Chp 24
Inder had flown in on the appointed time and had found his car waiting for him he had reached his office by ten . He was a workaholic and now too despite the jet lag he was eager to take in on the developments of his Indian brach of hotels. Reaching the office he had called for a board meeting first having a tete a tete with the board members listening to their problems regarding the recession and the cost cutting. The biggest issue now was of financers investing in their next hotel which was still a project in the pipeline but Inder had the issues ironed out in no time he had been on cordial terms with numerous foreign companies who were ready to take a plunge in his venture courtesy his previous reputation and previous profitable excursions even during these dark economic times. The meeting had ended on a happy note and soon after lunch Inder had expressed his wish to meet the employees at his office. Inder had always believed in maintaining a fair relationship with his workers in his opinion most of the problems in any institution arrived from lack of communication and the gap that widened the distance between an employee and an employer due to it.
The meeting went smoothly Milind had been highly impressed by his boss not only was he a shrewd business man rather he knew exactly how to go about the business. It was not only the finacial gain that excited him also he knew how to keep the machinery that operated his money mint well oiled that is his employees happy and content. From the day he had joined the hotel he had been hearing bits and pieces of information on Inder almost on a daily basis but today he had finally met the man and was deeply in awe of him. Bidding them good luck for the new fiscal year ahead Inder had watched them file out he could not help but take into account Milind's rugged characteristics. Something about him enticed Inder he was not the usual type well oiled and shiny no, he had an attitude a charm that exuded from his persona one look at him and Inder knew the man was his own boss. His deep black eyes assessed Inder minutely and had immediately captured Inder's attention. Milind wore neither a tie nor a coat to work simply because he didn't find the need to he believed in the motto that your work speaks for yourself and followed it religiously. He was the first one to report for work and the last to leave taking care to complete all his daily chores on time not with holding anything for the next day.
In truth his position in the company had provided Milind a platform to study the workings of the business Khanna was a rather lazy man who made Milind do most of his work thus letting him gain knowledge of getting about with the tasks. In a span of two months Milind had not only handled the finances also had joined the committee responsible for market survey he knew how and when the tourists influx was the greatest what tacticts were employed to advertise the hotel and hence increase it's demand. He attended meetings with Khanna with bank managers and foreign investors in short it was a huge learning experience for him and Khanna had come to trust him blindly. "I think you should meet Milind Mishra Sir he's the most promising employee we have had to date" Khanna had whispered to Inder pointing towards Milind who was about to step outside the glass doors. "Mr Mishra could I have a word with you?" Inder had called out making Milind turn around and join him in his cabin. Once seated comfortably in the large leather chair opposite Inder Milind had looked at him questioningly. Inder was surprised to notice that Milind was neither nervous nor intimidated by him and that had further spurred his curiousity to know Milind better. "I hear you were a taxi driver prior to joining Shah Group of Hotels" Inder had leaned back in his chair studying Milind.
"Yes Sir I was I don't think there's any qualm in being one" Milind had replied coolly causing Inder to smile. "Anyone else in your position might have broken down with that question" he had pointed out to Milind "I guess truth though stark is always undisputed Sir" Milind had replied calmly. " I like your attitude young man reminds me of my youth though not as wild as you but I too had the same stubborn streak in me that you possess. I'm glad I have you on my team Khanna here tells me you've been a real help to him" Inder had walked up to him clapping Milind on the back jovially Milind had certainly won him over. "I wouldn't mind if you closed your shirt buttons the next time I call you for a meeting" Inder had remarked casually causing Milind to blush. "You see I like my female staff to work without distractions and you here provide it to them in ample quantity" Inder had winked at him and Milind had hastily closed his top three shirt buttons smiling at Inder. "Sorry Sir bad habit you tend to develop it while driving a car similar to an oven" and Inder had laughed aloud. "You'r humorous too glad to know that I simply detest people who can't see the finer details in life, wanna join me for lunch?" he had offered and Milind had readily accepted. He could not believe his good luck his boss was definitely one remarkable person oh the stories he was going to tell Prachi that evening. It was a routine for Milind to fill Prachi in with the minor details of his day while they had dinner he liked to share his thoughts with her in return she would smile continuously at him stars in her eyes. After her birthday Prachi had found it exceptionally hard to act normal around Milind, the way it all used to be before prior to the magical moments she spent with him at the beach. She found it hard to contain her excitement whenever their eyes collided.
