Part 2
Sitting at the long table, she eyed at the variety of foods displayed from one end to the other. Prachi had cocked her head to a side to see the person sitting at the end of the table. With so many food in front of her and the table was as long as the wall of china.
'okay so how am I going to ask questions? I need a walkie talkie' Prachi thought amused with the way she was sitting at the very end of the table. She cocked her head a side to once more to steal a glance from him. she have never seen a person like him. so handsome and so'uh oh she turned pink as she saw him staring back at her with a smile on his face. she hurried to sit back and looked down at her plate.
Prachi desperately wanted to finish off with the work now. she didn't know that she would have to face such embarrassment ever. She didn't know what he must be thinking now. she didn't want him to have a bad impression on her. Roberto started to fill her plates and she looked up over the table to see what Milind was doing. And to her surprise, he was still looking at her way while Maria filled his plate. He didn't take her eyes off her and she felt the same pull again. not knowing what happened to her, she suddenly got up from her seat and holding up her hand to stop Roberto from filling more, she took her plate and walked across and sat on the adjacent seat next to Milind.
"sorry about this, but I really need to finish the interview soon and get back to India" She said in just one breath. Milind gave her a relaxed smile and said.
"sure, but first, have your dinner then will talk" Milind passed her the red sherry wine and she looked at the glass wide-eyed. Prachi glanced up at Milind in shock but then seeing him look at her puzzled, she laughed aloud.
Milind watched her mesmerized as her eyes twinkled while she laughed. Prachi laughed for a moment and then turned quite seeing that Milind was watching her intently. Blushing, she looked down at her plate and began to play with her folk. She now wished that she had stayed back in her seat thousand miles away!
"why did you stop? I like to hear you laugh" Milind said with a wink and then Prachi looked up all of a sudden thinking why he was flirting with her like that. Prachi then frowned at it. she knew that all rich people were like that but didn't expect Milind Mishra to turn out like one too as no one really knew about him. 'well now I know' Prachi thought taking her attention back to her food. She began to ponder the flirty remarks towards her and thought that it was just once. And she shouldn't judge anyone with just one remark. She glanced up at him and saw him smiling at her as if she was a display in a museum. She wondered why he was looking at her that way. So much of intense in his eyes.
She looked away hastly and tried to remember the questions she had planned to ask. She looked around the dining room. it was beautiful more like she was seeing Harry Potters' dining hall with a huge chandelier hung above them and the portraits which looks as if they have been take out from the straight from the Da Vinci's gallery. They look ancient and so genuine.
"the paintings are exquisite" Prachi commented looking at them and Milind just kept watching her and she continued trying to avert his attention. "are they really from Da Vinci? They look very genuine"
"yes, they are infact each and every portrait is by him" Milind said coolly still not taking his eyes off her. "he painted them centuries ago"
"wow!" was all Prachi could say even she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. She mentally noted the fact that each and every painting were made by the famous Da Vinci. 'hard to believe' Prachi thought to herself but didn't voice it over as he might feel offended with that. The Mishra family has been based in Venice for long so it might be quite possible too. looking at the paintings, she took the folk and dug out a morsel and when she put them into her mouth she closed her eyes and said with a sigh.
"hmmm I have died and gone to heaven" she munched them with her eyes closed and her eyes flew open as she heard him chuckle. Her pink was fast enough to turn bright red even before she could realize it. mumbling a quick sorry, she turned her head down wishing that she could crawl into a hole the very moment. 'why am I making a fool out of myself?' she thought worriedly.
"Roberto has magic in his hands, his food is always this delicious" Milind said as if reading her mind. She looked up at him and then glanced at Roberto who bowed to her slowly. She was glad that Roberto and Maria was there as she wasn't feeling quite comfortable with Milind alone. And almost as if in cue, Milind waved a hand to dismiss them.
"thanks Roberto, will call if we need anything more" Prachi watched them as they made their way out and close the door. Horrified as she was alone with him, she began to squirm in her seat. He still didn't seem to take his eyes off her. she wished and wished that he would just look away for once. But he didn't. she now wished that she could have sat where she was before atleast she wouldn't be tortured with those eyes.
