FF: Rishtey(MP-NA)- new prt updtd 12/25 new thread - Page 107

Originally posted by: Charmed...

Just loved it JC. I thought the begining was just like something they would show us on screen but WAY better. awww thanks. (chane ke jhaad😍) I'm glad that Sukrati's better now and she's made loads of progress with Ritwik and her self confidence but doesn't Alaap live in Delhi? lolz...haha..yes he does. you are paying attention.😃

Thanks for the update hun! 😃

Originally posted by: optimist

Loved the Chapter JC. More or less what I expected but a couple of actions were surprising, pleasantly so. I thought she will throw herself at Suki and get hurt in the process. But thankfully your Prachi seems to be much more sensible than the one on the show and definitely much more stronger in terms of character. yes she is strong. And about throwing herself onto Suki...that was probably something she might have done at an earlier point in her life...but now i guess she is more sensible than that. Milsi hugging her out of gratitude for what she had done was also pretty surprising. I think i said it before...i really didn't know how Milsi could express his gratitude and whenever i am overwhelmed i just hug people...so my Milsi did. And he really isn't eloquent like you said.😆😆But then again I realise that your Milsi is not very eloquent and mostly lets his actions do the talking for him. And this one really did do quite a bit to convey what he felt more than his staccattoed words. I love this guy because he is quite sentimental and in guys I find that very cute. I dont believe that men should not cry. After all they too have the same tear glands as women. Ofcourse nobody would like a guy (or for that matter a woman too) who cries at the drop of the hat but I think the events of the day justified the tears. i agree. and especially since i didn't really show his reaction to the new of Suki's attempted suicide or what he was feeling when he rushed home or when he saw his sister's burned legs...i felt that it was important to show him breakdown.

Good to know Suki is on the road to recovery. I dont understand why Prachi is fine with Suki going to Delhi to complete her education. She knows Alaap is there, doesn't she? well she knows he lives there but currently is in Mumbai. The thought that Alaap and Suki might meet does not cross her mind. I doubt Suki is aware he is. Dont know if Milsi is. But with Alaap in the same city, there are greater chances she bumps into him some day. Suki and Milsi are not aware. This may only create more problems, would it not? yes it would create a big mess. Are you setting up their meeeting there so that ultimately Suki and Alaap get together? yup. Or is it the fact that she was treated in Delhi the consideration? Thats also a consideration. As her first doctor will be able to continue her treatment. I have a feeling that the person Prachi has in mind as Suki's guardian may be related to Soumya's in-laws. Or it could be a friend of her's whose brother may know Alaap, which will open up the possibility of a Suki-Alaap meeting if that is what you have in mind. everyone will be surprised by the choice of friend.😃 I am confused between two characters and either one would be good. So just got to decide who it will be before i write the next update. If Suki-Alaap do end up together I hope they let Prachi keep Ritwik. umm...there might be another solution.😊 Prachi seems adamant about leaving Milsi once Ritwik is handed over to Suki. The only thing which will hold her back is if Ritwik stays on in SM. you mean MM (Mishra Mansion😃) Lets c what i do.

Now coming to her reason for wanting to leave SM after Ritwik is handed over to Suki I am making some wild guesses. I think that Prachi has done something in the past to Milsi which she is not proud of. maybe And it is related to the MAP puzzle although she may not be aware that the third angle is Anjali. If Milsi comes to know of it he may end up hating her. possible...but you don't realize what you have guessed.😆 Its kinda true but not in the way you are thinking. Prachi does not want that. She can bear his indifference but not hate and disgust. Ofcourse she can always conceal the truth fom him and continue to live a happy life with him. But her conscience will not let her be. While she has no intention of lettin him know the truth and risk falling before his eyes, she cannot lead a happy life with him, weighed down by the burden of guilt of hiding something. So she wants to leave him and suffer her penance alone. Atleast she would have the satisfaction of not falling before his eyes even if she cannot live with him. no comments about that part. Because if i tell you its true or i refute it then you'll stop guessing. And i love your guesses. Besides I realize that this is what you can guess with what i have given so far. She does not want him to fall in love with her because that would complicate matters for both of them. yes it would complicate her plans... It would hurt him when she leaves him if he loves her and she is a person who would not want to hurt a fly. However, according to her it is imperative that she leaves him under the circumstances.yes. its true. I know that all that makes little sense, but with such skimpy clues you have given so far that's all I can come up with. trust me akaa i am very proud of you. You are good at wild guesses.

Awaiting the next instalment. I think now its time you start sorting out your puzzle one by one instead of building it up further. I am already sorting thru it. But before a puzzle can be untangled completely it inadvertently gets more complicated. So take that as part of the unraveling.

