Kuch Iss Tarah (from start to finish) - Page 3

Part 22

As Milind stepped out of his room he could hear laughter emanating from the hall downstairs Ali he had thought smiling it was only Ali who knew the art of making Baba laugh even in his most grumpy moods. Back in their teens too often when he and Baba had differences on trivial matters it was Ali who would level Baba?s mood while Milind would sheepishly apologize and Baba would hug them both conveniently forgetting the fact that he had been angry minutes before. Breakfast over Milind had picked up Preeti, Madhu could see her today he had thought he wasn't in a condition to face Prachi after the near kiss scenario try as he would he couldn't get the feel of her skin on his fingers out of his mind. Part of his anger had been due to this fact he was losing self control around her and that was just not acceptable, he would have to be strong and not let his emotions carry him away. She wasn't his, she could never be his and he would believe that as a reality though his heart refused to accept it even as a possibility.


He had reached the office in time planning to hand Preeti to Madhu he had entered his cabin to see Prachi sitting at her seat quietly poring over a file "Tuu!" You he had cried surprise evident from his voice. "Jii main" Yes me but before she could finish elucidating he had cut in acridly "Kiya zarurat thii aaney kii? Abhi kahaan theek hua hoga tera paer" Why did you come? You foot wouldn't have healed yet? "Lekin main" But I she had tried explaining again "Lekin kiya tujhey laga tuu eik din office nahin aayegi to kaam nahin hoga koi.... tujh sey pehley bhi office main kaam ho raha tha, abhi bhi ho jayega. Ghar jao" But what you thought if you wouldn't come there'd be no work here well work did commence even before you joined this institution. Go home he had ordered turning his face away to avoid falling deeply in those hazel pools she had for her eyes. Silently closing her file she had picked up her bag in submission, but Preeti had other thoughts on her mind she let out a loud wail as she saw Prachi head for the door, she had been cranky and upset lately, teething it seemed wasn't an easy job for her.

Milind knew if she started crying then it would prolong her misery and he didn't want to see her in tears. She held out her arms to Prachi as if asking her to cuddle her, Prachi had hobbled to her and gathered her in her arms kissing her cheeks tenderly.All thoughts of sending her home took a back seat in Milind's mind as he watched her soothe Preeti, combing her hair with her fingers, she hummed softly gently rocking the crib. He looked on watching his daughter drift off in a deep slumber her small fist closed tightly around Prachi's index finger. She had tucked Preeti up with the comforter kissing her temple softly and had pulled her finger away from her small fist assidiously. She had walked upto him with difficulty "Mujhey lagta hai isski tabiyat theek nahin, aisey main issey chor ker jaaney ka mera mann nahin hai. Aap meri fikar mat kijiye main theek huun" I think she's not feeling well, I don't wish to leave her alone in this state. Please don't worry about me I'm fine she had said with evident concern for Preeti and he had simply nodded in assent. God he had thought how was he ever going to get her out of his mind at this rate, he had planned to drive her away with his rude behaviour and snide remarks but she had stayed for Preeti. She was so selfless, so ingenuous she deserved to remain happy .... and that ofcourse meant that she had to remain far away from him.


Work had piled up for both of them Karan Chopra it seemed had withdrawn from the project at the last minute, everything was in chaos. Milind had planned the entire inauguration meticulously and now it seemed everything was falling apart. The caterers had pulled back from the job at hand the decorators ofcourse had been provided by Karan's company and had signed off the moment Karan had decided to drop out, with the big event looming nearer Milind was at his wits end. His marketing department had already put up huge hoardings all across the country advertising the grand inauguration, in a few days they would start running adverts in papers and magazines, he realized he was in a fix.


If the ad campaign was this splendiferous the inauguration would have to be something out of this world. He dialled Karan's number the hundreth time since morning but it seemed he was avoiding Milind, it had not been a big issue Karan had asked for a 25% increase in the current budget that Milind had agreed to earlier. Milind could've raised the stakes but he didn't want to. Everyone knew Karan was a perfectionist to an fanatic level he had wanted everything to be elaborate from the flowers to the bottled spring water right down to the satin table cloths and the Spanish cutlery. Milind had borne everything with patience but lately Karan had been nagging him for an expensive brand of caviar and vintage wine he believed would add to the splendour.


