Hello shello friends, So new year is here and start of another decade. Fantastic, time to rock and roll. Wish you all a great new year. Hey, Its the first year anniversary of TFOP 😳😳(thanks to Pooja for reminding me). I can't believe i started this story exactly a year ago. Thanks for being with me all the way along 🤗. Okay, here is the next part. Happy times starts now. Dedicating this to Pooja, for her anniversary wishes, and to Alyna, the birthday girl. Happy Birthday Alyna hun. Cheers everyone 😃 😃
Part 57
Premlatha looked at Prachi playing with her food, lost in her own little world, not even registering her mother's repeated attempts to gain her attention. Giving up, Premlatha touched her head fondly, "Prachi, beta. Leave it. Just drink some milk and go to your room. You don't seem to be very hungry", she said, understanding that food was the last thing on her daughter's mind. Cheeks reddening, Prachi mumbled a quick apology and rushed up to her room, secretly relieved. Her mind was too full of Milind and she didn't even remember what she had been eating. A smiling Premlatha's eyes met Inder's surprised ones and she silently reassured him that all was well with their daughter. He would be seeing more of her lost in her own dreamy little world in the days to come and he better get used to that. Her happy smile dimmed as her eyes fell on Neev also playing with his food lost in his own thoughts. The grim look on his face constricted her heart and her eyes met Inder's concerned ones. Looking up at her, Neev quickly pulled himself together and with an apology left the dining table.
Walking up to the terrace, Neev stood holding on to the rails and looked up at the night sky. A sudden wave of loneliness hit him and he closed his eyes in pain. He knew what was happening downstairs and what would happen in the days to come. Prachi's face and eyes were a dead giveaway. He had felt aloof and completely separated from every other person at the dining table. What now? He asked himself. What was he going to do now? A sigh escaped him and he felt Premlatha's hand on his shoulder. He didn't turn around or respond and Premlatha felt as if her heart was being wrenched out. She could feel his pain. On one hand, her daughter couldn't hide her happiness and here Neev is struggling to hide his pain. How one thing could bring out two entirely different emotions in the two people who were the closest to her heart! She thought to herself.
Clearing her throat, she spoke softly, "Neev, Inder has invited Milind's famiy for dinner on Friday and he has given his consent for their marriage. They want to get married straightaway and the engagement date would be finalised on Friday", she said and bit her lip hard as she felt a tremor go through Neev. Willing herself to be strong, she continued, "I know how hard it will be for you, beta. If you want to go away for some time,… back to Mumbai or go to Ooty for a few days…….!", she struggled to continue.
Neev fought the urge to cry out aloud. Engagement…….Marriage ………..so soon…….What is he going to do? How is he going to bear it? Suddenly the urge to get away from there was stronger than ever. Like Premlatha said, he could go back home or take a few days of holiday in Ooty……But,… but for how long! How many times will he run away…The engagement will happen soon and the wedding would follow. He will have to be here for that. He owes that much to Ma and Prachi. Prachi would be shattered if he didn't attend. No, he couldn't do that to her. How happy she looked today? Her face was radiant and her eyes sparkling. He would want to see her on her big day. See her brimming with happiness, hold on to that image of her till he dies. For her sake, he will have to stay and for Ma. Even now, instead of feeling happy for her daughter, she is here trying to console him, sharing his pain. Most of all for himself,…. for his own sanity. He needed to see her belong to Milind, see her become his wife. He needed that closure so he could carry on with his life. Yes, he will have to stay. If he ran away now, he would never have the courage to come back. Even if he did, he would run away again and he will never be able to move on with his own life after that. Time heals and he would heal too but it will take time. He knew that it won't be easy to see Milind at the house, see him along with Prachi, the happiness in their eyes…..watch both the families talking and planning their marriage. But he will do it.
Taking a deep breath, he turned to look at Premlatha. "No, Ma. I won't go anywhere. I will stay……I have to, for everyone's sake, for my sake". He held her hand tightly, "I will try Ma. I will try not to give myself away. It won't be easy, but I promise you I won't cause any trouble. Don't worry about me", his voice broke.