Originally posted by: dipsyworld

JC, lovely update. Really enjoyed reading it.😃

My fav part is the bhai-behen conversation. I loved the way Milind spoke to Sukriti and consoled her.
Thankyou. I loved the Milind-Suki relationship during Suki's wedding to Saket. I really love Milind as a bro. So thought i'd do justice to that part of him.
Milind hugged Prachi as he couldnt find words to thank her.😃 Isnt this their first hug? 😳
yes its their first hug😳😳😳 but not the last😉
Its good that Sukriti has recovered and made up her mind to continue with her studies. Now who is this friend of Prachi in Delhi? Any chance of Saket in that family? 😕 😆 no way. lolz. Saket is Neev's brother.

Waiting for the next part. Update soon.😛

Originally posted by: optimist

Now that Deepa mentioned this I am wondering whether Suki will get to meet Saket. No not yet. I dont remember reading much about Neev's family. So is Saket his brother? and here i thot you remember the minutest of details (j/k) When Neev and Ayesha had the convo about their childhood where Ayesha learned to dance and Neev reminded her that she bit him....Ayesha remember Neev and Saket used to come to the dance school together..."Neev's bro in glasses" who else could it be but Saket. I understand why you got Alaap to sign over his parental rights oer to Prachi. If Suki ends up with Saket or someone else, Alaap should not create problems asking for custody of Ritwik. ummm i didn't think that much about the situation. You see where Prachi is asking herself questions of where things are headed in terms of Ritwik's custody and parental rights...that was my own confusion coming out thru her.😆. Unlike most of you think...i haven't got the entire story planned out...i make up stuff as i go too...i only got some main parts planned. The details get me worried sometimes...cause i might be hitting my own legs with the ax.😆😆😆

Originally posted by: jinc118

and here i thot you remember the minutest of details (j/k) When Neev and Ayesha had the convo about their childhood where Ayesha learned to dance and Neev reminded her that she bit him....Ayesha remember Neev and Saket used to come to the dance school together..."Neev's bro in glasses" who else could it be but Saket.

JC you have to give me some allowance here. Afterall I am tracking four FFs besides yours and each of them have their own suspense elements. I do tend to mix up the stories in my mind or not remember little details at the end of it.

The details get me worried sometimes...cause i might be hitting my own legs with the ax.😆😆😆

All the more reason you do not complicate matters further for your own good!!!

Are you updating today?

Chapter 42: Trip to Delhi

That night Milind couldn't sleep. He had agreed to let Sukriti go but he didn't have the heart for it. It wasn't just that he was worried about her delicate mental state but that he didn't want to let her go away to a place where he won't know how she is truly doing. Sukriti would never tell him if anything bothered her but he could always tell by one look at her face. He loved her more than anyone else in this world but they never had an open channel of communication between them. She was always his baby sister and he was more of a parent figure in her life. That's why they could never really be like friends who tell each other everything. But they knew each other really well. When she had first started to fall for Alaap he had known that his sister was in love. But they never talked about it. If he had known that it was Alaap that was bringing out such emotions in his sister, he would have stopped her then. It was only then that he regretted not having an open relationship with his sister where she could feel comfortable in telling him everything.

But what was done was done. Sukriti was back to being the sister that he once knew…the way she was before she met Alaap. And no one could be happier about it other than him. He had wondered how a sensible girl like Sukriti had fallen for Alaap's antics. How had she not seen through that fake. But no use crying over spilled milk. He was happy that she was moving on. She had decided to continue her education herself. Though Ayesha had been the one to suggest the idea first to Sukriti but Milind didn't know that. Sukriti had chosen the university that she wanted to attend and she had also insisted on working part-time so that she would not feel like she was being a burden on anyone while completing her education. Sukriti knew that Milind would never consider her a burden, he hadn't in the past and he wouldn't in the future. But Milind also understood his sister's desire to be independent of him and he respected her wishes. Prachi too explained the matter to her friend who thought it ridiculous that Sukriti wanted to be a paying guest at their house when she was welcome to stay as part of the family, but she agreed nonetheless.

Sukriti had wanted to travel by train because she was afraid of flights and she didn't want Milind to drive. Sukriti was most excited about travelling by train since she enjoyed it a lot but Prachi had mixed feelings. She had never travelled by train before, and especially not a long journey. That morning Asha tai said quiet authoritatively that Ritwik would be a hindrance in their journey, especially since they were travelling by train and therefore Prachi should leave him behind. The idea didn't sit well with Prachi but before she could express her feelings, Milind agreed to leave Ritwik behind leaving little room for argument. They were to leave at night and reach Delhi the following afternoon. Prachi put Riwtik to sleep early that evening so that he doesn't see her packing and left with Milind and Sukriti with a heavy heart She knew that he'd be upset when he woke up to find himself alone with Asha tai. She was restless throughout the journey and even as they boarded the train she was fidgeting with her dupatta.

