Epilogue
"Ayaaaaannnn!!!" Sunaina had screamed angrily causing Milind to choke on his toast the girl really was proving to be a handful for him. "Papa!!!!" came the next call and Milind had jumped up from his seat another day had begun at Shah/ Mishra mansion. Inder had smiled folding his morning paper as he awaited Mishra ji to hand him the cereal. "Aaj phir bechaarey ka nashta gaya" Here goes his breakfast again Baba had joked as Prachi filled their glasses with fresh orange juice unhappy to see her husband abscond the dining table at her children's single call. "Kitni baar kaha hai khaaney per sey uth ker nahin jaatey per mera kaha suntey hii nahin" I've told him so many times not to leave food on the table but he never listens she had muttered under her breath. "Bahu bachey bhi to usskey hain ab jab pita bana hai to zimmedaari bhi to nibhani pareygi" Dear they are his children and he has to fulfill his responsibility as a father too Baba had consoled her while she fretted over his daily routine. Over the five years that they had spent at Watford together they had lived as a close knit family with Milind being the key link to all other members present. After adopting Sunaina Milind and Prachi had brought her to England with them. Here Milind had sought counselling for her from renowned speech therapists who had ruled out that Sunaina was not dumb simply suffering from the after effects of a shock.
Since she was still at a young age her temporary disability would not prove as an affliction to her, it had been a painful year of steady sessions with her speech therapist Katrien who had helped Sunaina overcome her fear of speech. Finally when she was three Sunaina had started showing signs of improvement. Throughout her treatment period Milind and Prachi had been there by her side to guide her help her and comfort her when she felt angry depressed or simply tired. But the hard work and dedication had paid off when Sunaina had called them Mumma and Papa for the very first time. Tears had fallen from Prachi's eyes as she kissed her in relief and Milind had hugged her in jubilation willing her to repeat the exact same words atleast a dozen more times. Since Sunaina had been adopted by them at a tender age her recollection of her past was vague and she had infact come to accept Milind and Prachi as her biological parents quite unaware of her time spent at the orphange in Mumbaii. She was seven now an extremely charming girl with her dusky complexion, straight soft hair, carved features and doe eyes she was mesmerizingly beautiful. Even at this young age she was constantly wooed by boys in school much to Milind's discomfort. Ayaan was Milind and Prachi's son three years younger to Sunaina and in her opinion quite a nuisance right now too he had very conveniently painted on Sunaina's new shirt which had caused her to go stark raving mad.
Milind had entered the room to find four year old Ayaan smile sweetly at Sunaina while she fumed "Papa look at him..." she had wailed. "Darling he's very much the same since I saw him half an hour ago" Milind had replied checking out Ayaan who was a treat for his father's eyes. He was practically Milind's shadow and shared the same wheatish complexion, blunt nose complete with the curls and cupid lips. Kissing him on the cheek Milind had made him sit in his lap as Ayaan conveniently crumpled his Armani suit with his soiled hands not that Milind minded it. "Papa I tell you he'll be wasted one day at my hands... just look at this. What in the world was he thinking painting on my new shirt. Do you know I had to wear it to present my report in class today" she held up the shirt for Milind's examination who scrutinized it thoroughly. "Yes darling I do believe he was trying to paint the map of China. Can you blame him for being inspired by you sweetheart?" he had sweet talked her. "Papa don't take sides" Sunaina had threatened him "darling ofcourse I'm not" Milind had held up his arm to her while she had snuggled to him sitting on the bed beside him. "See he watches his elder sister all smart and talented winning prizes for painting and class debates he wants to become just like you... don't you Ayaan?" Milind had tried to make peace between them. "Yesh Papa!!" Ayaan had admitted if this saved him from constant hounding from his brute of a sister he was willing to lie. The truth was the feat had been performed by him as an act of revenge, Sunaina had a couple of days earlier deprived him of the luxury of watching Tom and Jerry cartoons on the plasma tv. She was busy watching Discovery channel much to Ayaan's annoyance and when they squabbled like pets in a pound Prachi had scolded both of them specially Ayaan since she knew very well he was a complete trouble maker.
