Short FF: Heart to heart- All parts- page 38

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NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#281

Originally posted by: madhavi_v
Hi shubs..
First of all thanks for the PM..had to catch up on 2 parts..

Part 5
so Milind almost confronted Prachi if she loves him or not..but just at the right time she had to get the phone call...With this part i was pretty sure that prachi was not in love with neev...dont ask me how was i so sure..b'coz even i dont know...I was thinking hard for some time thinking off what could all those conversations that Prachi had with neev imply..but then i gave up..knowing that you definitely would have a good explanation for it...
The phonecall interrupted because i wanted to drag this FF into another part.😆 I think with the way she behaved guilt-free with Milind, one can certainly think she wasn't in love with Neev unless she was a hypocrite, which she surely wasn't as you could see her genuinely caring and loving Daadi..
I had this plan before staring the FF you see, I am glad I kept the suspense to some extent.
Part 6..
It was funny..especially the line ". Seeing Ayesha, who was dressed in a beautiful gown, he remembered toothpaste"..for a sec i thought he was thinking tht may b b'coz she was dressed in white gown..dont ask me how i came up with such thoughts..that was the first thing tht came to my mind when i read it..
😆😆Even I don't know how exactly I came up with the toothpaste and Ayesha correlation. Wanted to add some comedy.

Wow i never thought that the conversation b/w Neev and Prachi on the wedding day and then on the phone were 2 completely different topics...i really liked it..As i said earlier i knew you would come up with better explanation than me thinking hard what it could be...
I am glad you couldn't think that the two convos were on two different topics. Even Milind couldn't think that as I didn't give away much from Prachi's side.

And finally all the misunderstandings were cleared and they immediately got on to their task which was already delayed by more than a week...
hahaaa.. I had to end this FF here hun.. so hurried things probably.😛

On the whole it was a great FF...It was a pleasure to read...
thank you I am glad you enjoyed it.

Hope you would write an epilogue ...
DOn't know, will see. But thank you so much for reading and commenting.

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NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#282

Originally posted by: Black cat
Hi, Beautiful Story. Thanks.

thanks Black cat.

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NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#283

I am posting the whole story together in the next post.

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NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#284

Heart to heart

Part 1

"From: Milind Mishra <Milind.Mishra@MMcorps.in>
To: Prachi Shah <Prachi84@yahoo.com>
Subject: Hello!

Dear Prachi,

This email was a long due. Ever since you gave me your email id, I have thought of writing you every day. But it almost took me a month to finally write to you. Though we have often spoken over the phone for the last couple of weeks, I haven't been able to talk my heart to you. I guess it's the same from your side.

Prachi- the name still reminds me of the little girl who used to ask me to get her mangoes from the churchyard. Do you remember the day Father Francis caught me stealing mangoes and your father came to my rescue? I am so glad it was all kept between you and your dad. If my dad had known about it, he would have banned me from my annual summer vacation in Pune.

After I went abroad for studies, I used to miss Pune so much. Slowly my studies, my career took over and the memories of Pune, the churchyard, the lake, Inder unlce, Premlatha Aunty and you were sealed in a corner of my heart. But when I visited Pune last month, after 10 years, it felt like coming home.

I still can't believe you and I are going to be husband and wife tomorrow. I know it was all Daadi's conspiracy (hahaha!!). But you and I both also know how precious is Daadi for us and we would do anything on earth to fulfil her wishes. She has been my mother, my friend and my philosopher. I completely trust her that she would choose the best for me and here you are.

I was apprehensive that day, when Daadi announced all of a sudden that her beloved grandson is going to marry Inder's daughter. To be honest, I wasn't apprehensive about myself, I was more worried about you. I didn't want this decision to be forced on you. That's why I asked you before we exchanged our rings if this is what you wanted. When you said yes, my heart was happy. You know why? Without my knowledge I probably was already losing my heart to you when I saw you dancing in your cousin's wedding. Now, don't accuse me of why I didn't tell you this so far! I just couldn't gather courage. I am relieved that I am conveying it at least this way.

Prachi, tomorrow will be our big day. A new chapter will open in our lives. I want to welcome you to my home, my family and my heart. I hope I will be able to give you all the love and care a husband can give a wife. I hope we live a great life together and make Daadi's dreams for us come true.

I have never written such a long email! But now that I have written it, I will send it to you. I hope you read it before our wedding. If not, I will bore you with all this after you come to my house.

See you tomorrow, my yet to be wife!
Lots of love,
Milind"

Milind clicked the 'send' button after reading through what he wrote for the third time. He stretched himself on his chair thinking about the next day after which he would be a married man. He then opened the little silver box and took out the platinum chain he had bought for Prachi. He thought he should give it to her on his wedding night with her. He then heard a knock on his door and it was his sister Sukruti.

"Bhaiyya, did you try your sherwani? We won't have time for it tomorrow" Sukruti opened Milind's wardrobe to take out his wedding attire.

"It's fine Sukku. I don't have to look like a model". Milind showed his disinterest in dressing up as usual.

"Bhaiyya, this is the only time you will marry. Do you know how beautiful is Prachi's lehenga? I don't want her to outshine my brother. Now come on, wear it and show me how you look. I will choose the watch and rings to go with it" Sukruti took Milind's watches out.

Milind wore the sherwani on his T-shirt. Sukruti made him wear the sehra too and she took him out to let Daadi and her father Mishraji see how the groom looked. Milind was a tall, dark and handsome man who looked dashing both in Indian and western attires. Once the whole Mishra family approved Milind of his look, he finally got out of the heavy sherwani.

As Sukruti put his wedding apparel back in the wardrobe Milind asked her if he should shave for his wedding.

"You should ask Prachi, not me" Sukruti had giggled while she left saying good night to her brother.

Milind didn't yet share enough comfort with Prachi to ask her if she likes him clean shaven or with beard. He liked his facial hair and was never fond of clean shaving. He decided to leave his beard as it is.

In Pune, Premlatha and Prachi's friends had finally come to a conclusion about Prachi's hairstyle for her big day. Prachi breathed a sigh of relief once she was finally given the sanction to sleep after going through two hectic days of wedding preparations and rituals.

