Hello girls, i have become a goldie 🥳. On this happy occasion I am giving you an ultra looooooong update. I am eagerly waiting for your reaction for this update and expecting quite a few jhootis and chappals 😉 😆. Cheers 😃
Part 41
"Mama……….Papaaaaaaaaaaa", Prachi ran towards them with a squeal and hugged her mother and father. Premlatha ran her hand over Prachi's head lovingly. Her heart lifted up in joy on seeing her daughter. Holding her close, Inder struggled with a mixture of emotions. Patting her head lovingly, he blinked away the tears forming in his eyes. Joy on seeing her was also laced with disappointment and anger. Effectively masking his feelings, he smiled at her and chatting casually he walked to their car, his eyes not missing Neev's grim face and his struggle to answer normally to Premlatha's questions. As Prachi chatted on enthusiastically, the drive was quick and after dropping Neev at his house, they reached home right in time for dinner. After a quick dinner, Premlatha sat on her daughter's bed lovingly caressing Prachi's head lying on her lap. She was smiling on hearing the stories from Ooty and she was glad that Prachi had a wonderful time there. Tucking the duvet around a sleeping Prachi, she kissed her forehead and turning off the lights, she walked out and closed the door softly behind her.
Neev tossed and turned sleeplessly, a riot of thoughts going in his mind. He was rudely awakened to the reality and with a heavy heart he accepted that Prachi was not only attracted to Milind but have also fallen in love with him. He understood that on the day of Lisa's wedding when they had a show down in Lisa's garden but had adamantly denied it in his mind. But today, hearing Milind's name on a sleeping Prachi's lips had been like a slap on his face and his eyes moistened. What was he going to do now? Would Prachi agree for the wedding now? He has built too many dreams and breaking out of them would be simply impossible. His face hardened. He will have to make Prachi understand that life is not such fantasy and the dreams that she has been harbouring lately can never become real. Milind would simply move on to the next girl he fancies and start flirting with her in no time at all. He is a man who wouldn't hesitate to play with a innocent girl's feelings and Prachi had become his latest victim. His lips curled in distate and anger. He could have picked up on any girl but why Prachi? Why she, the girl that Neev has fallen in love with and all set to marry soon? And Prachi, was her feelings for him so shallow that she was so easily swayed by Milind's charms? He punched the pillow in frustration and anger. No…..he will not sit back and let Milind spoil both his and Prachi's lives. He and Prachi were destined to be together and he will make her see this. He was willing to put this little disturbance in their life behind him and move on. He may not have Milind's flirty ways but he would make Prachi understand his deep and true love. He was confident that Prachi would come out of her fantasy and go ahead with their wedding wholeheartedly.
Milind and Vicky were still partying hard with their friends and It had already gone past 3 am. Dragged along by Sally, they are attending a birthday party thrown by one of their close friends. Armed with booze and loud music, the party had turned wild after midnight and they were all still going strong. Young men and women and a deserted house with neighbours a few miles away was a very lethal combination and the music was blarring loudly. But with no one around to complain there was nothing to stop them. Dancing among friends, Milind smiled at Sally. He was very uncomfortable when he met her in the afternoon but he was getting worked up for nothing. She had been such a star, very friendly and very chatty and even Vicky welcomed her company. As he flopped on a near-by armchair, Sally perched herself on the arm of the chair and continued talking. With the loud music in the background, it was impossible to have a conversation and with a grimace, she pulled him away from the noise and walked towards the garden. The freezing cold december air was kept out successfully by the heated conservatory and they sat on the sofa contently stretched out. Conversation flew easily as they filled in on each other on the last couple of months. Milind was glad to hear that Sally was seeing one of the guys from their group and it looked slightly promising.
Cocking her head to one side, Sally purred in her sexy voice, "So, Milind, are indian girls living up to your expectations?", she asked him his fingers resting against the sleeve of his t-shirt.
Milind grabbed at the opportunity to fill her in about Prachi. "Forget girls, Sally. Its just one girl, who is way beyond my expectatios. I never believed that dreams could turn into reality until I met her. Now she has become everything to me,……. She is my love, my life…….my Prachi", his voice trailed away huskily and Sally jerked up, her eyes narrowing.
Desperate to know more, she asked him to tell her everything about Prachi and her face reflected the growing disbelief and shock she was experiencing on hearing Milind's words. She couldn't believe that Milind would have such strong feelings for a girl. She had waited and planned this evening so thoroughly and now Milind's words had shook her badly. She closed her eyes, masking the pain in them. She had hoped that Milind would feel slightly jealous that she was seeing another guy. She had always kept in touch with him even when she was in the States and when she got back to London, she had seriously hoped that they could take up where they had left before. And the last time they met at the club, he seemed to be interested as well before Vicky came and pulled him away. Now, Its been just a couple of months and he is declaring his deep love for another girl. Prachi……… the name itself grated on her. What did Milind see in a conservative indian girl? Whoever that Prachi was, she definitely can't be more beautiful and sexy that her, she thought nastily.
