FF:Interview with the Vampire - Pt 07, Pg51(28/01) - Page 37

Originally posted by: meggs

reallly really really great story .. i just read it right now....
loves the 6th part especially
plsssssss continue soon and pm me if u can...

Part 7

Prachi walked around the garden of the Salvators her thoughts lost into just one person. Milind Mishra. She didn't know why. he made her nervous all the time. just the presence of him was enough to make several knots on her stomach. For a moment, she turned as she smelled roses. Smiling she bent down to smell it. her eyes closed she inhaled the scent of the red roses before her.

"you like roses?" Prachi gave a shot jump as she heard Milind's voice interrupt her peaceful mind.

"have you been following me?" Prachi asked raising a brow. Its sure seemed like that to her because wherever she was he seemed right behind her as if he was following her.

"its hard to miss a black dress in between red and green you know" he said and Prachi looked down at her dress. She love black but she knew that many thought that she was mourning for something as she only wear dark colors. But it was just that they couldn't afford much clothes and also she had come to love dark colors. Milind too must be thinking the same.

"so what did you do to make a person like Elena talk you about Damon's family?" He asked all of a sudden. Prachi's eyes widened as he went on with his accusation. "what is it you want? What game are you playing?"

"you must be mistaken, I'm a—"

"I know I know, a dressmaker but I'm surprised that Elena talked to you so much about her in-laws" each and every word was piecing her heart. She wanted to tell him she had no intention of prying into their life and it was only Elena who was telling her everything with her own will and she had nothing to do with it. but for some odd reason, she couldn't let herself speak.

"I don't know what game you are playing, but stay out of our life got that?!" He snapped at her which made her wince.

"what are you talking about?" Prachi frowned.

"look here miss, if i get to know that you are linked with those threats Damon is receiving lately then you will hear it from me" He warned her and walked away leaving prachi gaping at him for the longest of moment.

Threat? Damon? She link? What was he saying? He has gone insane accusing her of something she wasn't even aware of. All of a sudden, Prachi didn't know what happened, fury has consumed her and her eyes stung with tears.

"how dare you excuse me of such, I know I am a mere peasent but that doesn't mean that you insult me with such low things" Milind just stared at her shocked with the way she suddenly lashed out at him. he wasn't expecting it and it has well..surprised him. "I consider Elena as a dear friend now and I don't care what you think, I will protect her with my life and your little threat is not going to stop me from being her friend. Have that in mind" and with that, Prachi walked away leaving milind's mouth slightly hung open.

"there you are Prachi, I've been searching all over for you, come I have a good news for you" Prachi turned as she heard Elena's cheerful voice behind her. "you don't have to make gowns for the rest of my friends, so you only have to make for me" she beamed.

Only for her? but why? what changed their mind all of a sudden? Prachi wondered. It was then it hit her. they weren't really happy with her as she was just a peasant from a local shop. They want high class designers and she wasn't one. "its because I'm not a high class designer is it?" prachi asked.

And to her surprise, Elena nodded her head. "but I have full faith in you, you are going to make me a beautiful gown and they will regret every inch for rejecting your designs" Prachi was thoroughly surprised. Elena always managed to touch her with her words. But she must be sure that she doesn't make friends with her only that it will make it harder for her and dangerous for Elena.

"I'll make the rest of the gown at my home" Prachi said quietly and she knew that Elena was now looking at her with hurt.

"its because of my friends isn't it?"

"no no" Prachi quickly denied but she wasn't convinced and so she added. "my father is alone at home"

It was half truth but at least it wasn't a lie. "its okay" Elena said quietly and Prachi knew that she was really disappointed and hurt but was trying hard not to show.

"I'm sorry" Prachi apologized and walked away. she didn't want to lie to Elena as to why she needed to go home at the moment. she just wanted to be left alone till her anger cooled down. she hated Milind mishra for riling up her temper.

While she laid on the bed that night, she stared at the ceiling and tried to come up with a solution to stay away from Milind Mishra till her work was done. Because if he roamed around her like a shadow, she will never be able to complete her task before the day. And that she cannot let it happen. If Milind Mishra think that he can scare her off with his threat, then he is mistaken. Besides, the only way to prove that she had nothing to do with anything of what Milind was accusing her of was to be infront of him. Prachi grimaced at the thought of it. working infront of him is going to be harder than it looks like. She really cant stand the sight of him now. but she have to do it. just to prove him that she is innocent.

