Okay everyone, the engagement is here. I have made it too long trying to fit it all into one part 😳. I am not covering more of the actual ceremony itself. I will leave it to your imagination. Cheers 😃
Part 60
Milind whistled as he applied gel to his hair. His curls better behave tonight! He thought, grinning. Excitement and anticipation had his heart thumping heavily. He couldn't wait to go to the function hall, wait to see his cherry girl, ….dressed for him,… waiting for him. How would she look! He thought, imagining her in his mind for the millionth time. Whatever she wore, she would be breathtakingly beautiful tonight and she would be his………..his fiancee……He let out a shuddering breath and his heart thumped even louder. His family was waiting for him in the lounge and few of his friends were there as well, chatting and laughing with Vicky. Most of his closer friends, some from London and a few from other countries had arrived. Most were couples and he had booked lavish suites for them in one of his hotels. They had planned to enjoy this engagement cum shrot vacation to the fullest. As there would be no alcohol at the engagement tonight, he and his friends were going to party all night after the function at his hotel. He looked at himself in the mirror before walking out. Dressed in a midnight blue sherwani, he looked devilishly handsome and he knew it. Whistling again, he walked out to join others.
"They will be here any time now. Is Prachi ready or not?" muttering to herself, Premlatha rushed to her room, stopping and smiling and enquiring at everyone she met on the way. Most of their relatives and friends had arrived, especially aunts and cousins of Inder. She will have to take extra care of them, she sighed as she saw Inder's paternal aunt coming out of Prachi's room. Decked in a heavily worked saree and jewels, a heavily built woman in her 70s, Gayathri bua, glared at her. Every one called her bua…….. A stern and strict and very orthodox woman!
"Premlatha, ladke wale aathe hi honge. Dekho, Prachi abhi bhi tayyar ho rahi hai! Aaj kal ke ladhkiyaan bhi kitne waqt lagate hai! Ab jaake sambaal lo apni beti ko. Mein Inder ko dekhkar aathi hoon", she announced in a stern voice and much to Premlatha's relief walked away.
Premlatha could hear the sighs as soon as she walked into the room. She was sure that Bua would have troubled Prachi's friends to the limit, fussing around Prachi. "However difficult she was, Bua loved Prachi though!" thought Premlatha smiling to herself. Smiling and talking to Prachi's friends, she walked up to Prachi and stood still, her eyes becoming moist on seeing her daughter's stunning beauty and her mother's heart swelled up with love and bride.
She touched Prachi's head lovingly, "Bahut sunder lag rahi ho, beta. Kisi ki nazar na lag jaye", she said tenderly and Prachi smiled shyly at her mother. Realising the difference, Premlatha frowned, "But Prachi, why are you wearing this? Where is your engagement lehenga?" she asked surprised.
Prachi was wearing the dress she had chosen as her first choice for her reception, a stunning and very expensive sky blue and beige lehenga, heavily adorned with pearls, sequins and resham embroidery. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, the soft colour and extensive work, complimenting her fair complexion and highlighting her beauty.
Prachi gave a small smile and her eyes shied away from her mother's. "Milind likes blue, mama", she said softly.
Premlatha nodded slowly. That was what Prachi had said when she chose the dress. Oh, she will have a lot of other dresses to select from for her reception. Relaxing, Premlatha smiled at her. She couldn't have selected a better one. It was beautiful. She went down quickly after warning her daughter to stay in and wait till someone comes to take her down to the function hall. Already Gayathri bua was shouting at the top of her voice for everyone to hear. They are here!
Milind smiled at Vicky as they were welcomed in a very lavish and traditional style. Vicky, dressed in a black sherwani and looking very handsome, was on top of things. He was in his element, laughing and joking with the women from Prachi's family and enjoying himself to the hilt. It was his day and Milind silently watched him with an affectionate smile. He was getting restless as he entered the hall, his eyes searching.
Vicky leaned close to him, "Be patient, bro. Prachi will be here soon. Keep smiling, most of the women here are ogling at you", he smirked making him smile.
Milind was impressed. Inder had done a really good job. He could see the satisfaction in his parent's eyes as they praised Inder for all the arrangements. Within minutes, almost all of their guests arrived.