Premlatha cupped his face, tears falling freely from her eyes, "Neev", she struggled. "I know what you are trying to do, beta. But anytime, …………anytime you feel that you can't take anymore,………..feel that its getting too much for you, you can leave and I won't stop you. All you have to do is tell me. Promise me, Neev. Promise me that you won't torture yourself too much. Promise me that you will tell me, whatever the situation is", her eyes pleaded.
Neev nodded and hugged her. Her love would give him the added strength he needed to go through this. But he will…., he promised himself. He will.
Pranay put the phone down and leaned back in the chair. He had booked train tickets to Chennai. He would reach there Thursday morning. His eyes fell on Niharika's angry and complaining eyes and he sighed. When will she understand? He would never be able to tell her what he went through when Inder phoned him and told him about everything that happened in Chennai,….Milind's injury, meeting his parents and his talk with Anand. He had explained to him that he had no choice but to consent to their marriage and apologised to Pranay profusely. He had repeatedly asked Pranay if he was with him in his decision and struggling to talk, Pranay had mumbled that he understood and said that he was very happy for Prachi. Pranay had been feeling increasing ashamed and miserable about his behaviour and the way he had cheated his friend, since he returned from Chennai and this last phone call from Inder nailed it completely. He was ashamed of himself and he knew that he didn't deserve Inder's friendship. He owed it to Inder for whatever he was today. It had been Inder's idea to start the business and Inder had put in a greater effort in making the business a success than Pranay. Even now, when anyone else would have jumped at the opportunity to have Milind Mishra as their son-in-law, Inder was asking for Pranay's approval. Pranay felt very small in front of his friend. Atlast he made up his mind. He knew that his friend would want him with him during this time and Pranay would be there with him, no matter what Niharika says. Very soon, he will confess his wrong doings and the fraud he had committed to Inder and beg for his forgiveness. He could only pray that Inder would forgive him and not break their friendship. And on top of that, he could understand what Neev would be going through! Though his son didn't tell him anything, he understood. In a way, Niharika did too but she was more stubborn and angry to do anything about it. She had refused to come with him but Pranay would go to Chennai. He will brave facing Milind Mishra again, for his friend's sake…….for his son's sake.
Friday dawned bright and sunny and Milind was in high spirits. Vicky's parents arrived in Chennai a couple of days earlier and they were all having a fantastic time together. He had even attended his office the day before and was glad to see that his managers were on top of things. He only had a few meetings on Friday morning and reached home early afternoon. After the much needed rest, he was getting ready to go to Prachi's house. He couldn't contain his enthusiasm and became the butt of Vicky's teasing remarks.Vicky had been merciless in his teasing and Milind vowed that he will get back at him when time comes. It has been two weeks since he got discharged from the hospital and his only complain is not able to see Prachi. They had to satisfy with talking to eachother on the phone. But since he told Prachi that their engagement would be finalised on Friday, she had been extremely shy and Milind had been struggling to draw her into a conversation on the phone. Her monosyllable answers were driving him crazy and he couldn't wait to see her. He wondered what she would be wearing tonight. He had expected it to be an informal dinner, but the way things were happening was completely different. Her mother and Vicky's Mom(Shreya) had been busy with a lot of preparation and shopping and the whole situation was getting formal by every minute. But he didn't have any complaints. He couldn't wait to see his ring on Prachi's finger and wouldn't mind if it happened that day itself, though it was highly unlikely. He smiled at his own thoughts and he tightened the tie around his collar. It was Prachi's gift for his birthday and he wanted to wear it tonight. He wondered if he would be able to speak to her alone at all. Raking his hand through his unruly curls he looked at himself in the mirror and whistled, "Not bad. My would-be father-in-law would be bowled over", he thought to himself and grinned wickedly. How different it would be from the other time he met Prachi's father in that house! He mused silently. Turning to walk out of his room, his eyes fell on the "Get well soon" card on his sidetable. He had received hundereds of flowers and cards and phone calls from his friends and relatives from every corner of the world. Sally had called him almost everyday checking about his health. But none touched him like the small and simple card with a cute Get Well Soon message written by two children. He had received it along with a simple thank you note from the ACP, two days before he got discharged. His father hadn't minced his words when he expressed his displeasure and disappointment in the government and the police in a statement to the media and Milind kept hearing the ACP's name over and over again on the news, with demands for his resignation. When a statement was released from Mishra Industries regarding Milind's health, he had simply added one line. He personally thanked the ACP for his help and appreciated his quick thinking and bringing the situation under control and wished the police force had more of such genuinely good officers. The ACP was immediatedly back on the news but this time he was being appreciated for the way he had brought the situation under control. The very next day, he had received the little card signed by his children. He appreciated that sweet gesture and he realised how much was on stake for the poor guy. Unlike others who would have used it for their advantage and expected monetary benefits, this guy had shown utter decency and professionalism which Milind completely respected. He had sent a box of chocolates for the children immediatedly and now the card rested on the side table of his bedroom. He pulled his coat on as he walked out and grimaced slightly as pain shot up his neck. His wounds have almost healed but some movements were still slightly painful. But nothing could deter his mood today. "I am coming, my Cherry girl. Wait for me", he said to himself and with a smile went to join his family in the lounge.
