Hello friends, here comes the most awaited entry of the stunning Sally. I can already see a few belans and jhootis flying my way 😆. I will keep it easy this time but the next one, you are all surely going to whack me 😉😆. Cheers 😃
Part 65
The next few days flew in a frenzy of activity for Prachi. She spent more and more time with her mother, cooking, talking and following her mother everywhere. Premlatha had been been parting advise about married life and its responsibilities, and what would be expected of Prachi as a wife and a daughter-in-law. Prachi listened a bit apprehensively and prayed that she wouldn't disappoint Milind and his parents. She and parents also went to Mumbai. Though they stayed there only for a couple of days, Prachi enjoyed being among her old friends and relatives. With the wedding near by, an air of festive had set in the house, with relatives and friends dropping by. She went to temples, attended pujas and spoke to Milind almost every day on the phone. She wondered how he could jet around the world like that! He seemed to be everywhere, calling from different places every day. His fast-paced life baffled her and she wondered how she would cope with that. Shweta and Anand made a short visit to India to check the wedding arrangements and Inder and Premlatha invited them to dinner. Prachi had been completely tongue tied around them, unsure of what to say. She had followed her mother around that evening like a little puppy, afraid to be left alone with Milind's parents. Shweta and Anand had smiled seeing her nervousness. They slowly coaxed her out of her shyness and the evening had been a great success. Later when Premlatha and Inder exclaimed how lucky Prachi was to have them as her in-laws, Prachi couldn't have agreed more.
Milind had a perfect few days at home in London with his parents. That was what he needed after the busy couple of weeks. There was just three weeks left for the wedding and he couldn't have been more excited. He was all set to enjoy the last few weeks of his bachelorhood and he did it to the hilt. His evenings and nights were busy either dining with his parents or with his friends. Sally had joined Mishra Industries and started work directly under Anand. It was Anand's idea that she would feel more comfortable working with him than with her own father and Simon, Sally's father welcomed it too. Milind spent a day with her at the office and he too was impressed. She was not only beautiful but with brains too and Milind marvelled at how far she had come from her larky teenage days. He had too, he had mused to himself in wonder. She, her boyfriend Mark and Micky were travelling together to India and most of his other friends would reach there a day later. His friends had planned to tour a few places in India together before the wedding. Milind wanted to throw a party on his and Prachi's behalf as soon as he got back to India. He had already made arrangements for their friends to stay and he couldn't wait to have all of them together again.
He and Inder were getting along better than before. They had spoken to eachother on the phone a few times and things had been polite and smooth ………until the day he called him to let him know about the party. Irritation stemmed again as he thought about the last phonecall. Before Milind could even finish what he had been saying, Inder had refused.
"No, Milind. What is the need to have another party now? You can throw parties after you get married. There are a lot of rituals before marriage and Prachi won't be able to attend the party", he had said immediately.
Though irritated, Milind had explained patiently that he had already promised his friends and had spoken to Prachi as well. It was from both of them and Prachi's presence was much needed and that the marriage rituals were starting only much later than the day he had picked up for the party.
"Milind, I don't like the sound of this party and that too it will go on till late. Even Neev won't be here then. How can I let Prachi stay out so late at night? Neev will be here a few days later. Why don't you have your party then?" Inder had said.
Milind's hand had gripped the phone harder and his eyes had narrowed dangerously. What was he implying now? "Prachi doesn't need Neev when I am with her, Uncle. Don't forget that she is marrying me and not Neev. She will be safe with me. And I don't work around Neev's schedule" Milind had said cuttingly.
There was a long silence from the other end. Realising how his words must have sounded, Inder backed down, "That's not what I meant, Milind. I know she will be safe with you. I just don't want her to stay out so late", he had said.
Milind had let out a frustrated sigh. "I will bring her back as soon as the party finishes", he had said.
They hadn't spoken again and he hadn't said a word about that to Prachi. Prachi had been so glad that her father had agreed for her to go. When she had asked him what she should wear, Milind had just smiled, "You will look good in anything, sweetheart. It's up to you. I am fine with whatever you are comfortable in" he had said softly. It had been weeks since he saw her and he couldn't wait to see her.
