Chapter 19
"You better go.", said Prachi, turning her back on Milind as she straightened her sari. Milind looked at her helplessly, he knew there was no use arguing, the moment was completely lost. He grabbed his car keys and silently walked out. Prachi sank onto the bed, as soon as Milind left. Since her marriage, she had been so wrapped up in the world she and Milind had built for themselves, that thoughts of Neev & Ayesha hardly ever entered her mind. Since their marriage, Milind had never mentioned Ayesha, not even on the night of Inder's birthday party. Prachi had assumed Neev and Ayesha was a closed chapter for both of them. Prachi felt herself close to tears for the second time in the last hour. She felt like a fool. While she thought that they were getting closer in Switzerland, their time there had probably only made Milind realise that he wasn't over Ayesha. That could be the only explanation for his behaviour towards the end of the trip and since they had returned back. They certainly were still very close, if she would call Milind in a situation like this. Prachi suddenly felt angry. If that was the case, why was he about to make love to her a few minutes ago? Needing an escape from her own thoughts, Prachi replayed Ayesha's message. What Prachi could discern, was that Neev had left their apartment last night and hadn't returned home as yet. Ayesha had called all his family and friends but no one had seen him. Prachi had a feeling that she knew where Neev was.
Prachi knocked on the door of the old house. She had spent countless hours here in her childhood, playing with Neev on the lawn. Both of Neev's grandparents had passed away in recent years but their house was still owned by the Shergills. Neev was surprised to see Prachi at the door, "Prachi, what are you doing here?". "Ayesha, phoned us. I thought you may be here.", replied Prachi. Neev's face darkened at the mention of Ayesha's name. "I don't know what happened but I do think you need to let her know that you are okay. She sounded really worried.", said Prachi. "Hiding out here is not going to solve anything.", said Prachi gently. Prachi suddenly felt weary. She was advising Neev about his marriage yet she was completely overwhelmed by her own marriage.
Meanwhile Milind found himself at Ayesha's apartment, listening to Ayesha's heated telephone conversation with Niharika. The promise that Milind had made to the Niharika and the rest of the Shergills almost a year ago was the reason that Milind found himself there. He had promised them he wouldn't let anyone hurt Ayesha and he intend to abide by that promise. However when he had made that promise, it was to protect the woman, he thought he loved, now it was merely to stand by a friend. He had also made a promise to the woman, who he now knew was the single most important thing in his life, that he would always be honest with her. As soon as, he got home, Milind resolved to tell Prachi exactly how he felt about her, even if it meant losing her because she didn't feel the same way. Ayesha slammed down the phone, "She won't even try to help me find Neev, she much rather just blame me." Just then thinking she had heard something outside, Ayesha flew to the door and opened it, only to find no one out there. Ayesha burst into a fresh bout of tears and buried her head in Milind's chest, wrapping herself tightly around him. "Oh God, why couldn't I have just married you. Things would have been so much easier." Milind unable to do anything else, held her, only to look up to see Prachi standing at the open doorway. Milind had already managed to disentangle himself from Ayesha, when a few seconds later Neev walked through the door. Neev and Ayesha looked at each other. "I think we should go.", said Prachi refusing to look at Milind directly.
