Kuch Iss Tarah (from start to finish) - Page 2

Part 12

Premlata had been shocked to see her battered and bruised chiding her for her carelessness she had burst into tears herself. "Maa kuch nahin hua mujhey main theek huun" Maa nothing's happened to me I'm fine she had tried consoling her mother "Kuch ehsaas nahin hai tumhain mera, kiya haal banaya hai apna pehley hii main itni pareshaan huun or tum ho keh...." You have no care for my feelings, what have you done to yourself as it is I'm worried and you just... she could see her mother was deeply hurt by her injuries and it was not something she could hide to ease her pain. "Kiya huaa maa aap kyun pareshaan hain?" What happened Maa why are you so worried? she had asked squeezing her mother's hands gently.And Premlata had informed her about her Daadi's ill health.


It had started after Inder's death her Daadi would lie quietly in her room initially she had refused to eat or drink Inder was her only child and she had never imagined his demise before her ownself. It had taken a lot of patience and effort on both Prachi and Premlata's part to convince her to eat and drink. She had finally consented to eating a few morsels each day and then the fever had overtaken her frail body. Inder's loss had torn her apart and weakened her strong spirits Alaap's behaviour was no help and her body now became a haven to fatal diseases. She was severely sick that was known by Prachi but to such an extent was a blow to both her and Premlata. Her mother had shown a long list of costly lab tests the doctor had jotted down that day the total expense of which was far beyond their wildest imagination. Holding the paper in her hands Prachi had been grieved at her helplessness.


That night as Milind lay in his darkened bedroom his thoughts had wandered to the afternoon's events, he shuddered to think of what would've happened if Prachi hadn't saved Preeti. He placed his hand on Preeti's small chest feeling it heave and sink as she slept beside him, pulling her closer to him he felt her turn in her sleep her leg draped on his waist and her small hand found solace on his chest. He kissed her hair softly winding his hand around her patting her gently, she was everything he had, his reason to live.


He remembered the day he had found out Kaajal was pregnant. Closing his eyes he saw the scene flash in his memory as if it were just yesterday that it had happened. "Kiya hai yeh?" What is this? he had yelled waving the creased envelope in front of her. Her hands had stopped momentarily "Meri reports hain" my reports she had replied calmly resuming the practise of applying lotion on her smooth pink face. She was beautiful a combination of angelic features, thick auburn hair that cascaded down her back and the most deepest set of pitch black eyes."Kab huey yeh tests? Or mujhey kyun nahin bataya?" when were they taken and why didn't you inform me? his anger was crossing all limits now.


She knew perfectly well how he longed for a child of his own and now when he was being blessed with one she had not bothered to inform him. He felt cheated, "Bataney ki zarurat nahin samjhi mainey" I didn't find it necessary to inform you she had stated in the same calm tone, she could see it was getting hard for him to control his rapidly increasing rage."Yeh bacha mera bhi hai Mrs Kaajal Mishra or mujhey haq hai isskey baarey main jaanney ka" This is my child too Mrs Kaajal Mishra and I have a right to know about it he had managed in a low tone indicating his aggravated ire "Aapka baccha..." You'r child... she had chuckled

"Haan yeh to main bhool hii gayi thii, pati hain aap merey ....." Oh yes I forgot you are afterall my husband... she had smiled wickedly. He looked at her stunned at her audacity she had with held crucial information about their child from him and now taunted him about their failed relationship. Kneeling down beside her he had clasped her soft hand in his "Kyun ker rahi hai aisa Kaajal. Mat cheen yeh khushi mujh sey, main saath huun na terey I promise tujhey terey hissey kii saari khushiaan duunga.Hum milkar iss khushi ka swagat ker saktey hain" Why are you doing this Kaajal? Don't snatch this happiness from me, I'm with you I promise I'll give you all the happiness you deserve. We can live this moment and happiness together he had pleaded as he gazed at her face for an approval. He noticed her eyes shine from unshed tears, her expression had softened it was as if she was in a trance he saw her lift her hand to his face touching it lovingly.But then the moment was gone she had quickly composed herself twisting her hand free of his she had left the room.


Later he had found out she had not wanted to have the baby at all and it was nine months of pure torment for Milind pleading, imploring, crying even begging her to have the baby.He vividly remembered the day Preeti had been born it had been a landmark in his life, he could feel his heart brim with love for her as he held her tiny blanketed form in his arms. She had smiled in her sleep her toothless mouth agape as she yawned and then settled in his strong but gentle hold. And he had thanked God a million times for blessing him with her at that very moment.


He had expected her to return after a week's rest but she had resumed her duties the third day and secretly he was happy she had returned it had been hard for him juggling between Preeti, Baba and the office. She had not mentioned the accident neither had he brought it up he assumed she had condoned him for his impulsive reaction that day and had carried on with his work.


The truth was that Prachi had never been more clueless in her entire life she had spent countless hours during her stay home fruitlessly trying to understand him.She knew he was impulsive, rash too at times but his outburst at the hospital had her reeling and then the fact that he had come over to simply hand over her purse was just too much. He could've waited till she returned to the office why follow her home for such a trivial cause, tired she had eventually given up on it altogether.


He noticed she had benifitted from her time off her bruises were now vague traces of their former selves, the colour had returned to her cheeks and she had smiled at him, all was well according to him. He saw she was trying to teach Preeti to walk she held her small palms in her hands walking backwards slowly while Preeti tottered on steadily. But seconds later they were both lying in a heap on the floor laughing uncontrollably.He had looked on amused wishing he had the chance to enjoy his time with Preeti as she did. Sighing he had averted his eyes from the scene concentrating on the open file spread on his table.


He was expecting Mr Mehra that evening he needed to have his details in order before he attended the meeting, he had been working hard since the past three days and had found little time on his hands for his own self. He closed his eyes tiredly resting his head back on the head rest of his swivel chair he pressed his temples with his thumb and forefinger, his head had started aching inseccantly how he wished he could head home and sip on a piping hot cup of tea.But he knew he couldn't he had wearily opened his eyes to see Prachi stand near his table perturbed, she played with her dupatta probably deciding to talk to him about something.


He raised his eyebrows in question as his eyes met hers. "Woh ....aap chai piyengey?" "Will you have tea?" she had finally asked and she had felt his eyes twinkle at the prospect "Haan" Yes he had replied promptly. He watched as she poured two cups of tea from the flask and hand him one of them.Sipping on it he saw Preeti crawl over to Prachi and she had stooped down to pick her up, he watched her nuzzle the child with love and get an equally loving response. Prachi sensed the silence and returned her gaze to him she had suggested he had tea because she knew it had been a hard week for him. Her talk with Madhu earlier that day had explained her a great deal about his behaviour towards her in the hospital. She knew Preeti was his only child but the fact that he had to beg his wife to stop getting her aborted was news to her. She realized the pain he must've felt on the very thought of losing her.


She hadn't expected an apology neither had he supplied her with one atleast she'd got a week off and that was all that mattered to her. She knew men like Milind gave a damn to the world but somehow she had felt his tender gaze on her that afternoon as he handed her back her purse and her heart had forgiven him. As she watched him from the confines of her office she understood his craving for a cigarette she knew too that if he hadn't got the tea he certainly would've started smoking like a train engine which wasn't a very alluring option to her.

Part 14

Ali had been extremely intrigued at Prachi's presence with his rather solitary friend that too at a late hour in the night but he had smiled warmly at her. She somehow felt very much like his own sister Sadia, stretching his arms he had plucked Preeti out of Prachi's grasp. "Kyun gurya chachu kii yaad nahin aati?" "Sweetheart don't you remember uncle at all?" he had tousled her hair playfully Preeti had snuggled up to him flashing a simpering smile. "Kaisey aayegi tera baap itna bara aadmi hai waqt hii kahaan hota hai uskey paas apnon key liye." "Well how could you remember me your father's a big man, he doesn't have time for family or old friends." Though the words had been addressed to Preeti Prachi saw Milind shift his gaze guiltily. Afterall what his friend had just accused him of was not a lie he had ceased to mingle with anyone besides his business associates.

It was not that he had forgotten Ali rather he had avoided every memory, every place and every fragment of his life that would remind him of his yester years. He had wished to erase it all from his mind's slate yet had failed miserably to do so. Often he had been overcome with nostalgia thinking of his carefree days spent with Ali at the chawl but that seemed like a different lifetime to him now. Sighing he had somehow met Ali's accusing gaze "Maaf ker dey yaar ab kiya jaan leyga,or madad ker meri isko theek kerney main." "Forgive me buddy and help me repair this." "Preeti beta Papa sey kaho keh chachu unhain maaf nahin kerney walley jab tak woh ghar nahin chaleingey unkey saath." "Preeti tell your father uncle will not forgive him till he comes over to his house ." All this time Prachi and Preeti had both been silent witnesses to this entire ordeal and Preeti had given a little happy snort when Ali had complained to her. She looked at her father and then back at Ali unable to decide who to side with. Prachi had sensed Milind's confusion. "Aap chahein to inkey saath jaa saktey hain Sir main ghar chali jaungi," "Sir you can leave with him I'll go on my own." she had assured him but before Milind could say anything Ali had spoken up. "Aap bhi chaleingi saath meri behen aap sey milkar buhut khush hogi, yahiin paas main hi haii ghar," "You'll be accompanying us too my sister would be glad to meet you, besides my house is just round the corner" and that had finished any other attempt on her part to bail out of the situation. They had followed Ali to a high rise building at the corner of the street and very soon they stood at his doorstep.

