotel for a couple of days till Neev literally dragged them away to stay with him in the Shergill Residence.



Although Mr.Garodia had several business interests in India, he had never purchased a house here, preferring to stay in hotels whenever he visited the country, as he was haunted by memories of his family. Now that he has reunited with his family, he wanted to settle down here. Neev insisted that his future father-in-law and mother-in-law stay with him till they bought their own place in Mumbai. Although they were reluctant in the beginning to stay at the house of their future son-in-law, they were coaxed into staying back as guests of his house-mate Ayesha. They understood then that Neev was reluctant let go of Ayesha and was trying his best to keep her with him as long as he can till she finally returns home for good as his bride. So they agreed and stayed with him, especially after Niharika too insisted that they stay with them till they bought their own house.



Niharika had arrived back in India, taking the earliest available flight as soon as she heard from Neev that he was engaged to the well known business magnet, Mr.Garodia's daughter. When Neev informed his father, Pranay about his engagement, he wished him well but expressed his unwillingness to leave the ashram. He promised to attend his son's wedding, though.



Mr.Garodia made Ayesha the CEO of his garment company. She was also inducted into the board of all his other concerns as he transferred a substantial portion of his stake to her. Mrs. and Mr. Garodia then went on a week-long pilgrimage to Hrishikesh, Haridwar and Kashi to give thanksgiving for uniting their family. Niharika tagged along with them, saying she had been dying to visit these places for a long time but never found the time to do so. The real reason was that she was enamoured by their wealth and was keen to impress them and get close to them. At Kashi, all three of them met Pranay at his ashram. Although Pranay was cordial to them he insisted that he loved his ascetic life in which he found immense peace and was unwilling to forego it.



Back in Mumbai, Ayesha was a little apprehensive about staying alone with Neev after both their families left for the pilgrimage. Although she had lived with him in his house before, their equation was different then. Now that they were engaged she wondered whether he will ask her to move into his room. While she loved him very much she was not prepared to share a physical relationship with him before marriage. She feared that Neev may not to have any such reservations as he himself had admitted to having had a live-in relationship with Annabel before his marriage to her. Surprisingly though, Neev was at his courteous best and never showed any inclination of taking advantage of their time alone although they both enjoyed each other's company and continued to have their long conversations. Neev was of great help advicing her on administrative matters relating to her company.

After a couple of days, unable to contain her curiosity about his restrained behaviour, Ayesha directly asked him how come he has not asked her to move into his room. Neev smiled and asked her if she wanted to move in with him, making her turn beetroot red. He then explained to her that he not only loved her but also respected her very much. He knew that she was not the kind of girl to entertain physical intimacy before marriage and he was more than willing to wait for her. Ayesha was touched by his words and her respect and love for him increased manifold.

(2)

It was March 5th 2008. Prachi was 33 weeks pregnant. Dr.Preena had just finished examining her and assuring them that she was progressing well, she said that she would like to perform the caesarean section on her the following Friday i.e., March 15, 2008 when she would be a little over 34 weeks pregnant. She explained that although normal pregnancies last for 38-40 weeks, multiple pregnancies are usually delivered before the full term gestation as it is difficult, although not impossible, for the mother to carry the babies for the entire term. The babies may have to be kept in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for a while before they are declared fit to be taken home. As the d-day was fast approaching both Prachi and Milind were extremely nervous as well as excited. Prachi was tempted to ask the doctor to get the babies delivered on that day itself as she wanted to be freed from the huge burden she was carrying around which was wearing her down. She was also subjected to a lot of inconvenience. She had to keep visiting the toilet at frequent intervals as the large and growing uterus kept pressing against her bladder. But then she knew the longer she sheltered the babies in her womb, the less time they will have to spend at the NICU. They will also be stronger and more resistant if they arrive late. Hence she bit back her urge to ask for an early confinement.



Milind then took her to her mother's house because it was PL's birthday. Milind had bought her a gold chain with a locket which held husband's picture. Gifting it to his mother-in-law he took her blessings. He then told Prachi that he will come back in a couple of hours and take her with him. Prachi wondered where he was going off, for he has been working from home for the past one week as she was closer to the delivery date. Seeing her enquiring look he said that he was interested to buy a bungalow which has come up for auction on that day. As they would require more space after the kids' arrival, he had been on the lookout for a bigger house for some time now and this property looked good. Hearing this PL took him aside and said, "Milind, please don't get me wrong. Why can you, baba and Prachi not move in with us? This house is big enough for all of us."



Milind shook his head and said that he would rather have PL and Sukriti move in with them into the house that he planned to buy. PL said that she cannot leave Shah House as it was filled with memories of her husband.



"Milind, you are like my son. Can a mother not wish that her son and his family live with her? If you are hesitating because your self-respect would not let you live in someone else's house then I'll sell the house to you. That way all of us can live in your house rather than in mine."



Milind was moved by his mother-in-law's words. She was willing to sell the only property in her name so that he will consider moving in with her! It showed how much she wanted them around her. With Alaap gone, the two women were quite alone in the house. Moreover, he knew she was eager to spend time with her grand children. The children will also cheer up Sukriti who was going through a rough patch with her divorce. He was not so selfish as to hold on to his 'self-respect' when his loved ones needed him. Making up his mind he told his mother-in-law that he did not want her to sell her property to him. Inder had gifted her the house and it will always remain hers no matter what. He will move his family to Shah House to his mother's house. PL had tears in her eyes when he referred to her as his mother. She held his hands and said she knew how much he is sacrificing to keep her happy and she will always remember that.



While Milind and his family were moving into Shah House over the next two days, Ayesha and her parents were moving out of Neev's residence into their own house. Mr.Garodia had purchased the same bungalow that Milind was planning to buy. Although Neev was sad that Ayesha was leaving, he knew she will be back in around two months as his wife and live with him permanently, for their wedding date was set on May 12th, the same day Milind and Prachi got married.



With Milind's business growing, he needed trust worthy, hard working people to help in managing his affairs, especially with the anticipated future responsibilities of taking care of three small babies. When he consulted Prachi in the matter she suggested Ganpat's name for taking charge of his first hotel, the erstwhile Garodia hotel which was renamed as Shah-Mishra Hotel. Milind considered it was a good idea and coaxed his friend-cum-brother-in-law to accept the offer. Although Ganpat was initially reluctant, fearing that he may not be able to handle the responsibility, Milind encouraged him saying that he will always be there to extend his help and guidance. Finally Ganpat accepted the job and moved his family into the flat Milind had vacated.