Lisa pinned the strand of jasmine flowers on Prachi's hair and stood back to admire her friend. She looked absolutely beautiful and Lisa smiled at her pink face. There was a permanent blush on her cheeks and a shy smile and she looked breathtakingly beautiful in her soft blue saree with subtle but intricate resham work, her hair drawn into a French plait. Prachi blushed under her friend's gaze and smiled as she slid thin gold bangles on to her wrist. Milind had told her to dress for him and she had. She had kept jewellery to a minimum just as he liked it. Her heart had been thudding in her chest all day, anticipating the evening. She was thrilled, excited, shy and also very nervous. She didn't know how she was going to go in front of all those people. But Milind would be there, she told herself. Yes, he would be there. She wished Pooja was there but she knew that neither Pooja's nor Vicky's parents know about their relationship. Both wanted to wait for some more time before telling their parents and Pooja didn't want to come to her house that day when the whole family was there though she was extremely happy for her and wished her every luck. The clock struck six and Prachi's heart went into an overdrive and she looked at Lisa nervously.
Premlatha stuck her head out of the kitchen and warned Inder that it's almost time for their guest's arrival. Inder was busy with Pranay and Neev making the last minute checks. The house was sparkly clean and every thing was laid out neatly. Premlatha was extremely glad when Pranay arrived. She knew how much it means to Inder and Neev too. Pranay had been fantastic to Neev and Premlatha welcomed his presence. Both Inder and Pranay were shouting orders to eachother but as long as the job gets done, Premlatha had no complaints. She smiled at the two women helping her in the kitchen, her friends from their community. She had tried not to make the food too traditional but she was not comfortable with any other than Indian cooking and hoped Milind and his family wouldn't mind too much. She had added various salads according to Prachi's suggestion as both Milind and Vicky liked them. She quickly checked on Prachi and praised Lisa for her help. She sat down with a satisfied sigh and the unmistakable sound of cars pulling up at the front alerted her that Milind and his family were there.
Premlatha and Inder rushed to the front door, followed by Pranay and Neev. Pranay's eyes almost popped out on seeing the two sleek Ashton Martins parked awkwardly on the narrow street and he inched back slightly extremely nervous to meet Milind again. Looking out of the window, Prachi clutched at the curtains tightly, her heart hammering away in her chest. Her eyes were glued on the immaculately dressed Milind in a dark suit, getting out of the car with a smile. Hissing, Lisa pulled her back, "Behave, Prachi. Don't let them see you now" and warning her to stay inside, Lisa rushed down. Prachi sat on the bed even more nervous now wondering what was happening downstairs. Her mother had strictly warned her to not come out of the room till she was called down. She heard voices but her highly worked up brain couldn't register any of their conversation. But she was relieved to hear gently laughter and easy chatter.
As introductions were made, Inder introduced his friend, "Milind, this is Neev's father and my close friend and business partner", he said.
Pranay almost shrank back when Milind extended his hand. Stammering he looked at him, "Mr.Mishra……."
Milind smiled at him, "Milind……Please call me Milind", he said soflty, his eyes understanding and approving.
Pranay let out a sigh of relief and smiled at him, "Milind" and shook his hand.
