Part 4
The ride to his home had been a dead silent one he sat in the backseat with Prachi by his side his hand placed rigidly under his stubbled chin. His forehead was scrunched in deep furrows thinking about the repurcussions of his rather dramatic appearance in the airport lobby. It was no hidden fact that by evening his pictures would be gracing the front page of every business newspaper in town hoping against hopes that the meeting would go smoothly much before the evening print hit the market but first he had to get Prachi home, stow her away from the prying eyes of the media. Mishra mansion's columned visage loomed in view and Milind had heaved a sigh of relief he probably had managed to outwit the media since he couldn't see any signs of them outside his house atleast he could be at peace at his abode. The massive iron structures had swung wide open to allow entrance to a mile long driveway snaking up through emerald patches of luscious foliage trimmed and pruned to perfection.
Mishra mansion was indeed splendiforous the medical assistance hired earlier stood in attendance near the doorway a stretcher had been produced spontaneously and Prachi had been carefully lain on it. Milind had stepped out from the BMW leading the way through the large expanse of a practically empty marbled foyer it was massive with a curved gold railing supported with golden balustrades winding up to the first floor. The interiors were breath taking cream and gold right down to the gold upholstered dining chairs thin cream gauze curtains were binded by gold tassled laces allowing sunlight to stream in, had Prachi been awake she would've been in for the surprise of her life. Walking up the stairs rigidly Milind had followed the medical personnel to his room shock evident in his pitch black eyes as he strode in to find His bedroom turned into an ICU unit. Smothering the flames of raw anger that flared his mind he managed to clench his fists in an attempt to keep his rage at bay. Of all the rooms in the masion why his he certainly could not fathom it, was it destiny at play or was it that was ill fated as always, the nurses had been quick to work. Checking on Prachi's vitals they had administered the dosage immediately a doctor too was at hand and he had studied Prachi's previous reports thoroughly. "Mr Mishra she just needs ample rest... though I would prefer if we ran a couple of tests on her to guage the extent of the injury" . Milind though hardly paid attention to the good doctor's advice "Sharma... attend to this" he had ordered his assistant who had quickly stepped forward discussing in detail the tests to be undergone by Prachi within the next twenty four hours.
Walking to his wardrobe Milind had pulled out a beige suit he badly needed a change the one he had on smelt of the woman's blood. In the mean time Kaka had appeared in the doorway "Son do you need anything" the aged servant had asked Milind and he had sighed inwardly the tension in his muscles releasing, the one man who could put an end to his fury was Kaka. He had been Milind's attendant since the day the boy had been born, their relationship spanned over a period of three decades though not all of the tiime had been a happy one for his young master. "Tea Kaka... please make it quick" he had added squeezing the servant's knotted hands lovingly and he had smiled in assurance. "You have your shower and I'll have it ready" he had told him before limping off to the kitchen he was the only soul in that entire household who actually had a connection to all the residents living there. Besides Milind there was Sukriti his half sister and Baba his father though none of them remained in direct contact with each other. Boiling the water kaka had ladeled out tea leaves and sugar in it mixing in the milk later and had strained it in a cup, by the time Milind had freshened and changed Kaka had a light snack ready for him. Milind had munched on the toast and gulped the warm tea in gratitude "What would I do without you kaka" he had murmured while kaka had tousled his wet curls lovingly "probably turn into a wild beast" he had chuckled. "Milind who is this girl?" Kaka had asked cautiously "I don't know kaka she's been nothing but trouble since I accidently knocked her with my car" he had relented checking his watch.
"She seems different... different from the usual" kaka had remarked and Milind had known what he had wanted to imply. "The usual ..." he had echoed yes most of the girls that visited him weren't the very best of the lot, though what often puzzled kaka was that none were invited by him. But then that was his charm the flamboyance that he exuded that lured women to him, he though cared for none.... and almost all had left him disheartedly not though before trying their luck with him. "Kaka cook something nice tonight I'll have dinner at home" he had informed the servant before standing up collecting his files and laptop he had left as abruptly as he had come.Kaka had cleared the dishes away pondering on the events Milind said he had nearly run down the girl but then why did he feel as if the picture was finally complete was there more to it, he had wondered.