Niether Milind nor Prachi said a word on the way back. Prachi was in the most blinding rage, she had ever been in her life. Milind was none too happy himself. Prachi had managed to find Neev, when even his own wife and family didn't know where he was. There was no underestimating the connection between them. "How did you find Neev?", asked Milind as he switched off the car, unable to keep his jealous anger out of his voice. "Don't you dare, don't you dare ask me anything!", seethed Prachi as she got out of the car and slammed the door. "Prachi!", said Milind as he caught her arm and swung her around before she could enter the house. She was almost shaking with rage, as she wrenched her arm out of his grip. "How could you Milind? I have been torturing myself for the last few days, wondering what I have done wrong, crying myself to sleep thinking how I can make things right. But I haven't done anything wrong, have I? It's so clear to me now. You realised in Zurich, you would have much rather have been there with Ayesha instead of me. Well, here's your chance, her marriage is almost over and I won't stand in your way. Go to her!" Milind was completely taken aback by Prachi's angry outburst. "Prachi, listen to me!", said Milind trying to grab hold of Prachi as she pushed him away again. "Just go to her, Milind!" said Prachi angrily pulling herself away from him. Milind could feel his own temper rise as he finally managed to hold onto her arms tightly. Shaking her slightly to get her attention, "Listen to me, the only thing I realised in Zurich is that we couldn't go on as we were because I want...". "Because, you want to go back to Ayesha." said Prachi, tears rolling down her cheeks. "No because I want to go to sleep next to you and wake up with you in my arms, have children with you, grow old with you and I want you be the last thing I see before I die. But I didn't think I had a chance that you would feel the same especially after Neev. And I was right, wasn't I? Today, just showed what a bond you have with Neev.", said Milind in tears himself, as he let go of her and turned away from her. "I don't love Neev.", said Prachi, all her anger seeping out of her, leaving her feeling utterly helpless, "I don't think I ever did. You are the only person I could ever love." Milind turned around and looked at her. She was openly weeping and he could see the truth of her words in her face. "I love you.", she repeated. Milind hadn't realised how much he had needed to hear those word until she had said them. Without saying a word, he picked her up and carried her into the house. Nothing was going to stop him from proving to his his wife, just how much he loved her in return. Much later, as Prachi lay contently in her husband's arms, Milind whispered, "I love you too."
Epilogue - Five Years Later
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,happy birthday to Payal! Hip, Hip, Hurray! Payal blew out the candles on her birthday cake & bit into the piece of cake that her father fed her. "Papa, Papa ", said Payal in return feeding Milind. "Only Papa, what about Mama?",complained Prachi. "She is her father's daughter, Prachi, you just have to accept it.", laughed Premlata. Prachi looked at her daughter being held in her husband's arms and felt overwhelmed with love for both of them. Except for her curly mop of hair, 3 year old Payal looked like her mother with her delicate oval face and soft brown eyes. It was little wonder that Milind was absolutely besotted with his little baby girl.
All their family and friends were there to celebrate with them. Bobby & Somuya had spent the day playing with Payal while Premalata & Dadi had helped Prachi with the preparations. Sukruti, back in India and working at a top Mumbai law firm was there with Saket. They were set to marry the following year. Even Alaap was there. He and Milind would never be best friends but they had learnt to tolerate each other. Anyway, his wife Suyesha pregnant with their first child kept him on too short a leash for him to any have time to bother about Milind. Even Ayesha and Neev were there. They still had their ups and downs but ever since the birth of their son a year ago, Ayesha had mellowed considerably and Neev had really stepped up to his responsibilities as a father and a husband. The only face missing from Milind & Prachi's immediate family was Inder. He had passed away more than 2 years ago. Prachi had been devastated by his death especially so soon after giving birth to her first child but Milind had been a tower of strength to her and to her family. Prachi felt her love for Milind deepen and grow as he helped her cope with her grief.
Later that evening, after Milind had tucked Payal into bed, he returned to his bedroom. Prachi was closing the windows and Milind watched her from behind. Inspite of nearly 6 years of marriage, there were still times when Milind couldn't wholly believe that she was his. His wife, the mother of his child. Milind tried to sneak up on her but as always she sensed his presence and turned around. "Is she asleep?", asked Prachi smiling. "It took a while, she was so excited about getting everything she asked for.", said Milind. "Well, not everything, but she will in a few months time.", said Prachi taking Milind's hand and placing it on her stomach. "Prachi", said Milind looking at her questioningly, remembering one of Payal's birthday wishes for a baby brother. "We still have to go to the doctor to confirm it but I'm pretty sure.", said Prachi happily. Milind didn't say anything but the look of pure joy on his face was enough for Prachi. "I love you.", said Milind as he hugged her tightly. Prachi smiled. They both knew life could not be any more perfect.
The End
Edited by blackcurrant - 17 years ago
