Epilogue
Sniff sniff. Prachi looked at Milind who sniffed for the tenth time since the movie started. She couldn't believe that three years has passed and they were once again watching the same movie in the same theater. That's right, here she was sitting in the same theater they once sat three years back.
"Milind you're 32" Prachi nudged at his elbow and said. Milind looked at prachi confused and then she added handing him a tissue. "stop crying like a 3 year old"
"its so sad" Milind said gratefully accepting the tissue and blowing his nose away. he had no idea how he himself came to like such movies. Probably it was because of Prachi. she had always talked to him about such movies and the significant of them. he had grown so fond of romantic movies that he hardly watch any more of his past favorite action movies. And now on the other hand, there was Prachi who had grown less fond of the hindi movies as she didn't see anymore of the magic in them anymore. So she had very well stuck to the Hollywood action flicks.
Their world had truly turned 360 degree after their meeting at the theater three years back. they didn't know when they actually started to fall in love. but after that night and the night after, it became a habit and also a necessity to meet each other and talk the night out. Sometimes, there would be nothing to talk to and would get lost into each others eyes. finally when either of them couldn't stay away from each other anymore, they confessed their love for each other. the way they confessed their love was rather funny and people still talk about it and see to them as an example.
When Prachi realized that she was in love with Milind, it freaked her out to no end. And Milind too on the other hand was pacing up and down in his room when he realized that he had fallen in love with Prachi in just two months. Both had no idea on how to put forward their feelings to each other thinking that it was too soon to say anything and also thinking that it might effect their friendship if either of them confessed their feelings. So like anyone else would do, they decided to stay quite for the moment. but it all went out for worst. Neither of them were able to live normally as both of them had become a special part in each others lives. They experimenting avoiding each other as well which only led to further confusion and depression. Their awkwardness started to grow even more with Sukriti and Alaaps' engagement. They planned to stick with people around but when eventually when they were left alone, they ended up talking about the size of each others shoes!
Finally when neither of them could take it much longer, taking all the courage they confessed to each other in Sukriti's closet! How they ended up there, even they didn't know.
Recalling the first time, Milind has confessed to her, Prachi sighed dreamily. It was Sukriti's engagement day which was a small affair with only family members. Since the ceremony was held at Milinds' Prachi had to go there to attend it though she had never been so nervous in her entire life. She felt like as if her heart would burst any moment with the way it was hammering so hard against her chest. After their awkward conversation, Prachi was saved by Sukriti who wanted her to bring out the gift he had got for Alaap for their engagement. Prachi hooted and teased before going up to her room. Not long, Milind too had followed her unaware that Sukriti has sent them both separately to fetch an invisible gift. Sukriti has sensed the vibes between them and had seeing the way they had stared at each other during the entire ceremony and she was smart enough to pick up what it was. so she sent them both to her room in hope that they will atleast talk to each other with no one around.
After searching for the 'gift' sukriti has asked for, not finding, Prachi thought of searching for it in the closet and when she went into the small room, she heard someone enter and was about to see who it was when her foot hit the rack falling down everything on her. she screamed in horror with the stuffs that kept falling on her like a huge avalanche.
Hearing her scream, Milind has rushed only to find her stuck in between Sukritis' childhood junks. Seeing her in that position, he burst out laughing making prachi to infuriate even more. she shot him an angry look which was enough for him to shut up at the very moment.
"here, take my hand" Milind had offered his hands to her. Prachi with great difficulty tried to get up without his help but fell again as her foot got stuck under the pile of toys. 'really why do she even keep her kindergarten toys' Prachi thought annoyed. Milind watched her struggle for a moment but then seeing the way she was being stubborn enough and not wanting any help from him, rolling his eyes, he grabbed her by her arms and took her up on her feet. their eyes collided and held. Milind arms went unconsciously around her waist and pulled her close to him. Prachi too wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close to her and it wasn't long enough when their lips met and was lost in a deep passionate kiss. None of their minds were working all what they wanted was to be with each other. their resolutions all long forgotten.