"Pata nahin kis per gaya hai..." I don't know who he has taken after... she would often muse she wondered if Milind had been the same during his childhood and her son might have taken after his father in traits and habits as well. "Sunaina sweetheart see now he's apologizing" Milind had nudged an adamant Ayaan who sat eyeing Sunaina as if he'd eat her alive. Anyone who had known Ayaan would've understood that his naughty mind was busy conjuring up ideas to break Sunaina's favourite doll at that exact moment. "Di I'm sorry" he had again displayed his perfect white teeth for Sunaina who could see right hrough his act. Narrowing her eyes she had glowered at him intently pigs could fly but Ayaan being sorry.... that wasn't happening. Ayaan had winked at Sunaina slyly while she had muttered curses under her breath well if he was putting up an act she would too. "Yes Papa I SEE how SORRY Ayaan is" she had smiled at her father who was happy that he had declared truce between them after all. "Now shake hands both of you" he had told them hugging them both Ayaan had put out his hand while Sunaina had clasped it clenching it so hard he had glared at her. Who said revenge wasn't sweet it definitely felt heavenly to Sunaina as Ayaan nursed his hand after the treacherous hand shake. Kissing them both on the forehead Milind had stood up smiling, ofcourse though he understood the trouble had only started. He knew both of them very well picking up Ayaan in his arms he had whispered to him "Ok what are you going to break next?" "Her stupid Barbie" pat had come the reply and Milind had swung him on his back. "Tell me when and where so that I'll stay away and let your mother deal with this one" he had inquired again. "Backyard this evening" Ayaan had informed him giving his father a thumbs up and Milind had laughed kissing him repeatedly till he giggled in his hold.
Prachi had opened the door to find him playing with their children "Milind late ho jaayeingey office key liye" Milind you'll get late for work she had reminded him when he lowered Ayaan to the ground. Prachi had quickly come forward to examine the yellow smear on Milind's coat that Ayaan had printed after painting himself with the colour "Uff Milind yeh kiya hua?" Milind what happened? she pointed at the blotch that shone brightly against the black of his jacket. "Mumma Ayaan ney kiya hai" Mumma Ayaan did it Sunaina had fuelled Prachi's anger Ayaan had by this time hidden behind Milind's feet to avoid confrontation with his mother. Milind in order to avoid another fiasco had reverted Prachi's attention to his incomplete breakfast and that had reminded her that was still mad at him for running after their children all the time. Before Prachi could ask Ayaan anything he had shot out from the room at bullet speed much to her disappointment. "Sunaina get ready in ten minutes I'll drop you" Milind had told her as he slung his arm around Prachi's shoulders pulling her close. "Papa I'm walking with Michael" she had informed him "You'r not doing any walking, jumping or driving with any Michael till you'r eighteen now get ready" Milind had warned her before exiting the room.Prachi had smiled at her handsome and hot husband worrying over his daughter. They had exited the room and now stood in the corridor with Milind nuzzling her neck lovingly. "Milind koi dekh leyga" Milind someone will see she had tried to extricate herself from his loving hold.
"Dekhney dey yaar!" Let them he had drawled lifting her face he had captured her lips in a searing kiss, even after five years in their marriage their love had remained poignant for them both. True a lot of things had changed in their life after they had shifted to Watford, initially Milind had felt misplaced and unhappy. He had come to understand why Prachi feared returning back to that wilderness it was an absolute punishment. They had spent many nights together with Prachi holding him close letting him breathe in her fragrance soothing him, caressing him. How could she not understand the pain he went through when she herself had been subjected to it for long. Each day would be a challenge for Milind he still had to prove himself as an apt choice by Inder. There were rumors in the business circle that Inder's Indian son in law had married his stupid daughter for the money. Milind would be heartbroken at times to see people look down at him they would not say it upfront but he could very well read the scorn their eyes held for him. One such day when Milind had been particularly dejected he sat in the mansion's lawns a forlorn and depressed figure. Prachi had not been home she had taken Sunaina to meet her grandfather, his father at the facility he was admitted in. A posh rehabilitation centre where Baba was now on a speedy road to recovery Inder had gotten him admitted there the moment they had touched British soil. Taking off his coat Milind had opened his shirt buttons his head in his palms he sat with eyes closed. He was on the brink of going insane no matter how hard he tried this did not feel home to him he wished he had some sort of inkling as to where his life was headed.
