Thank you for the lovely comments, guys! Much love to you all <3 . This one is dedicated to all of you.
However the fourth day had arrived where the conference party was going to be held. A soft music was being played as people were enjoying each other's company.
The only person who wasn't really thrilled was Prem.
He genuinely felt like a bad idea to attend the small conference. It was pointless. He had already met the important people and this was a waste of time - drinking and laughing at pointless jokes. He had better things to do such as relax and get some sleep.
He sighed heavily upon a thought crept into his mind. In a few years ago he would have thought that this was what life was all about - showing people how much money you had and then waste it on pointless things to entertain people - but not anymore.
Believe it or not, but life had taught him some important lessons which he valued very much. And this was not part of the list what he wanted to do.
He however shook the feeling away and took a glance around the hall. His eyes fell upon a familiar woman learning against the bar with a glass of water in her hand.
Mukti was looking beautiful while wearing a long navy blue dress which went to the knees. She looked quite simple compared to others, but in front of Prem's eyes she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Mukti tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, as she caught Prem's gaze on her.
Memories came crashing down on her, which she thought she had buried away. She lowered her gaze and went outside as the memories started to suffocate her.
The sudden fresh air somehow helped her to calm her nerves down. So many thoughts, memories were circling around her mind. She thought that she had already escaped all these memories, but apparently she was wrong.
Prem walked toward the door as he stood looking at her. He already knew why she had lowered her gaze. He knew why she had gone outside.
He took a step forward to approach her.
She almost didn't notice the small tear running down her cheek, but he had. He reached forward and gently wiped it away, which caused her to open her eyes.
The sudden touch had caused something in her.
Something she had ceased for years.
She took a step back and walked right passed him with her back against him.
He stood back slightly unsure of what to do.
I won't take a step forward, knowing how hard it is for me stay away from you.'
He turned around and noticed for the first time that she was wrapping her arms around herself.
He took a few steps forward and placed his jacket around her shoulders and left before she could say anything. She couldn't help but hold on to the jacket as his scent filled her senses. She wouldn't admit it, but it had sent a calm feeling in her.
A moment later, she returned back inside, trying to spot him, but somehow couldn't find him anywhere among the many guests.
Why was she even trying to find him?'
She went up to the receptionist where the woman greeted her with smile. "Uh,, I'm looking for Prem Sharma Bajaj.."
"Yes, he went upstairs to his room a few minutes ago."
Mukti nodded as a she felt a pang of disappointment.
Without spending any further moment, she concluded that she should go upstairs as well and get some sleep. Their flight was an early one, and so they should be well rested for the day.
She took the elevator and went toward her room where she pulled out her key. Before she could get inside, she stood staring at the door Prem was staying at. She stood debating heavily on what to do. Should she knock? Should she talk to him?
Instead, she gently took his jacket off her shoulders and placed it on the door handle. With that she got inside her own room leaving her feelings at the door.
-----
Early next morning they didn't seem to talk much when they left London and boarded the plane back home.
The brunette woman had thought about it all night and the decision she had reached was to let the matter be as it was. She wasn't ready to get hurt again for whatever step she took. Not again at least. She couldn't make the same mistake one more time. This time she would trust her mind over her heart.
While sitting in the plane, Mukti took a small glance to the side and she saw Prem taking a nap next to her. For the first time she couldn't help but notice small things which she hadn't seen before.
She noticed his strong jawline and the fact that he had a few buttons undone of his white shirt like always. She quickly shook her head and remembered herself that she would not go on the same path she once had taken.
So she reached for her phone and something caught her attention as her eyes scanned her unread mails on her phone. One particular mail had stood apart.
She clicked on feeling like a burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She had finally gotten her own apartment just downtown the street. It wasn't far from the other house she was staying which she was okay with.
They arrived to Prem's house a few hours later while being tired and exhausted from the long trip.
They settled the luggage at the hallway as the elder couple greeted them inside the living room.
"Finally you two are here," Prerna said with a smile.
Prem stretched his arms as he yawned slightly, "you don't say."
Prerna shook her head while smiling. "How was the flight?"
Mukti took a chance to answer. "It was fine. We've managed to settle the deal, which they have to discuss with the company. They'll contact us within the week."
"That's good to hear. You both did a great job."
"Why don't you both go and change while I set the table for us." They disappeared into their separate rooms with each different thought in their heads.
Once retuning back inside they were seated around the table. Prem noticed that it was only the four of them.
"Where are Sneha and Soldier?" he asked.
The father raised his gaze as he passed the plate with rice to his wife. "Sneha is out with Raj and Tushar is somewhere with his friends."
Prem nodded as he took a bite of his food.
Mukti took a glance at everyone. "I almost forgot to tell you, I've finally got an apartment downtown."
The minute Prem heard the words leave her mouth; he couldn't help but feel empty. She wasn't going to be around anymore. He wasn't going to see her around in the late evenings.
A voice brought him back to the present. "That's good, Beta, but remember you're always welcome here whenever you want to."
Mukti nodded as she swore she saw a different look on Prem's face, but shook the feeling away.
They finished dinner and went up to their rooms. But before she could enter her own room, Prem stopped her.
"Mukti?"
"Prem, I'm really tired right now and I just want to go to sleep."
She went inside her room as she leaned against the door. She took a deep breath and heard him leave the spot after a minute.
Soon enough they both fell asleep letting the matter untouched.
*****
To Be Continued!
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Anupamaa
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