Hello friends, thanks for all your love, concern and understanding. I am back with an update and it will be just wedding rituals. Cheers 😃
Part 71
"Papa", walked in Prachi, carrying a cup of coffee.
Smiling at his daughter, Inder took the cup from her and sat down with a relieved sigh. Premlatha, Gayathri bua and a few other women have gone to meet Shweta and a few of Milind's relatives. They had gone to look at the function hall, where the wedding was to be held for a few last minute checks and suggestions. Security was going to be full-fledged as quite a few important and prominent people around the world would be attending the wedding. Anand had wanted security to be complete and efficient and only the day before Inder had visited the venue, along with him. In the outskirts of the city and completely tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it was huge and ideal for the wedding. The whole area around the function hall would be cordoned off from public and security would be high when the baarathis arrive. Inder was having a rare few minutes of quiet at home before rushing off with Pranay to oversee another errand. He smiled at his daughter as she sat there watching him.
"What is it, Gudiya? Why are you looking at me like this?" he gently touched her head.
"Will you miss me, Papa?" she asked softly.
Inder felt his throat thicken with emotions, "Do you even have to ask, Prachi? I will miss you a lot, beta but I will also be very happy to see you happily married. Anandji and Shwetaji are such fantastic people, Prachi. You should give them the same love and respect you would give me and your mother. Do you understand?" he said gently.
Prachi nodded and smiling at her father took the empty cup from him.
"Go and get ready soon, Prachi. I will drop you and your cousins in the beauty parlour. Your mama will be back soon. Don't spend too much time in the parlour and get back home on time. You will have to get ready for the sangeet function in the evening", he said and smiled as Prachi obediently rushed off.
Inder watched her go and sighed. How could he explain to his daughter what he was feeling? Sorrow and joy filled his heart both outweighing eachother at times. Shaking off such thoughts, Inder got up. There was a lot of work to be done. It kept him busy and he welcomed the distraction wholeheartedly.
Shweta and the other women had taken over the beach house which was perfect for accommodating the number of people that would attend the puja that evening. Milind had obediently worn a cream coloured silk kurta set similar to his Dad, Uncle and Vicky. He was having a fantastic time with his relatives and friends and the joyous smile on his lips and genuine happiness in his eyes made him look even more dashing. His friends were all back and dressed appropriately for the evening, were having a ball. Peter, Robert and his friends from Ooty had also joined them making the occasion even more enjoyable. He smiled as her mother followed the advice of her elderly relatives as she set everything up for the puja. Following the traditions had certainly added to the zing to the wedding preparations. He obediently followed the pandit's instructions, much to the delight of his parents. His eyebrows rose in surprise as he was seated on a low divan and the women surrounded him with puja thalis.
"Mom, Mausi, what are you all trying to do to me?" he asked, slightly worried.
Vicky grinned at him, "Go on, bro. Enjoy it when it lasts. You don't get to be surrounded by beautiful women all the time. Sit back and let them do whatever they want to do to you", he said naughtily and the women rolled their eyes and silenced him.
Milind gave a brilliant smile as one of his aunt's applied tilak on his forehead. "Wow, do I like look a dashing prince now?" he asked, sitting up straight and looked at Vicky.
"Sort of…….but wait for the rest, Milind. We will tell you exactly how you look", Vicky grinned and his cousins and friends sniggered around him.
Throwing an arrogant look at them, he smiled at his mom, "You carry on, Mom. I am actually enjoying this. I won't stop you ladies" he said and looked at his aunt expectantly.
"Of course, you will enjoy it, Milind. The best is yet to come", smiled Shreya.
As his aunt touched his cheek, he shrieked, "What……….No……..I said NO…..Mom, why is she applying this on me?", he rubbed his cheek with the back of his hand and grimaced at the smeared haldi on his skin.
Ignoring him, his aunt smeared his other cheek with haldi. Shrieking again, he tried to get up and Vicky held him down, "Hey Prince, why are you running away? The best is still to come", he laughed and Milind glared as his friends and cousins roared with laughter.
