Hello everyone, sorry for the delay in updating this time. Had a very busy week. Thanks Alyna for the b'day post and your wishes and Pooja for your pm and wishes. My B'day starts with michi, lol, crazy me. Okay, here comes the next part. Cheers 😃
Part 58
Though Milind called as promised, they couldn't meet the next day. Prachi's friends dropped in and a squealing and very excited Reba and Rita kept her busy the whole day. Pooja was much more contained though she didn't pull any stops with her teasing. Prachi just blushed, giggled and blushed more. With the news spread among their friends and relatives, there was always someone visiting them and it became impossible for Prachi to leave the house and Inder strictly forbade it. He knew very well that she would be meeting Milind the minute she leaves the house and he wasn't comfortable with it with the engagement date so near and with the steady visit of their relatives. Inder valued their respect and position in their community and was worried about wagging tongues and unnecessary gossip. He was thrust into activity immediately. Under the Mishras insistence and with great difficulty he has accepted for the wedding expenses and arrangements to be done by Milind's family. It was going to be the wedding of the year and Anand was not willing to compromise on anything. Though he would have preferred to take up all the expenses, he could see Anand's point. Inder would never be able to arrange the amount of money needed and enough contacts or resources to pull off such a big wedding in such a short time. But he was going to make up for that with a very extravagant engagement ceremony and he had insisted to take up all the arrangements for that. Both Anand and Shweta understood him and didn't raise any objections. Whatever he had was for his only daughter and though he could never match the Mishras, he would do everything to keep up their own respect and Prachi's dignity in the family. Having already mortgaged one flat, he wouldn't have enough time to sell it. So, after a lot of discussion and unknown to Prachi, he and Premalatha had decided to mortgage their house in Mumbai and he was going to Mumbai the next week.
It had been almost a week since Milind and his family came to her house and Prachi missed him even more. She should have atleast spoken to him properly that day, she chided herself. But what could she do? She was extremely shy to even look at him and way too nervous. The very thought of becoming his wife thrilled her and also scared her at the same time. She would be a part of his family, his lifestyle and that filled her with apprehension. Would she fit in alright or would she disappoint him? Would she have to leave her country soon? She knew that Milind would want to go back home in the near future and that scared her even more. A new country and a new culture, and married into a very wealthy and a very influential family! She didn't know what all would be expected of her and the responsibilities that comes with a marriage brought an absolute dread in the pit of her stomach. Lisa had been advising and sharing a lot about married life and Prachi didn't know whether that helped or made her more apprehensive. And the intimacies that a marriage brought along with it………No, she wouldn't think about them just yet, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath in trying to calm her frayed nerves. The very thought itself scared the hell out of her, thought she couldn't deny the shyness and the anticipation that came with it. She blushed at her own thoughts and tried her best at concentrating on her food. Quickly looking from the corner of her eyes if her parents had noticed her, her eyes fell on Neev. The only dent in her happiness was Neev's pain. She knew that he was hurting and that it was very hard for him. Her love and respect for her childhood friend grew even more when she realised how much he was prepared to go through just for her and their friendship's sake. She avoided taking to him about this wondering if she might say the wrong things and hurt him even more. Her loving heart wished him every happiness and hoped he would find the perfect girl and move ahead in his life.
Inder's phone rang and Prachi's ears piqued up as he greeted Anand. Anand had already been travelling back and forth to various countries from the moment he landed in India and now he and Shweta were returning back to London. Vicky's parents had already left two days ago.
"We would like to invite you for dinner, Inderji. Just an informal one between our two families", said Anand.
Inder smiled, "We would love to, Anandji. There are a few things I would like to talk to you about", Inder agreed immediately. He looked at his wife when Anand invited both Prachi and Neev along.
As Inder hesitated, Anand said, "It had been a bit too formal at your house on the other day, you see. We didn't even get to speak to Prachi much and she was very nervous too. We will just have dinner at our beach house tomorrow. It would be a shame to waste a beautiful Indian summer evening".
Checking with Premlatha quickly, Inder agreed and Prachi fought hard to keep her excited smile.