Inder was baffled at the mixed group of different nationalities, both friends and relatives of the Mishra family, immaculately dressed men and very elegant women. He could see many prominent figures and he was glad that he went out of his bounds for this ceremony. He wouldn't let the Mishras have any complaints. Milind's friends were a mixture of White, Black and Mixed races and Inder smiled politely at them welcoming them in. Prachi's friends had already come down to meet Milind and his family and soon he was laughing at their teasing and jokes. Vicky gazed at Pooja appreciatively and a very flushed Pooja looked everywhere else but him, though her appreciative glances now and then gave her away, making him grin naughtily. He knew that she was playing it safe as her parents were also present there.
A laughing Milind's heart skipped several beats as his gaze fell on a very beautiful Prachi walking down the stairs among several women. Everything around him fell into oblivion as his eyes drank her ethereal beauty, her every step as she walked down towards him.
Vicky slapped his shoulder, "Wow, you are a very lucky dude, bro. Prachi looks absolutely beautiful", he said appreciatively.
Milind neither heard him nor his other friends' appreciative exclamations. His eyes and mind registered only Prachi, her flushed face, downcast eyes and the sneaky looks she had shot him every now and then. The voices around him didn't make any sense to him. His parents said something and Inder called out to somebody, the pandit chanted something he wouldn't have understood even if he had listened carefully.
A glow of warmth filled Prachi as she felt his gaze on her, the smouldering look in his eyes. Her eyes took his form as sneakily as she could, appreciating his looks, the gelled hair, the clean shaven look, the perfectly tailored sherwani, the way it attenuated his broad shoulders, his personality. He looked way too handsome and she felt proud and incredibly shy. She could feel everyone's eyes on her and Milind. She simply followed her mother's instructions as the rituals were performed. Shweta had been very well advised by Premlatha about every ritual that had to be followed and she did it perfectly, along with her sister and other relatives. Premlatha and her relatives were impressed; even Gayathri Bua didn't have any complaints. Wide eyed, they exclaimed their happiness in the lavish gifts given to Prachi for the Sagai (engagement).
Neev stood with his father among the men. His mother was with Premlatha making herself seen by almost everyone. Neev knew in his heart that Prachi would never wear the same dress for her engagement and he was right. Though disappointed, he was relieved as well. His dreams were his alone. This was the reality and this was Milind's Prachi. She looked beautiful and he couldn't take his eyes off her and he smiled as his eyes fell on Milind. Milind's face expressed everything he felt and Neev could see the love and absolute adoration in his eyes. "Milind looks as if he would start worshipping her any minute" he thought to himself and smiled widely. He sincerely wished them all the happiness in the world.
Taking a deep breath, Milind pulled himself together when the Pandit said it was time to exchange the rings. Prachi's hand was cold and clammy when he held it in his hand. She was nervous! His finger gently brushed the palm of her hand and Prachi looked up at him. His eyes tender, were silently reassuring her. She smiled shyly and he held her eyes as he slid his ring on her finger. Prachi gasped slightly at the cold touch of the metal, her eyes widening at the most beautiful and extremely expensive diamond on her finger. Flawlessly perfect, the centre diamond dazzled in the light, surrounded by tiny diamonds around it. It was a perfect fit and she could hear the appreciative gasps and exclamations around her. Her hand shook as she slid a plain band of white gold on his finger. Milind wanted it plain and simple. Loud cheers went up the hall as relatives and friends greated them. Looking up at him, she smiled shyly again, very conscious of the flashes of the cameras on them. It's done. She was his fiancee now! Her thumb caressed the stone lovingly and Milind's smile grew wider.
The party picked up spirit immediately after that as the guests mingled around and music played in the background and the dinner was served. Milind struggled to remember names and faces as he was introduced to so many people that he had lost count. His eyes strayed time and again towards Prachi who seemed to be surrounded by his family and relatives. His mother and mausi were busy introducing her to everyone.
Inder stood politely smiling and nodding as Milind introduced his friends to him. They were an interesting mix, with the men in suits and most women in Indian clothes with a western twist. He easily picked up who was on his own and who was with his partner. Apart from one couple, none of them were married and Inder shifted uncomfortably when his friends gushed that they had been given the perfect suites by Milind at his hotel. He could see that they were all close friends of Milind, a few of them were his classmates from primary school. They seemed to be a good lot and Inder smiled as they congratulated and praised him on the arrangements.
He felt very conscious as one of the guys gushed, "Oh, Mr. Shah, I love Indian ceremonies and Indian food. And by the way, I am Micky", he said and extended his hand.
Micky!! What sort of a name was that! Wondering to himself, Inder slowly shook his hand, noticing the difference in the man. Though dressed in an evening suit, he looked different, he was twisting his body in a funny way when he spoke and he laughed,... no giggled like a girl. Very worried now, he looked at Milind, who just raised his eyebrows and grinned.