Finally early in the morning hours Milind got annoyed by her fidgeting and called home from his cell phone and handed the phone to Prachi. Ritwik came to the phone and excitedly talked to her about where she was going. Prachi was a bit surprised that he wasn't crying and she told him all the things she was going to bring him before he even expressed his grief in not being with her. Later Asha tai explained that he was upset when he first woke up but she had gotten him to calm down. Prachi felt more relaxed and looked at Milind gratefully while handing back the cell phone. Milind took the phone from her while Sukriti and Milind shared an understanding look accompanied by a smile that didn't go unnoticed by Prachi. She only blushed out of embarrassment and looked out the window.

The train ride was a new and unique experience for Prachi. She couldn't believe how much she had enjoyed it. She had enjoyed everything except the inconvenience of not wanting to use the filthy bathroom. She had enjoyed the scenery and the strange co-travelers. If she had met them under other circumstances they would have only received a courteous glance that a stranger does. But the fact that they were traveling together had connected them on a different level. She enjoyed how casual Sukriti and Milind were in the setting. She had enjoyed Milind's company most because she hadn't seen him so laid back since their college days. He was even wearing casual jeans and a T-shirt which made him look much younger and even more handsome than he looked in his business attire. Prachi had a hard time keeping her eyes off of him or from keeping her skin from tingling everytime his arm or leg would brush against her. She relaxed momentarily when Milind switched his seat with Sukriti who was sitting opposite from her. But then she kept feeling his eyes on her and that was even worse. She just hoped that Milind didn't notice her blush.

Milind on the other hand was completely oblivious to what he was doing to her. He kept wondering why she averted her gaze every time he looked at her. But he too felt embarrassed that she had caught him looking at her on so many occasions. But he couldn't help it. She was looking simply stunning in a dark blue salvar, and faded silver jewellery. He realized that apart from their wedding day he hadn't seen her wearing gold. She probably didn't like it. But from the jumka that kissed her neck everytime she moved to the blue bangles that tinkled everytime she raised her hand…it all added to her simplicity and was invoking a long forgotten feeling in Milind's chest. As the breeze blew strands of her hair across her face and it stuck to her lips, she would raise her hand and move the hair and inadvertently look up at him and he would lower his eyes at the shamelessness of his own thoughts. She would then look back out the window and he would again find himself gazing at her, though he was 'reading a magazine' all the while.

He had always thought her to be beautiful but he never had taken the time to appreciate how beautiful she really was. And the reason was simply that she was Alaap's sister, someone he didn't like. But considering that his hatred towards Alaap no longer cast a shadow on what he thought of Prachi, he couldn't help but notice her. Sitting across from her in a train he did just that. He took in every detail of her and came to the conclusion that she was not just beautiful, she was perfect. However, his thoughts stopped there. He didn't want to dwell on his new liking for Prachi for too long. She was beautiful and anyone could see it. There was no need to get worried over why he felt that way. It wasn't like he was falling in love with her. He just appreciated her in a new light because she had been nice to him and his family. He no longer judged her by her association to the Shah family. That was all it was. But who was he kidding? Prachi had managed to sneak into his life, how easily she had integrated herself into his family that once only consisted of Sukriti and Asha tai. Now it had 5 members. He knew deep down that it was the truth but he couldn't admit it to himself just yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Part II (thankyou Rima😃 for helping a confused soul)

They reached Delhi in the afternoon and decided to do some shopping before meeting Prachi's friend. Prachi had promised Ritwik gifts and Sukriti too had wanted to buy some things she needed. Milind had been to Delhi several times and knew where to go. But both Sukriti and Milind were surprised to find out that Prachi knew Delhi well too. She revealed to them that Delhi was her birthplace and that her family had moved to Mumbai only when she was 10 yrs old. Her friend was a childhood friend whom she had gone to school with and they had kept in touch since.

When they were finished shopping Sukriti remembered that she needed to buy something for Asha tai and she told Milind to take them to a jewelry shop. After searching through a few shops Sukriti finally found what she was looking for. It was a simple chain with a unique locket and she wanted it engraved. But the engraving would take time so they decided to go to Prachi's friend's house and Milind would pick up the chain on the way back.

Prachi's friend lived in a charming, two story house on the outskirts of Delhi. It was Prachi's friend who opened the door and greeted them with a heart warming smile. "Praaaaachi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kitne saalon ke baad mil rahi hoon apni Sia se" she squealed as soon as she saw her and squeezed Prachi in a hug. Prachi too hugged her back with much love and finally separated, remembering that Milind and Sukriti needed to be introduced. But before Prachi could open her mouth, her friend started speaking.

