Posted:
Part 1 - Pg 1
Part 2 - Pg 2
Part 1
Mauritius
"Ouch, ouch, ouch", said Prachi as she gingerly tried to open her eyes. She quickly closed them when she felt the pain shoot out of her eyeballs. Her head felt like it had been split in two. "Raise and shine, Miss Beyonce, your fans await you.", said Ayesha. Prachi opened her eyes to mere slits to see Ayesha standing at the side of the bed, grinning cheerfully at her and holding out a glass of water. Prachi was hit with flashes of the previous night. Managing to raise herself on her hands, Prachi looked pale as she whispered, "Please, please tell me I wasn't dancing on the tables." "Fine, I won't tell you that. Just like I won't tell you about how you sang 'Irreplaceable', did tequila shots and burnt up the dance floor with that Greek god." "Oh god, oh god", said Prachi mortified, pulling the pillow over her head as it all came rushing back. Ayesha sat down on the bed beside her and burst out laughing, "I like this Prachi. I think you should get dumped at the altar more often."
Two Days Ago
"I'm sorry, Didi. It just happened.", sobbed Soumya on her shoulder. Prachi sat numb in all her bridal finery. But strangely underneath it all, she felt a sense of relief. "When? How?", asked Prachi still grappling with her scattered thoughts and emotions, "I thought you didn't even like him?" Ranvir and Soumya were constantly sniping at each other. It should worry her that her baby sister and fiancee seemingly couldn't get along. "So, did I but now I realize I was just fighting my feelings for him. And as I was helping him with the wedding preparations, we couldn't fight it anymore."
Soon after her engagement, Prachi had got involved with a new project at work, leaving Soumya to help Ranvir with a lot of the wedding preparations. Soumya was reluctant at first but after a while, both she and Ranvir seemed fine with things and Prachi was just relieved that she didn't have the added burden of wedding preparations in addition to her already busy work schedule. "Does he feel the same way?", asked Prachi. Soumya nodded. Prachi got up abruptly. Soumya looked scared, "Didi, where are you going?" but Prachi just walked out the room.
Prachi knocked on the door. Ranvir was using Bobby's room to get ready. "Come in.", said Ranvir. He sounded nervous. "Prachi, what are you doing here?", asked Ranvir surprised. "Soumya told me everything.", said Prachi. "Prachi, I can explain.", said Ranvir quickly. Prachi held up her hands, indicating him to stop, "Do you love her?". Ranvir nodded his head miserably. "Will you promise me, you'll always take care of her?", asked Prachi, choking up. Ranvir looked up at her startled. "Prachi, what are you saying?"
"Ranvir, we're not in love with each other. We both know that. If you love my sister and she loves you, I can't stand in your way for nothing more than a business arrangement.", said Prachi earnestly. Ranvir was the son of a business associate of Inder's. He ended up building a very good professional relationship with Prachi, one that both their fathers had hoped to develop into an equally good personal one. Prachi wasn't too surprised when the proposal had been brought to her. She respected Ranvir, they got on well and she was always going to marry someone of her parent's choice. She thought like all arranged marriages, love would eventually follow. But as she had just discovered love was not so predictable. "So, will you?", asked Prachi. "I will.", said Ranvir still shocked. "So, lets the break the news to our parents, shall we?", said Prachi.
"This is preposterous.", said Inder shocked and angry. Premlata shook an already sobbing Soumya, "How can you do this to your sister?". "Ma, it's not her fault.", said Prachi. "It's nobody's fault.", she said turning to Inder. Mohan, Ranvir's father turned to Ranvir looking outraged, "Ranvir, there are a hundred guests waiting downstairs and you do this now." Ranvir's hung his head while his mother Shalini just cried mutely. "Uncle", said Prachi respectfully, "For the sake of those hundred guests, do you really want to ruin three lives. My sister and Ranvir will make each other very happy and that's what you should be most concerned about." Inder held Prachi by her shoulder and turned her around to face him, "What about you?" Prachi smiled at him, "I'm just glad, I didn't make a big mistake." Inder hugged her, while looking resignedly at a still crying Soumya. He finally let her go and said, "Mohan, this will no doubt cause a lot of talk but we have to do what's right for our children." Mohan nodded, indicating his consent.
"Didi, I don't deserve this.", said a still crying Soumya as Prachi pinned up her hair. "Hey, stop crying, this is your big day.", said Prachi, as she put her head next to Soumya's and smiled at their reflection in the mirror. "It was supposed to be your big day. I not only stole your fiancee, I stole your wedding.", said Soumya guiltily. "Well, you did most of the preparation and work for it.", said Prachi. Soumya buried her face in her hands, "You're making me feel worse. You should be shouting at me, not comforting me." "Listen, Soumya, truth be told, I feel relieved, like I dodged a bullet.", said Prachi sincerely. "Really?", asked Soumya. "Really", said Prachi reassuringly. Soumya hugged her tightly, "I know there is an absolutely amazing guy out there for you."