One week later



It was the day before the date set for the arrival of the triplets. That night Prachi had trouble sleeping as she was weighed down by anxiety of what awaited her the next day. This was accentuated by difficulty in breathing caused by pressure on the lungs from the uterus pushing up on the diaphragm. Although the movements of the babies had considerably reduced as they did not have much space to move around, the shortness of breath made it difficult to sleep comfortably. Milind realised her problem and thrust additional pillows under her head to keep her in a semi-propped up position so that she can breathe more easily. He then sang a completely off-key lullaby to her to get her to sleep but it only served to drive away whatever little sleep she was getting otherwise. Prachi, however, did not have the heart to ask him to stop singing, so she pretended to doze off. This had the desired effect because Milind stopped singing soon and went to sleep himself. Prachi opened her eyes once she heard her husband gently snore beside her and gazed at his face lovingly. Suddenly she felt a sharp Braxton Hicks contraction. Although she has been having these contractions for the last few weeks, they seemed to be much more sharper, intense and more frequent now. During the contractions, she felt the tightening of the uterus which began at the top of her stomach and travels downward before relaxing. Although these contractions are generally painless, the ones she was having just then were causing her a lot of discomfort making her squirm. Milind immediately woke up, disturbed by her restlessness and was alarmed to see Prachi's face contorted. She was holding the front of her stomach and biting her lower lip. Realising that she was having one of the Braxton Hicks contractions, he asked her to get up and holding her, he got her out of the bed. He then made her walk up and down the room till she felt the discomfort subsiding. He slowly made her lie down again, turning her on her side so that the pressure is lessened. He massaged her back till she finally fell asleep.



The next morning Milind escorted Prachi to the puja room where PL, Suki and Baba were waiting for her. They all prayed for the well-being of the mother and the babies. Baba wanted to remain in front of their God and keep praying till he hears the good news. So Milind, Prachi, PL and Sukriti left for the hospital where Prachi was wheeled into the operation theatre after the doctor examined her.



Back in Shah House Baba had not stopped praying for his daughter-in-law, holding tightly to the feet of the resident diety, Lord Krishna. He was disturbed from his prayers by the blaring of the telephone. Ramu kaka was about to lift the phone but Baba stopped him saying that he wanted to be the first one to hear the good news. Ramu kaka smiled and gave him the wireless receiver. It was Milind on the other side.

"Baba!" he couldn't contain the jubilation in his voice "I am a father, Baba, father of a son and two daughters! They are soooo tiny baba but they are sooooo beauuuuuutiful! They are....."

Baba broke in and asked about his daughter-in-law.

"Sorry Baba. Forgot to mention that Prachi is fine. She is still unconscious from the effect of the anaesthesia but the doctor says she is doing well. I am right now by her side. Want to be the first one she sees when she comes around."

PL snatched the cell from Milind and gushed. "Mishraji, you and I have become grand parents!" she said excitedly.

Baba's eyes were streaming with tears of joy. "Thanks be to Lord Krishna!" he exclaimed, turning to look at the idol of the resident deity with great reverence. Sukriti took the cell from PL and screeched, "Baba, I have become an aunt! I have become an aunt!" She was literally jumping with joy.

"Yes,beta. You have become an aunt but don't shout so much. You'll scare your Prachi bhabhi. The poor girl has just gone through the toughest ordeal for any mother."

"Sorry Baba," she apologised and moved closer to the door. "Got carried away in all the excitement. Baba!" she screeched again. "Bhabhi has opened her eyes. I'll talk to you later."

Baba smiled contentedly and returning the receiver to Ramu kaka he proclaimed proudly,"Ramu, I have become a grandfather!" Ramu kaka shook his hands and rushed to prepare kheer to celebrate the happy occassion.

(3)

Two months later

Ayesha's and Neev's wedding was a grand affair. Mr.Garodia wanted his daughter's wedding to be the most memorable occasion of her life. Left to themselves Ayesha and Neev would have preferred to have a simple wedding, but Mr.Garodia insisted on spending lavishly and celebrated the wedding regally over four days, following all the Marwari customs and traditions. They skipped the engagement ceremony since they were already engaged but the rest of the ceremonies were conducted diligently. The pre-wedding rituals included the Ganapati sthapna and griha shanti ceremony, where the bride and the groom's family performed havan and installed the idol of Lord Ganesha; the pithi dastoor, in which the bride and the groom were applied turmeric paste; the mehfils where both men and women sang and danced in separate groups; and the palla dastoor wherein the bride worshipped Goddess Gauri. The wedding itself was an elaborate affair which included, besides the actual ceremony, the bhaarat and the Grihapravesh. With small babies, Milind and Prachi could not be present for all the functions but were there for the main wedding ceremony. As Ayesha did not have a sister, Prachi and Milind did the ghat bhandhan, leaving the babies with PL, Baba and Sukriti. As soon as the bridal car left the mandap, the Mishras and the Shahs returned home with the tiny tots who had by then become quite restless and hungry.

That night Neev finally managed to get away from his ragging friends and made his way to their bedroom. As he stepped into the room, a heavily brocaded bridal saree came flying towards him and landed on his head. Ayesha stuck her tongue out and rushed to him to help him extricate the yards of silk cloth entangled around his head. Once the material was removed he saw his beautiful new bride standing in front of him in just her blouse and her in-skirt. Seeing her husband's bemused expression, Ayesha looked down at herself and hurriedly crossed her arms across her chest in a desperate attempt to cover herself. Smiling at his wife's predicament, Neev lowered his head and turned around to allow her to make herself presentable. While she quickly pulled her nightie over her head, and nimbly slid out of her blouse and skirt, he couldn't resist pulling her leg.


"I thought that on the wedding night, the new bride normally sits demurely on the bed, her head covered with ghunghat, patiently awaiting the arrival of her husband. Here my bride seems to want me to wear the ghunghat instead as she is covering my head with her saree! Quite a novel reception, I must say!"

He turned around to look teasingly at his wife.

A flustered Ayesha tried to explain herself by rapidly rambling, "I am sorry, Neev. I didn't mean to throw that saree at you. If it hadn't been for your keenness that I wear a saree for the wedding, I wouldn't have worn one; I'd have settled for a lehenga choli. But then I couldn't deny you the pleasure of seeing me in a saree. I thought I'll wait for you in it but the saree was so heavy and you took so much time coming up to the room, I couldn't bear to wear it for another minute. So I decided to change into something more comfy. I had just got out of the saree and aimed to throw it on the bed. Only it landed on you instead. Hope you don't mind."

"Mind?Why should I mind? How many husbands will have the pleasure of being greeted by a half naked wife instead of a fully covered one on their wedding night?" he teased.

Ayesha gave him a sharp slap on his arm.

"Ouch!" he caught her hand. "That hurt!"

Twisting her hand out of his, Ayesha turned around and sat in front of the dressing table mirror, removing her jewellery. She unscrewed her ear rings and moved on to her necklace. Neev who was busy removing his watch, looked up and saw his wife wrestling with her heavy necklace as she unsuccessfully tried to remove the offensive piece of jewellery. Smiling at her impatience, he walked behind her and pushing her hands gently away, he proceeded to unclasp the necklace. He swung it over her head and laid it on the dressing table. He then bent down and kissed the nape of her neck, making her tremble. Holding by her waist he lifted her up and sitting on the stool in her place he pulled her on to his lap. As she stared into his eyes, he held her hands and seductively slid her bangles out of them, one by one. Once he finished removing the last of the bangles, he gently kissed her hands. He then moved to her fingers and slid her rings from them leaving behind only the engagement ring. He kissed each finger making her quiver at the feel on his lips on her finger tips. He looked up and seeing her try hard to stifle a yawn, his heart sank at the thought that she found his amorous overtures so boring. But then he noticed the tiredness in her eyes and understood that the elaborate and lengthy wedding celebrations had taken a toll on the poor girl.