His continuous protests fell on deaf ears, and even the youngsters followed the elders, teasing him and smearing his face and hands with more haldi paste. Sally doubled over with laughter on seeing his grimace and the furious looks he was giving everyone. Milind rubbed his cheeks again. Oh, how he wished he had shaved that morning. His stubble was caked with haldi and he wondered how many hours he will have to spend scrubbing to get himself back to his normal skin colour. He looked at Brute sitting next to him, enjoying the occasion. A bright red tilak shone on his forehead and Milind snorted at the dreamy and contented look on his face. "The silly dog is enjoying himself at my expense", he thought angrily and Brute gave a small whimper at his angry look.
"I love your skin colour, Milind. You look beeeaaaautiful", Micky sighed and caressed Milind's face. Milind slapped a giggling Micky's hand away in disgust.
"Dad, where are you when I need you the most?" bellowed Milind trying to look over the women crowding around him.
Anand laughed and touched his shoulder, "I am right here, son. Enough Shweta, let the poor boy go", he said struggling to have a straight face.
Milind glared at him, "You are enjoying this, aren't you? I smell like curry, Dad", he whined and the room erupted in laughter again.
Atlast feeling pity on him, Shweta called a stop to it and a relieved Milind rushed to wash it all away but not before hugging a surprised looked Vicky and brushing his face against his. A disgusted Vicky pushed him away and horrified, rubbed haldi paste off his face and hands.
Milind burst into laughter, "You look equally beeaaaaaaaaaautiful, bro. Yellow colour suits you", he said and ignoring Vicky's furious glares, rushed into the bathroom.
Prachi put the red coloured ghagra choli that she was supposed to wear that day aside. She will have to find something else now. She picked up the green ghagra choli that she had originally chosen for her engagement with the help of Neev and hesitated. She really didn't want to wear it but there were no other new dresses left. She looked up as Lisa walked into the room.
"Prachi, what are you still doing? Get ready soon. Gayathri bua has already started to complain. But why are you not wearing the red one? You were going to wear that tonight, weren't you?" she asked surprised.
Prachi looked down, her fingers fiddling, "I have to wear that after my wedding, Lisa. Will you please help me to pack it along with the other dresses I am taking with me?" she asked softly.
Lisa frowned, "You have a heavily worked ghagra to wear during the bidaai. Why do you want to take this for? It is not that heavily embroidered" she said. She frowned again seeing Prachi very agitated. "Wait a minute! When exactly are you planning to wear it?" she asked suspiciously and an amused smile played on her lips.
Prachi's face flamed, "Milind wants me to wear red, Lisa" she said way too softly.
Lisa's smile widened, "Hai……..hai…..What else did he want you to do? Come on, tell me everything", she nudged her, naughtily.
Prachi blushed more, "Lisa, atleast you shouldn't be teasing me. Don't you know how nervous I am?" she complained, looking at her friend pleadingly. As Lisa's hand squeezed hers reassuringly, Prachi held her friend's hand, "I am terrified, Lisa. How would Milind be as a husband? Will he be as considerate and as gentle as he is now? What will he say? How would he expect me to be? I am really scared, Lisa" she said nervously.
Making her sit on the bed, Lisa sat next to her, "I understand, Prachi. It wasn't long ago when I was as nervous as you were. You are going to be fine, Prachi. Milind is a very understanding man and he loves you dearly. You say you are scared now, Prachi but the day after your wedding night, you will have a very different stoy to tell me", Lisa laughed and winked at her.
Shocked, Prachi hit her, blushing furiously. "Lisa, Milind said that I would be able to see my parents as often as I want to. Atleast, I will be living only a few minutes away from them", Prachi looked at her friend.
Lisa gave a small smile, "Prachi, just be realistic in your expectations. Don't forget that as a wife, you will have so many other responsibilities. Milind may be very understanding but don't expect too much from him", she said gently.
Prachi looked at her with worried eyes, "Why are you saying that, Lisa?" she asked her.
"I have put up my florist shop in Ooty for sale, Prachi", Lisa said and gave a small smile at Prachi's shocked gasp. "I have been to Ooty a few times after my wedding. And everytime, I spend more time with my in-laws than my parents and never enough time to check how the business is. Peter has also started to complain that I am spending more time away from him. So, I am closing it down. Peter is interested in my idea of a florist shop in our hotel here. In that way, I will still do what I love but just in a different place".