There was a definite stir in the crowd as Prachi walked Soumya down to the mandir. It certainly was an extraordinary situation. Prachi heard the whispers all around her as she watched the ceremony but she felt oddly liberated. Like the shackles that had held her in place her entire life had been thrown off. All her life, she had been the dutiful daughter, caring older sister, diligent student and now a responsible accountant. Her entire life she had been safe, staid, somber and sensible. Never took a risk in her life, always walked the straight and narrow, always did what was expected of her and where had that got her? She had been dumped on her wedding day. Could any woman face a greater humiliation? If that's the worst that could happen to her but she could still stand with her head held high, what had she been afraid of her entire life? Prachi was suddenly ready to break free.
The reception was going on. There was a glow to both Soumya and Ranvir's faces convincing Prachi even more that she had done the right thing. Ayesha came and hugged her tightly, "Dammit Prachi, how can you stand here so clam? I would be breaking dishes, preferably over Ranvir's head, if I was you!" Prachi looked at her with an odd glint in her eyes, "You have some leave due, don't you?" Ayesha was a junior designer at a well known fashion house. Ayesha looked at her best friend worriedly, "What's that got to do with anything? Hun, are you okay? You don't look like someone who just got her wedding and fiancee hijacked by her own sister." "Come with me.", said Prachi grinning widely, grabbing hold of Ayesha's hand and dragging her upstairs.
Prachi hastily scribbled a note and went into the bathroom. Ayesha looked at the note in shock, "You're going to Mauritius?". "We're going to Mauritius", corrected Prachi as she came back out dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, "I don't mind giving up my wedding but damnit I want my honeymoon." "Prachi, I think I'm going to call your mother. I think the shock is catching up with you.", said Ayesha as she slowly tried to leave the room. Prachi held her hand tightly, "Ayesha, I'm fine but right now I just want to do something wild and impulsive." "Prachi, this is you, you don't do wild and impulsive, you do safe and well-thought-out.", said Ayesha, speaking calmly and slowly. She really was worried that Prachi was having some sort of breakdown. "Ayesha, I just got dumped on my wedding day. Don't you think I deserve some fun?", asked Prachi looking at Ayesha pleadingly.
Ayesha looked at her closely. There was no denying if there was anyone who deserved a holiday, right now, it was Prachi and she looked very much in her senses though a lot more excited than she had seen her in a long while. That won over Ayesha, "Are you sure you not having some sort of meltdown?", she asked dubiously. "I'm sure", laughed Prachi, "Now, come on lets go get your clothes?" "Wait, shouldn't we tell your parents instead of just leaving them this note?", asked Ayesha concernedly. "No", said Prachi firmly, "They won't understand and for once I'm want to do what I want to do, guilt free." "Okay", said Ayesha getting caught up with Prachi's enthusiasm. Prachi grabbed her suitcase that she had packed for her honeymoon and the girls managed to sneak out of the house unnoticed.
While at the airport, Ayesha phoned work. Citing a family emergency, that needed her to go out of town, she managed to wriggle out of work for a week. Prachi was now getting nervous, worrying about her parents and the consequences. This was undeniably the most out of character thing she had ever done. But she had gone too far to go back now. Her nerves didn't abate when she got on the plane. Ayesha was stunned when she saw Prachi grab the wine glass, that the air hostess had offered them shortly after take off. Prachi never drank. "Hey, slow down.", said Ayesha as Prachi gulped down the glass of white wine. Prachi smiled at her, she was already feeling more relaxed.
Few hours and three glasses of wine later, they touched down in Mauritius. Prachi could already feel the heat. She looked around her at all the bronzed bodies in barely there clothes. Even Ayesha was dressed in shorts. Prachi caught a glimpse of her self in a shop mirror in her jeans, baggy t-shirt and sneakers, her hair pulled in a neat ponytail. Her suitcase was filled with similar attire. Prachi was suddenly filled with rebellion against the old Prachi. She was going to be a new Prachi on this trip. A new Prachi with new clothes. "Prachi, where are you going?", asked Ayesha hurrying behind her as Prachi strode determinedly towards a shop. Ayesha had by now had resigned herself to the fact that Prachi really was having some sort of meltdown. And all she could do was stick close by and make sure she didn't get into any trouble.
"Are you really going to use these clothes?", asked Ayesha, her eyes popping out at the array of electric neon colored swimsuits, tops and mini skirts, Prachi was tossing into her trolley. "Yes, I am", said Prachi, "I'm going to have fun on this trip." "With not much clothes on?", asked Ayesha sarcastically. Prachi just smiled. Ayesha found out just how serious Prachi was about having fun when after getting to their room, she came out of the bathroom wearing a red halter neck top and jeans. "Right, lets go have some supper.", she said calmly. They were staying at an exclusive resort and they headed for dinner at the restaurant on the beach front. There was a bar with the deck leading out to the white sands and sea. Both girls turned heads at the restaurants. Wearing black jeans and a blue tank top, Ayesha also looked lovely but every man in the restaurant had their eyes trained on the ravishing beauty in red with the long straight hair.