He lifted her. laid her on the bed and asked her to go to sleep. She tried to protest saying that it was their nuptial night. Pushing back a stray tendril of hair which had fallen over her eyes, he cupped her face and said that he was prepared to wait, for they have an entire life time of togetherness. Right now she needed to rest and he will make sure she gets it. She gratefully acknowledged his patience by flinging her arms around his neck and pulling him to her for a goodnight kiss. Soon she slipped into a deep slumber. He watched her sleeping face thinking back on the same day the previous year when he had kissed her in his inebriated state and she had slapped him. Now she had kissed him on her own accord. They have indeed come a long, long way! He smiled at the thought and got up to change into his night clothes. He then stretched beside her and he too went to sleep.



The next morning Ayesha woke up at 8.00 a.m. Not finding Neev beside her she looked at the clock and realising she had overslept, she rushed to brush her teeth. As she stepped out of the bathroom, she saw Neev enter in with a tray of two tea cups.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty. Hope you had a good night's sleep," he said genially.

"Sorry, I overslept," she apologised and taking the tray from his hand she left it on the side table. She then swung her arms around his neck and enveloped his full lips in hers in a deep kiss. He held her by the waist and drew her close, making her aware of how much he wanted her. With their lips still locked he pushed her gently on the bed, covering her body with his. Even as they ignited each other and their marital bed with the fire of their passion, the tea went cold in the nearby side table, not that either of them cared.

Later as they lay exhausted, she snuggled close to him and buried her head in his chest. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head, murmuring,

"Wow, you are quite a revelation. When you told me you loved me passionately, I didn't realise just how much, baby. You left me with no doubt after now. I wouldn't tire of receiving as much of this passionate love, ever!"

Ayesha punched his chest.

"Ouch! You'll have to stop doing that, though!" He pretended to be cross with her.

She bent her head and kissed him gently where she punched him.

"Unless you do that every time you punch me!" he added.

She smiled and said that he was a wonderful lover too as he made her feel so special. She then hugged him tight, revelling in the knowledge that he will always love her, no matter what.

L(4)

As soon as they reached home Prachi and Milind carried their babies to their room and Prachi got busy feeding Ishan who was the most demanding of the three. The two girls were relatively easier to please. Both of them lay drooping, one each on each of Milind's shoulders, on their way back, the motion of the car rocking them to sleep. Milind carefully laid them both in their respective cradles and kneeling between the two cradles, he rocked them gently. A few minutes later Meghna opened her large eyes and looked around. Seeing her father's face looking over her lovingly, she smiled and kicked her chubby arms and legs, indicating her desire to be carried by him. Milind smiled back and lifted her in his large arms, placing his palm at the back of her neck and head to support them. He noticed her licking her lips indicating that she too was hungry.

Milind looked at his wife and asked, "Prachi, when are you planning to feed my Ribby? She seems to be pretty hungry."

"What can I do Milind? Your son has a gargantuan appetite which never seems to get satisfied. He's not letting go!"

Milind walked up to Prachi and kneeling before her, he bent over to gaze at his son while holding on to his daughter. Ishan saw him from the corner of his eyes but continued to tug at Prachi, sucking vigorously. Milind stretched his hand forward and pressed his son's cheeks from both sides with his thumb and middle finger so that the boy was forced to let go of her.

"That's enough, Ice darling. Let your sisters have their share of Mama's feed, too! You can't corner it all!" he said firmly and still holding his daughter in one hand, he lifted his son from Prachi's lap. He then passed on Meghna to her and propping Ishan up on his shoulder with one hand, he lightly slapped his baby bottoms with the other, "Chalo, greedy fellow. Time to go to sleep."


After he burped him, he rocked him back and forth on his shoulders till little Ishan's eyes turned heavy and he soon dozed off. Prachi who had started feeding Meghna, gazed lovingly at the sight of her tiny son sleeping peacefully in his huge father's arms. She just about finished feeding Meghna when Sahana woke up and started whimpering to be fed. Milind laid Ishan in his cradle and picked up his daughter, bringing her to Prachi. She sighed and exchanging Milind's Ribby for his Petal, she cradled her against her bosom to start off another feeding session. For the past two months she felt she was doing nothing but perennially feed her three hungry babies. While she enjoyed bonding with her babies in this manner, she felt perpetually drained and worn out. Her eyes were rimmed with dark circles as she hardly got a couple of hours of sleep every day.



Milind had been extremely helpful and kept his word of taking care of the babies - changing them, bathing them, burping them, entertaining them and putting them to sleep - but as far as feeding them goes, there was not much he could do to help. He suggested that they rotate their feeds, i.e., alternatively give mother's milk and formula feed so that the babies get the benefit of mother's milk and she also gets some respite in between when they are bottle fed, but Prachi wanted to exclusively feed them herself, atleast for the first three months.



Not wanting to upset her Milind made sure she replenished her energy by making her drink plenty of water as her body needed extra hydration to produce milk. A jug of water was always kept by her side which he refilled constantly. He also kept feeding her plenty of fruits, greens, vegetables and fish. Although they normally do not cook non-vegetarian food at home, both Prachi and Milind do have them when they go out for lunch or dinner. As he was told that fish was rich in protein and iron, he learnt how to prepare various dishes in fish from Ayesha and requested PL to allow him to cook them for his wife. PL, who would not dream of allowing anyone except Ramu kaka into her kitchen, that too to cook fish, had to consent because he was doing it for her daughter and her grand children. She had given him a separate saucepan and requested that he uses only that for cooking the fish. Although Ramu kaka had volunteered to cook on more than one occassion, Milind would not allow him to do so. That day too he had prepared fish fingers before leaving for the wedding.



After putting all the three babies to sleep he went to the kitchen and brought the dish to his wife who had in the meantime dozed off out of sheer exhaustion. He gently kissed her forehead which woke her up. He then fed her the fish till the plate was empty. After she washed up he sat by her side on the bed, their backs to the head board and put his arm around her shoulder. She leaned on his chest and thanked him for being so caring and he grunted that she should not be thanking him for he was only doing his duty. They then started discussing their babies.

"Who do you think our babies have taken after?" asked Milind curiously.

"Is there any doubt on that count, Milind? Ishan looks exactly like you except for his nose which is more like mine."

"Does he now?" he asked in surprise. "I don't see the resemblance" he declared, observing him more closely. Looking at his daughters, he continued, "But I must admit that Petal and Ribby take after you."

"They have your lovely kissable lips, though. I am sure once they turn into young ladies they will have guys cueing up to kiss them," she said teasingly, to irk her possessive husband.

"Let the guys dare!" roared Milind, menacing. "They'll have to face me first."

"Why, are you going to kiss them?" asked Prachi innocently, trying hard to suppress a smile.



He glared at her. "I'll break their bones if they so much as lift their eyes to see my beautiful daughters lustfully. I'll choose the men my daughters will marry."

"You think your daughters will let you have your way?"