The door had been opened by a young girl probably about Prachi's age she adorned a simple salwar kameez and had been comforted by Ali's sight "Kahaan they bhaiya malum hai maa kitna pareshaan thi" "Where were you Maa was worried about you." she had reprimanded him lovingly. Catching sight of Milnd and Prachi with Preeti in the passageway she had moved aside letting them. She showed them in to a wider room where an elderly lady sat praying on a prayer mat her hands sliding the beads of a wooden rosary. Her face seemed to be the epitome of maternal love "Aa gaya tuu Ali main kab sey teri raah dekh rahi thi". "Ali you've come I've been waiting or you." She had fondly kissed his bent forehead and folding up her prayer mat stood up with his help. "Maa dekh to aaj kon aaya hai apney ghar." "Maa look whose come to our house tonight." Ali had led her to where Milind stood with childish excitement. Adjusting her dupatta she had looked closely at Milind squinting her eyes for better vision. "Milind tuu hai na." "Milind is it you" she had asked disbelievingly her gnarled hands cupping his face as she touched it with affection."Haan maa main huun," "Yes maa it's me" he had whispered bending his forehead which she had kissed fondly. "Kaisa hai re tuu..... bhuul hii gaya maa ko?" "How are you.... totally forgotten your old mother." she had chided him as he helped her sit on a nearby sofa. Prachi watched as Milind swiped his sleeve across his eye to hide the tears that had broken free from the captivity of his sad eyes. "Saadia beta khana lagao bachon key liye" "Saadia get the food ready for them" she told Saadia who stood at the doorway.

Milind had sat down on the floor laying his head in her lap and closed his eyes in contentment as she combed his hair with her fingers. "Janey kyun aaj mujhey teri buhut yaad aa rahi thi tujhey halwa pasand haina banaya hai mainey. Mera dil keh raha tha tuu zarur aayega aaj, or dekh tuu aa gaya." "I don't know why I kept remembering you a lot today. I've made your favourite dessert. My heart kept telling me you'd come today and here you are." Prachi saw Milind kiss her knotted fingers with veneration. The elderly woman had then noticed Prachi standing awkwardly holding Preeti, "Yeh kon hai Milind? Terey saath hai kiya?" "Who is she Milind? Is she with you?" she had asked. "Haan Maa Preeti ki governess hai issey ghar chorney jaa raha tha to gadi kharab ho gayi" "Yes Maa she's Preeti's governess I was on my way to drop her home when the car broke down" he had explained and she had gestured Prachi to sit near her enquiring about her name and family.


Saadia had informed them that food had been served she helped Prachi freshen up and wash Preeti's face before sitting down for the meal on a plain mat on the floor. Prachi had never eaten that way and felt rather awkward when all seated turned up to look at her stillstanding. She had quietly settled at a corner placing Preeti by her side, she saw that the house though not very big was beautifully done with a warm loving aura to it.


It was Preeti's lucky day normally she'd have her meals stuck in her baby chair at the table but here she had the liberty to crawl upto everything which was very much within reach. Prachi had a hard time handling her and it obviously didn't go unnoticed, the result was that Milind had inched closer to them and Prachi had moved in closer more placing Preeti between them so that she was unable to fidget. Prachi noticed Milind roll up his sleeves and delve in the food with relish, he usually never showed much enthusiasm at meal times, she realized it was the atmosphere and the company that had effected him not just the food. Ali's mother kept filling up their plates with more food till Prachi had to stop her gently. "Maa main itna nahin kha sakungi" "Maa I won't be able to finish all this" she had protested but the older woman had just smiled.


After dinner Prachi had helped Sadia clear up the mat and very soon they had become good friends laughing at Preeti's antics as she crawled on the floor on all fours. Later as they sat sipping hot tea Ali has inquired Milind about Prachi "Tuu jaanta hai na yeh kon hai?" "Do you know who she is?" he had asked him as they lounged on the couch in the hall. They had a clear vision of her standing with Sadia in the kitchen, helping her with the dishes. "Jaanta huun " " I know" Milind had stated eyeing her slim figure, as she smiled in agreement to Sadia's remark. "Kiya iss key baap kii wajah sey dii hai tuuney issko naukri?" "Have you appointed her because of her father?" Ali had asked again. "Shayad.... " "Maybe" Milind had again answered distractedly. The fact that Milind had known Prachi before he gave her the job was not new to Ali he had understood Prachi's presence with him the moment he set eyes on her, how could he forget Inder Shah.


Lounging in Ali's house on the comfortable couch Milind's mind was suddenly whisked off to a cold November evening when he had been brought to prison for muder charges. He sat gloomily in his caged confinement his eyes drooped low, his mind searching for answers he had no clue of. Since the case against him had not been filed yet he was to remain at the station till it was registered and then he would be shifted to the State Prison. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, a muddled clump of visions it had all happened so fast he never had a chance to understand it all. "Mujhey apni beti ki gari ki report likhwani hai", "I have to get a complaint written in regard to my daughter's car" he had heard the clear firm voice of a man as he took a seat opposite the inspector. He was accompanied by a beautiful young girl. She was dressed simply in a lemon salwar kameez her jet black hair framed her angelic face pefectly. He noticed she played with her dupatta as the inspector asked her about the accident that had happened and inquired if she could indentify the men who took her car. She nodded in the affirmative, it was then that Inder had caught a glimpse of him watch them intently.


Walking up to him he had stood there silently till Milind had felt his own eyes lower to the hard cement floor. "Nazrein jhukaney sey duniya chup nahin jaayegi Milind Mishra." "Your lowered eyes cannot shut out the world Mr Mishra" he had addressed him in a rather unexpected way. Milind had looked up to study him, he seemed to be a well to do businessman from his appearance his expensive suit giving it's owner's a rather impressive look. He appeared to be in his late forties a few greys adorning his side burns. He talked as if he knew exactly what he wanted and right now he wanted to speak to Milind. Seeing him silent had spurred his intrigue taking his hands out of his coat pockets he walked towards the prison bars the light from the over head bulb shone on his chiselled features. "Duniya tumhain qatil samajhti hai or tum nazrein jhuka ker iss ilzaam ko sach bana rahey ho." "The world considers you a murderer and you'r proving it right by lowering your gaze." Milind had stood up from his seat on the cold cemented slab and walked up to face him, it seemed both posessed a certain hold over each other. They stared at each other through the iron bars till Milind broke the spell. "Itna yaqeen kyun hai aapko mujh per..... main qaatil bhi ho sakta huun" "Why have so much faith in me.... I could be a murderer for all you know" he had asked watching Inder's face as he answered.

"Meri aankhein kabhi dhoka nahin kha sakteen, tum qaatil nahin ho. Ho hii nahin saktey. Insaan ka chariter burey waqt main saamney aata hai banta nahin. Or tumhara chariter aainey ki tarah saaf hai. Tum ney jurm nahin kiya phir yeh haar kaisi, nahin main tumhain haarney nahin dey sakta. Tum ney puucha mujhey tumm per yaqeen kyun hai to yaqeen dil sey hota hai dimagh sey nahin. Kahin na kahin tum main mujhey apna aap nazar aata hai. Main tumhain duniya sey nazrein milatey huey dekhna chahta huun, mujrimon ki tarah sar jhuka ker nahin sar utha ker dekho duniya ko kyunki tum beyqasooor ho... or yeh mera dil kehta hai" " "My eyes cannot deceive me. You'r not a murder. Cannot be one either. A person's character is exhibited in bad times not formed and your character is as clear as glass. When you haven't committed any crime then why this defeat. I cannot let you lose this war. You questioned my faith in you well faith springs from the heart not the mind. Whenever I look at you I'm reminded of my ownself. I want to see you face the world, not with downcast eyes like a criminal rather looking at them in the eyes. Because you are innocent.... that's what my heart says." ."Papa chalein humari complaint likh lii inspector ney." "Papa can we go the inspector's noted our complaint." he had heard her delicate voice from the distance and Inder had turned asking her to go on telling her he'd join her in a minute and he had watched her leave. "Sach ki hamesha jeet hoti hai or tumhari jeet hogi yeh mera yaqeen hai." "Truth always wins at the end and you'll win this I'm sure of that." Inder had touched his face lightly before turning around to follow his daughter out of the station.

Part 15

Milind had been shocked with Inder's words the whole wide world was against him, considering him a vicious beast who had murdered his wife in cold blood. Yet that man had profound faith in him and he didn't even know him well enough. Milind had heard the name of Shah Industries but had never been able to meet Inder personally, his was a growing business and Shah Industries was an empire in it's own self. Though Mishra group of companies was small yet it was well recognised by all especially Inder who had monitored Milind's progress keenly. He had been extremely impressed with Milind's hard earned success in such a short span of time and often he had wished Alaap would have had the same fiery streak in him as possessed by Milind.

