Hey everyone, okay, atlast I am revealing the HM destination. Let me see what you all think about it. More details in the upcoming weekend update 😉. Cheers 😃
Prachi was busy packing in the bedroom. Going by Vicky's words, she had been selecting clothes suitable for warm climate and beach wear. She had packed sunscrean lotion, sunglasses, cotton wear but definitely no bikinis. She didn't swim and didn't possess any swimsuits. Inder had tried to teach her swimming when she was a little girl and but she had screamed in terror the minute her little feet touched the water and clung to him for dear life. No cajolling or promises of icecreams, even Neev's constant teasing hadn't made her change her mind. May be Milind would teach her to swim, she thought to herself with a shy smile. Then she might even wear a swimsuit but as conservative as possible, but no bikinis, she giggled to herself. Dinner with their relatives had gone on really well and thankfully Shweta and Shreya had kept it as informal as they could. But for the first time, she realised how different Mishra's dinners are in comparison to the ones at her parent's house. Everyone was immaculately dressed and with perfect table manners and inspite of the obvious informality, Prachi had been way too nervous. Milind had never left her side and flanked by Vicky on the other side, she was way too thankful to them for leading her through dinner without any mishaps. Food had been excellent and very professionally served by the staff and to Prachi's amazement, the main dining room in her new home had a gleaming new, huge dining table which comfortably seated all their guests. Her eyes atlast had taken in quite a few grand additions in the house, undoubtedly done by Shweta. Seeing her surprised look, Milind had whispered that now that he is a married man, these are some essential additions. Prachi had silently wondered that if she would ever learn the art of throwing such dinners as elegantly as Shweta does. Nervousness filled her as she wondered that if informal dinners were conducted in such a manner, how a formal Mishra's dinner would be.
She was thankful when Shweta asked everyone to excuse Prachi as she needs an early night to be able to travel the next day. Thanking their understanding guests and with a grateful look towards her mother-in-law, Prachi had rushed back to her room. Milind had stayed back lingering on coffee and she wondered for the umpteeth time how long it would take for him to join her. After their short romantic morning, she hadn't been able to spend any time with him and longed to be alone with him. She walked to the window and looked at the view outside. From that height, the twinkling city lights and the distant blue of the sea looked magical. Tried as she might, she couldn't shake off Merin's words. It had bothered her more than Sally's scathing remarks. How much was Milind affected by Sally's departure from his life? Was he really heartbroken as Merin said? He had always indicated his affair with Sally as casual and easy. But Prachi always had her doubts. She knew that he was very fond of Sally and she was his friend, but watching the way he spoke to her, Prachi always had a feeling that their relationship had been anything but a casual fling. Oh no! There she goes again! She sighed to herself. Chiding herself for giving to her earlier misgivings, she closed her eyes. Whatever had been, it was the past and long forgotten…….atleast for Milind. She had no doubt that his love for her was deep and pure. But posessive that she is, inspite of knowing she was his present and his future, her greedy heart longed to stamp its claim even on his past. Even the thought of anyone else…….most of all, Sally…..could have meant anything more was simply unbearable. She chided herself again but was also smug at her posessiveness of her husband. He is mine. He was …….and he will always be. She bit her lip shyly.
She gasped as she felt his lips along the side of her neck. Oh, he is here! Her heart thundered with excitement and she sighed as his arms encircled her.
"Missing me?" he whispered against her ears.
"Ummm" she said losing herself in his featherlight kisses along her neck. She turned around and hugged him tightly.
Smiling, Milind kissed on her head, "From tomorrow, I am all yours and you are all mine for the next two weeks. No guests, no friends……….just us", he said huskily.
Prachi smiled and looked at him with shy eyes. "I have almost finished packing", she said softly.
Turning to look at the half-filled suitcase, Milind lifted his eyebrows. "You seem to have been packing for a warm weather. It might be freezing cold and snowing for all you know", he said with a smirk.
Prachi bit her lip worried that he would find out that Vicky had given her clues.
Looking at the clothes laid out next to the suitcase, he laughed softly, "Hey, are you packing for a post-retirement trip? This has no honeymoon essentials", he said.
Prachi's face fell slightly, "What do you mean?" she asked with wide eyes.
Holding her by her waist, he walked into the walk-in closet. "I have meticulously shopped for you over the last month or so. Did you not even look at these?" he asked her and slid the wardrobe door open.
