Posted:
This ia continuation of my ff Kaisey Kahun the link to the first thread is https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/kayamath/1080699/kaisey-kahun-chp-1-22
Chp 23
The next morning Prachi prepared breakfast for Milind and after making him have it patiently waited for him to leave for work. But even after nine o' clock when he showed no signs of getting dressed she had asked him the reason "Aaj aap office nahin jaayeingey?" Won't you go to office today? she had inquired cautiously. "Eik hii din Sunday aata hai tuu chahti hai to chala jaata huun aaj bhi office becharey chowkidaar ko bhi chutti mil jaayegi aaj" Well there is just one sunday if you want i'll go today too atleast the poor guard there will have a holiday today he had joked but her lips failed to smile making him wonder why. He had noticed she he had been quiet and distracted since the previous evening. Taking her hand in his own he had made her sit beside him on the sofa "Kal sey dekh raha huun buhut khamosh hai kiya hua" I've been noticing since yesterday you'r very quiet what happened? he had questioned her tenderly and she had explained to him that she wished to go to the temple for prayers. "Theek hai tuu tayyar ho jaa main ley chalta huun tujhey" Fine get dressed I'll take you there he had offered and she had managed a weak smile her trepidation was still inexplicable to him. She was usually cheerful and bubbly but it seemed the day was special for her and Milind had started having a hunch. Nonetheless he decided to accompany her to the temple to clear his doubts and if indeed the reason for her sudden silence was what he considered it to be there would be lots to do. Dressed in a plain white salwar kameez Prachi had accompanied Milind who could not make himself stop staring at her. "Bas ker warna apni hii nazar laga deyga usko" Stop staring at her else you cast your evil eye on her Ali had teased him as Milind gave him instructions regarding Baba's medicines the time and amount of dosage to be administered. "Hmm" Milind had mused thoughtfully following her to the taxi, he had decided to keep the taxi in his use on Sundays so that he may complete any necessary chores which he was unable to do during the week.
The trip to the temple was short and taciturn Prachi had not wanted Milind to accompany her but she knew since he was home he would not at any cost allow her to venture out on her own. He was protective of her and sometimes Prachi's heart just jumped for joy when he would be adamant that she tell him her requirements and that he would take her wherever she wished to go. With the money Prachi had borrowed from him she had hired the services of a pundit "Havan kerwana hai pundit ji" I need you to perform some prayers she had told him. "Kis key naam ka beti?" For whom child? the pundit had asked "Premlata Shah key naam ka unki aatma kii shaanti key liye" For Premlata Shah so that her soul may rest in peace she had answered taking her seat on the low wooden stool beside him. Milind had known then why she had been behaving the way she had it was her mother's death anniversary which meant it was her birthday too. He had taken part in the prayers to make sure Prachi did not feel that she was in it all alone he watched as she closed her eyes tightly in an attempt to avoid her tears from spilling from her eyes on her cheeks. For Prachi this was the one day that held the key to her existence unfortunately it had never been a joyous occassion for her. She had always witnessed her father get the prayers performed for her mother's soul to remain at peace, never had it been about her always her mother. With time Prachi had accepted it as a fact and today even though she was not with her family she had been compelled to follow the family tradition. The prayers were soon finished and as the pundit had been about to leave Milind had stopped him "Agar aap key paas waqt ho eik aur pooja kerwani hai" If you have time I need another prayer session to be held he had requested the pundit. "Jajmaan samay to hai bataiye kiskey liye kerwani hai pooja?" Well son there is time who do you wish it for? he had inquired. "Prachi Shah key liye aaj janam din hai uska main chahta huun yeh pooja uskey dil kii khushi or man ki shaanti key liye karein takeh ussey zindagi main saari khushian mil sakein" Prachi Shah it's her birthday today and I hope she attains peaace of heart and all that she desires in life Even though his eyes were focused on the pundit Milind could feel Prachi's eyes cloud at his gesture she had never imagined someday someone could keep a pooja for her well being.
