FF: Teri Ek Nazar Pt-14 Pg-28 24th-Dec - Page 5

Part 3

When Prachi got home the day's events disturbed her. One half of her was saying why did Milind look at me so intently? Why did he speak so softly into my ear? Why did he hold my hand? But the other half of her tried to reason he held my hand rashly just to get his work done and speaking into my ear was just meaningless. But one thing she could not argue about was the way he made her feel. His deep gaze flustered her, his hot breath on her face tantalised her and his touch imparted such a strange feeling, no-one's touch had ever had such an effect on her.

The next day when Milind called Prachi into his office he could clearly see from Prachi's eyes that she had a restless and he knew exactly why. The next couple weeks Milind enjoyed tormenting Prachi by acting nice one minute then being stern the next. He enjoyed seeing her squirm at his every move towards her. He was taking pleasure in this game of confusing Prachi and wanted to carry on it for a while longer. He wanted Prachi to feel mystified by his actions. Prachi was unable understand whether Milind was intentionally acting so weirdly around her but she just carried on with her work trying to put it out of mind.

One particular day Milind had asked Prachi to assist him with a presentation he needed finishing. He did not play games with Prachi as he genuinely needed her help. As they worked during the day Milind was surprised by Prachi's effort and knowledge. As they finally completed the crucial work it had already turned 11pm. "Prachi I think we should stop for today it has got so late we can finish the rest off tomorrow." Milind said to Prachi. "Okay Sir," she replied while tidying up the files on Milind's desk. As they both left the building Milind asked Prachi with interest, "How are you getting home?" "Sir, I am getting a taxi," she replied. "This late at time it will take you ages to get a taxi...I will drop you home." He didn't know why he was concerned but he didn't want to travel alone at this hour especially since she had helped him out. "No Sir, I will get a taxi, I don't want to trouble you." "No Prachi I don't want to hear anything I am taking you home." There was a finality in his words to which Prachi could not refuse. The car journey was peaceful; Prachi looked out the window into the night sky. Milind couldn't help but steal quick glances at her. She looked beautiful as the moonlight lit her face. A few strands of her hair fell and caressed her face. Milind fought the urge to push them behind her ear so he could get a clear view of this striking vision that sat beside him. Prachi's voice broke the silence, as she pointed to her house. Milind stepped out the car to open the door for Prachi. Without a word he walked Prachi to the gates of her house. As they came to a standstill Prachi turned to Milind, "Thank you Sir and sorry for the hassle of dropping me home." "It's no problem," he replied. "Sir, goodnight and I will see you tomorrow." "Goodnight Prachi." Milind stood by the gates to see Prachi disappear into her house. But before she entered her house she had this strange feeling to turn around. As she turned she met Milind's eyes in a long gaze, she slowly waved goodbye and ran into her home. Milind didn't understand what made him stand there so long and why he wanted to make sure she got inside her house before he left. There was something inside Milind which he could not fight; it was the desire, the impulse to be close to Prachi.

As Milind got into his car he re-ran the day's events. He had been left stunned by Prachi's attitude. She was hardworking, determined and committed. The more he got to know her, the more amazed he became. He hated these feeling he was having he was seeking revenge against Prachi for Alaap's mistake then why was he getting so drawn to her. He knew these feelings he was developing for Prachi were getting in the way and he had to get to the next stage of his plan soon.