"Of course they will, won't you darlings?" he asked leaning towards their cradles.

"Sh..sh..don't wake them up."

"Sorry, darling, you're right. As it is they hardly let you sleep. Shouldn't be waking them up now!" he wagged his finger. "I will ask them whether they agree with their dada when they wake up. You go ahead and catch up on your sleep while you can, baby." He patted her head reassuringly. Soon she fell asleep again. Gently lifting her off his chest he stretched her on the bed and went to sleep himself.



They wouldn't have slept for more than an hour when the babies woke up one after another. Milind hastily got up and switching on the bed lamp he went to their cradles. While Ice wailed loudly, Ribby and Petal made whimpering sounds. Feeling their bottoms, he realised they needed a change of diapers which were soaked wet. He brought them fresh diapers and changed them but soon they felt hungry and started crying again. He looked at Prachi who was still in deep slumber. He didn't have the heart to wake her up. It was the first day that Prachi had stepped out of the house after child birth and although they had not stayed back for all the rituals of the wedding, it must have been pretty exhausting for her, he thought. Just then Sukriti who had heard Ice's wail, knocked on their door and asked her brother if he needed help. He asked her to keep an eye on them while he gets them something to drink. She nodded and rocked their cradles in turns to pacify them temporarily.



He ran to the kitchen where he had the formula feed and feeding bottles stored without Prachi's knowledge. He heated water in two separate vessels, one for mixing the formula food and the other to sterilise the bottles and nipples. After the water started boiling in both the vessels, he first rinsed the bottles with the hot water from one vessel and waited for the water to cool a bit in the other vessel. Looking up the instructions given in the label on the side of the tin, he then mixed the powder formula and liquid concentrate with the required amount of water and cooled the milk before filling all the three bottles. He checked the warmth of the milk by holding the bottle against his wrist and satisfying himself that everything was alright, he took the bottles back to his room. Sukriti was having a tough time managing the three hungry babies. He rushed to her rescue and quickly thrust the nipples of the bottles into the lips of his daughters and gave the third bottle to Sukriti who in turn put the bottle in Ishan's waiting mouth. Soon the babies were sucking the nipples contentedly as their hunger was satiated. Milind and Sukriti smiled at each other.



After the babies had finished their bottle, Milind and Sukriti burped the babies and returned them back to the cradle. Just then Prachi turned in her sleep and not feeling Milind next to her, she got up with a start and tried to open her groggy eyes. The light from the night lamp made her crinkle her eyes. When her eyes got adjusted to the light she opened them wide to see Milind and Sukriti bent over the cradles. She asked them if anything was wrong, concerned about her babies. Sukriti assured her that everything was fine and that the babies have just been fed.



"Fed? How?" asked Prachi confused.

"Bhaiyya gave them bottle feed," replied Sukriti.

"What??? Bottle feed when I am around?" she shrieked, in indignation.

Milind who was busy patting the ever restless Ribby to sleep, asked his sister to take care of her and sat beside Prachi.



"Prachi, take it easy darling. You were too exhausted and the babies were crying of hunger. I didn't have the heart to disturb you after today's exhausting outing. So I decided to take care of them myself."



Prachi burst out crying. "What sort of a mommy am I, sleeping through my babies cries," she wailed pitifully.

"Sh....sh ...give yourself a break, sweetheart. You are the best mommy these babies can have and you are doing a fine job. Breastfeeding three babies is an awesome challenge and so far you are doing a stupendous job in nourishing our babies." He pulled her into his arms and held her head to his chest.



"Yes, bhabhi. Bhaiyya is right. Nobody can do a better job than you but you do need to let people help you. We are all there for it. An occasional bottle feed should not hurt the babies."

Prachi smiled half heartedly but told Milind she can go back to sleep only if she has the satisfaction of feeding them herself. Sukriti took leave of them and wishing her bhabhi and bhaiyya good night she gently kissed the cheeks of her nieces and nephew and left them to their privacy.



Milind rolled his eyes and passed on the ever ready Ice to her. Although the boy was initially not willing to feed, having been fed only moments earlier, he soon got busy. After a few minutes, he slept against her bosom. She smiled and gave him back to Milind who in turn returned him to the cradle. The girls were fast asleep by then. Milind raised his eyebrows silently enquiring what to do. Prachi smiled and said that it was alright as they will be up soon enough, ready for their next feed. As she settled back on the bed, Milind turned off the light and tried to catch a few winks of sleep before the next round of diaper changing and feeding starts.

(5)



Third month Anniversary: Last and Final Part. Sorry it is a little too long. Infact it is the longest update of this fic. Hope you have the patience to read till the end.

Six months later

Milind was going through the accounting entries of Shah Group of hotels prior to its merger with his hotel when something caught his eye. His eyes widened in surprise and he looked again. The company seemed to have received an unusually large sum of money under the head 'Miscellaneous'. He wondered how come this head of account which was more to capture sundry items can show over Rs.200 crore. Wanting to investigate it further, he called in the accounts department head. The man fidgeted around and was reluctant to divulge the details. It is only when Milind threatened him with dismissal that he opened his mouth and revealed that the money was from a numbered account. On being probed further he blurted out that the account was held in the name of Alaap. Milind was puzzled that Alaap would pay the company Rs.200 crore when he himself was hard up for money and had to sell his entire stake in the hotel group. It also did not make sense that the man, who was charged of embezzling the company and was cooling his heels in prison, has actually paid money to the company instead of taking money from it. Why did he not say that he had not swindled the company? Why would he want to dig his own grave? It was hard to believe that an utterly selfish man like Alaap would do such a thing. He had also noticed that Alaap had paid Rs.50 crore to acquire the lease of the hotel in Alibaug. Now why would he do such a crazy thing when the property was clearly not worth so much? What was even more puzzling was for him to indulge in what clearly appeared to be a distress sale of the very same hotel after paying an astronomical rate for it. Clearly something was amiss and he had to get to the bottom of it. Sending the accounts head away he called in Saket, thinking that he should be able to throw more light in these strange dealings as he was Alaap's legal adviser at the time.

The minute Saket saw Milind's face darkened in confusion and anger, he realised that Milind must have come to know something of their master plan to topple Alaap. Sure enough Milind's questions clearly indicated that he was suspicious of the extra ordinary transactions revolving around Alaap. He knew that there was no point in hiding the truth because Milind was too shrewd to accept any bluffs. He admitted to entrapping Alaap in an elaborate plan. He explained that Alaap was unaware that he was actually borrowing his own company's funds to make absurd deals. He later ended up paying back the money under threat to his life, selling all his shares in the company. He was not aware that the numbered account in which he remitted the money was actually in his name. As Saket had got him to sign in various blank cheques, under the pretext that it was for the day-to-day running of the company, he had got him to sign off the money from that account, back to the company. The account was then closed. A good lawyer should be able to trace the chain of transactions and free him but since there was no one to stand up for him, he was still an under-trial in prison. The case may not come up for hearing in years and even if it does, it was doubtful that a public defender would take the trouble of investigating the accounts proving Alaap's innocence.