Prachi's eyes suddenly grew wider. "If Damon's life is in danger that means Elena's life is in danger as well" Prachi thought out loud. "whatever that arrogant, mean Milind Mishra think, I'm going to watch out or Elena as well as Damon" Prachi thought determined and dropped her head back on the pillow. Elena has become a good friend to her in just a day. She never had a person to talk or treat to the way Elena has done. She owes that much to them don't she?

Next day, as Prachi walked to the Salvator's Palace, she heard the sound of a carriage coming from east. Prachi didn't try to look as her father has advised her not to pay attention to passing strangers when going anywhere alone and so she bent her head enough and wrapped the shawl around her and fasten her pace. But the carriage was faster than her and it abruptly stopped a good foot ahead of her. Prachi stopped and watched as the man inside stepped out.

"why am I not surprised" Prachi murmured seeing Milind Mishra step out and standing infront of her with his arms crossed across his chest.

"I see that you are—"

"yes I'm glad you noticed that I'm travelling on foot" Prachi cut in sensing that he was once again trying to humiliate her.

'er, not exactly, I was just gonna say that you are still wearing black" Milind said with a lazy grin.

"i don't see why it concerns you Mr Mishra, now if you excuse me, I have better work to do" Prachi flushed a little and then walked away before milind's voice stopped her.

"oh sure please your highness" Milind mocked and gave a short bow.

Prachi turned furious and then smiled which surprised Milind once again. "why thank you"

Prachi's smile turn into a real one when she overheard milind curse behind her. she began laughing silently. The odious man didn't even ask if she would like a ride. Prachi thought after a while when her leg began to ache a bit. And to make it even more painful, she saw Milind's carriage ride just pass through her without even giving her a second look. Prachi stomped her foot on the ground and picked up her skirt and ran into the wheat field nearby to take a shorter route wanting to beat Milind in getting to the palace before him

Within minutes, Prachi reached the Palace and pulled the bell cord and almost instantly, Roberto opened the door and Prachi rushed inside and ran all the way to Elena's room.

"why are you so sweaty and you're panting" Elena asked as soon as she saw Prachi enter her room/

"did you walk all the way prachi?" Elena demanded almost furiously and prachi shook her head. "don't lie, I know you cant afford much but at least you could have told me, I would have sent a carriage to fetch you"

"Elena really its okay" Prachi tried to assure her but Elena was in no mood to listen to her. Elena was about to call Roberto to instruct him to take prachi back and forth from her home when Prachi suddenly threw herself on the nearby chair sat down and ran down her hand through her hair and wiped off any sweat and tried to catch her breath.

Elena watched her with confusion and amusement and then opened her mouth to ask what she was doing when all of a sudden Milind turned up at her door.

"Hello Milind, it seems that your carriage seems a little…late" Prachi said in an awfully calmed voice which surprised Elena more and even more, surprised herself.

Milind gave her a hard look and turned to Elena to ask. "where's Damon"

"he's in the Blue room" Prachi answered for Elena.

"I wasn't talking to you" Milind snapped at her and then turned to leave.

"oh don't go angry" Prachi called out which received a curse from him again and this time, Prachi couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Elena watched wide eyed and asked. "what was that?"

"what was what?" Prachi asked innocently.

"did I just hallucinate or you were really vexing Milind?"

"what do you think?" Prachi asked slyly and then began her work for the day leaving Elena's mouth hanging open.

Prachi heard another curse downstairs and her shoulders began to shake with mirth knowing exactly who was in a foul mood today. Watching Prachi Elena had the urge to play cupid. She had seen both of them interact but found that it was going be an impossible match since both surely detested each other. but from nothing is impossible. Elena thought thinking of the way how Damon and she got together. Damon was a difficult man and so was Milind and she knew very well that the one person who is going to be perfectly well for him was surely going to be Prachi and no one else.

