Hello Shello, sorry, another very long update. I didn't know where to stop. So kept going on. Please hold on to your patience. Cheers 😃
Neev glanced sideways at Prachi as he drove back to Chennai. She was beaming with happiness, her fingers playing with the pearl bracelet on her wrist. Neev knew that it could only be from Milind. It looked way too expensive for any of her other friends to afford. After returning from the coffee shop, they managed to snatch a few hours of sleep, using the sofas and pull out beds. Milind and Prachi had long disappeared and he suspected that Vicky and Pooja had stayed awake all night talking in whispers on the settee outside the cottage. It was just before eight o'clock when he and Vicky went in search of the disappeared love birds. Chatting amicably, they were looking for them on the beach, when Neev found them sleeping in each other's arms in one of the thatched huts. A sudden pain had pierced his heart and with a shuddering breath, he had moved away quickly. Thankfully, the ever understanding Vicky offered to bring Milind and Prachi with him and had urged Neev to go back to the cottage and get everyone ready to vacate. Neev had rushed away like his very life was dependant on it. Neev glanced at Prachi again and smiled as she flashed a brilliant smile at him. He could see that she was very happy and his loving heart wished her well. He had accepted the reality, sincerely wished them both every happiness but at times inspite of his resove, he was caught off-guard by the sudden pain in his heart at the very thought of them together. But he is getting used to it, learning to live with the pain that has become a part of him. He was very happy with the lift in their business. It kept him busy and he was going back to Mumbai again in a couple of days. He would return to Chennai two weeks before the wedding. Once Prachi is married, he would turn all his effort to bring his life back on track. With a determined sigh, he pressed on the accelerator. Inder Uncle won't be happy if they were late.
Prachi rushed into the house very excited and went right into her father's waiting arms. She beamed as he kissed her head, "Happy Birthday, Gudiya" and hugged her mother as she too wished her. Inder could see that her daughter was bursting with excitement and he smiled at his wife. With child like enthusiasm, Prachi gushed about the surprise party that her friends threw for her.
Turning back to a struggling Neev who was carrying all boxes and bags, Prachi whined, "How long do you take, Neev? Give them to me", she took a few off him, ignoring his angry glare.
Dumping the rest and throwing a helpless look towards Inder and Premlatha, he walked back to the car to bring the rest of her gifts, muttering under his breath. Calming her down, Premlatha brought them coffee and Neev fell on the sofa relieved. Premlatha's eyes widened on seeing the bracelet on her wrist, "Prachi, who gave you this? It looks very expensive", she asked surprised.
Prachi touched it lovingly and gave a shy smile, "Mama, Milind gifted me this. There is a full set and it is beautiful. He also gave me a saree", Prachi showed them to her mother.
Inder's smile slipped and he looked at Premlatha. "So, Milind came there, did he? I thought that he was coming back only this morning", bit out Inder harshly.
Prachi's face fell and she looked at her father worriedly, "Why, Papa? Did you not want him to attend my party? He was the one who organised everything", she said slowly.
Inder was taken aback on seeing his daughter's worried eyes. He didn't want to upset her on her birthday. Pulling himself together, he assured her quickly, "Nahi beta, that's not what I meant" and looked at Premlatha for help.
Her mother stepped in quickly, "Haan Prachi. Your Papa actually wanted to call Milind and ask him to come a bit early so he can spend some time with you", she said.
Prachi's face lit up again and she held her father's arm, "You are the best, Papa. But he will be at work now. But he will be here as soon as he can make it", she said happily.
Neev quickly intervened and explained how Milind managed to get in on time at the last minute. Inder calmed down realising that it wasn't a lie and that Milind was really close to missing the party. But he did go through a lot of planning to make the day special for Prachi, especially with a whole group of her friends around her, he thought to himself with a smile.