After a lot of awkward silence, she looked at him as he cleared his throat. And he was smiling at her as if teasing. Prachi looked at him confused and leaning forward, he brushed his thumb bad over her lips shooting up her hormones into several notches.
"you had something there" he said smiling and turning his attention to his food which was completely untouched till then. Shocked, Prachi touched the place where he just touched. His hands were powerful and cold. His fingers. The way it brushed her lips like that were like as if it wasn't the first time.
After a few awkward moments of silence, she saw him put down his folk and sip his drink indicating that he was done with this dinner. And a moment later, Roberto came in with Maria.
"Prachi, why don't we sit in the study while Roberto bring us some wine?" Milind offered patting his lips dry with the napkin. Prachi was about to refuse when Milind has took her hand and made her stand up. he led her out of the dining hall and into the study room.
Prachi all the way stood motionless like a puppet. She didn't say anything when he took her to the study room. the words failed inside her. she didn't struggle nor she even looked at him and said anything when he first touched her. 'why didn't she say anything to him? she had no answer. She knew she should have pushed him away but she didn't. she doesn't want him to think that she is a type of girl who could be easily taken advantage of.
"sit" Milind said loosening his grip on her hand and then turning to face her. but Prachi just stood there.
"I'm not what you think I am" Prachi seem to have found her voice which almost came out like a chock. She was too shocked and too scared. Milind arched a brow with amusement and asked.
"so what shall I think of you Ms. Prachi shah?"
Prachi swallowed hard as she fought for her pride and for her job. She cannot let herself to lose either of anything. they were way too precious to her. "I'm a reporter and I came here to take your interview"
"of course you are" Milind said sitting down on the soft leather chair and motioning her to sit too. but Prachi stared at him and continued. "I do apologize for my behavior earlier this night, but I'm not that type of girl"
"why do you think of that way?"
"because of the umm..the way you keep looking at me and'" Prachi stammered and broke off to look at him as she felt the blush run up her neck. She was staring at her as if he was amused or disappointed or mocking at her. she couldn't tell. The way he smiled, it was totally different as if he was expecting her to say it.
"indeed and I apologize too now please take a seat and we'll start with the interview?" Prachi merely could only stare at him. 'why is he such a complicated person to read?' Prachi thought as she turned around to get her note book which was left on the dining table. When she turned, she saw Roberto entering into the study with her notebook in one hand. "here it is madam" Roberto has handed her notebook and bowed to his master before making his exist. Prachi tuned with trembling hands as she took hold of her notebook. She was nervous at first but now she was scared. scared if she might screw up her golden opportunity and also scared of him. she didn't know why but he scared her with his powerful built and those deep charcoal eyes.
Prachi sat down at the adjacent seat and flipped open her note book. She scanned at the questions she had prepared for him earlier. After doing so, she looked at him and saw him giving one of those smiles which nearly melted her heart. She reminded herself that she was here on business and nothing more. taking a deep breath she began to question him. she asked him about how his family business started and he answered her in such a way that she was she thought that she was hearing a fascinating story. It was a story yet true. She found herself imagining the whole thing on how his great grandfather had come there and sat up and empire which had run so successfully for three generations. She asked him more about his future business plans and the work he used to do before he joined his family business.
"I use to love paintings when before"
"oh you do?" Prachi asked amused and he just smiled. "so why did you give it up?'
"the one whom I use to paint is not here anymore, I'm waiting for her" he said softly and Prachi felt her heart constrict with the word 'her'. she didn't know why she felt so bad but she didn't even like what he was telling her now. she had the urge to stand up and just walk away but held herself back. 'I have to do this interview, for my fathers sake' she thought and began to scribble down his answers as he kept reciting his ambitions before he joined his family business.
She didn't know why but the way he kept telling her everything made her think why he was referring to such an ancient period. The college he mentioned wasn't even there now as she knew that it have been torn down years ago.