Inder knew that the rage and passion Milind bore for his work and reputation stemmed from his hard days spent at the chawl. He had lived the difficult life and had vowed to make it from rags to riches that too the right way. Inder had always nursed a soft spot for Milind in his heart hoping to see him dominate the business world soon his intuition and gut feeling both pointed to Milind's fame and glory in the upcoming days. Inder had been shocked to read about Milind in the papers and had instantly known it to be a misunderstanding. The evidence was in, the verdict given Milind had been found guilty by the court.The strange part was that Milind had never uttered a word in his self defence, his defence lawyer had quit on him and the state lawyer was a lazy bum who had called it a closed case. Inder had thrown away the morning paper in disgust when he read the calumnies printed against Milind.


Later that harsh January morning Inder stood before a distraught Milind in the Central Prison, nothing had changed in those two months. There was the same iron wall barring them, the same dismal surroundings, the same 100 watt bulb shining profusely but much had changed a change that could be felt and understood, that the heart saw and the mind perceived. Milind looked shaggy and disshevelled he had grown weak bearing the continuous torture day in and day out.His gait was laboured and the injuries he bore were proof of the physical and mental misery he suffered in that dreary place. Inder could not but feel crushed at his sight, his heart bled at Milind's disparity a fine young man reduced to a caged beast, he clutched the prison bars in agony.


"Aap yahaan?" "You here?" Milind had stared at him in surprise, no one ever came to meet him besides his sister and friend Ali. His business was a mess, his so called associates and friends had turned out to be two timing sleaze balls who had never once turned around to offer a helping hand. His father had fallen sick not being able to bear his suffering and was currently bed ridden, in such dire conditions Inder's presence had genuinely shocked him. "Bas yahi dekhney aaya tha keh tum kis kis ko dhoka dey saktey ho." " Just came to see who you're trying to fool" Inder had stated icily.


Milind had looked up to him completely confounded "Insaan sirf do suurton main khamosh rehta hai Mr Mishra eik tab jab woh khud gunehgaar ho or duusra tab jab woh kisi gunehgaar ka saath dey raha ho. Main yeh dekhney aaya huun keh tum kisey bacha rahey ho ... apney aap ko ya kisi or ko. Bolo tumhari yeh khamoshi kis toofan ka sandes hai? Kyun sach nahin boltey tum ... kyun?" "A person stays mum in two situations either he himself is guilty or he's sheilding the real culprit. Who are you trying to shield? Tell me what storm does your silence indicate? Why don't you speak the truth?" Inder's frustration had not escaped him.

"Aap merey baarey main kuch nahin jaantey Mr Shah phir aap kaisey keh saktey hain keh yeh khoon mainey nahin kiya?" "You don't know anything about me then how can you be so sure I've not murdered anyone?" he had turned to face Inder whose eyes bore into Milind's own.

"Buhut kuch jaanta huun tumharey baarey main main, yeh jaanta huun keh tum ney kitni mehnat sey apna business shuru kiya ussey in unchaiion per puhunchaya bina kisi madad ya saharey key. Tum chahtey to paisey key liye kitney hii qatal ker saktey jab key tumharey paas to mauqa bhi tha or zarurat bhi lekin tumney aisa nahin kiya... kiyun ?" "I know a lot about you, I know that you've single handedly started your business and brought it to such heights just by sheer hard work. You could've killed people to attain riches you had the motive and the opportunity then why didn't you?" he paused momentarily "Tum per uss aurat key qatal kailzaam hai jissey tumney kabhi eik aanch nahin aani dii... or tum kehtey ho tum qaatil ho? Main kaisey maan luun yeh jhoot?" "You've been charged for murder of a woman you've never let any harm come to.... and you say you'r a criminal. How can I believe this farce." Milind had looked at him dumb founded how did he know all this about him.


"Kabhi kabhi farz yaqeen sey zyaada maainey rakhta hai Mr Shah." "Sometimes duty stands taller than emotions and faith Mr Shah." Milind had finally succumbed under the pressure exerted by Inder Shah and the faith Inder had showed in him had finally paid off he had admitted his innocence confiding in him.He had felt as if a mountain had been lifted off his chest that day, Inder had promised to vanquish his misery at that moment and had stuck to his word. Milind had been awarded death sentence but Inder had the case reopened, he appointed the best lawyers who had analysed the entire incident meticulously. Reports were rechecked, events replayed and finally one day Inder stumbled upon the biggest clue of them all one that had set Milind free of his imprisonment forever. He had been exonerated from the charges and had received an apology from the Indian court who were guilty of torturing him and causing lasting wounds to his soul and body.

All this though had been a confidential series of events known only by Inder, Milind and Ali no other soul knew of it not even Inder's own family. Inder knew Alaap harboured a major dislike for Milind and he feared Alaap would ruin his scrupulous planning. The last thing he wanted was an innocent man bearing the brunt of a crime he had not committed. Milind had never forgotten Inder or the debt he owed to him they had promised never to speak a word of it to anyone. Milind had maintained his silence while Inder had died keeping his word, Ali had been a loyal and faithful ally to Milind one who was closer to him than a brother. He too had vowed not to breath about all this to any living soul.


"Chalein Milind..." "Shall we leave" he heard someone call his name he opened his eyes to see Prachi standing near him, Ali had noticed the faraway look in Milind's eyes and had thought best not to disturb him. He knew it was the most difficult phase in his life and reliving it was not an easy task. He wished he hadn't brought up the topic but he was genuinely surprised to see Prachi with him, he had known Prachi to be Inder's daughter though they had never met upfront. And it had been Ali who had relayed events of the outside world to Milind while he fretted in prison, he told him how Inder worked day and night to prove him innocent.

"Haan chalo" "Yes come" Milind had assented standing up from his comfortable position on the couch. "Aisey kaisey jaa rahey hain bhaiyya" "How can you leave like this brother?" Sadia had spoken as she drew nearer Milind saw she had a small copper plate in her hand "Bethiye yahin sharafat sey." "Sit here ." she had commanded as she completed the aarti and proceeded to tie him a coloured thread on his wrist "Rakshabandhan per kyun nahin aaye they bhaiyaa kitna intizaar kiya mainey aapka." "Why didn't you come at the rakhi tying ceremony?" I kept waiting for you." she had complained in a loving tone. "Tujhey deney key liye bas yehi hai Sadia." " I just have this to offer you Saadia." he had taken off the gold chain he wore and had placed it in her open palm.

"Arey yeh kiya bhiayya mujhey yeh nahin chahiye bas aapki duaaein hii kaafi hain merey liye" "Oh brother I don't need this your good wishes are enough for me." she had protested but he would not listen and with Ali's consent she had kept it. "Waisey eik rakhi aapko bhi bandhni pareygi mujhey" "You'll have to tie me a rakhi too." Ali had addressed Prachi who stood silent deeply touched by this whole scenario. "Zarur bandhungi" "Ofcourse I will." she had smiled as Sadia handed her another plate. Prachi finished her aarti and tied a multi coloured ribbon on Ali's hand and his hand had touched her head with pious love "Tujhey deney key liye to kuch khaas nahin bas yehi hai" "I don't have much to offer you but here is a small gift" he had said presenting her a dove white silken salwar suit it was embroidered with shades of blue.

"Aap ney mujhey behen maana iss sey barh ker merey liye kiya tohfa ho sakta hai bhaiyya. Or yeh beyhad sunder hai." "You've considered me a sister that's more than enough for me. This is extremely beautiful." She had touched the cloth tenderly a stray tear had slipped from her eye and had fallen on the fabric. She was reminded of Alaap there was a world of difference between Ali and Alaap. One had given her what little he had and the other had destroyed whatever she had.The tear though wiped away quickly had not gone unnoticed.


They had said their goodbyes promising to come soon a promise Prachi intended to keep. Ali's mother had invited her to attend Saadia's wedding which was to be held soon and ofcourse Milind's presence was a must on such an important occassion.He couldn't forget the way Ali and his family had helped him out on Sukriti's wedding with the preparations. Prachi had met many people in her life but never had she encountered such pure and simple love,she felt indebted to Milind for introducing her to such lasting relations.Standing on the wide tarmac road Milind had looked at her thoroughly frustrated "Prachi betho" "Sit Prachi" he had ordered her the third time. "Sir mujhey darr lagta hai iss sey." "Sir I'm afraid of this" she had whispered holding Preeti tightly, he could see she really was afraid of the vehicle. He realized she probably had never ridden one before but it was the only vehicle available at the moment , he wanted her safe at home as time slipped by the night silence grew thicker around them.


"Merey hotey huey bhi?" "Even though I'm with you?" he had questioned and she saw the defiant look in his eyes.One that meant that he would not let anything happen to her even if it meant giving up his own life. He kick started the bike which Ali had generously loaned him for the night settling behind him on the leather seat she hugged Preeti close to her waist. Milind had felt her soft arm slide around his brawny waist her fingers trying to grope his toned abs in an attempt to hold on securely. He smiled as he heard her shallow breathing, girls.. he thought. The streets were empty and Milind enjoyed the ride, he had last sat on the bike a year back and the fresh air in his hair did wonders.