Milind was aghast at hearing the details of this master plan to bring about Alaap's downfall. He asked Saket why did he indulge in such under-handed activities. Saket did not want to drag Sukriti's name in this, knowing she was Milind's sister and he would be upset with her. So he just told him that he had an old score to settle with Alaap and joined his company only to exact his revenge. Milind was disgusted with him and asked him to resign from the company immediately if he did not want legal actions against him. Saket silently nodded and left his cabin only to return within a few minutes with his resignation letter.



That afternoon Milind went home for lunch as he had been doing ever since the arrival of his kids. Mala was there with her 14-month daughter, Bhavya, who was fascinated with the eight-month old triplets who were strapped to their baby seats and being fed by Prachi, Sukriti and PL. She was asking her mother how come Meghna and Sahana look alike in her childish gibberish. Her mother who was feeding her explained that they were identical twins. Mala then looked up at Prachi and asked her how she can tell one from the other. Sukriti laughed and said that they always dressed Meghna and Sahana in different clothes so that they can make out who is who. Just then Milind stepped in and seeing him, Mala smiled broadly. Bhavya ran to her uncle and raised her arms. Milind lifted her up and kissed her plump cheeks asking what his favourite niece was up to these days. She started rambling away in her undecipherable gibberish and Milind nodded his head, pretending to understand every word she said. Mala took her daughter from him and asked him how Ganpat was discharging his responsibilities as a manager. Milind assured her that he was doing a wonderful job and has come up with new and innovative ways to make his hotel more popular. Mala was happy to hear this. Having finished with the feeding of the triplets the three resident women of Shah House asked all of them to come for lunch. Baba slowly ambled in with his walking stick. He no longer required the walker to move around.


Ramu kaka was asked to keep an eye on the kids who were still strapped to their baby seats as they were uncontrollable out of them, now that they have started crawling. Ramu kaka gave them each their favourite toy - Barbie doll for Sahana, Teddy bear for Ishan and Bugs Bunny for Meghna, to keep them distracted. Ishan was busy trying to dig out Teddy's eyes. Sahana was admiring the long hair of her Barbie doll, running her fingers through it. Meghna was chewing up the large ears of her Bugs Bunny.



In the meantime the family sat down together at the dining table. Milind was unusually quiet during lunch, immersed in some deep thought but since the rest was busy chatting amongst themselves they did not notice it. After lunch, Milind played with his kids for some time. All three wanted to be lifted by him. He slung Petal on his shoulders, made Ice hop on to his back and carried Ribby in his arms. With Petal holding on to his head, Ice clinging to his neck from behind and Ribby hugging his chest, he cantered around the hall like a horse making neighing noises. The triplets giggled gleefully and Bhavya clapped her hands loudly. The rest of the family couldn't help but smile at Milind's oneness with his kids. Soon Milind was tired of his physical efforts and slowly slid his kids back to their seats. Promising more activity that evening, he gratefully accepted the glass of water his wife gave him and gulped down the water.



Mala soon left with Bhavya after kissing her nieces and nephew goodbye. Milind then asked Prachi if he can speak to her alone. PL and Sukriti assured her that they will take care of the kids. Prachi followed Milind to their room wondering what he wanted to talk to her about. Once they were in their room, Milind told her everything that transpired that morning. Prachi's initial guilt at having hidden the truth from Milind turned into alarm when he informed her that he forced Saket to quit.

"Milind you cannot do that to Saket. He is not to be blamed. He only wanted to help."

"Help who?" asked Milind angrily.

She was about to blurt out how Sukriti and Saket had planned all this together but realised that Milind will get angry with Sukriti. She, therefore, decided to assume the blame herself.

"Milind, I wanted him to bring down Alaap."

"You wanted to ruin your own brother?" he asked stunned. "Why?"

She then told him that her brother was heartless enough to sell his own sister for the greed of owning the stocks which her father had willed to the man who would marry her. She wanted her husband to get back what was rightfully him. She framed Alaap in a false case because he was responsible for showing him that disgusting music video of Kunal kissing her inorder to break up her marriage. He was the one who planted Mr.Bansal in Milind's hotel and was all set to plant someone else in his place to bring about loss and disrepute to Milind. He was a snake who was adamant at poisoning her family. She will not let him do that. So she decided to pre-empt him.

"Attack is the best form of defence. So I asked Saket to help me to annihilate my own brother for he does not deserve to be one. He has never been a good husband, or a good son, or a good brother," she said gritting her teeth.

Milind was astounded to see this violent side of Prachi. Was it really his wife? How can she be so crooked and cold blooded?

Recovering from his shock, he lashed out at her. "First of all why did you not tell me that Alaap was the one behind that video? Secondly, why did you not tell me that he was trying to ruin me and my business? Would I not have tackled him myself? How can you drag me into this crooked and cunning plan and make me buy the shares of your father's company at values which were well below the market value? I hate dishonesty and devious ways. I don't believe that means justify the end. However crooked and heartless your brother may be, I will not stoop to his level and do things behind his back. I would have confronted him about what he had done to my family and what he was intending to do. I would have fought him fair and square. You have made me indirectly a part of this mess. You have made me enjoy something which is not mine. If I had bought your father's shares at their true market value, I would have felt that I earned them but now I feel unworthy of taking over your father's business. I feel I have entered through the back door while the man who sold his company to me is locked up for a crime he did not commit. This is not fair or just. I am deeply disappointed in you, Prachi, I am disappointed in you. "



He looked at her in disgust and walked out of the room stiffly even as a stunned Prachi crumbled on the bed weeping bitterly. Sukriti and PL who were in the next room, which was the children's nursery, laying Meghna and Sahana on their baby beds after they had fallen asleep, had rushed out hearing the noise in Milind's bedroom and had heard their confrontation from the moment Prachi admitted to planning Alaap's downfall till the end. Sukriti ran behind Milind and dragged him to her room to explain everything.



PL staggered into Prachi's room and sat beside her daughter, taking her in her arms. She was shocked to learn that Alaap had literally sold his sister for her husband's wealth. She was not aware that Inder had willed half his company to the man her daughter was to marry and that Milind had written off his rights on the company inorder to ensure his sister's life was secure. Even after receiving everything, Alaap had treated his wife, Milind's sister, so badly. His own sister, Prachi was subjected to a life of hardship in the chawl because of his greed. The enormity of Alaap's sins just hit her hard. Of late she was beginning to soften towards her son. After today, she resolved that she will visit him in the jail, not to console him as she had earlier thought of doing, but to lambast him for his crimes against his own kith and kin. She wanted to tell him that he deserved this and more.



In the meantime, Sukriti narrated the whole truth to Milind. "How can you be so harsh with a woman who has always been your support in good times and in bad? Don't you know your wife better, Bhaiyya? Would she really do things that you detest? In fact she tried to stop us from embarking on this plan partly because she felt it was dangerous and was scared that Alaap would finish me off if he comes to know of it but mostly because it was something you would never agree to. But then this is not concerning you, Bhaiyya. That man has ruined my life, my happiness, my peace of mind. He was busy cuddling up with his mistress when my son lay dead here. I had to teach him a lesson. I had to get justice and this was the only way I could have got it. I did not want to trouble you with my problems. You have done enough for this troublesome sister of yours. It is time I take care of my own problems. Saket is a good man Bhaiyya. Please do not punish him for helping me. As to feeling unworthy because you bought the shares at below the market value, let me tell you this. Immediately after the market came to know that you had taken over the company did the share prices not sky rocket to new highs? Does that not show how much faith and confidence people have in your ability? You deserve everything you have got so far, including your wife and babies."