They had prayed with conviction atleast Milind had, he had seriously wanted Prachi to attain peace of mind and heart. After they had finished Milind had driven her home he had left then on the pretext of attending to some crucial matter taking Ali along with him. Prachi had cooked and cleaned, after pressing Milind's clothes for his office use the next day she had decided to check on Kaaki. It had been long since she had visited the old woman, they often exchanged a few words while crossing each other's paths but today she needed consolation. The feeling of being loved and cared and Kaaki was the only one Prachi had found could treat her like her own child. "Kaaki main madad ker duun aapki" Kaaki can I help you? she had stepped inside her house watching her cook lunch. Kaaki had only been too happy to see Prachi she simply adored the girl and hoped and prayed that Milind would one fine day marry her for good. Prachi had made Kaaki sit near the pedestal fan while she took over the kitchen cooking the vegetables and making chappatis. Kaaki could not help but compliment her on her expertise at the task "Ab to buhut acha khaana bananey lagi hai beti" You cook very well now she had smiled and Prachi had simply nodded in agreement. It was true she had indeed learnt how to cook the most sumptuous of meals the credit of which she gave to Milind entirely. He had been extremely patient with her teaching her, helping her even at times when she ended up burning the food or making it unpalatable he would not complain rather point out the flaws gently explaining her what needed to be taken care of or avoided in future. Prachi had spent a wonderful hour or two with the woman oiling her hair for her "Beti tuu khush to haina, Milind tujhey achey sey rakhta hai na" Child are you happy? Does Milind treat you well? she had inquired stroking her hair with maternal affection and she had nodded her head in consent. "Buhut khush rakhtey hain mujhey Kaaki, itna keh ab mujhey darr lagta hai waapis jaaney sey" He keeps me so happy I'm afraid of going back home she had confided her fears to her. "Kiya tuu hamesha uss key saath rehna chahti hai?" Do you wish to stay with him forever Kaaki had questioned smiling. "Main unhain khona nahin chahti kaaki uss akeli zindagi sey mujhey khauf aata hai. Ab aadat ho gayi hai mujhey Milind kii, Baba kii iss ghar kii... inn sab key bina mujhey apna aap adhura lagta hai." I do not wish to lose him kaaki. I fear the lonely life back at home. I've grown used to him and Baba and cannot imagine my life without them.
She could not help but cry at her apprehension as the months had gone by Prachi's dread of returning to London had heightened. She simply could not bear to leave Milind or his small haven behind her even though devoid of luxuries and minimalistic in comforts Milind's house was her dream. It held the happiness and joy her massive Watford mansion was devoid of despite it's expensive and stylish structure and furnishings. Kaaki had embraced her gently letting her shed hot tears soaking her saree "Tuu jaana nahin chahti to baat ker Milind sey mujhey yaqeen hai tuu eik baar bhi kaheigi to woh maan jayega" If you don't want to leave talk to Milind I'm sure he won't mind you staying here she had advised her. Hope shone in Prachi's moist eyes as she smiled through her tears "Sach kaaki main eik baar bolungi to woh maan jaayeingey hamesha key liye mujhey yahaan rakh leingey" Really Kaaki if I ask him will he allow me to stay here forever she had wished to confirm this rather wonderful piece of news. "Maan jaayeiga per tujhey uskey dil baat samajhni hogi, dekh beta taali eik haath sey nahin bajti or saath or apnapan bhi kisi eik shakhs key chahney sey nahin hota. Tujhey ussey samjhna hoga uske mann ko jaanna hoga samjhi" Yes he will consent but you need to understand his heart too. You cannot clap with one hand child neither can happiness be found by your ownself you need to understand his heart for that and Prachi had looked at her confused. What had kaaki meant by that what was the secret to Milind's heart did he hold any secret, she could not put a finger on the change of feelings that had slowly but steadily washed over her. Earlier when she looked at Milind it was pure friendship now she desired something else from him she wished him to hold her, touch her, make her feel special. She was surprised at the way her heart beat accelerated whenever she was around him she felt like crying all over again why was she gripped with longing these days. Returning to her house she found Milind awaiting her he had noticed her wet eyelashes and had concluded her to be crying but decided against consoling her. Prachi had been happy to realize he had remembered her birthday but when he did not make any attempt of celebrating it nor wished her she assumed he had no plans regarding the occassion and had fallen silent. The afternoon meal was eaten in quiescence and after washing up Prachi had retired to her bed for an afternoon nap she desperately wished to get a hold of her dispersed feelings and thoughts and had considered it best to sleep it off. Milind had watched her unsmiling face deep in slumber and had smiled to himself she probably was saddened by his negligence towards her special day but little had she known he had planned to make it all the more memorable for her. Calling on Ali he had double checked on the arrangements for the evening placing a wrapped package for her beside her bed he had left to attend to Baba.
