hello everyone, Sorry for the delay in updating this time. This update is shorter than my usual but will make it up in the next part. Cheers 😃
Part 83
Decorated with thousands of palest and creamiest yellow roses, the garden glowed under the orange hue of the evening sky. The soft lighting, the sweet scent of the floor and the decorative fountains added richess to the subdued grandeur. Prachi's cream and gold dress was perfect for the background. The sparkle in her eyes, her flushed cheeks and the shy smile only enhanced her beauty. With Milind by her side she felt no fear though she was in complete awe of her guests. The opulent English setting with a subtle Indian touch added to the charm of the evening. The rich aroma of equisite food filled the air and the sound of silver on china was enthralling with the soft music in the background. Dinner was lavish and wine and champagne flowed freely. The speeches at the dining table were perfect, with toasts made for the happiness of the newly married couple. Everything was picture perfect and warm. Prachi looked at her parents with a content smile on her face. Dressed in a black suit, her father looked smart and she felt immensely proud. Her parents had fit in beautifully that evening, thanks to her in-laws and Vicky's parents. They had introduced them to their guests and eased them into polite conversations in no time. Her smile widened seeing Inder glance at Premlatha. Her mother was glowing. Dressed in a beautiful saree, her make up and hair do was different and she looked very beautiful. She remembered Inder's expression on seeing his wife and the sneaky looks he kept giving her now and then, making Premlatha blush. The subtle love between her parents filled Prachi with warmth, but tonight they made a very handsome couple and the loving looks between them very obvious. Prachi's heart lifted up with happiness and pride.
Prachi smiled shyly when Vicky called them out for the first dance. She walked carefully as her Milind led her gently on to the dance floor. "Forget everyone around us, Prachi. Just follow my lead. This is for us, sweetheart", Milind whispered softly. She closed her eyes and took a deep breathe in, her body gently relaxing in his arms. Soft music filled the air as the singers crooned, "Endless love". Milind moved slowly to the music, easily guiding her.
My first love,
You're every breath that I take
You're every step I make
Prachi's eyes held his, feeling as if the singer was echoing her feelings. Milind brushed his lips against her forehead in the softest of kisses and Prachi closed her eyes. His arm tightened around her and she leaned closer to him as they danced slowly to the soft, romantic song.
You'll be the only one
'Cause NO one can deny
This love I have inside
And I'll give it all to you
My love
My love, my love
My endless love
Endless love by Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
She eased away slightly and smiled at him. "I love you", he whispered. A soft applause followed and she blushed more. Then the music changed and the evening picked up pace. Milind danced with his mother for the second song. Shweta looked beautiful and graceful, dancing effortlessly, her eyes beaming with pride. Watching them dance, Prachi was surprised as Vicky led her back on to the dance floor for the next song.
"I will dance slowly, Prachi but only if you are careful to not step on my toes", Vicky warned her softly and she laughed.
"I will try, Vicky but I am sure you are well aware of my dancing skills", she teased as she fell into step easily.
By then the floor was filling with dancing couples. Her gaze fell on Sally dancing with her father. She was dressed in a long black gown and looked beautiful as usual. As she twirled in her father's arms, her gaze held Prachi's for a second and slid away. Excusing herself from Vicky, Prachi moved away from the dance floor. Ideally, she should have also danced with Inder but Inder was even worse than her when it came to dancing. So, they had opted out of it. She watched as partners changed and Micky and Sally came together. Micky, also dressed in a suit, his spiky hair with blue highlights looked striking in his own way. She had met his parents earlier and really liked them. They were both lawyers and had a very successful law firm. There was a mixture of personalities present that evening and Prachi was surprised and equally impressed. Moving away from the crowd, Prachi inhaled the fresh evening air. The music drifted from the band was soothing and she closed her eyes, her feet moving on its own accord. Her eyes opened in shock as she stumbled against something hard. Fear and dismay filled her as she struggled to hold on to something to prevent herself falling on the wine table. She gasped as strong hands held her steady.
"Will you watch where you are going? You are not hurt, are you?" hissed a soft voice. Dragging a deep breathe in, Prachi turned to face Sally.
Quickly making sure that her dress was not spoilt, she looked at Sally. "No, I am not and thank you", she said softly, wondering why Sally of all people had bothered.
Sally gave a shrug. "You were lapping up all the attention tonight. This little interlude atleast managed to wipe off that dreamy look on your face" she said with a smirk.
Prachi smiled, "Then you shouldn't have stopped me. Red wine down my dress would have been perfect to end this evening, wouldn't it?" she asked softly.
Sally nodded, "True. But unlike you, my dear Prachi, I wouldn't dream of embarrassing Milind and his family", she said.
Ouch! She scores again. Prachi gave a soft laugh, "Everything is normal now. I was a bit worried for a minute about the sudden change in you", she said.
Sally laughed, "We can never misunderstand eachother". She picked up a glass of wine, "To us, Prachi", she toasted.
Prachi nodded, "and the future, Sally", she said softly.
Both women looked up hearing Micky's voice, "Hey, Pretty ladies, what are you two doing here?" he asked. "Beautiful girls must be on the dance floor. And Prachi, may I say that you look stunning", he said.