Milind looked at his watch impatiently for the umpteenth time, completely ignoring Vicky's smirks. Chuckling, Vicky slapped his shoulder, "Such impatience to meet your father-in-law! Don't worry bro. I will let you spend some quality time with him", he said naughtily.
Milind raised his eyebrows arrogantly, "You can have him all to yourself, buddy. I will be content in spending some quality time with his daughter", he smirked back making Vicky laugh out aloud.
One of their housekeeper's, who had followed Shweta dutifully to India along with Brute, had taken over the responsibility of arranging the dinner that evening. Eva, being very efficient and well trained by Anna, threw orders around and got the job done in no time. The food was already ready and Shweta was satisfied with her last minute checks.
Getting off the car, Neev looked around him in appreciation. The place was just beautiful. The setting sun shimmered on the waters in a distance and a gentle evening breeze complimented the warm summer evening. He smiled at Inder and Premlatha who was also looking around with interest. Prachi struggled to keep her excitement and nervousness in check and managed a small smile at Neev. Walking towards the house and into the front garden, Inder jumped back at the ferocious barking directed at him and stared in shock at the sight of the big dog running towards him. His face contorted with shock and disgust as he tried to move away from the dog who was barking at him angrily.
"Brute,..down", came Milind's authoritative voice and immediately Brute quietened down eyeing Inder warily.
Inder was still staring at the dog dumpfounded when suddenly Brute spirited past him barking excitedly. With a shriek of joy, Prachi rushed towards him and laughed as he jumped and barked around her excitingly.
Kneeling down, she patted him, "I missed you too, Brute", she said fondly.
Inder's eyes widened as he stared at his daughter and he was even more shocked to see Premalatha laughing and patting the dog. Catching his eyes, Premlatha moved away from Brute immediately and joined Inder. With a sheepish smile, Neev who was also patting Brute moved away too. The Mishras having reached them invited them warmly.
"Prachi, you seem to good friends with Brute", exclaimed Shweta in surprise and Prachi just gave a shy smile.
As they walked towards the house, Inder threw a nasty look at Milind. He even has a dog, God help him, thought Inder. He wondered if Milind found things to do just to annoy him. God knows what all he will have to put up now that Milind was going to be his Son-in-law, Inder shook in head with annoyance. Trying hard to suppress his smile, Milind caught Prachi's eyes and winked at her and Prachi fought hard to stop herself from giggling.
Seated in the lounge comfortably, Inder and Premlatha looked at each other taking in their surroundings appreciating the interiors. Did Prachi really do all this? They looked at eachother. But they frowned wondering when did she find time to do all these and how long had she spent there alone and with Milind? Premlatha shifted uncomfortably under Inder's gaze. The tension broke as Shweta took in charge, being the perfect hostess and soon there was laughter and easy chatting.
Telling the staff to leave now, Milind turned to Eva "Eva, take Brute home", he said and as Brute gave a protesting bark, he stroked behind his ears, "Easy buddy, I will catch up with you later tonight. Now, behave", he said and Brute obediently walked away with Eva. Prachi suppressed a giggle as Inder and Brute eyed each other warily before Eva took Brute away.
Seated outside in the glass-roofed sit out area after dinner, Prachi looked at Milind and he smiled back. Was it just a few months ago, that he got down on his knee in this very place? Her cheeks coloured delicately, her mind remembering that beautiful evening. Have they really come this far? Prachi's eyes looked at him with the unspoken question and his answering smile said it all.
As both their parents started discussing the engagement arrangements, Milind stood up, "Sorry Dad, if you would excuse us, we would take a walk on the beach", he looked at Prachi and Neev.
As Anand nodded, Vicky immediatedly got up and all four of them walked out. Neev threw his head back and inhaled the night air, still pleasantly warm along with the chill from the sea, it was just soothing. This place is really beautiful, he thought to himself. Milind does have good taste. As Vicky kept the conversation pleasant it was a long time before he realised how far they had come and that Milind and Prachi were no where to be seen.
Walking silently, they had almost reached the trees, when Milind pulled Prachi closer. "Milind, what are you doing?" Prachi jumped up looking around.
Chuckling, Milind pulled her closer, "Don't worry, sweetheart. There is no one here, just us and our parents can't see from where they are seated", he said.