He never suspected anything when Vicky turned up in London a few days before he was flying back to India. Vicky whisked him off to Prague on Friday evening on the pretence of meetings on Saturday morning. Milind frowned when their limo stopped at a secluded holiday resort villa. Vicky just smiled at him as they walked into the beautiful house. A loud scream went up as soon as Milind entered and he stood stunned as he saw that every one of his close friends was there. He understood immediately and grinned at the screaming men around him.
Vicky slapped his shoulder, "Get ready for the wildest stag weekend in history, Bro. I promise you that you won't be able to recognise yourself by Sunday evening", he winked grinning wickedly.
And true to his word, it had been. They had done everything that goes with a stag party and had hit every bar and club and boozed themselves sick. Saturday night was even wilder in the villa with everyone dressed in a Borat mankini. Being the stag, Milind wore a crown too. That night Milind swore to himself that he would throw a nude stag party for Vicky and make him beg for mercy. When he and Vicky dragged themselves back to London, they surely didn't recognise themselves. Both their parents were appalled by their state and gave a severe dressing down. They were too asleep on their feet to even understand a word. Later that night, they had laughed silly over dinner, remembering all they did. If word was let out, it truly would have been the wildest stag party in history.
Though he had censored quite a bit, Milind's narration of their party had made Prachi blush furiously. "Ewwwwwwwwwww, dirty men and their dirty ways", she said into the phone and made a face, unable to believe that they could party like that. Thank god, her father doesn't know any of this. As she scrolled through some photos that Milind had sent, she wondered how Inder would react if he saw any of these. Milind had just laughed heartily at her words.
Shweta and Shreya were back in Chennai, busy overlooking the wedding arrangements. Milind had returned to Chennai too. Prachi was unable to meet him as he was busy at work. The party was only two days away and she had decided that she would wear the same peach coloured gown that she had worn when Milind taught her to dance in Ooty. She didn't have any other gown that was suitable to wear for a party. She knew that her parents were spending a lot of money for her and didn't want to ask them to buy her another dress. She was slightly apprehensive about the party itself as none of her other friends would be there. Lisa was still in Ooty along with her cousins and Pooja was away with her parents. She would be meeting almost all of his friends, even those who couldn't attend their engagement and most of all, Sally. She tried not to think about her too much. She hoped that she wasn't as beautiful as she looked in the photos. May be that she is extremely photogenic and looks very plain in person, she thought to herself hopefully. But she was very excited that it would be the first time she and Milind would be throwing a party together. Her father had extended her curfew time to 12 midnight and she sincerely hoped that the party would wind up by then and didn't say anything to Milind.
Inder took the life up to Milind's penthouse carrying bags that Premlatha had sent with him. She had giftpacked the suits that they had bought for Milind, along with sweets and other goodies. But both Shweta and Shreya were out of the city and Milind invited him to come home. Inder smiled at Eva as she led him to the lounge. Seated comfortably, Inder looked up to see Brute standing close to the stairs, eyeing him warily. They both stared at each other for a minute and without even a bark, Brute turned his head away, ignoring him completely. "Even his dog has an attitude", Inder silently fumed irked by the way Brute ignored him. He sipped his coffe when a very husky laughter alerted him and he looked up and just stared. Is she some sort of a movie star from Hollywood? Inder thought to himself. People don't look like that in real life! Even Inder couldn't help appreciating the stunningly beautiful girl coming down the stairs. Her vibrant yellow short summer dress showed off her long legs to perfection, her blond hair cascaded down in luxuriant waves and blue eyes sparkled as she laughed. Inder's eyes narrowed at her possessive hand on Milind's arm as they walked down the stairs together.
Welcoming Inder warmly, Milind quickly introduced Sally. Inder smiled politely and shook her hand. He frowned slightly as she sat close to Milind, her long legs almost touching his. The converstion between the three of them were polite and general, when he heard the unmistakably throaty giggled, "Hellooo, Mr. Shah", came the husky voice and Inder almost jumped out of his seat. Dressed in shorts and an orange t-shirt, stood Micky. Inder stuttered over his hello and busied himself in conversation with Milind. Without taking his eyes off Inder, Micky walked slowly towards him and sat next to him. Ignoring him completely, Inder kept his eyes away from him, uncomfortable with the way Micky was looking at him.
As Eva served them more coffee, Milind turned to Sally, "I will ask Eva to unpack your stuff, Sal. You freshen up before dinner" he said.