Prachi laughed as he led them back, "Thanks, Micky. Where were you hiding all these days? I missed you", she complained.
"Ah, Prachi, just nursing a broken heart", he sighed and yelped as Sally's elbow digged in his ribs in a silent warning.
Prachi looked at him surprised, "How could someone break your heart? Tell me who it is, Micky. I will give him a piece of my mind", said Prachi with a frown.
Micky placed his hand on his heart, "Aww, honey, what a sweet girl you are? By the way, tonight has already soothed my heart, darling", he sighed. His dear Mr.Shah looked way too yummy in a suit but sad that his eyes only followed his beautiful wife. Sally's elbows digged into him and he jumped again. Glaring at her, he walked quickly to the dance floor.
Prachi smiled as Milind walked towards them. He pulled her swiftly towards him and nodded at Micky, "Thanks, mate. I will have my wife back".
Micky glared at him, "Poor girl was just beginning to have some fun" he sighed dramatically and Prachi laughed.
Chuckling, Milind slapped his back, "I will show her what fun is all about. You go on", he said and winked at a blushing Prachi. He gave a meaningful look to Sally, "Look after him, Sal", he said and walked away with Prachi.
Inder jumped hearing the very familiar drawl, "Helloooooooo, Mr.Shah". So much for a moment of peace and quiet! Sighing, he turned to Micky.
"You look very smart today", Micky said softly.
Inder smiled, "You don't look bad yourself, Micky. I met your parents. They are nice people", he said.
Micky nodded, "I missed you, you know", he said very softly. He held up his hand when Inder was about to speak, "I know I shouldn't but I still do", he sighed.
Inder quickly looked around trying to spot Premlatha, "You need a holiday, Micky. Go somewhere nice and meet people of your own age. You will soon forget everything", he said and started to walk.
Micky joined him, "I did go on a short holiday. I met this nice guy and then……nothing. I think I was still too much into you", he looked at him.
Inder looked around a bit more worriedly. Once Micky starts, things will soon go out of control. Spotting Anand, he called out to him and walked away quickly leaving Micky pout with disappointment.
Micky stomped in annoyance. So much for slipping away from Sally and pairing her with Milind! His dear Mr.Shah is as slippery as a fish. He giggled to himself and spotting Premlatha, waved to her cheerfully.
Inder joined his wife after waiting carefully for Micky to move away from her. Atleast he knew that Micky would behave in front of all these guests, especially his parents. That calmed him down tremendously. He threw another admiring look at his wife. She did look very beautiful tonight and he had told her that so many times. He laughed when Premlatha asked him cheekily if he was slipping into that second honeymoon mode. He put his arm around his wife and his smile slipped as his gaze fell on the dance floor. Sally was dancing with Milind and she gave an exhilarated laugh as she twirled neatly and came back into his arms.
"Did you see how close she is dancing with Milind, Premlatha? I watched her dancing with Vicky, but then she was not holding onto him like now", he said angrily. Premlatha squeezed his hand warningly.
"Not now, Inder. Not here", she said under her breathe. Inder snorted angrily and continued to watch them dance.
The night progressed merrily and soon was reaching the end. The guests started leaving one by one and only family members were left. It was time to wind up. Shweta and Shreya were exclaiming how great the whole evening was and their guests were full of appreciation and awe.
Shweta smiled at Prachi, "You were an absolute hit tonight, Prachi. You can expect quite a few invitations in the upcoming days", she said happily.
Seeing a nervous looking Prachi, she laughed, "Don't look so worried, my dear. We will choose them carefully and take one step at a time. We have all the time in the world", she said reassuringly and Prachi nodded.
Inder sighed. Here they go! They wouldn't even let his child relax for a day. She had been brilliant all night and he himself was very proud of her but she looked absolutely worn out now.
Milind put his arm around Prachi. "Let's leave the rest till tomorrow, Mom. Prachi looks tired already. I am worn out too" he said softly and Shweta immediately agreed.
Letting Prachi go off to their room to change, Milind settled down with a cup of coffee among his family. Seated among them, Inder was lost in thoughts. He watched as Milind laughed at something Vicky said. Inder couldn't place him. One minute he looks so much in love and so devoted to Prachi and the next minute he is hugging and flirting with other girls, especially Sally. Inder had lost count as to how many girls he had danced with that night. Was it just harmless? Was he getting worked up over nothing like Premlatha said? Oh he wished he was! Nothing would make him happier. He smiled remembering that evening. His gudiya had looked liked a princess. How well she had fit in among her inlaws? He remembered the song "Butterfly kisses" that was played that night.
There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony daddy it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny daddy but I sure tried
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night
Sweet 16 today
She's lookin' like her mama a little more every day
One part woman the other part girl
To perfume and make up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world
But I remember
Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
You know how much I love you daddy
But if you don't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the check this time
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night
It was such a touching song of love between a father and a daughter. Inder's eyes had smarted with tears and Prachi had looked like she was about to burst into tears anytime. He had touched her head softly telling her that he did not want to see tears in her eyes that night or ever. His daughter had nodded obediently, managing a wobbly smile. Anand quickly diffused the emotional situation, reassuring Inder that his baby girl would be safe and happy among them. Inder had just hugged Anand, too overwhelmed to say anything.