"Papa, Mama, where is my birthday gift? What did you get me?" asked Prachi eagerly. Premlatha went in quickly to bring her the gifts that they had got her. Her mother gave her a beautiful cream coloured salwar suit and her father, four thin beautiful gold bangles. Prachi slipped them on to the wrist quickly and Inder's eyes fell on the bracelet on her other wrist. He would never be able to match Milind's gifts though; he thought with a pang but smiled on seeing a very happy Prachi thanking them. The next few minutes were spent with Prachi showing off all her gifts, a full box set of Prachi's favourite ghazal collections from Neev, the latest i-touch from Vicky and a lot of girly gifts from the girls. Both Peter and Robert had given her interior decoration books. Putting them all away, Prachi rushed up to her room to get ready for the Puja. After breakfast they were going to the temple and then a nice long home cooked lunch with all Prachi's favourite dishes. Dressed in the dress that her parents gave her and wearing the gold bangles, Prachi cut the cake with 22 candles that her father had put on the cake for her. As every year, the first piece of cake went to a very happy looking Neev this time. They sat down together for breakfast. Prachi smiled as she fondly watched Neev finish off his breakfast. She couldn't have asked for a better friend.
When Prachi lay down in her bed for a quick nap to catch up for her sleepless night, she couldn't have been happier. She has had the best of both worlds – a beautiful night with Milind and her friends and then a perfect day with her loving parents. Both Shweta and Anand had called her separately and wished her. Vicky's parents had also called her. What more did she want? She asked herself and smiled in content as sleep engulfed her.
The door bell peeled at half past five. A huge bouquet of red rosed greeted Inder as soon as he opened the door and he smiled warmly at Milind who was trying to look above the bouquet. Milind settled down comfortably on the sofa. Inder and Premlatha enquired about his parents and their meetings in Middle East. Neev joined them soon, making the conversation more relaxed. Just then Prachi ran down the stairs. Freshening up after her long nap, she couldn't wait to see Milind. Smiling shyly at Milind, she showed off the gifts that her parents gave her. Milind looked at the soft and intricately embroidered salwar and beautifully pattered gold bangles. "They are beautiful, Prachi. Your parents have excellent taste", he appreciated sincerely and Inder and Premlatha beamed. The wedding cards that the shahs printed were to be collected the next day and Inder wanted to show it to Milind first before distributing. As Milind would be busy with meetings, he invited them to his office and Inder readily agreed. He and Premlatha would go to the temple later that evening for a puja and would start distributing the cards the day after. Leaving them to converse, Inder and Neev left to get ready.
Sitting close to her mother, Prachi asked for the umpteenth time, "Mama, will you take me for shopping after the puja tomorrow?" she said. Premlatha sighed. Prachi had been pestering her to take her for shopping. Turning to Milind, she complained, "I can't wait to get her married off, Milind. She is doing nothing better these days than shopping. We are not doing shopping, Prachi. We will come home straight from the temple", she said.
Prachi pouted, "Then, I will ask Milind to take me for shopping, Mama. Why don't you go to the temple? I don't want to go", complained Prachi.
Milind smiled, "What do you want to buy, Prachi? Jewels or dresses…? I can call the boutiques for an appointment and get a private viewing arranged", he said.
Prachi made a face, "What is the fun in that, Milind? That would be so boring. I won't feel like buying anything then. I want to go one of the market places in the city. It will be so crowded and full of shops. We can get some good bargains there. I only wanted to buy some fancy jewellery, nothing expensive", she said.
Milind laughed, "I wouldn't know all that, Prachi. Is crowd and bargaining really your idea of fun?" he said.
Prachi looked at him pleadingly, willing him to say yes. She can't wait to go out with him and then she can do her shopping as well. They had never shopped together like that. Now that would be really fun.
Milind shook his head, "No, some other time, may be. Now be a good girl and don't trouble Aunty", he warned her.
Prachi's face fell. She tried to get his attention as he busily discussed with her mother about the wedding. Though Premlatha noticed her daughter's antics, she ignored her. Managing to catch Milind's eyes, she mouthed a silent "Please" and cocking her head to one side, batted her eyelashes at him.
Completely taken aback, Milind threw his head back and laughed, "Oh my god, where did you learn that, Prachi?" he asked surprised at her naughtiness. Turning to Premlatha, he asked, "Is this what she does at home to get her way?"
Equally surprised, Premlatha shook his head, "What way, Milind? All she says is "haan, Papa" and agrees to anything Inder says. I am surprised myself. She is getting really naughty now-a-days. I think you are spoiling her too much, Milind. I should blame it all on you", she laughed. Turning to her daughter, she chided her, "Prachi, behave now. You are getting married soon and you are behaving like a naughty child" she said.
