Hello everyone, merry X'mas to all of you. sorry for the delay in updating. Been down with cold and stuff and then very busy with work. Now I am going away for christmast to visit some friends. Another loooooooong update. I seem to carry on and on. Pls bear with me and hold on to your patience. cheers 😃
By the time Prachi reached the hospital, it was almost 9 am. Delayed by a severe traffic jam caused by an accident, it had taken them a long time to reach there. Without waiting for Neev, she ran up the stairs, her eyes taking in the security outside his room. As Vicky declined breakfast, Inder was bringing Premlatha later and some lunch. She leaned against the door taking in Milind's sleeping form.
Seeing her worried eyes, Vicky quickly assured her, "No, Prachi. He was awake for almost an hour. He has just dozed off. His observations are all fine. He is completely off oxygen now. The doctors are very hopeful", he said softly making her sit down.
Relief flooded inside Prachi as her fingers curled around Milind's softly. Neev left after some time after speaking to Vicky. Vicky's phone was constantly ringing with both business and personal calls. Milind's parents were on mid-flight and had called Vicky regularly regarding Milind's health. Feeling detached from all the hustle and bustle around her as the doctors and nurses did their timely checks, her eyes were glued on to Milind's still form, observing the steady rise and fall of his chest, the slight twich of his fingers, waiting for him to wake up.
Almost two hours later, Milind opened his eyes. "Milind…….Milind", choking with emotions, Prachi called his name softly, moving towards him. Her heart almost constricted painfully as he gave a slow smile, "Hey, sweetheart", he said softly and his fingers squeezed hers. Prachi choked on a sob, her hand rising to touch his cheek gently. "How are you feeling now, Milind? How is the pain?" she asked hurriedly, trying hard to sound steady. Still smiling, Milind gave a slight nod and turned to look at Vicky.
The next hour flew by as the team of doctors walked in to do their vital checks and again. Prachi stood next to Vicky nervously her eyes scanning the doctors' faces. Both of them sighed in relief as the doctors were satisfied. Milind took his first sips of water after almost a day. As the doctors left, Vicky made a dash to the coffee shop downstairs. Tired, Milind leaned back against the pillows. He looked at a wide eyed Prachi standing in the corner and nodded slightly. Prachi slowly walked towards him and sat perched on the side of his bed.
Milind smiled at her tenderly, "Don't be scared, Prachi. I am fine", he said softly.
With a choked sob, Prachi leaned against his chest; her hand carefully touched his cheek. The familiar heat of his body, the warmth of his breath against her hair was comforting in itself. He is going to be alright, she told herself. Nothing will happen to him. With difficulty, Milind raised his cannulated arm and stroked Prachi's head soothing her gently, his lips gently pressing against her forehead. He couldn't move much but was content just to touch her.
"I love you, darling", he whispered gently and Prachi closed her eyes, the fear that had gripped her since the day before, diminished slightly.
Carrying Lunch, Premlatha walked alongside Inder, her eyes apprehensively taking in the security outside his room as they were allowed inside. They both stilled taking in the scene in front of them. A number of emotions passed between them as they looked at each other and without a word, moved away from the door and sat down on the chairs outside the room. Walking up with cups of coffee, Vicky was surprised to find them there, "Why are you sitting outside, Uncle? You could have just gone inside", he said and Inder and Premlatha just smiled at him. Hearing his voice outside, Prachi quickly moved away from there and moved even further away as her parents walked in. Though well prepared, Premlatha was still shocked to see Milind. Teary eyed, she fussed around Milind like a mother hen and Milind welcomed it. Vicky was equally glad as Premlatha forced him to eat the food she had brought with her. After all those horrible hours he spent in that room, the normalcy of the warmth of a mother's love was very soothing.
After another couple of hours, Milind drank some soup. His tantrums started immediately after he was taken off IV fluids as the doctors were satisfied that he retained the food and not vomited. Though still tired and worn out, he demanded to be discharged and his arm to be taken off the sling. When his demands fell on deaf ears, he sulked and snapped at Vicky unnecessarily. Having known him too well, Vicky just ignored him but Prachi and her parents looked bewildered.
"Milind, the doctors haven't still declared that everything is safe. They only started you on some liquid food. How can you get discharged now? Just give it another day or two", Prachi reasoned with him and he only glared at her. Seeing his unforgiving stare, she sighed, "Why are you being so difficult, Milind?" she said softly.