Their kiss deepened and was almost on the verge of breaking their control when Sukriti's voice broke the spell. Jerking away from each other, Prachi shocked and wide eyed, ran out of the closet leaving Milind to catch up with his breath and to make sense of what has just transpired between them. Sukriti who just entered her room saw Prachi dash out of the room but was quick enough to notice the blush and her swollen lips. Also she was shocked out of her wits to see her brother walk out of the closet which was a mess. Milind made no attempt to explain as he was too busy clearing out his own mind. Neither of them was able to sleep and was up the whole night thinking on what they were to do.
The next day unexpectedly, when Prachi came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her, she saw Milind march up into her room and pull her in his arms and crashing his lips in hers. Prachi was too startled to speak and too stunned to fight back. she initially was to fight but his possession was too strong for her that she had to give up and kissed him back. he pulled away from her and whispered in her ears that he loved her and Prachi too closing her eyes, confessed her feelings for him.
Their parents came in just in time when they confessed and was shocked to see a semi naked Prachi in Milind's arms. Shocked, Inder has questioned what they were doing.
"dad, its really not what you think" Prachi tried explaining to her father. But then again PL too didn't seem to hear and was too shocked spinning their own ideas on base of what they were seeing infront of their own eyes.
"you think we are blind?" PL has yelled and started to give out lectures on staying within limits. While Milind just stood there silently with a straight face holding back his laughter, Prachi tried her best to clear out the misunderstanding. But at the end, her parents fantasy won and ended up calling up for their wedding. It was only then Milinds' mind triggered. He was too busy enjoying the little fight that he had no idea that such little thing could go to an extent. He tried to explain the situation but it was too late and later, both Milind and Prachi had an argument over the matter to which eventually both had decided to get married as there would be no difference if it happen later or sooner than they expected.
Their parents decided to fix their marriage before Sukriti and Alaaps' and all were thrilled. Even Neev and Ayesha has got together which was a major shock to Milind and Prachi as they never expected Neev to be too in love with Ayesha so much.
However, after their marriage was fixed, both Milind and Prachi suddenly started to have second thoughts as it was too soon. They only had met like two months before and now two months later they were preparing for their wedding. Most of the time they would sit and tried to talk about it but every time they ends up talking about their future which only led them to realize more and more that the decision they made wasn't a mistake.
Finally on the day of their marriage, Milind and Prachi was sitting in the mandap when the pandit started to chant the mantras when all of a sudden Milind got up saying that they he was not ready.
"I'm sorry Prachi, but I don't think I can do this" Milind has apologized to her to which Prachi just sat there looking at him numb unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing.
Prachi has always sensed that Milind wasn't really ready. Though she has made up her mind about the whole thing as it was her fate and she was to be with the man she loves. She couldn't ask for more. but now, she wished that she could have reasoned it to her parents sooner. she began to feel as if he doesn't love her anymore and was doing it out of commitment or something. She respects him and decided to let him go if he wasn't ready to be a part of her life. She wiped away her tears which flowed out of her eyes and smiled up at him before saying. "its okay Milind, I know you cant do this and if you cant, i too wont force you"
Milind's heard went out to her, only he knew how much he wanted her but he knew that he wont be able to do it. he didn't mean to hurt her. he was about to reach out to console her when PL and Inder has stepped forward and hissed them to come to them as the guests has started to pass comments about them. Milind and Prachi had hesitantly followed them to their study where Milinds' parents Lalit Mishra and Niharika Mishra too have followed them behind. They too was as shocked as the Shahs that their son has all of a sudden has got up from the mandap at the last moment and declaring that he wasn't ready.
"Milind what is all this about?" Lalit has asked firmly while the rest of the elders glared at them for an answer. The truth was, Milind has always wanted someone like Prachi. but he wasn't really sure that Prachi would like to marry him as he has the sort of temper that she don't like to see around. when she has opened to him about her parents. He couldn't help but wonder what will happen if she was to subject with the same when they live together. And he didn't want her to go through the same she has gone through when she was young. However as the days passed, as much as he wanted to marry her, the fear in him thinking that he might not make a good husband has been always there.