Pouting, Prachi kept quiet. She kept looking at Milind pleadingly and giving up, Milind turned to her and she batted her eyelashes at him again. Struggling to control his laughter, he blew her a kiss, enjoying her cheekiness. Premlatha hid her smile, pretending to have not noticed. She knew that Milind has lost the fight and silently wondered at the change in her usually quiet and shy daughter.
"Can I take her out tomorrow, Aunty? I will pick her up before you leave for the temple. I will bring her back soon", asked Milind. Premlatha agreed and Prachi's face lit up. Flashing a brilliant smile, she ran off to get ready too and Premlatha and Milind smiled at eachother.
Inder soon joined Milind. They were talking about the guest list, when Inder suddenly asked, "Would you and Prachi come back with us to India after your reception in London?" he said. Inder and Premlatha were staying for two weeks at the Mishra's family home in London after the wedding reception.
Milind shook his head, "No, Uncle. We won't return back to India that early. It would be atleast a month before we come back", he said.
Inder frowned, "But Milind, what will Prachi do there for that long?" he asked.
"Well, she would be with me and my parents, won't she?" raised Milind's eyebrows mockingly.
Inder cleared his throat, "Yes,… of course…..But her university will start soon after the wedding. I was thinking that she should carry on with her studies like before and not change into distance education. She will be living even closer to her university now" he said.
Milind looked at him surprised, "I think Prachi and I have discussed this already. It will not be possible for her to attend classes regularly as I will be travelling a lot and take her with me at times".
"But Milind, that would only be for a few days. She will be all alone at home doing nothing. It will be better for her to attend classes" insisted Inder. It was just another year of studies and surely it won't cause that many problems for Milind, he thought to himself.
Milind leaned forward, slightly irritated, "But uncle, as I said we have discussed this before. It just won't work. I know my schedules and I don't have a 9-5 desk job. I keep random and sometimes unsociable hours and with my busy social calendar, I will need Prachi to accompany me most times, in India and outside too. I don't think Prachi has any problems in changing to distance education", he said calmly.
Before Inder could speak, Premlatha joined them and Inder let the topic go for the time. But he couldn't push it out of his mind. He wondered how difficult that could be and if Milind was just trying to put his point down. He vowed to talk to Milind again about it.
Complaining about the time Prachi was taking to get ready, an impatient Inder was about to call Prachi again, when she walked down the stairs. Getting up, Milind moved slowly towards the stairs, his eyes drinking her beauty. The saree clung to her curves highlighting them to his heated gaze, the pearls added to her beauty. She looked elegant and utterly beautiful. Prachi's cheeks flamed as she felt his gaze on her. Very conscious of her parents standing behind him, she smiled shyly. Milind took hold of her hand and raising it to his lips, kissed it softly, "Beautiful" he murmured. Prachi blushed crimson and a loud clearing of Inder's throat brought Milind back to reality and he slowly let go of Prachi's hand, his eyes still glued on her.
They were leaving within a few minutes and tried of Inder's eyes on him from the time he kissed Prachi's hand, Milind walked towards the back garden and stood there, lost in thoughs. He was finding it hard to keep his eyes off Prachi. The saree looked so good on her, he thought with a smile. Turning to Prachi as she handed a glass of juice to him, her eyes moved over her heatedly. Feeling flustered under his gaze, Prachi hissed, "Don't look at me like that".
A naughty smile played on Milind's lips, "How are you going to stop me this time, Cherry? Are you going to blindfold me again?" he drawled leaning close to her.
Prachi gasped and turned bright red. "I am all game, baby. Where do you wanna play?........here or up in your room…..", he drawled again and Prachi closed her eyes tightly, completely mortified. She could feel her father's eyes on her and her face turned a brighter red. Milind chuckled softly, "God, Prachi, your face gives away everything, sweetheart. We don't want your father to speculate about our conversation, do we?" he said soflty and feeling pity on her, moved away from her. Joining Neev, he suggested that they should leave.