"Yeh Sukriti hai na" she said excitedly and hugged Sukriti just as lovingly as she had Prachi. Sukriti was surprised but smiled at the welcome. Then Prachi's friend turned to Milind and said, "Prachi yeh tere Ramji hain na?". Milind looked at Prachi confused and she in turn looked shocked. He turned to Prachi's friend and explained, "Aapko galatfaimi ho rahi hai. Mera naam Milind hai". But Prachi's friend didn't look apologetic at all. "Of course it is. Par hamaare liye toh aap Ram ji hue." Prachi tried to interrupt her friend but she didn't pay much heed. "Tu chup kar. Yaani ke tune abhi tak inhe bataaya hi nahi?" her friend asked shocked. Then she continued, "Aap log andar aayiye mein samjhaati hoon." And as she led all three of them inside, she explained " Do you know Milind, when we were in school together, one day our teacher asked us to write an essay on who we want to be when we grow up. And do you know what Prachi said she wants to be…" Prachi's friend continued talking without waiting for anyone's reply. "she said she wants to be like Sita." "Kya???" came a shocked and amused reply from Sukriti though Milind too was wondering why Prachi wanted to be like Sita. Prachi only looked horrified and embarrassed at her friends blabbering. "Shruti please.." she tried to stop her. But Shruti was in no mood to listen to her. "When I asked her why she wants to be Sita you know what she said, she said, because only Sita will get a husband like Ramji." Everyone cracked up and Prachi wanted to hide her face in her dupatta but settled for looking down at her toes. "Sach Milind, aisi thi Prachi. Aur tab se saara school isko Prachi nahi, Sia kehta tha. Aur hum itna chidaate the isko ki Siavar kab aayenge swayamvar ke liye. By the way I am so sorry. Hum Shaadi mein nahi aa sake. Uss vakt mein aur Akaash India mein nahi the."

"By the way I didn't tell you my name. Main bhi na. Kuch zyaada hi bolti hoon." Before her friend picked up another topic to discuss, Prachi finally interrupted. "Milind ab yeh toh bataane ki zaroorat hi nahi hogi ki yahaan Sukriti kabhi bore nahi hogi. Vaise isne abhi tak bataya nahi isliye mein bata deti hoon. Yeh Shruti hai."

"Aur mein Aarushi hoon" came a tiny voice from behind the sofa. Everyone looked back to see a little girl walking in holding her grandpa's hand. She ran to Shruti and sat on her lap. "Haan, yeh hamaari Aarushi hai." Shruti proclaimed and addressed her daughter, "Namaste karo beta" and the little angel folded her hands "Namaste" she said and Prachi indicated her to come to her. She got off her mother's lap and went to Prachi. "Aap kitne saal ke ho?" Sukriti asked as Prachi gave her some chocolates that she had brought earlier. "I am 5 years old" she said proudly. "Oh really, Ritwik is also your age" Sukriti said smiling but immediately her expression changed. "Who is Ritwik?", Arushi asked innocently. The three of them felt uncomfortable but Prachi answered, "Just like you, he is a cute little boy." "But I am not a boy" Aarushi complained making everyone laugh. Prachi decided that she should explain things to Shruti now before she asks any more uncomfortable questions and they went to Shruti's room to talk in private while Milind chatted up with Shruti's father-in-law who was an ex-police officer. Sukriti decided to explore the house with Aarushi who was very excited to show her her room.

After some time when Shruti and Prachi came back, Shruti still seemed the same bubbly personality that Milind had met initially. The knowledge of Sukriti's past and the current situation didn't change her expressions even slightly towards Milind or Sukriti and Milind finally felt relaxed and comfortable that Sukriti would be staying with them. He was already impressed with Shruti's in-laws. He was surprised to find out that Rohit and Ritu Seighal were Akaash's parents and not Shruti's. Now he only wanted to meet her husband and make sure that his sister was welcome in their house by all members of the household. It was then that Sukriti walked in and excitedly showed a picture frame to Milind. It was a photo frame of Shruti with her husband and another couple.

Sukriti: "Bhaiya do you know who this is?" she asked excited. Milind didn't know for sure but recognized the face. He figured that the guy in the picture was a celebrity.

Shruti walked over to look at what had gotten Sukriti so excited. Then she smiled and showed the picture to Prachi.

After dinner Milind, Akaash and Akaash's father had opted to discuss matters that were of least interest to the ladies, over a few drinks. Meanwhile Prachi headed to the room Shruti had indicated and stood by the window looking out at the rain. She loved the rains. She would have loved to get wet in the rain and twirl but this was a thunder storm and thunder always scared her. She stood by the window instead and imagined herself enjoying the rain. Then getting enough courage she opened the door to the room that led into the balcony and stepped out slightly. The balcony was covered by a concrete roof so she didn't get wet but she stood pressing her body onto the railing. Then with the overwhelming desire to get wet she raised herself on the wide railing and sat dangling her legs out, getting them wet. She was a bit scared that she was sitting up high and held onto the railing tightly with one hand while her other hand played with the dripping water. She would involuntarily tighten her grip on the railing every time she heard the thunder but she refused to let the noise scare her off. So engrossed was she in the rain that she didn't notice when Milind had come up to the room or that he had found her in the balcony and had slowly walked up behind her.