He had taken the longer route to her house the one that went beside the sea. She smelt the fresh salty sea breeze and took a long lungful of it, she wished the ride would never end she smiled as she thought of all her friends at the office. They'd give away their souls for a moment like this with Milind Mishra, yet she was the one enjoying this ride with him. She admitted to herself that it was a totally different experience one that set her soul free like a bird.She wondered why she felt so secure and safe with him though she was afraid of the motorbike she was loving the ride and unexpectedly she wanted it to last forever. She liked to be close to him, touch him be near him in some way.A part of her heart had wanted time to freeze so that she'd hold him like this, smell him, feel him for eternity. The thoughts though disturbing allured her senses she'd never felt like this before for any man.She pressed her face against his broad back smiling and he felt her smile against him. He had found freedom tonite if only for a short time but he had loved the adrenalin that pumped through his veins , the feel of her soft hair flying against his cheeks and the short spasmodic laughter that emitted from his daughter every now and then, he felt blessed at that very moment.


As he stopped the bike in the floodlit street near her chawl he could not help but notice her concern for Preeti as she carefully got off the bike with her. He held out his arms for her to hand him his daughter but she kept holding her "Aap bura nahin maanain to main issey yahaan rakh luun apney paas?" "If you don't mind can I keep her with me tonight" she had asked in a low tone. "Kyun?" "Why?" he had asked surprised "Aap akeley haina..... mujhey darr lag raha hai ... please issey merey paas chor dein aaj I promise main isska khayaal rakhungi. Chot bhi nahin lagney duungi." "You'r travelling alone.... I'm afraid... please let her stay with me I promise I'll take care of her. I won't let any harm come to her." "Darr lekin kis sey?" "Afraid but why?" he asked confused "Yeh bike sey... yeh gir gayi to" "If she'll fall off the bike .. then." and he had smiled shaking his head in agreement. "Acha yahin rakh ley issey phir agar raat main soney na dey to mujhey mat kehna" "Sure keep her and if she doesn't let you sleep the entire night don't complain to me" he had heartily granted her permission. He was about to start the vehicle when he saw her turn around after a few steps standing there gazing at him "Kiya hua kuch bhuul gayi? Isska bag to dey diya mainey tujhey?" "What happened? Did you forget something? I gave you her bag." he had been surprised to see her return to him. "Haan bhuul gayi " "Yes I forgot." "Kiya?' "What?" "Yeh kehna keh aap muskuraatey huey buhut achey lagtey hain" "To tell you that you look really nice when you smile" he noticed the glitter her eyes bore as her soft lips curled at the corners. His eyes had followed her ascent, halfway up the stairs she had turned back to watch him, finding him looking in her direction she had smiled warmly at him before disappearing in her house.

Part 16

As he rode back to his own house Milind had felt a satisfaction etch over him one that was inexplicable yet very much relatable. He admitted to himself that having Prachi around him made him forget his past it did wonders to him. She somehow helped him understand the world in a better way, he wondered how she had come to acquire the mind of a savant in that fragile body of hers. He laughed remembering her fright for the bike ride she looked so cute when her eye lids fluttered in confusion and her smile made the most beautiful dimple on her cheek.

Parking the bike in the garage he had sprinted to his room checking on Baba before retiring to bed. Lying on the master bed he placed his hand on the empty space besides him, he certainly missed Preeti. He wondered how Prachi must be coping with his brat of a daughter in her house. Back at the chawl Premlata was shocked to see Prachi arriving with Preeti that too in the middle of the night she took Preeti from Prachi?s hands as she related the evening?s events to her mother. Premlata had been waiting for Prachi anxiously she usually returned home early but tonight she had been late and she hadn?t called her mother to inform her about her whereabouts either. Bobby had been staying over at a friend?s place his exams had drawn nearer and he had been studying extremely hard to clear all subjects in one go, tough he had thought but not impossible. If he'd been home he certainly would've traced Prachi, Premlata had just been about to go to the shop at the corner to call her at the office when she arrived .

Preeti had instantly taken a liking to Premlata she remained quite sombre as the elder woman changed her and gave her the bottle. Premlata had caressed her cheeks affectionately as she lay between her and Prachi that night. Somehow Preeti had pulled at her heart strings and she felt very much drawn to her. When Prachi had narrated about Preeti?s mother being no more Premlata had been deeply touched, her heart was instantly filled with love and empathy for the little girl. Prachi had been worried about her mother?s reaction to Preeti staying over but her fears had been put to rest when she saw Premlata kiss Preeti lovingly on the forehead as she lay asleep on the bed with her. She had closed her eyes in contentment little did she know that it was short lived as her dreams were yet to haunt her.


Milind had hurriedly gotten ready for office he hoped to escape his father who would inquire about his grand daughter the minute he laid his eyes on him. Milind did not want his father speculating on his relationship with Prachi, ofcourse anyone who?d come to hear of it would be shocked. Ever since Preeti had been born Milind had not left her side even when he went on trips abroad he?d take Preeti with him, being a single parent it caused him sleepless nights and much agony but he had borne it all with patience. And yet he had entrusted her to Prachi someone he had known for just five months. He sometimes reflected on the way Prachi invaded his thoughts, it was as if she had seeped into his system, his day seemed incomplete till he met her or talked to her.

Chiding himself on his obsession with her thoughts he rummaged for a decent shirt through his wardrobe, he found one that went with the suit but it had been kept in a corner of the wardrobe and had wrinkles on it. He didn?t have time if he waited to get it pressed he?d be in big trouble. Putting it on hurriedly he had sprinted down the stairs Ramu Kaka had tried stopping him for breakfast but he had denied the offer. Pulling out his silver Camry on the drive way he had fled through the open gates of his house once outside he had breathed a huge sigh ofrelief...Saved!!! he had thought.

Parking near the chawl he stepped out in the early morning sun ascending the stairs to her house, he?d thought he?d collect them both just to be on the safe side. The door to her house was open he had an excellent view of the inside from his vantage point. Premlata had seated Preeti on the small dining table in the lounge and fed her spoonfuls of rusks dipped in tea. He watched enraptured his daughter who fended breakfast off like a disease was willingly eating the meal. If that was the effect Prachi?s mother had on his daughter he was willing to leave her here for a couple of hours each day.

Premlata had looked up to see him stand motionless in the doorway, ?Arey beta tum. Aao betho na.? "Oh son come in." she had smiled inviting him inside the house. He had stepped in taking a seat beside her, ?Prachi to tayyar ho rahi hai.? "Prachi is getting ready." she had informed trying to keep an untidy Preeti away from him. ?Arey beta uncle key kaprey kharab ho jayeingey.? "Child uncle's clothes will get soiled." She had gently held her by the waist clearing her off the small table. He smiled at her ignorance thanking God Preeti didn?t speak yet, he didn?t want her mother knowing his position in Prachi?s life. She had handed Preeti to Prachi in the room while she bustled around completing her morning chores. ?Nashta kiya tumney?? "Have you had breakfast?" she had asked again, he had answered in the negative.

?Chalo Prachi bhi aa rahi hai saath main ker lena dono, phir office to jaogey hii tum uskey saath.? "Well then have it with Prachi, you'll be accompanying her to the office then won't you?" smiling she had said to him. He watched as she prepared the breakfast with expertise his eyes scanned the premises but she was nowhere to be seen, probably getting ready he thought. He berated himself again why the hell couldn?t he stop thinking of her, this was not good. His gaze shifted back to her mother who now laid breakfast on the table it smelt delicious.

She took a seat next to him pouring tea in the cups from a small kettle when her gaze fell on his shirt, it certainly looked as if he had slept in it. ?Beta tumhari shirt to buri lag rahi hai, press nahin kii thi kiya?? "Son your shirt isn't looking nice didn'y you press it?" ?Time nahin mila" "Didn't have the time to do it." he told her the truth. ?Acha lao main ker deti huun.? "Oh well give it to me then I'll do it." She had held out her hand for him to hand her his shirt. ?Lekin.? "But" He tried protesting how could he tell her that he intended to change it once he reached the office. ?Abhi ho jayegi jab tak tum nashta ker logey, jaldi lao.? "It'll be done before you finish breakfast, now hand it over." She commanded him and he had stood up reluctantly stripping off his shirt he sat there in his vest feeling ridiculous. Why did he do that he asked himself unhappily. She had disappeared in one of the rooms he sat put dazed at his situation. Milind Mishra shirtless that too in his secretary?s house this was the height of insanity.

The door had opened to the other room and Prachi had emerged holding Preeti who looked much civil now, her dress changed and her hair brushed back. She had looked up to see him and then her mouth had opened slightly in amazement her eyes grew a size larger as she noticed his shirt missing. How did he come to be in this position she had no clue she had been busy getting ready when her mother had handed Preeti to her calling her for breakfast. ?Aap? "You" she had managed after what seemed like ages, he stole his gaze away from her face.

She looked simply exquisite in the dress Ali had given her it added to her innocence, the white contrasting with the blues. She wore matching small earrings that dangled from her soft earlobes, her long hair flowed freely and she tucked strands of it behind her ears.Her eyes looked breath taking the kohl neatly lining them, he noticed she looked different today more beautiful he admitted. Either she was unaware of her beauty or she was too modest to acknowledge it he had thought as she pulled out a chair beside him. "Aapki shirt ....." "Your shirt..." her voice trailed off questioningly . He had refrained from answering her and focused his attention to the omelette in front of him, they had dined in silence.Premlata had appeared carrying his shirt neatly pressed and he had donned it gratefully pulling on his coat too. Breakfast over Prachi had picked up Preeti and her bag of accessories kissing her mother on the cheek she had stepped out in the corridor.