Inder frowned even more. Is she staying here at Milind's home but why? Even his mother is not at home, he wondered to himself. Looking at his expression, Milind quickly explained, "Sally and Micky came earlier than planned. Their suites were booked only from tomorrow. Instead of moving into another hotel room, I have asked them to stay here", he said.
Inder nodded slowly, his eyes glued on sally's hand on Milind's arm and the way she was leaning so close to him. He turned to Micky as he felt him touch his arm, "I am so glad to see you again, Mr. Shah. I did think of you a lot in the past few weeks", Micky said softly. Swallowing a curse, Inder got up abruptly. Asking Milind to convey his greetings to his mother and mausi, he left, nodding curtly to his friends.
Walking to Micky, Milind touched his shoulder, "Micky, he is too old for you and he is a happily married man. He has a beautiful wife and I am marrying his daughter. So, behave and back off" he said warningly.
Micky's face fell, "He really is quite sexy", he sighed.
Laughing, Sally looped her arm in his, "Come on, sister! Cheer up. You will get to meet more handsome men of your age. Leave poor Mr. Shah alone. You literally chased him away", she kissed him on the cheek.
Laughing, Milind put his arm around Micky's shoulder, "Come on, Buddy! Let's get ready for dinner. Vicky will be here soon" he said and walked away with his friends.
Premlatha looked at Inder worried as he paced their bedroom. "I just can't stand his friends, Premlatha. What does that say about him? Haven't you heard of the saying 'A man is known by the friends he keeps'. And that girl, she looks more like a Barbie doll than a real girl. You should have seen the way she was sitting next to him, holding on to him. This is what I was worried about. Him and all such girls around him! And she is staying there tonight. There are no elders at home. His mother and mausi are out of the city. Why can't he book another room for them?" Inder fumed.
Prachi, who was about to enter their room, stopped still. Who was this girl and why is she staying at Milind's place? Before she could walk in, she heard her mother ask, "Who is she, Inder? Does she really look beautiful?"
Inder turned to her, "Premlatha, believe me when I say this. She looks like one of those movie stars, absolutely gorgeous. And what did he call her, …..haan, Sal…. Her name is Sally and she is one of his close friends. I am just wondering how close", he said nastily.
Prachi took a step back immediately. Sally!!! She is here, already! But she was going to come tomorrow along with her boyfriend. Why is she here now and why is she staying with Milind? She walked back to her room and sat down. Does Milind really call her "Sal"? She thought to herself.
The noise was horrendous when Milind's phone rang. The TV was blaring loudly and Milind shouted over the noise, "Hello" and smiled widely on hearing Prachi's voice. "Guys, excuse me for a minute. Sal, you carry on. I will join you shortly", he said and walked into the terrace garden. "Hey sweetheart, sorry! I was going to call you too" he said soflty.
Prachi fumed silently. He would have thought about her only after hearing her voice. That 'Sal' seems to be keeping him busy. Unaware of Prachi's thoughts, Milind continued, "Micky is causing a riot, as usual and Vicky has joined him too", he laughed.
Oh, Was Micky there too? And Vicky too! Feeling better, Prachi asked, "But Milind, you were expecting your friends only tomorrow, right?"
"Yes, honey. Mark had to postpone his trip due to some urgent work. He is going to miss the party too but will come here a few days later. Sally and Micky arrived early and both of them are staying here tonight. We won't hit the bed any time soon. So, Vicky is staying here for the night", he explained.
Prachi smiled at his tone. They are sure going to have a riot. So, Mark is busy with work. How convenient! She thought nastily but chided herself immediately over her thoughts.
"Hey, I can't wait to see you, Cherry. It's been so long", said Milind huskily.
A shy smile lit up Prachi's face, "Yes, Milind. I missed you so much", she said longingly.
Her face fell as she heard a sexy voice in the background, Milind….darling…..Dinner is getting cold. Come soon".
"I won't keep you, Milind. Dinner seems to be getting cold", she said sulkily.
Milind laughed, "Come off it, Prachi. Your father met Sally today, you know. She really can't wait to see you" he said.
I bet she can't! thought Prachi. Wishing him a good night, she let him go and sat down on her bed and sulked more. Even her father thought sally to be gorgeous. Her eyes fell on the peach gown and stood up. She is not going to wear that. She needed something better.