"aunty its okay, Milind isn't ready yet and we cant force him" Prachi has said defending Milind burying her own sorrows deep in her heart. Milind watched her amazed on how she was defending him after being soley rejected at the mandap. The shahs and Mishras went in for a argument and all the while, Milind observed Prachi and knew that she was trying very well to hide her feelings for him. but he saw it. she may not be transparent to others but was for him. he knows her inside out. he thought that it was for the best to explain it to her the reason before she starts to blame herself for it.
"can you please excuse us for a moment" he asked their parents without taking his eyes off her. Prachi the whole time kept her eyes downcast silently blaming herself for everything.
When the elders left them alone, Milind walked up to her and gently lifted her chin up to face him and when she did, tears pricked down her face making Milinds' heart to bleed even more.
"I didn't mean to make you cry Prachi but trust me, I love you a lot, I love you too much to marry you'"
"What are you saying Milind? If you love me so much why cant you? What's stopping you?"
"my temper prachi" Milind sighed cupping her face in his. "I'm very short tempered and I don't want you to subject so such tempers. You have gone through enough with that, I don't want to go through it anymore not with a person like me" Prachi has watched him her eyes wide, and she touched his cheek with so much affection that it scared him.
"don't look at me that way Prachi" Milind said. "say something"
"I don't know what to say Milind, all I can tell you is that I love you and don't care if you have a temper or anything'"
"But Prachi"
"no let me finish" prachi said placing a hand over his mouth. "Milind, not everyone is perfect, they will have their flaws and marriage doesn't mean accepting someone. it means accepting their flaws as well. And I know you Milind, you love me too much to hurt me or yourself"
"prachi you are saying?"
"I am saying is that I will marry you with your temper, I don't care about it Milind all I care is being with you"
"really?" Milind beamed unable to believe what he was hearing.
"really!" Prachi nodded her head and Milind smile broadened even more. his heart swelled with happiness and lifted her in his arms and twirled her around. Prachi squealed with happiness as their laughter echoed downstairs making everyone to breath a sigh of relief as the bride and groom was finally ready to be pronounced as man and wife.
Their marriage has been like no other. every single day was like a honeymoon to them. with each day passed, their love only grew fonder. The temper milind has been so scared of never came much. but when came, he was wise enough to control it with Prachi's patience in everything. They did had their ups and downs in their relationship but their love always won over.
Prachi came out of her reverie when she felt her hand being taken and kissing them softly. Prachi smiled as she turned aside and saw Milind smiling at her. she intertwined her fingers with his and rested her head against his shoulders with her eyes closed.
"Prachi?" milind has called her softly.
"hmm" Prachi has mumbled and snuggled in closer to him wrapping one arm over his stomach.
"the movie is over"
"Oh" Prachi's eyes flew open and saw that most of the people passing by was eyeing them with the way she was snuggled in to him.
Embarrassed like a school girl being caught in the act, she silently went out with Milind tugging her arms. When they got out, Prachi inhaled In the chilly night. She felt like it was as if yesterday that they came out of the theater in a night like that and walked home. suddenly she had the urge to do the same like that night. When she turned around to say that to Milind, he was already by his car and was inserting the key.
"milind?" Prachi called out and he turned around.
"I know what you are thinking" Milind replied smiling. "come, we'll walk home tonight" he said putting the car keys in his pockets.
"Not bad Mr. Mishra" Prachi laughed softly as he put his arms around her and walked out of the parking lot and into the night.
As they walked, Prachi couldn't help but remember the first time. she smiled and blushed remembering then and when Milind glanced to her side, she would downcast her eyes as shyness overcame her. seeing her blush, Milind groaned and pull her more close and kiss her temple.
"hard to believe that you are a mother of two and still blushing like a new bride" Milind chuckled. He love to pull her legs and Prachi would blush all the more making him go insane.