"He is Mickell but likes to be called Micky", explained Milind noticing Inder's discomfort. Placing a hand on his friend's shoulder, he suggested that they should get to the dining hall and Micky was only eager to oblige.
Just when they were about to move away, Micky leaned towards a startled looking Inder and said softly "Mr. Shah, you are a very sexy man", he giggled and walked away with his friends.
Milind immediately went into a coughing fit trying to suppress his laugh, on seeing a visibly shaken and bewildered looking Inder rushing away.
Trying to put Micky out of his mind, Inder busied himself with his guests. He was pleased as Milind's family were satisfied and very happy with everything. It was worth all the hard work. Prachi was sitting among her aunts when Milind walked up to them. Her eyes widened when he called her name.
"Prachi, I want you to meet my friends", he said.
Prachi looked at Gayathri Bua who was sitting next to her, her eyes stern and narrowed on Milind.
Taking cue, Milind turned to her, "Do you mind, Bua? Can I take Prachi with me?" he asked politely and Gayathri Bua gave a bright smile.
"Haan, haan, kyun nahi. Jao Prachi" she smiled and turned to Lisa immediately, "Tum bhi saath mein Jao, Lisa aur jaldi aa jana", she said pushing Lisa to go with Prachi.
Thanking her, Milind walked away with Prachi and Lisa and Bua's eyes followed them and widened as Milind casually placed a hand on the small of Prachi's back.
Milind's friends took to Prachi immediately as they congratulated and wished her and Prachi smiled and thanked them sincerely for travelling so far to join in their happiness. She blushed as they teased Milind mercilessly.
Micky held Milind's arm, "Milind, she is so pretty man. No wonder, you fell for her" he complained sulkily.
Laughing, Milind put his arm around his shoulder, "Still, Micky. Can anyone take your place? You are my special girl", he said and pleased, Micky hugged him.
Milind's eyes met a surprised looking Prachi's eyes over Micky's head.
Immediately understanding, Prachi smiled at Micky, "Of course, Micky. You are Milind's childhood friend and you will be always special. Can we be friends too?" she asked softly.
Micky placed a hand against his neck, "Oh, honey, you are so sweet. Welcome to the group", he smiled and hugged her and Milind smiled at her approvingly.
As Vicky dragged Micky off, Milind leaned towards her, "Thanks Prachi. People make fun of him but he is the loveliest person I have ever known. He is a great friend. We are all very protective of him", he said soflty and Prachi just smiled. She moved back when he leaned closer, "I am struggling to even remember my words, sweetheart. You take my breath away. Aren't I the luckiest man alive on earth, my cherry girl?" he drawled and Prachi blushed delicately.
Bua found them right then and took Prachi away immediately obviously not happy that Lisa had left her alone.
Milind couldn't talk to Prachi again as they were always surrounded by guests. Dinner had been even a bigger hit and everyone was pleased with the varieties offered. Slowly the guests started leaving and the place was filled with only close relatives and friends.
Rishi and Suraj pulled Vicky to the side, "Yaar Vicky, come on man, lets add some spice to it. I am getting bored with the music the band is playing" Rishi complained.
"Lets do a number, man", said Suraj slapping Vicky's shoulder and Vicky agreed immediately. Atleast now, he could use an excuse to pull Pooja to the dance floor. She had been avoiding him carefully all evening and he was getting frustrated now. With a happy smile, he went to gather his friends.
Milind turned around in surprise as the music changed and a different beat started up. Seeing Vicky and his friends gathering on the dance floor, his smile widened.
Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak…
Make Some Noise...
Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak…
Let' s Screem...