To him it seemed like a capasized boat devoid of a compass or star to steer it with. Inder who was home had joined him then taking his seat beside him on the wooden bench he had gently touched his arm. "Kiya hua.... ghabra gaye?" What happened.... are you scared? he had asked and Milind had smiled sadly. "Papa mujhey nahin lagta aapko mujhey yeh saari zimmedaari deni chahiye..... main shayad yeh sanbhal na paun" Papa I don't think you should entrust me with such grave responsibilities I may not be able to handele them effectively he had told him truthfully and Inder had smiled. "Tum sey behter to koi sanbhal nahin paayega issey Milind" No one can handle them better than you he had assured him confidently. "Papa log mujhey" Papa people he had started when Inder had cut him sharply "Logon kii parwah kab sey kerney lagey tum Milind... logon ki parwah thii jab Prachi ko apney saath rakha tha, uss sey shaadi kii thi?" Did you care about people when you sheltered Prachi or married her? he had questioned Milind. "Papa woh meri zindagi key faisley they main ney ley liye... yeh business aapka hai... mera nahin. Aapney itni mehnat sey issey iss maqam tak puhunchaya hai agar main aapki expectations puuri na ker saka to?" Papa that was my life my decisions I took them. But this is your business not mine. You've achieved success after such hard work what if I don't fulfill your expectations? he had clasped Inder's hand explaining to him his turmoil. "Yeh business tumhara hai Milind... sirf tumhara , main kab ka saari property tumhaarey naam ker chuka huun" This business is yours alone I've already transferred the property in your name he had informed him. "Magar kyun Papa!" But why Papa!! Milind had stood up shocked. "Mujhey ab iss property sey koi lena dena nahin yeh tumhari zimmedari hai, waisey hii jaisey meri beti or nawasi tumhari zimmedarian hain." I have no concern with this wealth it is your responsibility as are my daughter and grand daughter Inder had told him. Milind had fallen to his knees infront of Inder "Papa yeh kiya kiya aapney" Papa what have you done he had wept in anguish "Tumhain tumhara adhikaar diya hai ab issey banana ya bigarna tumharey haath main hai. Beta log to hamesha sey yehi kertey aaye hain duniya kab khush hoti hai kisi ki taraqqi sey. Woh sab tumhain itna pareshaan kerna chahtey hain keh tum dil haar ker sab kuch haar do... Per main aisa honey nahin duunga.... Tum merey damad nahin merey betey ho, mera ghuroor ho, abhi maan ho. Kiya tum mera sar fakhr sey uncha nahin kerogey. Mujhey eik kamyab betey ka baap kehlaaney ka haq nahin dogey?" This is your right now its upto you if you want to increase it tenfolds or lose all of it. There will always be people who will dishearten you and want you to fail. But I can't let this happen... you'r not just my daughter's husband.. you'r my son. Don't you want me to feel proud of you let me see you turn into a successful businessman Inder had held Milind's face in his palms and kissed his forehead softly.
"Himmat or hosley sey to log duniya fateh ker letey yeh to sirf business hai" You can conquer worlds with courage this is just business he had smiled at Milind wiping away his stray tears. It was not that Milind couldn't handle the pressure it was the constant dread that any mistake on his part could cause Inder a loss since the business was not his. But Inder had granted him freedom from all such fears that had been the day Milind had vowed to put his heart and soul in his work and reach heights even Inder hadn't attained. That had been the day Milind had changed no longer was he just Inder Shah's son in law he was major share holder and CEO of Mishra/Shah group of Hotels, he now answered no one. Milind's meteoric rise had astounded his critics who found no complaint against his superb business acumen and accurate decisions that always made them stand on their toes. He indeed had proved to be a perfect choice by Inder all those who shunned him initially now queued outside his office for appointments. Milind had won three awards for Best Hotelier of the year in the past five years and tonight too he had to attend a similar ceremony. It was the Brand of the year award function and Milind would be attending it with his family.