His mind played the song again.
All the precious time
Like the wind the years go by
Precious butterfly
Spread your wings and fly
She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away
Standing in the bride room just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinkin'
And I said I'm not sure
I just feel like I'm loosin' my baby girl
And she leaned over
Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk me down the isle daddy
It's just about time
Does my wedding gown look pretty daddy?
Daddy's don't cry
Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses
I couldn't ask God for more than this is what love is
I know I've got to let her go but I'll always remember
Every hug in the mornin' and butterfly kisses
Butterfly kisses by Bob Carlisle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHcqaDNOqyI
"I know I've got to let her go". He sighed. It was so easy to say but so hard to do. He was staying for one more week only and it might be another month or so before Prachi comes back to India. And then……even then she would be living away from them, her home…….her life……..her family. How much would he feature in her new world? Would his baby girl look back at her old life,…her father? Would his gudiya remember "every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses"? And most of all, would Inder ever be able to let her go? He sighed and feeling his wife's hand on his, he turned around to smile at her.
Milind walked into their room and closed the door. He was tired but very happy. It had been a beautiful evening and his Prachi had been fantastic. Walking straight into the bathroom, he turned on the Jacuzzi. He walked out quickly and looked surprised when he spotted her on the sofa on the far corner of the room. Her eyes were closed. She was still dressed in her lehenga choli and she was barefoot.
He smiled and sat next to her. "Wouldn't it have been more relaxing if you had changed and then slept?" he asked teasingly.
Prachi pouted at him, "It would be but I don't think that I can even stand up. My feet are just killing me", she complained.
Milind smiled, "You should have thought about that before you wore those killer heels. What was the point? You knew that you would be standing and dancing the whole night", he chided softly.
Prachi smiled at him, "But I looked good in them, didn't I?" she asked softly.
Milind caressed her cheek, "You looked breathtakingly beautiful. And you always do, heels or not! See, now you are in pain", he said.
Prachi giggled and stretched out comfortably on the sofa and placed her feet on his thigh. "That's why I have a husband. Go on, it's high time that your hands worked magic on my skin", she said cheekily.
Milind threw his head back and laughed. He shook his head at her, his hands gently massaging her feet. "What am I going to do with you, Prachi?" he asked softly.
Prachi closed her eyes, relaxing in the gentle rhythm of his fingers. "Just love me", she said softly.
She bit back a moan feeling Milind's lips on her soft skin of the sole of her feet. "That I do, honey. Abundantly…….Now and forever, darling………endless love" his voice was husky. He lifted her gently and placed her on his lap.
She buried her face in his neck, "I am very tired, Milind", she said softly and yawned as he rocked her gently. She protested softly feeling Milind undoing her clothes.
"Shhh, let me, honey" he said softly, his fingers deftly undoing her well made up hair.
Sighing, Prachi settled down deeper in his arms, too tired to even stop him. She protested again as he lifted her up in his arms and walked to the bathroom. He silenced her again and she gasped feeling the warm jets of water around her. He joined her quickly and settling her against him, he began to gently massage her neck, her shoulders. Prachi leaned back against him in the Jacuzzi, and sighed as her body and mind relaxed slowly. She was way too asleep on her feet when he lifted her out of the water, dryed her gently, pulled a silk night gown over her head and tucked her in bed. She settled comfortably against him, falling into a deep sleep.
Milind watched his wife with a smile. She was almost like a child at times and his heart filled with tenderness and love for her. He knew that she had won his parents' hearts in no time at all. They adored her already and even Vicky's parents were very fond of her. He kissed her head softly and smiled as her fingers traced his chest in sleep. He held her hand and kissed it softly. Her soft touches were enough to drive him crazy. His mind went back to the night before. There he was planning to let her sleep and his darling wife had completely different ideas. He didn't stand even a slightest chance last night. Her shy, hesitant act of seduction was a complete turn on and he hadn't let her sleep all night. He looked at her sleeping face lovingly. She occupied his mind, his soul and his every breathe. He couldn't think of himself as a separate human being now. Their heart beat as one, their lives entwined and blended into each others. He felt that love was a very small word to explain his feelings for her. It was something more than that. He felt powerless and vulnerable at times. She had the ultimate power to make him or break him. But at the same time, he felt strong and confident in his love too. What a complex mixture of feelings this one woman could arouse in him! He sighed and his arm tightened around her. He had watched his parents, their love and companionship over the years. Every trumult in their life only strengthened their love for eachother. He wished he would have the same with Prachi. He wanted to face every challenge in life, with her by his side, holding his hand. Just her presence would give him the will to go forward, her love his ultimate strength. Oh, let nothing come between them………let nothing test their love. He prayed earnestly. Prachi's fingers caressed his face, "Mi..lind", she took his name softly in sleep. "I am here, sweetheart…….I will always be!", he kissed her head and slowly fell into a content sleep.
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