Prachi had awoken that evening to find her present on the table freshening up she returned to her room and opening it was pleasantly surprised to see an elegant evening gown bundled up complete with her jewellery.The dress was a silky black A-line style that ended well below the knees with a three-tiered lacy hemline that gave the appearance of being stunning. The last tier had a pale floral print. The dress had short sleeves and a rounded neck She smiled and ran outside her room to ask Milind who had given it to her but was dissappointed to find him missing. Ali however was present there tending to Baba "Ali Milind kahaan gaye?" Ali where is Milind? she had wanted to know. "Woh actually aata hoga uskey eik colleague ki aaj engagement hai tum tayyar ho jao woh petrol bharwa ker aata hoga" He'll just be back one of his colleagues is getting engaged tonight so he's gone to get the petrol refilled you better get ready by then all the bliss on finding the gift had vaporized immediately. So it had all been for his colleague's engagement not for her birthday, she felt stupid for having pinned her hopes on him. It was not his fault who had celebrated her birthday earlier that she expected him to. Donning the garmet she slipped on the jewellery brushing her hair she left it stay loose Ali could not help but marvel at her pious beauty no wonder his friend had fallen head over heels in love with this innocent damsel. "Prachi yahaan aao" Prachi come here he had gestured for her to come near as she did he had gently touched her eye smearing his fingertip with the black kohl that lined her eyes he had proceeded to apply a dot of it behind her ear. "Mashallah tum buhut pyaari ho main nahin chahta kisi ki bhi nazar lagey tumko, aaj to chand bhi jal jaaye tumsey" You'll looking very beautiful today and I don't want anyone jinxing it, tonight I'm sure the moon will be quite jealous of you and Prachi had smiled wholeheartedly. Ali always managed to make her feel good about herself minutes later Milind had sauntered in dressed in cobalt blue denim jeans and black body fitting tee shirt he appeared a complete heart throb.
Prachi's heart had started beating like a gunned engine she had lowered her gaze nervously not wishing him to read into her sentiments that ironically negated all mannerisms in his wake. Milind had found it extremely difficult to stop himself from gathering her in his arms and kissing her insane specially those kissable lips that drove him mad. Thrusting his hands in his pockets he had bid Baba and Ali farewell "Chalein" Let's go he had asked Prachi and she had followed him obediently. Prachi had expected Milind to drive her to some house or hotel for the engagement ceremony to be attended on the contrary he drove her to the beach, a rather secluded and remote area of it. Prachi looked around in astonishment as he asked her to step out on the sand still she did as told and stood beside him. She watched stupefied as he proceeded to pull out a thick blanket from the car's trunk laying it down he produced a picnic hamper next the crockery followed by a small box containing her birthday cake. Flipping on the charge lights he had led her to the blanket making her sit beside him her heart had started thumping against her ribcage the noise so clear Prachi feared Milind might just hear it from where he sat beside her.Taking out the black forest cake from its box he had handed her the knife to slice the dessert lighting the lone candle atop it. The cold sea wind flickered the flame and Milind had cupped his hands around it to stop it from dying out. Prachi had bent forward and closing her eyes had blown out the candle wishing for her friend to stay with her always she had then cut the cake and had fed him the first piece. "Happy Birthday" he had whispered making her bite in the cake and it was only then that her mind had registered that it was indeed all meant for her. Overcome with emotions she had slipped her hands around Milind and had hugged him tightly unable to explain to him the extent of joy she felt at that precise moment. Milind had expected a similar reaction and had let her weep in newfound happiness "Aaj to khushi ka mouqa hai phir ro kyun rahi hai tuu?" It's your special day why are you crying? he had gently released her studying her angelic face wiping away her tears he made her look at him. "Aap ney merey liye itna sab kuch kiya Milind" You did all this for me Milind she had caressed his arms lovingly "Kis ney kaha terey liye kiya sab apney liye kiya hai, teri khushi meri khushi hai, terey aansu merey dard ka kaaran to bata ab iss main faida kiska hua?" Who said I did it for you I did it for myself. Your happiness is my happiness your tears make me upset then tell me who benefits from this? he had questioned softly making her smile. "Tera gift to tujhey dey diya bas filhaal key liya itna hii ker sakta huun" Well i've given your gift to you for now this is all i can manage he had pointed to her dress remarking apologetically. "Merey liye yeh sab sey qeemti tohfa hai Milind" This is the most precious gift for me Milind she had assured him "Thank you so much" she had whispered kissing his hands in gratitude.