At his office Milind had stepped in the boardroom to be greeted by his French delegates "Mr Mishra we are pleased to have had this opportunity to work with you" Pierre Ferrego had implied puffing on his cigar haughtily. His company was one of the few that held a global impact right from designing comfy celebrity villas in the north of the country to sky scrapers in Lyon and Paris the company constructed them all. Their new entreprenurial target was indeed South East Asia and India a potential land of opportunity. A country on the verge of an economical boom and packed with people was a profitable venture in Ferrego's opinion. Out of the list of fifteen candidates with which the company had decided to join hands with Mishra Corporation was a primary choice thanks to Milind's flawless reputation atleast on the business front. "Well I do believe the partnership should be laid down on my rules" Milind had reclined in his large leather armchair swinging it lazily "Really Mr Mishra" Ferrego had raised an eyebrow in mock interest. "Yes Mr Ferrego either we go over the details and you comply with my conditions or you find another partner" Milind had informed him coldly his piercing gaze unsettling an overconfident Ferrego.
"You do understand the repurcussions to your adamance Mr Mishra" Geraldo Fine had intervened lighting his pipe a senior advisor of the French delegation. "I do Mr Fine" Milind had replied unwaveringly handing them the file he had prepared meticulously jotting down details that had been enough ti impress the men studying it. "I see you have been calculative Mr Mishra... I like that" Fine had smiled slyly... "It's all about numbers isn't it?" Milind had asked unsmilingly "I take it you gentlemen will require time to study the deal.. I am prepared to grant you a day. If you concede we will sign the papers tomorrow" he had stood up calmly. "What if we don't" Ferrego had inquired deeply in awe of this hot blooded entrepreneur with the streak of dominance "You'll be in for a great loss" Milind had remarked coolly before striding out of the glassed boardroom, he worked on his own rules , rules that he wasn't prepared to bend or negotiate on for anyone. The rest of the day had passed smoothly and by nine that evening he had wrapped up his work so immersed was he with it that he had completely forgotten about Prachi or the accident. It was not before the car reached his gates was he jolted out of his illusion and reminded of the grim events the previous day. Outside his house stood three news vans a couple of tired reporters sweated profusely probably lying in wait to catch a glimpse of him and if luck was smiling probably get an answer or two out of him. He ofcourse had encountered many such situations in the past calling up security he had them clear the way before his car rolled inside the iron gates shutting them to the world outside.
Prachi had fluttered her eyes open the dim lights in the room had made it hard for her to makeout any thing her vision was hazy she brought a careful hand to her bandaged head which felt as heavy as lead. She winced in pain as she tried to get up it was an extremely difficult task for her, her futile attempts had not gone unnoticed by the nurse who was by her side "Mrs Mishra please don't strain yourself" she had gently lain Prachi back. "Where am I?" Prachi had whispered her mouth was parched her lips pale surprisingly she couldn't recall any of her surroundings. "Please don't stress yourself Mrs Mishra you'r right at home" the kind nurse had propped downy pillows around Prachi helping her rest against them holding a glass of water to her she helped Prachi sip it slowly. The nurse had switched on the lights for better visibility making Prachi look around the room assessing it's splendour it was done up in azure and beige the queen size bed she lay on had silken sheets with a carved head rest there were luxuriant sofas and foot stools, the room was carpeted in a beige fur a crystal chandelier hung overhead but right now the soft lights that flooded the room emitted from studio lights fitted around the length and breath of the ceiling, a massive wardrobe stood at the far end of the room.
Prachi had closed her eyes again unable to make out anything as far as she understood this was alien to her, she wondered where her family was though try as she might she couldn't remember them. Milind had swung open the wooden door to find Prachi finally awake as he stepped forward she had opened her eyes to find herself being glowered at by a stranger. "There now Mrs Mishra your husband is home now... I'll leave you two alone for a while" the nurse had smiled at Prachi who had felt it quite awkward to be at the receiving end of such an unpleasant stare. Throwing his coat on a nearby sofa Milind had kicked off his shoes "So you finally awaken Sleeping beauty and now that you have done the honours could you please be kind enough so as to enlighten me of your existence" Milind had asked her scathingly. Prachi had looked up at him through her soft hazel eyes in bewilderment if what the nurse had stated was true why was he asking her for an identity. She studied him he was probably six feet tall with a crop of the most unruly curls, his face was impeccably handsome, his coal black eyes narrowed to mere slits fringed with curled lashes, his lips were of a perfect shape though one appeared to be swollen his lower face and cheek was hidden in facial hair trimmed neatly and as she admitted to herself looked perfect with his personality. His nose was blunt his eye brows thick though right now they were knitted together as he waited for her answer testing his patience.
