FF: Rishtey- Final PART - ENDING pg 25 - Page 4

Chapter 1- 49 http://www.india-forums.com//forum/kayamath/871286/ff-rishtey-mp-na-new-prt-updtd-12-25-new-thread

CHAPTER 50 : The answers to all questions...or is it. 😉😃

On the occasion of the sliver jubilee of my FF, I'd like to thank all my readers and all those who encouraged me and bared with the boring FF in the name of mystery. I love you all. Thankyou very much from the deepest corner of my heart. 🤗

Milind was standing at the top of the stairs leading onto the terrace of SM. He stood a bit in awe. There she was the most beautiful creature he had laid eyes on sitting demurely by the small pool of water clad in a red Punjabi suit, adorned in all traditional jewelry, looking nothing less than a new bride. She hadn't looked up maybe she hadn't heard his footsteps as he came closer'but then she always was lost in her dream world. She was making ripples in the otherwise still water with the tips of her fingers when she suddenly stopped. She saw his reflection in the water and her fingers extended towards it but suddenly her eyes widened. If it was her imagination'why was Milind not smiling. He always smiled in her imagination'now he was looking very real. He's standing behind me, she thought shocked and turned around startled. She stood up quickly but that had not been such a good idea, she realized, as the corners of her vision started to go black and she felt herself sway. He had steadied her before she fell and she looked at his strong grasp on her arms'she wasn't dreaming again, he was really here.

"You alright?" he asked not letting go of her arms. She stood mute and he stared at her trying to fathom the silence of her eyes. Then his eyes fell on the thali that was sitting by the pool next to where she had been sitting. She could sense the question in his eyes but she was saved from answering when PL walked up to them. Neev and Ayesha had followed. "Beta jaldi vrat tod do phir sab saath mein dinner karenge" break her fast and we'll all have dinner togetherPL had smiled at Milind.

PL had been suspicious of Prachi's overextended stay at SM and tonight could have been a confirmation of her doubts and worries regarding Prachi and Milind's relationship had Milind not shown up much to her surprise. She had sent Milind up to the terrace where Prachi had been waiting all evening, first for the moon to show up and then for everyone to leave her alone so she could ask for another lifetime in which to be with the man she loved. But as PL got ready to get everyone for dinner she realized that this was Milind and Prachi's first KC and neither of them would know the rituals properly so she had come up to instruct them. Neev and Ayesha watched as Milind broke Prachi's vrat. Ayesha's mind was clouded with worries as she knew everything wasn't peachy between them but Neev sensed something else. There was something unspoken between them. Prachi had never been one to share her innermost feelings. It had taken years for Neev to realize that and finally start to read her silent cues. But she was still a mystery sometimes. As little as he knew about Milind, he suspected he too wasn't one to share his personal thoughts so often. So he wondered if the problem they were having was a result of some gap in communication.

Once the rituals were over PL walked down asking them to come for dinner. That's when finally Milind tore his eyes from Prachi and noticed that he had not even acknowledged Aeysha and Neev. "Tune vrat nahi rakha?" you didn't fast? he asked Ayesha who smiled and looked at Neev. "Aisi halat mein kaise rakhne deta Milind" how could i let her in such condition Neev answered. "Kaisi halat??" what condition? Milind asked wondering. Neev looked at Ayesha who looked apologetic at Milind. "She is pregnant, dude" Neev smiled and Milind looked at Ayesha a bit hurt. "Kehne ko toh main tera dost hoon na Ayesha'" So i am a friend of yours for namesake. Milind had accused her. "Milind voh Ritwik ka birthday aane waala hai na'maine socha uss din hi tujhe aur Sukriti ko kudh aakar bata dun. Phone pe khushi bantne mein todi mazza aata hai" Milind its just that i was going to come over on Ritwik's birthday and tell you guys face to face. Its no fun sharing good news over the phone. Ayesha had explained. But Neev interrupted "Don't worry man'mujhe bhi pata chale jyada vakt nahi hua hai." Even i found out not too long ago Ayesha turned and glared at him. He wasn't helping. Milind was very sensitive and she could see he was hurt. "Achcha aa kushi baantle" come share some happinesshe had said and extended his arm to her and she had hugged him warmly. Milind was reminded why he had come here in the first place. "Teri baat toh samajh mein aati hai Ayesha'tu roz kahan milti hai mujhe. Lekin kuch log toh din raat mere saath rehte hue bhi mujhse badi se badi baat chupa jaate hain." I understand you Ayesha..you don't see me so often. But some who were with me day and night have hidden several things from me. He had glared angrily at Prachi who felt like her heart had just leapt into her throat. She looked down and an irritated Milind walked off when he saw her playing with the end of her dupatta. He wasn't about to say more in front of Neev and Ayesha. Besides he was aware that Prachi had not eaten anything the whole day'at least she wasn't pretending to be keeping a vrat from the way she has almost fainted when she got up. He wasn't going to keep her from her dinner.

While the rest of the family chatted animatedly, Milind and Prachi remained silent. Prachi was happy she was sitting next to Milind and not in front of him because she could just sense the tension in his body. If he had looked at her she would have squirmed. She didn't know why she was so nervous'maybe it was because she could see that Milind wanted some sort of explanation'and he was surely going to ask her things that she had no answer for. How much could she lie? Suddenly they heard Suyesha's loud voice, "Mehmaan Prachi ka pati hai toh phir Prachi mehmaan ke ghar kyun nahi rehti." If the guest is Prachi's husband then why does Prachi not live in the guest's house Everyone looked at her direction shocked and a perplexed Alaap tried to tell her to be quiet. She had been questioning about Milind since he had come. Finally Alaap had told her that Milind had every right to be there as he was family. But soon she had other questions for him and he wanted to just keep a lid on that mouth of hers. Her mother senses the scene Suyesha was about to create and offers to take her away from the table but she only stood up and refused to leave. "Mummy aapne kaha tha achche bachche shaadi ke baad apne pati ke ghar rehte hain. Main achchi bachchi hoon. Prachi achchi bachchi nahi hai." Mom you had said to me that good children stay at their husband's house after marriage. I am a good kid. Prachi is not. Suyesha declared making a face at Prachi. Milind had enough. "Prachi I need to talk to you" he said getting up and headed towards Prachi's room. Prachi stole her gaze from everyone at the table and slowly walked towards her room knowing well that she didn't want to face Milind right now. Meanwhile Suyesha had started to cry and said that if Prachi was allowed to stay at her mother's house and then she too wanted to stay with her mother.