Come On Come On Now..Break To The Beat Get Down
Come On Come On Now..Sing It Along Soniye
Milind was pulled to the dance floor by his friends. Almost all his friends were on the floor and even Reba, Rita and Neelam joined them. As everyone gathered around them, his tender gaze fell on a blushing Prachi standing in between Pooja and Lisa. He started singing and his friends joined him
Dhak Dhak Dhak Mera Dil Dhadke ..Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak
Tere Bin Tere Bin Dil Na Lage.. Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak
Dhak Dhak Dhak Mera Dil Dhadke
Tere Bin Tere Bin Dil Na Lage
Jab Jab Dekhoon Tera Mukhda Haseen Akhiyon Mein Milne Ki Khwab Saje
Tujhe Doli Mein Bhittah Ke Teri Maang Saja Ke Lejaoonga Mein Sab Se Chura Ke
Oye! Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye
Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye
You're So Beautiful…
You Got The Moves But You're In Control…
O Meri Sweet Hot Soniye,
You Make Me Hip, You Make Me Hop,
So Lets Beat It Non-Stop…
Unable to ignore, Vicky's signals any more, Pooja joined him singing sweetly
Kehthe Hai Pyar Kise Aaj Humko Yeh Bathla De
Got My Beating No Stopping,
Everytime I Got You Looking At Me
Crazy Call You Baby Now!…
As Lisa also joined her, they both sang nudging Milind teasingly
Ho.. Kehthe Hai Pyar Kise Aaj Humko Yeh Bathla De
Matlab Pyar Ka Deewane Zara Samjha De
Milind placed a hand on his heart and looked straight at a furiously blushing Prachi and sang,
Rakdon Kadam Tum Apne Jahaan Par Jaan Wahi Hum De Denge
Itni Ijaazath Raab Mujhe De De Sajde Mein Ishq Ka Karloon
Haan Tujhe Doli Mein Bhittah Ke Teri Maang Saja Ke Lejaoon Mein Sab Se Chura Ke
Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye
Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye
Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak…
Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak…
Out Of My Mind, When You Think That 'M Crazy…
Crazy Little Thing Called To My Lady…
That's The Asina, Indian Hip-Hop Generation…
Singing One Word Soniye To The Nation… (Nation… Nation…)
Shaking her head at Milind efforts to get her to join him, Prachi walked close to her parents and sang sweetly
Chodd Ke Mein Apno Ko Tere Saath Kaise Jaaoon
Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak Dhak…
Ho.. Chodd Ke Mein Apno Ko Tere Saath Kaise Jaaoon
Ajnabi Rishton Ko Soch Soch Mein Ghabraoon
She stood behind her mother, looking shyly over her shoulder. Milind walked up to her and holding her hand, pulled her out from behind her mother. Holding her hand, he went down on his knee and kissed her hand. He sang
Hogi Kami Mehsoos Na Inki Ithna Khayaal Mein Rakhoonga
Kehna Sake Jo Baath Zabaan Se Aakhon Se Teri Padh Lein
Pulling her into the dance floor, he sang, dancing with her with his arms closely around her
Ho.. Tujhe Doli Mein Bhittah Ke Teri Maang Saja Ke Lejaoonga Mein Sab Se Chura Ke
Hoye! Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye
Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja Soniye, Soniye Ve Soniye Mere Naal Aaja
(Song from Kismet Connection)
Comfortable with his arms around her, Prachi danced with him, with a shy smile on her lips. A loud cheer erupted in the hall as both parents looked on their children proudly, clapping enthusiastically. Breathing heavily, Milind and Prachi stood there, lost in each other's eyes, oblivious of the cheering people and laughing friends around them. They jerked up as they felt Vicky's arms around them.
Vicky leaned closer and whispered, "Hey, you two. There is something called public decency, guys. Behave now", he said naughtily and laughed at their flushed faces. Hugging them both closer, he said softly, "Congrats. I am very happy for you two", he said and both Milind and Prachi hugged him back.
Very conscious of such public display, Prachi ran back to her parents. Premlatha patted her cheek fondly and Inder's heart swelled up with pride and happiness. Prachi looked up at her father, with gratitude and respect in her eyes. All these happiness wouldn't have been possible if her father had not agreed for their marriage. She smiled at him and said softly, "Thank you, Papa".
Inder's eyes misted as he touched his daughter's head fondly and smiled, "Anything for you, gudiya. Anything at all to see such happiness in your eyes", he said softly and kissed her head.
Lifting up his head, he saw Milind across the hall, who was watching the tender moment between father and daughter. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other.
It was close to midnight and Milind's family would be leaving soon. Pooja was collecting empty fruit trays, when she heard someone hissing her name. Surprised, she turned back to look at a grinning Milind. "Milind, what's up?" she asked surprised when he beckoned her closer.
"Pooja, I want to meet Prachi", said Milind.
Pooja smiled sweetly, "Wow, now that's really funny, Milind. Prachi is in the room with almost all her aunts and cousins around her, especially Gayathri Bua. She has been chasing us all out with one errand or the other all evening. Even I couldn't get closer to Prachi. Forget it. You guys are almost leaving now", said Pooja in a huff and turned to go when Milind pulled her hand.