Prachi's eyes became wider and wider and her face flamed as rows of sheer silk and lace greeted her. "You don't know how much time I spent planning all this, honey. Atlast my every fantasy, every wish is about to be fulfilled", he said huskily and pulled her closer.
Moving away from him abrouptly, her fingers trembled slightly as she shifted through the sensual and transparent night gowns and skimpy bikinis. Oh no, she can't even look at them without blushing! There was no way she would wear these. She pulled the door close and shook her head at Milind, "I can't……..wear them,..definitely no bikinis", she said softly.
Milind moved closer to her and placed his hands on either side of her, effectively stopping her from moving away from him. "Oh, you will, Prachi. And most time, even a lot less than these", he said huskily. He traced the back of his fingers down her forehead, her lips, her neck and lower.
Prachi's hands shot out to hold his still, "Mililnd…….please", her words came out sharper than she intended.
He stilled and to her surprise, he moved away from her. His narrowed eyes held her surprised ones, "Fine then, Prachi. Dinner was a bit too heavy. I need to burn off these calories. I am hitting the gym. You finish packing whatever you are comfortable with and get some sleep. We can talk tomorrow", he said and without a word, turned and walked away.
Stunned, Prachi stared after him with shocked eyes. Oh god, has she upset him? But how can she wear such clothes? Tears prickled her eyes and her lips wobbled slightly. She sat down on the chair and stared at the row of colourful clothes.
Sweat ran down his arms and back as Milind worked the weights. Angry with himself for leaving Prachi so abruptly and at the same time disappointed with her uptight behaviour, he pushed himself more and more. His hair was messed up and his breathing laboured. Prachi pushed the door open slowly and walked in. Her worried eyes searched him and widened when they found him. A gasp escaped her lips as her eyes trailed over his body. Dressed in shorts and a sleeveless vest, he looked breathtakingly manly. Her eyes followed the bulging biceps everytime he flexed his arm, the gleaming sweat trickling down his back, the strong legs spread apart, balancing the weights. Her heart constricted in response, her breathing gone haywire. Milind stilled noticing her from the corner of his eyes. Placing the weights down, he stood with his back to her and closed his eyes, trying to compose himself. Before his lips could utter an apology, he felt her arms around him and her body pressed against his back.
"Sorry", she said softly.
Tension drained from him and raising her hand to his lips, he kissed it softly, "I am sorry, sweatheart. I was way too abrupt. Excuse my behaviour, please", he said and pulled her into his arms.
Prachi buried her face in his chest.
"I don't want you to be uncomfortable with me, Prachi. I am telling myself that I should take it nice and slowly but at times, I can't hold back myself. You always have that effect on me", he said softly.
Prachi's hands rose up to loop around his neck and pulling him down, she whispered close to his ear, "I have never packed "honeymoon essentials" before. Will you help me, please?" she said.
A wide grin played on Milind's lips and his arms squeazed her tight, "Aw, Cherry, now you know why I love you so much. What are we doing here, honey? Let's go finish up our packing" he said happily.
She shrieked as he lifted her up in his arms, "Mi……lind, what are you doing? There are so many people at home. Someone will see us. Put me down", she kicked her legs, her hands pushing against his hard shoulders.
Milind laughed, "The side door of the gym opens right next to our bedroom. It is only a few steps in the corridor. Just pray no one catches us" he said naughtily and ignoring her protests, walked out of the gym.
It was well past midnight and the corridor looked deserted. Prachi looked around with wild eyes and sighed with relief. Her relief was short lived as half way through the corridor; they came face to face with Shweta, carrying a juice tray. A look of absolute horror crossed Prachi's face and with a sheepish grin, Milind set her down, "Mom" he said softly, his face slightly flushed.
Struggling to keep a straight face, Shweta managed a smile, "Good night, Milind, Prachi", she said softly.
Without a word, Prachi ran past her into the bedroom. Shweta and Milind looked at eachother and Milind raked his hand through his hair, "Good night, Mom" he said sheepishly and rushed past her, embarrassed as his mother burst out laughing.
Inder looked at his glowing daughter talking to Premlatha. She had looked slightly embarrassed when Inder over and over again warned her about looking after herself and take extra care with food and water.
Laughing, Milind put his hand around Prachi's shoulder, "Don't worry about Prachi. She will be very safe with me" he said and Inder smiled at them.