Elena immediately began to work on a plan of her own. Not long, she snapped her fingers lightly as an idea popped in her mind. Elena cleared her throat to get Prachi's attention and in reflex Prachi looked up from her work. "prachi, I was thinking if you would like to come to the ball with me next week"

"what?"

"I er..i asked you if—"

"No I heard, I mean why?"

"nothing, its just that I like having you around and I like you to come with me"

"I'm sorry Elena but its not possible" Prachi shook her head and declined. Elena's face fell but that didn't make her want to give up.

"come on Prachi, it will be fun, who knows you might actually meet the man of your dreams there"

Prachi blushed a bit but again shook her head and said. "Elena, you know why I cant go, I am not of your class, its not proper"

"nonsense, you can go and you will go" Elena said in an I-don't-want-to-hear-anything-more tone and walked out of her room closing the door with prachi sputtering on how she cant go with her.

That day, Prachi spent most of her time trying to make up Elena's mind on how she cant go with her. But Elena was adamant and so was Prachi. it was a pretty sight to watch both stubborn women holding on thir ground. Prachi didn't want to go because of her pride, but Elena wanted her to be there no matter what so that she could set her cupid plan in motion.

"Okay Prachi, this is the last time I'm going to ask you, will you or will you not come with me?" Elena tried once more. Prachi narrowed her eyes and replied. "No"

"fine, then you I'm not going as well"

"You cant you do that" Prachi gave a snort and went back to her needle work. But then again looked up and saw the seriousness in her expression and gasped. "you wouldn't"

"I will and I think by now, you will very well know that" Elena replied smugly and grinned. 'checkmate'

Elena didn't give prachi another chance to say anything more and went on planning for the big night which was just few days away. When Prachi left for the day, Elena excitedly told Damon about her matchmaking between Milind and Prachi. at first, he wasn't at all happy with the way Elena was interfering Milind's as well as prachi's personal matter but after a lot of convincing from Elena, he finally let go. It was hard not to as he himself saw how Milind and Prachi had interacted in the garden one day. For someone who doesn't know them much, they will think that they were actually two people who detests each other but Damon and Elena was quick to notice that they actually like each others company though to fight even and even Milind and Prachi haven't realized that yet.

When the day arrived, even Prachi had the sense of excitement of going to the masquerade ball that was at the salvator. She has seen servants occupying themselves in the decorating the Palace and she was in awe for she haven't quite seen anything like that before.

Prachi stood near the balcony of Elena's room which gave a clear view of the courtyard where the servants were arranging the place for the evening. Prachi sighed at the thought of the exciting evening she was going to have. 'its just one evening' she thought. which was true as she knew that this is the only evening she was ever going to have. A masked ball sounds like a fairytale coming true. Prachi sighed audibly at the thought of it.

"I didn't know you can sleep standing" Prachi whirled around with the sound f his voice. "oh I'm sorry I woke you up"

"oh you" Prachi frowned at the sight of him and then turned around but a little bit pleased that he has come there. she was surprised herself with the self confession that she missed the usual banter they had that morning. "fancy seeing you here"

"oh you know, I went out to get my best tailored suit myself, after all, tonight is a very important night" he came standing by her and stretched his arms.

"oh, I didn't know that it was an important night for you, I thought it's Damon and Elena's night, why Mr Mishra? Are you planning to steal their night as your own?"

"oh Prachi I would never do that" Milind placed his hand over heart and said dramatically. "what I'm saying is that tonight, I'm going to see so many beautiful women, it has been long since I have been in company of such women, pity you wont be there, I shall miss you"

"you mean rich boring and brainless? Well in that case, good luck for the ball, excuse me" Prachi said curtly and then walked away unaware of the jealousy she felt at the name of other women being with Milind. she heard his heartly chuckle and wanted to throw him off the balcony the very moment but then again, her lips curved into a smile thinking of how she was going to play a little game with him being one of the women he boast about.

She was well going to show him that the society women were really brainless and that she was going to do it tonight, at any cost. Suddenly she cant wait for tonight.

"Prachiiii!!! Oh my god! you look radiant in that dress, I'm sure Mil-everyone will swoon over the sight of you" Elena squealed as she saw Prachi stepping out of the dressing room wearing the midnight blue gown which had a low cut neckline. Prachi felt almost naked in the gown but Elena has insisted on wearing the very particular gown for a reason which Prachi was not so very sure about.