"hard to believe you are a father of two and still flirting like a teenager" Prachi teased him back and both burst into laughter.
True, no one would believe that they were parents of twins of two year olds. Amit and Aman both were born a year after their marriage as they didn't wanted to start a family too soon. When they realized that it was time, they started to decorate the baby nursery. And soon, two cute boys were born and named them Amit and Aman who were mixed reflections of their parents with soft curls and hazel eyes.
"they are going to turn three next week" Prachi reminded him and he smiled.
"yes, and we have promised them a huge party"
They remained silent for sometime as if they had nothing to talk to. but actually, they liked to cherish the time spent and remembering the first time as well. All of a sudden Milind stopped and Prachi jerked back with it. puzzled she looked at him and saw that Milind was looking at her.
"what is it Milind?"
"suddenly I'm thinking how our daughter will look like if we have one"
"Milind you are too much" Prachi has hit him lightly on his shoulders as her cheeks began to flame up. "you three cute devils are enough for me"
"oh come on Prachi, they are mamas boys, I want a papas girl" Milind has pouted and slipped his hands around the back of her neck, under the silky curtain of her hair. His thumb caressed the softness along her jaw. Her eyes widened as he brushed his lips against her once or twice. Prachi parted her lips and he boldly swept his tongue in hers seeking and tasting. He intended to kiss her lightly but the desire in him all of a sudden ignited to ten fold and he buried his fingers in her hair and deepened the kiss. Prachi placed a tentative hand on his chest and gripped the lapel of his jacket drawing him closer to her. she turned her head as their tongues mated to a head-spinning level which almost blew his mind. And when a car turned to them flashing its headlights, both suddenly came into their senses and pulled away realizing that they were in the middle of the road.
The car driver stopped and popped his head to shout. "hey, go home!"
Milind was about to step in to say something back when Prachi held his hands to stop him. Milind turned to her and then she smiled at him nervously to which he smiled back and with one last glance over the driver, they walked away.
When they got home, they saw Neev and Ayesha asleep in each others arms while watching television. Milind silently shook Neev awake and Ayesha too stirred in his arms. They lazily opened their eyes as Prachi switched off the television.
"go to bed" Milind said softly and they both yawned and stretched before going to bed arm in arm. Milind watched them as Prachi came and leaned by him. "funny that they have been married a year now, like us, they haven't changed a bit"
"no no you are wrong, Neev sure has changed"
"really?" Prachi asked astonished. "how?"
"before he was a free bird, now he is a joru ka gulam" he laughed and Prachi punched him lightly.
"even you are" She laughed and Milind mocked anger.
'I'll show you that" his lips curved into a naughty smile before he leaned forward and Prachis' eyes widened and was about to turn away when he scooped her in his arms and she squealed in excitement. She immediately lowered her voice as she realized that their kids were still asleep. She glanced up to their room and Milind nodded silently before carrying her upstairs. They stopped briefly at their kids door where the door was ajar. Prachi wriggled herself down and tiptoed inside the dimly lit room and Milind followed behind her.
Prachi crept into the room slowly and then went beside the bed and pulled up the comforter up to their chin. They both were lying together side by side and Prachi almost had to blink to make sure that they were REAL two and not a mirror kept beside one of them. Amit who was lying on the right with his superman toy hugging. She kissed his temple lightly before turning to Aman who was hugging his pillow with his thumb in his mouth. It the only difference in both of them. Aman sucks his thumb while Amit don't. Prachi slowly removed Amans finger from his mouth to which he stirred a little and then turned his head to the other side sleeping soundly.
Prachi got up and kept and looking at them for a moment smiling at their two little devil-angels. They may look very adorable but are very naughty. But most of all, they love each other a lot and never fight much. Prachi turned to go out from the room but stopped when she saw Milind leaning against the door with his arms crossed. He was smiling at her. she raised her brows in asking what and he just motioned her with his fingers to come to him. she glanced at their kids once more before going to stand near Milind. He uncrossed his arms and pulled her to his arms and wrapped his arms around her with their gaze locked into each other. he bend down to kiss her and Prachi closed her eyes and tilted her head to a side as her lips quivered. She could almost feel the close proximity between them. his lips brushed hers and she sucked her breath in. their lips were almost millimeters away. Prachis' heart began to hammer against her chest and she could hear Milinds' heartbeat as well.