"sorry to interrupt but the college you mentioned, its not there I guess, it have been torn down years ago are you sure that it's the right one?" Prachi asked suspiciously thinking that he might be hiding something.
"it was there when I went to college" Milind replied and with that Prachi had to stay quiet as the tone of his voice has gone even. She hoped that he boss will believe what she has as she knew that it will be hard for anyone to believe on what Milind Mishra was narrating.
After some more questions on his business front, Prachi began to move on asking about his personal life as she felt that it was now the time for her to ask some personal questions. Still, she wanted to make sure and asked.
"I'll be now asking you about your personal life Mr. Mishra if that is okay with you"
"oh sure" Milind replies smiling and added. "please call me Milind"
'Right..Milind" She looked up and saw him smiling. She blushed and smiled back and fiddled the end of her pencil before asking.
"where is your family?" She asked and saw his eyes darken at her question. "I heard you had a huge family but here'"
"My family is dead" he replied coldly and said. "they are all dead. Next question please"
"um okay" Prachi began to think of some more as he had totally dismissed the most important question. she didn't know what else to ask as she had ask him each and every question.
"have you ever been in love?"
"yes" Milind replies to which Prachi felt her chest tightened.
"who is the lucky girl?" Prachi asked trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.
"When she's here you will know" Milind winked at her and Prachi felt her chest tighten even more.
"you mean she is coming?"
"I feel she will be coming very soon" He replies and Prachi thought that he might be talking about some girl out of his fantasy. But he was sounding so sure that she had to fight herself to believe that it was for real. while Prachi went through her notes to make sure that she didn't miss out anything before she wrap up for the time being. She still had a day more and she will make sure that she get to make the full use of her day before she went back. looking up she saw Milind walk around the small bar counter and pour himself a glass of red wine. Her thoughts drifted to the dinner earlier and the way she had laughed seeing the red sherry wine. She felt like a fool for even believing her colleagues words on him being a vampire. She laughed softly as she remembered how she had widened her eyes thinking that he was drinking blood which was actually red wine.
Milind watched her across the counter and seeing her laugh looking down at her notepad, he wondered what it was there so amusing that she was laughing. He wanted to know too as he just loved to see her smile.
"what's so amusing in there?" Milind asks seating next to her and handing her a glass. Prachi was aware of how close he was to her and she began to grow hot under the silky fabric of her dress. She edged away on from her nervously and took the offering glass with trembling hands.
"nothing" Prachi replies unable to meet to his eyes.
"well there must be something" Milind insisted and Prachi looked up at him trying to read his expression. He was surely very interested to know what was on her mind. She bit her lips before answering.
"actually, I heard rumors about you being a vampire" she looked away and waited for him to answer praying that he didn't get offended by it. she knew how silly she sounded as vampires and ghosts only existed in books. Prachi held the stem of her glass tightly as nervousness arised. She knew that he must be angry now or else he wouldn't have taken so long to answer.
"so do you think I am?" She heard him ask. Prachi not sure if he was angry or amused turned to look at him and saw that his expression was unreadable. She didn't know whether he was angry or he found the question silly as she now felt.
"I don't know you tell me" Prachi tried making the environment light and to her relief, he began to laugh. A kind of laugh she wished she could hear forever.
"well, its your job to find out" Milind teased her back and she eyed him with mock suspicion. He leaned forward and looks deep in her eyes. Prachi backed away a little as she felt her cheeks flaming up with such close proximity.
"so tell me, how do you like it here" she heard him ask as his cold breath swept near her nape sending shivers down her spine. His voice was husky. Just like in the person in her dreams whom she saw herself with. Shocked she turned to face him only to find herself just centimeters away. and again she was subjected to those eyes which was just as mesmerizing as ever.
"I love it here" Prachi heard herself reply that too in perfect French. Only that it occurred her what she just said and how she said that. she didn't know from where it came from. Shocked she again turned to face him and he was smiling at her. It was a victorious smile as if he had got satisfaction over something and she wasn't sure on what.