Prachi looked sad, "But Lisa, you had put in so much time and effort into that shop", she said.
Lisa held her hand, "Priorities change, Prachi. Life changes! But atleast now, I will be working at our hotel along with Peter. We might sneak out for a quick pizza for lunch or even a movie. How about that? I am actually looking forward to that, you know", she laughed and Prachi hugged her friend, wishing her well.
Premlatha who walked in minutes later to take Prachi down, frowned at her daughter. Chiding her for taking so long, she gave her the green dress to wear, "This seems to be the only one left, Prachi. We have already allocated your clothes for all the other occasions. Wear it and come down. Tonight's function will not take much longer", she instructed and rushed down.
Neev was busy chatting with a few of Prachi's cousins when he saw her coming down the stairs. He stopped talking and just stared, his eyes taking her beauty. Prachi's eyes met his and she applogised silently, "Sorry, Neev". Quickly pulling himself together, Neev gave a pained smile. Hearing Pranay call him, he rushed away, relief etched in his features. Seated among her friends and relatives, Prachi soon forgot about everything else. The singing and music started off in full fledge. Her friends from Mumbai and her university were also attending and the beautifully dressed young women only added to the charm of the evening.
Prachi smiled at her dancing friends. Her face was flushed pink at their teasing and naughty comments. Gayathri bua called out to the dancing girls, "Chalo ladkhiyon, nachne ke saath saath ek gaana bhi suna dho. Bas wahi purane gaane bar bar ga rahe hai hum log", she said. The very excited girls took over. Sitting close to Prachi, Lisa started singing, nudging her teasingly.
Banno Rani Tumhe Sayani
Hona hee tha Hona hee tha hona hee tha
Ek Raja ki tumko rani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha
Banno Rani ek din tumko banno raja ke ghar doli mein jakke
Ham Sakhiyon se yun anjani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha
The girls pulled her along to dance and Prachi danced with them shyly.
Naino Mein hai kajal ki dore, mehndi se rache haath gore
Jhumar tera dam dam dhamke, jumka tera jam jam janke
haar gaale mein jagmagaye
Anchal tera reshan reshan hole hole madham madham
Tu mann hee mann muskaiye, tu mann hee mann muskaiye
Sukh Sapno mein yun mastani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha
Banno Rani Tumhe Sayani
Hona hee tha Hona hee tha hona hee tha
As she ran back to sit with her mother, Pooja covered her head with pallu and the girls gathered around her, singing
Banne Raja jo paas aaye, chahe ke yeh ghunta uthaye
Dekho banno maam na jaana, mukhra unko na dikhlana
pehle sau baatein manvana
Kehna bolo karke salami banno karunga teri gulami
mai to hun tera deewana han mai to hun tera deewaana
Tumhe deewana tumhe deewani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha.
Blushing furiously at their teasing and the comments from the laughing women around her, Prachi buried her face in her mother's shoulder. Laughing at her shyness, Premlatha caressed her daughter's head fondly.
Banno Rani Tumhe Sayani
Hona hee tha Hona hee tha hona hee tha
Ek Raja ki tumko rani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha
Banno Rani ek din tumko banno raja ke ghar doli mein jakke
Ham Sakhiyon se yun anjani
hona hee tha hona hee tha hona hee tha
Banno Rani Tumhe Sayani
Hona hee tha Hona hee tha hona hee tha
(From the movie 1947 Earth)
Just as their mother said, the sangeet function finished early. Most of her friends left promising to come early for the big mehndi night. Though Prachi went to bed early that night, sleep eluded her. There was just two more nights left, she thought with a mixture of sadness and elation. Her mind rewinded Lisa's words. Prachi knew how much Lisa loved her little florist shop in Ooty. Prachi loved it too. Prachi silently wondered how many changes her own life would undergo. She toyed with the idea of calling Milind but she knew that he would be very busy. He would be surrounded by his friends and relatives and it would not be appropriate to call him. Tossing and turning for a long time, she gave up and walked down to her parents' bedroom. Hesitating at the open door, she slowly walked in.
Both Premlatha and Inder looked up at her with surprise, "Prachi, kya hua beta? Are you not sleepy?" asked Inder.