Milind had denied the suggestion at once it was lunacy to waste money on caviar and vintage wine, they had a perfect brand already shipped by the bulk changing the brand now was a sheer waste in his view. Karan had not been too pleased and had decided to walk off the project without informing him beforehand. His manager had picked the phone up apologizing to Milind about her boss's absence "Tell that bloody son of a b**** I'm over with his crap, if he couldn't handle it he could've been a man and informed me instead of running away from the project like a first class jerk" slamming the phone down in disgust he sank back in his chair. He closed his eyes leaning his head on the head rest he knew he could pull it off with or without Karan but these days he simply wasn't in a position to concentrate on work, his head throbbed from the after effects of the alcohol he had consumed the previous night.

Part 23

Prachi had called Sonia up asking her to fly to India as soon as possible, the latter had agreed when Prachi had stressed on it as a personal favour to her. Prachi had been a trustworthy employee and had been at Sonya's beck and call twenty four seven she couldn't dismiss her hardwork easily and was forced to commit. Happy with the progress Prachi had informed Milind who had acknowledged it as a fairly reasonable move on her part. Later that evening as Prachi packed her stuff up Milind had watched her dubiously her foot hurt he knew but his current strategy towards her did not leave any room for kind gestures. He knew he should drop her safely home but if he did she'd forgive him for his past behaviour and that was not what he wanted. He wanted her to detest him to the fullest and finally leave him, he planned to get her appointed at a friend's office his current obsession with her spelled future disaster and he couldn't let any harm come to her which his company was bound to bestow on her sooner or later.

But he couldn't just leave her like that they had reached the parking lot in silence and were surprised to see Ali stand by Milind's car waiting for them. "Uper kyun nahin aaya?" Why didn't you come upstairs? Milind had questioned "Jaldi main huun bas tum dono ko invite kerney aaya huun..." I'm in a rush just came to invite both of you he had replied briefing them about the dinner hosted by him for Saadia's inlaws the following weekend. Saadia had asked him to invite both Prachi and Milind with him so that her inlaws would meet her entire family. Both Milind and Prachi were touched by the young girl's thoughts and had readily accepted the invitation, Milind had breathed heavily now she had to accompany him there too. He wondered what fate had in store for him the more he tried to evade her the more he was forced to put up with her."Betho gari main" Sit in the car he had said defeatedly there was no way he was going to leave her in this condition on her own and Prachi had slid in next to him. Try as she would she couldn't put a finger on his asperity, she did not recall any action on her part that could've instigated his wrath. She looked at him sadly how was she to tell him that his harsh words cut through her soul like a whetted knife.She watched him drive away in the still night walking slowly up the stairs, memories of him carrying her up them the day before haunted her and she felt hot tears sting her face.He had asked her not to attend office till her foot was healed completely and this time she intended to do as told.


Milind looked up at the office door the umpteenth time that morning he had asked her to rest two days not the whole damn week, he expected her to show up any minute and sure enough she had appeared a few minutes later. "Do din chutti dii thi" I'd given you two days off he had remarked in a cutting tone... Prachi's flustered look could not escape him "Woh.. Daadi beemar theen unhain hospitalize kerna para is liye" Grandma was sick we had to get her hospitalized she had explained. "Terey puurey ghar ka theka nahin liya mainey koi beemar ho jaye to kiya kaam dhanda khatam?" I'm not responsible for your entire household if anyone falls sick that means all work should come to a standstill he had questioned scathingly. Prachi had not expected such a rude tone or attitude on his part, she had bowed her head in dismay and Milind could make out the faint trail of tears that glistened on her cheeks. "I'm sorry aainda sey aisey nahin hoga" I'm sorry it won't happen in the future she had apologised before running to her room heart broken. Milind had witnessed all of it with a burdened soul he knew what he was doing was wrong but in the long run it would prove to be for the best he had assured his restless heart with lame excuses.He had tried concentrating on the open file in front of him but his eyes kept reverting to a teary Prachi every now and then.