Leaving Milind's two-seater red sports car parked near Prachi's home, all five of them drove in Inder's car to the restaurant. Though cramped for space, Milind didn't mind sitting so close to Prachi in the back seat and her mother sat next to her. Neev drove and Inder sat next to him. Feeling Inder's sideway glances now and then, Milind wished he had sat directly behind Inder. Atleast then, Inder wouldn't have been able to give him suspicious sideway glances. Smiling to himself, he resisted the urge to put his arms around Prachi and pull her even closer. He knew that Inder would have swapped seats with him straight away. As they were lead to their table in the restaurant, the manager rushed to them after spotting Milind, "Mr. Mishra, sorry sir, I didn't know you were coming", he said and immediately lead them to the best table in the restaurant. Thanking him, Milind pulled a chair out for Premlatha and did the same for Prachi and sat down next to her. Premlatha nodded in approval and smiled at Inder. She was impressed by his perfect manners even the first time she met him at Lisa's engagement party. Neev sat next to Inder and Milind and Prachi sat opposite to them. Inder was impressed at the restaurant's interior. It was rich and tasteful. Milind resisted the urge for alcohol and non-vegetarian and following Inder, he too ordered soft drinks and vegetarian food. Inder nodded approvingly.
Prachi struggled to keep her eyes glued to her parents. She was painfully conscious of Milind sitting close to her and she was not very comfortable to speak to him in front of her father. Her eyes widened in shock as Milind's hand found hers under the table and linked his fingers through hers. His fingers played with her, teasingly and she squirmed. Enjoying her discomfort, Milind leaned closer, "I so want to kiss you now", he whispered. Prachi jumped in fright and glared at him. "Behave" she muttered angrily and pinched his hand as he continued to play with her fingers. He smiled and straightened up as their drinks were served. Being a pro at dinner table conversation, Milind was in his element, keeping it funny and interested and even Inder was laughing softly. The dinner carried on pleasantly.
As they were leaving the restaurant, Milind complimented a very happy manager on their excellent food. He was about to walk away when one of his business acquaintances spotted him. Seeing him introduce Prachi to the man, Inder walked to the car, with Premlatha and Neev in tow. As the man walked away, Milind turned to walk out with Prachi, when Prachi's foot slipped. Stepping on her saree, she pulled it out of the saree pin. Horrified at her carelessness, she held on to the fleets of her saree tightly and looked at an equally stunned and worried Milind. "I need the washroom, Milind", she said slowly, her eyes filling with embarrassment. The manager rushed to help them and suggested that Prachi use the VIP lounge situated in the floor above than walk across a crowded restaurant to the washroom. Thanking him and holding Prachi close to him, Milind quickly rushed up the stairs. Prachi tripped on her saree again a few times. She rushed into the bathroom and Milind walked to the window to look outside. He turned as he the door open and frowned as Prachi slowly walked towards him, her eyes carefully glued to the floor.
"Prachi, what's wrong? You are not hurt, are you?" he lifted her face up, eyeing her tear filled eyes with concern.
Prachi's lips wobbled, "I have torn it, Milind" she said softly and a sob escaped her, "It was your birthday gift to me and I tore it. How could I be so careless?" she continued to sob softly.
Milind let out a relieved sigh, "Oh, God, Prachi. I was so worried for a minute. It's alright, sweetheart. It was only an accident", he soothed her but Prachi's sobs grew louder. Lifting her face up to him, he chided her softly, "Silly girl, you shouldn't be crying on your birthday. I will get you a similar one. I will place the order straightaway, Okay", he tried to calm her.
Prachi shook her head, "I don't want another one", she said.
Milind sighed, "Alright, we will get this one fixed. Now stop crying", he smiled as she wiped her tears. Her nose and cheeks were red, eyelids still wet from tears, Milind's thumb caressed her cheeks. "My cherry girl, you look beautiful even when you cry" he said softly. He kissed her eyelids softly and brushed his lips on hers. Her lips parted immediately and sighing he moved back. "Let's go, Prachi. Your parents would be wondering where we are", holding her close to him, he walked out.
Wondering what was taking them so long; Inder walked back into the restaurant. His face darkened at the sight of a tearfilled Prachi and glaring at Milind he walked away with his daughter. Wondering what was wrong, Milind quickly followed them. Inder's face was still grave as he walked back to the car. "Do you want to sit in the front, Milind?" he asked as casually as he could.
Throwing him a nasty look, Milind said, "No, Uncle, I am fine at the back. You sit comfortably" and to add Inder's irritation, sat right behind him, next to Prachi. Quickly reassuring a worried looking Premlatha, Milind explained what happened.