"Prachi yaad haina aaj jaana hai function main?" Prachi you do remember we have to attend an award function tonight? he had reminded her teasing her by gently biting her earlobe "Aap sey juri koi bhi baat main nahin bhuulti bas eik aap hii hain jo mujhey nahin samajhtey" I never forget anything related to you it is only you who does not understand me she had complained softly. "Please Prachi dobara mat shuru ho jaana" Please Prachi don't get started again Milind had sighed "Aisi konsi bari cheez maang lii mainey aap sey eik bacha hii to maanga haina" What wealth have I asked you for.. just a baby she had looked at him through tear filled eyes while he gritted his teeth. "Prachi bachey hain humarey" Prachi we have children he had attempted to explain her his view for the millionth time on her demand. This had been going on for quite some time now Prachi was adamant that they have another go at making a baby while Milind was not in for the idea at all. When she had been pregnant with Ayaan the doctor had warned Milind of her pregnancy being a difficult one which it indeed had turned out to be. It had taken all of Milind's will power and courage to help her through the nine months, the constant fear of losing her during the final ordeal had driven him insane. Moreover during the labour period he had decided to stay beside her for support never though in his wildest dreams had he imagined to witness the pure horror he had seen while Prachi writhed in agonizing pain.
The half an hour wait till she had dilated properly to deliver their son was pure torture for Milind. What had followed next had knocked him out of his senses completely, the actual process of Prachi giving birth to their son had left him shocked and shaken to the core. He had vowed never to subject her to such misery ever again. Unfortunately for him it was Prachi herself who had wanted to expand their family further, much to his discomfiture he ofcourse had negated the extravagant demand outrightly breaking her heart. Prachi had joined Baba and Inder at the breakfast table and Milind had followed silently her red veined eyes made him understand she had been crying and that driven away his hunger. Gulping down his juice he had left for work with Sunaina and Ayaan dropping them off at school he had driven to his office there was a lot of work piled up for him. The day had flown away quickly asking Kaka to prepare the dinner Prachi had returned to her room taking out their clothes for the evening she had pressed them, at around three the children had returned home and as promised to Milind Ayaan had indeed broken Sunaina's doll. The hue and cry that had followed was deafening had Inder and Baba not intervened it would have taken forever to settle them down. Baba had promised Sunaina to buy her a doll similar to the one Ayaan had broken and Ayaan was grounded for a week no cartoons and no pepsi the news was deathly for the young boy who had screamed at the top of his lungs for the world being unfair and Sunaina being a monster.
Milind had returned home to find a sullen Ayaan waiting for him as soon as he stepped in the threshold Ayaan had flown to him and Milind had picked him in his arms. "I told you not to break the doll" he had smiled teasing his son who had started crying and had not stopped till Milind had got his mother to decrease the punishment from a week to three days. Milind had then gone to Sunaina who sat completing her homework "Well I hear there's been mutilation in here" he had winked at her while she laughed "Oh Papa he's a monkey forget him..... see what I painted for him" she had shown Milind a picture of their family. "I think you should show it to him before he starts thinking you'r from outer space" Milind had advised her and she had complied. Meanwhile Ayaan had sought refuge in his mother's lap drinking his milk from a cup while she soothed his curls "Why do you break her things jaan she is your sister after all" she had asked him genuinely concerned for their deteriorating relationship it sometimes hurt her to think her children were always at each other's throats.
"Mumma I love her so much but she doesn't love me that is why I break her things. She doesn't play with me always keeps painting in her room" Ayaan had cried telling his mother his tale of woes. He missed his sister's attention and companionship that had decreased as she had grown older Milind and Sunaina who had just entered the room were surprised to hear Ayaan's truthful confession. Sunaina had been overwhelmed with her younger brother's love for her she had quietly walked over to him and placed her hand on his shoulder "Ayaan" she had called out to him. "Go away I don't want to talk to you" Ayaan had continued cuddling upto his mother while Sunaina now looked as if she would burst into tears."Mumma he won't talk to me" she had told her mother who had made her sit beside her gently fondling her hair. "Darling he's just a bit angry right now" she had whispered kissing her daughter lovingly. "Mom tell him to speak to me or I'll cry" she had whimpered "Cry baby!!" Ayaan had mocked her. "Ayaan" Prachi had warned him "Now come on talk to your sister see what she has brought for you" Prachi had coaxed her stubborn little son to be friends with his sister. Sunaina had handed him the painting and he had smiled through tears. "This is for me?" he had asked and Sunaina had smiled "Yes I painted it for you" she had told him. A mere five later minutes both of them were playing video games in the living room.