"Prachi tum gir jaaogi. Utro yahaan se" his voice startled her. But she had her grip tight and she only smiled back at him. "I love the rain" she informed him. "Whats the need to put yourself in danger to enjoy the rain?" he asked concerned. "Ab dar nahi lag raha Milind. Zindagi mein thoda thrill na ho toh mazaa bhi nahi aata. Apne darr koh kaaboo mein kar rahi hoon." she replied and instead splashed him with the droplets of water in her cupped hands. "Tumhe dar lag raha hai kya?" she asked laughing. Milind was surprised by the splash of water on his face but he replied by extending his hands and throwing the water on her too. After a few rounds of retaliation, Milind finally stopped. After some silence he asked, "Tumhe Ramji itne kyun pasand hain? I mean who would want a husband like Ram who sent his pregnant wife to the jungles even after knowing that she was innocent. I find him very unlikable." Prachi looked at him offended by the dig at her favorite deity. "Milind, ainda Ramji ke baare mein aisi baat mujhse mat karna."

Milind: "Ok chill..madam bhakta. I was just giving my opinion. Mujhe thodi pata tha ki aapko Ramji itne pyaare hain."

Prachi was not amused. "Mere Ramji kabhi galat nahi ho sakte. Unhone jo bhi kiya uski ek vajah thi. Aur Sita se zyaada unhe koi nahi samajh sakta. Jab Sitaji ne unke aadesh ko maan liya toh aur kisiko kya problem hai. Aur Sita ko apne se door bhej kar Ramji khushiyan toh nahi manaa rahe the. Sita ji ke prati unki nishtha aur prem utni hi thi jitni Sitaji ki shradhdha thi unke liye."

Milind: "Ok baba maaf karo. Ainda tumhare Ramji par ungli nahi uthaoonga."

Prachi: "Milind tum bhagvaan ko intne anaadar se kyun dekhte ho."

Milind: "Yeh galat hai Prachi. I don't disrespect any God. But I am not one to have blind faith in anything."

Prachi: "My faith is not blind Milind. If you ever find yourself wanting something that you find impossible to achieve, pray with a steadfast heart and I know that God will give it to you."

Milind: "Oh ya. And have you always gotten what you prayed for?"

Prachi remained silent and Milind took that as a no and his lips curled slightly in a bitter smile. He realized that he wasn't too happy winning that argument because he had hoped that she would have gotten everything she prayed for. But now he was wondering what it is that she wanted so badly and couldn't have because he didn't like the expression on her face. Sadness didn't suit her at all. But he didn't feel right asking her about it.

Finally she replied, "Milind jab maangne se koi cheez na mile toh yahi samajhna chahiye ki isme hamaari ya kisi aur ki bhalayi hai."

Milind understood that Prachi was talking about something deeply painful and personal. He didn't like the turn that their playful conversation was taking.

Looking at his wet kurta he told Prachi that he was going to change and she too should come inside now. His intention was to change her mood but Prachi turned her back with no intention of going back into the room. Suddenly she felt a push on her back and she felt herself sliding off the railing. She let out a scream in her fright but immediately she felt a tight grip around her waist and felt her breath caught as Milind pulled her backwards off the railing. She breathed again when her feet hit firmness.

Milind still held her to him by the waist as she looked on into the dark, wet night thinking that she could have been part of that darkness if it wasn't for Milind. She turned around still shaking in fear when she saw Milind smiling at her. "Ab darr laga?" he asked. And she realized that she hadn't lost her balance but he had nudged her. Her mouth was left open at the realization. "Milind?" she protested in his grip and hit his chest feebly with her hands. She couldn't believe that he would scare her like that and he couldn't believe the look of shock on her face. He laughed and then apologized. "Sorry, I just wanted to get you off that railing. Aur phir tumhi ne toh kaha tha ki tumhe dar nahi lagta." "But Milind that was really mean." She said trying to sound angry but she let out a laugh and suddenly they both realized that Milind was still holding her tightly to himself by the waist. Milind knew that he should let her go but his hands weren't listening to his brain's command. It felt so right to hold her like that. Looking into her eyes, he forgot everything else and it was only when a drop from his half wet hair fell onto Prachi's skin that she came out of her reverie. The water trickled down her skin leaving a trail of goose bumps and she shook making Milind realize what he was about to do. He removed his hands slowly from around her.