Prachi had entered her room to a Milind who stood turned away from her. "Milind'" she called out softly. He had turned around swiftly and Prachi could see the tension in his body. "Meri kya ehmiyat hai tumhari zindagi mein, Prachi" whats my place in your life Prachi? he had asked outright and Prachi had stared at him shocked. "Kya matlab?" what do you mean? she asked stammering and tried to look anywhere but at him. She was going to play games again'then fine we'll do it your way, he thought. "Prachi tumne apne ghar mein'apni mom ko, kisisi ko Ritwik ke baare mein bataaya hai? Ya yeh ki tumne usse apna kidney dene ka faisla kiya hai." Prachi have you told anyone in your family about Ritwik or that you plan to give your kidney to him? She dared to look up but had to turn away from him. "Kyun?" Why? she asked wondering about the changing tone in his voice.
Milind: "Kyun'unhe jaanne ka hakk nahi hai Prachi? tumhe yeh baat pichle 4 saal se maloom hai'lekin aaj tak kisi ko nahi bataaya tumne. do they not deserve to know? You have known this for the past 4 years and yet you told no one. You were having nighmares every day Prachi about loosing him'tab bhi kisi se apna darr baantna zaroori nahi laga tumhe? yet you didn't share your fears with anyone. Kyun? Kudh ko insaan nahi samajhti kya?" why? do you not think yourself human?
Prachi: "Milind kuch baatein bataane se apno ko takleef mein dekhna padta hai. Milind certain things, if told cause pain to those we love. Bataakar kya ho jaata. Ritwik ke liye jo kiya jaa sakta tha kar chuki hoon main. Sabko bataati toh sirf unki pareshaani bad jaati." What was the use of telling them. I had done whatever could be done for him. If i told anyone it would only help to get them worried.
Milind: "Aur mujhe kyun nahi bataaya?" And why did you not tell me?
Prachi turned back to look at him surprised. "Isliye ki mujhe bhi pareshaan dekh nahi sakti tum?" because you can't see me troubled either? he had stared right into her almond eyes moving closer to her and she had widened her eyes in panic. When had he started to read her? "Jin apno ki takleef se tumhe takleef hoti hai'unme mujhe kab shaamil kiya tha Prachi?" when did you include me in the list of people who's pain you can't bare he had asked coolly almost feeling proud at the expression on her face. She didn't have to answer really for him to know he was right. She loved him'and she couldn't deny it'he wouldn't let her.

"Aisa kuch nahi hai Milind" there is nothing like that Milind she tried to brush past him her face still giving away her fear of being caught. But it was too late. Milind had caught her arm and turned her to face him again. "Achcha toh saara din bhooki reh kar kiske liye dua kar rahi thi tu? Mujhe dekh kar khushi se tere aankh chalak rahe the.." whom were you praying for while fasting the whole day. Why was the happiness in your eyes brimming into tears when you saw me he said menacingly. "Voh toh mom ko dikhane ke liye'" I was pretending for mom's sake but her sentence was cut short. Milind had put his hand behind her head and pulled her to him by the neck and now he stood pressing his forehead against hers' "Don't lie to me Prachi" he said grinding every word in his mouth. "Mujhe jhoot bilkul nahi pasand" I don't like lies Prachi and Prachi had tried to push him away but she couldn't. He was too strong and she looked away unable to hide her tears. Why was this happening, she cursed her fate. Why must everything be so difficult. Milind released his grip on her and she staggered back to her bed and sat down staring into space. "Prachi tu apne dil ki baat sach sach kyun nahi kehti" why don't you share whats in your heart truthfully his tone had changed again. Now it almost sounded like pleading. He had come towards her and sat by her on the carpet looking up at her tear stained face. "Prachi" he had said softly his eyes expressing his desire clearly to her. He had placed his hand on her clasped ones. But she suddenly shot up shrugging his touch. She couldn't let him talk. He'd break her resolve. She couldn't look at him. She couldn't see his pain. She had to be stronger.

Prachi: "Tum yahaan yeh bataane aaye ho ki mujhe tumse pyaar ho gaya hai Milind?" Did you come here to tell me that i am in love with you? Milind had knitted his brow surprised by the suddenness that she had stood up with. He too stood up but remained quiet. "Aur shayad tumhe bhi mujhse'" and that maybe you are too. she had turned around and wiped her face forcefully. She gave him a smile that was full of all the sarcasm she could muster. Then she walked upto her almirah and produced a stack in black satin while Milind just gaped at her. What was this doing with her? "Yeh haina'tumhaara pyar." this is your love right And Milind suddenly started to feel guilty about something..he wasn't sure what. "Jis pyar ka tum 5 saal intezaar karte rahe Milind'bhool gayi uss pyar ko? Kyun?" You forgot the love you had waited for for 5 years...why? Prachi questioned him putting the stack of papers back in his hand. He looked down at them and filled with rage he flung it on her bed. "Yeh pyaar nahi dokha tha' sirf ek khel" Its wasn't love, it was betrayal...just a game he replied anger flashing in he dark eyes and Prachi had to take a step back involuntarily. Then she composed herself and replied, "Yeh dokha tha toh itne saal intezaar kyun kiya Milind. if it was betrayal then why did you wait so many years Milind? Sach yeh hai Milind ki meri aadat ho gayi hai tumhe. Mere saath zindagi asaan ho gayi hai tumhaari. The truth is that you have grown used to a life with me. I make your life easier. Isliye bhool gaye ki kisi ka intezaar tha tumhe'ki tumhaara dil kisi aur ki amanat hai. So you conveniently forgot that you were waiting for someone, that your heart belongs to someone else. Mujhe kisiki aadat bankar rehna manzoor nahi hai Milind. Joh insaan apna pyar bhool sakta hai'adaat bhulte kitni der lagegi." I don't have any desire to live as somone's habbit. The man who can forget his love can forget a habbit just as easily. Her words had pierced his heart. One thing was clear to him that she had no clue it was Anjali who had played games with his heart and his life. And he could have told her now'that the woman he was accused of betraying had no remorse for leaving him at all'but knowing the bond Prachi shared with Anjali he thought it better to hide that fact from her. She just didn't know the depth of his feelings. "Prachi jaisa tum samajh rahi ho vaisa nahi hai" Prachi its not what you think but he was cut short. "Vaisa hi hai Milind'aur mujhe kuch nahi sunna. Tum chale jaao yahaan se please" It is exactly like i said Milind and i don't want to hear anything else. Just leave from here. She had burst out with fresh tears and he had tried to reason with her. She was pushing him away refusing to let him speak and exasperated he had held both her hands. He had felt desperate. He felt that if he gave up on her now he'd never find his happiness. He wanted her in his life and he wasn't going to let go that easily. She had to understand that his feeling ran deeper for her than it did for the other women he had ever thought of.

Suddenly Milind found himself pushing Prachi against the wall to get her to be still. She was trying to free her arms so she could put it on her ears and tune off anything he was saying. He didn't understand why she was being so adamant and not even letting him utter a word. She kept shaking her head and saying no and asking him to get out. It was then that her back hit the wall and she bounced back against him, only this time he had come way too close to her face and as she turned her face and their lips had met. It was a graze but Milind had suddenly let her hands go free. He stepped back a bit in dazed confusion. She still had tears streaming her face but she had turned away from him and was hugging the wall. Milind had taken a few more steps back and he ran his fingers through his hair in absolute confusion. Maybe it was that he wanted Prachi so much that he was imagining the similarity. But his heart was beating loudly in his chest and he could feel the pulse right up to his ears'it was as if his heart was telling that she was the girl'it was Prachi that he loved'and it was only her that he had ever loved. The moment their lips had touched..he knew the taste..he knew what it felt like to kiss her. They had never kissed before, then how? Then suddenly it had hit him and his eyes had flashed. Prachi had noticed the glimpse of it and she had cowered down, away from his sight. She had prayed fervently that he'd not remember. But it was no longer in her hands.

He turned away from her, his thoughts running wild in his head driving him crazy. It was ridiculous'he wasn't even sure'maybe if he kissed her again he'd know for sure'but he couldn't. She had slid down the wall and was now sitting with her head buried in her knees. But still it wasn't possible, he told himself. How could he be mistaken'how could he not know the difference between Anjali and Prachi. It made no sense. Everything Prachi had said to him today'just moments ago..what was that'why had she said all those things. He looked at the papers strewn on the bed and back at Prachi's sobbing form. He needed to get away'he needed some air'and he needed to think clearly. He grabbed the pieces of the puzzle his life had become now, off of Prachi's bed and he walked out without saying a word. It was after Milind left that Prachi looked up at the closed door and started crying bitterly. Things were definitely not going as she had hoped.