Milind was reeling in shock hearing that his young and innocent sister connived with Saket to mastermind Alaap's downfall. Now she was even giving him a lecture on how he needs to treat his family!

Just then he received a call on his cell. It was his secretary who reminded him that he had to address an important board meeting in less than an hour. He decided he will take care of the Alaap issue later and quickly returned to his office. He first called up Saket and apologising to him, he asked him if he was willing to resume duty the next day because he needed him. Although Saket was initially hesitant, he finally gave in and promised to report for work the next day.



After concluding the board meeting, he returned home early that evening. He felt bad shouting at Prachi that afternoon. She should have confided all this to him but as Sukriti pointed out, he would not have allowed their plan to take off. For Sukriti that was not an option and, hence, she forbade her bhabhi to discuss it either before or after the execution of the plan. No matter what, he will not allow a man to be punished for a crime he did not commit, but before that he first needs to make peace with Prachi.



When he reached home he saw Prachi with sullen face. He tried to talk to her but she did not respond. He then decided to elicit the support of his kids in an effort to placate their mother. He went up to Ice and lifting him up he asked him to punch his dada because he had been bad to his mama. Ice couldn't believe his luck at being given such a chance. He widened his eyes and readily punched his chest as forcefully as his tiny fist could. Milind pretended to be hurt and let out a loud 'Ouch', sending Ice into a peel of laughter. Hearing this Meghna and Sahana also wanted to play this new 'game' with their dad. He let Ice down and picked up both his daughters in each of his arms and asked them to pinch him and slap him. While Meghna gleefully pinched one of his chubby cheek, Sahana gave him a tight slap on the other with her tiny hands. 'Ouch, Ouch', he yelled prompting loud giggles from the girls. Soon he was alternatively punched, pinched and slapped by all his three kids and he obliged them by responding with loud 'ouches'. Prachi couldn't resist smiling at his antics and pulled her kids away from him saying that they had enough of fun hitting her husband. She will not let them hit him anymore. Milind's face broke into a smile seeing his wife spring to his defence. He pulled her into his arms and apologising to her, he kissed her forehead. He then opened his arms wide to envelope his entire family in them.

Later Milind and Prachi dressed their kids in sweaters as it was November and the chillness had set in. Milind took their three seater pram out and returning back for his kids, he strapped them in. The kids gleefully kicked their legs at the prospect of going on an outing, even if that outing was just a tour of the gardens of Shah House. Milind pushed the pram with one hand and wrapped his other arm around Prachi who leaned against his chest. As they went around the gardens in the waning evening light, they discussed the future of their children.

"Prachi, what would you want our kids to become?" asked Milind

"I want them to do whatever their hearts desire," replied Prachi.

"Yes, but what do you think their hearts will desire?" persisted Milind.

"Isn't it too early to say, Milind?" she quipped.

"Prachi I think you can read them pretty well even now. I think my son will become a shrewd business man like me. The other day I noticed him exchanging his broken toys for two big bars of chocolate from his gullible sisters."

Prachi smiled at that. He continued, "Ribby will become an artist like you. Did you see the picture she drew of me and you?"

"What picture?" asked Prachi in confusion as Milind led her to the water fountain.

"The one she drew yesterday," he enlightened her sitting beside her on the cemented rim of the small pool surrounding the fountain.

"You mean the two large crooked circles with four disconnected lines at the bottom?"

"Well, atleast she is showing some inclination in that direction. With a little practice, she will do better. Afterall she has a resident tutor to teach her."

"And Sahana? What will she become?" asked Prachi curiously, enjoying listening to his tall dreams for his kids.

"She is definitely the next Latha Mangeshkar, sorry, the next singing sensation Prachi Mishra," he said with confidence. "Have you not heard her melodious songs when she is being bathed?"
"Songs? They sound more like noises to me!"

"Come on Prachi, don't be so harsh in judging them. They have the necessary basics. It is up to us to polish them and make them shine."

"You are right, Milind. Our kids are little geniuses!" agreed Prachi getting up and pulling him up. "It is getting late. We need to get back home before mama sends a search party to look for us."

The motion of the pram and the caress of evening breeze had put the kids to sleep. Not wanting to wake them up, Milind kept them in their pram even after he wheeled them in. At around 8 o'clock the kids woke up and were fed before being put to sleep in their ring-fenced beds.


Milind took a shower and changing into his night clothes, he sat with his lap top, waiting impatiently for his wife who had gone for her shower. As soon as Prachi stepped out of the bathroom, Milind shut his lap top and leaving it on his table, he approached her purposefully. Snaking his arms around her waist, he pulled her close and caught her lips in a deep kiss which left no doubt as to what he wanted from her. She let herself drown in his passion as he lifted her and threw her on the bed before rolling over her. Just then they heard Ice wail loudly. Uttering an expletive under his breath, he hastily got off and rushed to see what the matter was. When they switched on the bedroom lights which engulfed the dim night lamp, they saw that all the kids were sleeping peacefully. Milind checked their bottoms to see if they needed a diaper change but they were dry. After they were sure that the kids did not need anything, they went back to their room.

Stretching himself next to his wife, he nimbly unbuttoned her nightie saying, "Prachi have you noticed something? Everytime I come near you, Ice seems to sense it and disturbs us? It is almost as if he is jealous of me."

"Come on, Milind. It is your overactive imagination."

"It is not!" he said quite emphatically as he slipped the nightie down her shoulders. "It happened a couple of nights back. It happened last week too. In fact I have been noticing it ever since we resumed normal marital relations three months back. He cries the minute I approach you and then goes off to sleep when we go check on him."

"Milind, now stop accusing my poor baby of being a 'kabab mein haddi'(dog in the manger) and get on with what you have started. Our three angels will soon wake up for their night feed." Although Prachi had nearly weaned them, she still gave them one feed at night.

Needing no further invitation or warning, he quickly got ready to show his wife how attractive she was as a woman even now after becoming a mother of three. After a passionate and loving union, they had a quick shower before the kids woke up for their night feed.



Milind sauntered out and brought in his kids one by one as their mother lovingly took care of their needs. Later after the babies had fallen asleep they laid them on their large bed between the two of them and interlacing their fingers, they kissed each other tenderly.

"I couldn't ask for a more fulfilling life, darling. My entire world is right here on this bed," whispered Milind huskily.

"So is mine," whispered back Prachi and they slept contentedly, dreaming sweet dreams about their future together with their three kids.
******



Epilogue

Six years later

Alaap sat at his desk in his office looking at the wedding invitation and smiling ruefully. It was the invitation to the wedding of his first wife Sukriti with Saket. There was a letter accompanying the invitation, which was written by his sister, Prachi.



