Posted:
Hello everyone, sorry for the delay in updating. Last update of the thread coming up now. I have sped it up a bit this time and will continue to do so and try to finish the story in a few more updates. I can see that interest in weaning. So, if you don't want to get my PMs anymore, please let me know. Thanks to everyone who is reading and commenting. Pls hang on there a little bit longer and I will give a fitting end to this story. Thanks.
Part 87
A wave of relief engulfed Inder as the plane touched down at Chennai. He was home at last. He smiled at Premlatha reassuringly as they waited to collect their luggage. He knew he had been very quiet and lost in thoughts and that it worried his wife. But his mind had been full of different emotions that he couldn't help but rewind all that happened in the last two weeks. He had been hurt beyond words by his daughter's anger. He had retreated into a deep silence that night. Premlatha hadn't disturbed him for a long time and in the end unable to take in his distress, she had come and sat with him and held his hand. He remembered her words clearly.
"I would have reacted the same way as Prachi if I had heard my father say such things about you, Inder".
He hadn't responded. May be! But he hadn't given his father-in-law much chances to complain unlike Milind. An all engulfing anger had swirled inside him. Milind………the one man……..the sole reason of all his sufferings. He had stopped at nothing to cause him pain. And that day, he had done the one thing which Inder was terrified of. Yes, he had succeeded in taking Prachi……..his gudiya…..his daughter around whom his life revolved…..away from him. She had stood in front of him, defending that husband of hers, calling him the most perfect man….. Not her father but her husband.
"He has taken her away from me, Premlatha. It was his wife standing and arguing in front of me, not my daughter", he had said softly with tears in his eyes.
Premlatha had cupped his face, "Yes, Inder. The wife in her defended her husband even at the cost of hurting her father. But the daughter in her is just as distressed as you for the pain she had caused her father. She is hurting too, Inder. A woman goes through a lot of identities in her life, Inder……..a sister, a wife, a mother….but she never forgets her first ever……as a daughter. She will always be your daughter but you should learn to respect her other identities as well", she had said softly. He hadn't responded and it had taken him a long time to fall into a disturbed sleep.
The next morning was even more painful as he had tried to ignore Prachi while she kept following him like a puppy with her eyes pleading and remorseful. She kept calling him softly and the minute he looked at her tearfilled face he knew that he had lost. She had cried and appologised softly for hurting him and he had just kissed her head, his heart easily forgiving her. In spite of himself, he had smiled when she rubbed her eyes like a child and told him not to say anything bad about her husband ever again and make her angry. He had agreed and made her promise that she would never hurt him again. She had only started to cry harder.
Walking out with their luggages, Inder's face broke into a smile after spotting Neev. Neev rushed to hug them and picking up the suitcases walked to the car.
"Ma, how is Prachi? How are her in-laws treating her? Has she settled down there? And Milind…….how is he? How did the reception go? Is Prachi alright? Is she missing India? Is she missing me? What did she send for me?" he asked questions rapidly and a laughing Premlatha proceeded to give him a detailed account of their two weeks. Inder watching Neev with his heart constricting. If only………If only ……….everything would have been so uncomplicated! He sighed and reached to touch Neev's head fondly.
As days went by, life had picked up tremendous speed for Prachi. She had been very surprised to find herself way too busy. She had been very nervous at the first formal lunch she had attended with Shweta and from then, everyday there was either a lunch or dinner and most of the time she accompanied Shweta or Shreya and very rarely Milind. She was tongue tied most of the time and terrrified of saying the wrong things. The lavish luncheons and dinners and the immaculate settings only made her nervous. The polished conversations made her more aware of her lack of conversation skills and she relied too much on Shweta or Milind to get through them. Shweta assured her that it was always hard in the beginning and will only get better with time but Prachi had her own doubts. Milind seemed to impressed with how she was and rubbished her concerns. Even Anand seem to approve but Prachi was still nervous.
Milind had opened a bank account for her and she was terrified to find out the amount of money she had at her disposal and to spend it as she wished. He had just laughed when she had wondered what she would do with so much money. Finding that she didn't have any formal attire, Shweta had whisked her for shopping and the experience was an eye opener for her. She was fussed and waited upon during their private appointments and she giggled to herself remembering the day she had dragged Milind for shopping in Chennai Bazaar. No wonder he looked so bewildered that evening, she had thought to herself. She was also glad that she had met Sally only once after her accident when she and her father came to dine at their house. Though everyone fussed over Sally, Prachi had been glad that she had held Milind's unwavering attention throughout that evening.
The only complaint she had was the amount of time she spent with Milind or rather, the lack of it. He had warned her that he would be very busy but she didn't expect him to be this busy, especially in London. Now, she was worried about how busy he would be when they got back to India. And she missed her parents. Eventhough she had smoothed things with her father before he left, she was still very guilty for causing him so much pain. She vowed never to repeat that mistake again.