Anand had earlier told him where Milind and Prachi were heading to and he was worried about his daughter going on such a long journey. Are there no places near by that Milind had planned their honeymoon so far away? Prachi was not very fond of flying and preferred trains to domestic flights. It would be her fight long flight and so far away from India. But today there was no fear of flying on her face but just extreme happiness. His heart silently wished his daughter all the happiness in the world.
Her heart bursting with excitement, Prachi happily waved bye to her family and walked away with Milind. She was pleasantly surprised when they were ushered quickly through the check-in. Wow! She had forgotten that she was also a VIP now. She giggled and held Milind's hand excitedly. Her eyes widened realising that they were boarding the plane bound for Sydney. Her hands squeezed Milind's and jumped in excitement, "Oh my god, we are going to Australia. Wow! Now I know" she smiled at him.
Laughing, he pinched her nose. "Not really, sweetheart! We will take another flight from Sydney" he said.
Surprised, she looked at him pleadingly, "Milind, please tell me. The suspense is killing me" she begged. She jumped back as he kissed her softly on her lips.
"You will know very soon, Cherry. I promise you that it will be worth the wait" he said huskily and pulled her along to board the plane.
Prachi stretched comfortably in the first-class seat. She had held Milind's hand tightly and had squeezed her eyes shut during take off. But Milind had kept her busy with easy and comfortable conversation and she relaxed in no time. Sighing as the soft luxury of the leather seat, she smiled at him, "Milind, I could easily get used to this, you know", she said softly.
Smiling, Milind raised his hand to his lips and kissed it, "The sooner, the better, darling. Because, I am going to shower you with all the luxury in the world. My darling wife deserves the best", he said softly and Prachi rested her head on his shoulder, smiling happily.
Feeling jet lagged and lightheaded after a 15 hour long flight, Prachi looked around in wonder as again they eased through customs quickly. She stayed close to Milind, holding his hand tightly. They were quickly whisked to a luxurious five star hotel. Prachi pulled back the curtains and squeeled in delight at the specatacular view of Sydney harbour and the opera house. She turned back to look at Milind and he smiled at her.
"We will go out later in the day. You need some sleep now" he said and forcing her to eat something, he cradled her in his arms, rocking her gently, till she fell asleep.
As promised, he took her for a tour of the opera house and they watced a performance. Dinner was in the balcony of their luxurious suite, overlooking the harbour. Dressed casually in beige trousers and a white shirt, Milind looked breathtakingly handsome and Prachi's eyes strayed back to him time and again as she struggled to concentrate on her food. Though he had kept the conversation pleasant, it was a relief to Prachi when dinner ended. She leaned on the rails and closed her eyes, enjoying the chillness of the sea breeze. They were spending only the night there and there was another flight to catch the next morning. She wondered for the millionth time as to where they were going. From the minute Vicky mentioned beach, she had imagined Seychelles or Mauritius. But now she had no idea. She could hear Milind on the phone to Vicky. She sighed again wanting him to be with her. Her body tensed as his hands encircled her waist and pulled her to him. Her long black dress fluttered in the wind and she gasped as his lips trailed along her bare shoulder exposed by his impatient hands. Stopping her from turning towards him, Milind pulled her other sleeve down and Prachi moaned as his lips moved all over her back, his tongue trailing a wet burning path on her skin. She gasped aloud as he turned her towards him swiftly and his fingers tightened in her hair and his mouth crashed down on hers. She struggled to stop him as his hands pulled her dress lower. His mouth moved down kissing along her neck, her collar bone and moved lower and lower. A sharp cry escaped her and her fingers clutched at his head harder as he pushed her to the heights of insanity. Easily balancing her weight on his arm as her legs had compeletly given away, his mouth wrecked havoc on her body. Unable to hold himself any longer, Milind lifted her supple body in his arms and walked towards the bed.
Prachi snuggled deeper into her seat, as sleep engulfed her as soon as their flight left Sydney. They hadn't gone to sleep for a long time last night. It was as though Milind was making up for the two lost nights before they reached Sydney. Her body felt tender and thoroughly loved and her lips creased into a small smile. Milind looked at his sleeping wife. Every night with her seemed magical. She was slowly easing up towards him and he was sure that by the end of their honeymoon, she would have come out of her shy cocoon………well atleast almost, he thought to himself with a smile. He stretched comfortably and closed his eyes and the plane moved steadily close to its destination……..the most magical, romantic and luscious Island of Tahiti.