Part 2

Milind's paternal grandmother Lakshmi Devi Mishra was a woman of golden heart. Along with her son Dayanand Mishra, she had raised an orphan boy Inder Shah who was her friend's son. Inder had lost his parents and many of his family members in an earthquake that wrecked his village, when he was just 9 years old. Lakshmi had voluntarily taken responsibility of Inder, pursuing her husband to allow the boy to grow up with Dayanad in their house in Pune. Dayanad and Inder had grown very close to each other. As they grew up, Dayanand had moved to Mumbai starting hotel business, while Inder studied commerce and took a job in a bank in Pune itself. Dayanand's wife Asha had died due to complication in her labour, when her second child Sukruti was born. Since Dayanand refused to marry again, Lakshmi who was widowed by then had moved to Mumbai and lived with her son though she preferred her home in Pune. She had made sure Dayanand's two children never felt the absence of their mother. Back in Pune, Inder had married Premlatha and lived with their only daughter Prachi in Lakshmi's house.

Though Lakshmi lived in Mumbai, she would often visit Pune and Prachi too was nothing less than her own grandchildren for her. Seeing Milind playing with Prachi in childhood, Lakshmi had always desired to have Prachi married to her grandson. Dayanand, Inder and Premlatha were more than happy when they heard Lakshmi's thoughts, while Prachi and Milind were quite unaware of the plan. At the age of 74, Lakshmi had been diagnosed with leukemia and with her failing health, her dream of seeing Milind and Prachi married had made her announce her wishes when Mishras visited Shahs this time.

Though it came as a surprise, Milind had found his heart elated when the thought of marrying Prachi crossed his mind. He had shared a warm friendship with her in childhood and after coming back to India he had met her in a wedding in Mumbai where she introduced herself to him. It had taken him a while to connect her to the little girl whom he used to play with in Pune. There was something beautiful that knocked his heart when he saw her as a grown up, bright and beautiful young woman. A few days later, he had visited Pune with his family where he had learnt about his Daadi's plan. Neither him, nor Prachi had raised a question against Daadi's decision. However, Milind had wanted to make sure if Prachi wanted to marry him too. He had talked to her on a few occasions before their engagement though he felt weirdly shy. Prachi had seemed quite comfortable whenever she talked to him. However, Milind had felt she hadn't allowed him into the inner circle of her heart but he thought she must have been feeling the same strangeness he is feeling too. But his heart wanted to make sure that she was marrying him with her will and when he did so she had told him she was very much fine doubtlessly. After their small engagement, Prachi was busy giving her masters exams and a date for the wedding was set right after she finished with her exams.

Laskhmi Devi was the first one to wake up that morning. She woke others too one by one, got things ready to carry with them to Pune and finally knocked Milind's bedroom. Though Milind got out of the bed to open the door he soon got back into it saying he wanted to sleep for some more time. He had gone to sleep quite late in the night spending hours dreaming about Prachi and now his eyes were refusing to open.

"Beta, it's already 5 in the morning. We have to be there by 10. It's not someone else's wedding to which you can go at your ease. The wedding won't happen without you" Daadi had said pinching Milind's cheeks.

"Daadi' I am so sleepy" said Milind waking up yawning. Daadi finally had managed to push him to the bathroom. Milind came out after 15 minutes taking a shower dressed in jeans and T shirt. He knew the plan that they were going to stay in a hotel where they will get dressed up and then the baarat would go to Prachi's house. By then, Sukruti and Daadi had packed his sherwani, shoes, a few extra pairs of clothes and asked him to look at his suitcase to fill anything he found missing. Milind packed his suitcase finishing with the box that contained the chain he had bought for Prachi.

Milind's immediate family along with many of his friends and relatives gathered in his house, had started for Pune in cars and vans. Daadi, Mishraji, Sukruti and Milind were in one car and before entering Pune, Daadi had asked the driver to stop at a temple of Lord Rama on the way. Daadi had described to Milind how marriage was all about love, commitment and faith giving the example of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. Though Milind wasn't someone who would pray to God, he had felt different that day and he had genuinely prayed for God's blessings for his marriage with Prachi.

Once they reached the hotel they had booked in Pune, the Mishras got ready and Milind had looked extremely handsome in his wedding sherwani. The hue of excitement and happiness in his face had only added to his looks but his face had been soon covered with sehra. Sat on a pony, Milind rode towards Prachi's home while the baarat was all singing and dancing.

The Shahs had waited eagerly to receive the Mishras and the two families had exchanged wishes and gifts once they met each other. After lunch, Milind was taken to the mantap where he waited keenly for Prachi's arrival. When Prachi was brought into the mantap, Milind had watched his wife to be from a corner of his eyes as he was sure that his sehra was covering him. Milind's heart skipped beats to see the breathtakingly beautiful woman dressed in a bright red lehenga. He had felt a range of emotions from excitement to nervousness.

Sukruti had sat behind Milind and Prachi and stealing an opportunity she had whispered in her brother's ear if he had asked Prachi's preference when it came to his beard.

"Shhh" Milind had tried to stop his sister from taking the matter further. But Sukruti enjoyed being naughty and she had said, exposing her brother's face by sliding the garlands that hanged from his sehra, "Prachi, I mean Bhabhi, do you like my brother's beard? I really hope you do. He loves it so much that he hasn't shaved even for his wedding."

Prachi had lifted her head hearing this unexpected question. As she turned to her left, her eyes had met with Milind's but then she had bent her head down feeling awkward. Sukruti wasn't letting it go this easy and she had asked Prachi again until she gave her an answer.

"His beard suits him" Prachi had said in a low voice but that was heard by Milind. Feeling happy that Prachi had no issues with his beard a small smile marked Milind's lips covered behind his sehra, while Sukruti had giggled. By that time, the Pandit who had seen the bride and groom involved in something else other than the rituals had raised his pitch at chanting mantras to get attention.