Damn he thought enraged he needed fresh air picking up his coat he strode out of the cabin thinking of doing a round of the floors, a surprise visit from the boss would do his employees good.He had entered the second floor when his shoe got stuck in the loose threads of the carpet slowing down his pace considerably. As he bent down to free it from the woollen snare he heard voices coming down the corridor there was a water dispenser at this end a common point for social gossip. He was concealed by an array of potted plants and the people gathered there had not noticed him they seemed to be talking about him though.His ears strained to catch their conversation "Arey yaar boss ki tasveer dekhi aaj paper main?" Did you see the boss's picture in the paper today? one had questioned his colleague "Haan kitni rapchick haina kaisey uthaya hua hai uss larki ko?" Yes it's hot especially the way he's holding that girl the other had answered laughing "Woh larki hai kon waisey?" Who is she? a third had quipped "Koi bhi ho apney ko kiya per boss key to mazey aa gaye na" Whoso ever what's it to us it's the boss who's having a great time with her the first one had replied in a demeaning tone. Milind's head felt as if it would explode any minute his blood boiled to think that his staff thought so low of him he had straightened up hurriedly walking briskly to the reception he had got hold of a copy of the morning paper and sure enough his picture adorned the front page."Is love in the air?" the article had read giving a detailed description of his business his assets, past and present highlighting his dream project at Delhi.


Milind had clenched his fists utterly disgusted with the crap printed in the paper he had read and re read the article his eyes blazing he stomped back to the office seething, he couldn't believe someone had snapped him carrying Prachi what enraged him more was the way it had been publicized making it appear as if he were having the time of his life with her. He threw the paper on the table in vexation and called his receptionist asking her to put him through to the commissioner, well if Mumbai Chronicles were smart he was smarter. He knew blasting them for this would only fan the rumours he had decided to sue them and give them a warning the safest way. Prachi had watched him rave and rant on the phone of the few snatches that she heard she made out that he was unhappy about some article printed regarding him in the paper. Preeti had stirred then and she was forced to divert her attention to the little child feeding her the bottle she saw him pace the office in anguish whatever had been printed had definitely been abmysal else he wouldn't have cared much about it. A few minutes later she had seen their lawyer walk in, she realized the situation was graver than she had imagined gently patting Preeti she had left her in her crib and returned to her seat. She could see his face darken with pent up anger and suddenly his feral eyes had flicked in her direction catching her off guard what she saw in them was neither anger nor mystery rather an inexplicable angst. Was it anything to do with her she had thought else why would he look at her that way..... and what was the lawyer doing here? Was he going to sue the paper?

She couldn't make head or tail of the situation and felt confined in her office. She realized she needed to get away from her room for some time, picking up Preeti she had exited his cabin feeling his eyes trail her footsteps. She entered Madhu's cabin to find her working grim faced and serious. "Madhu is everything ok?" she had asked seating herself on her couch. Preeti had busied herself in trying to tie her shoe laces which to her seemed an impossible task. "I don't think so Prachi" Madhu had answered handing her a copy of the paper what Prachi read had shattered her completely. Her picture in his arms was the cover story the writer had done his best to portray her as a characterless woman who it seemed was responsible for his lack of attention to his Delhi project. The calumnies printed were beyond imagination and slowly she had understood his behaviour since the past few days. Had he known this would happen or did he want to distance himself from her to avoid all of this, whatever the reason she realized she alone was responsible for his troubles. He was right to berate her, she had earned him a bad reputation that too when his biggest dream was about to be fulfilled how she hated herself at that moment. She sobbed uncontrollably "Sab meri wajah sey hua hai Madhu agar uss din mujhey chot nahin lagti to Sir ko mujhey yun ley jaana nahin perta" It's all my fault Madhu if I hadn't been injured he wouldn't have to take me home that way and Madhu had joined her on the couch consoling her "Prachi jo hua uss main na tumhari ghalati hai na Sir ki. Duniya kii to aadat hai har baat ka ghalat matlab nikalney ki" Prachi it's neither your fault nor his the world is always trying to look at the darker side of things and situations she had patted her back assuring her that it would all turn out alright. An added advantage was the fact that Prachi's face was not clearly shot as it was hidden in his shoulder and the camera had not zoomed on her face rather it was focused on Milind, it was hard to indentify her in the picture.