And today, Milind had accepted an invitation to attend an art exhibition and Prachi was partnering him. Milind had warned her that it would be very exclusive and they would be expected to do a very expensive purchase or two and told her to choose wisely. She had never been to such places and was already excited and had decided what to wear. It was one of those rare occasions where Milind hadn't left for the office early in the morning and even had a sit-down breakfast with her in their private kitchen. He had been engrosed in the business column of the news paper and phone calls but at least he had been there with her. Her line of thoughts broke as she heard him call her name. He would be almost ready, she thought to herself as she rushed to their bedroom. It has become their morning ritual for the past one week and Prachi cherished and looked forward to it. She did his tie for him every morning, the snatched and very short moment before he rushed off to work and she became busy with other things. After blotching a few attempts on the first day, she had become a pro in it. And he never left a chance to be naughty with her with quick pecks and hurried kisses. The last couple of days, that was the only time they seemed to spend with each other. By the time he returned, she was half asleep, tired out by her own busy day. Too tired to talk, she usually fell asleep in his arms the minute he got into bed.
She smiled seeing him standing there impatiently with his tie draped casually around his neck. "You are enjoying this, aren't you?" she chided him and proceeded to do it for him.
He grinned and put his arms around her, "I didn't hear you complaining", he said and brushed his lips against hers. "Prachi, We will grab a quick lunch together after we leave the art gallery. I will leave for the office after that. I have a meeting later in the afternoon", he said.
Prachi nodded and stood back to admire her work. It was perfect.
He grinned and pulled her close and caught her lips in a hurried kiss. "I think we need to get away for atleast a weekend, sweetheart. I am missing you", he said softly.
Prachi sighed, "I miss you too, Milind. I didn't realise how busy life could get", she complained.
Milind smiled tenderly and kissed her nose, "I am sorry, Cherry. I will make up for all that very soon", he promised. Urging her to get ready soon, he told her to find him in his study when she was ready.
Dressed in a day dress, Prachi looked at herself in the mirror. Milind was already getting agitated with the amount of time she was taking. She turned back hearing him walk into the room.
Still on the phone, Milind's eyes narrowed. Cutting the call quickly, he frowned, "You wore that dress before, haven't you?" he asked. When Prachi nodded nervously, Milind threw the phone on the bed irritatedly. "Prachi, I am sure the last thing you want to see is your picture on the papers mocking that you are wearing the same dresses to every occasion. Even Mom was complaining that you wouldn't buy more clothes. I want you to dress comfortably, Prachi, but you need to keep up appearances as well. Spending money should be the least of your worries", he said curtly and proceeded to rummage through her wardrobe, getting more irritated to find dresses that she had already worn before. Muttering under his breath, he pulled out a skirt and a top and threw it on the bed. "Get changed quickly", he said irritatedly and soften immediately seeing her hurt eyes. Sighing, he cupped her face, "Sorry sweetheart, being a Mishra comes with its own set of problems", he appologised and kissed her head.
Nodding understandingly, Prachi went to change leaving Milind frown thoughtfully. Nodding in approval, he stood behind her and watched in the mirror as she applied lipstick. Even Prachi had to admit her his selection was good. It was a blend of formal and informal and the skirt moved in luxurious swirls as she walked. She turned and smiled at him happily.
Milind traced a finger along her jaw, "You look beautiful, Prachi and I am taking you for shopping for clothes after lunch", he said softly.
Prachi's eyes brightened up immediately, "You will spend the whole afternoon with me?" she asked hopefully.
Milind smiled. She looked more excited about spending time with him than shopping. How sweet! He bent down to kiss her forehead softly. "Yes, sweetheart, but don't forget that I still have to attend a meeting later", he said and with his hand around his waist, he walked out with her.
Inspite of the horrendous sum of money they paid for the 2 artworks they bought, Prachi had a good time at the gallery. Her mind was already filled with ideas about where she would put up those paintings. And she was sure that she would be taking one along with her to Chennai. The shopping was even more fun as she was waited on and pampered again. She had more fun in parading her dresses in front of Milind and smiled shyly when he approved. He gave her his full attention suggesting changes from time to time. On her first shopping experience with Shweta, she had learnt to not look for price tags as there were none. She was still getting used to not worry about the money she spent but nevertheless enjoyed the experience thoroughly. As the manager promised them that all their purchases will be delivered to their home within the next couple of hours, they walked out of the shops, hand in hand. The afternoon sun was pleasant and on Prachi's insistence, they strolled along the river, soaking in the vibrancy of summer. After grabbing only sandwiches at the cafeteria in the gallery, Prachi was hungry. Spotting the sign of McDonald's in the corner, Prachi tugged at his arm, "Milind, Let's eat there. I am so hungry", she said.
