PART 1
The morning dawned beautifully. A gentle mist was rolling over the mountains, the dew drops were glistening in the just risen morning sun, a chill in the morning breeze, the time of the day, as the dreams of the night fade away and the day awakens gently bringing a new promise . Nature was the best artist. What vibrant colours were the morning sky painted in, yellow and orange of the rising sun wiping away even the scantiest of the night's darkness. Prachi looked up at the sky and inhaled the fresh air deeply. She shivered lightly in the morning chill, even though it was July. Clad in a pale yellow salwar suit sprinkled with light blue and pink embroidery, face wiped of any make up apart from a single black bindhi on her forehead, she was a epitome of simplicity and beauty. Her big brown eyes glowed with happiness and a small smile tugged at her pink lips. She pulled on the shawl around her shoulders more tightly and continued walking. Prachi loved her morning walks in the beautiful hill station, Ooty, in south india.
Inder Shah, Prachi's father along with his friend and partner, Pranay Shergill started their small scale business in snack food products, 15 years ago in Mumbai and in recent years the company had grown into S & S Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Inder wanted to spread their products in South India, though Pranay was not sure about investing a large amount at once. But Inder was adamant and brought Premlatha , his wife and his only daughter Prachi to Chennai, three months ago and Pranay stayed back in Mumbai looking after the business there. Prachi had just turned 21and about to start university in August for her Master's degree in business management in a very prestigious international university in Chennai. Her father Inder Shah, as far as she remembered always brought Prachi and her mother to Ooty for two weeks in July. It was the only family holiday they spent together in the year because of Inder's busy work schedule. They had a beautiful guest house , very subtle in grandeur. It was one of those houses, which you fall in love with on first sight. A large beautifully maintained garden in the front, cobbled pathway led to the house, hanging baskets full of blooming flowers hung on both sides of the door, ivy climbing up the walls, the house was a beautiful sight for the eyes, Prachi thought with a smile. She always looked forward to this time of the year. She has always spent the months before July in anticipation, and cherished those sweet memories for the rest of the year.
Prachi looked around her. The place was just waking up. The food stalls were getting ready for the days business. Prachi's favourite florist's shop was filled with beautiful roses of all colours. She walked in with a huge smile. Lisa , her friend, who started the shop two years ago greeted her very warmly , obviously very delighted to see her. She met her every year and were good friends.
"Hello Prachi, Its so good to see you. You look even prettier than the last time I saw you" jumped up Lisa and gave her a warm hug. Prachi hugged her back and said "Its lovely to see you too. We came only last night. God, I have a year's news to tell you". Prachi chatted with her for a while catching up on news either side and bought a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses, her favourite colour. Clutching the bouquet , she waved goodbye to Lisa, planning to meet in the evening at the Coffee shop near the lake and started walking back to the house. She buried here face in the flowers and inhaled the scent deeply. With a happy sigh and a spring in her steps, she continued walking.
She remembered the conversation she had on the phone with her best friend, Neev, son of Inder's partner and friend Pranay, this morning. He always accompanied her to Ooty on her holidays but this year things were different after he joined his father's business and had to stay back in Mumbai. She hadn't seen him since they moved to Chennai and missed him terribly. Being her childhood friend from as long as she remembered, he was a happy go lucky and a very bubbly person, unlike the quite and demure Prachi.
She had just come out of her shower in the morning when the phone rang, "Hey Prachi, How is your first morning in your favourite place" ? came his bubbly voice from the other side of the phone. "Neeeeeeeev, I knew you would call me. Its fantastic as it always is, the fresh air, the greenery, the mist covered mountains, its beauā¦tiful " Prachi said excitedly. "But I so wish that you were here. Its going to be different without you" she complained. "Oh, oh, oh, hang on there, don't get carried away. Now, you are going to enjoy every day of your holidays and have my share of fun as well and don't forget to update me regularly" said Neev. They chatted for a while and he hung up only after Prachi promised to call him next day. She smiled fondly at the memory as she walked. "Yes, I am going to have lots of fun" She thought and hummed a tune happily as she walked home.
Prachi was in her room getting ready. She was meeting Lisa at 4 pm at the Coffee House. "Mama, Mamaaaaa! I can't find my black heels. Where did you put them ? Shouted Prachi .
"I put them in your wardrobe. You seem to be in such a hurry today. You are only meeting Lisa, aren't you? I am sure she would wait for you even if you are a few minutes late" walked in Premlata.
"You know me, Mama. I hate to be late, no matter where I go and thanks for unpacking for me. You are the best" Prachi kissed Premlata on her cheeks.
"Oh, yes, I know. Muska maarne ki zaroorath nahi hai. Now off you go and have a good time. Give my love to Lisa" Premlata waved her off.
She looked on proudly at her beautiful daughter rushing away. "She looks so chirpy and happy whenever she comes here" thought premlata.
She knew that Prachi didn't make friends easily, but once she did, they were for life. She was glad that she found a good friend in Lisa. She had become a bit too quiet after they moved to Chennai. "She would make new friends once she starts university" she thought. Inder was over protective towards Prachi and did not encourage her to go out with friends of her own age. She accompanied her mother everywhere. Premlatha did not approve of it, but Inder was adamant. Prachi never complained. She had her father on a pedestal and would do just as he wanted. But Ooty seems to mellow even Inder and Prachi had more freedom when they came here. Premlatha smiled as her daughter grabbed her binoculars and her purse and rushed out.
Dressed in a white salvar with black geometric designs and a black dupatta with intricate work, swinging her binoculars, Prachi smiled happily as she set out to meet her friend. She loved to watch the birds, sitting by the lake in the evenings. She loved everything about this place.
Little did she know, that this evening would be different - much different from all other evenings she had at this place for years and would bring changes in her life, her priorities and outlook of life and in her person itself, for better or for worse, only time would tell.
okay guys, here is the first part. Please let me know whether you liked it or not. Excuse me for any mistakes. Suggestions, criticisms are all welcome. Looking forward to your views regarding the update. Cheers š š
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