"you look beautiful tonight" Milind said tracing a finger up her bare arm sending her on the very edge. The teasing touch of his hands made her to get up abruptly making her to spill wine on the perfectly white dress.
"I'm sorry" Prachi stammered and Milind just sat there staring at her. "I'm sorry, but I don't'"
"Why are you so scared Prachi? I wont bite you" Milind says winking at her and Prachi just felt like walking away from there. but before she could, he got hold of her hands sending shivers down her spine. She shuddered at his touch and then as if sensing that he left her hands and got up.
"I'm sorry Prachi" he apologized awkwardly and Prachi shifted her weight from one leg to the other knowing well his eyes were pierced to her. they stood silent for a moment and to their relief, Roberto has opened the door and walked in with a tray.
"Thank you Roberto there will be no need for that now, please escort our guest to her room" Milind said turning to Roberto and Prachi forced a smile to the old man letting him to know about what just transpired between them.
"thank you" Prachi said softly turning to follow Roberto and before she reached the door, she turned once again to Milind as she suddenly remembered what she wanted to ask him.
"excuse me, I just want to ask, can I take a tour around your place? I want to take some pictures for the magazine"
Milind looked up in surprise and began to smile broadly and then glanced at Roberto before turning to her and answering. "Sure, you can take a tour around the entire palace--except.." he stopped frowned and his eyes grew dark and prachi knew what's coming wasn't a good one at all. "except the west wing"
"why the west wing"
"its forbidden" his answer was slow but there was a certain power and a hint of anger as well. She nodded her head was again about to turn to leave when Milind has called her and she turned around. his facial expression was now replaced with warmth, not a single hint of displeasure was seen. And without saying anything more, he took her hand in his and said. "I'm sorry but there are things that I don't want to share with the world, so if you can please don't ask anything further about that place" he said softly and prachi almost had the urge to grab his expensive lapel of his jacket and pull him in her arms and kiss him. but then frowned as she didn't know why she was feeling like that. she squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out the feelings that was evoking in her like raising lava.
"its okay" Prachi said softly as she tried to retreat her hands back but his hold was too strong for her. she stopped struggling as she saw him looking at her sweetly. "hope you'll enjoy your little tour around the palace, Roberto will see to it"
"aren't you coming?" Prachi asked almost immediately as but then she realized and bit her lips as looked down. she felt him smiling and then pulling her closer to him and lifting her chin to make her look to him he said. "I'll join to you in the evening got some errand to do" Prachi nodded her head and pasted a smile on her face trying to hide the disappointment. "thank you" Prachi said again softly and then Milind pulled her even closer and leaned down to kiss her softly on her lips. Before turning to Roberto and ordering him to take her back to her room.
Prachi stood transfixed still feeling the touch of his lips against hers. It was familiar, it was slow and sensual. Prachi turned away as Roberto lightly coughed indicating that it was time to go and she prayed that Milind haven't noticed her reaction to what no doubt he must have regarded as a casual caress. Sure they are based in Venice and she knew that Venetians use those kinds of fashions as a simple gesture. But to her, she knew that it was different and recognized as a catalyst that would change her life forever!
Prachi led her way out of the study room feeling his eyes piecing through her slightly exposed back.
When Prachi followed Roberto to her room or rather chamber, she couldn't help but wonder what was in the west wing that he had forbade her to go to a certain part of his home palace. "what is in the west wing?" Prachi thought out loud and looked up as she heard someone gasp. She saw Roberto standing there, with eyes full of horror as if he had seen a ghost. "what is it?" Prachi asked and he without replying just started to walk ahead. She kknew that there was something in the palace, something really mysterious and frightening. Something that she knew that she had to find it out really soon.
When Prachi entered her room, she saw Maria standing there with her poodle pajamas in her hands. Prachi gasped with horror as she saw the coffee stain in it. rushing to her, Prachi grabbed her pajamas and asked. "how did this happen"
"I'm sorry madam, I was just picking up your uh dress from the bed to keep it back in the cupboard when I spilt the coffee on it" Maria said and her voice shook with fear.
