Tomorrow Full of Promises-MichiFF Note pg205 22/8 - Page 12

Seeing the slightly annoyed look on Prachi's face, Milind was quick to suggest that they should start watching all those rare birds that the place was famous for. Prachi didn't any more encouragement after that. Pulling out her binoculars, she settled on a high rock and indicated Milind to join her. Soon she got very involved in what she was doing, pulling on Milind's sleave every time she spotted a new one and making him watch it as well. Just then Milind spotted a black bird with beautiful blue patterns on its wings. "Prachi, look at this one. What bird is this" ? But prachi couldn't look at it from where she sat. Holding her around her shoulders , Milind pulled her to him , so she could see it properly. Completely engrossed in spotting a new bird, Prachi didn't realise that she was completely in Milind's embrace. Seeing Prachi so close to him, Milind couldn't take his eyes off her. The faint smell of her perfume tickled his senses, her hair flying in disarray because of the strong wing, fell on his face slightly. His sudden silence made Prachi turn to look at him and she was completely mesmerised by his eyes that was looking right into hers. Milind started at the exquisite beauty in front of him feeling himself drowning in the pools of her big brown eyes. Her pink lips were slightly parted showing a glimpse of her pearly teeth. Prachi was also completely lost in the moment. Her senses were reeling in the smell of his cologne and that close, his lips looked even fuller, his jaw strong with a slight stubble. Prachi wondered how it would feel to touch it. A sudden cry of a bird startled them out of their eye lock. Realising where she was Prachi quickly moved away, putting as much distance from him as possible. Her face was flushed and eyes downcast, she twiddled with the binoculars completely shaken by what happened. Milind was equally shaken , taking a quick moment to get a grip on himself, he jumped up.

Picking up his bag, he walked towards her . "Prachi, shall we have some lunch? Don't know about you, but I am starving" he smiled at her. Thankful of the diversion, Prachi nodded. She was starving as well. Soon, they were munching on the cheese sandwiches that Milind had packed, crisps that Prachi had brought , washing down with coke. The conversion flowed easily as Milind vowed to bring back the jovial atmosphere and was quite successful in doing it. He talked about his friends in London and the fun and masti they had, making Prachi burst into laughter. She had tears in her eyes, listening to their antics. When he spoke about the girls he had hung out with and their little romantic interludes and his first French kiss when he was 14 years old, Prachi was shocked. "What, at 14, omg"? Milind just shrugged, "I was actually a bit late than my friends", he smiled sheepishly. Prachi felt a sudden pang of pain and jealousy tore at her heart. "He has had so many girl friends and just thinks of them as fun to hang out with. Is that how he thinks of me as well"? she thought sadly.

Looking at her confused and disapproving face, Milind could have kicked himself for getting carried away. He never intended to talk about his previous girlfriends. When it comes to her he seems to do and say things that he would never do in any other circumstances. She has that effect on him. Wondering how to make things right, he realised that being honest would be the best thing. Moving close to her, he said "Look at me, Prachi". Prachi looked up with confusion evident in her eyes. Looking into her eyes, he said "Don't jump to conclusions because of what I said. That was how I was before and it was the way of life in London as well. I had a fast and easy lifestyle and girls meant only one thing for me - casual flings. But you are different, different from the girls I have known all my life. You are the first girl, whom I really wanted to get to know and make friends with. Even though I have known you for such a short time, I like you and respect you as a person and I am glad that you considered me as a friend and trusted me enough to come out with me today. I would never jeopardise this friendship and trust as it means a lot of me". Feeling guilty that he did trick her just to be alone with her, he continued, " I might not do things in the conventional way and even be manipulative, but trust me I don't mean any harm. I only wanted to spend time with you today". Searching his eyes, Prachi realised that he spoke the truth though she didn't really understand what he meant when he said he could be manipulative. She smiled at him, "I trust you, Milind". And she did trust him though she didn't understand why. Milind drew a sharp breath. Her simple words made his heart flip. "Come on now Milind, we don't have much time left. Let's go down to the falls and take some photos" Prachi started climbing down. Milind's face broke into a big smile, "Careful prachi, wait for me". He ran to catch up with her and helped her to get down to the water fall.