PART 2

I should have done this with the first update but since i forgot, i will say sorry once again and dedicate Chapter 50 on a whole to Optimist who spent the most time trying to decode my mysteries. Thankyou akka for the taking the time and interest in this "mystery"😆 and i hope i don't get jootied when you find out what i have planned. You came the closest to guessing the MAP puzzle right and i will post your guess when i am done with the chapter (as i still haven't revelaed the secrets I know i am horrible.)

For those who are tired of my dragged stroyline, in short this part only reveals why Milind thought he had kissed Prachi before.😃 I had planned on finishing the whole chapter and posting it before Christmas but just didn't happen. I will do my best to post the next and last part of this chapter this week so that all the secrets will be out before new years.😃 I promise. Solemnly.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

As he descended the last step he looked back at the closed door to Prachi's room. What was he thinking. How could he think that Prachi could be that girl. It was a nonsense thought. And he had believed it for a second only based on an equally nonsensical notion that she felt the same to his lips. He had mistaken Prachi enough times and he had been proven wrong about his misunderstandings enough times to know not to make that mistake again. There was no reason to believe it was Prachi. He was about to turn and head back up the stairs but something stopped him. He looked at the papers in his hands and realized that it was his past that was standing between him and Prachi. Ignoring it wasn't going to solve the problem, he had to deal with it. He found Ramu kaka asked him where he could find Anjali. Ramu Kaka pointed towards her room and left to finish his chores.

Milind paused at the door when he noticed Anjali lost in admiring a painting on its canvas. He was about to knock when he saw her bend and kiss the painting and to his surprise it was a self-portrait. A sarcastic smile came across his face and he chided himself once again for even thinking that he was mistaken. Only someone as self-absorbed as Anjali could play games with people's emotions. "Kud se itna pyaar???" So much love for yourself? he asked loudly startling Anju who had not noticed him till then. He entered, his gaze fixed on the painting and Anjali blushed in embarrassment. "Voh..yeh..main.." she stumbled on her words but Milind was least interested. "Rehne de"Leave it he cut her off. "Main sirf teri kuch cheez vaapis karne aaya tha."I came to return some of your things Anjali looked at his curiously. What did he have of hers? He took her hand and slammed the papers on her palm. She stared at him surprised and angry. "Yeh kya hai Milind"What is this? she questioned him irritated by his behavior towards her and also in confusion. "Ek baar pad lo toh shayad tumhari yaad bhi taaza ho jaaye"Maybe if you read it once you'll remember he scoffed, ofcourse she'd behave like she is clueless. She thought he had no way of knowing her. "Aur jab yaad aa jaye toh mere kuch savaalon ka jawab lene mein phir aaunga."And when you remember I will come back to get some answers from you He turned to leave but stopped and said in a warning tone, "Main tumhare paas kabhi nahi aata Anjali, nikaal diya tha tumhe apne dil aur dimaag se, lekin puraani baton ko lekar agar Prachi mujhse door hui toh tumhe bhi chain se jeene nahi doonga." I would have never come to you, I had taken you out of my mind and heart. But if the our past takes Prachi away from me, then I won't let you live in peace either. With that he had left slamming the door without even glancing back to see the shock on Anjali's face.

Anjali had stared at the papers in her hand and replayed Milind's words again in her head. What the hell did he mean by all that he said. She knew things were not right between Prachi and Him but what did all that have to do with her. Milind had always been rude to her and she had often noticed him having an aversion to her that he didn't to any other member of Shah house, except for Alaap. She wasn't very fond of him either, but she had chalked it up to them having different personalities. However now she was forced to believe there was something else going on. Had he meant to say that he was once in love with her?? The question kept rearing its head but she rubbished it. They had barely interacted in college. Actually she didn't remember ever having a complete conversation with him. She read the papers that he had handed her. Then suddenly making up her mind she got up and headed towards Prachi's room.

"Anju uppar kyun jaa rahi ho beta" Why are you going upstairs? PL had called out concerned seeing Anjali hurrying to Prachi's room. "Maa I am fine. Mujhe bas Prachi se kuch kaam tha" I have some work with Prachi she had replied without turning back. PL would have protested because she knew Anjali was still not up to treading the stairs. That's why her room was shifted downstairs. But she also had noticed that Anjali had become somewhat moody these days and so she left her be and watched as she held one leg with her hand trying to ignore the discomfort in her knee.

Prachi was in the bathroom staring at herself. She hated the sight in front of her. She hated herself for what she had done. She had broken his heart, once again but she had no other choice. She could never tell him how much she loved him. It was then that she heard the loud banging on her door. "Prachi come out" she heard Anjali screaming. She quickly washed her face and tried her best to look normal. She came out to find Anjali panting. "Tu yahaan kyu ayi.."Why did you come here. Prachi had started but Anjali came right to the point, "Tera aur Milind ka jhagda hua tha kya?" Did you and Milind have a fight? Prachi stared at her for a minute tongue tied. "Kuch pooch rahi hoon main. Kya hua hai tum dono ke beech?" I am asking you something. Whats going on with you. she asked again. Prachi turned away and told Anjali coldly to mind her own business. Anjali however was not one to deter. Anjali came up in front of her and looking into her eyes she declared, "Jab tere aansun nikalte hain na Prachi, it becomes my business. Isliye jyada natak mat kar aur bata kya hua hai." When you have tears in your eyes, it becomes my business. So stop the act and tell me whats the matter.At that moment the phone rang and Prachi rushed to pick it up hoping that Anjali would just go away. Unfortunately for Prachi, the caller was Sukriti who had called on Ritwik's behest. He had complained to her for not calling him all these days, for not asking him how his day was and not remembering him at all. Then he proceeded to tell her about his new room, his visits to Sayah and also reminded her of his birthday. He kept talking while Prachi listened mutely unable to say anything to him or withstand the angry stare Anjali was giving her. Ritwik however was least bothered and continued to tell Prachi all the gifts he wanted for his birthday and finally when he realized that she wasn't speaking he got worried. It was the limit of her patience when he sadly told her how much he missed her and unable to bare it she hung up the phone without saying a word to him. It was then that it dawned on the poor boy that for some reason his Prachi mummy didn't like him anymore, that's why she had not called him all these days and she had not talked to him when he called her. He walked away dejected to his new room that suddenly looked very dull leaving Sukriti to wonder what had happened to him suddenly.

Prachi, however, was unable to hide her tears. "Kaun tha" who was it Anjali asked but got silence in reply. "You know I can find out in a minute" she threatened. "Ritwik" Prachi replied wiping her tears. "Toh baat kyun nahi ki" then why didn't you talk to him Anjali was flabbergasted. If Prachi was not talking to Ritwik, there was something seriously wrong and she had failed to notice it before. "Mujhe koi baat nahi karni. Vaise bhi tum kaunsa mujhse sab baat share karti ho joh mein tumhe sab kuch bata dun" I don't want to talk. Besides its not like you share everything with me. she had counter questioned in the hope to avoid Anjali.

Anjali: "Maine kya chupaya tumse? Sab kuch toh jaanti ho."What have I hidden from you. You know everything.
Prachi: "Achcha, toh tum Turkey kyun gayi thi? Vahaan se phone kiya aur bataya bhi nahi kyun. Aur maheeno baad seethe ghar aane ki bjaye Shimla chali gayi?" So why did you go to Turkey? Why did you call me from there to say nothing and then after months instead of coming home you went to Shimla straight.
Anjali couldn't believe that Prachi was actually comparing the two issues. But then it was true that she still hadn't told her about Anjum. She was about to inform Prachi of all of it when she realized Prachi was avoiding the issue. "Prachi don't try to avoid answering me" she had said frustrated. "I'll tell you why I went to Turkey later. Because right now your problems are more important" she had demanded an answer again.