Milind sat down on the sand, pulling Prachi down next to him. She had become very quiet again, her eyes down cast. It was a moonless night and the swaying trees against the dark sky had an eerie beauty with the sound of the waves adding to it. Milind's eyes didn't register anything as his eyes drank in Prachi's beauty. She was dressed casually in a dark blue salwar, long silver earrings and silver bangles. The cling of her bangles felt like music to his ears in the silent night. Taking his hand in his, he kissed her palm, his lips tracing patterns on her delicate skin. His other hand cupped her face, his thumb gently caressing the skin just below her lips, effectively stopping her from moving away from him.
"Scared?" he asked softly and Prachi nodded slowly.
"Don't be, Prachi. I am with you", he said softly and Prachi rested her head on his shoulder. With a smile, he kissed her forehead, "To tell you the truth, I am terrified too. I am just doing a better job of hiding it, though", he whispered near her ear, making her giggle.
Leaning back, he looked at her and started chucling, "God, Prachi, the look on your father's face when he saw Brute was so funny", he laughed again remembering the nasty look that Inder gave him. "Owning a dog made me the least favourite person in his book, though I was always last in that list anyway", he said.
Prachi glared at him and punched his shoulder, "Don't tease my Papa. He really got scared of Brute. Poor Papa", she said and giggled again.
"Oh no, Poor Brute", he laughed again as Prachi hit him. "You know Prachi, the look he gave me was so nasty. Your father really hates me", he said with a smile.
Prachi frowned, "No Milind. You are wrong. That's all changed now. If he still felt that way, why would he agree for our marriage?" Prachi defended her father.
Cupping her face, he looked into her eyes, "He agreed because he didn't have any other choice. He knows that I really love you, Prachi but that doesn't mean that he has started liking me. He has spoken to me very little and kept all his discussions only with my parents. It will be fun to see what he does after Dad and Mom leaves India. He will have to discuss with me everything", he smiled and caressed her cheeks as her eyes filled with worry, "He still thinks me as the rival, Prachi. He is worried that I will take you away from him, both mentally and physically. You would still be his daughter, Prachi but yes, I would take you away from him, with me to London", he said softly.
Prachi's eyes searched his. "Milind, would you want to go back to London soon after I finish my studies?" Prachi asked him slowly.
Surprised by her question, Milind frowned, "I haven't thought that far yet. But yes, I would want to go back home. Why, are you not interested in living in London?" he asked.
Prachi quickly shook her head, "No, Milind, it's not that. Just that it is a different country, different culture, new people……..I am scared", her worried eyes searched his.
Milind let out a relieved sigh, "You are going to be fine, Prachi. We would be visiting home quite often after our marriage. Mom and Dad would also want us to visit often. So, you would be well prepared before our final move, okay", he said softly and Prachi smiled back. Cupping her face again, he continued, "Anyway, we are having a big reception in London two weeks after our wedding. So, you will have your first taste of my country very soon. You are just going to love it, darling", he said, his eyes intense. Laughing at her wide eyed look, he brushed his nose against hers, "Hmm, the reception would be right after our honeymoon", he said huskily.
Blushing pink, Prachi looked at him shyly, "Where…….are we going?" she asked slowly.
Milind's heated eyes held hers, "Now, that is a surprise", he said.
Unable to meet his eyes anymore, she looked down, "But…… is it going to be in India or abroad? I ..I wouldn't know what clothes to shop for", she said slowly blushing even more.
His thumb traced her lips and his lips were close to her ears as he whispered, "It doesn't matter what you wear, Prachi. Because, whatever you wear, I would love to take them off you".
Prachi gasped loudly, her face going crimson. A shiver went through her and she closed her eyes tightly. His hands holding her head still, his lips were warm against her skin as he placed soft kisses against her neck, slowly moving up. He kissed her all over her face and his lips atlast rested against the corner of her lips.
Prachi's breath was coming in short gasps as she struggled to move away, "Milind….no…..our parents….." she stammered and gasped again as his tongue slowly traced her lips and his teeth gently nibbled at their softness.
"You were saying…..", he asked huskily.
For the love of God, Prachi couldn't remember what she was saying. Her hands tightened in his hair and her lips moved against his restlessly.