Unaware of her thoughts, Milind continued, "I am glad that things are looking good for you, Sally. Life does become very beautiful when you find the perfect person to share it with.
Managing a small smile, Sally stood up suddenly and swayed. Quick to support her, Milind looked at with concern. "Are you alright? Too many alcohol, dear. I think you should hit the bed. Which room are you bunking in tonight? Let me take you there", saying he walked the way she pointed, holding her around her shoulders.
Once inside the room, Sally leaned against the closed door and looked at Milind closing the curtains. Swaying slightly she walked towards him and put her hands around him and looked into his surprised eyes, "I missed you, Milind", she said softly. As Milind smiled at her, she moved closer and pressed her body against his, "Don't you think that the time we spent together in school were the most beautiful days? They were for me", she said her voice husky with longing.
Frowning, Milind moved her away from her and looked at her concerned about how drunk she was. She seemed to be steady when they were chatting before now she is slurring like a drunk. Smiling at her, he said kindly, "Sally, that was eight years ago. A very long time dear and we both have moved on. Just get some sleep now" and turned to go and was shocked when Sally's hands tightened around his body stopping him.
"Moved on, Milind?.......", she gave a harsh laugh. "To be honest, I really tried. I lost count on the boys I dated in my new school but nothing lasted for long. You know why? Because no one could match up anywhere near you", ignoring the shocked look on his face, she lifted her hand to caress his face, "My first love……". Completely stunned, Milind looked at her incredulously. She laughed at the look on his face, "But now, I am getting there, Milind. This new guy is a dream……..", she leaned her head on his shoulder and giggled.
Milind visibly relaxed and let a breathe out that he hadn't even realised he was holding. "Thank god for that", he thought to himself and patted her head. "I am very happy for you, Sally. You deserve it. Now get some sleep. We can talk about all that later", he pushed her gently towards the bed.
With a grimace, Sally got into the bed and pulled the duvet over her. She reached out and held his hand as he turned to go, "Stay here, Milind".
He turned and looked at her with unreadable eyes. Removing her hand gently, he bent down to pat on her cheeks, "I have to go now, Sally. Sleep tight".
As her eyes closed slowly, he stood looking at her for a full minute before turning around and walking out of the door with a thoughtful look on his face.
Sally opened her eyes as soon as she heard the door close. Sitting up against the headrest of the bed, she hugged the cushion close. Tears threatened to spill out of her eyes and she brushed them furiously with the back of her hand. "You never understood, Milind and you never will", she said slowly to herself and leaned back and closed her eyes as pain and anger washed through her.
Milind bumped against Vicky as he was walking back to the party lounge. Steadying him, Vicky looked at him sternly, "Where were you and where is Sally?".
Still lost in thoughts, Milind looked at him vaguely, "huh…. I took Sally to her room. She has just hit the bed".
Vicky's grip tightened on his arm and he looked at him furiously, "What the hell is going on Milind?", he bit out.
Realisation dawned on Milind about what his brother was thinking and he shook his head quickly, "No, Vicky. Not what you are thinking. Don't be ridiculous. We were just talking and then she was swaying and slurring. So, I walked her to her room and ……" and frowned again.
Relaxing visibly, Vicky looked at him concerned, "And…..and what Milind?".
"She called me, her first love", Milind said looking at Vicky.
Vicky laughed softly, "You had me literally worried stiff for a second. Of course, you were her first love. We all knew that. It was so clear on her face for all to see and the way she followed you around like a lovesick puppy. You were the only one who was blind".
"Oh…….", said Milind softly and Vicky slapped his shoulders, "Anyway, its all water under the bridge. She is seeing Mark now and I heard that things are looking good".
"Yes, she told me that", nodded Milind and wished Mark had been at the party tonight.
"And I told her about Prachi", he smiled at Vicky who nodded in approval.
"That's good. See there is nothing to worry about now. The alcohol might have loosened her tongue, that's all. Now, lets get going, Milind. We have a board meeting to attend at 3 pm", Vicky said and walked out with a relieved looking Milind.
Falling on his bed, Milind still couldn't shrug off the uneasiness that he had felt after the conversation with Sally. He raked his hands through his hair and looked at his watch. It had gone past six and he wondered what Prachi would be up to. Wanting to hear her voice badly, he picked up the phone and dialled her number.