Inder relaxed immediately and turned to Prachi, "You should be more careful beta. What if you had hurt yourself?" he scolded her softly and turned back feeling much more relieved.
The drive back to Prachi's home was even better especially for Milind. With the added advantage of darkness and the knowledge that Inder wouldn't see him, he relaxed back, his fingers slowly tracing Prachi's arm. Though shocked, Prachi ignored it and continued talking to her mother. She gasped as she felt his fingers tracing the soft skin on her waist and shifted slightly. Feeling bolder now, he continued his teasing and Prachi struggled to look normal in front of her mother. His fingers caressed her waist all the way home and when the car stopped, Prachi almost sighed in relief. Her face was flushed with anger and helplessness and glaring at him, she pinched him hard on his arm. Milind bit back a yelp of pain as she ran away giggling. He didn't stay much longer and taking leave of her parents, he winked at a glaring Prachi and walked to his car.
Inder had readily agreed to Milind's invitation as he had never seen Milind's office, though he had driven past the building a number of times. It would be a good thing to go and see for himself if Milind was as good as people said he was. But Inder was not disappointed. Suitably informed, his Personal Assistant had welcomed them and seated them in the comfortable and private waiting room and refreshments were served immediately. Both Inder and Premlatha were impressed at the grandeur of his head office. An immaculately dressed Milind had just come out of his boardroom and even Inder couldn't deny that he excuded persona and authority. From the window of the waiting room, Inder could see his employees rushing to keep up with their boss's orders as Milind walked out of a group of people, issuing instructions as he walked towards the waiting room. He watched with fascination at the change in the manners of the staff and how alert they became the minute they spotted Milind. Inspite of himself, Inder was impressed. Gone was the casual and friendly almost roguish looking Milind on the bike when he was among his friends that night. Here was the man who exuded power and authority with his every step and word. A sudden pride filled in Inder's heart as he watched him. Walking straight to them, Milind apologised for making them wait and took them to his office. The very place screamed class and grandeur and both Inder and Premlatha looked in awe. Inder's eyes fell on the pictures on the wall, one of a younger looking Milind and Vicky holding a cup, an apparent win in some sort of a sports competition, a brilliant smile of victory litting up their faces. Next to that was Milind with his parents and ……Inder looked with disgust……Brute. Vicky too joined them shortly and the conversation was pleasant. Inder and Premlatha didn't stay much longer as they knew how busy Milind was, though he insisted on coffee. Happy that Milind expressed his approval on the wedding cards, they were about to leave when Premlatha's eyes fell on the photo frame on his table…of a smiling Prachi. Inder followed her eyes and his face lit up immediately. As they left his office, Premlatha smiled knowing that Inder's opinion of Milind had shifted slightly after that short visit.
Milind picked Prachi from home promptly that evening. Though Inder was not happy with Premlatha for agreeing for the shopping trip, he didn't object. Managing to park his car, Milind smiled at a very excited Prachi next to him. He had never been to this place before. It looked like a typical market place, every little space had a shop and it was very crowded. Often, he had to jump out of his way to let a blaring vehicle pass through. Smiling at Prachi, he linked his hand with hers. Prachi was enjoying herself to the hilt. It was a dream came true for her. She had always wanted to shop with Milind there, enjoy selecting little nic nacs, bargain a deal and eat chat at the roadside stalls. And Milind indulged her. Prachi bought hair accessories, bangles, dupattas and almost evey little thing. Milind watched in amazement as she smiled triumphantly whenever she saved a few rupees after bargaining. He pulled her hand when she stopped near the chat shop. "No, Prachi,.. not that! I have important meetings tomorrow and I am going to be travelling a lot in the next couple of weeks. I can't afford to fall sick" he warned softly. Though disappointed, Prachi let it go. She knew how much he suffered the last time and she didn't want him to fall sick either. To make up, Milind promised a good dinner and she happily agreed. Carrying her shopping bags, they walked back to the car.
"Prachiiiiiii…….." Prachi turned back as someone called her name. Smiling widely at her friend and classmate from her university, Prachi quickly introduced Milind to her friend's husband. Pulling Prachi away from the men, her friend teased her, "How did you manage to bring him to this place, Prachi? I see that you have him wound around your little finger, kyun", nudged her friend and Prachi blushed. Talking about their results, her friend said, "I am pulling out of the course, Prachi. I am going to take a break for a year atleast and then continue my studies. It's hard to study after marriage, yaar", she complained, blushing at the same time.