"what have you done maria" Prachi turned as she heard Roberto's voice booming from behind her. he was certainly angry and when she glanced at Maria, she had turned white as sheet and was shaking like a leaf. Prachi knew that poor girl was now in trouble because of her. "its okay, it happens, I have another" Prachi tried to assure Roberto and reassure maria, but both didn't seem to hear anything of her.
"no its not okay miss, I know you didn't bring anything else to wear'"
"How do you know?" Prachi asked surprised as he seem to have known that she didn't bring anything more than her pajamas and two evening dresses as she was to stay for just a two days. Roberto looked at her as if he had been caught and Prachi eyed him suspiciously.
"I uh'thought you must have brought just one as you came to stay just for a day" He stammered a little but managed to hide it well what was on his mind and Prachi too bought his story and assured them once more that it was okay and she would manage. However, Roberto was still adamnt and ordered Maria to bring her a nightdress to which the poor girl has ran out from the room still shaking with fear.
Maria came back as soon as she went out and Prachi thought if she had known what was coming to her before and and had kept the night dress in the next room. Prachi looked at them more suspiciously as ever before and watched them as they made their way out.
When they seem to think that Prachi wasn't looking, they had nodded their heads to each other and went off to separate directions making them look like conspirators. Sighing as she thought that she must be thinking way too much over it. she went into her room and locked the door. Slipping into the ivory nightdress, she slid under the comfortable covers and stared up at the silky canopy above her head as she remembered the kiss.
Her entire being, her very soul has responded to the touch of his lips and though his kiss has been brief there was something in his kiss that made her wonder. She didn't know what, but she knew that it was something and she knew that she would never be the same again.
She closed her eyes trying to get some sleep. Wanting to block away any thought of him.
But she couldn't. she couldn't help but wonder what was in Milind Mishra that she felt a kind of pull to which she had no control of. It was like as if she was being hypnotized. And the way his eyes has held captive of her and also the way he spoke to her. All was too familiar. It was like she really know her before. she remembered the way how his lips curved into smiles whenever he spoke to her and the way his laughter echoed. It was still very clear in her ears. All too familiar. Recalling each and every single detail with him, it suddenly triggered her mind that he never opened his mouth enough. She wondered why. she have been so close to him, so close and she did see those perfectly white teeth and his pointed canines when he stood near her'
'fangs?' she thought out loud. 'were they fangs?' but then she shook her head thinking that it was once again one of those imaginative thoughts she have been having ever since she has stepped in there. 'it cant be fangs, vampires don't exists' she thought out loud laughing then fluffed her pillow before lying down again.
Prachi's thoughts again drifted to their conversation. How his voice, created such a familiarity that she wished that she knew where she heard him before.
'But where' Prachi thought her brow furrowed. Her head began to ache and pulling up the comforter up above her chin, she closed her eyes once more trying to get some sleep. She needed sleep more than anything. Not just because she was tired but also she needed to block away the very thought of him.
After lots of tossing and turning she finally drifted into a deep sleep.
Prachi didn't know what happened next. All she knew was that she was being held by two strong men. She began fighting for air, fighting for survival. She didn't know what was going on and why those two strong men was holding her as if she had done something terribly wrong.
"LET HER GO!" Prachi heard someone scream. And almost as if she knew who it was, she screamed back.
"Milind, go away, they will kill you!" shocked at her own response she searched around for the person whom she has just told that to. She saw Milind at the very end of the room held captive by four other men in the hood. He was forcefully trying to free himself from them but they had held him back against the wall. Prachi saw herself being dragged far aside. She could feel the pressure they had exerted on her arm as well her hair. She can feel her face, tear strained and when she looked at Milind almost helplessly, his face too was tear strained and was looking at her helplessly.
The room was enclosed with old brick walls and the only source of lights were the fire lamps lit from one end to the other. Milind's eyes was full of horror as he watched her being dragged and he begged more to let her go. She watched him surprised and also confused why he was saying so and what was happening.
