Hello girls, I am waiting to see reaction for this update. Here comes Sally, so bring on the jhootis and rotten eggs. Enjoy. Cheers 😉
Part 82
Brute jumped up excitedly hearing Milind's whistle. He bounded up the stairs and jumped around him excitedly.
"Easy boy, we are going to do exactly what you wanted. Let's get some exercise now, shall we?" said Milind stroking behind his ears.
Dressed in shorts and t-shirt, Milind chased after Brute as he ran into the garden. He loved his early morning jogs and it has been days since he did it. After marriage he has started to prefer staying in bed with Prachi than getting out of it, he thought to himself with a grin. But who was complaining? He grinned again and pulled at Brute's leash as he increased his pace. He will have to attend a meeting at the office at midmorning. Tomorrow evening would be their wedding reception and his mom had made sure that everything was in perfect order. Having obtained everything before he even desired it, life had always been very good to Milind. But now it was perfect……with Prachi by his side. For the last couple of days, the poor girl had been running between her parents, him and his parents, trying to spend as much time with everyone as possible. Feeling sorry for her, he had eased himself out slightly, letting her be with their parents instead. Of course, he missed her. After spending the most blissful two weeks with her in utter privacy, he had to snatch time to spend with her now. Prachi was kept busy the whole day among the women, planning and shopping for the reception and the evenings were busy with family. By the time they retired to their room, she looked half asleep on her feet and Milind had to content himself in pulling her into his arms and going to sleep. Her parents were here only for a short time and once they leave, he promised to himself that he would take her away to spend some quality time with her. He slowed on seeing Inder walking towards him and greeted him with a smile.
Surprised to see Milind, Inder smiled back and scowled as Brute started to bark loudly. That silly dog had been giving him nasty looks from the minute he stepped into the Mishra's house and he had kept himself as far away from Brute as possible. But it wasn't easy as he found Brute everywhere he went. He even started wondering if that dog was stalking him. He glared at Brute and jumped aside in shock as Brute pulled himself away from Milind's hold and rushed towards him barking madly.
"Brute…….Behave", thundered Milind and Brute immediately stopped and sat down broodingly. He tossed his head arrogantly at Inder and turned to look at Milind giving him his best hurt puppy looks.
Shaking his head at Brute's behaviour Milind walked towards him and smacked his head lightly, "You have become a naughty boy, Brute. I am going to start being very stern with you if you don't behave. Appologise now", he said. Brute looked at Inder sulkingly and gave a soft whimper and curled on the grass. "Good boy", Milind smiled and stroked below his ears fondly. With a snort, Inder turned and started to walk away.
It had been three days since he and Premlatha arrived in London and inspite of his previous misgivings; Inder was having a very good time………apart from the irritating presence of that dog. He got on very well with both Anand and Rakesh and enjoyed their company. They had even played a game of tennis the evening before. He had teamed up with Rakesh and played opposite Milind and Anand, while Vicky became the umpire. And ofcourse, Milind and Anand won. He had to grudgingly accept that Milind was very good, even better than Anand. Anand had proudly told him how Milind manages to beat him most of the time. He hadn't taken Premlatha for sightseeing yet as she, along with the other women was very busy with the preparations for the wedding reception. The time he spent with his daughter was just not enough as Prachi had been busy all the time. He was happy to see his daughter literally glow with happiness but he couldn't stop worrying about her. She hadn't yet started facing the reality of her married life, the responsibilities and the expectations. He knew that it was only a matter of days before she ventures into Mishra's elite society. Inder was worried about how she would cope. He knew that she would do everything she can to fit in but he wondered how long before she became tired and longed for the peace and simplicity of her former life. Her husband and in-laws were used to being in the public eye but a shy Prachi would find it extremely difficult. He hoped his daughter will get through the reception without much difficulty. He himself was baffled to know their guest list and he knew that Prachi was worried too. He knew Shweta meant well when he heard her advising Prachi about how to behave in front of their guests, what to say and what not to say. But there was a nagging feeling in his heart that his daughter was being moulded into someone he wouldn't recognise and that scared him. He was terrified of losing his daughter in this rich and dazzling Mishra world. He suddenly missed home and longed to see his shy, innocent gudiya in that protected, simple environment. Hearing a burst of laughter, he turned around to see a laughing Milind on the garden floor and Brute jumping around him and licking his face. Shaking his head, he walked back into the house.