After what felt like eternity, Premlatha came into her room to take her down. Suddenly afraid, she clutched at her mother's hand. Smiling reassuringly, Premlatha walked down with her. Extremely nervous, Prachi couldn't even feel her feet on the floor as she walked down, her eyes carefully glued to the floor. The first thing she felt was the heat of Milind's gaze. She could feel his eyes on her completely, slowly moving up and down her body taking in every inch of her and she blushed even more. With every one's eyes on her, she stood close to her mother wanting to just run away and hide somewhere. She didn't dare look up and managed to mumble a small hello as Premlatha squeezed her hand.
Shweta was the first to speak, "Come here Prachi, and sit down". She walked slowly and sat down near Shweta and Shreya and managed a small smile when Shweta introduced Vicky's parents, Shreya and Rakesh Mehra, mumbling a shy hello. Looking up slightly, she looked straight at Vicky. As he grinned at her naughtily, she quickly looked down and concentrated on her hands playing with her pallu nervously. She felt Milind's gaze even more now and from the corner of her eyes, she looked at him lounging comfortably on the sofa next to Vicky. Catching her eyes, he gave a slow wink and mortified, she closed her eyes tightly. Shreya sounded just like Shweta as she exclaimed how sweet Prachi looked and that Milind had made a perfect choice. Milind had taken a backseat completely leaving his dad and uncle to handle the conversation. Even Rakesh took an immediate liking to Prachi and smiled as she stammered through her already monosyllable answers. Inder watched them, his heart proud and content. How can anyone not like his gudiya! His eyes met his wife's proud and happy. Neev who was also stunned by Prachi's beauty had quickly looked away as soon as he saw Milind's expression and the way he was looking at her. The pain in his heart dulled as he saw how Milind's family had taken into Prachi. Yes, they are very lucky to get Prachi as their daughter-in-law, his heart filled with warmth and love for his childhood friend. Soon the conversation betweent the elders became more formal and Prachi started feeling uncomfortable seated there.
Quickly picking her discomfort, Shweta said, "Di, Why don't you give it to Prachi and then she can go back?" and looked at Premlatha as if seeking permission. Premlatha nodded at her and quickly rushed to Prachi's side. Smiling, Shreya held Prachi's hand and slid the kangan on to it. Ablaze with rubies and diamonds, it was a perfect fit.
Shweta smiled, "Perfect. This is the shagun from us, Prachi. Welcome to the family. Here, the rest of the set is in here", she handed the jewellery box to Prachi. "Milind said that you liked rubies. Hope you like our selection", she beamed at her sister.
Eyes brimming with tears, Prachi touched the bangle, "Thank you", she stammered and with a tender smile, Premlatha covered Prachi's head with the pallu.
Taking the jewellery set from her, she said softly, "Take everyone's blessings, Prachi. Then you can go back to your room".
Almost trembling, Prachi took blessings from Vicky and Milind's parents and both Shreya and Shweta beamed in approval. What a traditional cultured girl they were getting as their bahu! They looked at each other and smiled. Eyes tender, Milind just watched everything and catching Vicky's eyes, they smiled at eachother.
"Wow, Prachi, you just scored some brownie points there with both Mom and Mausi. Well done", exclaimed Vicky teasingly and as everyone laughed, Prachi turned red.
Prachi was feeling jittery by the time she came back to her room and almost collapsed on the chair. Unable to stay with her daughter any longer, Premlatha left her promising to send Lisa up sooner. Prachi could still hear the chatter as they all dined. The spice was perfect for Milind and Premalatha beamed as he and his family praised her cooking.
As they decided to take coffee in the garden, Vicky called Neev, "Neev, why don't you show us the house? Let's leave our parents to continue the conversation", he said with a meaningful smile at Milind.
Inder quickly agreed, "yes, why not. Neev, beta, take them around. You can all join us later".
Taking a quick tour of the house, Neev pointed to Prachi's room, "That's Prachi's room. But she is inside there, so…..", he looked at Vicky apologetically.
"Oh, of course, we shouldn't disturb her. Come on, lets go into your room", throwing a look at Milind, Vicky walked away with Neev.