She without thinking glanced up at the high window which showed the inky black sky illuminated by the full moon which was glowing like a bright bulb. Another person who stood near Milind has turned. She couldn't make out who it was with his black hood over his head but she can make out the perfectly feminine hands that emerged out from the cloak. She watched with horror as her other hand revealed a neatly shaped dagger.
Prachi screamed in horror as the woman in the hood advanced towards her. Milind too tried to struggle free from their hold but was unable to do so. Prachi trembled and her very being has shaken like anything. the woman was now only few feet away and she raised the dagger and was to plunge it deep into her heart when Prachi all of a sudden screamed and jolted up on the bed only to find the one man she just saw in her dreams all so real and all so clearly sitting by her side.
'Milind' she whispered and he looked at her with concern in his eyes. she looked at him confused as her breathing was still ragged. Raking a hand over her hair, she tried to steady her breath before asking what he was doing there.
"I heard you scream" he said touching her bare shoulder lightly and immediately she felt the electricity shooting up her body. She became aware of the state she was in. blushing furiously as she had been caught like a 5 year old having a nightmare and screaming her lungs out, she pulled on the robe to cover herself up when Milind who was all the time watching her got caught of her hand stopping her from doing so.
Milind's gaze held her captive once again. she lost herself in those eyes once more. she knew what was coming and she couldn't let herself to hesitate too. he didn't touch her but leaned closer to her bending down to take her lips. She can feel his cold breath against her face. and she closed her eyes as she began to grow warm under his heated gaze. She can tell that he was looking at her as if trying to memorize each and every feature of her. her breathing never got steady, instead it became more rapid as her chest began to heave down more heavily feeling how close he was to her. his proximity was too much for her to handle.
Milind looked at her quivering lips and then turned his head and gently lifting a finger, he moved upto her shoulder and then traced her upper arm like he did before but this time it was more sensuous. She shuddered at his touch. Milind slowly traced his playful finger up to her neck and then moving to her closer, he began yet another torturous seduction.
Milind slowly started to tease her by blowing slowly on to her ear and then traced down to the nape of her neck before again, he blew back up slowly. Prachi clutched the red satin sheet as she pressed herself closer to him wanting more than just his seductive breath which was so cold and so good. 'please' she heard herself beg and it seems that it only provoked him more. he has brushed her silky hair aside trying to have better access for her nape and he pressed his cold lips on the warmth of her nape. Prachi felt herself moan to his touch and she wished that he would stop doing that to her. she had really no control over her senses and she felt like as if she would pass out. feeling dizzy with the sensation, she rested her head on his shoulder as she moved closer to him. but she didn't yet touch him nor he. His hands still lay beside her and her hands were still clutching the sheets trying to get a grip for herself. When she rested her heavy head on his shoulder feeling almost too tired and too exhausted with want, she felt him lift his head a little and she waited smiling curious to know of what he was to do.
Milind not seem to have enough of her. after seeing her in that very dress that evening, he just wished that he could take her in her arms and tell her how much he had wanted her and how much he had waited to that particular moment. but he knew he couldn't. he have to wait for the right time. but now, after hearing her scream, he couldn't stop himself from coming to her and the sight of her terrified him when he saw her whimpering and tossing and turning. He has shaken her a bit but she didn't wake up from the bad dream that he knew why she saw them. Concern grew ten-fold and he was to kiss her up when she all of a sudden jolted up awake much to his relief.
When she has waked up, he couldn't stop himself from wanting her. though he knew that it was too soon for anything, his emotions just seem to take over his conscious when it came to her.
He could smell her blood. It smelled so tempting and so sweet. He wished he didn't had to do this, but he was thirsty, for her and for her blood as well. Milind's lips curved into a smile as he heard her purr with pleasure. He parted his lips and felt his fangs. He knew that it was time and slowly, he bent down and Prachi has snuggled in closely wrapping her arms around his waist tightly unable to hold back but still milind didn't touch her and smiling even more, Milind slowly bent down, his fangs only millimeters away from her nape'.
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