Prachi placed a lid on the bowl on the kitchen counter. She had cooked for the first time in her sasural and made Aata ka Sheera. Taking a small bowl of Sheera, she walked to the puja room and lit the diya. Somewhere the clock stuck six and she closed her eyes in prayer. "Hey baghwaan, is ghar ki kushiyaan hamesha banaye rakhna", she prayed in earnest. After an early dinner, a few of Milind's cousins would arrive along with a beautician who would apply mehndi on her hands and feet for the wedding reception the next day. Milind had been at the office all day and her parents had just come back after a short outing. Shweta was busy in her study and Anand would be coming home any time. She was nervous but excited about the big evening tomorrow. Her dress was an indo-western lehenga choli in cream and gold. It was Shweta's selection and she had fallen in love with it at the first sight and it fit her like a dream. Milind hadn't seen it and she couldn't wait to see his reaction at the reception. She smiled shyly at her thoughts. She would be wearingly a ridiculously high heeled shoes and she had never worn such high heels before. She had been practising to walk in it at home that morning after Shweta's and her mother's encouragement. But she had been so wobbly on her feet and almost stumbled and fell on the sofa. Her forehead creased in a frown remembering her father's words that morning.
Inder who had walked down the stairs had looked at her angrily and told her not to try and do things that she was not comfortable with and be her ownself. His remark to Shweta to let his daughter be as she was was so uncalled for. Shweta's answer was curt that the shoes were Prachi's selection and that she wouldn't force Prachi to do anything just for appearances sake. Premlatha saved the situation by quickly intervening and walking off with Inder for their planned outing. A very nervous looking Prachi had almost sighed in relief when Shweta had just smiled at her and they continued to practice her walking. But Prachi wondered if her mother-in-law's smile dimmed a little after that. She didn't understand why her father had to comment on such a small thing. Prachi herself had selected those shoes which were perfect for her dress and she also wanted to look taller and graceful next to Milind. But atleast she was almost comfortable in her high heels now, she smiled happily. She froze on hearing the unmistakable laughter which could belong to only one person. Her heart thudded as she slowly walked out of the puja room.
Laughing, Sally hugged Shweta, "Aww, Milind's mom. It's so good to see you. I really really missed you", she said softly.
Shweta smiled at her, "Then you should be visiting me more often, my child and not just when Milind is around", she patted her cheek.
"I had to pull her along with me today, Shweta. Simon was going to take her out for dinner tonight and he is stuck up in a meeting and would reach London much later in the evening and had to cancel the dinner. I insisted on Sally having dinner with us tonight and atlast she agreed. She had been working with me all day without a break and I know she is as famished as me", Anand smiled.
Shweta laughed, "Very good, Anand. Why don't you freshen up and join us in the tea room? I have loads to catch up with Sally" she said warmly and with a nod, Anand left.
Sally looked around, her eyes searching. "Where is Milind?" she asked.
"He is not back from meetings yet, Sal. But Prachi is here. Oh, here she comes", Shweta said and turned towards Prachi.
Managing a small smile at Shweta, Prachi stared at Sally. Dressed in a black short dress and her hair pinned up, she looked cool and sophisticated.
Sally's eyes moved over a saree clad Prachi slowly and she smiled, "Hello, Prachi. How nice to meet you again?", she said softly and gave her a loose hug.
Prachi stiffened but returned her hug, "Nice to meet you too, Sally", she said softly.
"Why don't you join us for some coffee, Prachi?" asked Shweta.