Milind and Prachi had taken vows in front of the fire and the Pandit had successfully completed the wedding. After the wedding, Milind and Prachi had posed with the guests for photographs where the groom was finally relieved of his sehra. In the end, Milind and Prachi's immediate families had taken photographs with the bride and the groom and in particular the newly weds had insisted taking pictures with Daadi who seemed to be the happiest person that day.

After the photo session, Milind and Prachi were asked to come to the dinner hall. While walking towards the dining hall, Prachi got herself ready to go down the steps that opened to the dining hall lifting her lehenga slightly. Milind extended his hand to her so that she could balance herself better while going down the stairs. Prachi placed her hand in his smiling at him. Milind had softly pressed her hand as they walked towards their seats guided by Sukruti. He kept holding her hand even after they sat in their chairs for he just loved doing so, and when it was time to start eating, Prachi had looked at Milind with a request in her eyes to let her hand go. Milind had pressed her hand all the more tightly and enjoyed seeing her trying her best to hide her reactions, before letting her hand free.

After dinner, Prachi had introduced Milind to her friends and Milind had sat chatting with them. Much later, Mishraji had told Milind they were leaving for Mumbai in a while as Daadi had a blood transfusion appointment the next day afternoon, while he can come with Prachi after a couple of days. No one wanted to deny Milind and Prachi their wedding night and hence they had arranged for it in Prachi's room. Though Milind had always kept track of Daadi's hospital appointments, this time the date had slipped his mind though he would have remembered it the next morning, as he had a reminder set in his mobile. Feeling extremely guilty, Milind had wanted to take Daadi to the hospital himself and insisted he would leave for Mumbai too with them. Prachi who had heard the conversation between the two Mishras also had supported Milind's decision. Though the elders tried to convince Milind to stay back in Pune, no one succeeded. Finally they decided that both Milind and Prachi would be leaving to Mumbai that night itself.

As Milind realized it was going to be morning by the time they would reach Mumbai, he wanted to give the chain he had bought for Prachi on their wedding day itself. He had looked for a private moment with his bride, but it seemed impossible with one of the other person coming in between. After a few minutes, Prachi had excused herself and walked out of the house. Milind found this as the best opportunity and he had followed her hoping to steal a moment with her. As he walked behind her taking the silver box out of his pocket, he stopped after a few steps hearing Prachi talking to someone.

"I am really sorry Neev. I hope you will forgive me".

Part 3

"Is this really what you wanted Prachi?" Neev looked away in distress.

"Yes. What matters to me the most is my Daadi's wish. Daadi loved my father like her own son. She has loved me more than my parents. She never asked for anything from anyone but has been everyone's strength. My mother told me that Daadi had dreamt of having Milind and me married ever since we were little children. I couldn't deny or delay her of her only dream, at a time when her health is deteriorating every day with cancer" Prachi had hiccupped.

"I understand that Prachi. But, have you thought about me? What will I do without you?" Neev had questioned Prachi straight.

"Please don't make it difficult for me Neev. I am sure you will find someone else, someone better than me. I wish you all the best....I need to go now. They might be looking for me. We are leaving to Mumbai in a while. Daadi has a blood transfusion appointment tomorrow... Take care Neev. Good bye" Prachi had turned back. Wiping her tears, she ran into the house from the backdoor. Hearing the conversation between Prachi and Neev, Milind had stood shocked and heartbroken.

Neev had lit a cigarette and walked out towards the gate passing the garden. As he opened the gate to go out, he threw the cigarette on the floor and crushed it with his foot. Kicking the gate shut behind him, he had got into his Benz that was parked right outside the house. Milind kept watching Neev, until he drove out of his sight.

Mishraji had come looking for Milind as the women had prepared for Prachi's bidaai. Prachi seemed numb as she threw the grains of popped rice behind her. Milind had sat in the car already by then. As Mishraji opened the car's door for his daughter in law, Prachi had suddenly looked back and ran into her mother's arms where she broke down into tears all of a sudden. Premlatha too couldn't hide her tears as much as she tried. Inder had hugged his wife and daughter in his large arms and the sight had made everyone's heart cry.

Milind had watched the emotional moment through the opened door of his car. He was going through an equal perhaps greater agony in his heart. Daadi had consoled Prachi saying she was not going anywhere else but to her other house in Mumbai. Mishraji had hugged Inder and asked him to move to Mumbai too so that they all could live together. Inder hadn't said anything in reply since emotions were still running high in his heart.

Daadi and Sukruti then had walked Prachi to the car again. Prachi sat in the car still hiccupping overwhelmed with emotions. Milind though wanted to react wasn't able to say anything. Mishraji had sat in the front passenger seat while Sukruti and Daadi travelled in another car. As the driver started the car, Prachi had slid the window down and had cried "Maa" waving at her parents. Premlatha was about to run to her daughter while Inder had stopped her holding her hand. As the mother of the bride sobbed in her husband's arms the cars had left for Mumbai one by one.

Milind had bent over Prachi and closed the window on her side as the cold wind of the night chilled them. Prachi had hid her face in her palms still not able to stop her tears. Mishraji had tried to console Prachi and also made signs to Milind asking him to console her. Milind took her name once and then two more times. When she didn't respond, he forcefully removed her hands off of her face.

"Milind" Prachi had said lifting her head with and the next moment her head had reached Milind's shoulder where it rested. Milind's left hand had involuntarily surrounded Prachi's body while with the other hand he had wiped the tears off of her eyes that flowed nonstop. He just couldn't see Prachi crying, as he felt pricked in his heart with her tears.

"Madam, don't worry. You will not find the depth of love you can find in the Mishra house, anywhere else. With a Goddess like Daadi, generous Mishraji and his two loving children, you are truly blessed to be married to this house" the driver had commented as Prachi's sobs echoed in the car.

The driver's words did have an effect on Prachi and slowly her emotions had calmed down. As the car speeded in the highway, Prachi had adjusted herself in Milind's arms slowly and his warmth was lulling her into sleep. Milind too didn't want to let her go off of his arms but his head was boiling with exploding emotions.