Drying her tears she had decided to return when she met Sapna in the corrider. Sapna had come to deposit some important documents to Madhu when she saw Prachi walking absent mindedly towards her cabin, smiling to herself Sapna had blocked her path. "Kaisi lagi apni tasveer paper main?" Did you like your picture in the morning paper? she had mocked Prachi arching her eyebrows. "Sapna mujhey jaaney do" Let me go Sapna Prachi had said quietly she did not want to create a scene "Arey Milind Mishra kii baahon main kitna maza aata hai yeh tumsey behter kon jaanta hai? Haina Prachi.." Who'd know better how it feels to be in Milind Mishra's arms...right Prachi this time her voice was raised and people had turned to stare at them. "Sapna bas kero or mujhey jaaney do" Sapna stop it and let me go she had muttered "Wah Prachi chori bhi kerti ho or seena zori bhi" Sapna had declared loud and clear. "Tumhari wajah sey aaj Mishra group of companies badnaam hai." Mishra group of companies has earned a bad reputation because of you Prachi Milind had heard Sapna ranting outside his office and had come out to investigate "Kiya ho raha hai yahaan?" What's happening here? he had bellowed and the raised heads had dropped down "Sir main sirf yeh keh rahi thi keh aaj Prachi ki wajah sey aapki itni badnaami ho rahi hai" Sir I was just stating the fact that because of her you've earned a bad name today Sapna had stated coyly "Lekin iss main mera kiya qasur hai?" Prachi had finally found her tongue but sadly it was the wrong time and the wrong place for her. "Just shut up!" Milind had fumed at her "Lekin main to..." But I just... Prachi had tried to explain "In... the.... office.... now!!!" Milind had managed through gritted teeth the stress he laid on each word indicated his attempt to control his escalating rage, this humiliation was too much for Prachi. She could see some of the people present snickering at her while some openly smiled tauntingly.She had run inside her office closing the door shut, after her departure Milind had turned to Sapna who smirked at Prachi's back gloating on her little stint. "Miss Sapna next time you accuse Prachi for something she hasn't done I'll make sure that smile is wiped off your face permanently" he hadn't waited to see her reaction or hear anything else and had followed Prachi inside.

He found her crying in her room Preeti was at her wits end her princess was sad and she could hardly do anything, she had tried to wipe away Prachi's tears but they fell hard and fast this had frightened Preeti. Her little mind was not able to analyse the situation why was her princess not smiling was the sole thought that disturbed her. Prachi had covered her face with her hands sobbing pitifully. Milind had wished he could pull her in his arms and kiss those tears away but he couldn't he was the one who had made her cry and that too deliberately he had picked up Preeti and taken her to Madhu. "Sir you know it's not her fault" Madhu had said as he had turned to leave, "Yes Madhu and the irony here is that it's not mine either" he had remarked before walking away. Madhu had watched him leave sadly she had noticed the marked difference that Prachi had brought in him and for once she had believed that he too could remain happy now but alas.

She had cried to her heart's content lying on the cushions and then had fallen in a dreamless sleep, Milind had checked on her to find her sleeping her eyelids wet and cheeks stained, how he hated himself at that moment. Prachi had woken up as the clock struck three she couldn't believe she had slept in the office, getting up she checked on Preeti who was missing from the room. She quickly freshened up her head throbbed from crying and she dreaded Milind's reaction on knowing that she'd fallen asleep. She stepped out cautiously to see him busy patting Preeti to sleep, little did she know how hard it had been for him to stop his daughter from running straight upto Prachi. Eventually sleep had pervaded her and she had dozed off in his arms. She had collected Preeti from his arms kissing her ruffled curls she had returned to her room placing Preeti in her crib she got back to work. Milind was quick to notice her swollen red veined eyes and the fact that she hadn't addressed him at all, well atleast his plan was working he had thought despondently.

Neither had eaten though Milind had called the peon to bring her some food but Prachi had sent him back claiming she wasn't hungry.Later that evening she had handed Preeti to him before walking out silently, as she treaded the gravel path home she wondered why she had been so upset. It wasn't that he had scolded her the first time or that he had been rude he was always like that. She understood his reaction to Sapna's remarks it was natural, anyone in his position would've done the same, it dawned on her that it hurt her more to think that she was the cause of his problems. It was her picture with him and now it was upto her to put things right.

Part 24

Milind had reached home to find Baba busy chatting with someone, the stranger had his back to him as he came forward he was surprised to see Shashank seated on the couch. Exchanging handshakes he had sat down to a pleasant conversation with Shashank. Baba had taken Preeti to his room she was sleepy and he had wanted her fed before she dozed off. "So what makes you come here?" Milind had asked smiling, "Well the picture in the paper today for starters" Shashank had laughed, his laughter was infectious and soon Milind had joined him feeling extremely light hearted about the whole issue. It turned out Shashank had a large chunk of assets in Mumbai but was clueless of their use to him. He had inherited a lot of wealth from his late father the only thing was he had no intention of setting up business in Mumbai and so was in search of a profitable solution of this. "But why come to me?" Milind had questioned perplexed "I mean you could always auction off your properties believe me with the amount you have you could get the highest bid in no time" he had advised him honestly. "Well I came to know through reliable resources that you have been keenly interested in purchasing Shah properties....." he had remarked coolly.