Prachi simply turned away from her and crossed her hands like a stubborn child. "Mujhe tumse iss baare mein baat nahi karni Anju. Mera aur Milind ka jo bhi problem hai hum aapas mein nipat lenge." I don't want to talk to you about it. Whatever issues we have we'll deal with it on our own.
Now Anjali was sure it was a bigger problem than she has imagined. And she was sure Prachi was not going to talk no matter how much she pushed her. But it was her problem..especially when Milind was accusing her for something she didn't fully understand.She made one last attempt. "Are you sure Prachi you don't want to tell me anything." And Prachi had remained silent refusing to look at her. "You do realize what this means right Prachi.. agar tum mujhe kudh nahi bataogi toh.." she had left her sentence hanging and walked out of her room slowly. Prachi had turned to stare at her retreating back. This was Anjali, she would never let an issue go just because Prachi wasn't ready to talk. Prachi warned her, "Anjali don't you dare interfere. Har baat tumhare silly solutions se theek nahi ho jaati. Kuch baton ko vakt par chodna bhi seeklo." Not every problem is solved with your silly solutions. Learn to leave somethings to time. But at that moment she had spotted PL who had come upstairs with a glass of milk for both her daughters. PL had never seen Prachi this angry before, especially never with Anjali. Anjali and Prachi had always been best of friends who understood each other better than anyone else. Anjali had turned around and smiled at PL, taking the glasses from her hands. She offered one glass to Prachi who stared back angrily at the smug smile on her face. It was the smile that meant she was sure to get what she wanted by hook or crook. Prachi then saw PL's worried face and wondered how she would answer her mother's questions that were sure to follow. But Anjali then drank from both the glasses and turned around taking PL away with her making excuse for Prachi's anger and for why Milind had left without saying anything.

Prachi sighed in exasperation. It wasn't enough that her own guilt was killing her and she was spinning lies after lies. But now Anjali had to be on her case and it was because of someone up there who was keen on testing her patience. And tonight she had reached pretty close to her capacity. She didn't even want to pray anymore.. what was the use. The Gods were mocking her plight too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He was very angry when he left the Shah mansion and couldn't bring himself to calm down. He didn't feel like going home. He instead turned the wheels towards something more familiar.. his chawl house. He was disturbed and he wanted to feel the warmth and security of the home he grew up in, though it was deserted and dark now. He reached there and taking the spare key from the neighbor he entered and crashed on the old rocking chair of his father. He sat there staring for long into the darkness till he felt somewhat sane again. He closed his eyes and couldn't help thinking back to how Prachi's lips felt. The feeling had flooded him and so had the memories from his past.

He was groping around in the darkness trying to find the table nearby where Sukriti had left the flask of tea. He was parched and there was no one nearby that he could call for assistance. Suddenly his hands hit something that fell to the ground making him realize that he had just knocked over the glass. He sat still on the bed cursing under his breath at his disability when he heard motion next to him. "Kaun?" Who is it he inquired but no one spoke. Instead he felt a feminine hand touch his and hand him a glass filled with water. He drank and asked for some more asking the if it was the nurse in his room. But the person still didn't answer and He felt a strange familiarity. This time when the glass was handed back to him he made sure to hold her hand tightly which she tried to extricate twisting it between his fingers. He smiled to himself. He knew she would come but why did she not say anything. "Baat nahi karogi mujhse? Naraaz ho?" Will you not talk to me? Are you upset? he asked waiting to hear her speak to him for the first time. But all he heard was the distinct noise of her anklet which she had sounded as an answer to his question. He wondered if she didn't have the ability to speak and maybe that's why she had kept her identity a secret all this time. Maybe she feared that he wouldn't accept her love. "Naraaz ho ya bolna nahi aata?" Are you angry or you don't know how to speak and she had sounded her anklet numerous times expressing her anger. "Kyun?" why? he asked unable to stop laughing at her antics but excited at her proximity at the same time. She had slowly sat down in front of him and touched his face where his eyes were bandaged. Then she took his other hand and his fingers felt the wetness around her eyes. She didn't have to say anything else as he felt the hot liquid pouring over from her eyes onto his trembling fingers. He wiped the tears and apologized for making her cry.

He had made a foolish attempt to save lives in the chemistry lab at their college which had went up in flames. In his attempt to save one of the girls he had been hit on the head by something large knocking him to the floor unconscious, only that he had landed face down on broken pieces of glass that had injured him close to his eyes and the bridge of his nose. The doctor had been surprised that his eyes were intact and no major damage was done. "I am just the luckiest guy in the world" he had quipped because that's how he felt these days..ever since he had started to fall for this mystery girl who poured her heart out to him but was always reluctant to meet him.

"Achcha socho agar tum uss lab mein hoti..kya main tumhe bhi jalne ke liye chod deta? Aur jab tak mujhe tumhara chehra nahi dikhega mujhe toh college ki har ladki mein tum hi nazar aaogi. Phir toh mera farz banta hai ki nahi sabki madat karne ka." Imagine if you were caught in the fire. Should I have left you to burn too. Till I know what you look like, I am just going to think every girl in the college to be you. In that case it would become my duty to protect everyone. He was only joking but he felt her jab his ribs lightly and was glad to know she gets jealous. "Achcha batao mein phechanun kaise tumhe. Na apna chehra dikhati ho, na baat karti ho..varna toh awaaz se hi pehchaan leta.." So tell me how I am supposed to recognize you. You don't show me your face and refuse to talk.. otherwise I could have recognized you by your voice atleast. suddenly he felt something soft and wet on his lips and it took a moment to realize what had just happened. His hand that was still holding her wrist tightly slacked and he raised it to touch her face as he tasted her even more. But she held both his hands in hers stopping him from advancing. He realized she was setting limits and he leaned in hoping she'd continue the kiss that was slowly starting to drive him insane with desire and she reciprocated making his heart smile. Unfortunately some kabaab mein haddi walked in at that very moment ending those nice feelings in him abruptly. He heard her sprinting out of the room in embarrassment and would have started cursing thinking it to be Ali who had walked out earlier promising to come back in a few minutes but before he did, the nurse handed him his pills and he gulped them down trying to hide his disappointment.

It was after the nurse left that Ali finally showed up and informed him that this mystery girl had left a card by the table. He asked Ali to read it and Ali was only too eager but all he saw in front of him was one line "Khabardaar jo ainda kabhi meri jaan ko khatre mein daala." Don't you dare endanger my life again. Ali had stared at the line after reading it a few times over because he didn't understand what that meant. From the way Milind had described her letters, they were poetic and full of love for him. This was the first time Ali was actually getting to read one of them and what he saw was a girl threatening Milind for endangering her life. Milind laughed at his friends confusion and explained that Ali didn't get it because he had never been in love before. But Milind understood that she was chiding him for endangering his life which she considered her own.

Milind sat up suddenly his body breaking into a sweat. Thinking about that kiss again had brought back the memories so vividly that his doubts were deepened. He was forcing himself to believe that the girl from his past was not Prachi because he loved Prachi and it broke his heart to think ill of her. But he realized after replaying the events of that day in the hospital that Prachi fit the description of that girl much more than Anjali. The one detail that stood out in his mind was her anklet. Prachi used to wear anklets in college. He didn't remember knowing anyone else in college who did. Then why had he never made that connection before. Maybe because by the time he had realized that Prachi had attended the same college as him, it was set in his mind that Anjali was the girl who had betrayed him. But how could he be sure Anjali never wore anklets. And what of her voice that Milind was so sure about because he had heard her song over and over again everyday for the past 5 years. He could never mistake that voice. But the possibility that Prachi was that girl had become even more plausible. He became restless again with that thought and felt like he would explode if he didn't know the truth right away. He got up with the intention of going back to Shah mansion because he no longer cared who knew what, he had to end his torment. But just then he heard his cell phone ring. It was Asha tai who had been worried for him as it was past 12:00 at night and he had not returned home. He assured her and decided to go back home and deal with Prachi or Anjali or both in the morning.