'Did Prachi sacrifice her love and marry him?' thought Milind. 'Though he had asked her on a couple of occasions if she was happy marrying him, she hadn't said anything otherwise. From what he heard from Prachi's mouth when she was talking to a man called Neev, it was obvious that she was indebted to Daadi with gratitude and love. He couldn't remember seeing Neev in the wedding nor he was a part of Prachi's group of friends with whom he had chatted. Was that a heartbroken lover he saw in Neev? But why did Prachi do this to him? If she had told him once that she didn't want to marry him but someone else, he would have convinced Daadi and everyone else to respect her wishes. Why did Prachi not tell him the truth when he had opened his heart? Had she read his email at all where he almost said he loved her? If not love and marriage, Prachi should have respected their childhood friendship. How could she do this to him?' Milind had thought repeatedly about the latest turnout of events.

Milind's eyes had taken a sight of the woman blissfully sleeping in his arms. Seeing her that way, he couldn't stop to wonder how she could sleep like an innocent baby when his heart was going through a tsunami of emotions. Milind decided to talk to Prachi the next day and clear the matter with her, as he saw no point in a marriage that didn't mean the same to both of them. But on the other hand, the consequences that might follow if this marriage broke, worried him. 'How will Daadi be able to take this shock? What would happen to his father and her parents who got them married with all their blessings?' Milind also couldn't comprehend what Prachi wanted out of this marriage and also why she had played with her own life and even his.

Milind's head throbbed with his brain riding a roller coaster of thoughts. He had wished if he hadn't heard Prachi talking to Neev and Prachi was as happy as him with this wedding. But he just couldn't get the flow of thoughts out of his head. A few hours later, his tired brain and body gave into sleep and he had unconsciously rested his head on Prachi's as the driver drove into the outskirts of Mumbai.

Part 4

It was the early hours of morning by the time the Mishras reached their home in Mumbai. Many of the relatives who had come for the wedding from different parts of the country were going to stay for a few more days in the Mishra house. Prachi woke up as the car halted at its destination. It took her a moment to realize she wasn't in her bed but actually in her husband's arms. As she saw Mishraji getting off the car, she tried to wake Milind too. When Prachi shook Milind's shoulder, he suddenly jerked out of his dreamless sleep. Milind's aunt and Sukruti had asked the newly weds to wait outside the house as they wanted to perform the rituals to welcome the daughter in law of the house. Though Prachi had visited the Mishra house umpteen times in her life, this time it all had felt different. After the aarti and finishing with kicking the pot of rice, Prachi was first taken to the pooja room along with Milind where they all prayed to God. Milind had quietly followed the instructions his elders gave him and his mind was half asleep.

Wanting to take a shower and get out of her heavy bridal wear, Prachi looked for her suitcases and she was informed that they were loaded into another van, which hadn't yet made it to Mumbai. Sukruti had told her she would give her a change of clothes and took Prachi with her.

Daadi hadn't been able to sleep through the whole journey and her body ached more than ever before. Milind took her to her room; she insisted she wanted to have a bath though Milind suggested her to rest. Keeping his mobile alarm for 9 am, Milind went to his room, changed into comfortable clothes and within a few minutes he had hit the bed immersed in a sound sleep.

Prachi had taken a shower and worn a sky blue cotton chudidar with Lucknow chicken work, that Sukruti gave her. As it was only 5 am in the morning, Sukruti suggested her to take some rest in her brother's room. Prachi feeling vaguely shy had asked Sukruti if she could stay with her in her room as she didn't want to disturb Milind who must have been asleep by now. Sukruti had smiled teasingly and told her she needed to accommodate a couple of her cousins in her room and her brother's room would be the only place for her sister-in-law. Though it was not the first time she was entering Milind's room, Prachi had felt quite awkward but had finally made her way towards his room. The room's door was closed but not locked. Prachi entered the room without making noise and she felt so familiar looking around. She had found Milind sleeping diagonally on the bed with his arms and legs spread out.

Prachi smiled thinking Milind still slept this way. She remembered her childhood holidays where Sukruti, Milind and her would be given one bed but Milind would occupy more than half of the space. Sukruti and her always had to fight him out to obtain some space for themselves. She contemplated for a minute which corner of the bed had more space where she could lay herself down. She quietly sneaked herself into the bed by his side. Feeling cold she pulled the large blanket on the foot of the bed on her, as well as her husband, to soon join him in sleep.

After a few hours, Milind opened his eyes as his hands felt the touch of a soft form while he changed sides. As he took his hand back, his eyes met with a face inches away from his, shining bright as the sunrays fell on it. If Prachi had looked breathtakingly beautiful yesterday, she had looked ethereal in her sleep. Milind had lost himself in filling her features in his eyes but he had tried his best to suppress an urge to touch her. Right then, his alarm had rung, that got Prachi out of her sleep instantly. When Prachi opened her eyes she had caught Milind's eyes on her, but soon averted her gaze feeling embarrassed. That had brought Milind to ground from the world to which he had travelled.

"Good morning" Prachi had said getting out of the bed.

"Good morning" Milind had replied looking at everything else but her. In seconds he was in the bathroom. Taking his shower, Milind had recollected the previous day's events and calculated how and when he should talk to Prachi.

Wondering if Milind didn't respond to her properly or whether she was assuming things, Prachi had gone out of the room to get Milind some tea.

It was only then she realized it was already 9 am. The cook was already preparing the breakfast when she went into the kitchen. She stood chatting with Sukruti, Daadi and other relatives in the living room until she was given two plates of upma and two cups of tea and was asked to take it to Milind's room.

Milind had stood in front of the mirror doing his hair, wearing trousers and vest. Prachi had vibrantly told him it's his favourite Upma breakfast today and he had thanked her for getting it. He then had opened his wardrobe and chose a dark green shirt. As he wore the shirt, Prachi who had sat on the bed watching him had said, "Oh Milind, you are still the same. You sleep all over the bed and you still don't have any sense of colour".

"What's wrong with this colour?" Milind had asked.