He had thanked Premlata for her hospitality and turned to leave when she had called out to him ?Beta shaam ko wappas zarur aana.? "Son come again in the evening." ?Koi kaam hai aapko mujhsey?? "Is there anything you want to get done from me?" he had asked with concern. ?Nahin? "No" she laughed ?Aaj tumhari dost ka janam din hai shaam ko ghar main hii celebrate kareingey tum bhi aa jaana. Zyaada dost to nahin isskey issi liye tum aaogey to issey acha lageyga.? "It's your friend's birthday today we'll celebrate it in the evening at home. She doesn't have much friends she'll like it if you come over." Hmmm so it was her birthday ?Kosish karunga.? "I'll try" He had promised before following Prachi?s foot steps.

"Prachi aunty!" a small voice had squeaked they had turned to find Tina standing in the corridor behind them... "Aunty mumma bula rahi hain aapko" "Aunty my mother is calling you." she had informed her before disappearing in her house again. Casting an apologetic look at Milind she had gone inside to find Krithika pulling at Tina's hair with a brush probably attempting to tame her wild mane. "Prachi acha hua tum aa gayi, der to nahin ho rahi?" "Prachi good thing you came along Ihope you'r not running late." she had asked busily tying Tina's hair with a scrunchie. "Nahin tum kaho kiya kaam tha..." "No tell me what did you call me for" ,Milind had decided to wait for her in the corridor instead of getting burnt in the sultry sun downstairs. He could hear every word that passed between the two, Krithika had noticed Preeti in Prachi's arms and inquired about her, Prachi had informed her that Preeti was her boss's daughter. "Acha wohi kharoos boss tumhara, uski itni pyaari beti kaisey ho gayi." "Oh that grumpy boss of your's, how did he end up with such a beautiful child."


Krithika had wondered aloud. Prachi's eyes had lowered to the ground laden with guilt she knew Milind was in ear shot distance and could hear everything. "Krithika tum choro na unko..." "Krithika you leave him na." she had tried diverting the conversation. Krithika acted like she choked when Prachi said this "UNKO!!!" she stressed on the word her eyes threatening to pop out of her eye sockets. "Waisey dikhta kaisa hai tumhara boss.... smart, handsome, sexy hai keh nahin?" "Well how does he look like anyways.... Is he smart, handsome and sexy or not?" Prachi had wished she could've vanished in thin air at that moment her cheeks turned a deep shade of scarlet "Jaisey bhi hain merey boss hain tum sey matlab" "He's my boss he can look however he wants to look wat's it with you.." she had hissed how could she forget that he stood outside what if he was listening. "Wah wah...merey boss aiy Prachi sach sach bata love shov to nahin ho gaya tujhey uss sey.... Oho my boss... tell me Prachi have you fallen in love with him or what. Chal Prachi ho gaya tujhey Ishq ka bukhaar ab kiya hoga tera rey... Oh Prachi you've contracted the love fever now wat will become of you." she put her palm to her forehead in perfect filmi style. "Krithika bolo kiya kaam hai nahin to main jaa rahi hun" "Krithika tell me why you called me here else I'm leaving." .The threat had worked and laughing at Prachi she had come to the point "Tumharey bhaiyya ney program banaya hai picnic ka mujh sey kaha hai tumko bhi keh duun, saath chalney key liye." 'Your brother as in my husband has decided to take us all on a picnic and you'r invited. "Magar" "But" Prachi had tried reasoning she really wasn't in the mood to go "Agar magar kuch nahin, chalna hai to chalna hai bas. Main aunty sey puch luungi ab koi bahana nahin chaleyga." "Nothing doing you'r coming with us that's final. I'll get permission from aunty." she had warned Prachi.

Meanwhile Tina and Preeti had struck up a friendship both had found some crayons in a box and were now busy tracing intricate patterns on Krithika's lounge walls. And it had been quite some artistic display as they progressed with it it was only when Prachi had assented to join Krithika's family for the picnic that weekend had she allowed Prachi to leave. Milind had tried to dismiss it as trivial talk but he had heard it all and he couldn't help noticing Prachi's flushed face as she stepped out of Krithika's house. "Sorry aapko meri wajah sey der ho gayi." "I'm sorry you'r late cuz of me." she had apologized which he had waved off with a casual glance at her. "Chalta hai" "It's ok" he had answered as they descended the stairs together.

Part 19

He had carefully put her down as he unlocked the car helping her get seated he closed the metallic door with a resounding thud. Taking his seat beside her he throttled the engine to life, she had rolled the window down and felt the cool wind caress her face as she settled back to enjoy the moment. The wind whipped Milind's hair as he rolled down his window to tap his burnt cigarette out of the car.Taking a deep puff he had slightly turned to watch Prachi lying comfortably beside him her eyes closed, her lips curled subtly every time the wind rushed through her hair she smiled, he smiled too at her childish antics. Tonight he felt happy without any rhyme or reason maybe it was the essence of the moment he flicked through the radio channels settling for one that had a beautiful tune playing.


Kuch nahin mangun bas hai mera ik sapna.
Duniya sey kiya lena dena bas chahiye ik apna
O dharkan, khwahish, baarish, boondein or ho koi apna
Uss sey mil key mousam badley or lagey sab apna.

O meri chahaton ka sawaal jahaan us key pyaar ki misaal wahaan
Baat banti nahin bananey sey reet hai yehi zamaney se
Ab key jo palat key dekhun sehmi sii hain raahein
Thaamey merey sapnon ko khamoshi sey bulaeein
Dil sey jo duaa dey waisa hai mera humrahi
Meethi sii sazaa dey waisa hai mera humrahi.


O dharkan, khwahish, baarish, boondein or ho koi apna
Uss sey mil key mousam badley or lagey sab apna.


Prachi had been astonished when the soothing music hit her ears, Milind usually didn't prefer listening to music when he had company that was something he practised in privacy. She opened her eyes to see him lost in his own world, did he desire such a companion she had wondered and had prayed that if he did he find her soon she simply could not bear him so desolate and forlorn. She noticed he was smoking again and watched him silently as he drove in the inky blackness of the night that had fast approached them.

Parking beneath her house he had stepped out and was at her side in a trice, shutting the car door he helped her amble to the stairs. Prachi had looked up at the stairs in disappointment, getting up them was one major hurdle and she feared if she applied too much pressure her wounds might just worsen. He had sensed her dilemma and scanned the area minutely there weren't many people about no one would notice. She had raised her foot when she felt his arms pick her off the ground once again this time he noticed she didn't flinch rather hung on to him. Taking wide strides he was soon at her doorstep and entered the open doorway only to meet a sight neither had imagined. The hall was cramped with his employees, what were they doing here, he stood rooted to the spot.


"Surprise!" they had screamed in unison, uh oh he had thought in despair they were her friends probably here to wish her on her big day. He stood perplexed at his situation of all the days this was the one she had to get injured on now he would be talk of the town, Premlata had emerged from the inner room at that moment and he had let go of his bated breath he wasn't even aware he was holding it. "Prachi kiya hua?" Prachi what happened? Premlata had questioned in worry hurrying to her daughter's side."Kuch nahin maa bas chot lag gayi" Nothing mom I just got hurt she had tried to assuage her mother gesturing towards her bandaged foot. Realizing that her daughter was still held by her friend she had lead them to an empty chair by the table where Milind had placed her softly. "Maa kuch nahin hua mujhey sach" Mom it's nothing really Prachi had tried to lessen her mother's fret. "Beta tum har baar iski madad kertey ho main kaisey shukriya ada karun tumhara." Son you always help her out I don't know how to thank you Premlata had said to Milind gratitude evident from her voice."Yeh kiya aunty beta bhi kehti hain or ehsaan bhi maanti hain yeh to sahi nahin" Aunty you call me a son and then express gratitude too this is not done he had replied walking closer Premlata had placed her hands on his face lowering it she had kissed him gently on the forehead "Sada khush raho" Stay happy always she had prayed and Milind had felt as if he'd found eternal bliss.


Prachi could hear hoarse whispering going on nearby she saw Sumana and Heeba busy chatting sitting on the small sofa in the corner her eyes roved around and she was surprised to see all her friends present. "Tum log kab aaye?" When did you people come?she had inquired aloud and the whisperings had died down "Madhu ney bataya tha aaj janam din hai tumhara to hum badhaii deney chaley aaye" Madhu informed us it was your birthday so we came to wish you Sangeeta had replied. "Beta yeh sab to kab sey tumhari raah dekh rahi hain." Prachi these girls have been waiting for you since long Premlata had informed Prachi, Milind had found a vacant seat near Prachi and had taken it. "Tum log ruko main bas cake ley ker aati huun. Acha hua tum aa gaye nahin to yeh dukhi hoti keh iska sab sey acha dost nahin aaya iskey janam din per" I'll just bring the cake. It's nice to see you've come else she'd have been upset that her good friend hadn't attended her birthday party she had adressed the last sentence to Milind smiling at him. This was too much for the crowd present there Milind Mishra their arrogant and haughty boss was friends with his secretary their friend Prachi.