"Fine, then. Come with me. Let me introduce you to my family as Vicky's girlfriend. Are your parents still around, or have they left?" he asked innocently.
Pooja gasped, "No……you wouldn't!" she said in a shocked whisper.
Milind leaned back and crossed his arms against his chest, "You wanna bet!" he grinned naughtily at her outraged look. "Okay, I won't but only if you bring Prachi to my room", he said.
Pooja glared at him, "That's really mean, Milind. Vicky will kick you silly", she warned him.
Milind shrugged, "I will take the risk. Vicky is busy and by the time he comes to know of it, the deed will be done. Make up your mind, Pooja. Fast", he said impatiently. As Pooja continued glaring at him, he begged, "Please Pooja. Can you not do such a small help even for your future brother-in-law? I want to meet Prachi really badly…………please", he put on his best sorry face.
Pooja relented immediately and smiled, "Alright then. I will see what I can do. Go and wait in your room", she said.
Milind brightened up immediately, "Thank you, Pooja. Don't worry, I will repay for all this during your engagement", he winked at her and Pooja rushed away blushing.
Pooja sighed in relief as she walked with Prachi to the other side of the function hall towards the room which Milind and his family were using. All the rooms were empty now as they were all in the front of the hall, preparing to leave. She had lied to Gayathri bua that Shweta wanted to talk to Prachi immediately and with much reluctance, Bua let Prachi go with her. Prachi was looking at the closed rooms suspiciously when Pooja stopped at Milind's door, "Go in, Prachi", she let Prachi go in and closed the door behind her and walked away quickly.
"Aunty", Prachi called softly peering into the semi dark room. Hearing the door bolt behind her, she turned around and gasped on seeing Milind leaning against the wall.
"Sorry, Aunty is not here. You will have to make do with Aunty's son", he said softly.
Prachi went red realising the scheme and looked at him pleadingly, "Milind, what will happen if someone finds out? I have to go, please" she said softly and moved towards the door.
Quick for her, grabbing her around her waist, Milind pulled her towards him. Ignoring her shocked gasp, he cupped her face, "Hey, I have been waiting to have a minute alone with you all evening, Prachi", his voice was soft and Prachi fell silent. "Let me look at you properly, sweetheart", he said huskily and holding her slightly away from him, his eyes roamed over body taking in every inch of her.
The dimly lit room enhanced her beauty and the intimacy in the room. Prachi blushed pink and closed her eyes as he gathered her close in his arms again. Whether the darkness in the room or the fact that they were engaged now, Prachi didn't know, but his nearness was causing a severe havoc to her senses more stronger than usual and she shivered slightly.
He brought her left hand up and kissed the ring on her finger, "Do you like it, darling?" he asked soflty.
Prachi nodded, "Very much. It is beautiful", she said almost in a whisper. He kissed her hand again and placed it against his chest, "You look very beautiful tonight. Two months is too long, darling. Let's get married tonight", he said huskily and Prachi smiled shyly.
"Hmmmm, we can't and you look very handsome too", she said again in a whisper.
"Thank you", he murmured. Milind's lips were on her forehead, eyes, cheeks and near her ear when he whispered, "I am sure the pandit is still somewhere around in the hall. I will bribe him and make him tell everyone that tonight is the most auspicious night in our lifes and all the stars demand that we get married tonight. What do you think?" he said.
Prachi was sure that she would only squeak if she even tried to answer him. Her senses were on overdrive now and she struggled to stay sane. Not trusting herself to speak, she just shook her head.
"Oh, you are so heartless Prachi", groaned Milind and he kissed her shoulder. She smelt divine and he was losing his senses quickly but he was unable to stop. Hands placed on his chest, her fingers curled softly against his suit as she felt his warm breath against the side of her neck. Feeling the cold metal of the jewels she was wearing, against his lips, Milind complained, "Hmm, you are wearing so many jewels". His fingers deftly removed her long earring and he buried his face in her neck.
Prachi shivered as he kissed the lobe of her ear. She gasped as his lips traced her jaw and rested against her lips. "I have to go, Milind", she squeaked softly and Milind smiled.
"Kiss me. Then I will let you go", he said nibbling softly near her lips.
"Huh……..I didn't bring my lipstick with me", Prachi reasoned pitifully, worried about what people will make out of her smudged lipstick.
Milind laughed softly, "Then, lets just hope that no one notices it", he said huskily and his lips covered hers.