Part 25

Preeti had awoken some time later rubbing her eyes she looked around trying to recognize her surroundings, as she saw Prachi seated in the front she gurgled in happiness. Prachi had smiled at her as the car slowed at a signal she unstrapped Preeti and placed her in her lap. Milind had watched all this with vigil eyes he hoped he would be able to take care of Preeti the same way after Prachi left him for Shashank. They had stopped outside "Intercontinental" Prachi looked on in astonishment why were they parked outside a hotel, why not at Ali's building. But these were questions that time would answer she did not dare ask Milind anything he was still raw after the article ordeal and she did not want him to get upset in any way. A balmy breeze blowed in the parking lot it gently ran through Prachi's hair and she let it caress her face loving it's touch little had she known what longing had pulled at Milind's heart as he saw her carelessly push back her curls. Ali had met them at the reception ushering them to a table at the corner of the dining hall. The room was softly lit by crystal chandeliers bathed in warm earth tones decorated with tapestries and leatherwork from Spain. A bar was situated at the south of the hall and a live band played in low tones, the centre had been cleared of any furniture to make room for couples to dance to the romantic tunes."Hotel main hii kerna tha to apney hotel main kyun nahin kiya?" If you had to keep it in a hotel why not in our's? Milind had inquired crossly. "Mujhey bill bharney deta tuu?" Would you have let me pay the bill then? Ali had counter questioned and he had fallen silent, ofcourse that would've never happened.

Prachi had stared at her in confusion did Ali not tell her anything, Milind too seemed shocked to hear this but he preferred to keep silent she was Saadia's mother in law and he did not want anything to go wrong with Saadia's future family. He had though given a cold glare to Ali who had averted his attention to the food the waiter had brought. Prachi had been astounded to see Milind stay mum on the comment and assumed he too was playing along, well if was what he wanted she'd just have to comply. Faisal and Milind it seemed shared a lot in common from the latest soccer match to the rise and fall in the stock market they had discussed everything under the sun. Prachi had been kept busy by Preeti who had wanted to join the couples on the dance floor she shifted in Prachi's lap restlessly till Saadia had offered to take her to the floor thus relieving Prachi of her naughty charge for a while. "Bhabhi buhut shararti lagti hai yeh, kaisey sanbhalti hain issey or office dono ko?" She looks like a handful Bhabhi how do you handle her and manage the office so well? Faisal had asked laughing heartily at her attempts to mingle in with the crowd. Music was Preeti's passion she couldn't stop jumping all over the dance floor while Saadia doubled over with laughter fruitlessly trying to catch hold of her. Prachi had timidly raised her eyes to Milind who seemed to try his level best to remain aloof of the entire conversation "Iskey Papa buhut help kertey hain meri warna shayad buhut mushkil hota" Her father helps me a lot else it would've been very difficult for me she had answered smiling. "Aap to lucky hain bhabhi itney caring husband milain hain aapko" You'r lucky Bhabhi you've got such a caring husband Farzad had teased her and Prachi had smiled at the young lad, she had grown fond of him he was just like Bobby vivacious and full of energy."Aapki love marraige hai ya arranged?" So is you'rs a love marraige or an arranged one? he had inquired thoroughly impressed with Milind wishing he too could look like him someday. He had noticed the number of women eyeing Milind as he smoked in style."Rishtey to aasmanon per bantey hai Farzad jo jiska muqadder hota hai mil hii jaata hai waisey hii tumhari Prachi bhabhi bhi mil gayeen Milind ko" Relationships are decided up in the skies Farzad people who are meant to be find each other no matter what similarly your Prachi Bhabhi came into Milind's life Ali had intervened.

Terey khayalon main terey sawalon main uljha rehta huun main
kaisey bataun main kiya kiya muhabbat key zakham sehta huun main
Meri panahon main meri nigahon main tera hii jalwa raha.
Merey tassawwur main meri ibadat main tera hii qissa bayan.
Teri chahaton key sadqey meri zindagi,ab to jaan-e-jaana mujh ko teri aashiqui
Hansaye bhi, rulaye bhi sataye bhi, Hansaye bhi, rulaye bhi sataye bhi.