Reema sputtered spilling her soft drink while Heeba and Upasana whacked her back blue. "Pagal ho gayi ho kiya dono, aaj hii saarey badley nikaalney hain" Have you both gone nuts do you have to avenge me for everything I've done tonight? she fumed. "Or agar mar jateen yahiin soft drink peetey huey to... eik to jaan bachai upper se yeh inaam." And if you'd have died drinking this then what... we're trying to help here and you'r not even grateful Upasana had retorted "Dafa ho jao dono" Get lost both of you Reema had wailed "Eik to waisey hii boss ney dosti ker lii iss Prachi sey yeh dukh kam hai jo tum dono meri jaan leney per tuli ho." As it is boss has befriended prachi and here you both are hell bent to relieve me of life itself. "Apni chor yaar soch Sangeeta ka kiya hoga dekh lag raha hai abhi beyhosh ho jayegi" Forget about yourself look at Sangeeta looks like she'll faint Heeba had informed them. And sure enough Sangeeta looked as if she'd seen a ghost she had never imagined anyone other than herself to impress Milind to such an extent. True Milind considered her an honest and hardworking employee but she had the hots for him was never known by him, he had always known her to be married and even if she weren't he'd never have thought of her that way. Sumana had inched closer to Sangeeta trying to abate her shock and had succeeded considerably meanwhile Prachi had struck up a conversation with Upasana informing her about the little incident and her injury.


There was a knock on the door and all eyes had turned towards the entrant, it was Krithika she had made Prachi's favourite chaat to compliment the birthday cake. Karan and Teena were with her and had run up to Prachi wishing her, she had smiled accepting their humble gifts. Which reminded the others that they had yet to give theirs to her one by one they had congratulated her placing their gifts on the low table nearby. Milind had watched all this impassively he had come because he had been invited by Prachi's mother and because he had to get her safely home. Premlata had returned from the kitchen placing the cake on the dining table it was a small chocolate cake with a single candle that burnt brightly in the middle.


Prachi had blown out the candle amidst applause and shrill voices singing "Happy Birthday", she cut a piece and fed it to her mother. Premlata had bitten off a small portion and directed her hand to Milind "Ab apney doston ko khilao" Now give some to your friends she had smiled wholeheartedly. Milind had looked on dazed he stood petrified, he could feel all eyes on him, "Kha lijiye please." Have some please Prachi had plead and he had opened his mouth to taste the sweet dessert. Something about her eyes abrogated his reasoning try as he would he just couldn't snap out of their mesmerizing spell once they rested on him. The cake being distributed and the snacks polished off the plates the girls had stood up to leave. "Beta khana to khaya nahin.." Child you didn't have dinner Premlata had complained lovingly "Aunty agli baar zarur khaeingey." Next time aunty Upasana had promised hugging Prachi good bye, while the rest filed out behind her. Krithika too had been called by her husband and she left unhappily, she had developed a soft spot for the hot and handsome Milind Mishra and had hoped to have a tete ?a tete with him sadly all her hopes were dashed to the ground. Though before leaving she had generously invited him to the picnic that weekend and Milind had smiled perfunctorily, a picnic was the last thing on his mind right now.

The celebration over the small house seemed silent all of a sudden Premlata had cleared the dining table and was now busy making dinner washing dishes alongside. She had asked Milind to stay over for dinner and he couldn't deny her. Prachi shifted uncomfortably in her seat she had been sitting in one position for long and her leg ached from remaining still. Milind had noticed this he stretched out his hand to her and she took it gratefully walking to the sofa he helped her sit on it in a comfortable position easing her legs up on it. He had then produced the wrapped box and had handed it to Prachi, she had taken it amazed since when did her boss go around distributing birthday presents, nonetheless she accepted it graciously.


Opening it she was shocked further to see it was the same bracelet they had purchased that afternoon she looked at it for a long time slowly lifting her gaze to his reticent eyes "Aapney yeh merey liye khareeda tha?" You bought this for me? she had questioned in a dewy voice he could see she was genuinely touched by his act. "Haan" Yeshe had stated folding his arms across his chest. "Terey liye khareeda tha" Yes I had bought it for you he stood staring at the maze of buildings in the distance through the windows wondering how quixotic his fate had been. He had never imagined gifting this to her yet here he stood watching her look at the bracelet with a distant expression in her eyes. "Yeh to buhut mehenga hai" This must be very expensive she had said quietly.

"Iss ki qeemat uss khushi sey zyaada nahin jo tuuney mujhey aaj dii hai Prachi. Main chah ker bhi tera ehsaan nahin bhula sakta meri beti ney aaj pehli baar mera naam liya hai, tuu soch bhi nahin sakti iss din ka kitna intizaar kiya hai mainey." It's not costly than the happiness you've given me today. I can't overlook the happiness you've bestowed on me, my daughter took my name for the first time , you can't even imagine how I have waited for this day. He turned to face her and she could see the truth on his face. "Buhut sapney dekhein hain mainey Preeti ko leykar aur aaj un main sey eik sach ho gaya.... teri wajah sey. Yeh bracelet to kiya aaj tuu jaan maang ley meri main woh bhi dey duun." I have many dreams for my daughter and this was one of them, it's come true ... because of you. This is just a bracelet if you'd ask for my life tonight I'd give that to you too his sombre voice indicated the depth of the statement Prachi had immediately clasped his hand in fear "Aisey nahin boltey, mujhey bas eik cheez ki zarurat hai aapsey. Dengey mujhey?" Don't say this. I just need one thing from you, will you be able to give it ?she had asked smiling. "Bol kiya chahiye" What do you want? "Aap udaas mat raha karein" Don't remain upset she had answered softly "Aap udaas hotey hain to mujhey acha nahin lagta" I don't like it when you'r unhappy and he had stared at her as if she'd lost her mind.


Here she could've asked him for a promotion, a raise in salary, discount in office hours or work but she had asked for his happiness. His dark eyes rested on her there was a flicker of something in them not pain, but patent pleasure, confound happiness as if he had found the key to a treasure, his hands had touched her face his fingers outlining her lips. They brushed her cheek bone resting on her closed eyelids, she had felt his other hand cup her face and felt too his raw passionate gaze on her as his thumb pressed against her lips. She had savoured the pressure his thumb had exerted on her lips startled by the intensity it had radiated she was drawn to his magnetic touch closing her eyes revelling in the moment all she could feel or think then was him. She knew she should stop him but she couldn't something inside her had longed for this moment, craved for his loving caress.She had opened her eyes to see him stare at her hypnotized his hands worked on their own accord.

"Prachi" he had whispered softly almost inaudibly but her heart had heard his cry, every muscle in her body had longed to reciprocate that silent call and then she had felt his fingers recoil from her face in haste. She saw his expressions change a wave of contempt washed over him , he staggered back a few stepslooking at his hands in horror as if unable to comprehend his own actions. Picking up his coat he had sauntered out in the black night and she had not stopped him, she knew somewhere she had pulled down some part of the barrier he had built around his heart.

https://www.apniisp.com/songs.php?id=699

Link to the song it's Humrahi by Atif Aslam from his album Meri Kahaani.

Part 20

Milind had driven home immersed in shock how could he... how could he even touch her that way, he had slammed his fist on the brick wall outside her house in disgust. He had no right to damn it he was just helping her. He couldn't think of anyone else besides Kaajal she was his wife, he had married her she was the only one he had pledged to love eternally no one else, no one could make him that vulnerable no one he promised himself as he sped the car on the deserted streets. He entered the house to see his father deep in conversation with a middle aged woman, she talked in a business like manner and was dressed rather formally. Stepping inside he walked upto where his father sat with the woman on the comfortable sofa sets in the hall, she had looked at him deeply as if sizing him up for some important task. She had handed Baba a fat envelope and had stood up taking her leave, Baba had followed her to the doorstep asking her to return soon."Yeh kon thi Baba?" Who was she Baba? he had asked surprised to see an unknown woman in his home. "Ratna behen thi" That was Ratna Baba had replied Milind saw that Baba avoided eye contact with him, his sixth sense sent an alarm to his mind, something was wrong. "Kyun aayi thi yeh yahaan?" Why had she come here? he had questioned suspiciously all this while Preeti had remained unmonitored she had been playing near her grand father, crawling up to the low table in the centre of the hall she had gotten hold of the envelope Ratna had placed before leaving.

In a trice the envelope was open and the contents lay on display on the glass table top. Before Baba could utter a single word Milind had caught Preeti in the act what he saw though was beyond his wildest imagination. The envelope was filled with photographs of young women there were quite a few, they were probably girls desirous of getting married, Ratna Behen it appeared was their last hope. Milind's eyes burned with fury his father had probably contacted her to find some girl to get him married to. He did not speak but cast a pained look in his father's direction and Mishra ji had felt his accusing stare on him as he had turned to face him. It was now or never he had thought bracing himself for his son's tirade.

"Iss liye aayi thi woh!!!" So this is why she had come!!! he had raged crumpling up the photographs and throwing them in the air. "Ab main teri nahin sununga Milind." I'm not going to listen to you now Milind Baba had replied austerely regaining his seat on the couch pulling up Preeti on his knee. Milind had felt like he was on fire, his insides scorching with the rising heat, his anger knew no bounds it was as if something residing inside him had been unleashed after a long time "Ab teri khushian tujhey main dilwa ker hii rahuunga." I'm going to give you your happiness he had said firmly, and Milind had been stung with ambivalence at the paradoxical situation. Here his father was doing everything he could to destroy the little happiness he held on to all in the name of finding him true joy. He wanted to laugh and cry at the same time "Khushian Baba konsi khushian?" Happiness what happiness? he had asked with asperity "Eik baar pehley bhi to aap ney khushian hii chunni theen merey liye. Badley main kiya mila mujhey Baba umer bhar ka gham. Pachtawa, aansuu,or ab to koi umeed bhi baaqi nahin rahi na hii koi khwahish hai." You had tried to give me my happiness once earlier too, what had happened then? What did i get in return a life full of torment, guilt, tears and there's no hope left now nor any desire in my life. Baba had listened to him stunned he had never expected his son to be so neurotic about his fate. Whatever happened had been penned by the Almighty it was not something that could be altered though if the old man had the power to turn round the wheels of time he would never have made him marry Kaajal.