It was almost half two when they left Kalhatty. The sun was much more warmer now and the ride back was even more pleasant. Milind flirted and charmed her all through and Prachi enjoyed every moment of it. She was surprised that she was so at ease with him. She was giggling at his outrageous jokes and hitting him as if they had been friends since a long time. She felt she had known him forever. The rest of the gang was already there when they reached Doddabetta. They were both welcomed with smirks and winks from everyone. Lisa and Neelam nudged and teased Prachi so much that she was ready to scream in frustration. It was a clear afternoon and they had very good view of the whole area.

View from Dodabetta peak

Prachi was lost in the beauty of the scenery spread out in front of her when Vicky came to stand beside her. "Hey prachi, did you have a good day" ? He asked her smirking. "Vicky, I am really, really cross with you. How could you take everyone to the wrong place"? Prachi said with a huff. "Come on now, Prachi , are you really cross with me, because you and Milind spent the who….le day all alone, with none of us around" he cocked his head to one side feigning surprise. Prachi went red with embarrassment and started to walk away from him. "Hey hey prachi, I was just joking", chuckling Vicky joining her. "Alright, jokes aside, let me take photos of you against this beautiful scenery. I am quite good at photography, you know" he said trying to pacify her. Prachi smiled at him and indulged him posing at different locations. When Prachi had had enough, he assured that it was the last one and made her stand near the edge of the cliff with one leg perched on a not so stable rock.

Milind who was looking for them found them just then. "Vicky, what the hell are you up to? With those shoes she is wearing, it would be very easy to loose balance on such rocks", Milind yelled at him signalling Prachi to move away from the cliff. "What's up Milind, you see to worry too much about Prachi"? Vicky raised his eyebrows mockingly. "Prachi, you seem to bring out the protective instinct in Milind, making him behave almost like a …….big brother". Both heads whipped up to look at him in horror. "Big brother, what the ……"? Muttered Milind furiously. "Oh my god, look at the expressions on your faces", Vicky laughed out aloud. "You know guys, last time I checked, the word "big brother" wasn't actually such a horrific one". Milind gave him a well aimed kick on his shin. "Ouch, okay, what I meant was , almost like a good friend", alright prachi", Vicky asked her still laughing. Prachi couldn't help smiling back at him knowing very well that he is pulling Milind's leg. Secretly, she was very pleased that Milind kicked him because that was exactly what she wanted to do herself.

"Guys, I am starving, lets go and have some dinner", Lisa came running up to them. "Its time we get back anyway. Prachi cannot go home late again". Soon they got ready to go down the mountain. Milind still pissed off at Vicky glared at him before going to his bike. Vicky threw up his hands and laughed. As they were riding back, Milind turned to her, "Prachi, just to clear the record, I don't have any big brother intentions towards you. We are friends, right , Friends….." he stressed. "Of course, Milind, We are friends", assuring him, Prachi smiled to herself.

They went to one of the restaurants along the lake with a beautiful view. Dinner was a fun affair and the food was very good. It was almost eight when they decided to call it a day. Milind offered prachi a ride home and she refused. "No Milind, I can't go home riding on a bike with you. Its not far from here. I'll walk". "Okay then, but I will come with you. You are not going to walk alone. Understood" Milind said. "Its just his protective nature again, Prachi", chuckled Vicky earning a warning glare from Milind. Prachi smiled and agreed to let Milind come with her. They didn't talk much on the way home both thinking about the day. Stopping near her home, she looked up to him and smiled "Thank you Milind, I had a very good time today. One of the best days in my life". "Any time Cherry. And the best days are yet to come" Milind smiled at her. "I shall call you tomorrow. Good night Sweetheart", he winked at her and walked away.

Vicky was waiting for him when he went back to get his bike. "So, bro, No need for more group dates right", teased Vicky. "You are not right on, bro, no more group dates. I shall take it on my own from here. Thank you" chuckled Milind as they raced home.