He twirled her gracefully and she spun around slowly feeling him pull her back in his warm embrace. She let him weave his arms around her waist as they continued to move to the beat, he had felt her arms on his own soft and tender her hands caressing his, she relaxed in his hold he could sense her smile her back to him. What was he doing? he had questioned himself. Was she not the one he had promised to forget, hand over to someone else because she was not his. She heard him moan softly and had turned around to face him, her lips were sealed but her eyes spoke questioning him, assuring him, trying to pacify him she smiled warmly.

Armanon ko merey deewana kerti hai terey labon ki hansi.
Merey to lamhon pey teri hii chahat ki chahiyi rahey beykhudi.
Meri tamanna ney merey dil -o- jaan pey aisa kiya hai asar.
Dekhun jahaan dekhun terey siva mujh ko aaye na kuch bhi nazar.
Teri chahaton key sadqey meri zindagi ab to jaan-e-jaana mujh ko teri aashiqui
Hansaye bhi rulaye bhi sataye bhi, hansaye bhi rulaye bhi sataye bhi.

He felt her place her head on his chest her hands enveloping him with love and he had resigned to his deepest desires resting his chin on her hair closing his eyes to live a lifetime in that one single moment. She had wished for the moment to last for eternity feeling complete closing her eyes too she had let him lead her on for what seemed like ages. She had felt as if the singer had sung her deepest wish that night.

Yeh dil terey qadmon main bicha duun terey mehkey khuwabon ko saja duun.
Teri chahaton key sadqey meri zindagi ab to jaan-e-jaana mujh ko teri aashiqui.
Hansaye bhi rulaye bhi sataye bhi, hansaye bhi rulaye bhi sataye bhi.

They had opened their eyes to a thunderous applause the song had ended all present there had appreciated their attempt to dance and unknown to them they had been the centre stage couple with the dazzling spot light focused on them. So preoccupied had they been with each other and the prized moment that they had lost track of time and space, the manager of the hotel had come up to them then holding a microphone "Sir you've won tonight" he had declared grinning at them. "Won what?" Milind had asked confounded "Tonight's most romantic couple title!" he had informed them a photographer had come up. "A picture please" the manager had requested "Oh I'm not very photogenic" Milind had tried excusing. Faisal and Saadia had come over "Eik tasveer main kiya ho jayega Milind.... yaadgaar raheygi saari umer" What's in a picture Milind..... it'll be a cherished memory for a lifetime he had coaxed him, and Milind had given in, his anguish though did not remain unnoticed by Prachi. The photographer had clicked a few pictures of them and had left, soon he had returned with a picture of Milind and Prachi encased in a gold rimmed ebony frame. "I hope it's clearer than the one they printed in the paper the other day" the manager had joked and Prachi had trembled inwardly now he would remember everything, all her attempts to relieve him of his agony would go to waste. As expected Milind's face had lost it's smile excusing himself he had made for the foyer of the hotel in an attempt to locate Ali who it seemed had magically disappeared.

🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

https://www.apniisp.com/hindisongs.php?id=2689 link to the song it's from the movie Darling.

Returning to the dining hall they found all others ready for departure Preeti lay quietly in Prachi's arms seemed like she had run out of her stock on energy she had yawned as Milind held his hands out to her which she had readily embraced. "Milind aisa ker tuu Faisal or aunty logon ko ghar chor dey inka ghar terey raastey main pareyga main Prachi ko drop ker duunga." Milind why don't you drop Faisal and his family home it's on your way I can drop Prachi off Ali had suggested and Milind had accepted gladly he desperately wanted to free his mind of Prachi for sometime. "Arey beta kyun tum drop kerogey issey ghar nahin jayegi yeh apney pati key saath?" Why will you drop her won't she go home with her husband? Aaliya begum had questioned Ali in a serious tone. "Woh aunty aaj apni maa key ghar jaana tha na iss ney bas isi liye kaha mainey" Aunty she had to go to her mother's place tonight that's why he had lied flustered with Aaliya begum's timely enquiry. "Hmm to phir Milind beta Preeti ko dey do issey" Then Milind give her Preeti she had dictated lifting Preeti out of Milind's hold she had handed her to Prachi.