Prachi quickly shook her head, "Mama and Papa will be down any minute, mom. I will wait for them", she said slowly, her eyes still on Sally.
"Its' okay, Milind's Mom. I am going to steal you away from your daughter-in-law for a few minutes. I have so much to tell you", said Sally and walked away with Shweta talking excitedly.
Prachi stared after them. She knew that Shweta would have known Sally but never expected them to be this close. Milind's mom…………A sudden wave of jealousy and possessiveness gripped her. Shweta seemed to be so comfortable with Sally, she thought to herself sulkily and pulled herself together and smiled as her parents walked towards her.
Shweta laughed at Sally's stories. She sounded just like the little girl she had known for so many years. "You look more like your mother now, Sal", she said softly and Sally's smile slipped.
"It will be two years next month since she passed away", Sally's voice was soft.
Shweta's hand gripped Sally's, "You miss Linda very much, don't you?" she asked soflty, memories of her late friend filling her mind.
Sally sighed, "Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't", she said. "It's complicated, Milind's mom", she gave a sad smile.
Shweta poured her a second cup of coffee, "Life isn't easy, Sally. But you have handled things very well, my child", she said softly.
Sadness filled Sally's eyes, "I left dad to go with my mom but then she didn't actually need me. I think I let both of them down", she sighed.
Frowning, Shweta moved closer to her and held both her hands, "You are wrong, Sal. Linda needed you and so did Simon. But you did the right thing to go with your mom. Simon understood and never blamed you. And now he has you back and he seems almost like his oldself", she said softly.
Shweta still remembered how torn the poor child was. When a family breaks up, it's the kids that suffer the most and it had been proved right in Sally's case. Shweta had always had a very soft corner for both Sally and Micky. She had seen them grow up along with Milind. Being a mother, Shweta knew when her son's childhood friendship turned into something different and then withered away with time and circumstances. But they had remained good friends and she was very glad about that.
Sally hugged Shweta and her voice shook when she spoke softly, "I really wish someone had stopped me when I went away. I really do", she said and struggled to hold back the tears. If only someone had, she wouldn't have been visiting this house but living in it now……….in place of Prachi. She took a deep breathe to calm herself and moved away.
Shweta looked at her kindly, "No more talks about the past, Sal. You have come a long way, my child. You have managed your life perfectly well and we are all very proud of you", she said.
Sally held her breathe, feeling a hand on her head, "And mom is right, Sal. We are all proud of you", said a deep voice.
She turned around and flashed a bright smile, her eyes lighting up with joy, "Milind……you moron….when did you come? Aw, I missed you", she jumped up and hugged him.
Smiling, Milind hugged her back, "Missed you too. Distance does seem to make the heart grow fonder", he winked at her as she hit him. "Hey, you know mom is right. Dad seems to be very impressed with your work, Sal. If dad says you are good, then you are the best. Well done", he patted her shoulder.
Sally beamed with happiness and smiled at Anand who was standing behind Milind.
"I am the one who is training her, Milind. So, half the credit goes to me", said Anand, sitting down next to Shweta.
"Alright, Dad, but she joins my team when I take over my office", Milind said.
Sally looked at him, "I might be in so much demand by that time, Milind. Everyone would want me on their team. It could be a long wait for you before you have me" she said challengingly.
Milind leaned against the table next to her. Cocking his head to one side, his arrogant eyes slowly assessed her, "Milind Mishra waits for no one, honey. And are you sure you are going to refuse me, Sal?", his eyebrows raised challengingly.
Sally's breathe caught in her throat. Oh god, she knew that look so well……..the look that still made her heart go flutter even after years. Her eyes glazed over, "When did I refuse you anything, Milind?" she asked softly.
Milind gave a lop-sided grin with triump in his eyes, "Good girl and don't ever change, Sal", he said.
Shweta looked at him with mock anger, "Stop flirting, Milind. You are a married man now", she chided him.