Exactly at that moment Shruti walked in and cleared her throat. "Sorry if I was interrupting something" she said eyeing both their flustered faces. "I just wanted to make sure you guys have everything you needed." "Yeh we are fine" Milind replied. Prachi nodded in agreement and Shruti left with Prachi walking into the room behind her leaving Milind to wonder if he really would have kissed her and if she would have let him.

~~~~~~~~~~~Part IV (dedicated to my dear friend Pragz and my akka Opti)😃

Prachi had changed her partially wet salwar but couldn't sleep so was now laying on her stomach in the bed and flipping through the channels on the small television in the room. Milind had not come back into the room yet. She couldn't believe how close they had been. Was it her imagination or was he leaning in. It had to be her imagination, afterall she was good at imagining all sorts of things. She felt angry at herself. How could she have waited that long for him to make the move to part. She should have extricated herself from his grip. Why did she find herself paralyzed under his gaze. She was stronger than that wasn't she. She would have to be. For his own good she couldn't allow herself to be weak. The extent of intimacy that their relationship could reach is friendship and nothing further. She would make sure of that. But only she knew how difficult it was to look into his soulful eyes and hide the fact that she wanted nothing more than to be held by him. He lived within her and she could not imagine herself without the love for him. Over the years her love had grown in such proportions that she no longer knew how to stop loving him.

Suddenly she stopped flipping the channel when she realized that one of her favorite movies was playing. It could have been a good distraction from thoughts of Milind but the fact that even the movie reminded her of her love for him made her sit up on the bed defeated.

Milind on the other hand heard the familiar music and turned around and saw through the open door that Prachi was watching TV. It was probably from there that the music was coming from and the familiar words of promise filled him with bitterness. His hands made a fist and he tried to control the building anger. It was all rubbish he told himself. But before he got carried away he reminded himself that he was beyond that point in his life. He didn't care anymore and he won't let the past ruin his present. He felt calmer and turned around to watch Prachi who was now sitting up on the bed with a pillow on her lap watching the movie intently.

She had watched it several times but she never got bored of watching Hamesha. She loved Kajol and Saif but the movie itself was close to her heart. She had gotten lost in the movie and it was during a song (listen here lyrics at the bottom) that she raised her eyes and found Milind standing by the door of the balcony staring at her intently. Had he not come in all this time? What was he doing standing there, she wondered, and why was he looking at her like that?

As if Prachi looking up at him had been his cue, he entered the room and slowly walked towards her, arresting her in his gaze. His gaze was making her nervous. There was pure passion in his eyes. She gulped to wet her dry throat as she realized that his emotions were directed at her. He came to the bed and sat down in front of her still not moving his eyes from her face. She saw his hands raise up and wanted to stop him. She wanted to move away but she sat frozen. It was funny how her mind knew every move he was making but her heart refused to let her move away. Her mind told her that this was the worst thing that could happen right now and she should know better than to allow it but her heart reminded her of her love, her dreams, her desires and she sat still, barely breathing in anticipation of that first touch of love from him.

She knew if she spoke anything…anything at all, if she made the slightest movement or noise, he would stop. He would realize that he didn't want to do what he was about to do. And her mind and heart were at constant struggle and just when she thought that reason would overtake her feeble heart, his fingers graced her cheeks. She exhaled deeply letting out the inhibitions with the breath. The sensation in Prachi was nothing she had ever felt before. She was ready to melt into his arms and she closed her eyes and found herself pressing her cheeks against his palm. His hands moved down towards the back of her neck and as if Prachi had given him permission by not opening her eyes he pulled her slightly towards him. Prachi felt as if she was being given a boon after years of penance when his lips touched hers.

The kiss was so full of passion that Prachi felt herself getting dizzy from the effects. Finally she let go of all that was holding her back and kissed him back. Her hands raised upto his chest and found their way towards the back of his head. She couldn't make sense of anything that was happening and she didn't want to. There were no thoughts or fears in her mind. Only the knowledge of being kissed by Milind. All she wanted at this moment was to kiss him harder and to hold him close to her and never let go. She grabbed his kurta by the collar and pushed her body against his and hugged him tightly and felt his hands around her. And right at that moment Prachi felt that she could not want anymore. She could not feel anymore than what she was feeling right this moment and she smiled in bliss. This was heaven.