Prachi shook at head, "Can I sit with you for sometime, Papa?" she asked soflty.
Her parents smiled at her and she sat next to them on the bed and watched them making a list of what should be given to whom. They discussed seriously and Inder wrote down everything in his notebook. As minutes tickled by, Prachi's eyes started to become heavy and she lay down with her head on her mother's lap. Premlatha's hand caressed her daughter's head automatically and Prachi slept.
Tucking a duvet around his sleeping daughter, Inder touched her head, "She asked me this morning if I will miss her, Premlatha" he said softly to his wife. "The house is going to be so quiet without her. It is going to feel so lonely. What are we going to do, Premlatha?" he asked her wife, sadly.
Premlatha squeazed her husband's hand and gave a sad smile, "I think we should have had more children, Inder", she sighed.
Inder smiled, "It wouldn't have mattered. She would have been the most precious of all……..my gudiya", he said fondly and they looked at each other with moist eyes.
"Get some sleep, Premlatha. Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day", he said. He sat there for sometime watching his sleeping wife and daughter and with a sigh he pulled out an extra bed on the floor and lay down. Sleep took a long time to come that night.
It was well almost midnight when Milind and Vicky walked into Milind's bedroom in his penthouse flat. The beach house was completely taken by people and Anand had sent all the youngsters to Milind's flat with strict warning that they should have an early night. He knew that sleep was the last thing on his son's mind during the past few days and warned Vicky to let him sleep early. Once married, it would take a very long time for his son to have an early night.
Milind gave a dirty look to Vicky, "I can't believe that we have to share a bed tonight, Vicky. It's disgusting, man" he complained.
Vicky grinned, "Come off it, Milind. We have slept together in cramped places. Have you forgotten those camps? Atleast the bed is big enough. As long as you behave, there shouldn't be any problem. Let's enjoy the last of your bachelor nights" he smiled.
Milind fell back on the bed, "I can't wait to see my bachelor nights come to an end, bro", he grinned.
Vikcy snorted, "We all can see it on your face. You are so desperate, aren't you?" he laughed, also falling back on the bed.
Milind smiled, "Go on, and pull my leg. It will be my turn soon", he said.
As Vicky turned the lights off, Milind turned to him, "No kicking" he warned.
Vicky laughed, "I will try not to but I am tempted to give a few black and blue bruises to go with the yellow tinge of your skin. You will look amazing" he teased. And no cuddling, bro! Please remember that I am NOT Prachi" he warned, naughtily.
"Well, I can't guarantee that. Save yourself, bro", Milind said equally naughtily.
"Ewwwwwww, dirty desperate moron!" Vicky bit out and placed a few cushions between them. "Don't you dare cross the lakshman rekha, Milind" he warned his brother and rolled over and buried his face into the pillow.
"I will try, mate. I will definitely try. Good night" chuckling Milind rolled over on his side.
Tommorrow, he will have to call Prachi. Micky and the girls are going over to Prachi's house for the mehndi function. He was already worried about his friend creating havoc in Prachi's house. In spite of his worry, a small smile played on his lips imaging Inder's reaction on seeing Vicky. He laughed softly and Vicky turned to him.
"What is it, Milind?" he asked.
"I am just thinking of Micky and others going to Prachi's house tomorrow. I hope he behaves himself", Milind said.
"Micky likes Prachi very much. He was very excited about going to her place tomorrow", smiled Vicky.
Milind sniggered, "He likes her father even more. No wonder he is so excited", he said sarcastically.
Vicky looked at him surprised, "Do you mean……….? No man………No way", he laughed and Milind joined in his laughter. "Does Prachi know?" he asked Milind.
Milind shook his head, "No, she doesn't. Hope it stays that way. Only Sally and I knew and now I have told you. He will come out of it, Vicky. It is just his little crush", he said.
Vicky chuckled, "Just tell Prachi to keep an eye on him. Oh man, tomorrow is going to be a very interesting day", he said.
Milind agreed and buried his face in the pillow. "Just two more nights", he sighed and slowly sleep engulfed him.
Prachi was getting ready for the mehndi function when her phone rang. Her heart thumped excitedly as Milind's face flashed on the screen. "Hey, husband-to-be" she said breathlessly.