Prachi looked on in dismay as he sauntered out of the dining hall with Faisal and his family in tow before exiting the hall he had turned around to cast a profound glance at Prachi he had wanted to remember the way she looked tonight simply ethereal and then had left. "Chalein" Shall we go Ali had inquired noting Prachi's crestfallen look and she had followed him to his car parked outside. Stopping the car infront of the chawl Ali had watched as she got out with Preeti and moved towards the wooden staircase "Prachi" he had called after her stepping out of the car himself "Jee" Yes she had turned to face him, closing the distance between them he had handed her purse to her."Bhuul gayii thi tu, waisey Milind key ilawa kisi sey pyaar kiya hai Prachi?" You'd forgotten it have you ever loved anyone besides Milind he had asked upfront "Nahin" No Prachi had replied promptly before realization dawned on her on what had just passed between them. She had looked at him incredulously "Bhaiyya aap..." her voice had trailed off "Mujh sey to kuch chupa nahin Prachi na tera pyaar na us gadhey ka dard, bas aaj tujh sey puuch ker dil ki tasalli kerni thi warna malum to mujhey pehley sey tha" Nothing is hidden from me Prachi neither your love nor that idiot's pain, I just wanted to ask you to confirm my doubts though I knew about it being it the truth all along he had laughed.

Krithika had started banging on the door highly agitated she had told Prachi to get ready by 4 that evening but it appeared she was fast asleep and planned on remaining that way. "Prachi" she had yelled impatiently "Aaj koi bahaana nahin chaleyga tumhara jaldi tayyar ho..." I won't listen to any excuse today get ready soon she had screamed pushing the strap of the water bottle up her shoulder "Aunty iss sey kahiye main neechey intezaar ker rahi huun sirf paanch minute..." Aunty tell her I'm waiting downstairs... just five minutes she had informed Premlata in frustration. Premlata had smiled Krithika sure had a temper that flared very easily, but she was not to blame today she had informed Prachi about the picnic weeks earlier and was justified at her ire towards Prachi. She opened the door and walked inside pulling back the curtains she had allowed the brilliant sunbeams to light the room.

The beach was filled with people who thronged the place like ants near a puddle, the past few days had been extremely hot and humid being a Saturday evening almost all of Mumbai had decided to wet their legs in the salty water. Great Milind had thought as he found space to park his car after an extensive search of the lot which seemed to be crammed with vans, cars of all sizes and shapes and a million motorbikes. Stepping out of the cool car he was reminded of the intensity of the heat which had hit him with full force, he descended the stone stairs and proceeded to take off his chappals, swinging them in his hand he weaved his way through the crowd. He knew a hidden alcove his haunt often when he'd find the beach overcrowded he would go there to find solitude and mental peace. It was shaded by a towering rock and was situated to a farther corner of the shoreline, it was marked off limits by the coast guards as the water nearly rose to the knees even whilst sitting on the scraggy rocks that peppered the area and almost swept over them at high tide. Walking a good way he managed to leave the world behind enjoying his walk feeling the saturated sand squish under his feet as he advanced, reaching there he waded in the water and took his seat on a protruding flat rock, the tide was low and the waves lapped at his feet as he sat dangling them in the sea. Once he was away from the noise and din his mind's wheels started turning rapidly he wondered why Bua had appeared out of nowhere, did Baba call her on purpose and did he really intend to marry him to Naintara. What could he do to get out of this mess, and how long did Bua actually intend to stay, long enough for Baba to convince her into harnessing Milind. He knew once Bua made up her mind it was hard to make her think otherwise. Anyways he would figure a way through this he simply had to he watched the seamless stretch of blue shimmer in the dazzling sunlight, it was mesmerizing, his mind began to relax as he felt the wind breeze by him.

He crouched down to be in level with the girl "Naam kiya hai tera?" What is your name? he had asked her "Tina" she had beamed at him her eyes dancing with mischief he was instantly reminded of his own daughter and hoped Preeti with grow up to be like her. "Thank you uncle aap ney humari ball bacha lii varna Mumma buhut daant ti hum ko." Thank you uncle for saving our ball else Mom would have been really mad at us. Smiling back at her he stood up and was about to leave when he realized she still held his hand. "Uncle chaliye na humarey saath humari family yahiin hai" Uncle come with us our family is here too she had informed him. "Chaliye na" Come on she dragged him after her as they rounded the big boulder he saw a large plastic sheet spread out on the sand at some distance two women with their backs to him rummaged through a basket while a man sat looking at them helplessly. He didn't know why but when he saw the girl in the peach salwar kamiz he was reminded of Prachi, was she Prachi he had thought impulsively, oh he was going nuts for sure Yahaan kiya kareygi What will she do here Prachi he had chided himself for even entertaning this thought. But then why did she look so familiar her figure, her posture, her hair and the way she tucked it behind her ear.