"It's a pleasing colour. But it won't go with your dark trousers. Let me choose a lighter shade for you" Prachi had taken out a pale green shirt from his wardrobe. Milind tried to say the shirt he chose was fine, but Prachi tried removing it making Milind remember the little girl Prachi who used to always have a say on what others wore.

Milind took his shirt off and wore the one Prachi gave him. Prachi watched him buttoning his shirt. "What?" Milind had asked as he caught her looking at him.

"Nothing. Actually I was wondering you have grown so tall. Are you a foot taller than me or what? We used to be the same height when we were kids" Prachi moved close to him trying to measure how much shorter she was compared to him. Milind couldn't help smiling and he had said, "You are not even 5 feet".

Prachi had stood on her toe tips drawing an imaginary line from her head to his ears and said "I reach up to your ears".

"Do you want to stand on a chair?" Milind had teased noticing her standing on her toes.

Prachi had slapped him on his arm only to hurt her hand as she felt she slapped a rock. "Ouch" she had said making Milind laugh at her. Daadi was at their door by then ready to leave for the hospital. Milind and Prachi had eaten breakfast talking to Daadi. Prachi had complained to Daadi about how Milind teased her that she was just 5 feet tall while Milind had announced how Prachi cheated to increase her height.

Daadi's heart was filled with joy to see Milind and Prachi happy like this. She kissed both of them on their forehead. Later, Milind and Daadi had left for the hospital.

As Daadi underwent her blood transfusion treatment, Milind had reverted to his pool of thoughts. Things seemed even more bizarre to him now. Prachi had come across as the same old vibrant girl he knew a decade ago. He had found the same warmth and ease interacting with her that he had forgotten there was something bothering his mind. 'How could Prachi come across happy and bubbly having just sacrificed Neev? Is she truly happy or is she just acting out? Or is it an effort from her side to make this marriage work?' Milind felt a head rush again and the only solution was talking to Prachi and making her talk her heart out to him. He started framing sentences to confront her tactfully without creating trauma for his or her folks.

Part 5

Milind had dropped Daadi at home from the hospital and went to his office for a while. Mishraji was still the head of MM corps but Milind had taken over most of the responsibilities. Though his father had asked him to take off for a couple of weeks after marriage, Milind had paid a visit to make sure everything was under control.

When he came back from work that evening, he saw the living room of the house turned into a mini-movie theatre with a bollywood blockbuster "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" played on the plasma screen TV. Milind's cousins had asked him to join them to watch the movie. Though Milind was unwilling to watch the movie, he had sat besides Prachi on one side of the sofa that was occupied by 3 others. Sukruti, who was in the kitchen helping the cook with making coffee, had come out with a tray of coffee and samosas.

"Bhaiyya, you have taken my place" complained Sukruti after distributing the cups of coffee. She asked Prachi and another cousin of hers to make some space in between them. While the both of them moved to the opposite sides making place for Sukruti, Prachi had moved quite close to Milind.

As people enjoyed their coffee and samosas the movie had proceeded. Sukruti and Prachi were immersed in the movie, often commenting on Aishwarya Rai's beautiful lehengas and Salman Khan's physique. Milind could hardly pay any attention to the movie for he was so aware of Prachi, who had almost leaned on him. He just wanted to finish his tea and get out of that closeness for it was becoming impossible for him to stay with out reacting. As Milind bent to grab a samosa from the tea table, his arms had brushed Prachi's body and she had suddenly turned towards him. Milind had whispered a sorry but as he couldn't bear with the sensation he was feeling, he decided to get out of that place. At the same moment Aishwarya in the movie had teased Salman for his farting as 'Sameer, hawaa ka jhonka' making everyone watching the movie, burst into laughter. Sukruti whose coffee was on the table had clapped her hands at the joke in the movie but her elbow hit Prachi on her hand, who in turn had spilled the hot coffee in her hand on Milind's shirt, who was just trying to escape from the sofa.

"Oops, I am sorry Milind" Prachi had apologized.

"It's OK, I will change my shirt" Milind had gone to his room. Prachi had followed him to apologize again. Milind had taken his shirt and vest off by then.

"Let me clean the coffee on your chest. I hope it didn't burn you" Prachi had got a wet towel from the bathroom.

"No, I am fine. The coffee wasn't that hot. You go and continue watching the movie" Milind had replied.

"No, I don't want to watch the movie. I have watched it 3 times and have cried every time I saw it" Prachi said rubbing his chest.

Prachi's proximity was raising Milind's heartbeat. He felt like caging her in his arms and kiss her endlessly. But he knew he couldn't do that.

"Why do you cry watching that movie?" Milind had questioned in order to avert his mind from what it was thinking.

"Because Nandini, I mean Aishwarya Rai gets separated form her lover Salman. Her parents force her to marry Ajay Devgan, whom she hardly knows. Whenever I hear the song lut gaye, I feel like crying. I wish Aishwarya had married Salman in the movie" Prachi had narrated the story of the movie.

"Yes, one should marry a person whom he or she loves, isn't it?" said Milind.

"Ideally yes. But sometimes circumstances may not allow that. Many end up marrying strangers in arranged marriages" Prachi had lifted her eyes as she finished with cleaning his chest.

"Is that what happened to you Prachi?" Milind had said piercing her eyes with his stare.

"What do you mean? You are not a stranger to me. I have known you all my life. I know so many things about you from your sleeping posture to........to your love for this globe" Prachi had turned her back to Milind and rotated the small globe that always had its place on Milind's table.

Milind had pulled Prachi onto him by holding her hand. Prachi's face had collided onto his chest. "Do you love me Prachi?" Milind asked her holding her by her arms tightly with both of his hands. Prachi bent her head and didn't reply. Milind moved his hands over her shoulders and cupped her face in his palms. Lifting her face up to make her face him he had asked her again. "Tell me, do you love me?"

Prachi had her eyes closed but her lips had quivered. Milind's eyes were fixed on her lips and his thumb brushed them, demanding a reply. When the reply didn't come even after a few moments, Milind had loosened his hands while Prachi had bent her head again hiding it in his chest. "Prachi, answer me, please" Milind had questioned yet again while his hands travelled loose from her shoulders to her exposed waist under her saree. Prachi had gasped and said "I won't be able to say it Milind".