Milind whistled, "Hello, my darling wife-to-be. Hmmm, all I need to do is to not call you for one day and the romantic streak in you comes out. I missed talking to you, sweetheart", he said softly.
Prachi blushed, "Hmmm, I can't talk to you for long, Miilind. There are so many people around me" she said softly. Milind smiled, "I won't keep you for long, Prachi. I only called to remind you that Micky and the girls will be at your place very shortly. Please keep an eye on him and let him stay with you and the girls. He is not used to these functions and I don't want any one upsetting him there, Prachi" he said with concern. He knew that Gayathri bua and the other women might not be happy with him joining a ladies evening and he was worried that they might upset him.
Prachi quickly assured him, "Don't worry, Milind. He will be fine. He seems to like Papa very much. I will ask Papa to entertain him" she said happily.
Milind almost groaned aloud, "No…….Prachi, listen. It's better that you don't get your Papa involved. He would be very busy with your relatives. Micky might just get in the way. Just make him sit with you and your friends during the function. If anything goes wrong, call me immediately and I will send someone to pick him up", he said.
Rubbishing his concern, Prachi assured him again that he would be fine. "Milind, during Lisa's wedding; you were the first to see my mehndi. But this time, I won't be seeing you" she said softly.
Milind's mind went back to that frosty night in Ooty and the morning. A fierce longing to see her rose in his chest, "I would love to sneak in to see you, Prachi. Shall I take the risk, Cherry?" he drawled huskily.
Prachi blushed, "No, Milind, please don't do anything like that. There would be a lot of people at home", she begged, wondering if she should have kept quiet.
Milind smiled, "I will behave, darling. Don't worry. Just another day, Prachi and you will be my wife. No one can question me then. I can spend the whole night trying to find my name in your mehndi" he said huskily.
Prachi went bright red, "It shouldn't take the whole night" she said way too softly.
Milind laughed softly, the sound sending a shiver down her body, "Of course, honey. I wouldn't waste a lot of time with that. After all, there would be lot more things to do that night", he drawled seductively.
Prachi's face flamed and she gasped aloud, unable to come up with a reply. Enjoying her reaction, Milind laughed, "I will let you off, Prachi. Enjoy your evening. Think of me a lot and miss me a little. Love you, baby", he said soflty.
Prachi bit her lip, "I will miss you a lot, Milind. Bye", she quickly cut the line and closed her eyes, shy and happy.
Micky was way too happy as he stepped out of the car. He had taken great care with his clothes that day. He was dressed in a maroon coloured Indian suit that made him even more handsome. Checking himself in the mirror that evening, he had whistled happily thanking Sally for selecting it for him. He had walked in to a glaring Milind at the lounge in his flat. He chuckled remembering the look on Milind's face and his repeated warning to behave. The girls were also dressed in Indian attire and he could feel the eyes of Prachi's neighbours as they walked to her door. They were welcomed by Prachi's friends and cousins. If they had found it odd to see a lone guy among the girls, they didn't comment. He smiled and hugged Prachi as she greated him. His eyes widened as he saw Gayathri bua's angry glare and moved away from Prachi quickly. Ignoring, bua's frown, Prachi introduced him to everyone. As Micky gushed how happy he is to attend one of the Indian wedding functions, even Gayathri bua smiled at his genuine excitement.
Inder walked into the lounge talking to one of his female relatives. He smiled at Milind's friends seated around Prachi inviting them politely. His smile froze as his eyes fell on Micky standing further away. "What is this boy doing here?" he thought to himself, shocked to find him in his house.
Micky walked towards him with a smile, "Hellooooo, Mr. Shah", he said huskily. His eyes swept over Inder's crispy white embroidered kurta. "He looks very sexy in Indian attire", he thought to himself.
Inder cleared his throat, giving him a curt nod. Quickly calling out to someone, he rushed away like his life was dependant on it and Micky giggled soflty.
"I have all evening, Mr. Shah. Let me see how long you can avoid me", he said to himself. Seeing Prachi gesturing at him, he walked towards him and sat down with his friends.
. Atleast, all is well now. Update padne se tumhara dil ka bhojh toh kam ho jayega yaar par do theen comments bhi de degi toh mera dil bhi kushi se jhoom utega meri jaan 
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