"Hmmm", he prompted again.
" ..don't …….remember", she said with difficulty and with a triumphant groan, Milind took her mouth in a deep kiss. There was possessiveness and authority and a subtle gentleness in it and Prachi was swept into a world of their own. Her mind lost any sense of time or place as she kissed him back with all she felt. After a long time, they moved apart. Wiping her wet lips with his thumb, Milind whispered, "Wow". Blushing, she buried her face in his chest, her hands hugging him tightly. With a soft laugh, Milind hugged her close.
Realising that it was getting late, Prachi was getting worried about what their parents might think and they started walking back.
Holding her close, he teased her, "So………what are you planning to wear on our honeymoon? Answering "Nothing at all" would be even better. What do you think?" he asked naughtily.
Shocked at his outrageous question, she pushed him away with mock anger. As he laughed, she glared at him, reaching out to hit him. He moved away and laughed aloud. Fully irked now, she tried in vain to hit him. Catching hold of his shirt, she lost hold of her footing and tumbled down pulling him down along with her. Shrieking and laughing at the same time, she hit him on his chest and went still realising that he was lying on the sand and she was on top on him.
Hands holding her close, he chuckled, "I will remember that you prefer this position", he said naughtily.
Red with embarrassment, Prachi continued to hit his chest with her fits, "Chiiiieeeeeeeeee, Mi..li..nd, how dirty can you be?".
Suddenly his hand held her head still, "You haven't seen nothing yet, sweetheart", he said huskily and pulling her head down, his lips claimed hers in a searing kiss.
"Oh, damn", Vicky's voice registered somewhere in her mind and horrified, she broke the kiss. "Hey, you two……..Trust you both alone for a few minutes and you are all over eachother", hissed Vicky, not even attempting to control his wicked grin.
Very conscious of her position, Prachi struggled to pull away from Milind and he simply tightened his arms around her and tipped his head back to look at his brother. "And trust you to barge in on us at the wrong moment", he muttered annoyingly and with a sigh, let go of Prachi.
Terribly embarrassed by Vicky's presence, Prachi moved away from Milind.
Vicky just rolled his eyes, "It's alright, Prachi. If you walk with your bright red face in front of your father, Milind would surely be dead meat. Have pity on the poor fellow", he laughed drawing a shy smile from her. He slapped Milind's shoulder, "Bro, your father-in-law is not very happy after spotting me and Neev alone without you both. So, before he finds you with Prachi and shoots you down, lets go back", he said and grinning at eachother, Milind and Vikcy walked back to the house, Milind's hand automatically pulling Prachi close, ignoring her protests.
It was another couple of hours before they could leave. Insisting that she wants to help, Prachi joined Shweta as she cleared the table, leaving her parents to continue the conversation with Milind's father. Shweta smiled at her warmly and soon Prachi felt much more relaxed in her company as Shweta pulled her into easy conversation. As they walked back to the garden, feeling Milind's eyes on her, Prachi blushed slightly. It was close to 11 pm when they finally left. Prachi was quiet in the car again lost in her own world.
After a long time, Inder looked at Prachi, "So, Milind even has a dog. Hope he doesn't keep him in India after your marriage" he said.
Prachi looked at him surprised, "But Papa, Milind loves Brute. And Brute is such a well behaved dog too. Of course, he will be in India" she said.
Inder glared at her, "So, I will have to put up with that monster everytime we come and visit you or you come to our home. Prachi, you know how I hate dogs. And that dog is so big", he snorted in disgust, "hmm, what an apt name! Brute….!!" he said and Prachi looked at him shocked.
Inder muttered angrily, "Why can't this Milind have atleast one quality that I like? I can't believe that I have agreed to this marriage and have to put up with him all my life".
"Papa…….." Prachi shouted angrily. Even Premlatha and Neev looked taken aback.
"Inder, how can you talk like this? We have been through this so many times. He is going to be your son-in-law", said Premlatha irritatedly.