PART 3

Sorry for the delay. Happy New Year everyone.

"I am lost" was the first thought in her mind. But she looked around and the place seemed familiar, like she had seen it before. Then she remembered she had been there, exact same place at the edge of the cliff in a dream. She was dreaming she thought and then remembered that she wasn't supposed to be alone. "Papa??" she called out uncertainly and he was there beside her in a blink..holding her hand. She smiled up at him seeing the warm twinkle in his eye. He was smiling at her and she finally felt at peace. But then he gestured towards something and she followed his gaze..and her face fell immediately. Two figures were walking away from her and she didn't need to see the faces to know them. After walking a certain distance they stopped by another person and she focused her eyes to see. It was Sukriti. Sukriti took Ritwik in her arms and she joined her brother and the three of them again walked away, except this time Ritwik kept looking toward her with sadness, while Milind turned and started walking backwards, with his accusing gaze steady on her. She couldn't bare it and looked to her father for some assurance that she wasn't to feel this guilty. But she found herself alone standing at the edge of the cliff with darkness for companion. She looked back towards the people she loved and they were but mere shadows now.

Milind got up with a start hearing Sukriti knock at his door. It wasn't that he was sleeping anyway, how could he sleep tonight. "Bhaiya, Ritwik..usse bukhar chad gaya hai" Bhaiya Ritwik is buring with fever Sukriti had spoken urgently as soon as he opened the door. Not waiting to call a doctor at the God forsaken hour, Milind dressed himself and was carrying a burning Ritwik a few minutes later. Informing Asha tai they hurried to the hospital. Ritwik had ended up having a seizure during the early hours of the morning but was getting better since then. Sukriti who had been scared out of her skin was now feeling alive again and Milind had also relaxed considerably. It was then he remembered that he forgot to take his cell phone and had called Asha tai from the hospital to update her on Ritwik's condition.

To Milind's surprise Asha tai had showed up with Anjali in the morning to the hospital. Before Milind had a chance to speak to Anjali she headed towards Ritwik who was now awake. Sukriti was trying to feed him some fruits but he refused to eat. As soon as he saw Anjali Ritwik's eyes got fixed on the door expecting Prachi to enter at any moment. But when she didn't he looked back and Anjali who understood what he was searching for. "Mamma nahi aayi?" Mom didn't come? he had asked the obvious as Anjali sat down in front of him. "Nahi munna..voh baad mein aayengi." No she will come later Anjali had tried to make him feel better. "Nahi!!! Voh nahi aayegi. Mujhe pata hai. Voh naraaz hai munna se. Isliye milne bhi nahi aayi..baat bhi nahi ki" I know she won't come. She is angry with me. Thats why she didn't come to see me and didn't talk to me he had stated hurt and angry. Sukriti who was disturbed by this had hugged Ritwik not knowing how to console him. Milind had walked out frustrated. What was Ritwik's fault in all this. Why was Prachi punishing him like this. She was well aware how deeply Ritwik was attached to her. Then how could she be so cruel to him. Was its necessary to be rude to him in order to make him accept Sukriti? "Aisa bilkul nahi hai beta. Kisne kaha aapko. Aapki mamma ko toh kisine bataya hi nahi ki aap hospital mein ho" Its not so hun. No one has told your mom yet that you are in the hospital Anjali had made an excuse which Ritwik had bought. He took his face out of Sukriti's hold and asked for confirmation of the news. Sukriti looked at Anjali and then smiled at Ritwik reassuringly. "Vaise bhi..kal kisi ka birthday haina..aur aapki Prachi mamma ek surprise plan kar rahi hai. Isliye thodi busy hai" besides its someone's b-day tommorow so she is busy preparing for it. Ritwik had suddenly sat up straight excited by the idea. "Sachchi?",really? and she replied holding his chin in her fingers, "Muchi" really making him smile. "Kya surprise hai?" what is the surprise he had asked a bit skeptical. "Yeh toh kal hi pata chalega" that you will find out tomorrow she had winked at him relieved to see him lively again.

After some time she came out and stood in front of Milind who was lost in his thoughts. She cleared her throat to get his attention. "Main subah tumhare ghar gayi thi. Toh Asha tai se pata chala. Tumhe kisi ko toh inform karna chahiye tha Milind." I had gone to your house this morning and Asha tai told me. you shoudl have informed someone. she had spoken softly. "Kyun? Kisse inform karoon. Kisse parvah hai. Voh jo sab jaante huye bhi anjaan bante hain?" Why? Whom should i have informed? Who really cares..those who pretend to not know things that are so obvious he has sputtered his anger in a suppressed tone. "Maybe we should talk outside" she had suggested looking around. Milind too had been eager to clear his confused state of mind. He needed to talk to her, besides Ritwik was doing well and the doctor had informed him that he would get discharged in a few hours. So he walked out with Anjali in silence. They had gotten in his car with the intention of driving to a place where they could talk but when he put the key in the ignition he realized he didn't have any more patience to wait. Turning the car off he turned to her "Tumne mere saath aisa kyun kiya?" why did you do this to me. His question had confused Anjali more than she already was. Taking a deep breath she took out the letters Milind had handed her yesterday. She started in a calm manner, "Milind mein saari raat yeh khat pad rahi thi. Yeh jaanne ke liye ki isme aisi kya baat hai jo mujhe yaad aani chahiye. But..nothing..i remember nothing. Jaante ho kyun??"Milind i kept reading these letters over and over again all night trying to think what i am supposed to remember from them. But nothing..i don't remember anything. Do you know why? "Kyunki yeh tumne nahi likhe" Because you didn't write them he said defeated. The change in his tone and body language had surprised Anjali again.
Anjali: "Agar tum jaante ho yeh maine nahi likhe toh phir..kal yeh mujhe kyun de gaye the?"If you knew that then why did you give them to me last night?
Milind: "Mujhe bhi iss baat ka kal hi ehsaas hua. Tumse milne ke baad." I only realized it later.. after meeting with you.
Anjali: "Milind mujhe nahi pata in khaton ka tumhare aur Prachi ke jhagde se kya sambandh hai. Lekin problem kya hai agar mujhe batoge toh shayad mein koi madat kar sakoon." I don't know what these letters have to do with the fight between you and Prachi but if you tell me maybe i can help
Milind sat silently staring out the windshield. His heart was crying and he had no words to express how broken he felt. What was he to tell Anjali. That he had fallenl in love twice, both to the same woman and she had cheated him both times. What was he to explain to Anjali when he didn't understand the problem himself. Why did Prachi do this to him. Then suddenly he remembered why he misunderstood Anjali. He needed to clear that up too. "Agar yeh khat tumne nahi likhe toh tumhara gaana kaise yaad hai mujhe. Mere paas recorded hai tumhaari awaaz. Iss baat mein galti kaise ho sakti hai." If you are not the one who wrote these letters then how do i remember your song. I had recorded it. I can't be mistaken about that Anjali had again looked at him confused and gauging it he explained, "Tumne jo intercollege festival mein gaya tha." The one you sang for the intercollege festival Taking the letters from her he searched through them and found the one he was looking for. Showing it to her he explained further, "Iss khat mein saaf likha hai tum kaunsa gaana gaogi. Maine suna tha aur uski recording joh mujhe mail ki thi, voh bhi hai mere paas. Paanch saal tak lagataar jo awaaz mein sunta raha hoon, voh awaaz pehchaanne mein galti kaise ho sakti hai mujhe. Panch saal bad tumhe phir se gaate huye suna tha tumhari badi ma ke birthday par." This letter clearly states what song you were going to sing. I had heard it and have the recorded version that was sent to me and the voice that i kept listening to regularly for 5 years..i can't be mistaken about it. I had heard the same voice again after 5 years when you sang at PL's b-day party. Anjali's confused expression had given way to that of realization. She had burst out laughing and Milind thought he was loosing her mind. Several minutes later when she got control of her laughter she apologized to Milind. "Milind tum..tum itne mahino se Prachi ke saath hi reh rahe ho na?" All these months you were living with Prachi right?? she had asked still amused at something. Her callous attitude was annoying Milind. Here he was trying to hold onto the last shreds of hope that his heart would not undergo a merciless betrayal yet again and she was laughing at him. Seeing him not as amused as her she had tried to get serious.
Anjali: "Theek hai..mujhe gaate huye suna tumne..kabhi gaate huye dekha bhi hai?" Alright fine you heard me sing.. did you ever see me sing?
Milind: "Dekha toh tha..PL ki birthday party par." ya on PL's birthday party
Anjali suppressed her smile. "Milind you should really get your eyes checked out. Agar asal mein mujhe gaate huye sunoge toh kaan band kar loge apne. Hamaare family mein ek hi Lataji ki cheli hai..and that dear Milind is your wife." If you ever heard my singing for real you'd close your ears. There is only one fan of Lataji in our family and that is your dear wife.
And that felt like the nail on the coffin of his love. Though he had known it for some time now, it was made clear enough now that he could no longer refuse to believe it. He wanted to scream maybe even break something in his anger. Why had she done this to him. Seeing Milind clenching his jaws Anjali understood that Prachi had done something really wrong and Milind was not going to forgive her that easily and this time she felt his anger might be justified because she didn't understand Prachi's behavior these days either.