Alaap, I am sending you the wedding invitation of Sukriti and Saket not because I want you to attend it but to just keep you informed that Sukriti has moved on with her life. Please do not show up at the wedding and make us unhappy. While I bear you no grudge I would still like to keep you at a distance because your presence would open up a lot of old wounds. At the same time I want you to find your happiness wherever you are for all said and done, blood is still thicker than water.



Prachi.



A single large tear fell from his eye on the letter and blotted her name. She had simply signed it 'Prachi', no 'Yours lovingly' or 'Your sister'. He guessed he has no right to expect anything more, for he was at his despicable worst with his own flesh and blood. Inspite of it all, he has received far more kindness than he deserved. After being locked up in prison for nine months, he was let off relatively unscathed, thanks to Milind's generosity and sense of righteousness. He had dropped the embezzlement charge against him, granting him freedom from prison life. He had also given him the money equivalent to fifteen percent stake in the erstwhile Shah Group of Hotels, which was originally willed to him by his father, at the prevailing market prices of the merged Shah-Mishra Group of Hotels. As the market prices had gone up substantially after Milind took over the company, this was a pretty decent sum of money. Milind gave him the money under the condition that he would use it to set up business in another country and never step into Shah House again.



When PL asked her son-in-law why he was being so generous and magnanimous with Alaap, he responded that he had his reasons. He dropped the charges against him because he did not want Alaap to suffer for a crime he did not commit. As to the crimes he did commit, he was not competent enough to mete out punishment to him as he was a mere mortal. Alaap will receive his due from the one above. The reason he gave him the money was because it was something his father left him. Although he did not want him in his company as he could not trust him, he was not in favour of depriving him the wealth which was rightfully his. So he had given the equivalent money instead and asked him to start off independently. Moreover, for all his depravity, it was Alaap who united him with Prachi, although his intentions were not honourable. He will never forget that as long as he lives.



Alaap was shamed by Milind's acts of generosity. He vowed not to interfere in their lives again and left for Turkey where he started his own group of Hotels, Prem Latha Group of Hotels in honour of his mother, whose strength of character he admired. He owned three hotels and was doing reasonably well financially. His only remorse was that he lost out on a beautiful family, thanks to his own wickedness. He felt his penance was to lament this loss in solitude for the rest of his life.



Milind's acts of generosity did not stop with his family alone. He had engaged many people from his chawl in different positions in his hotels. He had also set up a school for the under privileged in the outskirts of Mumbai and made Manju and Venkat the Principal and Correspondent, respectively, after the two of them took voluntary retirement from their services. He had also set up a fund to help street kids in Mumbai and worked with Mr.Patekar in this regard. He continued to sponsor the expenses of the orphanage Ashadhan. Two years back he came to know that Guddi had been adopted by a German couple. He wrote to her frequently to see how she was faring.

Prachi resumed her singing career after the children started schooling. Only now she limited herself to playback singing and did not accept invitations for stage shows or music videos. She also continued painting and sketching during her free time. Milind had organised an exhibition of her art collection which was received well.


Sukriti and Saket finally tied the knot in a simple yet meaningful ceremony. Although Milind wanted to celebrate his sister's wedding grandly, Sukriti preferred it to be low key, especially after the debacle of her first marriage. Milind had respected her wishes, for after all they had waited six years for this day and he wanted nothing to displease her. Immediately after her divorce came through, Saket had proposed to her but she was reluctant to accept. Her first marriage had made her so bitter with the entire institution of marriage that she did not think she can go through it again. She also felt that Saket deserved better than a 'second-hand' wife. Although Saket tried reasoning with her, assuring her that there was no one more important than her in his life, and her past would have no bearing on their future together, she was resistant. Saket was equally stubborn and refused to marry anyone else other than her. He waited patiently for her acceptance for nearly six years, despite pressure from his family to get him settled down. His parents were retired civil servants and lived in New Delhi. He was their only son and although initially they were not too pleased to hear that their son was in love with a divorcee and was determined to marry her only, they gave in when they realised the strength of his love. Finally Saket's perseverance paid off as Sukriti realised she loved him as much as he loved her and accepted him into her life.



Soon after their marriage, they left for their honeymoon to the paradise on earth, Switzerland, courtesy Milind who sponsored the entire trip. PL and Baba went on a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi to give thanksgiving for all the happiness their families have got. Milind, Prachi, Ayesha,Neev, Ganpat and Mala decided to go on a short trip with their kids to Alibaug. They stayed at Milind's hotel and visited the nearby beaches.



That morning they went to the nearby beautiful Kashid beach. As the adults sat together on the pristine sands staring out at the blue green sea, the children went around collecting the colourful pebbles and shells that dotted the beach.

Soon Sahana came running to Milind, squeezing her eyes with her hand and pouting her pink lips.

"Dadda, Ishan pushed me down!" she wailed, complaining about her brother and showed him her bruised elbow.

"Chh...chhh.. my poor baby, don't worry," he said sympathetically, examining her bruise. "Dadda will make you as good as new, Sweet heart." He blew on her bruise and asking Prachi for water he washed the bruise. Opening the small first aid kit he always carried with him whenever he took his kids out, in anticipation of such exigencies, he found a band-aid and spread it on the bruise.

Looking sternly at his son who was standing nearby, he ordered, "Ice, say sorry to your sister."

"Sorry," said Ice in a small voice.

"Louder!" he commanded.

"Sorry, Sahana," Ishan said in a slightly louder voice.

"I'm sure you have a louder voice than that!" persisted Milind, raising his own voice.



Ribby tried to bail her brother out. "He did not mean to push her, Dadda. We were playing and by mistake he dashed against her and Sahana fell." Sanaya, Ayesha's and Neev's four-year old daughter nodded her head in agreement.

"Milind, leave the poor boy alone. Go on kids, go and play. No more pushing and shoving," Prachi intervened and sent the kids back to play. Bhavya, being the eldest of the lot, protectively led the others away.


The men wanted to swim in the sea and stripped down to their swimming trunks. They called the kids back to join them.

"Ice darling, are you angry with Dadda?" Milind asked him, kneeling before him so that he could look him in the eye. The little lad shook his head.

"Petal and Ribby are your sisters, aren't they? Isn't it your duty to take care of them?" The boy nodded his head emphatically.

"Good, now get ready to go swimming with Dadda. Petal and Ribby you too join in."

The kids excitedly changed into their tiny swim suits and ran with their fathers into the sea. Prachi shouted out to Milind to keep an eye on Ishan as the boy had a weakness for water and may run too deep into the sea. Milind nodded understandingly and kept him close to him but managing three excited kids was difficult. He called Prachi in to help. Initially Prachi resisted but then gave in and stood at the edge of the sea, holding the hands of her two daughters. Milind who was standing further in with Ishan, stretched out his hand and pulled her arm inorder to draw her close to him. A large wave came just then and drenched them all. Meghna and Sahana squealed in excitement and fell on top of Prachi who went sprawling on the wet sand. Milind fell on his knees and enveloped his entire family protectively in his large arms. Sanaya who was on Neev's shoulder clapped at the sight of her triplet friends entangled with their parents. Ganpat walked up to them and pulled up Milind with one hand, holding on to Bhavya with the other. Soon the Mishra family was back on their feet. Neev and Ganpat turned around and asked their wives whether they wanted to join in but seeing Prachi drenched like a wet crow, Ayesha and Mala politely declined.