"Prachi, it's a call for you from Premlatha Aunty" Sukruti had screamed from the living room. Prachi had tried to move away, while Milind had released her off of his grip. Prachi had run out of the room without turning back while Milind eyes followed her. He then grabbed a T-shirt and walked to the balcony that opened out from his room.

Prachi had come back to the room talking to her mother. Milind had just sat in the balcony watching the clouds. He could hear Prachi quite clearly all along. Milind realized she had finished with her call and was about to walk back into the room to finish with confronting her. But just then he heard her saying "Hello Neev" and had stopped himself right there.

It seemed like Prachi was listening to the other end of the call walking around in the room for a while and then she had said "Neev, you will not do anything like that. I know you would hate to talk to me for what I did to you. But as I still care for you, let me tell you one thing. Marriages are made in heaven."

Prachi seemed annoyed and had walked towards the balcony still listening to the phone. When she noticed Milind there, she had smiled and walked back, out of the room. Milind had hit the railings with his fist and sat sighing.

Prachi had come back to the room and had opened her suitcase. Browsing through it, she hastily took out a packet and she grabbed the phone again. Dialling it she had walked out of the room yet again. Milind came into the room from the balcony. He closed Prachi's open suitcase on the bed, and when he was putting it aside, he found a photograph on the bed, which had Prachi along with a man whom he recognized as Neev. It had Neev and Prachi in jeans and T- shirt both smiling showing all their teeth.

Milind had sat on the bed looking into the photograph. His mind concluded it that Prachi was in love with Neev, but circumstances didn't let her marry him. But she probably wants to move on and make her marriage work. But Milind's heart broke into 100 pieces yet again paining him to the core.

"Bhaiyya, Daadi has high fever" Sukruti had come running to Milind's room. Milind had put the photograph under the bed and run to attend his grandmother. Sukruti had measured Daadi's body temperature which was 102 F. Milind had called the doctor home. Daadi also complained of chest pain and the doctor though had given some medicines had advised a visit to the hospital.

Milind and Mishraji had taken Daadi to the hospital the same evening, and the doctor had suspected pneumonia. After an X-ray it was confirmed that her lungs were indeed showing early stages of infection and she needed to be treated with antibiotics. The doctor had explained to Milind that since Lakshmi Devi was a patient of leukemia, her white blood cells were dysfunctional though they were higher than normal in number. He had described how white blood cells constitute the immune system of the body and when they are damaged the person becomes vulnerable to infections. Though Daadi didn't get admitted to the hospital, the doctor had advised close care at home.

Prachi had taken the whole responsibility of caring for Daadi. She had made sure she took her medicines in time and had fed her meals from her own hands. Prachi had also decided to sleep with Daadi in her room to attend her in the night if needed. All the wedding guests had left by then, Sukruti had suggested she would sleep with Daadi considering Prachi's newly wed status. But Prachi had refused convincing her sister in law that she should be preparing for her computer exams. Prachi also needed to convince Daadi to let her stay with her using a lot of emotional energy.

Milind hardly got a chance to talk to Prachi after that. He was more worried about Daadi's health than his own married life and seeing how Prachi was caring for Daadi, he didn't want to bother her with anything until Daadi recovered. A problem had come up at his workplace where a major contract needed his attention. There was a huge misunderstanding between his and his partner's company and he needed to make a trip to Delhi to solve the matter.

Daadi had fairly recovered under Prachi's care after a week. Milind had returned from Delhi that afternoon having solved the issues with his partner company. He had seen Daadi authoritatively instructing the gardener to care for the rose plants better. It had given him a relief that her health had gotten back to normal. Sukruti, who was studying had informed him that Prachi had gone out to meet a friend. He had taken a quick shower, and sat on the bed taking out Prachi's picture with Neev, which disturbed his mind to death. Right then he received a call from Prachi and she had said "Milind, would you do me a favour?". Milind had agreed wondering what the matter was. Prachi had given him an address and asked him to come there right then saying it was an urgent matter and she would explain everything when he reaches the venue.

Part 6- Last part (Milind- red, Prachi- blue in the heart to heart conversation part)

Milind parked his car in the court's parking lot. Locking his car he had walked towards the court with anxiety thinking of the scenarios that would have prompted Prachi to the court. But soon, he had seen Prachi with three other girls and a man. He removed his shades to make sure that the man he was seeing was Neev.

As soon as Prachi saw Milind, she came running to him and took him near others holding his hand. "Milind, thank you so much for coming here. Meet my friends first. This is Neev, Ayesha and her sisters Amisha and Anisha". Milind greeted them all shaking their hands. Seeing Ayesha, who was dressed in a beautiful gown, he remembered toothpaste, but couldn't make a connection.

"Milind, I am glad your flight from Delhi wasn't delayed. Or else I would have called Sukku interrupting her studies. I called you here to be a witness for Neev and Ayesha's court wedding. Ayesha has eloped from her home. Her parents weren't allowing her to marry Neev. So they planned a court marriage without telling the parents. They needed 3 witnesses. We thought we would manage with Ami, Ani and me. But this stupid Ani told the officer she is only 17. So, we needed another witness. I hope you wouldn't have a problem to be a witness. Now let's go inside and finish all the formalities". Prachi had pulled Milind inside the court office before he said anything.

In minutes, the documents were signed by Neev and Ayesha, followed by Amisha, Prachi and Milind.

They all came out of the court where Ayesha had hugged her sisters and Prachi. Milind had congratulated Ayesha still wondering where he had seen her, but was in no mood to inquire. Then he went on to congratulate Neev too. While shaking hands with Neev, Milind for a moment felt an urge to twist his hand and break his bones. But he got over with the thought only gritting his teeth, as his sane part of the brain told him Neev wasn't the reason for his misery.

Neev and Ayesha had hugged each other and a moment later they had locked their lips too ignoring the people around. Prachi had smiled at Milind but Milind brought a stern expression on his face.