"Milind" she had touched his shoulder lightly to bring him back to the present. "You should go" he said in a controlled voice. He was afraid he'd take out his anger on the wrong person again. Then he realized he owed Anjali an apology for his rudeness.
Milind: "I am sorry Anjali, maine aaj tak tumhe galat samjha. Isliye kabhi seethe muh baat bhi nahi ki". All this time i mistook you and never even spoke a civil word to you.
Anjali: "Kya mein jaan sakti hoon ki Prachi ne aisa kya kiya hai ki tum itna gussa ho?" Can i know why you are so angry with Prachi?
Milind had suddenly felt suffocated in his car. He came out and felt like punching his fist into the wall in front of him. Anjali too came out worried about Milind's state of mind. She wondered if she should have ousted Prachi like this, though it was unintentional and whether Milind would do something to her in his anger. What could possibly be the reason he was angry with her? For expressing her love for him in the letters or singing a song for him?

It took some time but Anjali waited till Milind got control over his emotions and finally explained to her why he hated the girl who had cheated him in love. He had not asked for her love, she had freely given it and when he was hooked and booked she had left him without an explanation yet letting him live in the hope that someday they would meet again. He had lived the 5 years with the thought that she was somewhere waiting for him. He had even felt guilty for having to marry Prachi while he was sure this girl was waiting for him still. He had only been relieved of that burden when he misunderstood Anjali to be that girl. He felt foolish for his navet. He had chided Sukriti so many times for her foolishness in believing Alaap but he wasn't any more immune to the disease of the heart. Seeing that Milind had begun to really hate Prachi, Anjali felt panicked. She had come here to patch them up not break them apart further. She gave Milind the only explanation she knew for Prachi's behavior..that she couldn't face him after what Alaap had done to Sukriti. That was the reason she had left his life quietly feeling herself unworthy of his love due to her brother's actions. Even if Milind bought that reason, it didn't explain why Prachi was pushing him away still. When after knowing her as Alaap's sister, he had yet again loved her and expressed it clearly, why had she rejected him giving a false reason. The answer to this question was something Anjali also wanted to know. She realized this answer was only with Prachi and she would have to make her talk but she also understood that Prachi wouldn't talk that easily. She had seen her determination to shut Anjali out last night. It would take something drastic for Prachi to open her mouth. As Anjali was brainstorming ideas she suddenly realized the one thing that would force Prachi to admit the truth. "Milind tumhare savaalon ka jawaab toh ab sirf Prachi de sakti hai. Aur uska muh khuvane ka tareeeka..in khaton mein hai" Only Prachi can answer your questions and there is one way to make her talk..its in these letters she had told him with confidence. Explaining to him what he needed to do she had left him to ponder whether he still believed Prachi to be worthy of his trust. Could his heart really forgive her after hearing her side of the story, like Anjali had requested him to do. She was so sure that Prachi had a valid reason. But Milind no longer felt as confident.

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Anjali had come home to a pleasant surprise herself. Vishal was sitting with Sayaah in the living room with the whole family surrounding her. She had been doing well of late and her doctor had thought it better that she got to spend more time with her family members as the critical part of her care was now over. So he had discharged her with certain specific instructions to Vishal on her care. PL could not have been happier to see Sayaah come home as she felt her daughter had come back to her. It was the first time PL had touched her little fingers and kissed her forehead as she never could bring herself to look at Sayaah in the hospital. She had only visited once. The most pleasant surprise was that Suyesha, who till now almost hated everyone in the Shah family had grown a fondness for the little angel. It was the first time Anjali had seen Suyesha smile since she had met her. Most of the time she was throwing things in anger or throwing tantrums. Now she sat with PL giggling in happiness as if she had gotten a new toy.