An hour later the two women called out to the rest at sea for lunch. While the men and the kids changed into their clothes, Prachi looked pathetically at her wet dress. She had no change as she did not expect to go into the sea. Understanding her plight, Milind asked her to change into his shirt in their car. He covered up the windows and the front and rear glasses with the many towels they had and stood outside guarding her while she slid into the car and changed into his shirt and wrapped a large towel around her waist. After washing the bonnet of the car to get rid of the dust and grime, he spread out her wet clothes on it.



As the kids all wanted to sit together for lunch, the three women decided to make them sit in a circle in the middle facing them out and started feeding them so that they don't mess up their dress and also eat faster. Milind took care of feeding his daughters, while Prachi fed Ishan, Ayesha fed Sanaya and Mala fed Bhavya. Once the kids finished up, their parents had their lunch. The kids sat close by playing word game where one kid starts by naming a place and the next one names another place which begins with the last letter of the first place and so on. As Sanaya was too young to know names of many places, they relaxed the rule for her, saying she can give any word that begins with the letter they give. The adults were amazed at how many words little Sanaya knew.



After the adults finished their lunch, Milind called the kids and asked them to help him build a huge sand castle. The children excitedly agreed and brought their buckets and spades, furiously digging out sand and passing it on to him so that he can build his castle. "Bhavya, bring me some more water, dear. Ice, a little more sand please. Petal, come here.. pat the sand a little more. Ribby, dig slowly dear. The sand is flying all over the place! Sanaya darling, don't go too close to the castle. Stand here and watch. Bhavya, darling, can you get me some weeds?" He kept giving instructions, totally absorbed in his task. As he was clad only in his vest and bermudas, having given away his shirt to her, Prachi could not help but admire the rippling muscles of his biceps which glistened with sweat. Soon the kids and he were successful in building a huge castle replete with a moat and a garden. The women clapped their hands appreciatively.

"Dadda. Can I ask you something?" asked Ice.

"Yes, darling. What is it you want to know?" asked Milind genially patting his hands together to get rid of the sand and dragging his son on to his lap.

"Why do you call us Ice, Ribby and Petal and not Ishan, Meghna and Sahana as everybody calls us?"

Prachi glared at Milind, "I told you this will come up sooner or later."

"Yes, Milind why have you given them these weird names when they have such beautiful ones?" asked Ayesha curiously.

"Yes, tell us Milind," goaded Neev, Mala and Ganpat in unison.

Prachi's face went red but Milind seemed unperturbed.

"Do you really want to know, kids?" he asked.

The triplets nodded their heads. Bhavya and Sanaya were equally curious.

"Well...." he turned to give Prachi a meaningful look. She shook her head vigorously, indicating that he should not spill the beans.

"I gave you these names because...... Ice, you are a super cool dude, as cool as Ice." His son lifted his collar up and looked proudly at the girls.

"Petal darling, you are as soft as the petal of a flower," he said caressing her cheek with the back of his fingers. Petal smiled coyly.

"And Ribby here is short of Ribbon." He dragged his ever smiling, bubbly daughter to him.

"Darling you are like a colourful ribbon which binds things together. You are the gregarious peace maker of the family."

Ribby looked pleased with the compliment although she did not understand the meaning of either gregarious or peace maker. The three kids trotted off with Sanaya, Bhavya as usual playing the mother hen taking the rear and herding them.



Once they were out of ear shot, Ayesha who was not convinced with his lame explanations, persisted. "Come on Milind, you can fool those innocent kids, not us. I am sure there is some other meaning to your strange nick names for your kids."

Prachi's face was turning increasingly red as Ayesha went on prodding Milind. Milind scratched his head, wondering what to say to shut her up. Noticing the discomfiture of the couple, the rest of them sensed what could be the real reason. Neev pulled Ayesha's arm and whispered to her to stop embarrassing her friends. Ayesha was still dense and did not know what he was hinting at. Finally Neev whispered to her that it must have something to do with the babies' conception.

"Ice, petal and ribbon.... I still don't get how these can be associated with conception," wondered Ayesha aloud, making Neev hit his forehead in frustration.

Milind smiled sheepishly realising that his friends had guessed the truth. Prachi punched Milind's chest saying that he invited this on himself by continuing to call them by their nick names he had given them when they were in her womb.

"Darling. Why are you probing their bedroom secrets? Leave them in peace, baby." Neev tried shutting up his loud mouthed and tactless wife.


The rest of them burst out laughing as finally it dawned on Ayesha what they could possibly mean. "You have some nerve Milind, to keep calling them those names. Soon your kids will also not be convinced by your lame explanations and would demand the truth."

"Well, if they do, then I will sit with them and explain everything. Afterall it is a good way to start explaining to them about the birds and the bees, isn't it?" he laughed at Prachi's angry look.

"By the way, when are you guys going to give Bhavya a baby sister or a brother?" asked Milind looking at Ganpat and Mala.

"We are not intending to, not after I witnessed what Mala had to go through with the first." Ganpat said categorically. Milind nodded understandingly. He wouldn't have had the guts to see Prachi go through the entire process again. Good that they got three at one go.

"But does she not need company?" asked Ayesha.

"Look who is talking! What about you, young lady? When are you intending to bless Sanaya with a sibling?"

"Soon," said Neev confidently. Ayesha looked down shyly and admitted to being six weeks pregnant.

"That's great news! How come you are telling us this good news only now?" asked Prachi hugging her friend. Ayesha said that she wanted to break the news at an opportune time. Milind and Ganpat slapped Neev's shoulder and congratulated him.

"Have you told Sanaya, yet?" asked Prachi.

"Yes, we have. She is very excited. She wants a baby brother. She says there are too many girls and Ishan is the only boy. She wants one more to give competition to Ishan."

"I can understand that," said Milind and pointed to his son. "Look at him strutting around like a lion amongst a pride of lionesses."



Sure enough Ishan was busy trying to boss over the four girls. The rest of them burst out laughing at the sight. Prachi and Milind walked up to their car to check whether her dress was dry. Realising that the afternoon sun had baked it dry, Prachi went in and changed into her own clothes, handing over Milind's shirt to him. Buttoning up his shirt, Milind whispered in her ear that he enjoys wearing his shirt now more than he did that morning since it has caressed her body and has absorbed her fragrance. Prachi blushed a deep red and punched his arm.



Later as they all sat on folding chairs under the casuarina trees that lined the beach, their kids on their laps, sipping hot tea and munching at the hot bhajjis bought from the nearby tea stall, they recollected the amazing moments of their lives and how they were all intertwined. None of them, except Ganpat who had always loved Mala, ended up with partners who were their initial choices but they couldn't have asked for more suitable life partners than they have, thanks to the intervention of destiny. As Milind put it, they were indeed truly Destiny's chosen children.

***The End***