After dinner, things started to get busier. The bar was crowded, music was playing and people were starting to dance on the beach. An Usher song was playing. "Oooh, I love this song.", said Prachi heading towards the bar having already had a glass of wine at dinner. "No, you don't, you think it's crass and sexiest.", said Ayesha exasperated. "Not tonight", said Prachi laughing as she hit the bar counter. "What you having, luv?", asked the New Zealand barman, looking at her speculatively. "Water, she is having water", said Ayesha firmly. "Sure, you don't want something stronger?", asked the barman. "What do you have?", asked Prachi, smiling innocently. "How about a strawberry dacari?', suggested the barman. "Oooh, I'll have that.", said Prachi. "Prachi'", said Ayesha warningly. "What? It has strawberries.", said Prachi, smiling sweetly.
Prachi was just finishing her drink, when the song started to play and the trouble really started. "This is my favorite song.", squealed a delighted Prachi. "No, it isn't", said Ayesha exasperated. "Well, since I got dumped it is.", said Prachi wickedly. "To the left, to the left, everything you own in a box '", said Prachi singing and dancing along. Ayesha couldn't help laughing. Prachi was acting crazy but she was fun. "Yo, luv, how about showing us your moves up here?", said the barman, hitting the bar counter. Prachi didn't need much encouragement. In a flash she was standing atop the bar counter singing and dancing along.
"You must not know about me, I can have another you in a minute '", said Prachi actually singing in tune and inspite of being drunk swaying gracefully. Ayesha knew she was going to regret this in the morning but right now she looked like she was having the time of her life. By now a small crowd had gathered around her with whistles and claps of encouragement. Prachi smiled down at the crowd. Then she caught his eye and she felt herself stumble. No man had ever looked at her like that and definitely not one so utterly gorgeous. In a flash, he had steadied her and brought her slowly back to ground. Even in her inebriated state, Prachi was aware of the heat radiating from her head to her toe-tips.
She was drunk, dressed skimpily and dancing atop a bar counter. The type of woman, Milind would barely have any respect for under normal circumstances but he had never been more mesmerized in his life. Her cheeks were flushed pink as he looked at her and placed her on the ground. She was beautiful. Prachi got an even closer look at him. With his slightly long hair, stubble, body fitting t-shirt, everything about him spoke about danger and living life on the edge. The type of man who would normally never give her a second look. But suddenly Prachi wanted his attention more than anything.
"Hi, I'm ...'", he said holding out an hand. "Lets not bother about such trivialities", said Prachi smiling flirtatiously. It was definitely the alcohol talking but Prachi was grateful for it. He looked electrified. She had certainly got his attention but now to keep it. Milind was still looking at her shocked. No woman had ever spoken or looked at him like that before. Usually woman gave him one look, pegged him as boring or unapproachable and didn't bother about him again. Milind didn't know what got over him but he wanted nothing more than to dazzle this beautiful creature. "How about a drink, then?", he asked trying his best to give her what he thought would be a flirtatious smile. Prachi felt her heart plummet slightly. That smile must be creating havoc every where he went.
"How about a tequila?', asked Milind hoping it was worldly enough to keep pace with her. "Yeah, sure", replied Prachi. "Oh god, do you have the salt or the lemon first. It's the lemon, it has to be the lemon", though Prachi desperately as she racked her brains trying to recall all the movies she had seen where people drink tequila. Milind looked at her. She looked slightly uncomfortable. She quickly smiled at him. If he suspected that she had never drunk before today, he would bolt from there. She assumed guys like him liked woman with a bit of experience.
Thankfully, he had his drink first. "So, it's the salt first.", thought Prachi relieved. "Aren't you going to have yours?", asked Milind. "Of course", said Prachi smiling. It was time to regain the initiative. She took his hand, sprinkled the salt on it and without taking her eyes off him, licked the salt slowly off his hand. By the time she drank the tequila, taking all of her self control not to spit it out and finished sucking the lemon, he was still looking at her pole-axed. Milind knew he was gaping at her but he couldn't help it. He was completely out of his dept around her.
Just then, Prachi saw Ayesha looking at her wide-eyed, a little distance away. She had lost Ayesha in the crowd after her dance. She knew after what she had just witnessed, Ayesha would drag her out of there kicking and screaming, if need be but Prachi wasn't ready to go just yet. "Come on, lets dance.", she said dragging Milind onto the crowded dance floor. "Okay", said a still stunned Milind. The dance floor being crowded as it was, Prachi had no choice but to dance right up next to him. The alcohol was slowly wearing off and she was becoming increasingly aware of him. He held her close, breathing in her hair. She was the type of woman, he should run a mile from, the type of woman he could never take home but he was captivated. Prachi suddenly felt claustrophobic and she was actually glad to see Ayesha heading her way. She pushed him slightly away, smiled up at him, kissed him on the cheek and said, "I got to go. Nice knowing you". "Wait", said Milind but before he could say anything else, she had already disappeared in the crowd.