Ayesha had asked Prachi if Milind and her could drop Amisha and Anisha home as their home was in the same area as Mishra house. Prachi had looked at Milind and he had nodded his head in approval. The two sisters bid adieu to their newly wed sister as she left in a car with her 5 minute old husband, with whom she was going to Pune. Neev had shouted "thank you Prachi" as he drove off.

Milind desperately needed explanations to what was going on. Though he wanted to ask Prachi everything the same moment, Amisha and Anisha were sentimental with their sister's departure and were also worried about how their parents will take the shock when Ayesha was to call them from Pune, later in the evening. Prachi was consoling the two sisters as Milind drove them all in his Audi.

When Milind stopped at a signal, Prachi had said pointing her finger to a roadside board "Milind that's Ayesha there". Wondering what else he was to see that day, Milind had looked up and it turned out that Ayesha's photograph was in the poster advertising "Close-Up" toothpaste. Milind had left out a deep breath of relief that at least one of his questions was answered.

After dropping Amisha and Anisha home, Milind had driven Prachi home. Though Prachi tried to pick up a conversation, Milind had cut it short. It was only a couple of minutes drive and once they were home, Prachi stood chatting with Daadi. Milind had held her hand saying "come with me, I need to talk to you". Before Prachi said anything, he had almost dragged her into his room.

Making her forcefully sit on the bed, Milind went to close the door. He then sat in front of her pulling a chair while she gave him a shocked look.

"Prachi enough is enough. You better tell me who the hell is this Neev?" Milind had asked looking at Prachi not blinking his eyes.

"What happened to you Milind? Why are you behaving like this? What did Neev do to you? Do you hate him too like everyone else?" Prachi had questioned back.

"I have gone mad ever since we married. You better tell me what's your deal with this Neev" Milind sounded exploding.

"Milind, Neev is my friend. My director. I used to work for him. But why are you so annoyed with him? What did he do to you?"

"Prachi, you were talking to him secretly on our wedding day"

"What? You mean...... Did you see me talking to him?"

"I not only saw, but heard you too. Prachi, don't make up a story now. I think I know the deal. This marriage was forced on you, right? Did you not tell Neev that you were sorry, you married to respect your Daadi's wishes and he will find a better girl. That means you didn't want to marry me. Why the hell you didn't tell me before. I would have had you married to that Neev of yours, rather than having both of you marry someone else" Milind had flamed.

"Milind just shut up" Prachi had raised her pitch. "What are you talking about? I never wanted to marry Neev. And Ayesha has been Neev's girlfriend for ages. I was apologizing to him because I was playing his heroine in his play "Sita of our times", but withdrew myself in the last moment. I had met Neev through Ayesha, who studied with me in Pune. Neev and Ayesha were dating then. Neev is the son of Pranay Shergill, who is ill famous all over Pune as a rich man with no character. His wife Niharika left him and is living with another man now. Neev is their only son, but he was into drugs and stuff, as he hated his parents. He was even sent to jail once as police found loads of drugs in his house. But after coming back from the prison he gave up on drugs and indulged himself in creativity, which he was always good at. He started an independent drama group and I had joined it, as I was immensely interested in acting. I performed with him too in a couple of shows. But when my parents came to know about it, they hated me working for a person like Neev. Though I told them he had changed, they just didn't want me to be associated with him. Even Daadi knew about Pranay Shergill, she too had advised me not to be friends with his son. But I really loved acting and still used to go to rehearsals without telling my parents. This is the only thing I have hidden from them and I often feel guilty about it. For Neev, I was the best actress he had, and he had given me the lead role of Sita in his new play. We had a great rapport at work and even at personal level, we shared a close friendship. We were competing in a national level competition, which was supposed to be next month. But all of a sudden my wedding got fixed and I couldn't have put my acting passion before Daadi's wishes and health. If I had told you, you might have postponed the wedding which wouldn't have been nice considering Daadi's health. And also, my parents wouldn't have been happy that I was still working with Neev. So, I made a decision to quit Neev's drama group and agreed to the wedding. My parents didn't want me to invite him to the wedding and I did not. But he still wanted to meet me and had come in the night to our house. One of my friends, Anita, whom you met, had told me he waited for me outside the house. I was trying to tell him he will find a better actress for the role of Sita, and apologized for ditching him. I was quite sad though that I had to do this to him, and also sad for giving up the role of Sita, but again, Daadi and my family were more important to me than his friendship or my acting."

"Prachi....'" Milind had said running his hands through his curls making sense of everything.

"And all this had nothing to do with you. I have liked you from childhood. And when I met you after so many years, I liked you even more. When our wedding was announced, my heart was uncontrolably happy. I later realized I really really liked you, I thought may be I was in love with you. I really don't know how people fall in love, but I do have the most special place for you in my heart which is of my life partner" Prachi had started crying by then as she got emotional.

"Prachi" saying so, Milind got up from his chair and sat on the bed very close to her. Prachi had continued "Actually Neev did find a new heroine for his play. It's none other than Ayesha. Ayesha had taken up modelling and moved to Mumbai with her parents. When Neev and her decided she would do the role of Sita and come to Pune to work with him, she put a condition that she would only come if he marries her. Ayesha wanted to marry from a long time but Neev hated marriages as he had seen his parents' disastrous marriage. When I spoke to Neev last week, I kind of tried to convince him to marry. Neev didn't agree then, but today being the impulsive person he is, he called me and asked me to come to the court to be a witness for his court marriage. He hasn't even told his parents about it. But whatever it is Milind, I swear in Daadi's name, in God's name I never had an affair with Neev or anyone".

"Oh Prachi, I am so sorry Prachi. Oh God, I had got it all wrong. I think I had heard only a part of your conversation with Neev, on our wedding day. I had assumed you sacrificed Neev and married me. And later, when I found you happy and bubbly here, I was so confused that you weren't pained with separating from Neev. I also had seen a picture of you with Neev that fell out of your suitcase. I had assumed so much and had gone mad." Milind had said interlacing his fingers in hers.