Prachi heard the discreet knock on her door and quickly got up. Why is Lisa knocking, she wondered. Before she could walk to the door, Milind walked in and quickly shut the door. Her eyes wide as saucers she gasped aloud. Oh my God, what is he doing here? What if some one comes in? Completely nervous, she tried to rush past him to go out of the room and stilled as Milind caught her pallu. He slowly pulled her to him. Her whole body trembled slightly as she felt him close behind her. Before she could protest, she felt his hands on her arm slowly trailing upwards to rest against her shoulders. Milind bent towards her slowly, breathing the divine smell of the jasmine flowers, the pleasant smell of her perfume. She shivered as his breath tickled her and squirmed as his lips rested close to her ears, "Beautiful", he whispered huskily.
Letting out a shaky breath, Prachi tried to move away but his hands held her shoulders, holding her back. He trailed his lips down the side of her neck and rested against her shoulder, "How can I stay sane, sweetheart?" he voice was a husky drawl. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips. Placing soft kisses, his lips touched the kangan and he smiled, "It looks lovely on your wrist. This is where it belongs". He turned her slowly towards him, his eyes tenderly taken in her taut form and closed eyes. His fingers trailed down her cheek and rested against her lips, "I missed you, Prachi. I missed talking to you". She still hasn't said a word to him and placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her face up, "Look at me, Prachi" he said soflty. Prachi's eyes looked up and immediately shied away, her face turning crimson. Milind chuckled "If you are going to be this shy now, how are you going to manage later, Prachi? Especially after our wedding……..", he drawled again and bent down to place a sof t kiss against her lips.
With a shocked gasp, Prachi pushed him away and he let out a soft cry of pain "Ahhhh".
Shocked, Prachi rushed to him, "Milind, what……..what happened? Does it hurt? Milind…..", she panicked. With a sigh, Milind put his arms around her and pulled her closer. Quite distressed, she asked again, "Milind, where does it hurt?" she asked again.
Still smiling at her, he placed his hand on his heart, "Here", he said softly and she gasped softly. "It hurts here, when you stay away from me. It hurts even more, when you don't talk to me", his voice was husky.
Prachi placed her hand on his, "Milind", she called softly and buried her face in his chest.
With a smile, he hugged her closer, "Hmmmm, My heart is at peace now"he said soflty and Prachi smiled against his chest. His hand gently stroked her head and he placed a soft kiss on her head, "Happy?" he asked softly. Prachi nodded and hugged him tightly, her smile widening. Smiling, Milind kissed her head again, "Love you, Cherry" he said huskily.
Another discreet knock sounded on the door and they quickly moved away. "We will go out tomorrow. I will call you later", Milind said quickly and walked out and quickly joined Vicky who was standing near the stairs.
"Milind, you are here. I was just wondering where you had gone. Let's go into the garden. ", a surprised looking Neev joined them and with a smirk, Vicky patted Milind's shoulder, "Come on, bro".
It was almost an hour later that the Mishras and the Mehras left. Lisa immediately ran up to Prachi's room and hugged her. "Prachi, these people are just brilliant. They love you already", she exclaimed happily and Prachi smiled at her. Helping her change, Lisa said, "Gosh, everything is happening so fast now. Engagement next month and Wedding exactly two months after that! How can everything be arranged so quickly", she looked slightly concerned. Prachi stared at her. So soon!! Suddenly an unknown fear filled her. She did want to get married this year but suddenly now it seems too soon.
As Premlatha walked in with the dinner tray, Lisa quickly excused herself as it was getting very late for her. Promising to call the next day, Lisa went to call Neev who was going to drop her home. Sitting next to Prachi, Premlatha touched her head, "You will be hungry now, Prachi. Eat something" she said and frowned immediately on seeing the worry and fear in her daughter's eyes.
"Mama,..Lisa said that the dates are all fixed. So soon, Mama…..I am scared", Prachi said, softly.
Premlatha smiled. She understood that the reality of getting married and leaving the safety cocoon of parents' house is slowly kicking in for Prachi. Even Premlatha was not ready to send her daughter away so soon but she will have to leave one day.
She stroked her head fondly, "Don't be scared, beta. You are going to be fine, Prachi. They are very nice people and they love you already. Everything will be fine, gudiya" she said softly and Prachi rested her head against her mother's shoulder.
She knew that her life would change completely and fear of the unknown gripped her young heart and she clutched her mother harder.
Anupamaa
CID