Laughing, Milind put his hands up, "Harmless, mom………completely harmless", he said.
Sally smiled at Shweta, "That's what men always say, don't they?" she asked softly.
Shweta laughed and nodded her head. Milind and Anand looked at eachother and grinned.
Prachi gripped the side of the door harder. She was shamelessly evesdropping but that was the least of her concern. Though she was busy serving coffee to her parents in the kitchen, her ears were tuned to Shweta and Sally's conversation. Her excited parents were conversing between themselves about their afternoon trip and she flashed an occasional smile and nodded now and then. She had rushed out hearing Milind's voice and had stopped near the doorway after seeing Anand with them. Seeing Sally in easy conversation with her family had shaken her hard. Whenever she had met Sally, it was always in a party or among friends and she had come across as a sophisticated, hard and bitchy party girl. There was more than one reason for Prachi to hate her especially after their talks in private. But seeing her at her home showed her in a completely different light. The way she spoke to Shweta,… her laughter, that vulnerability in her voice……….it showed a completely different side of her which was unknown to Prachi. She looked and sounded normal…..like any other girl…….like Prachi herself and that realisation shook her hard. She had seen Milind talking to Sally before but seeing him with her among his parents, flirting and having a cosy family conversation was too much for her to bear. And to top it all both Shweta and Anand seemed to like her very much. She moved away from the door and slightly swayed and jumped feeling Inder's hand on her shoulder.
"Prachi…….beta, are you alright?" Inder asked with concern, his eyes looking past her towards the tea room. His frown deepened seeing Sally laughing with Milind. Now what is that girl doing here? He turned to watch a very disturbed looking Prachi and understood immediately. Prachi doesn't like her. Then what is she doing in this house and why is Milind so close to that girl? He looked at his daughter's face searchingly.
Pulling herself together, Prachi smiled at him, "Nothing, Papa. I was only going to ask Mom if we can have dinner in the garden. A bit of fresh air would be good", she said and looked away from her father's probing gaze. Hearing Milind say her name, she turned back to look into the room.
"Mom, where is Prachi?" Milind asked Shweta.
His mother smiled, "Why Milind, are you missing your wife?" she teased.
Milind grinned, "Of course, Mom. I haven't seen her the whole day", he gave a sad look.
Anand laughed and pointed towards the door, "Here she comes, Son", he said.
Milind eyes brightened seeing Prachi smile at him, "Hey, sweetheart, I was just asking about you. How was your day?" his voice dropped low, "Missed me?" he asked softly.
Feeling her in-laws' eyes on her, Prachi gave a shy smile and nodded slowly, her eyes quickly meeting Sally's hard glare. "Mom, I was wondering if we can have dinner in the garden. It's a fine evening", she asked Shweta and Shweta nodded in agreement. Inder's frown deepened as he watched his daughter from the doorway.
The evening sun was pleasant and conversation flowed easily around the table. An unsuspecting Premlatha was in great spirits while Inder pulled himself together and rose to the occasion.
Prachi pointed the bowl of Sheera and asked, "Milind, will you taste it?" she asked softly.
Seated opposite to her, Sally gave a sarcastic smile, "Come on, Prachi. By now you must know that Milind does not like Indian sweets" she said mockingly. Prachi's face fell slightly and Inder glared at Sally.
"Not if it was cooked by Prachi", Shweta said with a knowing smile.
Milind turned to look at Prachi in surprise, "Really, did you cook?" he asked and picked up a spoonful from the bowl and tasted it. "Hmmm, now this is really good", he said appreciatively and looked at her tenderly, "Can I have some please?" he asked.
A shy smile lit Prachi's face as she served him. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes when his hand found hers under the table. His thumb traced patterns on her skin as he ate with relish, his eyes on her now and then. Prachi's cheeks coloured and she shot a glance towards an angry looking Sally, her eyes full of pride and challenge.