She had been Mishra ji's friend's daughter his friend had married against his parents will with a woman hailing from another caste. His parents had ousted him from their lives and he had been neighbours with Mishra ji at the chawl. The couple had been blessed with a daughter shortly after their elopement, she was a beautiful child adored and loved by everyone at the chawl.She was Sukriti's age five years younger to Milind, all was fine when one day Mishraji had been called at work Kaajjal's parents had been involved in an accident, her mother had died on the spot. Her father though had sustained fatal injuries Mishra ji was the only one who had gone to his aid. On his death bed Kaajal's father had made Mishra ji promise to take care of Kaajal as his own daughter, to educate her, love her and get her married in a good family and Mishraji had given him his word. Soon after his friend had succumbed to his wounds and had breathed his last. "Eik zindagi main barbaad ker chuka or kitni zindagion ki barbaadi chahtey hain aap?" I've already destroyed one life how many more lives do you want me to destroy? Milind had snapped livid with anger causing his father to return to the present. "Main shaadi nahin kerunga...... phir chahey kuch ho jaaye." I'm not going to marry..... no matter what he had seethed with a finality in his voice one that his father knew he meant to retain till his last breath.


The ashtray on the polished table overflowed with burnt cigarette stubs it seemed as if the night would never end, he paced in his room in abberation, what was happening to him? why was his life slipping away from his hands. He had tried so hard, so hard to make things right then why this why could he not push Prachi out of his mind? Why did her thoughts assail him, make him want her as his own to have and to hold. But he knew he did not deserve her, her untainted purity was far too sacred for his scarred past, she deserved someone who had no demons chasing him no black stains in his life someone who was as true at heart as her. But was he not true at heart? His mind had questioned had he not but only strived to do the best for his family always then why could he not have her? Why was he destined to suffer incessantly why couldn't he be happy? Why .... questions swirled through his brain he felt as if he'd die if he stayed in that space any longer, he felt extremely claustrophic changing into a casual black shirt with stone washed jeans he had driven out though the iron gates in a quest for peace.


He drove aimlessly through the streets unable to decide on a destination, he spotted a club in the distance "Tropicana" it had read. Tired of questioning his fate and too exhausted to think straight he had parked his car in the lot walking in the dim lit pub he had been overcome with remorse, he wasn't the type who lounged around bars getting stone drunk but he wished to drown himself tonight, drown his sorrow in the bitter liquid.He had heard intoxication was a bliss and he intended to try his luck at being sinfully blissful tonight."What will you have Sir?" the bartender had asked as he propped on a stool near the marble topped counter. "Anything that can make me forget I'm alive" he had mumbled puffing on his cigarette, the bartender seemed an expert on serving drinks according to the customer's mood very soon he handed him a bitter concoction of vodka whisky and rum on the rocks. As he swallowed the contents in a hurry he was appalled by the fiery nature of the drink part of him wanted to throw it away but the other rebellious part of him wanted him to finish it to the last drop.Placing back the empty tumbler on the counter he ran a stray glance on his whereabouts the club was filled with people of all sorts, some of them burnt the dance floor the DJ had an irritatingly fast track on and Milind's eardrums threatened to burst with the din.


He had ordered another drink a red wine this time he'd try it all he had thought planning on ordering a Bloody Mary next. He lazily took a swig of the crimson liquid savouring the bitterness as it scorched his throat he saw couples moving in sync in the centre of the club some were huddled in the far corners secluded in the shadows their hands exploring each other. He had turned his face away utterly disgusted the place made him sick so did the drinks he had swallowed forcefully, he realized he'd be having a hangover soon.


Placing the required money on the counter he tried walking out but the place was crowded and getting past the tightly packed mass of bodies was difficult. In an attempt to brush through he had inadvertantly spilled a cocktail on a handsome young man dancing with his friend. "I'm sorry" Milind had apologised regretfully "It's ok" he had smiled good naturedly. He was tall over six feet, with a lean muscular body, his auburn hair was slicked back held in place with gel Milind realized he had the most deep set of piercing green eyes. "Drink" he had asked gesturing towards the bar, "No thanks .... looks like I'll call it a night" Milind had politely denied the offer "Sorry for the shirt once again" "Oh come on dude, just one drink it's on me. I'm Shashank by the way Shashank Saxenna, nice to meet you." he had introduced himself extending his heavy hand to Milind. Milind had clasped Shashank's hand with his own, he had felt the firm grip of the other person as his fingers closed in on his hand. "Same here" he had replied "I'm sorry I really must leave now but a drink will be due on me, maybe we can meet up sometime later." "Sure" Shashank had grinned "Ab to milna laga raheyga."


Milind wanted to escape that noisy inferno at all costs once in the parking lot he fumbled for the key in his pocket he knew the best thing for him now would be to head home since he was seeing everything in twos but he didn't want to go there. Home meant Baba and he was in no mood to have another row with him, as it is he felt ashamed of himself for having raised his voice to him, he'd never done that before. Hell he realized he'd never drunk to such an extent before too but tonight he had, he drove carefully trying to see clearly but everything seemed muddled, hazy rubbing his eyes for better vision he peered ahead on the bleak road.


Prachi had looked out of the same window Milind had been standing before listlessly, what had just happened? What was she thinking giving in to her lunacy, she knew she felt vulnerable when Milind was around but to such an extent had her totally astounded.What if he hadn't regained his senses when he had, would she have let him kiss her? Did she trust him to such an extent to let him have complete hold over her? After all that she had been through in the past could she trust any man now? She had thought she was incapable of sensation, of sentiments, feelings then why had she bent rules with Milind? Why did she feel for him as she did? Why did every emotion revolve around that one name. "Milind" she had whispered softly it felt good to say his name that way, yet she knew this was not meant to be. If he came to know of her past he wouldn't cast a second glance on her and she couldn't blame him for that either. How she wished some fairy godmother would wave her wand and set things right for her, assure her that she too could hope to be happy, to love and be loved in return, yet it seemed her fate did not have any such intention she was destined to suffer alone forever. A tear had dropped on her open palms as she studied the lines through teary eyes, would she ever be able to find his name in them? Would she be able to bury her past? Or would it haunt her till eternity?

Part 21

Ali had been startled when his phone rang with a shrill scream in the dead of the night, who could it be he had thought groggily opening his eyes he had pulled the receiver to his ear "Mr Ali speaking?" a male voice had asked "Yes" he had managed switching on the night lamp on the bedside table, "Dekhiye main Inspector Vikram bol raha huun police station sey aapkey dost Mr Milind Mishra ka accident ho gaya hai." I'm Inspector Vikram from the police station your friend Mr Milind Mishra has had an accident. "Kahaan sey bol rahey hain aap?" Where are you speaking from? Ali had questioned flinging his comforter aside "Bandra police station sey" Bandra police station the inspector had informed before signing off. Pulling on his clothes Ali had softly woken Saadia up to get the door and had zoomed on his bike to the station.Reaching there he had been shocked to see Milind caught up in a heated debate with the officer in charge, "Main keh raha huun aap sey meri ghalati nahin hai. Sunai nahin deta aapko?" I'm telling you it wasn't my fault, can't you hear me? he had bellowed his voice reverberating through the place.


"Dekhiye Mr Mishra aap ney buhut pii rakhi hai iss halat main koi bhi sahi gaari nahin chala sakta phir ghalati aapki kaisey nahin hai?" Look Mr Mishra you'r drunk, no one can drive properly in this state then how are you not at fault? the officer had retorted angrily. Ali was dumb founded to hear this Milind had been drunk while driving he realized his friend must have been under extreme pressure to resort to alcohol as a means of escape. "Milind" he had called and Milind had breathed a sigh of relief "Ali" he had stood up to meet his friend staggering upto him "Ali samjha na iss ko accident ho gaya tha, mainey jaan bujh ker to nahin kiya tha." Ali tell him it was an accident I didn't do it on purpose. Making Milind sit back on his seat Ali had talked to the inspector explaining to him about Milind's social status informing him that it was under extreme pressure that his friend had resorted to alcohol otherwise he'd never do so.


The inspector was a kind soul he informed Ali how Milind had rammed his car in the police mobile as they patrolled the streets keeping an eye for any nocturnal criminal activities. They had pulled Milind out of the car and hauled him in their battered mobile bringing him to the police station with them with much force as Milind had simply refused to go anywhere with them, they feared if he drove further in that condition he might harm himself.

Milind had listened to all this patiently he was drunk but not stoned he knew what the inspector told Ali was the truth, he couldn?t see the road clearly and had bumped in the police mobile. Though unintentional as it was it still was his fault, he cursed the minute he set foot in that pub if he ever had to drink he vowed he?d do it at home and never ever drive in that condition again. Ali had resolved matters with the inspector who had released Milind on the condition that he pay the charges to repair the mobile to which he had readily asseverated. Ali had tried to take him back home since his car had been impounded but he denied the suggestion and had asked him to take him to the beach instead.