"Milind, I have a lot of photographs with him as we were trying costumes for the drama and finalizing them. In fact I had discussed it with him during my conversation with him last week telling him the same costumes would be fine for Ayesha too. But why didn't you ask me anything all these days when you had so many misunderstandings?" Prachi had asked in a complaining tone.

"I did ask you. Did I not ask you when you were cleaning the coffee you had spilled on me, whether you loved me or not. Why didn't you say anything?"

"Milind I was feeling so awkward. You were half naked and touchin........Well, you had never told me that you loved me. I didn't want to be the first"

"I had sent you an email the day before our wedding. Wasn't that enough?"

"I haven't checked my emails for a month now. The internet connection at my home in Pune is so slow that I used to go to net cafe if I needed to check emails. I didn't know the password for the computer in this house, and as I was busy with taking care of Daadi, never bothered to find it out either. But what had you written?"

Milind had released his fingers from hers and put his arm around her shoulder. Turning her face towards his he had said, "I had written that I loved you".

Prachi had blushed and Milind wiped the residuals of her tears. "Prachi, I think we should make a promise to each other that we will not assume anything and talk heart to heart if we have any problem with each other."

"I think I should have told you about Neev before hand. But do you remember I had asked you if you wanted to go for a play when you had come to Pune? You said it's not your cup of tea. So, I thought you wouldn't appreciate me boring you with my acting venture."

"Oh Prachi, my disinterest in all these drama and movies shouldn't be stopping you from doing what you want. Yes, you should share all your passions and dreams with me. So should I. Promise?" Milind had opened his palm.

"Promise" Prachi put her hand in his. "Pakki promise?" Milind had smiled while Prachi said "Super pakki promise" remembering their childhood way of promising.

Milind had kissed her hand that was in his. Prachi had smiled a sweet smile. Milind had kissed her on her forehead and was getting closer to her lips, Prachi had turned her face and moved away saying "Milind....."

"Do you love me Prachi?" Milind had said pulling her close to him. Prachi had turned totally red, making Milind desire her more.

"Milind I told you that day too, I can't say it."

"But why?"

"I don't know, I feel jittery when you touch me.....May be I feel you will kiss me if I say it"

"Do you not want me to kiss you?" Milind said bringing his face further closer to hers.

"No.. I mean not a No.... I wanted to say......well, I am a bit scared."

"Let's try, just one. I promise I will stop if you don't like it"

"Hmm.. Daadi was asking me to join her in her evening prayers. I need to go" Prachi had said sheepishly.

"I will let you go, but only after a kiss" Milind held her hand tightly.

Prachi had closed her eyes anticipating his lips on hers. Milind had a playful smile seeing her shivering lips. Soon he too had closed his eyes slowly touching her lips with his. It had caused Prachi to gasp and her hands had pressed his arms tightly provoking him to deepen the kiss. The kiss had them lose themselves to the moment of passion and both of them couldn't have stopped what followed, even if they wanted to. Milind's hands travelled free on Prachi's soft body while she had allowed him to do so. Soon their bodies had lain on the bed, with both of them experiencing a desire that had knocked their senses off. They had hugged, kissed, and explored each other relishing the newfound angle of their relationship. It had seemed like a deep hidden yearning of their beings they fulfilled as they gave each other their own selves and accepted each other in the blissful union of their bodies and souls.

An hour later, Prachi had woken up from her sleep to find herself hidden in Milind's arms. Thinking about what had passed them, she had run her hands in his hair lovingly and kissing his cheek she had whispered, "I love you" in his ears. Milind had hugged her even more tightly in his half sleep, but after struggling for minutes she had persuaded him to let her go as she had remembered Daadi's prayers. Getting out of the bed, she had covered her husband's bare form with the blanket and went inside the bathroom. After finishing a quick shower, she had gone out of the room.

"Prachi, the prayers are over for today. You can join me tomorrow" Daadi had said seated on the sofa. Walking up to Daadi, Prachi had kissed her cheek to say "I love you Daadi". Sitting on the sofa, Prachi put her head in her Daadi's lap feeling blessed, while Daadi stroked her head lovingly.

The End 😃😛😊

Edited by ShubS - 16 years ago

Quote

Tanu

@ytanuja

Dazzler

Posted: 16 years ago

#285

Hi shubs,

Can u pls write an epilogue pls if u have time. thank u

Quote

Monu-SunNaa

@Monu-SunNaa

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 16 years ago

#286

So this was the real deal behind NP mystery!! Prachi was a heroine is his plays..!! 😆😆😆 But I have to say, Neev's past was quite edgy and turbelant, well am glad he found happiness with Ayesha and a friend in Prachi. Yay Michi together!! 😳

Thanks Shubs

Quote

NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#287

Originally posted by: y_tanuja
Hi shubs, Can u pls write an epilogue pls if u have time. thank u

.

Hadn't planned. Will write if possible, no promise though.

Edited by ShubS - 16 years ago

Quote

NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#288

Originally posted by: $weet Ema
So this was the real deal behind NP mystery!! Prachi was a heroine is his plays..!! 😆😆😆ButI have to say, Neev's past was quite edgy and turbelant, well am glad he found happiness with Ayesha and a friend in Prachi. Yay Michi together!! 😳

Thanks Shubs

Yes Yas- Neev had some horrible past. But he will do well now on with his drama group and a wife.. 😆

I had to give him a bad past in order to make Prachi's family dislike him and that way Prachi being a bit secretive about him.. and then ultimately to create problems for Milind!!

thanks for reading and commenting dear. 😊

Quote

Lisa Mushtari

@weeda

Navigator

Posted: 16 years ago

#289

LOL its quite funny I live in canada and its 4 o clock in the morning... and i read this fanfic all at once at this late hour ... and all i gotta say is Simply beatiful 👏

Quote

NosVemos

@NosVemos

Sparkler

Posted: 16 years ago

#290

Originally posted by: weeda

LOL its quite funny I live in canada and its 4 o clock in the morning... and i read this fanfic all at once at this late hour ... and all i gotta say is Simply beatiful 👏

Thanks Weeda. Lol it's too late to be awake though. Thanks for reading and commenting hun.