Surprised, Milind laughed, "It's been ages since I ate there, Prachi. Are you sure?", he asked.
"One hundred percent sure, my darling husband. I have a sudden craving for burgers. Indulge me", she batted her eyelids at him.
Grinning, Milind placed a quick kiss on her lips, "Your wish is my command, my cherry girl. So, junk food it is then!", he said and pulled her along.
Well stuffed with food, they were walking back through the mall to their car when Milind pulled her hand and pointed to the shop. The shop windows were discreetly dark and the glimpse of sexiest lingerie that Prachi couldn't look at without blushing, through the open doors, it was clear what would be in-store. Grinning wickedly, Milind walked towards it, ignoring Prachi's protests. Once instore, Prachi looked around her even more bewildered by the display of seduction at its height and blushed furiously too embarrassed to even look at her fellow shoppers. Thoroughly enjoying himself, Milind raised his eyebrows as Prachi hissed through clenched teeth.
"Milind, this is so embarassing. Let's go from here. No…….I don't want to buy anything from what you selected", she pulled at his arm.
Grinning at her anger, Milind whispered, "Sweetheart, I indulged you all afternoon. Now, it's your turn. Tonight is going to be one long night" he said huskily and proceeded to pay for everything he had selected.
Milind was in high spirits as they walked back to the car, too lost in sensous thoughts, he failed to notice Prachi's growing discomfort and silence. As they drove on, he clicked the privacy glass in place and pulled her into his arms, his face nuzzling her neck. "I am so tempted to cancel my meeting, Prachi. But I can't. I will be fair, honey. I will tell you what all I want you to wear tonight but will let you decide the order in which you wear it. What say?" he whispered close to her ear.
Taking a deep breath, Prachi pushed him away. She looked at the bag near her feet. The nighties she wore in Tahiti would look modest when compared to these. She hadn't even worn those again after coming to London. There was no way she was wearing such miniscule clothing which will cover nothing and he wants me to parade it in front of him. Oh gosh! Her cheeks turned a bright red. Glaring at a confused looking Milind, she hissed. "I can't wear these, Milind. How could you buy such things?", she fumed.
Milind's eyes narrowed in annoyance, "Oh, come on, Prachi. Not again. We have been married for almost two months now. By now, I am sure you are used to me and our married life. After we came home, there was no repitition of Tahiti and you seemed to have gone back to how you were before. I don't see any wrong in spicing up our love life" he said slightly irritated.
Prachi looked at him shocked. A sudden wave of insecurity filled her. "What do you mean by wanting to spice up our lovelife? Are you getting bored with me already?", she asked him, her stomach already tying in knots.
Milind looked taken aback, "How dare you ask me that?", he hissed angrily. Seeing her worried eyes, he put his hand up, "I should have known better. I got carried away and allowed myself to conjure up fantasies. I appologise. You can send them back if you want to or better still, just throw them away", he said irritatedly and moved back. Anger coursed through him. How dare she asks him if he was bored with her?
Distressed by his obvious anger, she looked at him with hurt eyes, "You talk as if I don't do anything to keep you happy. I wore those dresses and even a bikini for you. I do everything only to please you. What more do you want me to do?" she asked helplessly.
Milind's eyes narrowed dangerously and he stared at her. Shaken by the anger in his eyes, Prachi wondered if she said something wrong. "How stupid of me to having not realised that you were doing everything only to please me, Prachi?" he said silkily.
Prachi turned pale.Oh no, that wasn't how she meant it.
He put his hand up as she protested, "Whatever happens in our bedroom should be with your whole hearted participation, Prachi and not just to please me. I would never force you to do anything you didn't like. Forgive me if I had", he said softly and turned away.
Too stunned to respond, Prachi looked at him with pleading eyes. He had mistaken her completely. Before she could say anything, the car reached their home. "Milind, It was never like that. I didn't mean it that way", she said softly as he stood waiting for her to get out of the car.
He sighed and looked at her, "Where you are concerned, I am easily pleased, Prachi. So, you don't have to try too hard. I respect your feelings and only wish you had done the same. Again, I am sorry", he said softly and got into the car. As the car drove away, Prachi stood watching it with dismay.