Milind had attended the award ceremony that evening with Inder Baba and Prachi as expected he had won the award hands down. Standing on the dias accepting his award Milind had singled out his family amongst the crowd. "I stand here today not because I have achieved distinction as a businessman but because of the conviction and love given to me by my family. This award is a dedication to my Baba who has been a constant source of inspiration for me, who made me understand hardships in life are to be overcome not succumbed to. My Papa who vested complete faith in me, who made me believe life was bigger than expectations. And my wife Prachi , my love, my life my reason to breathe. Thank you so much thank you for always being with me." Amidst the thunderous applause that emanated in the hall at that moment Milind could see Prachi wipe happy tears, Inder smile at him pride visible in his eyes and his Baba the serenity on his face made him know he had completed his responsibility as a son and husband. That night as Milind had joined Prachi in bed she had turned the other side she was still upset with him and Milind realized it was time he finished off with this matter for good. "Prachi... dekh meri taraf" Prachi look at me Milind had turned her to him by her shoulders when he saw that she was crying. "Prachi ro kyun rahi hai?" Prachi why are you crying? he had asked perplexed "Choriye mujhey" Leave me she had whimpered sobbing silently. "Eik hii zid hai aakhir kyun?" You'r adamant on that issue but why? he had wanted to know. Prachi had leaned on his chest interlacing her fingers with his. "Pata hai Milind... mainey apna bachpan buhut tanha guzara hai. Koi nahin hota tha merey saath sivaaye khamoshi key. Aur ab iss khamoshi sey darr lagta hai mujhey. Main chahti huun humara parivaar buhut bara ho har koi har samay eik saath ho... koi akela na ho.. kabhi bhi" Milind I've led a very lonely childhood. No one used to be there with me except for solitude and silence. I'm afraid of silence now. I want our family to be big so that no one will ever remain alone forever she had poured her heart out to him.
It was then that Milind had understood why she hounded him for another child. Laying her down beside him he had kissed her tenderly making her weep harder. "Prachi tujh sey buhut pyaar kerta huun main na tujhey dukh main dekh sakta huun na tujhey takleef dey sakta huun. Tuu chahti hai to hum zarur apna parivvar barhaiyeingey magar iss vaadey per keh yeh aakhri baar hai keh main teri yeh baat maan raha huun. Kabhi khud ko meri jagah rakh ker dekh Prachi kitna dard hota hai mujhey tujhey takleef main dekh ker" Prachi I love you very much I cannot see you unhappy or in pain. If you wish it we will expand our family but this is the last time I'm assenting to your wish. Put yourself in my stead someday and feel the pain I go through everytime I see you in affliction he had told her slipping off her night dress. Prachi had hugged him with love "I'm sorry" she had whispered and he had placed his finger on her lips. "Aaj koi sorry nahin" No sorry tonight he had murmured as she pulled off his kurta revealing his bare chest. Kissing her passionately he had proceeded to fulfill her desire making her arch beneath him as they traversed the path to ecstacy together. Nine months later Prachi had given birth to their daughter, Sameera. Somehow with her had come the understanding of completion something that was earlier amiss in their lives. On the mansion walls in Watford hangs a family picture of the Shah Mishra family. Ayaan and Sunaina pack their bags in elation, Prachi sits feeding three month old Sameera while Milind kisses her forehead with love thanking her for letting him be a part of their wonderful creation. Inder stands near Premlata's portrait talking to her while Baba sips tea in the lawns outside. The family is off to visit Ayesha and Neev in LasVegas their family too has a new edition, Deepa and Ayesha is sure she has taken after Prachi both are naiive, beautiful and submissive. Life is unpredictable, it is said you receive the most when you least expect it ....... I believe it is absolutely true.
Edited by blind horizon - 16 years ago
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