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Chapter 5
Milind looked at the papers in disbelief. She really was serious. He couldn't deny it when there it was in black and white staring at him in the face. A request for a legal separation by Prachi Shah Mishra from Milind Mishra. Without even thinking about it, he tore up the papers. But still his anger didn't abate. "Hello", Neev answered his phone cheerfully. "Who's baby is she adopting?", snarled Milind. "Well, hello Milind. How are you? I'm fine. So, is my wife and child. Thanks for asking.", replied Neev sarcastically. "I'm not in the mood for games", snapped Milind, "What the hell is she doing?". Neev sighed, "Don't you think you should be asking her that?". "I don't want to talk to her.", said Milind shortly. Neev sensed Milind was in one of his irrational fits of anger. "The kid was abandoned at the hospital. Prachi decided that she wants to give her a home and I'm guessing that's why you just got served with divorce papers.", said Neev. "Divorce! Is that what she wants?", yelled Milind. "So, you didn't get divorce papers?", asked Neev slightly confused. "Legal separation papers but it's headed for a divorce, isn't it?", demanded Milind.
"Listen, Milind you need to calm down.", said Neev trying to reason with him before the situation got any more explosive. Unfortunately for him at that very moment Ayesha entered his office with Sumit. "Milind?", queried Ayesha angrily. "I got to go ... Ayesha!", said Neev but before he could cut the call, Ayesha had already pulled the phone out of his hand. "Milind, this is Ayesha. Just sign the papers, okay.", said Ayesha. "Really and why is that?", asked Milind. "Listen here, you're the one who messed up. You're the one who left. Just let her get on with her life.", said Ayesha. "I don't want to talk to you. Put your husband back on the line.", said Milind dismissively. Ayesha threw the phone back at Neev in disgust. "Tell Prachi, I'm not signing those papers. In fact I tore them up.", said Milind coolly and cut the call.
Within an hour, Prachi in a towering rage phoned Milind. Milind anticipating her call was much calmer. "You tore up the papers!", yelled Prachi. " And I'll tear up the next set you send, so don't even think about it.", warned Milind. Prachi expected him to be upset but she had to make him see reason. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Prachi said, "Milind, I honestly don't see what the problem is here. We have been separated for nearly two years, we live in different countries, live separate lives, how is signing the papers going to change any thing. What difference does it make?", asked Prachi. "But it will make a big difference to your life won't it? First you'll get yourself a new daughter and then you'll get a new husband? You think I don't know about that Ranvir?", asked Milind viciously. Prachi went cold with rage and hurt, "After everything, you did, you have some nerve!", said Prachi furiously. "I am going to send you papers again but this time it's for a divorce. Tear it up if you want but I'll still go to court and get it.", challenged Prachi. And with that she slammed the phone down on him.
Milind threw the phone against the wall. He barely stopped himself from tearing his office apart. He didn't understand where all this anger was coming from, he didn't even question it. All he knew it was almost a relief from the numbness and dull ache, he had felt for the last two years. Everything she said was true. They were already good as divorced, he was the one who left, who two years ago sabotaged his marriage, so why now was he still holding on. Maybe deep down he did blame her, like she blamed him and this was his way of punishing her. Milind held his head in despair. But when he thought about cutting all ties with her, he didn't think of vengeance or punishment, he felt panicked, that something was being taken away from him. And anger that once again he was going to lose everything.
By evening, Prachi had calmed down considerably. But her anger was replaced by a cold determination to now go ahead with a divorce. Asha eyes was drooping but she was fighting off her sleep and as a result was restless. "Come on, Asha, you need to sleep.", said Prachi tiredly as she rocked her. Just then the doorbell rang and Asha grew even more fussy. "Dammit.", cursed Prachi. She was all alone at home. "I'm coming, I'm coming.", said Prachi as the doorbell rang incessantly. Still carrying Asha, she opened the door to find Milind glaring at her.
Milind was still fuelled by his anger. Anger that made him drop everything and fly out to India to confront her. Prachi however was completely taken aback. "What are you doing here?", asked a startled Prachi. Not bothering to answer her, Milind just walked into the house. She looked thinner, the baby looked nothing like Kshama, he wanted to smash his hand through the wall but at the same time he could feel his heart break into a million pieces. Holding back the tears that suddenly threatened to overwhelm her, Prachi pleaded, "Milind, I don't want to fight.". "Do you still want a divorce?", asked Milind.
Immediately, Asha started to cry. Milind turned his back on them as Prachi tried to pacify the baby. He felt a searing pain seeing her with a child in her arms. A child that wasn't theirs. Hurting more than he thought possible, he turned around and lashed out at her, "Is it so easy to replace our daughter with just any child you find?". Prachi was sorely tempted to slap him. "I don't care if that's what you think. And yes, I still want that divorce.", she countered. "Over my dead body.", said Milind coldly. "Why, Milind?", Prachi suddenly screamed, out of sheer frustration. Asha, terrified by all the yelling started to cry louder. Prachi exhausted and in tears herself, asked, "Why are you suddenly holding onto this marriage that died years ago?".
Milind couldn't answer her. "Are you doing this to punish me?", he asked, his voice slightly cracking. "Punish you?", asked Prachi wearily. "For killing our daughter? That's why our marriage ended anyway.", said Milind in despair. "Our marriage ended because you slept with another woman while I was at home grieving for our child.", said Prachi bitterly. There was a moment of silence while they looked at each other. All the hurt, anger and bitterness of the last few years was etched on her face. They had both got so wrapped up in their own pain, they had failed to see the other's suffering. But now looking at her crying while still struggling to calm the baby, Milind could see her pain and feel it. And with that, the fight within Milind died. He felt defeated and so very tired. "I'll give you your divorce.", he finally said before walking out the door.
Anupamaa
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
