Chapter 12
"Ooohh," complained Prachi as the distant ringing of her phone woke her up. She tried to move but she was unable to. Milind had his face buried in her neck and his heavy arm around her waist pinned her to the bed. "Milind," said Prachi as she tried to shake him awake. "What?" grumbled Milind, he was reluctant to wake up from the best sleep, he had in years. "My phone," said Prachi as she finally managed to move him off her and grab her phone from her bag.
"Prachi, where the hell are you?" shrieked Ayesha. Prachi was now wide awake. "Are you okay? You have to be in court in an hour!" continued Ayesha. "Oh god!" said Prachi in panic, "I'm leaving now. I'll be there." Milind was now also fully awake and looking at her concerned. "Leaving where?" demanded Ayesha. "I'll explain when I get home." replied Prachi and cut the call. "What's going on?" demanded Milind as she hastily pulled on her clothes. "We have to be in court in an hour," said Prachi confusedly. Milind said nothing. He just looked at her with a mixture of sadness and pain. "Milind, I don't know what to do! Asha... I just know you have to get dressed and I have to go," said Prachi in despair. "Then go," said Milind resignedly and turned his back on her. Prachi gave him one last look and ran out the door.
An hour later, Prachi sat outside the courtroom, in utter turmoil. This divorce couldn't go through but if it didn't it could jeopardise Asha's adoption, an adoption that was to be finalised that every day. She didn't know what to do. She just wished time would stop still, so she could think. But time was the one thing she didn't have, they were about to be called into the courtroom in a few minutes and Milind still hadn't arrived.
"Prachi," Prachi jumped at the intrusion of Sunil's voice. "I just received a copy of this yesterday," said Sunil as he handed her a copy of Sarika's final report. Prachi skimmed through it. Sarika recommended that Prachi receive custody of Asha. However one sentence grabbed Prachi's attention. "While I recommend Prachi's adoption of Asha, it should be noted that she will best thrive in a two parent home." "Case 09-1888, Prachi Shah vs. Milind Mishra," called out the court clerk. Prachi looked up to see Milind arrive. In that instant, she knew exactly what she had to do. She had to fight for her family.
Milind and Prachi took their places in front of the judge. Before the judge could even speak, Prachi blurted out, "There has been a mistake. I want to withdraw my application." Milind mind went blank. He didn't even look at Prachi. "Prachi, what's going on?" asked Sunil. "I've changed my mind. I do not want this divorce," said Prachi adamantly. Siddhart turned to Milind, "Milind, what do you want to do?" Milind had no answer. He had no idea what to think, feel or say anymore. Thankfully for him Prachi did. "Your honour, my husband had a talk last night and we decided to give our marriage another try and I'm sure the court will prefer that than another divorce, "said Prachi clearly and strongly. "Yes, the court would prefer that but we also would have preferred if you would come to this decision earlier," reprimanded the judge, "But if you are quite sure, I will have to dismiss this case." "We're sure," replied Prachi. And before Milind could even utter a word, he found himself re-bonded to his marriage.
"Meet me back here at 11," said Prachi to Milind once they were outside the courtroom. Milind snapped out of the daze he was in. "What the hell? We need to talk. Now!" yelled Milind. "And we will," said Prachi calmly, "Just promise me you'll meet me back here at 11." Milind looked at her angrily but he knew it was futile. "Do I have any choice?" he conceded grumpily. "Absolutely none," said Prachi smiling as she leaned in and kissed him, happiness slowly creeping into her. Before Milind could even respond, she left. She was about to ambush and emotionally blackmail him but she had no doubt that it was the right thing to do.
Two hours later, Prachi was back at the courthouse to find Milind already there. Milind grabbed her arm as soon as he saw her, "Prachi, enough of your games. We need to talk..." He stopped at the sight of Soumya carrying Asha, "What's going on ..." Prachi was suddenly scared. She couldn't let him run away again. "Milind, please just trust me," pleaded Prachi. Just then Sunil arrived with Sarika. "Milind, if you love me, please just come with me. Please ...," begged Prachi, close to tears. Milind just nodded though he felt a fear slowly grip him.
"The court will now hear Order of Adoption 09-778," announced the judge, confirming Milind's fears as he stood next to Prachi. "I need to speak to the judge," said Prachi. Sunil just sighed, "Your honour, my client requests to say something to the court." "Unusual but I'll allow it," replied the judge. "Your honour, I would like to change my petition to include my husband. This will be a joint adoption by both of us, "said Prachi. Milind felt as if he was standing at the edge of a precipice. His first instinct was to freefall into the black abyss that he had been pulled into after his daughter's death. She was asking him to be a father again. He couldn't. Prachi whispered something to Sunil.
Milind barely heard a word as Sunil requested the judge to allow Sarika to testify on Milind suitableness or to Sarika's testimony. Prachi held his hand. "Milind, look at me!" whispered Prachi. Milind looked at her. Every single fear, doubt and misgiving, he had was etched on his face as he looked at her. But Prachi ignored it all because her faith in him was greater. "Look at me and look at that child. I know you will not let us down, not today, not ever," said Prachi fiercely.
Milind looked at Asha and then back at Prachi. He loved her so much and he knew he would love Asha too but he terrified of hurting them. Sarika finished her testimony where she commended what a hands-on father Milind had seemed to be. Finally the judge spoke, "Mr Mishra, I would like to hear from you. Are you willing to adopt this child?" Milind could feel himself staring down the abyss again. He then felt Prachi clasp his hand tighter. Her gaze on him was steady, unwavering and he could feel himself being pulled away from the edge. Her belief in him was even stronger than his fears. A belief that he was powerless against. "Mr Mishra, are you willing to adopt this child?" asked the judge again. "Yes, I am," said Milind finally.
Edited by --BC-- - 15 years ago
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile
Tum Se Tum Tak
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Mannat Har Khushi Paane Ki
Vasudha