Milind adjusted on the sofa so he could see Prachi better. Seated inside one of the rooms, she was surrounded by his cousins and her hands covered by mehndi patterns. She would catch him looking at her time and again and would blush. He grinned as one of his cousins caught him looking and teased Prachi making her blush more.
Sally watched the drama getting more irritated by the minute. God, he looks at her like a lovesick puppy and she just can't stand it anymore. Shweta had asked her if she wanted to apply some mehndi and Sally had politedly refused. She hadn't enjoyed dinner very much after watching a very cosy Milind and Prachi. She stood up suddenly announcing that she should be leaving now when Vicky walked in.
He whistled looking at her, "Oh my, look who is here! What brought your highness here?" he winked at her teasingly.
Forgetting her irritation, Sally laughed and hugged him. "Nothing but promises of a good dinner and a bit of fun. But where were you all along?" she asked him.
"Huh, so you missed me! I am flattered Sal. But I am taken, honey. Pooja will put up a nasty fight. So, back off", he grinned naughtily.
Sally rolled her eyes at a laughing Milind, "He is always so full of himself", she tossed her head and looped her hands around their arms. "Now, walk me to the car, guys", she pulled the laughing two along.
Inder paced his room lost in thoughts. Giving up after watching him for a few minutes, Premlatha touched his arm, "What is bothering you, Inder?" she asked.
Inder looked at her with angry eyes, "That girl Sally, Premlatha. If Prachi doesn't like her, why are they letting her in the house? And why is Milind so close to that girl? She keeps hugging him and touching him all the time. I noticed it even in India. This is what I was worried about all along, Premlatha. Its just three weeks since they got married and things already started", he said angrily.
Premlatha looked taken aback, "Inder, don't jump into conclusions. If Prachi has any problems, she will definitely tell me. I didn't see anything wrong with that girl. They were all friends since a long time. And how can you not see how happy Prachi is and how much Milind loves her?" she said.
Inder's eyes narrowed, "Yes, he loves her. But I didn't trust him then and I don't trust him now, Premlatha. If he hurts my daughter in any way…….if I see a single tear in her eyes, I promise you I will make him really sorry" he bit out angry.
A shocked Premlatha shook him, "What's wrong with you, Inder? He is our son-in-law. Don't make mountains out of molehills. Iam sure you are completely wrong. But I will still ask Prachi. Till then, I don't want you to say a single word out of place to Milind", she warned him, looking equally disturbed.
Prachi leaned back on the sofa looking out through the huge windows. It was close to midnight but it wasn't completely dark yet. She looked at her hands full of mehndi. They had dried and she could take it off now but just have to be careful to not wet them. Her mind went back to that frosty night in Ooty when she had mehndi on her hands. How naughty he had been with her and made use of the fact that she couldn't push him away? Her cheeks coloured and looked at the door longingly. What was taking him so long? He went into his father's study along with Anand and Vicky almost two hours ago and she didn't know how long it would take. Remembering the looks he was giving her throughout dinner and then from the lounge, she blushed more. Warmth spread through her easing the shock and pain of seeing Sally in her house. She knew that she had become more possessive and jealous after her marriage and wondered if that was why Sally was affecting her more than usual. Sally had behaved very decently throughout the evening but only they understood the looks they shared between eachother. She wondered when it will all end or if it will ever end? She sighed again and looked at the door. Tonight her craving for him was much more than normal. It wasn't physical or emotional but much more than she could understand. She wanted to hold him and reassure herself that he was hers and ony hers. Her heart thumped excitingly when the door opened and Milind walked in. She smiled shyly at him, her eyes taking his every stride as he came closer.
He sat down close to her and tucked her hair behind her ear, "I thought you would have fallen asleep by now", he said.
Prachi looked down, "I was waiting for you", she said softly. "And here I am, sweetheart", he smiled and took a deep breathe in, "I love the smell of your mehndi", he said and holding her arm carefully, he marvelled at the intricate patterns. "Beautiful", he said softly.