Half an hour later and all her clothes, scattered on the bed, Prachi sat down dejected. She couldn't find anything better. She only had salwars and jeans and tops or sarees. No, she is going to turn up looking so plain and horrible in front of all his beautifully dressed friends. Especially Sally! She knew that Sally will somehow outshine everyone else. But Prachi wanted to look her best too. It was another few minutes later, that Inder walked into her room and found her in tears.
Shocked at the completely messed up room, he touched her shoulder, "Prachi……beta, what's wrong?" He jumped back when Prachi let out a loud wail.
"I have nothing to wear, Papa. Nothing at all! All his friends are going to laugh at me at the party. What am I going to do?" she sobbed.
Inder looked bewildered, "But Prachi, you were going to wear that gown, aren't you?" he said. He moved two steps back as she wailed even louder.
"I don't want to wear that. I am going to look like a behenji at the party" she sobbed.
Inder looked at her worriedly, "Huh..huh…I am going to get your mother, Prachi. She might know what to do" he hurried down to find his wife.
As expected, Premlatha got the situation back in control in no time. Rubbishing Prachi's worry about expenses, she decided that they would go shopping the next day and buy the perfect dress for Prachi. Quickly cleaning up the room, she kissed her daughter's forehead and wished her goodnight. Walking into their bedroom, she smiled at a worried looking Inder, "Don't worry, Inder. Prachi is perfectly fine. She only wanted to look her best. Afterall, it's the first time they are throwing a party together", she said.
Prachi slipped her fishnet stockinged feet into her new shoes and looked at herself in the mirror. The midnight blue dress fitted her like a second skin. The luxurious silk draped around her bodily dreamily. Sleeveless, but completely modest with wide shoulder straps and with not even a glimpse of a cleavage, it flared below her waist and ended just at her knees. She was wearing a bracelet and earrings from the diamond set that Milind had given her and the heart shaped pendent in her neck shone brightly catching the light. She had curled her hair slightly and applied light makeup. She looked really good and happily she ran downstairs. Though Inder frowned at her dress, he kept quiet and a very excited Prachi rushed to the car. Milind had sent the driver to pick her up. He was waiting for her when the car pulled to a halt. Prachi blushed on seeing the look in his eyes as he took in her appearance appreciatively. Milind's eyes roamed over her and stayed at her legs. The peep skin show through the fishnets was enough to drive him wild and he struggled with a sudden need to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. No, her lipstick would look more than just smudged then, he thought with a smile. "It was worth all the trouble", Prachi thought happily as he kissed her hand complementing on her dress He looked very handsome too, the crisp white of his shirt against his black dinner suit, highlighting his rugged looks. Her eyes drank his appearance hungrily. It had been so long since she saw him. Holding her by her waist, he walked into the empty ball room in his hotel, where the party was organised. With its own bar, and opening out to the big garden, it was an ideal venue. Vicky was already there and welcomed her warmly.
The party was in full swing and Prachi was enjoying herself to the hilt. His friends were fantastic and she was soon welcomed into their group. Hands linked with Mililnd's, she went around shrugging off her initial shyness. The only thing, Prachi was not comfortable about was all the hugging and kissing around her. Everyone seemed to kiss every one else. A peck on the cheek was more like a handshake and she shifted uncomfortably as Milind got quite a few pecks on his cheek and tight hugs. His friends seemed to have understood her reluctance and apart from a few casual hugs, they stopped with just shaking hands. Milind looked at Prachi proudly as she laughed with a group of his friends. She looked absolutely beautiful and her shy smile just added to her beauty. He knew that his friends were impressed. They didn't get to interact with her much during the engagement and this was a much needed evening. Placing his hand on her waist, he pulled her close and kissed her softly on her forehead. Blushing at the public display, Prachi moved away from him slightly.
A collective gasp went around the room as all eyes turned to the door. Even Prachi gasped as her eyes fell on the most ecquisite thing she had ever seen. On the top of the short stairs stood Sally, wearing a shimmering silver grey dress which ended above her midthigh. The deep neck showed a tantalising cleavage. Her porceline skin, highlightened by the lights in the room, literally shone, her blond long hair cascaded in gentle waves. A wide diamond studded bracelet and earrings glinted on her skin and her feet was clad in the highest heeled shoes that Prachi had ever seen. She sashayed down the stairs aware of the effect she was causing.