As Prachi continued teasing her, she whispered to her the real reason. Prachi jumped up in joy and hugged her, "Congrats, yaar. Hai, hai, now I know what was keeping you away from your studies! How many months, now?" she asked excitedly touching her friend's abdomen.
Laughing, her friends slapped her hand away, "Let's see if you continue your studies after marriage. Hope you don't end up taking a year's break now. Be careful, Prachi" she teased and Prachi's eyes grew wider in shock. Oh dear! Seeing her blush furiously, her friend took pity on her and within a few mintues, waving them bye, they drove away.
Milind watched a very silent Prachi wondering what she was thinking. Walking to the beach side restaurant, they sat down comforbly and ordered dinner. Prachi was still quiet and Milind took her hand in his, "What are you thinking so deeply, Prachi?" he asked and looked surprised when she blushed crimson. "Oh dear, I didn't do anything, sweetheart. I am only holding your hand", he gave her an innocent look.
Prachi bit her lip, "That……..was my classmate……one of the three married girls, remember", she said slowly and Milind nodded.
"Yes, I remember very well", he drawled naughtily.
Prachi shiftled uncomfortably, "She is taking a year off her studies now because she is…….she is pregnant. She was teasing me if I would also discontinue…….." she bit her lip again blushing furiously.
A slow smile danced on Milind's lips as his heated eyes took in her flushed face and downcast eyes. Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed it softly, "Don't worry, Cherry. You will finish your studies ……without breaking up. I promise", he said softly. He watched fascinated at how her already red face was turning even more crimson with every second. "You know I keep my word" he said huskily, kissing the palm of her hand.
Prachi let a shuddering breath out and relieved at the interruption of the waiter, pulled her hand from his. She spoke very little during the dinner and Milind enjoyed watching her shy smile and blushes. They didn't linger over dinenr. Holding her hand, he walked away towards the car. So close to the sea, the evening air was slightly chilly with a promise of rain that night.
"Prachi, I am going to be busy at work in the upcoming weeks and I am going home for a few days as well" he said soflty.
Prachi looked at him, "When will you come back?" she asked.
Milind smiled, "Atleast two weeks before our wedding. Most of my friends will be here by then. I was planning to throw a party for them when they come here. It will be from both of us, actually. I will finalise a date and then speak to your father" he said and Prachi nodded. "When are you flying out?" she asked again worried that she won't see him for so long. Milind cupped her face, "Tomorrow, Prachi. I have so many meetings to attend. I want to keep a few weeks free after our wedding. That's why I am wrapping it all up now. Please bear with me", he said and Prachi smiled.
She too didn't want him to be busy with work soon after their wedding. She would need him by her side then, she thought suddenly scared that the wedding is so near.
Milind leaned back against the car and closed his eyes, enjoyed the crisp cool sea breeze on his face, "It's such a beautiful night, isn't it, Prachi? I like this sea breeze, so soothingly cool", he said.
Prachi looked at him, "We can go to the beach house now, if you want. It is not very late" she said.
Milind just looked at her and smiled. Opening the door for her to get in, he got in too. But instead of turning the engine on, he turned to her, "We are not going to the beach house, Prachi. I am taking you home now", he said. Looking at her confused face, he traced her cheek, "I told you, honey. I don't trust myself alone with you anymore. If I take you there, I might not let you go home tonight", his voice was way too husky.
Prachi gasped and turned away, her face going red. A shiver went through her and she bit her lip.
"Ssssssssssss" hissed Milind and his finger pulled her lip from beneath her teeth. He caressed it softly. "I told you that you had no right on them, sweetheart. They are mine, ……just mine", he said almost in a whisper. Turning her to him, his lips took her gently, kissing her ever so soflty. Prachi's lips parted under his and with a groan, he pulled her head back and deepened the kiss. After what felt like eyons, he let her go and Prachi sat back dazed, still reeling from his kiss. Milind ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. Without a word, he gunned the engine and drove towards Prachi's home.
Love Friendship Dating and Relationships
Bindi
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