?Edha ho gaya hai iss waqt jayega? Are you nuts, you'll go there at this time? Ali had questioned ?Chal na Ali mera dum ghut jayega warna? Please Ali else I'll suffocate he had implored and Ali couldn?t deny him. Something in Milind?s voice indicated the inner wretchedness he was suffering and Ali knew in an attempt to expiate his past he had borne unsurmountable affliction. He knew too if he took him home he'd spend the rest of the night smoking savagely. Sighing he had resigned to his wish soon they were sitting together on the wet sand watching the wine dark sea, the foamed waves lapping the coastline rhythmically. ?Tuu ney kyun pii Milind?? Why did you drink Milind? Ali had asked watching him stare at the unfathomable expanse inattentively ?Mujhey laga shayad piiney sey main sab kuch bhul jaun, lekin saala bhuulta hii nahin? I thought I could forget it all if I drank, but I just can't forget he had answered in a defeated tone.


?Baba zid per arey hain keh main shaadi ker luun, tuu hii bata Ali kaisey ker luun main shaadi. Kaisey ker duun kisi or kii zindagi barbad?? Baba is adamant I get married, tell me Ali how do I marry again? How do I destroy another life? he had counter questioned Ali dejectedly. ?Tuu pagal ho gaya hai Milind , kitni baar tereyko samjhaya mainey keh jo hua uss main tera qasur nahin tha. Tuu kyun apney aap to doshi maan ker saza dey raha hai.? Are you mad Milind, how many times have I told you it wasn't your fault. Why do you keep considering yourself responsible for it all? Ali simply couldn?t bear the way Milind?s guilt ate him, true Kaajal had died but it had not been Milind?s fault. She had died because she hadn?t wanted to live any more and that was that. Nothing Milind could?ve done would?ve saved her and they both knew that as the harsh truth then why did Milind have to blame himself for her untimely death.


?Kaash agar main uss sey keh deta....jhoot hii sahi to yeh sab nahin hota.? If only I'd told her....... even if it were a lie this wouldn't have happened Milind had remarked gravely. This was too much for Ali jumping to his feet he pulled Milind up by his hands ?Dekh meri taraf Milind? Look at me Milind he ordered him cupping his face in his hands and Milind had lifted his bloodshot eyes to see raw unsuppressed anger in his friend?s eyes. ?Tuu jaanta hai na tuu uss sey kuch bhi kehta to who nahin maanti. You know anything you would've said wouldn't have mattered she wouldn't have listened to it. Tuu to kiya bhagwan bhi kehta na to bhi nahin maanti woh. Even if God himself said that to her she wouldn't have considered it as true Milind beeta hua kal laut ker nahin aata lekin tuu apney beetey huey kal key liye aaney waala kal barbaad ker raha hai. Milind time gone will never come back but you'r wasting your future because of your past. Socha hai tuuney Baba kitney dukhi hotey hain tujhey aisey dekh ker. Tuu sirf apney baarey main sochta hai, tera dukh, tera pachtawa, tera ateet bas ..... or sab ka kiya. Have you ever thought how sad your father would be on seeing you like this. You just think about yourself your unhappiness, your past, your guilt........ that's it what about us. Unka kiya jo tereyko chahtey hain, tujhey khush dekhney key liye taras rahey hain. Bol Milind.? What about those who love you, who wish to see you happy? Tell me Milind. He shook Milind furiously his friend was hell bent on making his life miserable and that was not something he could be a mute witness to. Watching him hang his head abashed he had softened his tone ?Ab chal merey saath raat buhut ho gayi hai. Main Baba ko samjhaunga.? Now come on it's getting late, I'll have a word with Baba. Ali had taken Milind to a sea facing apartment Milind owned in the vicinity, the key remaining with the reception since it was often used as a company guest house also.

Prachi had woken up with a start sweating profusely her nightmares seemed to have increased ten folds not a night went by when she hadn't had those terrible visions, but tonight had been different, tonight she'd seen Milind in her dream. She saw the moonlight filter in through the open windows closing her eyes she recollected the dream she had seen minutes before. He stood on a deserted beach his hands pocketed in his black pants his unbuttoned shirt flapped in the wind that howled ferociously, threatening to rip it off him. His hair blew freely in the wild gusts that sped through them. From where she stood she could see, a storm threatened to break on the choppy waters the sky had blackened and the ocean swelled with unbound vivacity. She watched as an enormous tidal wave approached the shoreline from far it's foamed crown roaring on at supernatural speed he saw it coming towards him yet he kept standing, she panicked, she had to save him.

"Milind!" she had screamed in horror as the wave advanced with rapid speed he had not moved even an inch, she cried out his name over and over again, yet Milind remained unmoved. She had raced upto him "Milind" she had called him desperately "Milind chaliye yahaan sey.... MILIND" Milind come on she had tried tugging at his sleeve but he hadn't even blinked. She realized he wasn't aware of the hazardous situation it seemed as if he wasn't present there at all. The wind whipped at her face cruelly she could feel it's iciness numb her flesh, they had to get away from there..... quickly. She had then held his hand firmly in her own "Chaliye Milind" Come Milind she had said the tenacity in her voice startling her ownself. He had finally turned to face her, his eyes as black as the turbulent sea ahead she had screamed in fear as a thunderbolt lit up the sky above. "Chali jaa Prachi" Go away Prachi he had whispered and strange as it was she had heard him amidst all the pandemonium that the wind and the waves created. "Aap key baghair nahin.... kabhi nahin" Not without you.......... never ever she had stated, his eyes had come to life on hearing that, blazing with emotions, he pulled her closer gently bending down his face pressing his burning lips against her forehead.


She had hugged him tightly when another thunderbolt had crackled overhead pulling away from him she was shocked to see the monstrous wave head for the beach she tugged at his hand and this time he had followed her, "Jaldi Milind...." Fast Milind she had urged as they both ran on the endless spill of wet sand, she had shreiked in terror as the wave had crashed behind them threatening to eat up the beach with it's foamy mouth. They had run to a weather beaten shack it's battered door creaking on it's rusted hinges he had drawn her to him wrapping his arms around her, she could feel his chest heave against her pressed cheek his heart beating violently "Kuch nahin honey duunga main tujhey Prachi kuch nahin." I won't let anything happen to you Prachi absolutely nothing he had mumured kissing her hair gently and then she had woken up."Milind" she had whispered somewhere in her heart she knew something was wrong, she wondered if he had reached home safely, praying softly to God she had asked for Milind's safety. She decided to go to office the next day Milind's well being was far more important than her injuries and had laid back on the bed hoping to sleep a dreamless sleep.


Ali had made Milind take a shower before getting him to bed, calling up Saadia he had informed her about the situation telling her he?d be back by morning. Milind had fallen asleep but Ali was wide awake he looked at his friend sadly. He wondered why fate had been so cruel to him, he watched as Milind moaned it seemed he was evidently troubled in sleep too. Ali knew it was time he took matters in his own hands Milind thought he was incapable of giving or accepting love but Ali knew that was not the case. He had seen the way Milind watched Prachi. It was as if his world stopped for that particular fraction of time, Milind had never been a hypocrite the reason his eyes spoke for him and Ali had known him practically since childhood it wasn?t hard for him to get to the bottom of it all. He knew she was the only one who could make him live again, make him realize that he was permitted to love, to be happy and to share the joy with others. Making up his mind for his next course of action Ali had smiled in satisfaction ?Ab agar bach sakta hai Milind to bach, tujhey jeena nahin sikhaya to Ali naam nahin mera.? Save yourself if you can Milind if I don't make you learn to relive life Ali won't be name. He had chuckled softly to himself before lying beside Milind overcome with exhaustion.


The next morning Ali had driven Milind home explaining to Baba that he had spent the night with him and Baba had been greatly relieved with this news, he had watched Milind leave the previous night and all sorts of fears had haunted him till the sun had risen in the horizon. He had planned on calling Ali earlier that morning when they both had appeared unexpectedly Baba was the first person Milind had met as he entered the threshold pacing the hallway in agony.


From the looks of it he realized Baba hadn't slept all night. Cursing himself for his stubborn attitude he had entered the house Baba couldn't have been happier he had hugged Milind hard tears running down his cheeks "Aisey khafa hota hai kiya apney Baba sey" Do you become upset with your father to this extent? he had complained sorrowfully and Milind had been overcome with chagrin his son had been safe and that was all that mattered to his father, instead of despising him he had pulled him closer to his heart. Milind had kissed his father's hands with love "I'm sorry Baba, ghalati ho gayi..... maaf ker do" I'm sorry father, it was a mistake.... forgive me he had folded his hands infront of him his head bent low as a tear broke free of his closed eyelids. "Pagal ho gaya hai re tuu maa baap kabhi bachon sey khafa nahin hotey. Chal ab jaa ker Preeti sey mil ley woh tujhey kab sey yaad ker rahi hai" Are you mad parents are never upset with their children now go meet Preeti she's been missing you very much he had caressed his cheek fondly. Milind had treaded the steps to his room with a heavy heart, wondering if he would ever be able to make his father a happy man.