Walking straight to Milind, she put her arms around his neck and reached up to kiss his cheek, "Hey handsome, Sorry for being late", her lips moved sexily as she said huskily.
Milind smiled at her, "Liar, you wanted to make an entrance. And wow, what an entrance. You look absolutely gorgeous, honey", he said and kissed her on the cheek.
Prachi pulled herself together as Milind turned to her. Pulling her closer to him, he smiled, "Prachi, meet Sally, my friend. And Sally, this is Prachi, my finacee and the girl who stole my heart".
Warmed up by his brilliant smile and his loving eyes, Prachi extended her hand, "Hello Sally, nice to meet you", she said simply.
Sally looked at her and shook her hand slowly, "Same here, Prachi". She moved closer to blow air kisses near her cheeks, "I envy you, Prachi. You managed to steel that one heart which most of the girls in this room were after……including me" she said softly near her ear.
Prachi bit back a gasp and moved closer to Milind who instinctively put his arms around her. Prachi felt a pang deep in her. What did she mean? And why should she look so gorgeous? Though the look in Milind's eyes assured her, she suddenly felt bereft. All the effort she put in dressing up seemed to be nothing in front of this gorgeous creature. Hiding her feelings, she struggled to look normal. Prachi was glad when Micky joined them.
Eyeing Sally sulkily, "Well, aren't you looking stunning?" he said in a huff.
Laughing merrily, Sally looped her arm in his, "Not better than you, sister. I love your tie, Micky", she traced his tie with micky mouse prints.
A beaming Micky, kissed her cheek, "Now you know why I love you so much. Let's party, Sal", he pulled her along happily.
It didn't take long for the party to get noisier. Drinks flew freely and music blarred. Slowly people were getting onto the dance floor. Milind handed Prachi her soft drink and sipped his cocktail.
Sally's voice sounded close to them, "Don't tell me you don't drink, Prachi", she looked at her in disbelief. She placed her hand on Milind's arm, "Aww, poor Milind, what a mismatch? You know Milind loves his booze", she said to Prachi.
Before Prachi could think of a suitable reply, Milind laughed, "Someone will have to stay sober, Sal. So, ours is a perfect match. Made for eachother", he said and kissed Prachi's forehead, "Aren't we, sweetheart?" he asked softly and Prachi smiled shyly at him, nodding softly.
Her eyes caught a laughing Sally's and she was stunned at the coldness in them. Her laughter never reached her eyes as she stared back at Prachi with loathing. Prachi looked away quickly.
Dragged by Vicky, Milind discarded his coat and pulled Prachi to the dance floor. Everyone cheered as she moved slowly with him to the soft music, her eyes lost in his. Placing her hands around her neck, he pulled her closer to him. His hands splayed on her wrist and his thumb caressed just under her breasts. Prachi gasped and tried to move away but he held her still and close. "You take my breath away, Cherry", his voice was husky with longing and Prachi's face flamed. As he pulled her more closer, she rested her head against his chest. Smiling, Milind bent down to place a soft kiss on her head, his hands tightening around her.
Holding her glass, Sally watched them. She couldn't believe that Milind could fall for this shy, normal Indian girl. Though she looked pretty, Sally knew that she couldn't hold a torch next to herself. She expected a better threat, but this wisp of a girl was nothing. Poor thing, she couldn't even come up with a suitable reply for her lashes. How sweetly innocent! She thought nastily. Watching them together, it suddenly hit her and she was even more shocked. Their body language was painfully obvious. The way she moved away from Milind shyly everytime he touched her…..No…..it can't be. And they were in love for so long and still they haven't……It was hard to believe that Milind of all people would fall for the age old thing…….virginity and innocence. Bham, so that was the catch. That innocent looking thing is cleverer than she thought. The music picked up speed and the beat changed. Bodies were swaying much faster and as she watched Prachi's steps faltered. Milind quickly moved away from the dance floor, holding her close. Sally's eyes followed them. Oooooooohhhh, so sweet pretty Prachi can't dance, she thought to herself. Let me show her who she is up against. With a toss of her blond hair, she walked towards the dance floor purposefully.
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