😊

Part 28

Milind's eyes had followed her escaping form across the swirling sands abashed, her words had left him numb to the core did she really mean what she had just said or was it because she had been witness to his life and death struggle earlier which probably had spurred her to act that way. Maybe it was the latter his mind had reasoned dismissing his wild emotions and once the idea was firmly implanted in his mind he finally found the ability to move "Prachi" he yelled after her but he could see she was already a long way off. Stupid fool he had cursed her who told her to wait for him now they were stranded with an onset of a thunderous storm his mind was working on various ways to make her go with him so that he'd drop her safely home. His stomach lurched pondering on the possibility of her not consenting to go with him or the fact that she may have already left for home. His pace having quickened with the thought he ran towards the parking lot as if his life depended on it he had to find her "Prachi" he shouted again but it had turned out to be a vain attempt the wind shreiked far more louder than him, wailing mournfully before dropping down altogether. He knew now that it would start afresh with added vigour the hurricane that blew in from the sea front would feed newfound strength to it. His feet scrunched the sand underfoot as he leaped over piles of debris torn palm leaves were strewn around , paper cups, plates, eatables even clothes had been forced to find refuge on the sandy ground. A few sign boards could be seen dangling dangerously from their high perches the area was suddenly very quiet and then he heard a scream slice through the still atmosphere like a knife, his heart had stopped beating .... Prachi he had thought before tearing up the concrete stairs in one giant leap.

"Haath chor uska" Milind had said quietly advancing towards the guy who had Prachi pinned against the wall. "Nahin chorunga kiya kar leyga?" he had jeered at Milind who it seemed was itching to slay them all. "Teri biwi lagti hai kiya jo mer raha hai iss key liye" a scrawny one amongst them had questioned Milind sarcastically laughing at Milind, and the rest had joined in cackling hideously at his lame joke. Prachi had started crying now her hands ached within the goon's iron grip while he held her jaw tightly. With one smooth kick Milind had lain the guy standing next to him flat on the ground before turning around 180 degrees to punch the other guy's jaw hard and the cracking voice that followed after confirmed it as being dislocated, one of his friends had kicked Milind from behind while a second one wrapped his hands around Milind's throat. Prachi screamed in terror as the third jumping to his feet after kissing the dust thanks of Milind's artful kick ran to fetch the discarded crow bar to attack Milind with.

Prachi had opened the car door in haste, the rain blinded her temporarily but she fled away from the car her fear empowering her reasoning. She had to get away from it all, he could not get hold of her again, she had to run, run very far away. Thoughts churned wild in her mind, the rain drops pelted her as the downpour increased it seemed the heavens had opened their gates showering their blessing on all. Milind had not had a clue of what had just happened he understood she was in shock but why was she running away now, the boys had been left behind and if she hadn't opened the car door he wouldn't have been forced to come to a screeching halt in this wilderness. Opening the door he followed her foot steps on the wet tarmac "Prachi!!" he hollered the noise of the downpour diminishing the impact of his voice, he saw her flee in the distance... What the hell was she up to he had thought infuriated. They were in the middle of nowhere that too in the midst of a thundering storm, there seemed to be no one around for miles. He broke into a trot hoping to talk some sense in her once he caught up with her. Prachi was drenched to the skin her head was dizzy, her legs felt as if they'd give away under the pressure she exerted on them in an attempt to run faster. She could not see anything properly her eyes kept dropping close, she wished Krithika hadn't forced her to come. Her temperature had escalated greatly she swayed dangerously putting her hands to her temples as she tried to stop the world going in circles around her. Milind had caught up with her just then "Prachi" he had yelled to make himself heard but she remained fixated in that position "Prachi" he shouted again shaking her by her arms this time and she had stared at him visibly shocked. He had come, now he was going to take her with him , far away to that terrible place, she tried to break free of his firm grasp. "Chor do mujhey" she shrieked in horror "Mujhey nahin jaana tumharey saath..... kahiin nahin jaana" she tried desperately to free herself from his tender grip raining his chest with a volley of delicate punches. Milind was stunned at her outburst, angry and surprised both at the same time, he knew he had been harsh to her but he had never known her to be so fiery in nature and right now she seemed to be possessed with supernatural strength as she pushed him away screaming fitfully. "Prachi, Prachi!" he yelled again and this time her eyes had met his dazed by his adamancy. Water dripped from his matted hair hewas drenched to the core, she peered at him as if trying to recall his identity her hands had stopped moving and a few seconds later she had fallen against him unconscious.