As dawn broke, sunlight flooded into the room. The sweet melody of her mother's aarti filled Prachi's ears. She strained to open her eyes against the brightness. She froze momentarily as she felt a
Foot slide up her leg. She felt dazed; unsure as to whether this was reality.
She relaxed as she felt Milind's hand pull her waist closer to him. She shifted to fit snugly into the curve of his hard body. She felt slightly self conscious as she felt pressed up against his unclothed body. She shook the thought from her head; as much as she wanted to, they couldn't stay here all day. She attempted to pull the top sheet from him to wrap herself, but Milind had it trapped under his leg. She tugged unsuccessfully, waking Milind in the process.
"Prachi…Kya kar rahi ho? Sone dou naa…" Milind said hazily, trying to pull Prachi back into his hold again.
"Milind…subah ho gayi hai, jane dijiye na…" Prachi pleaded, wriggling free.
"Abhi abhi to paya hai mane tumhe, itni aasani se kaise jane do? Muje kya milega?" His eyes twinkled with merriment and an amused smile formed on his lips as she blushed crimson as he held her wrist to stop her moving.
"Milind…" she said, bringing her face inches from his, he parted his lips, licking them unconsciously, "…maa muje bula rahi hain…" she laughed, grabbing the sheet when he was caught off guard and ran to the bathroom.
As if on cue, Premlata's voice was heard from outside the door, knocking she said "Prachi beta, tum tayaar ho gayi? Ritiwk tumhare liya rou raha hai…"
Milind thought as to what to do, should he open the door or wait for Prachi? They would find out soon enough, he thought, putting on his jeans and shirt Milind walked towards the door.
"Haan Maa?" Milind asked
"Beta…" said Premlata visibly surprised, her face quickly regaining its former composure, she continued, "Prachi? Teek hai?" she sounded worried.
Milind smiled weakly, mentally working out what to say to her, "Maa, aap aaye, mein bata tha hoon sub"
Prachi emerged from her bathroom to see her mother in tears, she hurried towards her. "Maa? Maa, aap rou kyun rahi hai?" She looked at Milind who stood by the window, "Milind kya hua?"
"Milind ne muje saab kuch bata diya hai Prachi…" said Premlata smiling, "Mein kitne khush hoon Prachi, meri beti ko aapni khushiyaan mil kayi"
Prachi looked at Milind, dread forming in the pit of her stomach, what had he told her?! Before she could say anything, he mother spoke, "Acha beta tum duno…" she paused, "Mein chalti hoon"
"Maa…" Prachi stopped her,"Ritwik?"
"Tum pareshaan mat hoo, mein use sambhaloongi, tum Milind ke saath raho, mein breakfast upar bhejti hoon" she kissed her daughter's forehead and left.
"Milind, aapne maa ko kya bataya?!" Prachi asked, her voice betraying the fear she held within her, "Agar Niharika aunty ko patha chala…"
Milind walked towards her, holding her shoulder, he sat her down on the bed, "Prachi, kuch nahi hoga, meina maa ko aisa kuch nahi bataya, yahi ke hum dono saath hai aab"
Prachi closed her eyes in relief, Milind smiled at her, she was still thinking about his family and with the thought, pride swelled in his chest. He kissed her hand, Prachi smiled shyly at the simple gesture.
"Milind, aap ko office nahi jana?" Prachi said suddenly
"Pehle ghar pe kuch kaam hain…" He said enigmatically
"Kaisa Kaam?"
He kissed her softly, "Bata du?" she smile against his lips.
😊