Anjali remembered what she had planned and thought this the best time as the whole family was assembled. She suggested that they celebrate Ritwik's birthday and Sayaah's homecoming at the farmhouse at Panvel. PL had instantly liked the idea since they had not been there for a long time and it was the place full of happy memories for her. It was where she and Inder had celebrated some of the most memorable moments of their life. Everyone else had agreed too and only Prachi was left with a long face as she had wanted to avoid the occasion. But she had also wished to see Ritwik once again. To wish him a happy birthday and kiss him one more time before ending all ties with him. Maybe this was her chance and she had consoled herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Milind still wasn't sure why he was doing this. Driving to Panvel to test his destiny one more time. Was there any use. If it was upto him he would have driven straight to Shah house yesterday and demanded Prachi to explain why she played such games with him. What had he ever done to deserve this from her. But Anjali had been convinced that it was a bad idea and things could be solved in a calmer way without involving other family members, especially PL. She had convinced him that if Prachi was playing games and lying then it was best to give her a taste of her own medicine. Milind though didn't like such tactics but had decided to play along, not just because he wanted an explanation from Prachi but also because he wanted Ritwik to feel loved on his birthday and not rejected by the woman who was once a mother to him. So now Ritwik sat next to him in Sukriti's lap with Asha tai in the back seat. He was busy playing with the radio. He stopped at a station with the least amount of static and Milind decided to forget his woes till he reached Panvel. It was just not meant to be. The song that played next on the station (link) made him feel like the whole world was out to antagonize him. After hearing the first stanza Milind had had enough and changed the station much to Ritwik's displeasure who turned it back to the song again. Milind changed it again and Ritwik tuned back to the song complaining that he wanted to hear the song. He stopped the car turning off the radio. Sukriti was surprised at her brother's frustrated look at a 5 year old. He asked her to sit in the back with Asha tai and she obliged seeing that Milind was stressed about something. The truth was that Milind was reminded of his first dinner date with Prachi when on the way back she had been adamant on turning off the song he wanted to listen to. He started to drive again in the hope that he'd have a peaceful ride..but to annoy him further Ritwik sat in the back singing the word "kee kasoor" in his screechy voice. Now there was no way Milind could stop him from singing and inadvertently the song got stuck in his head to the extent that he thought the moment he sees Prachi he might start singing that song.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Shahs had gotten to the farm house early and were waiting for Milind who was going to bring Ritwik over a little later giving them time to put up decorations. PL sat with Sayaah letting her children do all the work. Prachi was in the kitchen with Ramu Kaka making Ritwik's favorite dishes. The rest of them were busy in decorations while Anjali returned with the birthday cake. Placing it in the fridge she had sent Ramu Kaka out of the kitchen and Prachi understood that she wanted to talk. "Tumhe kuch bataana tha" I wanted to tell you something she had said seriously. Prachi continued her work thinking that she was again going to talk about Milind. "Main Turkey Anjum di se milne gayi thi." I went to Turkey to meet Anjum The one sentence had sent shivers down Prachi's spine. She grabbed Anjali by the hand and almost shook her unable to believe it "Tum Anjum di se mili aur mujhe ab bata rahi ho?" You met Anjum and you are telling me now? Extricating herself Anjali explained everything that happened in brief. "Jaise hi mujhe di ke accident ke baare mein pata chala, maine sabse pehle tumhe phone kiya tha Prachi par uss vakt main kuch keh nahi payi. Main toh ghar aana chahti thi..tumhare gale lagkar jee bhar ke rona chahti thi. Yeh soch kar ki Anjum di chali gayi toh kya hua..meri behen jisne bachpan se mera har sukh dukh baanta hai voh kabhi mujhe di ki kami mehsoos nahi hone degi." As soon as I found out about the accident i called you Prachi. I just wanted to come home, hug you and cry my heart out. I didn't think i'd miss my sister so much since i had you. Prachi who had let herself feel overjoyed a minute ago was thrust back into anguish. She extended her hand towards Anjali to show her sympathy but Anjali moved back away from her touch. "Lekin aaj mujhe lag raha hai Prachi ki airport jaate vakt jo mera accident hua tha..voh achche ke liye hi hua tha. Isliye aaj mujhe yeh ehsaas ho paya hai ki aakhir hum dono sage nahi hai Prachi. Saalon ke rishte ko paraya karte huye tumhe zaraa bhi vakt nahi laga." But today i feel that the accident i had on my way to the airport was a blessing. So now i know that we are not really sisters are we. It didn't take you long to forget the relationship we shared. Prachi had tried to interrupt wanting to refute her claim but Anjali didn't let her speak. "I just want to ask you one thing Prachi. No matter what your issues are with Milind, don't take it out on Ritwik. Tumhe toh pata bhi nahi hai kal voh hospital mein tha kyunki tumhe yaad karte karte usse bukhar chad gaya tha. You are not even aware that he was hospitalized because he caught a fever missing you. He thinks his Prachi mummy doesn't love him anymore. So please, just for today don't do anything to break his heart." With that Anjali had left Prachi to shed some more tears and look up at the ceiling in frustration.

Later everyone was done with their part in the preparation and Milind had still not arrived with Ritwik. Suyesha had gotten restless from waiting and hungry too and was creating a fuss. To distract her Alaap decided to sing as she seemed to sit still only when he sang for her but Anjali came up with a better idea. She suggested that while waiting for the birthday boy they should play antakshri as it would engage everyone. They spread a sheet in the backyard and sat in a circle playing the game. Prachi too joined though not in a mood to really play. But she had wanted to cheer up Anjali because she knew after the talk they had that Anjali was hiding her sorrow behind her cheerful looking face. During the game they had gotten stuck on a letter and after much hesitation Anjali had looked at Prachi who had smiled finally knowing that Anjali was ready for a peace offering. She started to sing a song that she had been humming for a few days in her heart. (link) She closed her eyes as she stared to sing and imagined Milind in front of her because the song was really for him. His image in her mind brought on a smile and she sang from her heart loosing herself to the beautiful surrounding. In her trance she didn't realize when Milind had entered the house and when he had made his way to the backyard with Ritwik, Sukriti and Asha tai. All stood quiet as she kept singing. While the rest of them were enjoying the song only Milind knew the wound every word was causing him. And only Anjali saw the reaction Milind was having. She stood by him gesturing him to not say anything in front of the family.

When the song was finally finished and Prachi turned around she was stunned to be faced with Milind's angry stare. She could tell from the look on his face that he knew the truth. She couldn't make up lies anymore and the thought shook her to the core. It would all go to waste. Everything she had tried desperately to hide was now going to come out in front of everyone..her whole family would know. Anju, her mother, Ayesha, Neev, and most of all Milind..he was the last person she wanted to tell the truth to. Milind took a menacing step towards her but the tension between them was broken by Ritwik who ran to Prachi and hugged her. She quickly picked him up in his arms and wished him happy birthday kissing his forehead still keeping her eyes on Milind who had stopped in his tracks. The rest of the family was oblivious to all that was transpiring had started wishing Ritwik not allowing Milind to do what he felt like doing at the moment..hold Prachi by the neck and strangle her.

Prachi escaped the crowd and headed towards one of the inner rooms and closed the door. But Milind had kept his eye on her throughout and he was quick to follow her. But she wouldn't open the door. She had stood by the door holding it shut even though she had locked it. Milind had every intention of breaking that door but Anjali kept reminding him that they shouldn't involve the rest of the family. Milind had stood panting with anger and frustration running his fingers through his hair when Alaap joined them. He had been clueless till then on what was happening with his sister but seeing the look on Milind and Anjali's face he took a wild guess. It wasn't hard for him since he knew exactly why Prachi was doing all that she had done. Milind had stared daggers at him and walked away giving Anjali a meaningful look. Anjali had followed him while Alaap tried to talk to Prachi now that they were alone. Prachi had finally let him in and he had seen the state she was in. Her eyes red and face tear stained, pale, she looked weak and tired. As soon as he entered she had hugged him for support as she didn't trust her legs anymore. "I can't do this anymore Alaap. I can't fight anymore. I am tired" she had wailed. Alaap had closed the door not wanting to attract any attention. "Milind ko sachchai bata kyun nahi deti Prachi. Ab chupaakar bhi kya faida. Voh adhi baat toh jaan chukka hai. Tum jitna usse apne se door karne ki koshish karogi utna aur tadpega voh." Why don't you tell him the truth Prachi. Whats the use of hiding it now. He already knows half of it. The more you push him away the more he'll suffer And you'll watch him suffer. And isn't that exactly what you didn't want to see." Though he had tried to see the reason behind his sister's strange vows and understood that it stemmed from her love for Milind, he no longer believed that it was worth the emotional anguish she put herself though. "Main Milind ki nafrat seh sakti hoon Alaap..lekin uska dard mujhse nahi sehta" I can bare his hatered Alaap but i can't bare his pain she had given him the same reply she had said the first time he had asked her a similar question. "Lekin voh ab tumse pyar karta hai Prachi..but he loves you Prachi.he'll never be able to hate you..or forget you..and he has to suffer for that..atleast he should know the reasons for his suffering" and Prachi had closed her eyes knowing that Alaap was right.

