PART 26
Prachi was unable to meet Milind's gaze for days afterwards. She spent time alone contemplating all that occurred that night. She wasn't sure what she should do with the knowledge that she had lost a baby, one that she had no connection to anymore. She knew, however, that it was important for Milind, to be finally able to mourn and be angry at her. She didn't blame him at all; she would probably react the same wayā¦
But what she was afraid of was becoming reality, Milind needed more from her and she couldn't give it to him. She liked him, of course she did but she didn't want to love him due to obligation, just because she was his wife.
Milind had apologised for his behaviour that night but did not regret the night itself; he had let Prachi know that he still loved her. But was she still the same Prachi? He asked himself or did he just want her to be.
Anyone that had observed her could tell, despite having none of the memories, Tanvi had all of Prachi's tendencies. The way she held and played with Ritwik, the way she quietly assisted her mother in housework, the way in which she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was embarrassed but most of all the way she looked after Milind but didn't even realise.
She started doing it unconsciously, one day she had found herself placing his clothes on the bed, ready for him. She stirred in two sugars in his coffee without asking. And turned the light out in his room when he fell asleep working. It was the little things, Milind assumed Premlata was the one taking care of him and Prachi herself didn't understand why she did the things she did.
Prachi decided that she did indeed need to explore other aspects of life other than trying to mind out about herself. She believed that if she stopped trying so hard, she would possibly learn more.
"Milindā¦muje aap se kuch baat karni thi, Kya main aap ke saat Office aa sakti hoon?" She asked timidly
"Office tumhara bhi hai Prachi, muje poochne ki zaroorat nahiā¦waise tumhe buhra to nahi lagega? Muje tumhe koi asaan sa kaam dena padega."
"Koi baat nahi Milind, kuch bhiā¦umm shayad main kuch dictation likh saku ya aisa kuchā¦"
"Agar tum chaho to meri liye?"
She shook her head in ready approval, she was glad she would be with him; she didn't know anyone at the office.
Once at the office, Milind was immediately surrounded by people, Prachi was startled at Milind's importance in the office, and it seemed everyone had something to tell him, something to get signed or just to be seen by him, especially the women.
Prachi was appalled by some of their brazen attempts to catch Milind's attention. She knew he liked simplicity best but didn't recall how she knew. Despite all this Milind seemed oblivious to what was happening.
Prachi held Milind's arm and smiled at the women, "Chale?" she asked.
He looked at her for a moment, and then told his assistant to join them in his office. He explained that Prachi would be shadowing him and to place a desk outside for her too.
Prachi wondered if today, she could stay with him in his office. As if sensing her nervousness, he asked her if she wouldn't mind staying in his office for today while they found a new desk.
Despite Prachi's efforts to learn something, she seemed at a loss with all the business jargon. She watched him conduct meetings and speak confidently to everyone he addressed. She thought about him at home and how different he was; he wasn't cold or proud like he came across now.
It was about mid-day when Milind had a meeting with a client; Prachi used this as an excuse to call home. She wanted to check up on Ritwik, but when she returned, she found a woman bending over Milind from behind to show him plans for the ashram. She knew it was a project close to his heart, and wondered why he had chosen such a young woman to conduct it. Prachi tried not to dwell on how attractive she was or how close she was to Milind.
"Milind, aap ko kuch chahiye?" Prachi asked suddenly
Milind didn't bother to look up, he merely barked, "Prachiā¦kaam chal raha haiā¦"
The woman sneered, but Milind didn't notice. Prachi left the room quietly and sat outside, clearly she was not needed, and she had not come to become a hindrance.
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Ganesh Kartikeya
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