That morning while she sat discussing Pam's dowry with Nadra begum she could not help but marvel at her good fortune. "Kitni lucky hai na Pam, aunty Ali ussey kitna chahta hai" Pam is so lucky Ali loves her so much she had sighed. "Hain beti tum to aisey keh rahi ho jaisey tumhara pati tumhain chahta hii nahin. Kitna to pyaar kerta hai tumsey tumharey bina eik pal bhi guzarna mushkil hai uss sey. Ab kal hii kii baat ley lo mainey kheer banayi thi uss key liye majaal hai jo do ghari yahaan guzari merey paas. Foran mujhey shukriya kehta hua uth khara hua mainey puucha kahaan chaley mian kehney laga Prachi ko bari pasand hai aapkey haath kii kheer ussey deney jaa raha huun." Child you talk as if your husband hardly loves when all he can think is of you. Just yesterday I made his favourite kheer but he hardly stayed put a minute rushing of to you. When i asked him where he was off to he told me you liked kheer very much and that he was going to give it to you. and Prachi had stared at her in astonishment it was true Milind had brought kheer for her from Nadra begum and had asked her to enjoy the dessert. When she had wanted him to eat it with her he had replied that he had had his fill at Ali's place because Ali's mother would not let him leave without eating. "Kiya unhon ney khaayi nahin thi kiya?" Didn't he have any himself? she had questioned vexed on the knowledge of him giving all of it to her. "Kahaan beta betha nahin eik pal bhi pehley to kabhi kabhi aa jaaya kerta tha per ab slam kerta hai roz bas aatey hii tumhari fikr kerta hai. Tumney khana khaya ya nahin, Baba ko dawa dii key nahin, bachon key saath waqt guzara key nahin. Sach beta bara hii pyaar kerta hai tumsey" No child he didn't even wait a minute more earlier he used to spend time with us now all he cares of is you whether you had food or not, gave Baba his medicines or spent time with the children downstairs. I tell you that man loves you more than anyone else Nadra begum had smiled filling her in on other such details she was unaware of. She listened dumbfounded was all that she had heard true did Milind actually love her, but if he did why did he not say anything to her.
She was still not convinced that Milind loved her maybe it was infatuation how could he love her when her own family had not. She did not possess any such quality that would make her stand out amongst the rest by nature Milind was kind and generous maybe Ali's mother had mistaken his considerate manner as love. But then what about her own feelings could they be termed as love why did she feel the need for him to stay with her always. Why did she not wish to return to London, was that not her home of twenty four years. She felt confused and her head swam in dizziness she suddenly felt unwell and excusing herself had left for home. The rest of the day passed in chagrin by evening she felt as if her brain would explode she sat on the floor in the kitchen and sobbed uncontrollably. It was only then that she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder fearing it to be Milind she had quickly wiped her tears away only to find Ali stand beside her. "Prachi kiya hua, tabiyat theek nahin hai tumhari. Ammi bata rahi theen tum subah buhut pareshan thi khairiyat to haina?" Prachi are you feeling alright. Mom was telling me you were not feeling good in the morning he had questioned her perplexed. Making her stand up from the cold floor he made her sit on the sofa bringing water for her he made her sip it before offering him his hanky.
"Ab batao kiya hua?" Now tell me what happened he had asked gently "Ali main thak gayi soch soch ker keh Milind key dil kii baat kiya hai. Woh mujh sey kiya kehna chatey hain? Kaaki kehti hain agar main un key dil kii baat jaan luun to woh mujhey hamesha key liye apney paas rakh leingey. Milind kehtey hain main apney dil ki baat sunungi to khud ba khud unkey dil kii baat samajh jaungi. Main kiya kerun mujhey kuch samajh nahin aata. Kyun main apney ghar nahin jaana chahti? Nadra aunty ney kaha Milind mujh sey pyaar kertey hain bhala aisey kaisey ho sakta hai mujh main aisa kiya hai jo woh mujh sey pyaar keraingey?" Ali I'm tired of trying to figure out Milind's heart and what it holds. Kaaki says if i do so he will let me stay with him forever. Milind says I should listen to my own heart to know it. I don't get it I'm so tired. Why do I not wish to return home? Nadra aunty says Milind loves me how can it be I have nothing to me that would make him do so she had explained to him the reason to her depression and Ali had smiled. "Bas itni sii baat" That's it? he had asked her and she simply stared at him. "Aap ko itni sii baat lagti meri jaan per bani hai" For you it might be trivial but it's consumed my life she had remarked sadly. "Prachi kuch baatein waqt per chor deini chahiyein yaqeen kero qismat main jo likha hota hai hota wohi hai. Jab mainey Pam sey pyaar kiya tha yeh nahin socha tha keh woh mujhey mileygi bhi ya nahin. Per uskey bina zinda rehna mushkil lagney laga tha, shayad jeevan bemainey lagney laga tha. Ab zyaada mat socho please or kal kii tayyari key liye ammi ka haath batao waisey hii mujhey pareshaan kiya hua hai uss Pam kii bachi ney" Prachi some things are better left to time. When I met Pam I didn't even have any idea I would one day get her. But then I think life without her would have been impossible, incomplete. Now don't worry much and help my mother with the preparations as it is Pam has quite tired me he had exclaimed in exasperation in an attempt to divert her attention. Ali had realized Prachi was confounded with her change in feelings and was unable to comprehend them, the only trick now was to make her accept her feelings as love for Milind and his for her as real.