"You haven't yet seen him being difficult, Prachi", a soft voice said behind her and Prachi turned around to see a very distressed but still elegant and beautiful Shweta standing at the door.
Milind's face lit up like a five year old's, "Mom", he called in surprise and beamed even more as Anand walked in, "Dad". Inder and Premlatha immediately got up from the chairs and moved back and Prachi joined them, standing close to her mother, her eyes wide on her face. Sheweta rushed to her son's side and tears streamed down her face, taking in his state. Her hands caressed his face as she sobbed.
With difficulty, Milind put his arm around her, "Calm down, mom. It's not as bad as it looks. I am okay", he said softly trying to comfort her.
Vicky moved in quickly and held her around her shoulders, "He is much better now, Mausi. He even drank some soup", he said gently and Shweta's sobs increased. Vicky was glad that Shweta didn't see Milind in the state he was in the day before. She would have fainted.
Milind looked up and smiled as he felt Anand's hand on his head. "So, that's why you started your tantrums, right?" Anand asked softly, his eyes brimming with tears, he bent down to kiss his son's forehead, his arm automatically holding Shweta close.
Milind placed his hand over his father's and smiled, "No harm in trying, Dad", he said and Anand squeezed his hand.
Still sobbing, Shweta looked up, her eyes full of complaints, "Why do you do this to us, Milind? You don't know how scared we were. You are so far away from home, son. There is no one here with you apart from Vicky. I can't see you like this", her sobs started afresh.
"I am sorry, Mom", Milind said softly.
Anand comforted Shweta, "Atleast he is out of danger, Shweta. We should be glad about that". Shweta nodded her head but her sobs continued.
Prachi closed her eyes in pain. It was all because of her and her stupidity and the whole family is suffering. She looked up at her father with her eyes full of tears as Inder placed a hand on her shoulder. He gently shook his head comforting his daughter. He and Premlatha had been equally moved on seeing Milind's parent's pain and distress. Standing in front of them was not one of the richest family in the world but just a normal family of loving parents. He looked at Premlatha with eyes full of worry and Premlatha's eyes mirrored his concern.
Calming down slightly, Shweta turned to Vicky and touched his face, "My poor child, God knows how you managed here, Vicky. Di and Jiju should be here soon, son. You look dead on your feet", she said concerned.
Anand placed his hand on Vicky's shoulder, "He would have gone through the worst trauma than Milind, Shweta. You need some rest, son", he said and a look passed between him and Vicky, which spoke volumes. Vicky had filled him in on every single thing about Milind's state the whole time, which Anand had carefully kept from Shweta. He had been worried stiff and the reassurance in Vicky's eyes told him that all is indeed well now. He relaxed visibly and Vicky just smiled at him with a slight nod of his head.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Prachi and his parents standing in the corner. Seeing him frown, Milind said softly, "Dad, that's Prachi and her parents".
Suddenly remembering Prachi, Shweta turned around and walked towards her. Her heart went out to the tearful and very distressed girl, "Prachi, I am so glad you weren't hurt in all that. Vicky told us what happened".
A sob broke out of Prachi, "I am sorry Aunty,……..Its my fault. If I had been more careful,…….If I hadn't been there in the first place……I am so sorry. I wish it was me who had got hurt", she sobbed.
Milind frowned at her words and before he could interrupt, Anand spoke. "Prachi, don't ever say that. You couldn't have imagined the pain it would have caused your parents. I can't see my son lying in the hospital bed like this but I am very glad that he did what he did, Prachi. Milind is going to be fine. Don't torture yourself like this, Child", he said gently, his eyes kind.
Shweta placed her hand on Prachi's head, "Yes, Prachi. Milind is going to be fine", she said and looked up at Inder and Premlatha and gave a small smile.
Relief and gratitude flooded inside Inder and Premlatha. The respect and awe Inder had always felt for Anand went up even more. He was genuinely a fantastic person and his wife was such a kind woman too. Teary eyed, Premlatha nodded, "Thank you".
Anand smiled at them, "I am so sorry that we are meeting in such a situation, Mr. Shah, Mrs. Shah. We are really thankful that you are here with our son. We really appreciate that", he said with heartfelt gratitude.
Inder quickly intervened, "No, Mr. Mishra. It is because of Milind that our daughter is safe. We are very grateful for that", he said his voice breaking with emotions. He had wondered how bad his parents would react but he was wrong.
