Note: This part will have three sections. I thought I'll post all three sections together, but since I have only written the 1st and 3rd sections and am yet to finish the 2nd section, I'm posting the first section now and once I finish the rest, I'll post the second and third sections together later.
Part V.1
Mumbai
On the same night that Milind and Prachi reunited after their year-long separation, the phone at Shah house rang. The ring tone suggested that it was an outstation call. Hearing it, Inder hurried to the phone and picked it up.
"Hello! Yes, this is Inder speaking. ....What? Milind traced Prachi's address and met her? What did she say to him? ???Is it so? So Milind and Prachi are back together? That is wonderful news. No don't tell anything to Prachi. You promised me, remember? ............ I'll fix up the appointment with Dr. Tipriwala after checking with you first. I am sure Milind will get over his problem with his help. I want my daughter to be happy again."
Prem Latha overheard the conversation her husband had with the unknown caller and decided to finally break her silence in this matter relating to her only daughter.
"Who is it?" she asked.
Inder turned around and looked at his wife guiltily.
"That was.....that was...."
"Come on Inder. We have been married for nearly 25 years now. You are still hiding things from me? Do you think that I do not know what you have been up to in the past year? Why are you so secretive about your love and care for your own daughter?"
Inder looked at his wife in shock, wondering how much his wife really knew.
"That was a call from Revathy," he said briefly.
"Oh, you mean Prachi's friend's sister? Prachi has been living with her since she left Mumbai, hasn't she?" she asked candidly.
"You know about that?" asked Inder in surprise.
"Yes, I do. I also know that you have been in constant touch with Revathy in the last ten months to ensure that Prachi was safe and well. And I know that we have a grandson named Ishan."
"How do you know so much and why did you not tell me that you knew all this before?" asked an astounded Inder.
"I had read a couple of letters Revathy wrote to you and had seen the photographs she sent you of our grandson. I did not confront you with the information I already had because I was waiting for you to confide in me. Although you were angry with your only daughter for marrying a man you did not approve of and you swore that you had broken all ties with her, I knew that you really could not do so. Did you think that I did not notice the silent tears you shed on several occassions, holding her photograph in your hand? Inder, you may be a stubborn pig-headed man to acknowledge that you may have made a grave mistake in shutting out your daughter from your life just because she chose to marry against your wishes, but you are also a tender hearted father who cannot bear to see her suffer and would do anything to ease her pain. I knew you were already in touch with Mr. Contractor for getting Milind out of jail even before Prachi had approached you for help."
Inder was amazed at how much his wife already knew. His thoughts flew to the day Prachi came to him in a distraught state and begged him to use his influence and resources to free Milind. His heart was ripped apart to see his only daughter in so much pain and anguish. He knew that she had an ego as huge as his and could well imagine how difficult it must have been for her to swallow her pride and approach him for help. He may not approve of Milind as his son-in-law but he knew that Prachi loved the man very much and he was determined as a father to do anything to see her happy again. But before he could respond to her, Prachi informed him that she intended to leave Milind.
Seeing his shocked expression she had smirked and said, "Papa I know that my decision would gladden you. After all you had always been against our marriage but I have taken this decision not to please you and get you to agree to help me free him. I am leaving him for his own good."
He did not understand what she meant at the time but felt saddened that she was forced to take this extreme step, for he could clearly see that she still loved her husband. He assured her of his help in getting Milind out of prison. He, however, did not attempt to stop her from leaving because he felt that he had already made the mistake of trying to force his decision on her and lost her. He wanted her to lead her life according to her choice. He prayed that wherever she lives, she will find true happiness.
Breaking his thoughts Prem Latha asked him how he knew where Prachi had gone. He told his wife that he had a private detective closely monitor Prachi to make sure she was alright. The guy had traced her to Revathy's house in Chennai. He had personally met Revathy when he had gone to Chennai in the pretext of official business and asked her to take good care of his precious daughter. Through Revathy he came to know of their plan to reform Milind and promised to do all he can to help in that task too. His joy knew no bounds when he learnt of Prachi's pregnancy and later the birth of his grandson but he had not personally met the boy as yet although he was dying to.
"Do you wish to meet your grand son?" Inder asked his wife.
Prem Latha nodded her head but said with a sad expression, "Like you I, too, am awaiting the day my daughter will bring him to us on her own."
Edited by Opti - 16 years ago
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