"Prachi kya hua" came Milind's voice and Prachi made a face because she didn't want this perfect moment ruined by any exchange of words. "Prachi are you alright?" he asked again. "Are you sleeping?" and Prachi wondered why Milind thought she was sleeping. She opened her eyes and found him staring at her face with one part amusement and one part confusion written on his face. "Kya hua?" Prachi asked him back and he started to laugh, much to Prachi's confusion.

"Prachi tum bohot der se muskurati jaa rahi ho. Maine socha ki movie dekh kar hans rahi ho…lekin movie mein toh action scene chal raha hai. Tum kis duniya mein khoyi hui thi?"

Prachi's smile vanished immediately as she became aware of the fact that she had been dreaming. It was just a dream, she thought aghast and for that moment she couldn't hide her misery. Milind noticed the forlorn look on her face and became concerned. But Prachi quickly composed herself. Ofcourse it was a dream. Nothing like that would happen for real. Milind would never behave that way with her and by some crazy twist of fate, if he were ever to feel anything like that for her…she would certainly not encourage him.

"Prachi what's wrong?" he asked again without the laughter in his voice. She shook her head. "Nothing. I was probably dreaming."
Milind: "Well whatever that dream was, it sure made you happy. I hope you see that dream again."

Prachi: "No…I won't see it again." The firmness in her voice made Milind wonder what was going on inside her?

Milind: "Why not?" he asked frowning.

Prachi: "Voh sapna toh tut gaya, Milind. Ab nahi aayega."

Milind: "Sorry, meri vajah se tumhaara sapna tut gaya" he said genuinely.

Prachi: "No, don't feel bad. You just brought me back to reality. Thankyou." she replied with a forced smile. Prachi hoped that her face didn't betray what she was feeling inside. Milind got up from where he was sitting on the bed and prepared to go to sleep. He looked at her as she moved to turn off the television. She knew what that glance meant. He was wondering if it would be ok that they sleep on the same bed for tonight.

Prachi: "Milind tumhaara iraada mujhe phir neeche sulaane ka toh nahi hai na." she joked.

Milind: "Nahi ofcourse not." He looked down guiltily. "I'll sleep on the floor", he offered.

Prachi: "Pagal ho gaye ho Milind. I was just joking. There is no reason why we can't share the bed for tonight Milind. Don't worry, I promise, I won't attack you in your sleep." Milind shook his head smiling as he set up the pillows for them. "Good night Prachi" he said and went to sleep. Prachi turned the lights off but remained awake for a while. She hadn't had dreams of herself with Milind in a long long time. And if she was having those dreams now…it was certainly not a good indication. Why couldn't her stupid heart understand the fact that she was not allowed such dreams. Why did that piece of organ want to torture her so. For a moment she wondered if she could rip it out of her and throw it away. With it would go all the pain, but then all the sweet love that she felt within her would also go with it. What a predicament it was. She sighed and closed her eyes trying to sleep.

Milind woke up when he felt someone grab his hand. It took him a few moments to remember that Prachi was sleeping next to him and they were in Delhi in her friend's house. He turned on the lamp by the bedside and found Prachi mumbling in her sleep. She was dreaming again, he thought. But this time she was clearly distressed. He couldn't make out everything she was saying but he thought he heard her say, "Don't let go…" He put his right hand on hers, which was holding his left hand as if her life depended on the grip. She was continually mumbling something that he could barely make sense of and her face had gone pale. She was starting to sweat and Milind tried waking her up. But she was in deep sleep and he thought he heard her say "Papa..mein nahi jaaongi" and "mera bachcha". Then to his surprise she called out his name and sat up breathing rapidly. "Prachi…Prachi" he called her trying to get her to realize that it was a dream. He turned her face towards him and said, "Prachi it was just a dream." She looked at him and blinked a few times and he saw her body relax finally but the fear in her eyes was still there. When she had looked at him and he had waited for her to realize that she was dreaming, those few seconds her eyes had been lifeless; so dark and morose that he had felt an unknown fear reach the depths of his soul.

She felt the energy drain from her and involuntarily she slumped against Milind's body. He put a reassuring arm around her and she breathed a relief. "Oh thank God" she thought to herself, "Thank God it was a dream". Then she became conscious of being in Milind's arms and she got up and took the jar of water by the bed side and quenched her dry throat.