Shaken to the core, Prachi sat down on the bed. Whatever she wanted to say just came out in the wrong way and Milind had got offended. Whatever she did in Tahiti was not just for him but for herself too. How could she have forgotten the look in his eyes that night? His eyes had literally worshipped her and she knew how proud and content she had felt then. She realised that in trying to hide her shyness and insecurity, she had reacted too strongly. She closed her eyes, remembering the hurt and anger in his eyes. Oh god, how is she going to make things alright. She looked at all the bags that had already been delivered. Wanting to do something to take her mind off her thoughts, she started putting them up herself. As she ran her hand on the dresses, she remembered the picture perfect afternoon they spent together after a long time. And she had to spoil that. She opened her last purchase, all tissue packed and perfumed, and the laces felt soft to her touch. All alone, in her bedroom, she realised that she wouldn't hesitate to wear them for him, not just to please him but to see his eyes heat up, his fist clench, to revel in the knowledge that she could have that effect on him. A shiver went through her, a sudden longing to feel his arms around her. Oh, how stupid she had been! She chided herself. It was only a meeting and he would come home soon…..to her. And she would make up for all the hurt and anger she had caused him. He had told her that he wished she would understood his feelings too. Now she did. Whatever she did in Tahiti was fuelled by jealousy at the dancers but tonight would be because she wanted to do it……..for him……for them.
All her hopes dashed by the one phone call from Milind telling her that he was flying out to paris that night and would return home only the next day. Anand who was already in Paris had called for some urgent meetings and he and Vicky were flying out there. Too distressed, she had choked on a sob and Milind had urgently reassured her that he was not upset with her anymore and they would talk once he gets back. After telling her how much he loved her and blowing a few kisses, he had cut the line. But nothing could pacify a troubled Prachi. Of all days, today they had a misunderstanding and she wouldn't get a chance to clear everything till the next day. Oh how much she had planned. Disappointment filled her as she looked at the lit up candles throwing a soft glow around their bedroom with tearfilled eyes. Curling up on the bed, she hugged his pillow closer and cried herself to sleep.
It became clear that Milind would not be returning for atleat 2 days and a distraught Prachi buried herself in various chores, trying to keep herself busy. She was meeting Shweta at her office later that morning and they would be attending a lunch at one of the exclusive clubs. Shweta had already warned that there would be a few bitchiest women present there and Prachi would have to think carefully before she speaks. Prachi knew that she would be on her guard today and it only made her more nervous. Prachi's smile froze as she entered Shweta's office and saw Sally comfortably seated. They greated eachother with frosty smiles.
Shweta smiled at her appologetically, "I am so sorry, Prachi. Something important has come up and I am meeting Di very shortly to discuss things. It might take a while and am afraid you would have to go on your own. We both can't cancel it at the same time", she said softly.
Prachi nodded understandingly but was already worried about how she can manage on her own. That would be her first and as Shweta had already warned her, she was worried about being mocked behind her back.
Sally resisted the urge to smile. Great! Poor, shy and tongue tied Prachi, all on her own among the worst sharks in their elite circle. Now that would be fun to watch. And ofcourse she would be there too as she was also invited to lunch with them.
Walking around her table, Shweta touched Prachi's shoulder, "Don't worry, my child. Just be yourself but a bit extra cautious. And Sally is attending the lunch as well. So, you will not be entirely on your own", she said.
Oh great! That was the last thing she needed. Prachi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She would be happy to take a bunch of bitchy women save one by name Sally. She caught Sally's eyes and stiffened at the glint in it. Oh no, she was all set to make it hard for her. She could almost see the wheels turning in Sally's mind. Biting on her lip worriedly, Prachi suddenly brightened, "Mom, as we both are going to the same place, it would be a shame to go separately. Can I go with Sally? I am sure Sally would be happy to take me under her wing. She is a pro at these things, isn't she?" she aksed Shweta sweetly enjoying the look of absolute horror crossing Sally's face.
Shweta smiled with relief, "Of course, why didn't I think about that? And Sally is here as well. You don't mind, Sally, do you? Please take Prachi with you and please don't leave her alone. She is very new to all this and I would hate to see my child upset over anything. Please look after her for me", she said softly and though wanting to refuse, Sally felt herself nodding.
As they walked to Sally's car, Sally turned towards Prachi, her eyes blazing, "You have a nerve, Prachi", she bit out angrily. How dare she manouvered the situation to suit her? She fumed silently.
Prachi gave a sweet smile, "I just realised I did, Sally. Cheer up girl, I am sure it will be fun", she said cheekily.
Sally got in the car without a word and turned to Prachi as she did her seat belt. "I can make it really bad for you, Prachi. Do you know that? What were you thinking, you poor darling?" she asked nastily.
Prachi's gave her a surprised look, "What? Are you sure you are going to make it bad for me and embarrass Milind and his family? I don't think so, Sally. Especially after Mom's request" she said softly.
Sally closed her eyes and took a deep breathe. The cheek of this girl! But she was right though.
Prachi smiled as the car sped through, "Sally, We are going to spend the next few hours in eachother's company. Let's make it as easy as possible for both of us. You are stuck with me and I need your help to get through this afternoon. So, Truce?" she looked at her.
Sally's eyes assessed her slowly. She was right. Even she wanted it to be as painless as possible. She gave a small smile. "Truce", she nodded.
Of course, it is only for a few hours and they can continue their bitching on the way back. They smiled to themselves and the car sped on.
Shiv Shakti
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