They had dined happily under a starlit sky the waves lapping on the beach musically Miilind had taken care to choose her favourite food chicken lasagne with russian salad and fried rice. After packing up the hamper again Milind had made her lie against him his hand enveloping her in a loose embrace. She had breathed the salty air with closed eyes savouring his touch content within his hold "Milind agar main main aapsey kuch or mangun to deingey mujhey?" Milind if I ask something else from you will you give it to me? she had questioned him and he had tilted her face up to meet her questioning gaze. "Kiya chaiye" What do you want? he had asked "Kiya aap mujhey hamesha key liye apney paas rakh saktey hain?" Can you let me stay with you forever? she had wanted to know her fear and anticipation clearly visible in her eyes. Milind had been stunned to hear her mouth his heart's deepest desire and had let go of her immediately. She had thought of it as his denial and had hung her head low "Main koi bhi job ker luungi, aapko apney saarey paisey dey duungi per mujhey London nahin jaana. Wahaan koi bhi nahin merey saath Papa mujhey ley jaayeingey main nahin jaana chahti aapsey or Baba sey duur. Kiya aap mujhey nahin rakheingey apney saath?" I'll get a job give you all my money but I don't want to go to London. I have no one there Papa will take me back I don't wish to leave you and baba. Won't you keep me with you? tears fell from her eyes hard and fast. Kaaki had told her he would consent but here he had been too shocked to respond and maintained a deep silence. Even after five minutes when he still did not say a word she got scared that he might get angry and decided not to pursue the subject she looked at him through fearful eyes her hands shivering. His grim expressions made her understand she would be awarded with a sound verbal lashing soon and had closed her eyes to prepare herself for his beration. Milind had studied her intently wondering why was it that she did not understand that she loved him as much as he loved her. He was at a loss of words he had come to know she cared for him but that she loved him enough to let go of her comfortable future to spend the rest of his life with him had completely taken him aback. Till now he had believed his love to be a one sided affair but tonight her simple query had explained to him that the fire and desire was mutual. He wished he could tell it was love that she felt for him and that she was welcome to stay with him till the end of eternity but he wanted her to understand the notion completely, interpret her feelings for him before consenting to a union with him.
"Merey saath kyun rehna chahti hai?" Why do you wish to stay with me? he had questioned huskily causing her to snap her eyes wide open the wind played with her hair covering her face with it every now and then.Till now Prachi had been confident about her proposal to him but his inquiry had made her ponder over it. She saw him gaze at her intently the fire that ignited his soul was visible in his dark eyes and she lowered her gaze not being able to with stand the intensity his eyes held. "Pata nahin per mera dil yehi kehta hai" I don't know why it's just that my heart says so she had murmured "Kiya kehta hai" What does it say? Milind had wanted to know bending closer he cupped her face in his palm making her look at him. Prachi could not resist the temptation to touch his stubble tentatively feel his facial hair prick against her flesh as she ran her fingertips over them her breathing was ragged now and she fought hard to stop herself from drowning in the whirlpool of desire he churned within her. Milind had found it impossible to put a tab on his need to touch her Prachi had felt cool shivers run down her spine as his lips had contacted her milky skin kissing her closed eyes, nose and cheeks in the most gentle manner making her wish the moment would last forever. Feeling extremely shy she had hidden her face in her hands and Milind had smiled she still had a long way to go before she confessed to him. Watching her sit there breathing hard trying her best to appear normal Milind felt she couldn't get more desirable than that. Filling her in his arms he had let her compose herself against him her hands had slid down and she