At that moment Anjali barged in the door that wasn't locked anymore and she looked panicked. "Prachi..Prachi voh Milind.." she tried catching her breath. Prachi looked on with concern. "Kya hua Milind ko?" What happened to Milind? "Milind gusse mein gaadi lekar nikala tha Prachi..uska yehin paas mein accident ho gaya..usse hospital le gaye hain" He had taken his car and drove in anger..he got into an accident nearby here and he's been taken to the hospital she had informed holding her sides that were hurting from pain. "Kaunse hospital" which hospital Anjali could see her starting to get hysterical and it was exactly what she had wanted to see. Giving her the name of the closest hospital Anjali had run out after Prachi. Like she had predicted Prachi had not stopped for a second to think and had started running on foot. Anjali had known Prachi would loose all senses the minute she'd mention Milind's accident. She had made an excuse and taken the rest of the family outside where they wouldn't witness any of Prachi's behavior and had taken the keys to Neev's jeep and went after Prachi. Getting Prachi to give up her marathon she drove to the hospital with her where Milind was getting himself bandaged as Anjali had asked him to. He was still fuming so much that the nurses looked scared of him. It took 15 min for Prachi to reach there and she had acted just as Anjali had said she would. Stepping into the room she was by Milind's side in a blink. Her face giving away all her worries and concern for him she had looked him up and down to estimate his wounds and grabbed his hand with the biggest bandage. She had relaxed the moment she had realized that he wasn't critically injured. But she still couldn't bare to see the bandages on his body. To Milind's surprise instead of giving him a chance to speak she had actually yelled at him for his careless driving. Suddenly Milind remembered that he was supposed to be angry with her and he pushed her hand away from him. It was then she realized regretfully what she was doing.

"Main apni zindagi kaise bhi jiyunga. Agar jeene ka mann na kare toh mar jaunga. Tumhe meri fikr karne ki koi zaroorat nahi hai" I will live my life as i please. If i don't feel like living i'll die. You don't need to worry about me. he had screamed in her ears. Getting up he had grabbed her arms forcefully and pushed her to the wall. It took everything in his power to control himself. "Kya natak kar rahi hai ab. Mujhe takleef mein nahi dekh sakti..kyun?? Jab saari takleef tu hi deti hai mujhe toh yeh natak kisko dikha rahi hai." what new drama is this. That you can't see me hurt? Why? When you cause all the pain, who are you trying to fool now?
"Milind" she had cried out in pain and he knew he was hurting her but he didn't deem her pain to match what he felt inside.
He let her go and punched his fist into the wall behind her. The pain shooting through his hand somehow numbed the pain he felt in his chest. She had stared at the dent in the wall in shock and then at his hand that he had still held in a fist. "Mera dard tujhse sehta nahi hai na.." So you can't see me in pain right.. he had said through clenched teeth and grabbed the glass on the table next to the bed and broken it in his palm. The pieces pierced through his skin inviting blood where they cut in. Prachi grabbed his hand, her face gone pale, she called out for a doctor but he held her throat with the other hand not letting her speak. His fingers pressed on her jaw line as he pushed her back against the wall now seeing the pain he wanted to see in her eyes. So he had finally believed what Anjali had told him yesterday.. that she couldn't bare to see him hurt. Then why had she become the cause for all his heartache. "Agar itna hi pyar karti hai Prachi..toh chupati kyun hai. Kyun dur kar rahi hai kudh ko mujhse" If you love me that much then why do you hide it. Why do you push me away? he had pleaded once again. He had slowly loosened his grip on her face but she still stood trapped between him and the wall. All she did in reply was cry and Milind had enough of it. She slid down the wall and continued her crying but this time he sat down with her. Forcing her face with his fingers he made her look into his eyes. "Pyar karti hai na mujhse.." You love me right..she was silent till he pressed his palms on the floor letting the pieces of glass sink in further. "HAAAN Milind" she screamed "bohot pyar karti hoon aapse..bohot zyada pyar karti hoon" Yes Milind..i love you a lot..i love you too much she had grabbed his face with both her hands. "Please Milind don't do this" finally all her resolve had broken and she cried bitterly. "Phir kyun Prachi.. yeh sab kyun.." Then why Prachi..why all this..he had asked her tenderly knowing that she was finally being honest with him. "Kyunki mein kuch nahi de sakti aapko Milind. Because i can't give you anything Milind. Dard ke sivaaye..except for pain Bohot sapne dekhe the maine hamaare liye..lekin ab kuch bhi mumkin nahi hai Milind. I had dreamt many things for us..but none of it is possible now. Kyunki aapko dene ke liye kuch nahi hai mere paas. Because i have nothing to offer you. Na sapne..na khushiyan..VAKT tak nahi hai mere paas.no dreams..no happiness..i even don't have time to give you. I can't live with you Milind..kyunki zindagi bhi nahi bachi hai mere paas."because i don't even have life left with me She had grabbed his collar in both her hands accusing him for breaking her resolve she had finally uttered the one thing she had not wanted him to know.. "I am going to die Milind!" and she had passed out in his arms.

This part is dedicated to Optimist (for the guess below) , Ryka who believed firmly that Mera Saaya was sung by Prachi and Rima for guessing Prachi's reasons on the dot (though i think it was a fluke)

OK NOW EVERYONE PLZ COMMENT

The singer is Prachi and the poet is Anjali. It was Prachi's song that Milsi heard on that day (I think it must be the college day). Like in the case of the PL birthday party he may not have been in the hall when she actually sang it but must have come later and thought that it was Anju who sang it maybe because she was holding the mike when he entered, much like at PL birthday party. Milsi may have thought Anju is both a poet as well and a singer.

Prachi may have got Anju to write all those poems expressing her love for Milsi being aware of his interest in poetry. I think the poems Milsi wrote to Ayesha were also written by Anju. Maybe Milsi plagiarised them from the college magazine where Anju used to write. That is why Ayesha knew they were not original. While Anju was in college I think Milsi was pursuing Ayesha, using her poems to court her. But after being behind her for months on end he realised she would never return his love. It is round about this time that he had heard Anju (rather Prachi) and was drawn towards her voice. Being shy he may never have actually spoken to her while he was in college. He would have left the college but was not aware that Anju had left the college the same year as he did.

I think after being in love with Milsi since the day she joined college, Prachi may have finally worked up the courage to write to him (but not enough to reveal her identity) and got Anju help to express her feelings through poetry, not revealing who they were meant for. Since Milsi knew Anju wrote poems he would have thought that it was Anju writing to him. While he was not initially sure of his feelings since he had just come out of one heartbreak, he slowly realises that he loves Anju and finally confesses that he too loves her. Prachi may have been elated and was about to reveal her identity when the Alaap-Suki fiasco struck. She couldn't bring herself to reveal who she is. She does not respond.

Milsi is left confused as to why a girl who seemed so much in love with him suddenly goes silent when he was ready to accept her love. By then Prachi too leaves college and Milsi loses track of Anju (who in any case was long gone). When he does meet Anju finally he is not in a position to ask the one question he was dying to ask -why did she not respond to his love after all her love poems she wrote to him earlier. Afterall now she is his sister-in-law.

Now after all these years when Prachi sees the letters she realises that the Milsi really loved the anonymous writer. She had thought that he would have gotten over the person by now since he did not even know her identity. But the fact that he had kept those poems for so long indicated that he still loved her. Now she feels guilty for breaking his heart. She however takes consolation that he does not know who was this woman who loved him and whom he still loves. She cannot reveal her true identity as she is in any case planning to leave the house and his life. She still does not know he had misunderstood her for Anju.

Coming to Ayesha's anniversary celebration, the poem she read out to Neev was written with the help of Anju, just as the poem she had written for PL for her birthday. The song "Mera Saaya" was sung by Prachi. Why did she not sing in person? I think she may not want to rekindle Milsi's memories from the past. Although she had in the recent past sung on PL's birthday, it was because she was her mother. So Ayesha may have got Anju to coax her to atleast record her song.