Prachi's heartbeat increased. Would he take her in his arms……..tell her that she won't be able to push him away? She looked at him from under her lashes. She frowned when he got up and quickly stripped off his shirt.
"Come Cherry, You need to get some sleep. I will help you get into bed. We don't want to spoil such beautiful design", he said.
A wave of sheer disappointment filled Prachi and her eyes filled with tears. She stood up slowly. "It's already dried. I will just clear them away first", her voice was very soft.
"Oh, okay. Do you want me to help?" he asked.
Prachi kept her eyes down, "Only if you want to" she said again softly.
"Of course, I want to", he said with a smile and walking with her into the bathroom, helped her clear the dried mehndi from her hands and feet. He looked at the already darkened colour, "Ah, the proof of my love", he said happily.
Suddenly, Prachi hugged him, her face buried in his chest, her fingers digging into his back. Milind smiled and tightened his arms around her. His lips brushed against her eyes, "I love you, my cherry girl", he whispered softly.
Prachi let a shuddering breathe out. Oh how she was waiting to hear these words from him. Tonight, she wanted nothing but the reassurance of his love. He moved her slightly away from him and lifted her up in his arms. Laying her down softly on the bed, he kissed her forehead. Quickly changing into his bedclothes, he joined her on the bed and pulled her into his arms. His hand caressed the head resting on his chest, "Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day, Prachi. You need your beauty sleep. I can't wait to see you all dressed up tomorrow evening. Go to sleep now, darling", he said softly and kissed her head.
Prachi bit her lip hard. Oh, how can he not see that she didn't want to go to sleep? Who cared about her beauty sleep? Why was he tormenting her like this? She shifted slightly and buried her face in his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin against her lips. Her hand moved slowly over his chest, her fingers tracing a soft pattern on his skin. She could feel her heart thudding in her chest. Her lips moved placing soft kisses along his neck. Her hand cupped his face, her thumb brushed against his full lips.
Milind held his breath. She had looked so very beautiful sitting on the sofa with her hands and feet adorned with mehndi and all he wanted to do was to take her in his arms and kiss her senseless. With utmost difficulty he had promised to himself that he would let her get some rest ahead of the busy day tomorrow but all his resolution lay in crumbles by the soft touch of her fingers and the feel of her lips against his skin. He groaned her name aloud feeling the slightest touch of her tongue against his earlobe. "Prachiiiii", he pulled her on top of him and his arms tightened around her. He looked at her flushed face and her trembling lips. Her breath was warm on his face, her eyes downcast. "Don't blame me if you feel sleepy tomorrow", he said hoarsely and his hand tightened in her hair holding her face closer as her lips found his in the softest of kisses.
Prachi looked at herself in the huge dressing table mirror. Premlatha smiled at her daughter, "Chalo beta, Milind is waiting for you downstairs".
Smiling at her mother, she walked out slowly, her heels digging into the plush carpet. Their farm house in the country was beautiful beyond words. Acres of green spread around the handsome looking house, the sound of the horses from the stable added to the feel of the place. Milind had given a quick tour of the place that morning and she was way too impressed with it. Inspite of not getting a good night's sleep, she was way too happy and excited. Last night she had revelled in his love and fallen asleep much later, content in his arms. She walked down slowly to join her husband. Milind was talking to his mom and she held her breathe when he turned towards her. Dressed in a perfectly tailored dark grey suit, his curly hair expertly styled, he looked way too handsome that her heart ached. His black eyes smouldered as he looked at her from head to toe, taking in every inch of her, his eyes caressing down her body. His lips creased into a killer smile and he held his hand out to her. Prachi walked slowly towards him and linked her hand in his. Suddenly nothing else mattered…….their exclusive guests outside in the garden or what they would think of a shy Indian bride from a normal family. She didn't care if Sally was present among them. She didn't care if she stumbled in her high heels. All that mattered was him and his love for her. Confident and proud in her love, her eyes sparkled and she smiled shyly at him as his fingers tightened around hers.
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