Shweta's eyes fell on the lunch boxes on the table and she smiled at Premlatha, "I see that you had brought food, Mrs. Shah. Thank you for looking after our boys", she said and Premlatha held her hand. Milind looked at Vicky and a slow smile spread on their faces.
After a while, Anand turned to Vicky, "Go home and get some sleep, Vicky. Come back a bit late in the evening", he said softly.
"Yes, Vicky, you need some rest", Shweta said.
Vicky sighed and looked at Milind. He was so glad that his mausi and uncle were here but how can he leave Milind and go home! He shook his head.
Milind smiled at him. He needed some rest. "Go on, bro. I will be fine. Just come back soon" he said.
Vicky nodded unwillingly and turned to go. He stopped as Milind called him, "Vicky, I won't put you through his again, mate. I promise" Milind said softly.
Vicky just looked at him, "I will never forgive you if you do. You better keep that promise, bro", he said warningly. They smiled at eachother and Milind raised his fist to touch his playfully, "Come back soon", he said softly.
Tired out now, he lay down and closed his eyes and smiled as he felt Shweta's hand on his head, gently stroking.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable now, Inder looked at Anand who had just finished talking on the phone. "We should be leaving now, Mr. Mishra", he said slowly.
"Inderji", said Anand, "If I may call you that. Please call me Anand and this is Shweta. Calling eachother by our surnames seems way too formal", he said gently.
Inder and Premlatha smiled. "We have to leave now. Neev would be coming home soon", Premlatha said and held a wide eyed Prachi's hand, who was looking at the four of them with disbelief and apprehension.
"If you don't mind, Can I ask you to let Prachi stay here for sometime? We have a meeting with the doctors regarding Milind's health. Even Vicky is not here and I don't want to leave him on his own", shweta said to Premlatha, looking worriedly at her sleeping son. Agreeing with her, Inder and Premlatha left soon afterwards telling Prachi to come home early.
Left alone, Prachi stood next to Milind's bed, looking at him. She still couldn't believe whatever happened was real. Did their parents really talk to eachother the way she thought they had or had she been imagining things? Her fingers gently caressed away the hair locks on Milind's forehead, her heart filling with hope and unknown peace.
Shweta and Anand were very much relieved after talking to the doctors. Though they didn't think it was safe to discharge Milind for the next few days, they had completely ruled out head injury. His sling would be removed the next day as well. Shweta had immediately called her sister and told her not to come now but after a few days as Milind was out of danger. There was a huge charity dinner to be organized and her sister's presence was very much needed to fill her absence. She had smiled when they found Prachi sitting next to Milind's bed with her head resting against his hand. Prachi had moved away immediately on seeing them and her cheeks had reddened with embarrassment. Smiling at her kindly, they had just joined her to sit near Milind's bed. Prachi didn't stay much longer after that as she was feeling very self-conscious in front of his parents and left soon. After feeding Milind some more soup, they let him rest and sat back near the window.
Shweta rested her head against Anand's shoulder and stared into the night sky and sighed. As Anand's arm held her closer, she looked up at him, "Will he be back to normal soon, Anand?" she asked him and Anand nodded reassuringly. She sighed again and closed her eyes, "You and Milind are my world, Anand. If anything happened to either of you, I……I……." she sniffed, her fingers clutching hard at his shirt.
Anand placed a soft kiss on her head, "Nothing will happen to any of us, Shweta. Don't stress yourself thinking about all such things. Things will only get better from now on. Don't worry", he comforted her softly and kissed her head again.
"Guys, come on now. You have a grown up son in the room and I am tired of pretending to be fast asleep. No more kisses in the background", Milind complained dramatically.
Pulling herself away, Shweta walked to his bed, followed by a grinning Anand. "You know you can be such a moron, sometimes, Milind", he said shaking his head at his son.
Milind grinned back, "Yeah, Dad. Mom says that I take after you", he winked slightly and as pain shot up, he grimaced.
Though he feigned anger at his son's cheekiness, Anand was relieved to see the usual naughty side of Milind and smiling, Shweta patted her son's cheek. Milind looked at his parents. They looked absolutely exhausted and jet lagged.
"You two need some rest. Vicky should be here soon, Mom" and smiled as Vicky walked in right on cue. Leaving him with Milind, Shweta and Anand left for Milind's flat promising to be back early in the morning.