"Elena are you sure about this dress? I don't feel so comfortable in this" Prachi said pulling the bodicebut Elena slapped away her hands and scolded.

"don't do that, this is the latest fashion in England" Elena then turned to the maid nearby and said. "make up her hair, be quick, I'll wait for you near the hallway"

"yes Madame" the maid nodded and then Elena retreated to her room to get ready.

Prachi sat still when the maid combed her hair and twisted and did everything that could possibly do for a perfect hairdo. But still, there were strands of her dark hair that spilled over her face. she brushed them away. the maid tried to pin every hair possible but Prachi later on said that to leave it be.

When Prachi arrived at the doorway to the grand hall where the ball was held, Elena handed her the mask and said. "here, I know you still feel uncomfortable and its low for me to blackmail you to come with me, but I know how it feels for you right now and so wear this, I wont tell anyone who you are unless you yourself tell them"

Prachi smiled at her for the understatement she have displayed. Gratefully she hugged Elena and realized that her eyes has got moist she blinked to recover and put on her mask and so did Elena. "its not low Elena but as a friend you are trying to make me happy, I'll never be able to forget this" Prachi said pulling away and caressing the feathers in the mask. Her voice shook as she said so and Elena hugged her once more before putting on her own mask and taking her arm she walked inside the ballroom.

As soon as they entered all stilled and their eyes held on Elena and the mysterious beauty next to her. no one knew who she was but can make out her perfect complexion and her plush lips. Prachi scanned the room nervously and seeing so many eyes on them she gripped on Elena's hand tightly and Elena squeezed her hands in return.

Prachi saw Damon walking towards them and then took a good look at both of them before smiling and extending his hands to his bride-to-be. Elena laughed at the way how Damon has recognized her even though she was wearing a mask. When she asked how, Damon bent down to wishper in her ear which was almost loud for Prachi to hear. "I can smell your fragrance even though you are hidden amongst thousands of roses"

To Prachi it was the most romantic thing for a girl. she smiled dreamily at the couple who made their way to the dance floor and began to sway to the music which started as soon as they stood in the middle of the dance floor. Soon everyone's attention returned to the much loved couple in the middle or to their own matters. Prachi edged aside and stood near a corner her hands clasped on one another as she saw men gawking at her. she avoided making direct contact to them as she doesn't want anyone to get the wrong idea. When she stood there silently observing the massive ballroom admiring the beauty of it men rushed to her side asking for her to dance with them but she declined politely having that in mind that though she had got a chance to live her dream she should not forget that she is just an ordinary girl in elegant clothing. She searched for Milind but he was nowhere in sight as she wanted to dance with him and shock him with her presence.

When the first dance got over, Prachi watched as Elena tried to make her way to Prachi's side noticing that she was all alone dealing with men who were begging her to dance. but before she could, Damon had twirled her around for the second dance. sighing as she had no much of choice but to be with Damon for the time being, she danced. Elena watched with concern seeing her friend trying to stay calm with the way men was hovering around her. seeing the worry look Damon asked. "what's wrong? You look worried"

"its just, she is all alone there and those men don't seem to leave her alone even though she is not showing any interest in them" Elena answered pointing at Prachi. Damon watched the men flock around her and then grinned and said. "I think this is the perfect opportunity love" and then Elena grinned in return turning their gaze to Milind who stood at the other corner of the ballroom watching Prachi intently.

Damon tipped his head to the waiter to call for milind and Milind slightly jumped as he heard the waiter call him and giving the message. When Milind looked at Damon, he signaled Milind to come forward to him and as he did, Damon stopped dancing and said. "go and ask her friend for a dance" Damon told him which was an order of course.

"are you crazy?!" Milind exclaimed in a slow whisper, "I cant just ask her to dance with me"

"why not? Afraid that she might reject you as well?" Elena teased.

"if you don't then I will" Damon said which caused Elena to grip his hands tightly and shot an angry look at him and then to Milind. "no need for that dearest, Milind you go ask her to dance"

"but I don't even know her" Milind protested.