Prachi frowned at the shrill of her mobile phone. She had just finished showering and was towelling herself vigorously. Holding the towel around her, she peeped out of the bathroom. Retrieving her phone, her face broke into a brilliant smile on seeing Milind's name. Heart pumping with happiness, she said, "Hello", almost breathlessly.
"Hmmm, lazy bones, are you still in bed?", the familiar drawl made her giggle.
"No, I got up very early this morning….at 10 am", she said smiling naughtily making him chuckle.
"Lucky you, I haven't even hit the bed yet", Milind smiled and held the phone away from his ears as she shrieked.
"What? It would be six in the morning there, right? What were you doing all night then?", Prachi said in disbelief.
"Chill baby, I was at a party and danced the night away. And I wanted to hear your sweet voice before I can get some sleep. I have to attend a meeting in the afternoon", he said stiffling a yawn.
"Milind, Why do you do this? What is the need to stay up all night? You only reached London a day before and you will be flying out tomorrow again. How can you jet around the world like this without getting proper sleep?", she chided him, concern etched in her features.
Milind smiled at her words. This was exactly what he wanted to hear. Her concern for him always worked like an energy tonic. "Can you blame me, Cherry? My bed feels so lonely without you", he drawled huskily and she blushed at his words.
Her bed had felt lonely too. "I miss you", she said softly and gave a shriek and held her slipping towel tighter around her body.
Intrigued, Milind asked, "What was that?".
Adjusting the phone, Prachi replied, "Nothing, my towel just slipped. I had just finished showering when you called. You know, Neev has been so sweet. He came with a big bunch of flowers this morning and appologised for being such a pain. We are meeting our old friends and going out to a movie and then some dinner later…", she replied rapidly.
Milind's ears piqued at her words and he interrupted her, "Hey, did you just say that your towel slipped?"
Nodding, Prachi continued, "Yes and I am still struggling to figure out what I should wear".
Milind closed his eyes, his imagination running wild and he groaned loudly, "God, Prachi, you are such a heartless girl. How can you torture me like this, sweetheart?", he complained and dropped his voice lower, "Are you really wearing nothing else?".
Realisation dawned on Prachi and she gasped aloud, "Chiiiiiiiii, Milind, you are so dirty", her cheeks flamed and she closed her eyes. "No…..stop right there. Don't you dare imagine anything", her voice was way huskier and Milind chuckled.
"You have no idea what all I am imagining, sweetheart", he drawled. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, see her blush and bury her face in his chest. His heart constricted with longing. What colour was her towel and how will it look against her warm, wet skin, he thought and felt the heat raise up within him and groaned again trying to stop his wayward thoughts.
Prachi clutched the phone harder. His breathing and groans told her exactly what he was imaging and she went crimson. She longed to be in his arms, feel his lips on hers, his hands on her skin. She let out a shuddering sigh. What has he done to her? She couldn't believe that she was having such wanton thoughts. She shut her eyes tightly.
Her silence told him that she wasn't immune to such thoughts either and he smiled to himself. "I will let you get dressed, Prachi. Go out and enjoy yourself and baby…I miss you", he said softly and Prachi's eyes filled with tears.
"Get some sleep, Milind and take care of yourself", she said huskily and blew a soft kiss.
Milind smiled, "Another one", he asked in a eager voice and smiling shyly, Prachi blew another kiss.
"Great. That will keep me going all day", he smiled and asked her suddenly serious, "Prachi, how is everything at home? Any problems at all?".
Quick to assure him, Prachi said, "No, Milind. Everything is fine. Papa didn't ask me anything. Now that Neev has also appologized, all is well", she chirped happily.
Milind smiled and warning her to be still careful about what she says to Neev and blowing her a few kisses, he hung up. Soon, he fell into a deep sleep, with a smile on his lips and his mind busy dreaming about his Prachi wrapped in a towel.
Sleep was the last thing on Vicky's mind too as his fingers typed busily on the keyboard and a smile played on his lips. He chuckled on reading Pooja's message and thinking for a second, typed again. He was excited to see her online as soon as he reached home and tried his luck to get her to chat with him and It had worked so well. Now they had been chatting for almost an hour. He had called her on pretence of discussing work as soon as he reached London. But within a few minutes of business talk, the rest of the converstion was friendly and chatty. Now they are just continuing where they had left yesterday.
Pooja leaned back in her chair and sighed softly. She had just come off chatting with Vicky. She marvelled at the easy friendship they had fallen into. She was getting increasingly drawn towards him and that scared her. She chided herself for sounding so concerned about his all night partying. What would he think of her?, the very though made her go pink. He did thank her for her concern, she thought shyly. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she went on to concentrate on the work at hand, which she had conveniently ignored for the last one hour.