Every thought fled from Prachi's mind as her hands travelled up to wind up around his neck, her fingers curled into his hair. His tongue duelled with hers, persuading and demanding and with a soft groan, he pulled her closer to him lifting her up against him so that her face was in level with his and deepened the kiss. Prachi's dainty feet dangled in the air and her fingers curled tighter in his hair. Her body was pressed close against his feeling every contour and every sinew of his body. Something stirred in the pit of her stomach and she moved restlessly against him, kissing him back mindlessly. Her reaction to him was pushing him to the brink of losing his self control and Milind fought to hold on to it. Slowly he eased away from her and carefully he slid her down his body and held her close as Prachi struggled with her erratic breathing. Her own reaction had stunned her and left her very shy and embarrassed. She buried her face in his chest, her body still shaking. Moving her along with him, he sat down on the chair and pulled her on his lap, holding her close as he struggled with his own breathing. He knew he will have to let her go now before someone comes looking for them. Lifting her face up, he kissed her closed eyes softly. Prachi's eyes fluttered open and too shy to look at him, shied away immediately.
Milind smiled and kissed her softly on her lips, "Hmm, there is no sign of any lipstick at all, Prachi. Wow, what a kiss that was! You are getting better day by day, my cherry girl", he drawled and Prachi went bright red. Holding her still as she tried to get up, he asked, "I love your dress, Prachi. We are colour matched, today. See", he pointed to his mid night blue sherwani.
Prachi smiled at him, "I know you like blue", she said softly.
"True. But I would have liked you in anything, honey. Is that why you didn't wear the green and maroon dress you said you had chosen for tonight?" he asked softly.
Prachi kept quiet for a minute and looked in to his eyes, "I wanted to dress up for you, Milind………only for you", she said and looking at the confused look in his eyes, she said hesitantly, "Neev helped me choose the green one", she said softly.
Milind understood immediately. Was that why she was so distressed last night? He thought to herself and the possessive streak in him was glad that she wore something else tonight. He kissed her forehead tenderly, "I am glad you wore this, Prachi. But to be honest, you would still have dressed for me, no matter what you wore", he said and Prachi hugged him tightly.
"Prachi, My stubble won't prickle you, today", he said rubbing his clean shaven cheek against hers making her squirm.
Prachi giggled, "I like your stubble thought", she whispered close to hie ears.
Milind smiled, "Hmmm, no problem. I will have atleast a day's stubble on our wedding night", he whispered and Prachi buried her burning face deeper in his chest.
It was a few minutes later when Prachi left the room and rushed towards her room. She went still as she saw Gayathri bua coming towards her. Before she could rush away, Bua spotted her.
"Prachi, kahan thi tum itne dher. Kab se tumhe doond rahi hoom! Ladke wale nikal rahe hain. Jaldi chalo", she said urgenty, her eyes suspiciously taken in her flushed face and guilty eyes. As she walked with her, Bua stopped her, "Prachi, tumhara ek kaan ka jhumka kahan hain", she asked her frowning even more suspiciously.
Prachi stammered, "Who…..woh, kahi ghir gayi hogi, bua", she turned around peering at the floor trying to look for the lost one. Oh god, what is she going to do now. Why did Milind have to remove it? She chided him with mock anger, her face going red at the same time.
Just then, coming out of his room, Milind took in the scene in front of him and understood immediately, holding the earring tightly in his hand. Walking up to them, he asked an even suspicious looking bua if he could help them with anything. Joining them he too searched for the lost earring and picked it from the floor immediately and held it out to Prachi, "Here, Prachi. I found it. You should be careful with your jewellery", he said naughtily and winked at her, making her glare at him. Excusing himself from Bua, he walked away.
Gayathri bua stood still for two mintues looking at the direction he had come from and looking at a very guilty looking red faced Prachi. "Chalo, ab chalte hain", she said sternly and pulled Prachi's hand. She will have to speak to Inder soon; she said to herself and walked to the front hall.
As Prachi took blessings from Milind's and Vicky's parents, Milind took cue and did the same. Inder and Premlatha beamed at him and even Gayathri Bua looked very impressed.
As Milind's family prepared to leave, Vicky turned to Prachi who was standing close to her mother, "Don't look so sad, Prachi. The next time, we come; I promise you that we won't leave without you. We will take you home with us. Just be patient for two more months", he said naughtily and Prachi blushed crimson as everyone laughed.
"Yes, Prachi, We will definitely take you home with us when we come next time. Why, Inderji?" laughed Shweta and Inder smiled.
Looking up at Milind, she smiled shyly as he winked at her.
CID
Ishaani