Inder couldn't stop praising Anand and Shweta and as Premlatha chirped in too, Prachi struggled to hide the lurch in her heart and flushed cheeks. She couldn't believe the turn of events one day could bring. Only yesterday she had felt that there was no life left in her but today, the day had brought her happiness, hope and unspoken promises. Her Milind was going to be alright. She felt it in her and thanked God for keeping him safe. Lisa had visited her late in the evening and she was even more grateful for her friend's presence. Lisa was very sorry for not being there when Prachi needed her the most as she was out of city with her in-laws. She had left soon but Prachi had felt even better.
Inder was touched by the way Milind's parents had spoken to Prachi. Their understanding and reassurance even when their son was lying there injured gave him proof of their kind nature. Almost of the same age, Inder had always been mighty impressed with Anand's hold on the business world and he and Pranay had discussed it to great lengths, but today the respect he felt for the man grew even more. He could only hope that his son also retained such qualities. Though Neev was relieved to hear Milind was out of danger, his smile faltered on hearing Inder and Premlatha's praises. So, his parents are here and they all have met eachother. What next? he wondered slightly. Whatever sorrow this incident had brought in, Neev could also see the changes it brought in Inder, changes in his opinion of Milind. To what extent, he didn't know but he did know that things have changed. He knew that he should be happy. He was, for the sake of Prachi, but his happiness was heavily laced with sorrow and heartache, that Neev struggled on seeing the telltale happiness in Prachi's eyes. He was human after all.
The next day, Prachi was completely relieved after seeing Milind out of his bed. He was very glad that his sling had come off and he smiled at Prachi as she walked in. Prachi's heart constricted on seeing the familiar lopsided smile that she had missed badly. Vicky was in an even better mood and he had teased Milind continuously as Milind had become the latest teen sensation after his heroic attempts to save his girlfriend and Prachi had blushed even more at his winks and remarks.
Premlatha had accompanied her as she didn't want Prachi to go on her own when his parents were around. Very pleased with Prachi's taste, Shweta exclaimed what a fantastic job she had done with the flat and Prachi flushed more because of her mother's curious looks. Premlatha was stunned to know that Prachi had decorated Milind's flat and beach house. When she told Inder later that night, he was equally stunned and fell into deep thought.
After almost a week, Milind was discharged from the hospital. Prachi had managed to submit her assignment. With more time in her hands, she missed Milind even more as Premlatha strictly forbade her from going to Milind's house when his parents were around and Shweta wouldn't let Milind out of the house and advised him to take complete rest. Prachi had to content herself from phoning Milind and it was nowhere enough. She hadn't been able to spend any time alone with him even in the hospital and she longed to meet him. Though Milind enjoyed being completely pampered by his parents and Vicky, he couldn't wait to get out and meet Prachi and the hours of the day moved way too slowly for him and he was getting restless.
It was exactly two days after Milind got discharged; Inder had a phone call from Anand wanting to meet him. They met for coffee that evening at a posh coffee house near the beach. Inder was getting increasingly anxious as he sipped his coffee in silence. Seated at the outdoor lounge, the sound of the sea and the crisp sea breeze was strangely calming.
Anand broke the silence first, "Inderji, I am sure you know why I wanted to meet you. We both know that Milind and Prachi are very much in love with eachother and want to get married. I and Shweta have no qualms against this relationship from our side because all we want is our son's happiness and we know that it is with Prachi. I understand that you are not very keen with this and have a few concerns", he said.
Inder sat up straight. He wondered how much Milind has told his father about all their earlier conversations and arguments.
Anand continued, "I understand that you are concerned about our status and the fact that we are from a different country. But for us, it doesn't matter. As I said, they love each other very much and that is all that matters", he said softly.
Inder cleared his throat, "Anandji, A successful marriage is not based on love alone. Compatibility plays a major role and I am worried that Prachi might not fit in. I have brought her up comfortably but nowhere near your standards. We don't even dream of your lifestyle. Compared to modern standards, Prachi has had a very strict and traditional upbringing. And no offense, but Milind's lifestyle is completely different. They are very young and they are not aware of the challenges that life might throw at them", Inder said.
Anand nodded, "I agree with all you said. But love forms a very strong foundation in a marriage and Milind and Prachi's love is strong. That will give them the strength to face anything together. As for Prachi fitting into our lifestyle, I agree that it won't be easy for her but she will have our full support. Marriage is a give and take relationship. Milind will take in Prachi's lifestyle too. And we are all there to guide them", he said.