lay panting softly moments later when she had regained her composure he had looked at her. "Ghar waapis nahin jaana?" Don't you have to go home? he had asked and her eyes had clouded again "Aap mujhey apney saath nahin rakheingey?" Won't you let me stay with you? she had questioned heartbroken. "Nahin main tujhey khud sey duur kabhi nahin jaaney duunga.... kabhi nahin" I won't let you stay away from me ever the finality in his voice assured her that he would indeed keep her safe. "Aap Papa ko mujhey ley jaaney nahin deingey?" You won't let Papa take me away she had asked remarkably pleased. "Nahin lekin uskey liye tujhey mera saath dena hoga" No but for that you have to help me he had told her seriously. "Kiya kerna hoga mujhey" What will i have to do? she had asked eagerly "Merey dil ka haal jaana hoga jis din tuu mera dil samajh jaayegi Prachi humain koi alag nahin ker sakeyga I promise" You'll have to understand my heart Prachi the day you do that no one will be able to keep us away from each other I promise and her heart had sunk again. "Main aapkey dil kii baat kaisey samjhun Milind kuch to bataiye" How do i understand what your heart holds please tell me she had pleaded "Apney dil kii baat sun ker tera or mera dil ab juda nahin" Listen to your own heart our hearts are one now he had provided her with clues.
"Yeh sab meri samajh nahin aata Milind. Kahin aisa na ho buhut der ho jaaye or Papa aa jaayein phir main kiya kerungi" I don't understand all this what if I never get it and Papa finds me she was flustered and quite in the dark about her growing sentiments being love. "Yeh to tujhey khud jaanna hoga Prachi kisi key bataaney sey koi farq nahin pareyga, ehssas jab hoga jab dil khud pukaareyga sachai sirf tab samajh aayegi us sey pehley nahin" You have to understand this on your own it can't be explained by ayone you'll feel it automatically when your heart will talk to you only then will you know the truth he had told her firmly. Noticing her going pale he had kissed her gently on the forehead assuring her "Jaanti hai Prachi mujhey sab sey zyaada khushi kab hoti hai?" Do you Prachi when am I the happiest? he had murmured in her ear and she looked up at him "jab tuu merey paas hoti hai, merey saath hoti hai, sirf merey baarey main sochti hai. Meri khushi ka khayaal rakhti hai" When you are with me, near me, when you think only about me and my happiness he had told her and she had smiled shyly. "Main to sirf apney mann kii sunti huun ab kiya kerun keh woh har pal aapko hii sochta hai" I just listen to my heart I cannot help it if it keeps thinking of you she had confessed making him smile and kiss her on the cheek. "Ab ghar chalein nahin to Ali mera band baja deyga" Let's go home or Ali will really get mad at me he had laughed helping her get up. That night after he had changed and lay on the sofa to sleep he heard a movement beside him even in the dark he could make out Prachi's silhouette he lay still feigning sleep allowing her to do what she desired to. He felt her cover him with a blanket bending close to him she had assidiously kissed him on his cheek "Thank you so much Milind aapney aaj mera janam din mana ker mujhey duniya kii sab sey bari khushi dey dii. Kaash keh waqt tham jaaye or main hamesha aapkey paas rahun, aap mujhey buhut achey lagtey hain Milind I like you so much" Thank you so much Milind you celebrated my birthday and made it all the more special. I wish time would stop and i could with you here forever, I like you so very much Milind she had confessed softly. She had left as silently as she had come filling his heart with happiness he had smiled settling himself on the sofa preparing to sleep.
"Mr Khanna I'll be reaching Mumbaii tomorrow please send the driver to pick me up from the airport at 9:00 in the morning" Inder had informed his manager in Mumbaii of his arrival. Having finished with his project in Milan he had decided to grace Mumbaii with his presence hoping to meet one particular employee who had left a marked impression on him one Mr Milind Mishra.
Chp 24 page 4
Chp 25 page 9
Chp 25 page 9
Chp 26 page 13
Chp 27 page 21
Chp 27 page 21
Chp 28 page 26
Chp 29 page 33
Chp 29 page 33
Epilogue page 40
Anupamaa
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
Indian Mythology
Sampoorna