"these kinds of balls are for such Milind to get acquainted with people" Elena reminded him. "I don't care you just go and ask her to dance with you"

"she can pick up any guy she like look how busy she is, I don't need to go" Milind said shaking his head and turning to leave but stopped as he heard Elena say. "its clear that she don't want just ANYONE to dance with her, but I want YOU and you ONLY to go and ask her to dance and escort her through out the night" Elena said firmly and Damon gave Milind a do-as-she-say-or-you-are-dead-meat look.

"alright I'll--what?! The deal was just a dance, why escort throughout the night?"

"Cousin we still haven't agreed on any deal" Damon reminded him with a smirk causing Milind to turn slightly pink. "you DO want to dance with her do you?"

Milind wasn't listening anymore, he have already made up his mind and turned to go and ask the stranger to dance with him. there was high chances of her declining his offer as she was declining each and every men who was asking her to do so. But still he was ready to take a chance.

Prachi nervously shook her head at every offer and then suddenly her eyes caught up with Milind Mishra. she froze. Unable to blink and believe that she was seeing the same man she saw before. tonight he was too handsome for words. He was clad in raven black from head to foot with the exception of snowy white shirt and neck cloth. His shoulders seemed much too broader, arms much too muscular and too tanned, his hair swept back and it was touching his collar and she so wanted to run her hands through them. She knew that she was gaping at him and she tried to look away but it was impossible. The rugged prince was making his way to her! 'what? Rugged Prince??!' Prachi thought astonished.

'close your mouth close your mouth' Prachi chanted herself in the head but she simply couldn't do it. she swallowed hard and braced herself to play the little game she planned throughout the day.

"may I have the pleasure to dance with you?" Prrachi heard him ask in his usual husky voice and without taking her gaze off him, she slid her gloved hands in his. He smiled and she knew her heart had stopped beating now. she let out the breath she was holding for so long as she was led to the dance floor. His eyes too were on her but there was something else in those charcoal eyes which now seemed more darker. As if he was trying to make out something. Prachi tensed as she realized that he was probably guessing who was behind the mask. 'so much for the sweet little game she was going to play. Prachi was smitten! She herself couldn't believe it. there was a lot of thing that was surprising her lately she simply cant put a finger to it.

When he pulled her by her waist, she squirmed a bit and then saw him arch a brow with amusement she just shook her head and placed her hands over his broad shoulders and started to sway with the music. "do I know you?" he asked suddenly and Prachi's eyes widened behind her mask. Prachi wanted to giggle but stopped thinking that he will know instantly who she was the moment she let a sound out of her mouth. So instead, she looked up at him and smiled and shook her head in negative. "funny I thought you look very familiar to Pra—"

He stopped at the mention of Prachi's name. dear god, he was thinking about her. Milind was already missing her. when he twirled her around, he smelled of lemons and then gasped with the realization. The woman in his arms smelled like Prachi. even her eyes, they look like her. Milind began to laugh aloud for the foolishness of him for not realizing sooner that she was non other than prachi. how could he have missed the smile?

'is the man daft?' Prachi thought eyeing him curiously. She haven't spoken a word yet he was laughing his head off. Prachi gave him a questioned look and he said.

"you know its really weird for me to dance with a woman who is not saying anything, people will think that we don't like each other"

'so that's why he was laughing like a mad man?' Prachi thought dubiously. Prachi shook her head in negative indicating it was nothing and looked up at him. Milind gave her a smile which made him look almost boyish.

Before Milind could converse further, the dance ended and Prachi saw the other ladies giving curtseys to their partners. Prachi imitated them and when did so, she heard a slow chuckle from milind. he gave a short bow of his own and then stepped closer to whisper in her ear.

"I didn't know you had such ladylike manners" Prachi shivered as she felt his warm breath however his next word made her stiffen. "Prachi"

Prachi gazed at him stunned for that he has recognized her. "how did you know?" it was almost a whisper. Prachi watched his eyes dance with amusement. "oh come on Prachi, you didn't actually believe that I wont be able to recognize you?"

Prachi felt her face flush and then turned towards the French doors and walked into the garden wanting to avoid the rest of the evening. There was nothing more she can do now, Milind has recognized her and she wont be able to play the game anymore. Prachi heard Milind call to her but she just fastened her pace and walked into the garden knowing well the eyes that followed her.