The night was passed tossing and turning by Prachi everyone wanted her to figure it out herself which in her opinion was quite impossible somewhere near dawn her eyes drooped close Milind had found her slumbering in discomfiture and wondered what was the matter. He checked her pulse and forehead she felt fine but then why did her eyes appear puffy as if she had been up till late. It was a Saturday and the auspicious day when Ali was going to wed Pam it had been decided that they would first take the vows in a church and in the evening their nikah would take place in the chawl premises. Prachi had woken up to Ali cursing Milind for getting late they had to go get a bouquet and then collect his dress for the evening. Prachi had offered to make them a late breakfast but Milind told her he had already made it and had also fed Baba. He told her he would be back soon and had hurried out after Ali who appeared to be riding a wind whipped horse that day. Completing her household chores Prachi had tended to Baba informing him about Ali's wedding that day and explaining to him that she would be at his place to help Nadra aunty with the preparations for the evening. Ali's small house was filled with relatives who had stayed over the previous night Nadra begum was having a hard time catering to them all.
Prachi found Arti and Anju there already they had sighed a huge sigh of relief to see Prachi and had soon engaged her in tasks too which Prachi had enjoyed immensely. She had attended very few weddings in her life and the ones that she had were strictly formal affairs. Never had she seen such hustle and bustle and was quite happy making tea for the guests and serving them snacks. Milind and Ali had soon returned collecting his sherwani from the tailor on the way. The highlight for Prachi was when Ali had handed her, her dress for the evening and she had looked at him surprised. "Yeh kiya hai Ali?" What is this? she had asked confounded. "Meri shaadi per tumhara jora har bhai deta hai behen ko main tumko behen maanta huun is liye yeh tumharey liye hai" Your dress for my wedding it's a tradition that brothers gift it to sisters and since you consider you my sister this is for you Prachi had wept then clutching the dress to her heart. Ali had hugged her protectively "Paagal ho jo roti ho yeh to haq hai tumhara, ab chalo ghar jao or phir church merey saath" Come on don't cry it is your right to have it now go home and get dressed to go to the church with me he had patted her head affectionately. Prachi stood near the podium with an extremely nervous Ali in a new tuxedo Milind had gifted him for his wedding. Pam had stepped on the crimson carpet lining the whole length of the church her arm held by Milind who had decided to give her away much to Pam's pleasure and delight. Their few friends had gathered for the service Ali had been adamant that Prachi attend the service too and she had assented donning her skirt and blouse she had worn on her trip to Mumbaii the first time. She looked radiant as she smiled at Ali assuringly. Once the bride and groom had exchanged their vows they had been showered with petals and congratulated one of Pam's friend Shubha had flown in from the States to attend her wedding. "I must say Ali you certainly are the man Pam said you were" she had marvelled at Pam's choice. Shubha was a dusky damsel she was a micro biologist at a reputed insitution back in the states, she was a bright and bubbly girl who was Pam's closest friend. Pam's ancestors hailed for the south of the Indian Subcontinent a place where Shubha was born and spent a large part of her teenage life before flying to the states for higher studies. Ali had immediately taken a liking to the girl and had asked her to help him in the elaborate plan he had in mind to get his best friend and sister confess their feelings to each other.