"You broke your promise" she heard Milind say and she turned to him confused. "What promise?" she asked suddenly feeling a bit nervous. "You promised that you won't attack me while I slept" he joked showing her his hand where her fingers were imprinted. She burst out laughing and was unable to control her laughter for a while. Eventually Milind too smiled at her when he saw the color return to her face and a familiar twinkle in her eye. "Good Night" Prachi said finally when she stopped laughing and Milind replied, "Sweet dreams Prachi!", which made her laugh again. Milind turned away from her and he remembered the last time he had wished Prachi 'Sweet Dreams', he had actually known that she would have nightmares that night. But tonight he wanted her to only have sweet dreams. The kind she had earlier, the kind that made her smile so beautifully. The peace on her face had been palpable then. He wished she would never again be tormented by whatever it was that invaded her thoughts just now to make her pale and fearful.

Aisa milan kal ho na ho
Aisi agan kal ho na ho
Jalte yeh do badan kal ho na ho
Phir hum sanam kal ho na ho

Yeh pal, yeh pal do pal jaaye na nikal
Voh kal
Kal ho na ho
Aisa milan kal ho na ho
Aisi agan kal ho na ho

Na jaane kahan se huye the shuru
apni chaahat ke yeh silsile
Hame kitna tarsaake phursat ke lamhe
yahaan aake hamse mile
Yeh lehrati zulfen yeh sharmaati palke
zaraa choom loon mein inhe
Nigaahen zara apni phero udhar
tumhi se chura loon tumhe

Ab na rahi majbooriyaan
Mitne lagi yeh dooriyan
Aisi lagan kal ho na ho
Aisi chubhan kal ho na ho
Kal ho na ho
Kal ho na ho

Bada karz hai meri saanson pe
teri mohobaat ka aye jaaneman
Mujhe kheench layi hai phir paas tere
tere dil ki sachi lagan
Bhulaadon mein khud ko yeh mumkin hai lekin
Main kaise bhula doon tujhe
Hatheli pe meri sitaare saja de
tu dulhan banaa de mujhe
Tujhpe luta doon mein apni jaan
Kadmon pe teri rakh doon jahaan

Aisa shagun kal ho na ho
Phir yeh janam kal ho na ho
Jalte ye do badan kal ho na ho
Phir hum sanam kal ho na ho
yeh pal, yeh pal do pal jaaye na nikal
voh kal,

Kal ho na ho.

"Praaaaachi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kitne saalon ke baad mil rahi hoon apni Sia se I am meeting my Sia after such a long time."

"Yeh Sukriti hai na" This is Sukriti right
"Prachi yeh tere Ramji hain na?" And Prachi this is your Ramji right

"Prachi tum gir jaaogi. Utro yahaan se" Prachi you will fall. Get down from there.
"Ab dar nahi lag raha Milind. I am not scared now Milind. Zindagi mein thoda thrill na ho toh mazaa bhi nahi aata. There needs to be some thrill in life, otherwise whats the fun. Apne darr koh kaaboo mein kar rahi hoon. I am trying to overcome my fear."
"Tumhe dar lag raha hai kya?" Are you getting scared?
"Tumhe Ramji itne kyun pasand hain? Why do you like Ramji so much?
"Milind, ainda Ramji ke baare mein aisi baat mujhse mat karna." Milind, don't talk about Ramji like that with me.
Mujhe thodi pata tha ki aapko Ramji itne pyaare hain." I didn't know you liked Ramji to such an extent.

"Mere Ramji kabhi galat nahi ho sakte. My Ramji can never be wrong. Unhone jo bhi kiya uski ek vajah thi. Whatever he did, there was a reason for it. Aur Sita se zyaada unhe koi nahi samajh sakta. And who would understand him better than Sita. Jab Sitaji ne unke aadesh ko maan liya toh aur kisiko kya problem hai. When Sita had accepted his command then who else has a problem with it. Aur Sita ko apne se door bhej kar Ramji khushiyan toh nahi manaa rahe the. Besides, Ramji wasn't celebrating after sending Sita away. Sita ji ke prati unki nishtha aur prem utni hi thi jitni Sitaji ki shradhdha thi unke liye." His dedication and love was Sita was in the same amount that Sita worshiped him with.

Milind: "Ok baba maaf karo. Ok forgive me. Ainda tumhare Ramji par ungli nahi uthaoonga."I won't accuse your Ramji again.

Prachi: "Milind tum bhavaan ko intne anaadar se kyun dekhte ho."Milind why do you talk about God with such disregard?

Milind: "Yeh galat hai Prachi. That's wrong Prachi

"Milind jab maangne se koi cheez na mile toh yahi samajhna chahiye ki isme hamaari ya kisi aur ki bhalayi hai." Milind, when you don't get something that you asked for, you should understand that there is a greater good hidden in that, either for you or for someone else.

"Prachi kya hua" Prachi what happened?
"Kya hua?" what happened?
"Prachi tum bohot der se muskurati jaa rahi ho. Prachi you've been smiling for some time now.Maine socha ki movie dekh kar hans rahi ho I thought you were engrossed in the movie.…lekin movie mein toh action scene chal raha hai. But there is an action scene going on in the movie right now. Tum kis duniya mein khoyi hui thi?" What world are you lost in?

Prachi: "Voh sapna toh tut gaya, Milind. That dream is broken now Milind. Ab nahi aayega."I won't see it again.

Milind: "Sorry, meri vajah se tumhaara sapna tut gaya"sorry your dream broke because of me.

Prachi: "Milind tumhaara iraada mujhe phir neeche sulaane ka toh nahi hai na."You don't intend to make me sleep on the floor again do you? she joked.

Prachi: "Pagal ho gaye ho Milind. are you crazy Milind.

"Papa..mein nahi jaaongi" Papa…I won't go and "mera bachcha"my child.