"Mommy daddy" they broke off when they heard Amits sleepy voice call out. they saw him getting up rubbing his eyes and Prachi and Milind had to smile. Aman too got up and yawned and opened on eye to see his brother and parents awake. "mmit, mamma, dada" he called out to them in his baby like voice. Aman still cant say much of the words like amit does and it really worried Milind and Prachi at first but after consulting some docters, they said that it was normal as some kids take time before they can talk well.
"hey baby" Prachi said and went to sit beside them. Milind too rounded the bed and sat on the other side of the bed. they made Amit and Aman to lie back and gently patted them to sleep. When Prachi kept on patting them humming a soft lullaby, Milind gently placed a hand on hers and motioned that they have fell asleep. Nodding her head, she got up and once again pulled on the comforter over them and silently went out of the room. she kept the door ajar in case if one of them might get up in the middle of the night.
When she turned around, she saw that Milind has already got into their room. she followed him and went to stand by the dressing table to remove her jewelries as Milind went into the washroom. After taking them off, she glanced at their family picture which was taken when she gave birth to the babies. Ayesha has taken the picture when the nurse has given the babies in their hands and Prachi and Milind kept looking at them proudly and so much of love. Milind was leaning against Prachi with an arm around her supporting her, while she held the two babies in her hands. it was the first time they had saw their babies after birth and Prachi couldn't stop her tears as she saw them. Milind has gently wiped her tears away and thanked her for the precious gifts.
Now looking at them as she brushed her hair, she smiled at the memories and went to change. After slipping into a night-dress, she again glanced at the picture and recalled what Milind has said to her earlier. He has said how it will be like to have another. She blushed at the thought. it was what she wanted too. but was too shy to voice it to him. she glanced at their bathroom door and heard the shower still running. Sighing, she went out to the balcony and tilted her head up at the sky. The glittering stars and the chilly breeze was made her shiver and she wrapped her arms around her and closed her eyes.
When MIlind came out of the shower, he saw his wife standing under the moonlight. Looking like angel in the velvet night gown he has gifted her days back. she has kept that saying that she will wear it in a special occasion. He smiled sweetly as he tightened his towel around his waist and went to step outside the balcony to his wife.
As Prachi kept standing there, she heard the door slide and his warm body press against her back as his arms surrounded her waist. She sighed and leaned back on him her eyes still closed. As their body began to warm up with desire, Prachi turned around to face him, her cheeks flushed.
"you look beautiful as always" Milind has murmured huskily cupping her face in his. She downcast her eyes and whispered back. "you too" he lifted her chin to face him and he looked into her eyes. their eyes met and held. And began to weave a magical web around them. Milind slipped his hands behind her back and intertwined his fingers pressing her to him closer. they stood looking into each others eyes for a moment when Prachi felt her cheeks flame up again and Milind gently swept her in his arms and went inside to their room. he placed her down on the bed ever so slowly and then turned off the lights letting the moonlight to illuminate the room. Milind stretched himself beside her and gathering her in his arms he whispered huskily. "I love you Prachi". Prachi smiled shyly and whispered back. "I love you too Milind"
Their union was more tender yet so passionate than before. as they climaxed, they held onto each other and slowly drifted back hazily and lazily. They slept in each others arms peacefully with a smile playing on their lips as a shooting star shoots up at the sky granting their most heartfelt wishes.
- - THE END - -
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this is the epiloug as i promised...hope u will like it...and please do comment and silent members do hit the 'LIKE' button if you like it😃
thanks for reading guys and encouraging me through out this short FF to make it a small success...all of the silent members as well as for those who had commented...thank u all so much🤗
Book Talk
Anupamaa
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