Inder fell deep into thought. He knew what Anand was saying was true. Even Premlatha had come from a completely different background but they had adapted to eachother's lifestyle and formed a new one. Inder was even more shocked when Anand said that they wanted to get married straightaway and Prachi wanted to continue her studies through distance education. "But Anandji, she is very young. What is the hurry? They can get engaged now and get married after she completes her studies", Inder said desparately.
Anand held his eyes, "Inderji, as I said they are young and very much in love. Do you really think it is wise to put off their marriage for such a long time?" h asked slowly.
Inder took a double take as what Anand was trying to say dawned on him. They did seem to be very close and Prachi already has complete access to his home and his mind rewinded on all those incidents which told him the extent of their relationship and he shifted uncomfortably. Anand smiled, "Also, Prachi can continue her studies here. It will give her another year to adjust slowly into a different lifestyle. They will be visting us in London, of course, but I have no intention of calling Milind back home at the moment. He will be in India for a couple of years at least", he said.
Inder fell into even deeper thought, his mind going through Anand's words. They left after a long time and Inder promised to think about it and call him back as soon as possible. Anand understood that Milind had played it down about the issues Inder had regarding his marriage with Prachi. He realised that Inder doesn't approve of Milind and as his father, he was not happy. Anyone else would have fainted with joy and shock if he had asked for their daughter's hand for his son. But in a way, he understood Inder's fear and insecurities. Shweta's father had them too. He only wished that Inder would think it over and give his consent atleast for the sake of their children's happiness.
Prachi was looking at Lisa's wedding photos when her phone rang. Her fingers caressing Milind's smiling face in the photo, she picked up the phone and smiled on hearing his familiar drawl, "Hey cherry, missing me?"
"Way too much and I am looking at your photo now", she sighed. It had been days since she saw him.
"I miss you too, darling. You know, I excercised today, not too much just trying to get back in shape", he said.
Prachi frowned, "Exercising!! So soon, Milind! You are already in a fantastic shape. You can go without excercising for a few months", she said concerned if he might hurt himself.
Milind grinned, "I am glad you think so. I was a bit worried about losing my 6-pack Abs", he said naughtily.
Prachi blushed realising what he was pointing to. "Milind, stop teasing me", she whined.
Milind's voice dropped, "Sweetheart, this is nothing.You don't know what all awaits you", he said huskily sending shivers down her body.
"What do you mean?", she asked slowly.
Ignoring her question, he asked, "What are you planning to wear on Friday evening?"
Prachi was surprised, "No plans yet. But what is happening on Friday evening? Are we going out?" she asked eagerly.
"It is going to be one of the most important evenings of our lives, Prachi. We are not going out but we are coming to "see" you, me and my family", he said slowly.
Prachi's heart went into an overdrive, "What …….What do you mean?" she asked.
"You father has given his consent for our marriage, sweetheart. He has invited us for dinner on Friday evening. Hopefully, the date for our engagement would be finalised then", his voice was soft and husky.
Prachi's hand gripped the phone tightly. Papa has agreed. He has invited Milind's family for dinner… Engagement……Oh my God! Her face flamed and she closed her eyes tightly.
Milind leaned back with a smile. He could almost feel her blushes. He couldn't wait to see her. "Prachi……", he called softly.
"Milind…..Milind..are you sure?", Prachi stammered.
His smile grew even wider, "Yes darling, It's happening at last, Prachi".
Prachi hid her face in the pillow, her breathing gone haywire. Yes, it's happening atlast. "Milind", she whispered his name.
"Dress up for me, Prachi. Just for me. I can't wait to see you, my love", he said huskily. They were silent for a long time, each lost in the thoughts of one another. After a long time, Milind said "Good night, Cherry, until Friday".
Prachi sighed, "I love you, Milind".
Hearing her mother call her for dinner, Prachi struggled to compose her flushed face. She walked down slowly, eyes downcast.
"Prachi", Inder called her surprised to see her that way.
With a sob, she ran to him and hugged him, "Thank you, Papa. Thank you so much", she sobbed and with a smile Inder hugged her. His eyes met his wife's above Prachi's head and they smiled at each other. So, Milind had called already. Their smile grew wider.
Walking to the dinner table, Neev's steps faltered and his face betrayed shock and pain.