Milind had left with Prachi to look at the preparations for the nikah that evening while Ali was to return after dropping Pam and Shubha to her apartment. On the way Ali had explained to Pam and Shubha what exactly he required of them that evening and they had smiled consenting to help in every way possible. Come evening the chawl was brightly lit a tent had been erected in the middle of the courtyard where a stage had been set up complete with a sofa set to accomodate the bridal couple while they retook their vows. Prachi had changed in the forest green lehenga Ali had gifted to her she had put on the silver jewellery Milind had gifted her for her birthday lined her eyes with kohl and applied light make up for the first time. She had pressed Milind's ink black kurta salwar for him awaiting him to return home since he was the one looking after the arrangements for the dinner to folow the nikah ceremony. Finally when he had reached home he hardly had cast a glance at Prachi partly because he had yet to get ready and then help Ali get dressed who was acting like a fussy baby since morning and largely because he was dead tired. Prachi was taken aback to see heim ignore her she had specially asked Arti to help her get ready as she did not know much about make up. Milind had dashed to the common washroom showering and changing he had returned home to get his wild hair to settle down though he had given up any hopes of doing that when he heard Ali bellow at the top of his lungs for him to get to his home immediately.
The ceremony was finally conducted Pam sat smiling looking breath taking in her bridal scarlet lehenga after taking her vows. Nadra begum had showered her with kisses and warm wishes praying for eternal happiness with her son. The relatives had then poured in one by one congratulating her handing her gifts which she would pass on to Prachi sitting beside her. Despite her best efforts to remain happy Prachi found it quite difficult to keep up with the pretense practically everyone had complimented her telling her that Milind indeed was a lucky man to have succh divine beauty as his wife. It was only Milind who had failed to say or do anything to her that would've made her realize he too appreciated her looking that way. Shubha had located Milind taking care of the guests and had walked up to him from where Prachi sat she could see Milind smile at Shubha and soon they were chatting and laughing together. It turned out Shubha's fiance Harpreet was into hotel business back in the states the reason Milind had been involved in an animated discussion with her. Prachi ofcourse was quite unaware of Shubha's committed status and could only see that Milind was chummy with her something she was not liking at all. Ali had smiled in satisfaction to see Prachi's face lose all colour watching Milind with Shubha his plan was working well.
The guests had settled down since dinner had been served and were busy feasting Pam had to play her part now. "Prachi I think Milind and Shubha make a nice couple don't you think so?" she had remarked innocently and Prachi had looked at her in horror. "What do you mean?" she had stifled a screm. "Oh Ali told me you and Milind aren't married you are just staying with him till you are able to go back to London back home" Pam had smiled and Prachi had felt her heart sink. "So I believe after you leave Milind will get married for real one day then why not Shubha she's well off and holds a nice job in the States, Milind could have a good life there" Pam had continued smiling sweetly having quite a fair idea of Prachi's thoughts on her suggestions. All that stopped Prachi from bursting into tears was the concious awareness that there were many people around who would question her regarding her outburst and she did not wish to create a scene. "I don't think Milind will leave Baba behind" she had answered quietly to Pam. "I'm sure Shubha can manage to get him treated in the States they have good facilities for paralytic patients there" Pam was leaving no chance for Prachi to negate the idea. Prachi appeared as if someone had thrust a dagger through her heart and now she was bleeding to a slow painful death. After dinner the few youngsters had taken to dancing trying to keep their feet moving to the latest bollywood hits.
Shubha had steered Milind to the dance circle and urged him to join her "Come on Milind I know you can move better than me" she had laughed. "Shubha please I swear I'll be more of an embarrasment" he had pleaded when Ali had intervened. "Chal na abhi bhao kyun dey raha hai" Ok why are acting high and mighty he had teased Milind "Yaar Prachi itni der sey nahin dikh rahi kidhar hai, terey kaam key chakron main dhang sey baat nahin hui uss sey saarey din" I haven't had a word with Prachi all day thanks to your wedding preparations Milind had explained the real reason for his denial. Ali had assured him that Prachi was having the time of her life with his new wife onstage Milind had looked up to see Prachi smile at a guest talking to her somehow she did not appear to be having the time of her life to him. He would've gone to her had Ali not stalled him "Chal na yaar Shubha mehmaan hai meri usey khush rakhney kii zimmedaari teri bhi hai" Come on man she's my guest you have to please her Ali had complained making Milind comply half heartedly. Shubha was an avid conversationalist and despite Milind's initial resistance he was soon caught up in a happy dance with her laughing at his inability to execute even one step properly. "Look Prachi I think they have already become good friends" Pam had pointed to where Shubha had slung her arm around Milind's shoulder teaching him to do a routine step and that was the final call for Prachi. Unable to keep her tears imprisoned any longer she had rushed off stage and ran all the way to her house. Once there she had broken down completely. Crying hard she had sought refuge in Baba's room he poor man could not understand the cause of her unhappiness and tried his best to soothe her. Placing his hand on her head he had assured her of his being with her through thick and thin.
Edited by blind horizon - 16 years ago
Marathi TV