Inder turned to her, "What son-in-law, Premlatha? Did you not hear what all he said? He is invited all his friends from abroad for the engagement. God knows who all will turn up. And food…….he doesn't want it to be completely Indian and he wants non-vegetarian food and alcohol as well. They might be used to drinking alcohol in engagements and weddings but not us. That's why I strictly told him and Anandji that we would serve only vegetarian food and absolutely no alcohol. He can have his own parties at his place. What all he eats, chii, chiii!! You eat dhoklas and teplas and he loves a full English breakfast with Bacon and sausages,…….. ………. We don't even utter those words. How is my child going to adjust into all these? Even his parents eat non-vegetarian", he said angrily.
Prachi stared at her father with growing disbelief. Oh my god, has it all started already! Milind was right. Her Papa indeed hates him. A sob escaped her and immediately Inder quietened, at last registering the warning in his wife's eyes.
With a sigh, he looked at her, "Prachi beta, I am sorry. I am trying, beta, really trying. But he himself makes it so hard. What can I do? We are just too different from them" he said and turned away. Silence fell in the car again as everyone seemed to have lost in their own thoughts.
There was just two weeks left for the engagement. Inder leaned back on the bed and sighed. He had been very busy. Having booked one of the huge function halls in the city and all the catering and decoration arrangements made and invitations sent to relatives and friends, he still had a lot of things to do. If an engagement could keep him this busy, how would the wedding be? He wished he was organising the wedding too. Now he didn't have much say in it but that didn't put Inder off as he discussed everything with Anand and Shweta with great detail over the phone. He had not wished to discuss anything with Milind as he felt that these should be done by the parents and the children shouldn't have much say in that. After losing his temper in the car in front of Prachi, Inder had been very careful and even very polite when he met Milind a few times after that. Premlatha had warned him well. Even Inder knew that Milind was a very nice person but he was just too different from Inder. Atleast Pranay would be here a week before the engagement and his friend's presence would be a tremendous help.
Inder's mind rewinded the time he visited Mumbai for mortgaging his house. When Pranay said that he wanted to meet Inder immediately, never in his wildest of dreams did he expect to hear such confession from Pranay. He had felt dizzy when Pranay admitted his fraud. His close friend, whom he had known so well from boyhood, with whom he had shared every joy and every sorrow, would do that to him! He didn't know what to say. He had just stared when Pranay placed the money in front of him, which he had pulled back from all his investments and savings, the money which should have been Inder's in the first place. Pranay had cried begging his forgiveness and even willing to accept if Inder wanted to break the partnership. He had only begged him not to break their friendship and to forgive him and how sorry he was to have swayed from his loyalty and friendship for mere money. Inder was just too numb to even utter a word. He understood what his friend was not saying. Nihaarika! She would have been the major cause of all these and his friend was protecting his wife. Inder had always known how greedy Nihaarika was, even from the time he had been a new bride. But over the years, they have all accepted that it was almost a part of her. Why was Pranay telling him now? Why didn't he let him mortgage his house as well and sit back and see him struggle to arrange the money? Unable to even voice his questions aloud, he had thrown a disgusted look towards Pranay and turned and walked away without even touching the money.
It took him two days to come to a decision. He forgave his friend. He was only human and he was swayed by greed and money. Atleast he is repenting now and Inder could understand how much courage it would have taken Pranay to accept everything in front of him. He respected that. When he called Pranay to meet him that evening, Pranay was almost sure that he was going to break both their friendship and partnership. He had stared in disbelief when Inder said he had forgiven him. Money had never come between them before and Inder had only asked Pranay to promise that he wouldn't hide anything from him form then onwards. He had even said that whatever was his was Pranay's too and all he had to do was ask him. Pranay had held him close and had cried like a child. Inder's eyes were wet too and atlast with his friend's insistence, he had accepted the money. Pranay said that it was for Prachi and they would show the Mishras that they weren't incapable of arranging everything to high standards. Inder had just smiled and nodded. He had only told Pranay that this should be between the two of them and not even Neev or Premlatha should know about it. He knew that Neev would disown his parents straight away and he wasn't sure how Premlatha would react. It was between Inder and Pranay and that was how it would stay.
Inder sighed again as his eyelids felt droopy with exhaustion. He was happy, very happy to have his friend back and he knew that Pranay would never ever break his trust again. Slowly sleep engulfed him. A few more hours of rest and he would be back into action. There was a lot of work to be done.
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
Anupamaa