"What's your name?" she had asked him softly "I'm sorry but somehow I can't recall it" she had explained honestly while he gazed at her surprised by the gentle tone of her voice. She did not appear intimidated by him rather at a loss and that further appalled him. He had turned away wordlessly to the wardrobe retrieving his kurta and track pants and had disappeared in the washroom for a quick shower, in his absence Kaka had called on him to inform him about dinner being ready. Watching Prachi wide awake he had inquired of her health and she had smiled at him "I am much better" she had replied. Kaka had taken an instant liking to her and had asked her if she was hungry. Having been asleep for nearly a day Prachi's insides hurt with fatigue and she had complied to Kaka's offer to having dinner in her bedroom. Moments later Kaka had returned with the food in a tray and had placed it on the low table in the room Milind had returned then towelling his hair dry. He had completely ignored Prachi thrusting his feet in his sandals he had stepped out of the room to find the nurse waiting by the entrance. "Sir your wife seems pretty weak" she had informed him and he had listened to her comment in silence, making for the dining table downstairs. It seemed as if the other occupants had had their meals and as he confirmed with kaka who had assented to his doubt. "Milind she seems pretty nice" kaka had informed him "why you talked to her?" he had inquired spooning his food in his mouth.
"Yes I did" kaka had smiled " Did she have her dinner?" he had asked again. "I don't know" Milind had answered off handedly "Did you get her name?" Milind had asked Kaka. "No" kaka had replied "though Raghu told me it was Prachi" he had informed Milind. "What else has that Raghu been telling you ?" Milind had asked amused "He didn't have to the paper pretty much said it" Kaka had replied showing him a copy of the evening paper where indeed a picture of him with her in his arms adorned the front page. "Tycoon turns into prince charming" Milind had read with disinterest the calumnies churned by a disillusioned reporter my God could it get any worse he had thought.
Prachi had thought the stranger which she assumed was her husband would join her for dinner she felt hungry and her head hurt she waited patiently but he still didn't return. After a while her head began to feel dizzy and had started throbbing incessantly the nurse too was unavailable, little had she known the nurse had finished off with her duty and had retired home. Putting a hand to her forehead Prachi had managed to push back the silken covers revealing her saree the heavy embroidery it bore weighed it down and Prachi had found it extremely uncomfortable an attire to be in any longer. She slid off the bed steadying herself against the head rest the wardrobe seemed so far away but she simply had to relieve herself of this constraining garment. Pushing herself forward she managed to walk the expanse of the room holding on to the sofas for assistance once there she had swung open the doors only to find it decked with masculine garments. Shirts, suits even undergarments all probably belonging to the man who was here earlier. She stood perplexed a sharp pain engulfing her she felt herself falling Milind had though deftly caught her in his arms before she had hit the ground. She had looked up at him through those bewitching eyes yet again "Where had you gone?" she had whispered softly startling him.
As he filled her in his arms she had held him by his shirt "What were you doing?" he had asked grimly placing her on the bed "I wanted to change" she had told him and he had left once again. She wondered why was it that everytime she answered him he walked out on her. "Kaka could you ask Sukriti to lend some of her clothes to the girl" he had inquired of Kaka. "Why don't you ask her yourself?" Kaka had suggested "Please Kaka not now" Milind had requested and Kaka had shaken his head in disappointment they were a stubborn lot all of them. Moments later he had returned with a bundle of clothes from her room which Milind had taken from him to his own and had handed them to Prachi. "Change, eat and sleep" he had ordered her and had left her in care of the nurse who had resumed night duty beside Prachi holding the clothes in her hands Prachi had watched him exit the room what sort of a man had she married she had wondered then. Milind had retired to bed in one of the adjacent bedrooms he was determined to get over with the chapter named Prachi in his life, making up his mind to inquire about her family once she got better he had drifted off to sleep.
Edited by blind horizon - 16 years ago
Cricket
Anupamaa