"what did you do to her?" Elena demanded to Milind as soon as she saw Prachi run out of the ballroom. Milind just shrugged and replied. "I only told her that I know who she was"

"do you realize how important this ball is to her? go and apologize to her right now" Elena demanded angrily.

"what?" Milind asked shocked. "why should I apologize to her?"

"because you have insulted her, now go and apologize and bring her back here" Elena said her eyes flashing with anger and when Milind looked at Damon for help, but he just stood behind Elena his shoulders shaking with mirth. Surely he was enjoying Milind getting an earful and also Milind Mishra who never apologized to girls was suppose to apologize, woo her and bring her back to the dance floor. It was beyond Milind's pride and ego to apologize to a woman that too Prachi of all the people.

Grunting with exasperation, milind walked outside

"I hope they come out alive" Elena said to which Damon gave a short laugh before pulling his fianc in his arms.

"Prachi?" Milind walked into the alcove and saw Prachi leaning onto a tree. As soon as she heard him, she jumped slightly and then she whirled around and pulled Milind beside her clasping his mouth shut with her hands.

"shhh…" she whispered cautiously. Milind's eyes widened and an immediate rush of heat passed through his body with the way her body was pressed against his in the most intimate way.

"shh…don't make a sound" Prachi said once more pulling more to the tree. Prachi then craned her neck to a side. Milind couldn't possibly guess what she was trying to do. All he knew was that he wanted her now. more than he have ever wanted anyone. Milind studied Prachi more closely now. her mask has been removed and from the close proximity, he can smell strongly of lemons as well as roses. Her skin was creamier than ever before. her hair which was pulled up with the pins were now loosened, they looked so soft and shiny under the soft lit lamp post behind them. for now, he wanted nothing more to pull the entire pins out of her hair and run his hands through them. she seem absolutely too beautiful for words tonight. He would wager even Shaksphere would find it hard to describe what a beauty she is tonight….

"i heard someone speaking" Prachi said breaking Milind's thoughts. At once Milind shoved her aside furious for thinking such to her. more importantly he was disgusted with himself for wanting to seduce a girl like that.

"Milind" Prachi warned pulling him to her but Milind held his ground and demanded. "What is going on here?"

"Milind, please lower your voice, you are making them---" Prachi looked behind and then shook her head before turning to Milind angrily. "great! Now they got alert!"

"damn it Prachi, what are you saying? Have you been spying on some couple?" Prachi's eyes widened in disbelief and said clenching her teeth to which he thought that she might as well as grind them off any moment.

"I was not spying on lovers but killers!" she clenched her jaw and said as slowly as possible. Milind's expression changed in split seconds and grabbed her by her arms and said angrily. "what do you mean"

"I mean, I heard them talk they were talking in whispers but I did catch an important bit" she winced with pain and then continued on. "they were saying that they have to kill 'him' before the full moon"

"him? who him?"

"I don't know that much I heard, until you came and made them go away" Prachi said shoving off his hands and rubbing her hands over her arms. Milind looked shell shocked. He looked dazed and out of words. Prachi's concern grew and asked. "what's wrong milind?"

"its Damon" he blurted out. "they are planning to kill Damon on his wedding night which is the full moon"

"what?!" Prachi nearly screamed. "but that cant happen, who would ever want to kill him?"

"I don't know" Milind shook his head then turned to where Prachi earlier looked where the men stood and then asked."Prachi do you know who they are?"

"Wha-no. no I have never seen them before, but if I see them again, I'll be able to recognize them"

"they wont be seen again now that they might have known you were here as well as me, Prachi is there anything odd that you saw? Anything at all?" Milind asked once again in hope that one of the two men might be the people whom he have been suspecting a very long time.

Prachi thought for a moment and then raised her gaze to meet his. "I think there is…one guy was actually finding it difficult to talk as if he stammers and he coughs in between"

Milind's face darkened and his jaw clenched. "you know him?"

"Yes!" Milind replied tersely. "its my brother"

i knw this is not my best of the updates but wil try to make it bettter in the next one hopfully...please do comment :) and silent members do hit the 'LIKE' button if u like the update

Hai siya