Neev was whistling happily as he waited for the icecream cones. Looking back, he saw Prachi laughing among their friends and he smiled to himself. The past few days had been bliss. They had so much time together though in a group but Neev wasn't complaining. Prachi had forgiven him easily and was back to her normal self with him. There had been not much talk about Milind and Ooty and it suited him fine. They had been to the movies almost everyday and had dinner or lunch outside with friends. Even their old friends were quite amazed with a laughing and chatting Prachi. The change in her was so obvious as they were all used to a quiet and demure Prachi.
He and Inder had a long talk and he had told him about the way Milind was flirting with Prachi and his concerns about the wedding. Inder's face had turned grim on hearing about Milind but he had quickly assured Neev that he knew his daughter so well and there is nothing to worry about as she had already agreed to the wedding. Neev had felt very happy to know that Inder was actually thinking of agreeing to Niharika's wishes for an early wedding. Now, it was up to him to make Prachi understand his feelings towards her and he was glad that he was getting somewhere.
Walking back to their group, he sat close to Prachi and relaxed back enjoying the cool sea breaze. They were at the beach on the way to dinner. They were going to an Italian restaurant picked by Prachi, surprising her friends as they knew that Italian food had never been her favourite.
"Chalo, Neev, let's get going. I don't want to go home late again", said Prachi pulling his arm. She hadn't spoken to Milind after that morning and had only received a text message that he had reached the skiing resort in Canada. The reception wasn't great on the slopes and he had got cut off a few times when he called her yesterday. She was sure that he would call again tonight and wanted to be home for a nice long cosy chat with him. Dinner had been nice and quick and much to Prachi's frustration, they stopped at another friend's house for a quick coffee on the way home.
Seated in the lounge, Neev was flicking over the latest international gossip magazine and he jerked up, eyes brightening and a small satisfied smile on his lips. He couldn't believe his luck. Time and again, he had tried passing remarks on the lifestyle of the rich and famous and the easy way they change their partners and the fast party culture in abroad and Prachi had always put him down with some cutting remarks effectively shutting him up. Armed with the magazine, he walked towards Prachi who was standing impatiently near the car.
"Neev, I told you that I wanted to go home early", she stared at him angrily and frowned on seeing him so engrossed in a magazine. "Are you even listening to me, Neev? What are you reading in this dim light, anyway?", walking towards him, she took a peek and just stared.
There was a gossip column about Milind Mishra and his latest fancy. Straining to read the words, her eyes widened in shock as her mind registered the hidden meaning behind those lines as they gave details about Milind getting cosy with a gorgeous blonde within days of returning home. The photographer had caught a smiling Milind and a blond girl whose face wasn't very clearly seen. Wearing the shortest dress possible, she was sitting close to Milind, her long legs touching his and her hand possessively curled around his arm. She was leaning on him, her face half turned towards his shoulder and Milind was looking at her smilingly.
Neev looked from the corner of his eyes at a very silent Prachi. Pretending to read the column for the first time, he read it aloud with raised eyebrows and the sarcastic note in his voice very evident, he said "Oh god, this guy doesn't waste even a day. Can you believe it, Prachi? He left India only a few day ago and he is already filling in the gossip columns. I must say that he does have a very interesting life".
Still not taking her eyes off the picture, Prachi muttered, "What a load of rubbish!!! These people have nothing better to print" and giving a careless shrug, she turned to walk away when Neev's voice stopped her.
"The girl is really hot. I wonder if she is the one they were talking about the other day. What was her name? ya…….Sally", he said as casually as he could.
Prachi whipped around to face him, her face betraying shock and disbelief, "Neev, how do you know, Sally?", Prachi's voice shook dangerously.
Still looking at the magazine, Neev shrugged carelessly, "Milind and Vicky were telling me about her the other day. She is a close friend of Milind and she keeps him busy and awake all night……..if you know what I mean…..", Neev's voice trailed off suggestively.
With a cunning smile, he looked up to see Prachi and literally staggered back at the stark pain and disbelief on her face. The friend in him, made him feel ashamed of himself for causing her so much pain but the other side of him argued that he was doing it for her own good.
Touching her shoulder gently, he said, "Come on, Prachi. Its getting late. Why should we waste our time talking about such characterless people? He is nothing but a flirt who takes girls for granted and he has proved it over and over time and again. So this is nothing new".
A violent shudder shook Prachi and she moaned softly reaching out to hold on to the car.
Worried now, Neev looked at her concerned, "Prachi, are you alright?".
Eyes closed, Prachi said softly, her voice laced with so much pain that even Neev was shaken by it, "Take me home, Neev………please".
